If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be justified in Your words and blameless in Your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For You will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; You will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Do good to Zion in Your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; then will You delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar. Having believed Your promise, I receive Your forgiveness, recognizing that You remove my sin as far as the east is from the west, choosing to remember it no more. There are no words to thank You for this grace. It’s in the name Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11 Blood of Jesus wash me, in the name of Jesus. Blood of Jesus saturate me, in the name of Jesus. Blood of Jesus atone for my sins, in the name of Jesus. Blood of Jesus restore my virtues, in the name of Jesus. Blood of Jesus fight for me, in the name of Jesus. Blood of Jesus protect me and my family, in Jesus name. Blood of Jesus break my yokes, in Jesus name. Blood of Jesus deliver me from bad dreams, in Jesus name. Blood of Jesus redeem me from all my sins, in Jesus name. Blood of Jesus have mercy and forgive me of my sins, in Jesus name. Blood of Jesus bring peace and joy in my life, in Jesus name. Blood of Jesus deliver me from curses and bewitchment, in Jesus name. I plead the blood of Jesus over my life. I plead the blood of Jesus over my father I plead the blood of Jesus over the life of my mother. I plead the blood of Jesus over my children. I plead the blood of Jesus over my wife. I plead the blood of Jesus over my husband. I plead the blood of Jesus upon my siblings (mention their names) I plead the blood of Jesus upon my extended families. I plead the blood of Jesus over any sick person in my family. I plead the blood of Jesus upon the surname of my family. I plead the blood of Jesus over my place of birth. Blood of Jesus flow into my foundation and deliver me, in the name of Jesus. Blood of Jesus speak deep deliverance into my life, in the name of Jesus. Blood of Jesus, nullify the concluded works of ancestral demons over my life, in the name of Jesus. Blood of Jesus disgrace all my enemies, in the name of Jesus. Witchcraft operation in my foundation, blood of Jesus clear them away. Every evil curse using my blood to magnetize my virtues, be destroyed by fire. Blood of Jesus settle my case tonight, in the name of Jesus. Every strange spirit troubling my blood thereby causing hypertension and high blood pressure, die. Every problem I acquired as a result of idol worshipping, blood of Jesus push them out completely, in Jesus name. As from today, I am free from inherited foundational battle, I obtain my victory in Jesus name. I hold the blood of Jesus against dark powers from my father’s house. Blood of Jesus kill every snake, dog, lion etc appearing in my dream to harm me. I hold the blood of Jesus against time wasters and household powers. By the power in the blood of Jesus, I break every blockage to my breakthrough. I separate myself from every evil foundation harassing my progress, in the name of JESUS. I am pleading the blood of Jesus upon my body system. I drink the blood of Jesus. I sprinkle the blood of Jesus upon my body or on hospital bed. I apply the blood of Jesus to every stubborn infirmity in my life. I plead the blood of Jesus over this sickness/disease/infirmities. Blood of Jesus every evil deposit out from my blood system. I plead the blood of Jesus for my total healing. Blood of the lamb, heal me by the stripes of Jesus. Father, let every sickness in my life bow to the blood of Jesus. Whatever sickness/disease has destroyed in my life, blood of Jesus repair it. I plead the blood of Jesus to remove whatever my Father has not planted in my body. I plead the blood of Jesus against strange arrows in my body. I plead the blood of Jesus to settle my case today. Blood of Jesus kill every infirmity. My blood is transfused with the blood of Jesus. Blood of Jesus paralyze the activities of strange sickness in my body. Blood of Jesus speaks good health into my life. By the power in the blood of Jesus, let the power of God flow into my finances. I apply the blood of Jesus over my bank account. I plead the blood of Jesus upon my financial income. I plead the blood of Jesus to activate my hands for prosperity. Blood of Jesus kill the spirit of poverty and hardship in my life. My finances are redeemed by the blood of the lamb. I plead the blood of Jesus over my saving plans. I plead the blood of Jesus over my tithe/seed/offering. I plead the blood of Jesus over my properties. I plead the blood of Jesus over my hands. I plead the blood of Jesus upon the soul of my business and its environment. I plead the blood of Jesus upon my names. I plead the blood of Jesus upon my foundation. I plead the blood of Jesus upon the works of my hands. I soak my life in the blood of Jesus. I paralyze all satanic oppressors delegated against me with the blood of Jesus. Let every blood flowing at the evil altar, be silenced by the blood of Jesus. I stand against every domestic power challenging God’s grace in my life. Let the blood of Jesus cancel every witchcraft plan against me, in Jesus name. I soak my foot match with the blood of Jesus. I soak all my washed clothes in the rope with the blood of Jesus. By the blood of Jesus, let every covenant with the spirit of poverty and loss, be broke, in the name of Jesus. All bloodline curse, be broken, in the name of Jesus. Every blood of an animal affecting my destiny, dry up by fire, in Jesus name. I plead the blood of Jesus on my spiritual eyes to see deep and mysterious things, in the name of Jesus. I hold the blood of Jesus against tortoise and snail anointing. Let the blood of Jesus to destroy all yokes of evil family pattern, in Jesus name. Let every door that I have opened to the enemy be closed forever with the blood of Jesus. Let the power in the blood of Jesus release me from satanic troubles, in Jesus name. Demons you cannot enter my house I draw a circle of the blood of Jesus around me, in Jesus name. Let the blood of Jesus nullify premature and still birth breakthrough, in Jesus name. I plead the blood of Jesus against any evil padlock in my life, in Jesus Mighty name. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:7-8 Lord, "teach me to love you" as leaders like Edwards have done, with "one holy passion filling all my frame . . . my heart an altar, and your love the flame." In Jesus' name, Amen. And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question]. And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question]. Mark 12:28-34 "More love to thee, O Christ . . . . Hear thou the prayer I make on bended knee. This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to thee . . . more love to thee!" In your name, Amen. (A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.) O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, [and] meditate on thee in the [night] watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. Psalm 63:1-8 Lord, in the words of Blaise Pascal we pray, "The desires you have given [us] are perfect. May you be the beginning and the end of them." Fill us, O Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9 O Lord, "satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." In the name of our Savior, Jesus, we pray. Amen. (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD.) The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise. Psalm 36 Lord, "with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart." Amen. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46 Lord, with Saint Augustine we pray, "You arouse us to take joy in praising you, for you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." Amen. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 17:1-5 O God, with Saint Augustine we note: "He loves you too little who loves anything together with you, which he loves not for your sake." In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. (Michtam of David.) Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16 O Lord, many people ask, "Who can show us any good?" May "the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord." You have filled our hearts with the greatest of joy. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:1-11 "O Jesus . . . we turn unfilled to you again. . . . We taste you, ever-living Bread, and long to feast upon you still; we drink . . . our thirst to quench, our souls to fill." Amen. (To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.) How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalm 84 O Lord, "because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. . . . My soul will be satisfied . . . with singing lips my mouth will praise you." In Jesus' name, Amen. Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:15-17 Father, "there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey." Help us to do your good will, that we might have the joy you give so faithfully. In Jesus' name, Amen. Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:11-13 "O Jesus, joy of loving hearts, the fountain of life . . . . we drink of you, the fountainhead, our thirst to quench, our souls to fill." Fill us with desire for you, O Lord. Amen. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Philippians 3:10-16 "Once earthly joy I craved . . . now thee alone I seek. This all my prayer shall be: more love, O Christ, to thee, more love to thee, more love to thee!" In your name, Amen. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:15-23 "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here's my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above." In the name of the Savior I pray. Amen. (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19 "Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true and only Light . . . . fill me, Radiancy divine . . . . more and more thyself display, shining to the perfect day!" Amen. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14 "Creator Spirit, by whose aid the world's foundations first were laid . . . . make us eternal truths receive and practice all that we believe." In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. (A Psalm of praise.) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100 "Fill thou my life, O Lord my God, in every part with praise, that my whole being may proclaim thy being and thy ways." In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:7-8, 15-16 Father, "may we run the race before us, strong and brave to face the foe, looking only unto Jesus as we onward go." Guide us in spiritual fitness, we pray. Amen. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth," O Lord. "My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end." In Jesus' name, Amen. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai. And [till] Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel [that] which he was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him. Exodus 34:29-35 "Create in me a pure heart, O God. . . . Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 "Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do." I pray in the name above all names-Jesus. Amen. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:1-8 Lord, with Saint Augustine we pray, "I have no hope at all but in your great mercy. Grant what you command and command what you will." In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11 "Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter, I am the clay... Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me." In Jesus' name, Amen. To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. He that [is] so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree [that] will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, [that] shall not be moved. Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? [It is] he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof [are] as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [things], that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that [he is] strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:18-31 "Search me, O God, and know my heart ... See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Help me to worship you only, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. John 15:9-17 Lord, we pray that our love may abound "in knowledge and depth of insight" so that we may be "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ." Amen. These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19 "Oh, how I love your law!" O Lord. "I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path." Guide me in the way of love, in Jesus, I pray. Amen. Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 "Make me a channel of your peace. Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope; where there is darkness, let me bring your light; and where there's sadness, ever joy." Amen. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:1-4, 12-17 You are "the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these [you] delight." May your delight be ours as well, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen (A Prayer of Moses the man of God.) Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90 "Jesus, the very thought of you fills us with sweet delight, but sweeter far your face to view and rest within your light." Help us to live faithfully for you, Lord. Amen. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. Proverbs 2 "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation." In Jesus' name, Amen. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:1-7 "May the living God ... make our carnal minds so spiritual, and our earthly hearts so heavenly, that loving ... and delighting in him may be the work of our lives." In Jesus, Amen. But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3 Father, thanks for your good purpose for me; thanks, Lord Jesus, for modeling God’s love to me; O Holy Spirit, continue to deepen God’s love in me, until I attain to Christ’s perfection. Amen. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Peter 3:1-13 Father, thanks for being patient with me. By your Spirit continue to empower me to live a godly life. Work through me to bring others to repentance.In Jesus' name, Amen. Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not]. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:1-11 Thank you, Jesus, for forgiveness and the challenge to leave our life of sin. Holy Spirit, help us to suffer long; work through us to bring others to repentance. In Jesus' name, Amen. “And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.” Ruth 1:14 Father, as you worked through Ruth's kindness to renew Naomi's hope, work through our acts of kindness to renew the faith, hope, and love of others. In Jesus' name, Amen. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44 Father, you were kind to me while I was still your enemy. Help me to be kind to my enemies so that they too may turn to Jesus Christ for eternal life. In his name, Amen. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 1 Cor. 13:4; Genesis 4:1-9 Father, I'm so glad my sinful nature has been crucified with Christ. By your Spirit, help me put envy to death and put on your self-giving love. In Jesus' name, Amen. A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. Proverbs 14:30 Father, I confess that I struggle with feelings of envy. Holy Spirit, continue to put it to death in me. Give me a heart of love and peace, I pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:9-14 Father, forgive me for the times I have boasted about my own achievements. Strengthen your love in me so that I may build others up in what I do. In Jesus' name, Amen. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:13-17 Father, forgive me for the times I've boasted as though I were in control of my life. Thanks for your love that enables me to boast only in you. In Jesus' name, Amen. All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. Daniel 4:28-37 Father, help me to see and confess the sin of pride in me. By your Spirit, slay this sin in me, and fill me with your love. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. Luke 7:1-10 Heavenly Father, continue to pour your love into my heart and mind so that I may cultivate a spirit of humility in all I say and do, in Jesus' name. Amen. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have been rude to others. Empower me by your love to treat everyone with kindness and respect. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. James 3:1-12 O God, tame my tongue, so that I may only speak what builds others up in faith, hope, and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:20-28 Heavenly Father, increase your love in my heart, so that I may be willing and ready to serve others, like Jesus did. I ask this in his name. Amen.​ Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 13:5 O God, help me to recognize when it is necessary for me to set aside my rights in love for the well-being of others. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 O God, forgive parents who have abused their children. Please pour your love into the hearts of abused persons, that they may be healed of their deep-seated anger. In Jesus, Amen. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42 Heavenly Father, by your Spirit fill me with your wisdom to set priorities, your peace to calm my irritable spirit, and your love to treat others with gentleness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.​ And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. Genesis 33:1-11 Father, I see the horrendous harm resentment causes among people. Pour out your love in the hearts of people that we may be reconciled to one another in love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:11-32 Father, by your Spirit fill me with your love so that I may forgive others just as in Christ you have forgiven me. Fill my heart with gratitude and joy. For Jesus’ sake. Amen. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 1 Cor. 13:6; Colossians 1:15-23 Father, I confess that too often I have delighted in evil. Forgive me. By your Spirit move me to hate what is evil and to rejoice with the truth. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry? Jonah 3:1-4:4 Father, fill me with your love that I may rejoice with the truth that you don’t want “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). In Jesus’ name. Amen. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. And God spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him: Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark. And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. 1 Cor. 13:7a; Genesis 8:15-22 O God, thank you for bearing the world up and carrying away my sins and the sins of the whole world through Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross. Amen. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:31-46 Father, by your Spirit, move me to bear the burdens of others. As I serve you in this way, strengthen me in faith, hope, and love. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.​ Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 Cor. 13:7; 1 John 1:8-2:2 Heavenly Father, pour out your love into my heart so that I may believe everything that is written in your Word. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:1-10 Father, pour out your love into my heart that I may fully accept that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42 PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for your love that moves me to hope that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Work through me to share this hope with the hopeless. In Jesus’ name. Amen.​ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3 Father, thanks for the hope that one day I shall be like Jesus in body and spirit. By your Spirit, help me to become what I already am in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.​ And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. Matthew 11:1-6 Father, thank you for the glimpses I do see everyday of the coming of your kingdom. Increase your love in me that I may persevere until your kingdom comes fully. In Jesus’ name. Amen. It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Father, continue to pour out your love into my heart that I may persevere in faith, hope, and love. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Heavenly Father, thank you for the glimpses I see of your goodness. I rest assured in your promise that one day my faith will give way to the sight of a perfect and glorious world. Amen. Father, I long for the day when I shall know fully your loving ways. Deepen my faith and hope until at last I attain to the goal of my faith—perfection. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Luke 15:1-24 Lord, thank you for coming to look for us long before we started searching for you. Use us to be your restoring presence today among people who've lost their way. Amen. When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? John 4:1-9, 27 Lord, give us your eyes today so that we may see people as you see them. Help us to respond to the opportunities you give us to share your love in ordinary ways. Amen. And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. John 4:27-42 Father, forgive us when we lose sight of the harvest. Forgive us for having misguided priorities. Give us courage today to walk through doors you will open for us. Amen. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luke 7:36-50 Father, forgive us when we judge by appearances. Help us to look deep inside and see how much we have been forgiven. Move us also to accept others in Jesus' name. Amen. I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:1-16 Spirit of God, you are the one who convicts people of sin. You alone can change people, and yet you use us to show your love to the people around us. Help us do that. In Jesus, Amen. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:1-4 Jesus, I don't want to just tell stories about you. I want to know you personally and tell others about that. Fill my life, Lord, with your Word and life-changing power. Amen. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. Luke 14:15-24 Lord, you generously want all people to find a seat at your banquet feast. Use us to invite others to enjoy your gifts of love, forgiveness, and hope in Jesus. Amen. And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. Luke 5:17-25 Lord, fill our hearts with compassion and love that's willing to be inconvenienced by the needs of friends and acquaintances. Help us introduce them to you. In your name, Amen. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day. Luke 5:26 Thank you, Jesus, for Christian communities that go out of their way to practice your presence. Use us to help people experience the freedom of your forgiving grace. Amen. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. John 17:13-19 Lord, you have placed me in my school, my work, my neighborhood, and my community. Forgive me when I've lost sight of the mission to love all the people around me. Amen. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:14-26 Lord, I want to walk my talk. I don't want to grow fat on knowledge that never gets used and tested by action. Use what I learn to help me show my faith in you. Amen. And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:25-37 Lord, we confess that we really dislike feeling obligated to others. But your claim of love on us calls us to show your love to others. Help us do that today. In your name, Amen. Lord, help me to take a step closer to show your love to my neighbor today. Remind me that the smallest deed done in your name is better than the best of intentions. Amen. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:26-40 Lord, I feel like I'm on a spiritual journey, and I'm discovering that it would be helpful to have some guidance along the way. Please send me mentors who can help. In Jesus, Amen. Jesus, there are people you have placed on our path. Help us be open and receptive to hear the questions they ask. Help us create time and room to travel with them. Amen. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Acts 15:5-21 Lord, thank you for welcoming all kinds of people through your generous grace and love. Thank you for enriching your church and guiding us to grow together. In Christ, Amen. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Acts 10:24-44 Lord, forgive us when we judge or feel superior and remain aloof to others who do not yet believe. Help us to love them as you do, and to share what you mean to us. In Jesus, Amen. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. Acts 17:16-23 Jesus, you have called us to be salt and light, becoming involved in what goes on around us. Help us see how we can tell about you in ways that people can understand. Amen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:1-8 Lord, I believe you can use your church to transform the world. But I know it starts with me in the community you have placed me in. Use me, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14 Lord Jesus, we want to be your presence today in the places where you have called us to live, work, and play. May people around us get to know you through us. Amen. For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:1-16 Lord, forgive us when we lose sight of how we have come into your family. We need to see each other as equal recipients of your grace. Help us serve together faithfully. Amen. Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:12-17 Lord, thank you for caring about real cities and streets and people like the ones around us. May our lives shine like a beacon of hope for you in what are often dark places. Amen. Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:12-14 Lord, you have given us so much in Jesus. Forgive us for hoarding our blessings. Make us generous people who model your extravagant love. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:1-11 Lord, forgive us for throwing stones at people who don't pass our standards. Thank you for showing us how to embrace people who need your love, just as we do. Amen. And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:1-15 Lord, as you send us out this week, we don't know what the journey will hold. Thank you for leading us, even through the pain and brokenness we don't understand. In your name, Amen. And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:17-27 Lord, it's hard to live freely and with open hands. We have bills, children, aging parents--and our hands seem full. Help us follow you, trusting that you know best. Amen. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:31-46 Lord, we're all in need of help. Forgive us when we easily dismiss people who may not seem important, for they too are made in your image. Help us show your love. Amen. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus, you have called us to be your disciples, taught us how to live, and sent us to make disciples. Help us now to live lives that reflect your grace. In your name, Amen. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Lord, help me bring before you the people you have placed in my life. Use my life and my words to help people follow you and experience new life in you. In your name, Amen. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 1 Timothy 4:1-10 Lord, involvement in your mission calls for a life-or-death fight against the devil and the forces of evil. We need all the weapons you offer us. Keep us alert and strong. Amen. And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 Lord, you have invited us to become "fishers of men." Give us the courage and confidence to get involved in your mission. May our lips and lives witness to your grace. Amen. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke 5:4-11 Lord, may our hearts be committed to reaching out to lost people with Jesus' love. Help us to get close enough to invite them into fellowship with you. For your sake, Amen. After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:1-20 Lord, may we reach out in confidence, knowing that you go before us and are with us. Help us remember that our labor for you is never in vain. In your powerful name, Amen. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:1-10 Lord Jesus, we know that every time a wayward person returns to you, a heavenly celebration takes place. Work in us to make more celebrations happen, we pray. Amen. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Luke 15:11-24 Father, help us to show and tell people outside your family how much they matter to you and that you are searching for them to be found. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 Lord Jesus, by your grace, may we hinder the decaying effects of sin around us. By your power, may we add flavor and zest into our homes and communities. For your sake, Amen. Lord Jesus, may we today live as your agents of light to a darkened and confused world. Make our witness for you be effective, bearing fruit for your glory. Amen. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:1-9 Lord Jesus, help us reflect on our calling as your witnesses. Empower us to be less judgmental of others and more enthusiastic about what you have done for us. Amen. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. John 1:35-45 Lord, show us how to become effective bringers. Help us to lead people into a living relationship with you, as Andrew and so many others like him have done. In your name, Amen. And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die. And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there. For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life. And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it. Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household. So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were. And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within. 2 Kings 7:3-11 Lord God, the spiritual need around us is great. We have tasted and seen that you are good. Help us to share your grace and love freely with others, we pray. Amen. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. Luke 14:15-24 Lord, what a privilege it is to be invited to your banquet! What an honor to invite others! What a joy to see your banquet hall filling! May many more come today. Amen. I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 24-26 Lord, may we discover anew that the good life is found only in relationship with you. Fill us with yourself. May our spiritual hunger draw us and others to your side. In Jesus, Amen. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Luke 16:19-31 Lord Jesus, let us not forget that the stakes are sky high. Eternal life and eternal death hang in the balance. Help us not to become complacent but to be your witnesses. Amen. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Luke 15:1-24 Lord Jesus, next to our own salvation, there is no greater joy than in helping others find you. Help us to be links in the chain that leads people to you. In your name, Amen. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:10-14 Lord, forgive us when we become indifferent to the spiritual condition of people around us. Fire up our hearts to seek others who need to come to you. In Jesus, Amen. And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1:7-14 Lord Jesus, help us to make prayer a priority. Thank you for using us as your witnesses. Give us opportunities to care and to share your love with others. In your name, Amen. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:3-12 Father, open our mouths to speak of your transforming love. Replace our timidity with confidence and courage so that others may know you and live. In Jesus, Amen. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Father, help us develop skills and gain confidence as your witnesses. And please bring people into our lives who need to hear about you, we pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:4-15 Lord, grant us patience to give you the time and space to do your life-producing work in others. Help us to keep planting and watering until you produce the harvest. Amen. Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 Lord, help us to band together as believers, forming contagious Christian communities. May we work together to invite, include, and enfold people into your love. In Jesus, Amen. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Acts 16:25-34 Lord, as you do your spadework, make me attentive to hearts that are ready to receive your good news. Help me be ready to speak for you when the opportunity comes. Amen. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:11-20 Lord Jesus, in many miraculous ways you have healed and restored us. We have a story to tell--about your mercy and grace. Make us bold as we share it today. Amen Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. Acts 9:36-42 Lord, remind us that people don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. May our joyful service be a powerful lead-in to sharing your message. Amen. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. John 9:6-12, 24-25 Lord, help us to be the people you made us to be. Using our own style, may we share Christ in the power of your Holy Spirit, leaving the results up to you. In Jesus, Amen. And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. Mark 2:18-22 Lord, we know your old story is being told in new, creative ways. Make us flexible to receive a fresh outpouring of your Spirit and to share it effectively with others. Amen. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:16-34 Lord, we know that your Word has power to change lives. We also know it must be told in ways that others can understand. Help us share your message effectively today. Amen. The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:1-9 Lord, we acknowledge that without you we are inadequate. But with you we are more than adequate. May we not waste time and opportunities to shine for you. In Christ, Amen. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. John 13:12-17 Lord Jesus, you came to seek, to serve, and to save what was lost. We want to follow you, our leader. As we do, may we be useful in leading others to you. Amen. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew 9:35-38 Dear God, stir within us a concern for the lost and the lonely around us. Give us eyes to see their true spiritual condition without you and to point them to you. In Jesus, Amen Lord of the harvest, stir within us a deep desire to do your work in this world. Give us opportunities to share your story--and the joy of helping others to know you. Amen. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Proverbs 4:20-27 Lord, give us the ability to look inside ourselves. Help us to see ourselves as you do. Then help us to guard these precious hearts you've given us. For Jesus' sake, Amen. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:11-14 Gracious God, with the psalmist we pray that you will "teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1 Teach me your ways, Lord. Feed me with your promises. Help me to keep your mighty acts in my mind. Give me the strength to avoid wrongful thoughts and ways. In Jesus, Amen. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:2-9 Gracious Lord, I’m thankful for the ability to think, but I’m embarrassed at how my thinking falls into bad habits. Set my mind on higher things for Jesus’ sake. Amen A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:22-28 Gracious Father, give me a heart that sees and appreciates all of your good gifts in life. Help me to be grateful and to express that to others. I love you, Lord. In Jesus, Amen And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:30-34 Lord, help me find a place today where I can be alone with you in quiet reflection and prayer. Help me to listen and respond to your love and leading. In your name, Amen. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:10-20 Lord, as I face circumstances today that may be different from what I would like, give me your strength to cope with them and to be content in you. For your sake, Amen I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:1-6 Lord, you know there are times when I become irritated with others. Help me to be patient and tolerant and to treat others as you treat me. Thanks for your grace. Amen. Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:21-35 Lord, you know how we’ve been hurt by others—and how we’ve hurt others too. Give us your forgiving Spirit so that we can forgive just as you have forgiven us. Amen. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:1-4 Spirit of God, continue to cultivate in me the mind and attitude of my Savior, Jesus Christ, who loved me so much that he put me ahead of himself. In his name I pray. Amen! I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:1-8 Creator God, thank you for the way you have made me and the gifts you have given me. Help us all to affirm each other and to use our gifts in loving service. For Jesus’ sake, Amen. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51:1-12 Lord, sometimes I find it so hard to be honest about my sins. My heart resists being penitent. Help me to see myself as you do, and then cleanse me for Jesus’ sake. Amen And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. Matthew 9:1-8 Lord of all glory, forgive us today if we have numbed our minds so that we no longer are surprised at your mighty works. Open our eyes and hearts to see you. For Jesus’ sake, Amen. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:16-26 Lord, I face dangers and temptations every day. Give me today the strength of your Spirit, that I may choose the right and turn away from wrong. For Jesus' sake, Amen. For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:14-30 Lord, help me today to recognize your blessings, including the gifts you have invested in me. Bring into my life today people who can help me know myself. In Jesus, Amen. Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:1-9 O Lord, I know there are issues to face, temptations to withstand, and enemies to meet. Give me a courageous heart, that I may be firm in my obedience. For Jesus' sake, Amen. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 O Lord, my God, while you lead me in your ways, give me a heart as yielding and available as Mary's. For your sake and the sake of your purposes, I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. Acts 3:1-10 Dear Lord, open my eyes to see the wonders that surround us daily. Most of all, keep me filled with wonder at what your Son did to restore us to you. For his sake, Amen. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:1-8 Great God, I claim your promise today and ask that you give me wisdom for each decision I must make and each task I must do. Grant this gift for Jesus' sake, O Lord. Amen. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:25-34 Dear Lord, look inside me and examine the values I've adopted. Evaluate them and help me to see where I need to make changes to be more like you. For Jesus' sake, Amen. I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:1-6 Lord, lead me today and make me open to your leading. Give me an understanding of your purpose for my life, and never let me lose sight of it. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 Dear Lord, I simply ask today that you will create within me a heart that is as generous as yours has been with me. Help me show your love by giving generously. In Jesus, Amen. And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew 9:27-38 I give you thanks, Lord Jesus, for having so much loving compassion on me. Please help me to treat others with compassion for your sake. In your name I pray. Amen. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 O great Creator and Giver of all gifts, give us today the great gift of being able to notice all your gifts. Open our hearts to a spirit of thanksgiving, we pray. For Jesus' sake, Amen. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 8:18-25 Gracious Lord, I give you thanks for all your firm and sure promises. I stand securely on them. I know you are holding me and will hold me forever. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:12-17 O Spirit of God, keep on speaking to my spirit, keep on reminding me that I'm a child of God, keep on reassuring me that I belong, no matter what happens. Through Jesus, Amen. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 I have broken promises and let other things get in the way. Spur me on to be faithful. In Jesus, Amen. And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. Mark 3:1-6 Lord, you know when anger is righteous and when it is not. Help me to discern that too. Help me to love what you love and become distressed at what distresses you. In Jesus, Amen. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:4-9 Holy Peacemaker, enter our hearts, our relationships, and our communities with the peace that only you can give. Keep us in your peace. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:1-5 Father, keep that vision of a new world clearly before our eyes. Help us to serve you faithfully here while we anticipate the day when we'll be home with you forever. Amen. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:25-36 Dear God, stir our minds to imagine what you have prepared for us, whom you love. May the glory to which you call us strengthen us today in Jesus' name. Amen. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:11-14 Gracious God, with the psalmist we pray that you will "teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:1-11 Gracious God, drive your promises deep into our hearts, that we may be encouraged and overflow with hope each day. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Dear God, sooner or later we all experience death firsthand. Give us the sure hope that in Christ those who die are alive forevermore. In his name we pray. Amen. Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Lord, we don't want to be ignorant of the present or tyrannized by it, as if nothing else mattered. Fill us with hope today in your promise of a greater tomorrow. In Jesus' name, Amen. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:7-11 Dear God, we confess that we are often impatient. We are too easily irritated. Give us a quiet spirit that takes to heart your good timing, in Jesus' name. Amen. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42 Merciful God, lead us to quench our thirst in you, to find relief for our souls in the work of your Son, who came to give us new life and power to serve you always. In Jesus, Amen. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:1-12 Gracious God, may your Spirit compel us to stop our trivial pursuits, our foolish ends, and our sinful ways, and may we seek your kingdom only. In Jesus' name, Amen. Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. Luke 3:7-18 Lord Jesus, too often after hearing the good news we go right back to business as usual. Forgive us, and make our every thought captive to you. In your name, Amen. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:12-15 Lord Jesus, you are the joy of our hearts. May we not seek this joy elsewhere. Keep us faithful, and help us to open our hearts to no love but yours. In your name, Amen. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:25-34 Lord Jesus, give us today a clear sense of what's important and what's not. May we seek carefully after the things that delight you. In your name we pray. Amen. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11 O God, teach us to be careful and help us to make the most of every opportunity. May we be strong in the Lord and resist the evil one, in Jesus' name. Amen. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23 Lord Jesus, we are no match for sin and the devil. But with you as our guide, we are strong; in your power we are more than conquerors. Strengthen us today, we pray. Amen. And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:1-11 Have we had it all wrong? This disturbing question can cut right to the heart of our faith. When we've bet our life and eternity on Jesus as the only Savior, even the possibility of being mistaken is a terrible kind of suffering. John the Baptist had staked his life on Jesus, and now in prison he was agonizing and asking, "Are you the one?" If we are acquainted with this agony, we must also follow John's example and go to Jesus with our doubts and not sit alone, sinking into despair. Like John, we must give Jesus an opportunity to reply. We may regret that Jesus does not answer with a simple "Yes, I am the Messiah." But note that he also doesn't say, "No, I'm only a Jew who wants to revitalize our tradition." Jesus answers John in a kind of code, familiar to those who were steeped in Scripture. By quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus was telling John, "Yes, I am the Messiah." Only by the Messiah would "the blind receive sight, the lame walk," and so on. It was a staggering claim. Just as the first crocuses are clear signs that spring is coming, so Jesus' work of healing and preaching were signs that the kingdom of God was (and still is) coming. He is the One. Let's spread the good news that the prophet's hope is fulfilled in Jesus. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:8-38 Lord Jesus, we believe; help our unbelief. Fill us with a humble attitude that seeks understanding, and with trust in you when we do not know answers. In your name, Amen. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 Dear God, we are so easily caught up in routines that we lose sight of the immensity of our creation, redemption, and future glory. Shine on us, Lord, and awaken us. Amen. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. Luke 1:46-56 Dear God, may we come to our senses and recognize ourselves as debtors to your grace, made whole by your mercy. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. O God, in the light of your grace, may we sing and make music in our hearts to you and always thank and praise you with joy. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1 John 3:1-10 O God, may we not miss the true reason for the singing and celebration of Christmas. Please fill us with a wholehearted desire to do what is right in Jesus' name. Amen. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:1-14 Lord Jesus, you became like us in every way so that you might become a merciful and faithful high priest and cover our sins. We thank you. In your name, Amen. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:1-4 O God, may all that exists speak to us of your power and wisdom, and may Christ's coming tell us of your great love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:1-7 Lord Jesus, you were rich, yet for our sakes you became poor so that through your poverty we might become rich. May our gratitude overflow into holy living. Amen. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. Galatians 4:8-11, 17-20 Lord Jesus, we know that if you were born a thousand times in Bethlehem but not in our hearts, it wouldn't help us. Make our hearts your home, we pray. Amen. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:25-35 Holy Spirit, open the eyes of our hearts to see our great salvation in the coming of Jesus, the light of your love for all peoples. In his name we pray. Amen. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 Gracious God, may the love you showed us in sending your Son, Jesus Christ, drive us to our knees and drive out all fear. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Titus 3:3-8 Lord Jesus, may your coming to save us never cease to astonish us. Let the wonder of your appearance melt all resistance and give us the unceasing hope of eternal life. Amen. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:1-11 Lord Jesus, once we were lost, alienated. You brought us home and have given us ready access to the Father of all mercies. We thank you and rejoice in hope. In your name, Amen. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:10-18 Lord Jesus, may we not be guilty of passing you by, or be so distracted by the lights of the world that we miss you. To see you is to love you. We long to see you. Amen. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 Almighty God, it is not our hold on you but your hold on us that saves us. With cords of love bind us to your heart. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah. The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints. Psalm 52 Lord God, may our eyes ever be on you, so that we may see all things in life as they really are. Help us to trust in you and live faithfully for you each day. In Jesus, Amen. Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:1-10 Lord, as we look back on an old year and anticipate a new one, may we look to you at all times to uphold us and make us strong, that we not go down to defeat. In Jesus, Amen. Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:1-9 Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of a new year and for your promise to stay with us. We ask for your guidance and wisdom each day. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:6-8 Lord, help us to keep our eyes on you, and teach us how to listen as you call us to follow you. Give us your wisdom and grace, we pray. For Jesus' sake, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:1-6 Father in heaven, we thank you for the gift of faith. Help us to look at life through the eyes of faith; help us as ordinary people to live extraordinary lives. In Jesus, O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Psalm 139:1-12 Lord, our God, thank you for your closeness to us. Please help us to draw near to you and live faithfully for you. Keep your guiding hand on us, we pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:1-10 Lord God, give us the grace to respond to your invitation to come. Accept us as we come to you, just as we are, and assure us of your love shown for us in Jesus. Amen. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Psalm 32:1-5 Lord, please keep us from sin and keep sin from us. Help us to be willing to confess our sins, and help us see where we've gone wrong. Forgive us for Jesus' sake. Amen. And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 2 Samuel 12:1-7 Father in heaven, make us caring enough to confront someone who is living in sin, and give us the grace to accept those who confront us. We ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:6-11 Lord, help us to take time to communicate with you. Teach us how to pray, and teach us how to listen to you as we pray. Help us to follow Jesus' example each day. Amen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:1-8 Lord, please help us surrender our lives to you. Give us the grace to see that life is not about us but about you and your purposes. Help us live each day to your glory. Amen. And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 1 Kings 19:1-9 Lord, you understand the anguish of people who are depressed. Reach out to them and give them a sign of your presence. Thank you for always being with us. In Jesus, Amen. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Psalm 139:7-12 Lord, please give your comfort to those who have lost someone they love. Assure them of your everlasting presence and love as well, for Jesus' sake. In his name we pray. Amen. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Psalm 139:13-18 Thank you, Father, that you have set the number of our days. Help me to live in that assurance and to be faithful in using the time you have given me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Deuteronomy 6:4-12 Lord, make us parents and grandparents faithful in training our children in your way. Help us to show them your presence. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46 Lord, sometimes it's hard for us to see you. Help us to sense your presence and see how you care for us even when things seem to be falling apart. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 Thank you, Lord, for your promise to give us hope and a future. Help us to see your purpose for us and to take comfort in you each day of this new year. In Jesus, Amen. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:1-7 Lord God, help us to acknowledge you in all our ways. Show us your will, and make us willing to live your way. Give us faith to trust in you and wisdom to serve you. Amen. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:31-34 Lord, we thank you for your forgiveness and the promise that you will not hold our sins against us. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving your life to set us free. In your name, Amen For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:6-12 Father in heaven, help us to be good stewards this year. Keep us from taking what belongs to you. Help us give faithfully for the work of your kingdom. In Jesus, Amen. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42 Father in heaven, help us to keep our priorities straight, and keep us from getting worked up over nothing. Help us to focus on you and how we can live for you. In Jesus, Amen. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:15-21 Lord God, please fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us to show in our lives the fruit of the Spirit. We ask all this for Jesus' sake and in his name. Amen. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:18-27 Lord, thank you that the Holy Spirit prays for us, helping us in our weakness. Thank you that the Spirit knows our hearts and minds through the work of Jesus. Amen. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:13-16 Lord, help us as a nation to repent of the sin of abortion, and help us as your children to guard and celebrate the sanctity of life. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:10-14 Father in heaven, open our eyes to the needs of your little ones. Keep us from merely pointing out what is wrong, and motivate us to act, in Jesus' name. Amen. At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:1-6 Father, thank you for adopting us as your children. Thank you for adoptive parents and adopted children. Help us all to welcome you into our hearts. In Jesus, Amen When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:31-40 Lord, forgive us if we have been living in abundance but have failed to reach out to poor people. Help us to see you in people who are in need. For your name's sake, O Lord, Amen. The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:1-9 Lord, give us the grace to understand that you are the one who directs our every step. Help us to make the most of every opportunity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:1-11 Father, thank you for hanging on to us even when we want to let go. We love you, Lord! Help us, in your name, to hang on to others who still need to turn back to you. Amen. But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Philippians 1:12-26 Thank you, Lord, that you make no mistakes and that you always get us where you want us. Help us to live wisely and look for your direction each day. In Jesus' name, Amen. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 Father in heaven, we thank you for the gift of peace that we can enjoy because of Jesus Christ. Help us to live for you and to help others find your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:8-20 Lord, thank you for your promise to meet our needs. Help us to see the needs of others, and move us to be willing to help meet those needs in your name. Amen. And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain. And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him. So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him. And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon. And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem: And he burnt the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire. And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about. Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen. And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the Lord, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the Lord, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon. And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away. And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away. The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the Lord; the brass of all these vessels was without weight. The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work. And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king's presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city: And Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah: And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land. And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler. And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men. And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you. But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah. And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees. And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison; And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon; And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life. And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life. 2 Kings 25 Father, take over the throne of my life. Lead me out of my prison of sin. Speak kindly to me each day, and help me to hear and obey. Thank you! For Jesus' sake, Amen. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:1-5 Lord, we thank you for your promise to make all things new and for the promise to live with us on the new earth. Come soon, Lord Jesus! Amen. And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:1-16 Father, our lives run the risk of spiritual stagnation. Put us on the road with Jesus to learn new lessons about faith and discipleship. In his name we pray. Amen. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:1-5 Lord, spread the wings of your Spirit and hover over our lives with your care and love. Bring order to our lives so that we may respond to you in trust and obedience. Amen. Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Genesis 3:1-10 Father, forgive us when we cower in the bushes, afraid to be seen by you. Help us to come out of the shadows and put on your garments of grace through Christ. Amen. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Genesis 3:14-24 Lord, we desperately want to go home. By your Spirit, make us citizens of your kingdom. Help us show each day our true commitment to Christ. In his name, Amen. And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Genesis 11:1-9 Lord, our arrogant name-building isolates us from you and our neighbors. Place your own name upon us, we pray, and give us unity in bearing the name of Christ. Amen. And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran. Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. Genesis 11:31-12:9 Lord, just when we have life all figured out, you shake us up with something new. Overcome our hesitation. Help us trust in your wisdom on the journey you give us. Amen. And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. Genesis 28:10-22 Lord, we thank you that no matter how badly we mess up, you keep coming to find us. Help us to trust ourselves to Jesus, knowing he can make all things right again. Amen. Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Exodus 3:1-15 Lord, you've found us hiding away from you, wallowing in self-pity. Shake us out of our stupor. Enfold us into your plans and empower us to go where you send us. Amen. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so. And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:1-14 Lord, "greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world." By your grace, give us the victory today over the pressures that threaten us in our journey of faith. In Jesus, Amen. And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord. Exodus 16:1-8 Lord, we know that most of our discipleship is "on the job" training. Help us be your faithful apprentices. Prepare our hearts for the lessons you want to teach us today. Amen. Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, O ye servants of the Lord. Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure. For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants. Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan: And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people. Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations. For the Lord will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants. The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them. Bless the Lord, O house of Israel: bless the Lord, O house of Aaron: Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: ye that fear the Lord, bless the Lord. Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 135 Lord, memories of your guidance inspire our confidence for the future. Help us remember the grace moments of life that assure us of your continued presence. In Jesus, Amen. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14 Lord Jesus, shine the light of the gospel into the dark places of our lives. May we walk your paths with the certainty that comes from knowing you are always with us. Amen. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:13-17 Father, thank you for equipping us with the Spirit's power. In our call to costly obedience, may we take courage from the Spirit who dwells in us. In Jesus' name, Amen. And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. Luke 4:1-13 Lord, in the face of temptation we have a tendency to play games. But your Word keeps us honest with you and with ourselves. Mold our lives to your will. Amen. And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:9-13 Lord, help us not to be put off by free grace that calls us to costly obedience. Heal our moral brokenness. Lead us to confess our sins and live faithfully for you. Amen. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. Matthew 27:45-50 Lord, forgive me for overlooking how much it cost you to bring forgiveness. Your grace is not cheap. Inspire me to be thankful for all you have endured for me. Through Jesus, Amen. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. John 20:1-18 Lord, with Mary we have a message to tell. Our walk with Christ has assured us that he is risen. Fill us to witness boldly for you in our conversations with others. In your name, Amen The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:1-11 Lord, help us live each day knowing that "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." Amen. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Lord, forgive our spiritual cowardice. Help us move out on your behalf to let the world know you call disciples from every nation under heaven. In your name, Amen. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. John 5:16-30 Father, we believe Christ has come to make all the difference in our lives. Kindle in us the desire to cross by faith into your eternal kingdom. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:11-32 Father, we know you are watching and waiting for us. Forgive us for wandering so far away. Thank you for calling and receiving us back again into your family. In Jesus, Amen. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:9-18 Lord, how stubborn we are! Help us submit to your hand at the reins of our lives. Bless us with the knowledge that your Spirit bears the burden of discipleship with us. Amen. Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all. But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. Acts 25:1-12 Lord, forgive us when we think our faith is private and we forget that your rule extends everywhere. May the truth of the gospel give shape to a culture that honors you. Amen. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23 Lord, some of us are walking in sunshine today; others of us are in shadow. Care for us, provide for us, and teach us lessons to enrich our journey with you, we pray. Amen. And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:1-6 Lord, we so easily lose track of time. With all the entries in our datebooks, we forget that your coming is near. Find us faithful stewards at your return, we pray. In your name, Amen Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Lord, we await the day when open graves will display the power of Christ's resurrection. As our earthly bodies weaken, may we grow in anticipation of that day. Amen. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:1-5 Lord, thank you that even now we taste heaven's joys as we move toward the day when we'll live with you forever. Remind us that our destiny with you is sure. Amen. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3 Lord, "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [we] press on toward the goal ... for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ." Amen. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14-15 Dear Lord, thank you that through Jesus the door to the kingdom of heaven has been opened. Lead us all to grow into a closer relationship with you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. Mark 1:16-20 Lord, we know every journey includes joys and challenges, routines and unexpected surprises. May our lives be a journey of walking with you hand in hand each day. Amen. Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Mark 7:1-8 Lord, I know my own life is not immune to the shameful stuff Jesus lists here. Please cleanse my heart and renew my spirit by your grace through him. In Jesus' name, Amen. And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed. Mark 7:24-30 Lord, thank you that you see me as I am and receive me as I am. Please enable me to come to you with humble faith to receive your mercy. In your name, Amen. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. Mark 9:1-10 Lord Jesus, thank you for giving up your life on our behalf. We confess that you are the living bread. Please nourish us with your life-giving grace and forgiveness. Amen. And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread. And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand? Mark 8:11-21 Lord Jesus, help us bring our worries and anxieties to you today. Help us see and believe that nothing in heaven and on earth can separate us from your love. In your name, Amen. And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town. Mark 8:22-26 Dear Lord, please cure us of any spiritual blind spots we might have. Give us eyes of faith to see you more clearly, and give us the courage to follow you in true faith. Amen. And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. And he charged them that they should tell no man of him. Mark 8:27-30 Dear Lord, help me to believe with all my heart that you are Lord and Savior. Please help me in my areas of unbelief. Thank you for giving yourself for my salvation. Amen. And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. Mark 8:31-9:1 Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithful obedience in going to the cross for us. Help us to withstand the devil's temptations and follow you with faith and obedience. Amen. And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. Mark 9:2-8 Lord Jesus, I worship you as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Thank you for loving this world enough to come and live among us to bring us salvation. Amen. And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him. Mark 9:9-13 Lord, we know that the fields are ripe for your harvest. Please help us to live out our calling to share the good news of Jesus with all who are around us. In Jesus' name, Amen. And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. Mark 9:29 Lord, I confess there are times when I neglect to lean on you. Please protect me from evil and bring me to the place of simple dependence on you. In Jesus' name, Amen. And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. Mark 9:33-37 Lord Jesus, thank you for welcoming me into your embrace. Help me to love others as unconditionally as you love me, and help me to serve all people in your name. Amen. And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. Mark 9:38-41 Father, forgive me for the times I have been disrespectful of Christians of other traditions. Bless your church around the world, that the world may see your love in us. Amen. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. Mark 9:42-50 Lord, thank you that you do not give up on us in seasons of failure. Please help us to do all we can to watch our words and guard against sin and temptation. In Jesus, Amen. And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery. Mark 10:1-12 Lord, please bless those of us who are married and the marriages of the people around us. Please also give healing and grace for all who suffer from broken relationships. Amen. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 Lord Jesus, please break down our spirit of independence. Help each of us to come to you like a child today, fully aware of our needs and dependence on your grace. Amen. And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Mark 10:17-31 Father, you know our hearts. Please bring us to deep love and commitment to you. Above all, help us see how much you love us in the gift of your Son, Jesus. Amen. And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:32-45 Father, help me to have the attitude of Jesus, who "humbled himself and became obedient to death --even death on a cross!" Lead me to serve so that others may know you. In Jesus, Amen. And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. Mark 10:46-52 Lord, you know the "blankets" we are clinging to. Help us to release our grip on the things of this world in order to take hold of you with our whole being. In your name, Amen. And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:1-11 Lord Jesus, we celebrate with the crowds who welcomed you into Jerusalem: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Lord, be our King! Amen. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 Lord, help us to have strong faith in you. Fill our lives with the kind of fruit that brings honor to you and blesses the people around us. In your name we pray. Amen. And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city. Mark 11:15-19 Lord, sometimes my life can feel more like a thruway than a place of worship and prayer. Please help me to stay centered on you as the Lord of my life. In Jesus, Amen. Lord, rekindle in my heart a love for those who do not know you. I pray for friends, family, and neighbors who need to know the Savior who gave his life for them. Amen. And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things. Mark 11:27-33 Lord, there are still many who question your authority today. Help us to live under your leadership and serve as faithful ambassadors of your truth, grace, and love. Amen. And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.' And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way. Mark 12:1-12 Father, thank you for loving the world so much that you gave us your one and only Son, that we might not perish but have everlasting life. In Jesus' name, Amen. And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. Mark 12:13-17 Father, help me to honor those who are placed in authority over me. And, most of all, help me to honor you with the use of my time, talents, and treasures. In Jesus, Amen. Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. Mark 12:18-27 Lord, thank you for giving us all we need to withstand attacks to our faith today. Root us deeply in your Word and Spirit so that we may be your faithful witnesses. Amen. And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. Mark 12:28-34 Dear Lord, I know that the greatest quality in my life ought to be my love for you and others. Help me to love you and those around me with all my heart. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Dear Lord, thank you that through Jesus everyone has the opportunity to enter your kingdom. Thank you for the gift of eternal life. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Dear Jesus, what a privilege it is to journey through this life with you. Thank you for inviting me to embrace you as my Lord and Savior. I love and honor you. Amen. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 Guide us this month, O Lord, as we meditate on what can bring us true fulfillment and abiding joy. Fill our hearts with thanks and giving, we pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:31-34 Dear God, I want to be a part of the people who know you with all their heart. As we worship you today, please strengthen our relationship with you as never before. Amen. O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Psalm 139:1-18 Lord God, may your people get to know you better as they hear your voice through your Word. May we be listening every day as we learn to live faithfully for you. In Jesus, Amen. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19 Lord, give us ears to hear you speaking. As we hear each sermon and watch each sunset, help us to ask, "Lord, what are you teaching me here, now, today?" In Jesus' name, Amen. Thus saith the Lord; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word, And say, Hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates: Thus saith the Lord; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place. For if ye do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people. But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation. For thus saith the Lord unto the king's house of Judah; Thou art Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon: yet surely I will make thee a wilderness, and cities which are not inhabited. And I will prepare destroyers against thee, every one with his weapons: and they shall cut down thy choice cedars, and cast them into the fire. And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city? Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them. Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country. Jeremiah 22:1-10 Lord, it can be frightening to think we could be "good" church-going people and yet not know you. Deliver us from meaningless ritual to authentic life in Christ. Amen. For thus saith the Lord touching Shallum the son of Josiah king of Judah, which reigned instead of Josiah his father, which went forth out of this place; He shall not return thither any more: But he shall die in the place whither they have led him captive, and shall see this land no more. Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion. Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him? He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the Lord. But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it. Jeremiah 22:11-17 Lord, thank you for coming to our aid, saving us from sin and death through Jesus, your Son. May we show that we really know you by helping others who are in need. Amen. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:1-9 Lord Jesus, thank you for keeping the covenant in our place, for dying for our sins and empowering us to take part in God's great mission of helping people in need. In your name, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners: The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous: The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 146 Lord, thank you for setting prisoners free with the power of your Spirit and Word. Please help George and all the rest of us to keep growing closer to you. In your name, Amen. And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. Matthew 21:1-9; Galatians 2:9-10 O King, may your church be eager to accomplish its mission, expanding your kingdom by coming to the aid of your brothers and sisters in need. In your name, Amen. Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:31-35 Jesus, thank you for this new command. You call us to new possibilities for service. Teach us what this means, and equip us, we pray, with sacrificial love to serve you. Amen. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 1 John 3:16-20 Lord, as you have loved us, teach us to sacrifice our time, talents, ideas, and possessions to help others understand the good news of your love. Thank you for rescuing us. Amen. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:39-43 Lord Jesus, "remember me." Take me through whatever challenges I have to face, and draw me closer to you. You are my only comfort in life and in death. In your name, Amen. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 4:16-21; 23:42-43 Thank you, Jesus, for the perfect example you've shown in helping others. Thank you for dying for our sin of not caring for your brothers and sisters. In your name, Amen. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 17:1-5; 19:28-30 Thank you, Father, that when I leave this life someday, I too can say, "It is finished," as I rest in the finished work of Christ. Be glorified in me forever. For Jesus' sake, Amen. And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luke 23:50-56 Lord, millions of suffering people are at the end of their rope. Give us the courage to reach out to them and share the good news and joy you have given us. In your name, Amen. In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Matthew 28:1-10 "Precious Lord, take my hand." Lead me and strengthen me so that I can do your work in this world each day by helping others till you take me home. In your name, Amen. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:31-40 Lord, we grieve at how the Jewish people have been persecuted throughout history. Bring peace, we pray, for all your people in this world, by your saving grace. Amen. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:41-46 Today, Lord, we pray for fellow believers around the world who need your healing, comfort, and relief, and may we not forget all others who still need to know you. Amen. Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord. And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:30-37 Forgive us, Lord, when we think we only have to care for "our own." May we be loving to all and embrace all who are different, for we know you love them too. Amen. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:11-32 May your church, Lord Jesus, have a mind for missions and a heart for the hurting as it searches out every last one of your brothers and sisters and invites them home. Amen. And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:25-37 Thank you, Holy Spirit, for confirming in our hearts what you teach us in your Word--that all hurting people are the brothers and sisters of Jesus. In his name, Amen. Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:6-11 Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of meeting you in people who are in need. May we grow in knowing you as we reach out to help. Guide us in your love and grace. Amen. Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:1-8 Lord, today we remember the millions of people worldwide behind bars. We pray for them and ask that your church will come to their aid as only your church can do. Amen. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Hebrews 13:3 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for remembering the poor and needy and for dying so that we could be forgiven of our sin. Help us to come to the aid of people in distress. Amen. The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:14-21 Father, we pray for prisoners who are mistreated. Lead your people to their aid so that they can be inspired to make godly choices for living. In Jesus' name, Amen The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Proverbs 31:1-5 Lord, grant us strong moral character so that we will not be distracted from our calling to care for people in need and be effective servants for Jesus' sake. Amen. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Proverbs 31:6-7 Lord, forgive us for ignoring and marginalizing people so that their lives seem no longer worth living. May we lend a hand to offer them hope in you. Amen. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9 Jesus, thank you for being a voice of influence for us before the Father. For your sake, may we speak up for those in need so that they can know you love them too. Amen. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. Exodus 22:22-24 Lord, it breaks our hearts to see what happens to many of the fatherless children among the destitute and hopeless today. Father, use us to bring them home. Amen. And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:1-20 Lord, only you have the power to truly set captives free. "Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing [our] great Redeemer's praise"! Break our hearts, Lord, and fill us with your love. Amen. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 Show us, Lord Jesus, the riches of your salvation. Then help us to receive your benefits, enjoy each one, and give you all praise. In your name we pray. Amen. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10 Thank you, Father, for your love. Thank you, Jesus, for dying our death and raising us to life with you. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for bringing this life into our hearts. Amen. But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Thank you, Lord, for rescuing me from the wrath to come. Please touch the hearts of many who do not yet know you, so that they too may rejoice in your salvation. Amen. And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. 1 Kings 18:25-39 Thank you, Lord, for listening to me. Keep me from sins that might hinder my prayers. Thank you, Jesus, for providing free access for us to come near to God. In your name, Amen. Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. Matthew 12:22-29 Lord Jesus, without you we are at Satan's mercy--and he has no mercy. Destroy the devil's power; free us from slavery, and heal our sickness through your Holy Spirit. Amen. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1 Do you know any child who willingly tells his sister "I'm sorry" without a nudge and perhaps a threat from his parents? For that matter, when was the last time you said "I'm sorry" to anyone? Apologies don't come naturally. We seldom see how we have been wrong--and even if we do, we don't like admitting it to anyone else. That's a serious problem. "He who conceals his sins does not prosper." Our relationships with other people do not prosper if we never admit we are wrong. Our relationship with God does not prosper unless we confess and renounce our sins. The longer we hide our sins, the more miserable we become (Psalm 32:3-4). Confession does not come naturally. But it can come supernaturally. When God's light shines on us, we are able to come clean. We stop deceiving ourselves. We stop calling God a liar. "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other" (James 5:16). With God's help, make a list of the sins against God and others that you have not yet confessed. Then confess to God and to the people you've wronged. Come clean. As we bring our sins into the light, we experience God's mercy and forgiveness. "We have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies. And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings. And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings. And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. Ezekiel 1:22-28 "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." "To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever." Amen. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. Ezekiel 36:22-28 Lord, I have never been innocent. Help me to stop making excuses. I leave my hard heart at the foot of your cross, and I rejoice in the new heart you have given me. Amen. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Acts 16:22-34 Lord, you have saved many people whose despair nearly destroyed them. Lord Jesus, replace all my despairing, self-destructive thoughts with your joy and light. Amen. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Luke 19:8 Lord, if I have hurt others, show me the best way to make amends. Thank you for forgiving my sins and helping me become a force for good through Christ Jesus. Amen. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44 Lord, thank you for freedom from resentment. If I have unresolved anger, help me to deal with it. Give my enemy the same joy and blessing that you have given me. Amen. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:20-32 Lord, your anger lasts only a moment, but your favor lasts a lifetime. Make me like you. Help me not to stay angry but to begin each day anew. In Jesus, Amen. Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities. Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The Lord of hosts is his name. Jeremiah 10:1-16 "No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power." We honor you, and we thank you for freeing us from superstition through our Savior, Jesus. Amen. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:10-31 We praise you, Lord, for godly wives and loving mothers. You have blessed us through them. Please also bless them through us and make them feel treasured by you. In Jesus, Amen. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. John 4:7-18 Lord Jesus, with you we have no secrets. Thank you for probing our painful areas and cleansing us of our guilt. Refresh us with the living water of your Holy Spirit. Amen. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:11-22 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for removing our divisions and making us part of your church. Help me to sense your welcome and extend that same welcome to others. In your name, Amen. Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:1-9 Thank you, Father, that you are always near, that nothing can separate me from your love in Christ Jesus. Walk with me wherever I go, and help me to sense your presence. Amen. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:9-17 Father, how great is the love you have "lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" We thank you, Father, for the astonishing privileges of adoption through faith in Jesus. Amen. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Proverbs 3:1-12 Father, thank you for Jesus, who "learned obedience from what he suffered." Teach me that same obedience, and make me more and more like Jesus. In his name, Amen. And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents. And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not. And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the Lord they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed. And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses. Numbers 9:15-23 Thank you, Father, for guiding me. Lead me in the way of Jesus by your Holy Spirit. Help me to know your will in the decisions I face and to follow where you lead. Amen. And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Acts 18:24-28 Lord, I want to know you better. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the people you use in my life to teach me the way of God. Help me enrich others too. In Jesus' name, Amen. For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward. And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. Isaiah 8:11-22 Father, "your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Protect me from lies and confusion. Help me believe and live according to your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen. Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. 2 Kings 6:8-23 Father, we sometimes feel frightened. Open our eyes so that we may see your protecting angels. Thank you that the hosts of heaven are with us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:9-17 Father and King, by your Spirit transform us with ever-increasing glory. May we conduct ourselves and treat others as royalty in light of our inheritance in Christ. Amen. The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:1-11 King Jesus, all authority is yours! Reign over all things, and reign over me. Thank you that you are preparing a heavenly home for us. Come quickly, Lord. In your name, Amen. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:1-5, 22-26 Lord, give us faith to share in your sufferings, that we may also share in your glory. Unite us to fellow believers and to yourself in eternal love. In your name, Amen. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 Lord Jesus, I rejoice in you. Fill my life in this earthly body with fruitful service to you and others. Help me see the great gain in dying and going home to you. In your name, Amen. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:9-27 Lord, "you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Thank you for preparing such a splendid place for us. In Jesus' name, Amen. And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5 "Father of Jesus, Love divine, great King upon your throne, what joy to see you as you are and worship you alone!" O Jesus, I long to see you face to face. In your name, Amen. Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. Psalm 49:5-15 Thank you, Father, for your infinite riches. Thank you, Jesus, for paying for my salvation with your blood. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for flooding me with your blessings. Amen. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:34-48 Father, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that you have forgiven my sins for Jesus' sake. I commit my life to serving my Savior and relishing his riches. In Jesus, Amen. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Father, move us away from ourselves and toward people who are different from us. Help us see the Bridgets of our lives as you do. Help us to show them your love. In Jesus, Amen. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:11-22 Father, thank you for the cultural richness of our society. Thank you for church planters called to reach people with the gospel. Speed their way. Let us be their helpers. Amen. The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:1-11 Father, thank you for sending your Spirit to ordinary people like us. Help us see our place as witnesses in your ongoing mission to spread the good news about Jesus. Amen. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41 "Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me." Guide us to depend on your leading each day as we strive to witness for Jesus' sake. Amen. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:42-47 Father, invade our church and family. Build us into the kind of community that shares everything. Fill us all with your grace, and help us show your love everywhere. Amen. Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. Acts 3:1-10 Lord, when we look at the world's big hurts, we're tempted to think we don't have anything to give. Increase our faith. Empower us to point people to you. In your name, Amen. And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts 4:1-20 Father, through the power of your Holy Spirit fill us with the boldness you gave the believers of the early church. Help us to follow your leading each day. In Jesus, Amen. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 4:32-37 Father, some of us say, "We're not growing," and we blame our church's programs. Grow us in the grace of giving, we pray, in the name of Jesus, your great gift to us. Amen. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Acts 5:1-11 Father, in a sense we are all hypocrites. Forgive us for the times when we have been fake Christians. Make us honest with ourselves, each other, and you. In Jesus, Amen. Father, give the leaders of our congregation the right mix of grace and truth. Give them wisdom and courage as they carry out discipline in the name of Jesus. Amen. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts 5:25-42 Father, forgive us for church shopping. Forgive our Starbucks religion. We ask that our church may serve you, not ourselves. Give us the wisdom to live for you by faith. Amen. And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7 Father, please forgive our grumbling. Turn it into service that helps your church flourish. Help us to solve problems creatively and with a spirit of love, for Jesus' sake. Amen. Father, keep our pastors strong in your Word. We pray especially for pastors in new churches with an overwhelming list of tasks. Give them time to study your Word. Amen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:1-8 Father, thank you for giving your children a variety of gifts. Thank you for pictures of the body of Christ at work. Help us all to use our gifts faithfully for Jesus' sake. Amen. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60 Father, we are tempted to steer our lives toward comfort. We're tempted to avoid storms and battles. Be our guide. Give us grace, even in our suffering for you. Amen. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:26-40 Lord, please prepare people's hearts with earnest, spiritual questions and lead them to us. Please also give us the answers we need in order to share your truth and love. Amen. And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. Acts 9:1-19 Almighty God, take your great grace and bring it into our lives. Please change the people we know who are far from you, by the great power of your Holy Spirit. Amen. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. Acts 9:8-19 Lord, today when we hear you calling to reach out to someone unlike us, give us the grace you gave Ananias. Help us to see new converts as our brothers and sisters. Amen. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Acts 9:19-31 Lord, help us see folks sitting on the sidelines, waiting for encouragement. Use us to provide it. Help us to make friends with them and help them fulfill their calling. Amen. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27 Father, give us the courage to do what it takes to welcome someone into your family. Open doors for us today so that we can reach out to others in your name. Amen. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Acts 10:1-22 Lord, you asked Peter to take another look at "unclean" people around him. Help us to take another look at folks around us--and to love everyone in Jesus' name. Amen Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Acts 11:19-21 Lord, we don't need to be famous or popular. Help us see that your Spirit works through ordinary people like us to break barriers between us and our neighbors. Amen. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:22-30 Father, we thank you for parent churches and the many blessings we can share in Jesus. Help us all to be "full of the Holy Spirit and faith" for Jesus' sake. Amen. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Acts 11:22-24 Father, we know that only your Holy Spirit can cause people to believe. Please add to our church through new believers and help us all to serve you faithfully. Amen. Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Acts 12:1-4 Winter comes. Invited or not, the harsh wind of winter blows into our lives. Spiritual winter does not arrive according to calendars handed out in advance. No, it comes when we least expect it. Let's say your family is fine, and you're all happy, healthy, and flourishing. That's like summer. But then winter can come one day in a doctor's report or an accident or something else that presents a crisis. Most of the stories we've covered so far in the book of Acts have been like spring and summer! New congregations have been born. Sick and disabled people have been healed. Church conflicts have been resolved. Wolves like Saul have become sheep and then shepherds. But now with James's death and Peter's imprisonment, it seems winter has come. I know a church that was flourishing. People were coming to the faith and giving toward a new building. It grew from a few people to 200 in a short time. But then one Sunday, without notice, half the people left and formed another church. Sometimes we forget that every church, every family, every person has seasons of winter. Think about biblical characters like David or Moses or Ruth or Esther. But the question, of course, is, "What do we do in winter?" Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5 Father, you make the lame walk, you make the blind see, and you set the prisoner free. Make us bold to be your witnesses, Lord, even in times of winter. For Jesus' sake, Amen. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. Acts 12:6-11 Father, thank you for walking with us in all the seasons of our lives. Help us to trust, follow, and serve you, even in times that feel like winter. In Jesus' name, Amen. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:1-3 Father, call people in our church to be church planters and witnesses wherever they are. Help us to trust that you will provide for those sent and those left behind. Amen. And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran. Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. Genesis 11:31-12:9 Father, increase our faith. Give us the grace to follow you with the faith that Abraham and Sarah and Paul and Barnabas had. Use us to build your kingdom your way. Amen. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:11-32 Father, fill us with love for your lost daughters and sons. Give us courage to plant new churches and to help our church be full of contagious grace. In the Savior's name, Amen. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Genesis 3:8-19 O God, thank you for not leaving us when we fell into sin. Help us see that you are at work today to save us and all your people. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Lord Jesus, many people today don't want to hear that you are the only way to God. Give us extra courage to speak your name to our neighbors. In your name we pray. Amen. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry? So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? Jonah 4 Dear Lord, too often our hearts want to go west when you are headed east. By your grace turn us, like Jonah, into your paths for the salvation of the nations. In Jesus, Amen. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. Psalm 67 O Lord, you are exalted above all. Teach us to praise you and seek your glory so that we will naturally overflow with your love for the people around us. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. Genesis 12:1-5 Lord, make us channels of your blessing. Teach us how to pour out our lives for others so that they too may know and experience your love in Christ. In his name, Amen. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-10 Dear Lord and King, we have glimpsed your majesty in the cross, and we long for the day when all your people can rest in you. May we lift you up in all we do and say. Amen. Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:1-7 Lord Jesus, shine in us. Fill us with the light of your glorious love. Help us to shine your light today, wherever you've placed us. In your name we pray. Amen. But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:34-40 Lord, at times love sounds so easy, and other times it sounds like a lot of talk. Help me see where I need to be in loving you, and give me the strength to grow in it. In Jesus, Amen. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 7:9-12 Lord, we know you want all your people from all nations to gather before your throne. Help us now to join you in seeking those who are still lost. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Father, we need to hear your voice speaking to us. Fill us with your strength to overcome our challenges, and give us the courage to make an impact for Christ today. Amen. 2 Corinthians 4:15 Dear Father, help us to see your glory. Help us to point others to your Son, Jesus, so that they too will shine with your glory. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Psalm 67 O Lord, you are exalted above all. Teach us to praise you and seek your glory so that we will naturally overflow with your love for the people around us. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Isaiah 11:1-9 Dear Lord, we have glimpsed your glory. We long to know you more and to see you made known. Reveal yourself through us to our world today. In Jesus' name, Amen. Malachi 1:8-14 Lord, forgive us for not living like the people of a great King. Help us to live faithfully so that our neighbors will see your greatness and stand in awe of your name. Amen. John 20:19-23 Lord, make us sensitive to the needs of people around us, and give us the faith to see that we might be the very ones you want to use to help them. In Jesus' name, Amen. Matthew 16:13-20 Dear Jesus, we know you are at work building your church. Strengthen your people everywhere today to give faithful testimony about you in all they do and say. In your name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 2 Holy Spirit, we often misunderstand your presence in our own lives. Teach us to rely on your power for living and to follow where you lead. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Psalm 87 Dear Father, we cannot express to you the privilege we feel to be included as part of your family. Help us to be open to brothers and sisters you are yet bringing in. Amen. Habakkuk 1:1-5 Lord, we have heard of your fame; we stand in awe of your amazing deeds. "Renew them in our day, in our time make them known" (Habakkuk 3:2). For the sake of Jesus, Amen. Exodus 3:1-10 Dear Father, help us neither to waste our lives by being passive nor to cut them short by working anxiously. Teach us to work together with you for your kingdom. Amen. Exodus 17:8-16 Dear Lord, teach us to pray. Teach us to persevere for the things we know you want us to ask for, even if your answer seems long in coming. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Lord, thank you for the obedient faith of all who have given freely to support your work. Help us show that same generosity with the resources you place before us. Amen. Acts 13:1-5 Dear Lord, guide your church toward your goals for it. May we continue to work with you, in all our varied roles, until all the nations are gathered in. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Acts 1:1-9 Dear Jesus, we have heard your voice speak to us in your Word. We do believe. Give us courage to testify about you before the world. In your name we pray. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2; 11-12 Dear God of all creation, help us to live and work as you intended us to. In whatever work you have placed us, give us grace to work winsomely for Jesus' sake. Amen. Matthew 5:13-16 Father, fan our little lights into flame. Help us remove the shades that hinder your light from reaching every inch of our lives at home, work, or play. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:11-15 Dear Lord, refresh and deepen our experience of your love so that we may be compelled to persuade others of your amazing salvation. For your name's sake, Amen. 1 Peter 4:1-11 Dear Jesus, you showed your power by being willing to suffer. Empower us with a grander vision than ourselves so that we may lay down our lives for you. In your name, Amen. Romans 8:18-25 Creator God, we have spoiled not only ourselves but also your entire, good creation. Forgive us, we pray, and use us in Christ to work toward putting things right. Amen. Hebrews 7:23-28 Dear Jesus, thank you for always interceding for us. Thank you that today we can rest, knowing you will finish your kingdom for us. In your name we pray. Amen. Revelation 21:1-18 Dear God, we want to work with an eye to your lasting city. Help us to know by faith that Jesus has already won a place in your city for all who believe. In your name, Amen. Genesis 1:26-31 Dear God, thank you for the gift of life you have given us and the gifts of life we can see in this world. Help us to see others as you see them. In Jesus' name, Amen. Genesis 3:6-24 Dear God, we are amazed at your patience and amazing grace. In our broken moments make us confident of your nearness. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Genesis 4:2-12 Merciful Father, help us to know that loving you and loving one another are the most important things in life. In the name of our Brother, Jesus, we pray. Amen. Genesis 9:8-17 Dear God, may the storms of life remind us to seek shelter not in our strength but in yours. May your peace remain. May your Word remain. In Jesus' name, Amen. Genesis 11:1-9 God, please forgive our pride and our desire to make a name for ourselves. May we humble ourselves to listen to your words. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Genesis 12:1-8 God of promises, help us to be willing to follow you wherever you call us. Help us listen and not be satisfied in our comfortable places, but ready to seek you. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 12:10-13 God of truth and grace, forgive us for our deceptions. Turn our hearts, thoughts, and words to you so that we may reflect your truth, grace, and love. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 12:10-20 Dear God, may we never limit you to times or places. May we know that our lies will always be found out. Lead us into all truth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Genesis 13 God of peace, in the midst of relationships that are breaking, please send your Spirit to guide, encourage, and rebuild. When we are weak, help us to know you are strong. Amen. Genesis 15 God of promise, when our path seems dark, help us to see your light. When we are uncertain, help us to rest in you. Lead us, we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen. Genesis 16 Father, forgive us for our impatience. Help us to submit our plans, dreams, and wills to your will. May we remember Jesus' words: "Not my will, but yours be done." Amen. Genesis 17:1-22 Thank you, God, for your faithful care. You know each one of us by name. Help us to honor your name by following your will for us in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen. Genesis 18:1-15 Dear Jesus, thank you for taking the hard way for us. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and your love for us. Thank you for the gift of life, given to us. In your name, Amen. Genesis 18:16-33 God of justice and love, may our world turn to you. Help us to see others with compassion and to ask for their salvation. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Genesis 19:1-29 Dear God, help us make the most of our time and relationships in sharing about your love and mercy through Jesus Christ. In his name we pray. Amen. Genesis 21:1-7 God of laughter, thank you for the gift of joy that fills a heart in tune with your ways, grace, and forgiveness. May our lives show that we are changed in Jesus' name. Amen. Genesis 22:1-19 Dear God, thank you for all your provisions. Help us to give to you from our time, talents, and treasures. May we entrust our whole lives to you. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 24:1-16 Master, Creator, make me a servant of your peace. Help me continue to pray and seek for your will to be done on earth, in me, as it is in heaven. In your name, O Lord, Amen. Genesis 25:19-34 God of wisdom, forgive us for our shortsightedness. Grant us wisdom every day in all the decisions that will shape our future with you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Genesis 27:1-29 God our Father, thank you for straightening our twisted plans and providing for us. May your word of blessing find us faithful. Through your Son, our Lord, we pray. Amen. Genesis 27:41-45 Dear God, you know our hearts and our thoughts. You know our pain, and you know our solutions. Heal our hearts, we pray, and direct our thoughts. In Jesus' name, Amen. Genesis 28:10-22 Dear God, many of us wander. We never seem to be settled. Please guide us and make us pilgrims walking with you, day by day. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Genesis 32:10 God of grace and mercy, may we know that you are the Father who is waiting for all of us to be home with you. Guide our steps each day, we pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. Genesis 32:22-32 Dear God, help us not to walk away from you but to seek you day by day. May our struggles be redeemed through your care, compassion, and constancy. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 35:1-15 Holy God, examine our hearts and create a clean heart within us by the work of your Spirit. Help us to be prepared to meet you--now, tomorrow, and for eternity. Amen. Genesis 37:1-11 Father God, open our ears so that we may hear. Open our hearts to receive. Open our eyes to see your truth. In the name of the way, the truth, and the life we pray. Amen. Genesis 39 Lord, help us to live each day under your direction. Forgive us when we stray, and lead us back to your protection and care. Guide our steps, words, and actions. Amen. Genesis 41:1-40 God of wisdom, forgive us for turning the spotlight on ourselves. Make us wise so that we may be your witnesses. May our words and actions point people to you. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 45:1-18 O God, in the midst of suffering we may not see answers, but please help us to see that you are with us. May the work of Jesus lead us to trust you more and more. In his name, Amen. Genesis 50:20 God of grace, thank you for your ongoing work of grace. Thank you for healing what is broken and for working even through brokenness to bring grace. In Jesus, Amen. Acts 1:1-6 Lord, help me to stay focused today in my testimony for you. Holy Spirit, give me the power to be a witness to Christ's life-changing power. In Jesus' name, Amen. Acts 1:6-8 Lord, help me to live in the power of the Holy Spirit today, so that I may bring others to you and welcome them as brothers and sisters in your kingdom. In Jesus, Amen. Acts 2:1-4 Lord, please, forgive all my sins. Come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may become a powerful witness of your good news in this world. Amen. Acts 3:1-10 Lord, open our eyes to the physical needs of our neighbors. And as you do, please give us insight into their spiritual needs. Help us share your good news. Amen. Acts 3:11-16; 4:1-4 Lord, forgive us if we have not acknowledged the power of your name in our lives and in the world today. Heal us of spiritual blindness, we pray. In your name, Amen. Acts 4:1-14 Father, we know that Jesus is the only way to full life with you. By your Spirit, guide us to receive him as the one Savior from sin and death. In his name we pray. Amen. Acts 4:13-22 Lord Jesus, give us the strength and wisdom to live out our faith today and defend it if challenged. Help us to spread the message of spiritual freedom in your name. Amen. Acts 5:12-16 Lord, open the eyes of our souls so that we may see and receive your transforming power in our lives. Help us to show others how you have changed us. Amen. Acts 5:12-16 Lord, make us into powerful witnesses of your gospel of grace so that the world may know you! Help us to be healthy members of healthy churches for your sake. Amen. Acts 5:17-39 Lord, give me a faithful but open mind so that I may follow the leading of your Spirit in my life. Show me what is important as I seek to serve you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Acts 5:40-41 Lord, grant me grace so that I may accept suffering if you allow it in my life, knowing that you will protect and guide me in all circumstances. In Jesus' name, Amen. Acts 7:57-60 Lord, keep me from becoming violent in my thoughts and efforts to preserve purity in the church and in this world. Help me to seek peaceful ways to draw others to you. Amen Acts 9:1-9 Lord, help me never to be a persecutor of your body. May I be a peacemaker and a faithful servant rather than a persecutor. In your name I pray, O Prince of Peace. Amen. Acts 10:1-16 Dear Lord, forgive my prejudices toward people of other races, countries, and religions. Please help me to live in peace with everyone around me. In Jesus, Amen. Acts 10:19-29 Lord Jesus, please heal us and our society from sins of prejudice. Help us to see others as you see us all--as sinners in need of your saving grace. In Jesus, Amen. Acts 10:30-43 Lord, please forgive my sins. Come into my life, become my Lord and Savior, and give me new life through your Spirit. Guide me each day to live for you. In Jesus, Amen. Acts 11:19-24 Lord, forgive our sin. Help us to serve you faithfully, knowing that the power of your hand is our strength. Spread your Word and build your church, O Lord. Amen. Acts 12:1-17 Lord, please teach me to pray in line with your will. Teach me to expect answers that reflect your will and to be humble enough to receive them by faith. In Jesus' name, Amen. Acts 12:20-24 Lord, forgive me for considering myself as better or greater than others in any areas of my life. Help me to give you the glory for your work in and through me. Amen. Acts 13:38-39 Loving God, forgive me for trying to be my own savior. Help me to accept freely the grace and salvation that you offer me through Jesus Christ. In his name, Amen. Acts 14:1-7 Lord, give us perseverance and patience so that we may withstand opposition when necessary. Help us also as we wait for your working in people's lives. Amen. Acts 14:8-18 Lord, forgive us when we take credit for our accomplishments instead of giving credit to you. Help us to be humble and to give you the glory in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen. Acts 17:1-9 Lord make us all into world changers today. May our lives and testimony help bring many people to you. Give us the strength to be your faithful witnesses. Amen. Acts 17:10-14 Lord, give us an open mind to the truths of your Word that may confront us in our traditions. Help us test them through your Word and Spirit. Amen. Acts 18:5-11 Lord, help us not to keep quiet today, but to quietly be your faithful witnesses everywhere. Assure us that you are with us and that we need not be afraid. Amen. Acts 19:1-7 Lord Jesus, I open my heart to you, please fill me with your Spirit, so that I may love you and become your powerful witness. O Spirit, please guide me each day. Amen. Acts 19:8-12 Lord, help me to believe in you and in your actions in the world through me. Use me in your service, Lord, empowering me to be faithful and humble for Jesus' sake. Amen. Acts 19:13-20 Lord, help us to see ourselves as we really are--your children, bought with the precious blood of Christ. Give us the strength to stand against the powers of evil each day. Amen Acts 20:7-12 Lord, use us to bring about healing, life, and salvation in this world, that your name may be glorified throughout the earth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Acts 20:25-31 Lord, help me never to become a savage wolf to fellow church members. Help us all to combat division and seek unity. Guard us against divisive ways, we pray. Amen. Luke 1:26-38 Spirit of God, fill us with Mary-like submission to do your will. Thank you for her example. Humble us to be your faithful servants always. For Jesus' sake, Amen. John 1:29-34 Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Take away my doubts, I pray, and strengthen me to serve you always. Amen. John 3:1-21 Lord, enable us to believe in you wholeheartedly as our Savior and Lord. Renew our life through the power of your Spirit, and give us new strength each day. Amen. John 1:35-42 Lord, raise up more people like Andrew-- wise and discerning, faithful, hardworking, and eager to tell others about you. Make me one of them too, Lord. In your name, Amen. Luke 5:1-11 Lord, forgive my meager faith, superficial worship, and shoddy obedience. Deepen my awareness of your greatness and my dependence. In your name, Amen. John 1:43-51 Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing the truth that you are the way to the Father in heaven. Guide us in truth as we seek to follow you each day. In your name, Amen. Matthew 9:9-13 Lord Jesus, reveal yourself to all who do not know you. Especially we pray that our Jewish neighbors will meet you and make you their Savior and Lord. Amen. Luke 8:1-3 Thank you, Lord, for placing in the hearts of your children a passion for Christ and his kingdom. Use us to support your kingdom work and make it grow. In Jesus, Amen. Mark 10:17-27 Lord, "nothing in my hand I bring; simply to thy cross I cling." Forgive me, cleanse me, and help me to follow you faithfully as you call others into your kingdom. Amen. John 4:1-26 Lord, I thirst for you. Fill me with living water, and I will never thirst again. Give all your people new life, strength, and joy, and help us devote our lives to you. Amen. John 4:27-42 Father in heaven, may your Holy Spirit open our eyes to people who need Jesus. Remove our fears and hesitation, and teach us to sow and reap. In Jesus' name, Amen. John 5:1-9 Dear Jesus, we surrender everything to you. Lift us up, make us stand, and never let us slip back into ways of sin. You are our one Savior and Lord always. Amen. Matthew 15:21-28 Lord, look upon us and our loved ones as your children. We need your healing, mercy, and provision each day. Like that mother of long ago we pray, Lord help us. Amen. Luke 10:25-37 Lord, every day I pass by opportunities to lift someone else's load. Create in me a true heart-of-a-neighbor so that I may become a blessing to others. In your name, Amen. Mark 5:1-20 Lord Jesus, deliver us from Satan and his evil ways. Free us from the influences of demonic or occult activity, and help us to warn others of Satan's deceptions. Amen. Matthew 19:13-15 Lord Jesus, embrace all God's little children around the world, and plant within them (and all of us) a pure, trusting faith in your love and salvation. In your name, Amen. Luke 11:37-42 Lord, renew us each day and guard us from false or superficial religion. Guide us to grow inside so that we may glow outside with love, truth, and righteousness. Amen. Luke 9:57-62 Lord, forgive us when we offer you our second-best. Guide us to follow you and serve you with our whole lives. Help us increasingly to be your loyal disciples. Amen. Matthew 8:5-13 Dear Jesus, give us such faith that all our thoughts and actions will honor your sovereign authority over all things. In your name we pray. Amen. Luke 8:40-42, 49-56 Lord, we've seen your power, and we trust your word. Thank you for the promise that the dead in Christ will rise and enjoy eternal life with you. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Luke 8:42b-48 Lord, cleanse us and heal us from all that's wrong in us. Forgive us our sins, give us great faith in you, and make us your children forever. In your name, Amen. Luke 17:11-19 Lord, may the lessons of this story become clear to us. Change us to be more like you, we pray. Give us faith, gratitude, and love for one another in you. Amen. Luke 4:38-44 Lord Jesus, you said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." Compel us to serve God and bless others, we pray, following your example in all we do. Amen. John 9:13-34 Dear God, help us to be clear and steadfast in our witness to Christ. The world can't see him and doesn't want to hear about him, but we serve him alone. In his name, Amen. John 20:30-31 Lord, make us faithful, like your servant John, lifting up Jesus' name till he returns again. Guide us each day by the Holy Spirit you sent to live in us, we pray. Amen. Luke 10:38-42; John 11:17-27 Lord, you love us, and we love you. Teach us the right balance between worship and service, listening and working. Forgive us when we stumble. In your name, Amen. John 11:28-37 Lord, grant to all your children the love, devotion, and trust that Mary showed faithfully. Strengthen us with your great love and compassion each day, we pray. Amen. John 11:38-53 Dear God, thank you for showing us the deep friendship Jesus had with Lazarus and his sisters. Guide us by your Spirit to become your friends and family members. Amen. Matthew 26:6-13 Lord, in response to your love for us, may we grow in love and gratitude to you. Fill our lives with beautiful deeds that honor you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Luke 23:32-43 Lord Jesus, you know how often I have done wrong. I repent of my sins, and I plead for your mercy and grace. Remember me, Lord, when you come into your kingdom. Amen. Acts 9:1-19 Lord, show us where you want us to go in the most important journey of all. By your Word and Spirit, reveal the truth to us so that we can share it with others. Amen. Matthew 3:1-3; 4:12-17 Lord, we are excited about taking a journey together to discover how followers of Jesus Christ live. We pray for open hearts to understand and receive. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 5:1-12 Father in heaven, I have no resources of my own to meet life's challenges, and I cannot cope with life on my own. Help me always to remember that I need you. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 61:1-3 Dear Father, so many people are mourning today. In the hour of their grief draw them to yourself and comfort them. We pray for all who hurt and whose pain is deep. Amen. Romans 12:9-16 We praise you, Jesus, that you are able to bind up a broken heart and give comfort with your loving presence. Guide us to comfort one another in your name. Amen. Matthew 11:25-30 Lord, some of us need to be gentler. Free us from pride that often stands in our way, and give us a spirit of gentleness, we pray, in the name of our gentle, humble Savior. Amen. 1 John 2:1-17 Forgive us, Father, for not having our priorities straight and for seeking fulfillment in ways that leave us empty. Thank you for giving us a thirst for righteousness. Amen. Luke 10:25-37 O God, you have been merciful to us, showing your love faithfully even though we don't deserve it. Thank you for being so good to us. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Genesis 50:15-21 Lord, help us to understand that "mercy triumphs over judgment." Give us your wisdom and strength to be merciful today. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Psalm 51:1-12 "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion ... Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." In Jesus, Amen. James 3:13-18 My heart longs for peace, O Lord, in you. May I live as a child of God and bring peace in a world overrun with unrest. In the name of the Prince of Peace, I pray. Amen. Matthew 5:10-12 Lord, today we pray for all who are persecuted because of righteousness. Please sustain and strengthen them in their hour of need. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 1 Peter 4:12-19 Lord Jesus, we know you were persecuted for our sake. Give us the strength and courage to stand up for your sake as we seek God's kingdom in this world. Amen. Matthew 5:13-16 Help us, Lord, to make a difference in our world, like salt to decaying meat and light in the darkness. Help us to do that wisely and gently, motivated by your love. Amen. Matthew 5:17-20 Sometimes, Lord, I have a heart problem. I do the external things, but I miss the joy of serving you. Holy Spirit, renew my heart today. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Matthew 5:21-26 Dear God, sometimes we brood on bitterness and hold on to our anger. And sometimes we try to worship you when we have wronged others. Forgive us, Lord. Amen. Matthew 5:27-30 Lord, you know the secrets of every heart. You know our weaknesses and failures. Let our eyes look to you, and let our hands do your will, we pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9 Lord, you intended marriage to be good, but it is easily spoiled. Please bring healing into troubled marriages, and tenderness into hardened hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen. Matthew 5:33-37 Thank you, heavenly Father, for always keeping your promises. Help us to keep our word so that we can be faithful like you and people can count on us. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 5:38-48 Lord, it's often difficult to obey what Jesus teaches here. Give us grace to deal in a loving way with unloving people. Thank you for dealing gently with us. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Matthew 6:1-4 Lord, we sometimes have given in order to be praised. Forgive us, we pray. Remind us that Jesus left the riches of heaven so that we, who are poor, might become rich. Amen. Matthew 6:5-15 Thank you, Lord, for the gift of prayer. Teach us to pray faithfully, making space in our busy, noisy world to pour out our hearts and listen to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Matthew 6:16-18 For many of us, Lord, fasting is not part of our spiritual discipline. Teach us that in fasting we are reminded to focus on you and be content in you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Matthew 6:19-24 Help us, Lord, to look closely at our value system and what motivates us. Help us to make the right choices in life, focusing on you in all we think, say, and do. Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks." Thank you that I can trust in you, Lord. Amen. Matthew 7:1-6 Teach us, Lord, that when we take a speck out of someone's eye, we do it gently and with love. Teach us to deal with people as Jesus did. In his name, Amen. Matthew 7:7-12 Lord, we often seek for the wrong things in life. Give us your Holy Spirit, we pray, so that we may desire the good gifts of peace, joy, and forgiveness. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 7:13-14 Thank you, Father, for inviting us to enter by the narrow gate--to come into your kingdom through Jesus Christ. Teach us to trust Christ alone for salvation. In his name, Amen. Matthew 7:15-23 Lord, by the power of your Spirit in us, guide us to live for you, showing that we are followers of Jesus Christ. May we bear good fruit that points others to you. Amen. Matthew 7:24-27 Teach me, Father, to build the house of my life on the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that storms will come and that only Jesus can help me stand. I pray in his name. Amen. James 1:19-27 Lord, by the power of your Spirit, help us to put Jesus' words into practice each day. Help us to be faithful to you despite hardships we may face, to your honor and glory. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Lord, we often get so caught up in our daily lives that we fail to look forward to seeing you face to face. Fill our hearts with longing for that day. In your name, Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Lord Jesus, thank you for the promise of eternal life with you. Thank you also for the assurance that our loved ones who have died in you are with you even now. Amen. Matthew 18:1-5 Dear Lord, as we look forward to celebrating your gift to us, fill our hearts with childlike faith as we also look to the second coming of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Genesis 29:31-35; 30:22-30 Father, thank you for the lasting joy you provide through the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to turn from the empty promises of this world to find joy in you. Amen. Isaiah 9:2-5 Jesus, light of the world, thank you for the hope you give us in this place of darkness. Help us to share your light and love with those who are lost. In your name, Amen. Isaiah 9:6-7 Dear Jesus, open our hearts and minds so that we may listen to your counsel and walk in your ways. May we find healing and full life in you. In your name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 40:1-5 Dear God, I repent of the things in my life that are barriers to my fully accepting you and your will for me. May I always be prepared to receive you. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 53:1-7 Dear Jesus, it's comforting to know that you know the depths of our suffering and that you are with us, even in the most silent of nights. In your name we pray. Amen. Malachi 4:1-6 Father, thank you for the healing we experience through Jesus Christ, and for the hope we have that one day he will come again, giving us victory over the grave. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25 Dear Lord, you are always with us--in the brightest day and in the darkest night. Thank you that even in the turmoil of our lives we can know you are with us. In your name, Amen. John 1:1-14 Father in heaven, we are grateful for the grace you have given us in Christ. Help us to commit to sharing words of grace with others as well. In Jesus' name, Amen. Luke 1:5-20 Father in heaven, we thank you that we can freely confess all our sins to you. Thank you for offering us forgiveness and grace through Jesus Christ. In his name we pray. Amen. Luke 1:57-75 O God, thank you that we can pray to you through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we be filled with your Spirit and tell of your goodness to others. Amen. Luke 2:1-7 Father, in this broken world where sin and evil are so strong, thank you for your message of hope. Thank you for sending your Son so that we might live. In Jesus, Amen. John 18:28-37 King of kings, we worship you. You reign over all things forever. May we be faithful citizens of your kingdom, living by your rule in our lives each day. In your name, Amen. John 1:10-14 Lord Jesus, so often we do not make room for you and others. Fill our hearts, and by your grace help us to accept others who need love and friendship. In your name, Amen. John 11:32-45 Lord Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life. You became like us, and you know both our laughter and our tears. Thank you for the joy and comfort of knowing you love us. Amen. Luke 2:8-15 Dear Lord, thank you for your angels and all messengers of your grace and truth. May we share in the work of ministering to others and bringing your good news. Amen. Genesis 3:1-10 Father in heaven, our hearts often fill with fear and anxiety. Help us to remember we belong to you, we can trust you to care for us, and we do not have to be afraid. Amen. Ephesians 2:11-18 Lord God, thank you for giving us your peace through the gift of Jesus Christ. Help us to offer your gift of grace and goodwill to all the people around us. In Jesus, Amen. John 3:13-17 Dear Lord, we often forget that you came to give everlasting life to people of all nations who believe in you. Help us to share your good news with all people. In your name, Amen. John 3:19-21 Lord, help us not to allow darkness to reign in our hearts. May the light of Christ shine in us so that through your Spirit we may not fear the light but rejoice in the truth. Amen. Luke 2:15-20 Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to be with us always. Thank you for the comfort of knowing that through your Spirit you are never distant but always near. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Lord Jesus, we confess that we often fail to live out your great commission because we fail to go out in trust and obedience. Guide us to share your good news faithfully. Amen. 1 John 4:7-12 Lord, on this Christmas Day fill our hearts with your love so that we want to give. May the gifts we offer to you and others reflect the love and Spirit of Christ working in us. Amen. Numbers 15:37-41 Lord, we confess that we often need reminding about your wonderful gift of grace through the birth of your Son. Help us to live every day in the joy of Christmas. Amen. Luke 8:40-48 Lord God, thank you for your healing touch in my life. Help me to find ways to tell others about your healing power over sin that once controlled me. In your name, Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 Father in heaven, forgive me when I'm filled with worry and doubt. Remind me of your constant care and protection in my life, even when problems persist. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 55:6-13 God of all creation, we acknowledge that our thoughts are not your thoughts and our ways are not your ways. Help us to trust in you and your ways. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Psalm 46 Lord God, as this year comes to a close, help us to trust that no matter what the future holds, we need not fear because you are our Rock, our refuge and strength forever. Amen. Colossians 4:2-6 Lord, we have often let many opportunities pass by. Give us the wisdom, we pray, to see each opportunity you place before us to do your will and share our faith. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Kings 11:41-12:20 Father, make me more like Jesus. Help me to give as Jesus gives. Make me your servant this year. Fill me with the strength to care about others and serve them for your sake. Amen. 1 Kings 12:25-33 Lord, make me strong. With your help, make me a blessing to others, and lead me so that I can lead others to you. In the name of Jesus, our faithful witness and King, I pray. Amen. 1 Kings 13:1-10 "Jesus, draw me close. Closer, Lord, to you. For I desire to worship and obey." Help us all to seek you first in our lives, Lord. Give us your wisdom and your faithfulness. Amen. 1 Kings 14:30-31 Father, my pride is so big and so strong. With your rod and your staff, guide me in your strength, comfort me, and lead me into the ways of your peace always. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Kings 15:1-8 Thank you, Father, for your daily mercies and for your grace in letting us live. Guide us, Lord, by the power of your Spirit in all we say and do. For Jesus' sake, Amen. 1 Kings 15:1-2 Father, "take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee... Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine." Make me a channel of your love, grace, and peace. Amen. 1 Kings 15:9-14 Lord God, be our true Father and make us your adopted children. Give us the courage to break from the sinful patterns around us. Fill us with your grace. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Kings 15:25-16:20 Father, forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours is the power and the glory forever. Amen. 1 Kings 16:29-34; 18:1-6 Father, thank you for the Obadiahs at work in your world. As you hold all things in your hands, help us to use our hands to serve you well. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 1 Kings 18:16-39 Lord, take my hand, and lead me to follow you. Conquer my doubts and fears. Help me to trust you with my life, knowing you gave up yours for me. Receive me, Jesus. Amen. 1 Kings 21:17-29 Father, I am often like Ahab. I am so sinful, but I am also sorry for my sins. In your mercy, please forgive me, Lord, and help me to be more like Jesus. In his name I pray. Amen. 1 Kings 22:1-23 Father, forgive my sins. Save me; restore me; change me. Fill me with your Spirit of truth and help me live faithfully for you each day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 2 Kings 2:1-12 Lord Jesus, live in me now. Take my heart and rule me today. And, Lord, take me home someday to be with you in the Father's presence forever. In your name, O Lord, Amen. 2 Kings 2:7-14 Father, show me some examples I can follow. Give me the courage to be like them. Anoint me, Lord. Fill me with your Spirit to become like Jesus. In his name I pray. Amen. 2 Kings 4:1-7 Father, I bring you my empty heart. Please, please, fill it with your love, so that I may serve you. Fill me with your Spirit, Lord, so that I may live for you. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2 Kings 5:1-15 Forgive my pride, Father. Wash me; show me how to take up my cross and follow you. Lead me in Jesus, I pray, to serve you and others, following Jesus' example. Amen. 2 Kings 9:1-29 Lord, I'm scared. But I'll do it. I hear you calling. Take my hand, and pull me deeper in service to you. Give me the wisdom I need to live for you--whatever it takes. In Jesus, Amen. 2 Kings 9:14-37 Father, deliver me from evil. Protect me when I am too weak to protect myself. Stay near me, Lord, and keep me and my loved ones safe in your care. Through Jesus alone, Amen. 2 Kings 11:1-3 Heavenly Father, make me able to bless your children. Help me to raise them up in your ways. Make me brave, wise, and strong for your sake. In Jesus, Amen. 2 Kings 12:1-16 Lord, this is it. I'm starting now. Help me to follow through and accomplish what you've laid on my heart to do. Help us all serve you faithfully as your people. In Jesus, Amen. 2 Kings 13:1-9 Father, show me. Lead me out from my slavery to sin. Teach me to see the beauty of your work around me, and within me. Guide me into the thrilling life of your kingdom! Amen. 2 Kings 15:1-7 Dear Lord, live within me, and do your holy and divine work there. Keep me from pride and from selfishness. Help me to put you first in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2 Kings 17:1-23 Father, change my destiny. Turn me back from the path to hell. Forgive me, and show me a new way to live. Lead me to a good church and to heaven, I pray. In Jesus, Amen. 2 Kings 18:1-12; 19:9-19 Father, give me the courage to lay open my life before you. You see me and know me. Teach me how to pray, Lord, and give me the discipline to make it a habit. In Jesus, Amen. 2 Chronicles 29:1-10, 25-28 Lord, I want to worship you. Help me to learn and grow. Thank you for the instructions about putting you first in worship. Help me to follow you faithfully. You are my God! Amen. 2 Chronicles 30:1, 15-20 Father, sometimes I head off in the wrong direction even though I really do want to serve you. Thank you for your mercy. Build up my faith and give me your wisdom, I pray. Amen. 2 Chronicles 29:3-5, 11 Father, keep my eye on the call. Help me to see how you want me to serve, and to fulfill your will in the roles and tasks you have given me. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2 Chronicles 30:21-27 Lord, give me the eyes to see the good in your people, and give me genuine words of encouragement so that I can help strengthen others. In your name I pray. Amen. 2 Kings 22:1-13 Father, there is so much about you that I don't understand. Help me to read your Word, and learn, and grow. Store up your truth in my soul, and help me to obey. In Jesus, Amen. 2 Kings 23:1-16 Father, help me to see with your sight what needs to be removed. Help me break free of the sins and sinful junk that still cling to my heart. Thank you. For Jesus' sake, Amen. 2 Kings 25 Father, take over the throne of my life. Lead me out of my prison of sin. Speak kindly to me each day, and help me to hear and obey. Thank you! For Jesus' sake, Amen. Genesis 2:8-9; 3:21-24 Thank you, Lord God, for bringing us into your holy presence again. Help us to live holy, faithful lives through the power of your Spirit in us, for Jesus, our Savior's sake. Amen. Leviticus 1:1-2 We give thanks for your Word, O Lord. Help us to hear your voice so that we may walk in the light of your grace. Help us listen to your words and live by them. In Jesus, Amen. Leviticus 1:1-9 "Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon you? It is my treason, Lord, that has undone you. 'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied you; I crucified you." In your name, Amen. Leviticus 1:10-13 Lord, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices to you, out of gratitude for all Christ has done to save us. Thank you for assuring us that our debt is paid through Jesus Christ. Amen. Leviticus 4:13-21 Lord, purify us from everything that contaminates body and spirit; perfect our holiness out of reverence for Christ. Help us discern wisdom from folly, for your sake. Amen. Leviticus 6:8-14 I believe, heavenly Father; help me depend on the work of the Holy Spirit to purify my efforts at living for you, and to keep me rooted in true faith for Jesus' sake. Amen. Leviticus 8:31-36 Thank you, Father, for bringing us into your presence through Christ. Help us also to support those whom you've placed in special service among your people. In Jesus, Amen. Leviticus 9:22-24 Grant your servants peace, O Lord, for we have seen your salvation. Strengthen us to serve you faithfully and patiently--and please, come, Lord Jesus. Please come again. Amen. Leviticus 10:1-3 Wash me, O Lord; cleanse me from wrongdoing, that my worship may be true and acceptable in your sight. Lead me in paths of righteousness for your name's sake. Amen. Leviticus 10:8-11 O Lord, keep us clean in heart, mind, and soul so that in our worship and our work we may glorify you truly. In all our actions may we be your faithful servants. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Leviticus 11:41-47 Guard my heart in worship today, O Lord, that I may be clean. May my words and deeds let others know I serve you first in all I do each day. For Jesus' sake. Amen. Leviticus 13:9-17 Lord Jesus, I want "to be perfectly whole, I want you forever to live in my soul." Wash me, Lord, that I may be clean, wholly prepared to live for you. In your name, Amen. Lev. 15:32-33; Mark 5:21-43 Cleanse me, O Lord, from all my sins. Wash me and make me whole. Shine into the dark places of my heart and fill them with your presence, I pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. Leviticus 16:15-19, 29-33 Lord, have mercy on me, an unclean sinner from birth. Thank you for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, who died to cover all our sin and to give us a new, clean life. In his name, Amen. Leviticus 16:20-28, 34 Turn our eyes toward Jesus, O Lord, that our faith may be patient as we await his coming again. Assure us and strengthen us to spread this good news while we can. Amen. Leviticus 17:1-9 Thank you, Lord, for the blood of Christ poured out at the cross for the forgiveness of my sin and the sin of the whole world. Thank you that no other blood is necessary. Amen. Leviticus 17:10-16 Lord, wean us from any beliefs we have in luck or magic to help us. Wash us clean, Lord, so we can believe in the truth of your forgiveness, love, and guidance. In Jesus, Amen. Leviticus 18:1-5 Lord Jesus, help us root our lives not in the promises of this world, but only in your Word. Give us the wisdom to know truth from falsehood and to trust in you. Amen. Leviticus 18:6-9, 24-30 Lord, we offer you our ears and tongues--our entire bodies--as living sacrifices for service in your world. Help us to treat ourselves, others, and all creation with honor for your sake. Amen. Leviticus 19:1-18 Lord, I want to be holy; help me overcome my unholiness. By your Spirit help me to reflect your holiness each day as you make me more like Jesus. For his sake, Amen. Leviticus 20:7-14, 22-26 For the sake of Christ's suffering and death, O Lord, help me to grow in holiness, becoming more like Jesus. Thank you for coming to live among us and to give us new life. Amen. Leviticus 21:1-9 Holy, holy, holy, are you, Lord God Almighty. The whole earth is full of your glory. Accept our sacrifice of praise today, O Lord. Fill us with your holy presence. Amen. Leviticus 21:10-12 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? ... Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." In his name we pray. Amen. Leviticus 22:17-33 Thank you, heavenly Father, for covering our sin with the precious blood of Christ, the Lamb without blemish or defect. Help us to give our all in service to you. Amen. Leviticus 23:1-8, 39-44 Thank you for our times of weekly worship, O Lord, and for other times of celebrating your goodness and care for us always. May we rest in you every day. In Jesus, Amen. Leviticus 25:8-13 All that we have is yours, O Lord, a gift from you through Christ. Help us to be faithful stewards of all you give us, and to share of the bounties of your land with others. Amen. Leviticus 26:1-13 O Lord, keep us walking with heads held high, thanking you for your goodness and sharing it with others so that all may know of your favor, through Christ. Amen. Leviticus 26:14-17, 40-45 O Lord, I confess my guilt. I have defiled your gifts. Forgive me and renew me, I pray. Thank you for your everlasting faithfulness and your great salvation. In Jesus' name, Amen. Proverbs 3:5-6 Our Lord, we are lost and disoriented without you. That's why we turn to you for direction in our spiritual journey. Guide us and make our path straight, we pray. Amen. John 6:57-58 Our Father, we praise you for sending your Son. He is our only reliable source of spiritual nutrition and life everlasting. Continue feeding us on our daily spiritual journey! Amen. John 4:7-15 Lord, thank you for spiritually refreshing our souls with living water through Jesus and by your Spirit. Help us to share this wonderful gift with all the thirsty people we meet. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Our heavenly Father, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ! In him we become a new creation. Bless our ministry for your sake as Christ's faithful ambassadors. Amen. Romans 13:11-14 Our Father, cleanse our hearts from sin so that we may clothe ourselves with Christ's grace, love, and goodness. Help us to be your faithful followers and witnesses! Amen. John 8:31-36 Heavenly Father, we praise you for the liberating message of the gospel! Open our hearts and minds to your truth. Give us strength as we seek to hold to Christ's teaching. Amen. Hebrews 3:12-14 Father, we praise you for faithful believers who have encouraged us in our daily journey of faith. Give us your love so that we may become godly encouragers to others. Amen. Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 Our searching and knowing God, please guide us on our path as we walk with you. Help us to be your faithful followers in good times and bad. In Jesus' name, Amen. Hebrews 6:13-20 Our heavenly Father, thank you for your firm promise of salvation in Jesus Christ! Make us, your children, worthy of your fatherly promise, as we go about serving you! Amen. John 15:18-27 Our Father, we praise you for your Spirit, who comforts us when we are rejected or persecuted because of your name. Help us witness to people who don't know you. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Father, thank you for giving us your holy Scriptures! Regardless of our age, help us study your Word daily so we can become wise for salvation through faith in Jesus. Amen. Psalm 139:23-24 Lord, as we study the Scriptures, open our eyes to the truth about you and about ourselves. Heal us with your inspired Word and lead us "in the way everlasting." Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Almighty God, we are weak, but you are strong. Please make us your faithful disciples. Give us the strength and wisdom we need in order to serve you faithfully. Amen. Ephesians 1:3-6 Our heavenly Father, how excited we are to be, through adoption, your sons and daughters in Jesus Christ! Help us to respond with love to your love. Amen. Deuteronomy 31:7-8 Father, we thank you for your firm promise to never leave us. Help us to always be strong and courageous in our daily spiritual journey. In Christ we pray! Amen. Psalm 97:1, 9-12 Lord, your loving reign makes us joyful. We praise you for guarding our lives and delivering us from evil! Be with us on our journey of faith, as we continue serving you. Amen. Mark 12:41-44 Father, we praise you for your generous gift of salvation through your Son. Give us the generous spirit of that widow as we live out our gratitude to you. Amen. Genesis 2:1-3 Our Father, we need your wisdom to follow the healthy patterns of work and spiritual rest. Help us to stop running so that we can take time for you. In Jesus, Amen. 1 John 3:16-20 Lord, we praise you for your salvation in Christ! In him you have shown us what true love is. Teach us how to love not only with words but also with tangible actions! Amen. 2 Corinthians 4:7, 13-15 Our Father, despite all our weaknesses and imperfections, you give us a great calling. Help us to tell others about the hope we have in you. Use us for your glory, not ours. Amen. John 10:7-10 Father, we praise you for the full life you have given us in Jesus Christ. Because of his death we can live. Help us to tell others about his wonderful gift of purposeful life. Amen. John 8:12-18 Father, thank you for sending your bright light into our dark world. In Christ's light we see not only our sinfulness but also your glorious salvation. Shine, Jesus, shine! Amen. Deuteronomy 4:25-31 Our heavenly Father, forgive us for promises that we made to you and then broke. By your Holy Spirit teach us to be fully committed to you, and guide us each day. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Peter 2:1-3 Lord, help us get rid of any negative attitudes we might have. Renew in us a sense of wonder and excitement in our walk with you. Nourish us by your Word and Spirit. Amen. 1 Peter 1:3-9 Lord, we praise you for the living hope that we have in your Son's resurrection. Thank you that in good times and bad we can lean on this great truth: Christ is risen! Amen. Isaiah 41:9-10 Lord, thank you for being with us even when we go through difficult times. Your love comforts us, and your presence gives us strength. Praise be to you always! Amen. Matthew 6:19-21 Our Father, help us to be good stewards of our earthly possessions. Guard our souls against greed, and give us wisdom as we gather treasures in heaven. Amen. Revelation 2:8-11 Our heavenly Father, in this world of unfaithfulness encourage us to be always faithful. Help us to endure as we press on toward the eternal life you have prepared for us. Amen. Matthew 5:43-48 Lord, in the bright light of your perfection we see our own imperfections. Fill us with your Spirit, we pray, so we may learn how to love others, even our enemies! In Jesus, Amen. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Father, every hour on this earth is a preparation for meeting you. Lead us always in your ways, and make us worthy in Christ to receive your crown of righteousness. Amen. John 14:1-4 Our Father, what a joy it is to know that Jesus has prepared a place for us in your presence! Help us to overcome our worries and to trust in you fully as we journey with you. Amen. Luke 19:28-40 "Lord, [we] lift your name on high," praising you for fulfilling your mission as Savior. Father in heaven, we praise you for sending your Son to set us free. In his name, Amen. Luke 19:1-10 Lord Jesus, take our hand and lead us to the Father, that we might have life and have it in great abundance. Fill us with your life and keep us in your care forever, we pray. Amen. Romans 3:21-26 Lord Jesus, help us to see that we are lost and desperate. We need to place all of our trust in you. Take hold of us, we pray, and never let us go. In your name we pray. Amen. Romans 5:1-11 Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, take our sins away, we pray. Thank you for proving your love to us and filling our deepest need. Amen. Romans 5:12-21 Lord Jesus, you are our only hope. You alone can rescue us from death and bring us into eternal life. Thank you for setting this joy before us. In your name we pray. Amen. Romans 3:21-26 Lord Jesus, we thank you for becoming one with us and taking on the punishment we de?served. Thank you, Lord God, for forgiving us through Jesus' gift of his life for ours. Amen. Romans 6:1-4 Dear Lord, may we die daily to sin and be alive to you. Help us not to take your grace for granted, but to remember who we are--and how much you've given for us. Amen. Matthew 28:1-10 Gracious God, as you raised Jesus Christ, raise us also in him and give us a great confidence in your victory through him, our Lord and Savior. In his name, Amen. Mark 16:1-8 Lord Jesus, may your glorious resurrection satisfy us completely. Help us to reflect on it thoughtfully, making it a part of our everyday living for your sake. Amen. Colossians 1:1-14 Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see Jesus, our Savior, and give us his eyes to see our neighbor so that in all things we may imitate him. In his name we pray. Amen. Colossians 1:1-8 Dear God, as you love us, may we love one another. Help us to follow your example by desiring to give in order to bless. Help us to build one another up for your sake. Amen. Colossians 1:1-6; 1 John 3:1-3 Lord Jesus, you have gone to prepare a place for us. Prepare us now for that place. In the wonderful hope of glory, empower us to live in faith and love each day. Amen. Colossians 1:15-23 Lord Jesus, you are so much more than any of us can imagine. Glory and honor, praise and adoration, now and forevermore be yours! We pray in your matchless name. Amen. Hebrews 1:1-3 Lord Jesus, you came not only to reveal the Father to us but also to bring us to the Father. May we follow you always. In your saving name we pray. Amen. Colossians 1:24-2:5 Lord Jesus, may all that we do today, whether in word or deed, be done in your name, giving thanks to God the Father through you. In your name we pray. Amen. Colossians 2:6-8 Lord Jesus, may we not wander from you today. May all our thoughts be subject to you, and may all our decisions be pleasing to you. May we be deeply rooted in you. Amen. Colossians 3:1-11 Lord Jesus, because you claim us as your very own, we would set our affections on the things that please you. Renew us in your image as our Creator and Savior, we pray. Amen. Colossians 3:5-11 Lord Jesus, we want you on the throne of our lives to guide us in all our decisions, all we think, say, and do. Be the Lord of our lives, we pray. In your name, Amen. Colossians 3:12-14 Dear God, as your beloved people in Christ, enable us each day to clothe ourselves in your likeness. Help us to live faithfully by your way of love. In Jesus' name, Amen. Colossians 3:12-17 Lord Jesus, may we be mindful of your presence so that whatever we do, we do it in your name with thanksgiving, wisdom, and peace bound together with love. Amen. Colossians 4:2-6 Almighty God, enable us through your Spirit to keep the lines of communication open with you, that we may be watchful, wise, and effective in the way we act toward others. Amen. Colossians 4:2-9 Lord God, may we be alert to opportunities to show and tell of your marvelous goodness. May our conversations be always full of grace and seasoned with salt. In your name, Amen. Colossians 4:2-6, 10-18 Lord Jesus, you are full of grace and truth. By your Spirit, may your grace and truth guide us today. Help us to live wisely, depending on you always. In your name, Amen. John 1:43-51 Lord Jesus, may we so live our lives together as believers that it disarms the skeptic and reveals your grace and truth. Encourage us to keep inviting others to meet you. Amen. John 11:17-27 Lord Jesus, we believe you are the Lord over all of life and death and that with you we are more than conquerors. In your hands we are safe, no matter what happens. Amen. Isaiah 40:12-26 Almighty God, you are greater than we can imagine. Forgive us when we think of you as small and unimportant. Enable us to know you truly, we pray. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 40:27-31 Lord Jesus, you have unveiled to us the heart of God. In your strength we will hope in the Lord always, knowing that God loves us even more than we can fathom. Amen. Psalm 138 Dear God, we join the whole company of saints in heaven and on earth in praising you. You are great, O Lord; your name and your word are exalted above all things! Amen. Hebrews 6:9-20 Dear God, you are faithful and true to your Word. We have seen your faithfulness in Christ and in the ordinary graces of everyday life. May it strengthen us to faithfulness. Amen. Psalm 8 Lord God, you entrust us with the care of your creation. As your redeemed people, grant us the wisdom to be good rulers, in Jesus' name. Amen. 1 Peter 2:4-10 Father in heaven, thank you for calling us "out of darkness into [your] wonderful light." Help us remember who we are and what we have become, by your grace. 1 Peter 2:9-12 Lord, help us to declare your praises wherever you have placed us. Help us to see your purpose for our lives, and make us faithful in our calling. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Dear God, thank you for your amazing grace. Please help us to become reflectors of your grace in this world, showing your love to everyone, including our enemies. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Corinthians 4:1-7 Father in heaven, please help us to remember that all we are and have and ever will be are because of your grace in our lives. In Jesus' name we thank you. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Lord, we ask that you will give your grace to everyone who needs it in a special way today. Help us to trust in you. Fill us with your peace, we pray. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Lamentations 3:19-26 "Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!" In Jesus' name, Amen. Nehemiah 1:4-11 "O LORD, God of heaven," we confess the sins we have committed against you. Please forgive us for Jesus' sake and renew us to be your people. In your name we pray. Amen. Psalm 130 Lord, thank you for not keeping a record of our sins. Thank you for the assurance that because of Jesus you will never hold our sins against us. In his name we pray. Amen. Matthew 25:14-21 Father, thank you for the many people in your church who serve faithfully. Encourage them with your promises, and help us all to build your church for Jesus' sake. Amen. Luke 21:1-4 Lord, thank you for the many believers who give out of their poverty. Bless them, O Lord, and help us all to give generously for your sake, knowing your great love for us. Amen. Psalm 40:1-5 Father, we thank you for showing us some of your wonders in many different ways. Thank you for the people you use to show your grace in unexpected places. In Jesus, Amen. Philippians 4:4-7 Lord, sometimes it seems almost impossible for us to rejoice. Help us to understand that only in and through your Holy Spirit can we possibly learn to rejoice in you. Amen. Psalm 100 Father in heaven, thank you for the privilege of being able to worship you. Holy Spirit, fill us with your joy so that we can come together with gladness. To your glory, Amen. Isaiah 40:21-31 Lord our God, help us to see clearly the work of your awesome power in our world, and help us to rejoice in it. Help us to trust in you each day. In Jesus' name, Amen. Acts 5:17-32, 41 Father in heaven, today we pray for brothers and sisters who are being persecuted because they love you. Give them the grace to persevere, in your name. Isaiah 65:17-25 Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Come as soon as possible to bring about the new heavens and new earth. In the meantime, help us to trust and serve you faithfully each day. Matthew 16:13-20 Lord, thank you for your promise to build your church despite changes that may come. Help us to trust in your strength and guidance for your church. In your name, Amen. Romans 12:1-8 Lord our God, give us the grace each day to give our lives fully to you as an offering of thanks, celebrating all you have done for us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Acts 2:42-47 Father in heaven, we thank you for your church. Help us become what you want us to be, following your Spirit's leading and wisdom in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen. Galatians 6:1-10 Lord God, open our eyes to see the burdens of others, and move us to care and compassion, giving us insight and strength to help lighten people's loads. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Acts 12:5-17 Father in heaven, make us faithful in prayer so that we can experience your powerful work in our lives and in our world. Fill us with your strength for Jesus' sake. Amen. Luke 11:9-13 Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Grant us your wisdom, grace, and power for Jesus' sake. Acts 1:6-11 Holy Spirit, empower us to be your witnesses wherever we are. Help us to make a difference in this world for you. Grant us your wisdom and courage each day. In Jesus, Amen. Mark 1:14-20 Lord, we thank you for the privilege of allowing us to be your partners in fishing. Help us to be faithful in our calling, and guide our churches to win people for Christ. Amen. John 4:4-14, 31-35 Lord, some of us have missed many opportunities to offer the water of life in your name. Please open our eyes to see such opportunities, and help us to reach out. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 12:1-9 Father in heaven, we thank you for the way you have blessed us. Help us never to forget that we are blessed to be a blessing. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Romans 12:3-8 Lord, we thank you for the gifts you have entrusted to us. Help us to use them and to encourage others to use their gifts for you. May we all glorify you for Jesus' sake. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 Father in heaven, thank you for reminding us that your power is without limit. Please fill us with your power, and work in us to trust in you completely. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2 Peter 3:14-19 Lord Jesus, by the power of your Spirit help us to grow in grace so that we can become reflectors of your grace for the people around us. In your name we pray. Amen. Revelation 7:9-12 Lord, help us to grow more and more into the vision you have for your church. Show us how we can welcome and include all who want to serve you. In Jesus' name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, 58 Lord, thank you for your promise that whatever we do will not be in vain. Help us to carry on in the power of your Spirit, that in all we do we may glorify you. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 2:19-22 Father, thank you for building your house and inviting us to live and work with you in it. We pray that you will continue to bless and guide your church. In Jesus' name, Amen. Acts 2:38-42 Father, may we experience the devotion that characterized the first Christians. May your Spirit so empower us that we become fully devoted to you. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Dear God, speak to us through your Word. May it be a lamp to light the way to you. Fill us, Lord, with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Christ, our risen Lord, we pray. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Lord, teach us to obey. Break down our resistance, soften our hearts, and allow us to experience full life in you. Fill us with your grace, we pray. Amen. John 13:31-34 Jesus, loving is not always easy. But you love us unconditionally. Fill us with your love so that we can love our neighbors as you have loved us. In your power, Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Father, we thank you for your gift of grace. Our hope, our joy, and our salvation depend on grace--the gift of your Son, Jesus. Help us to live each day in your grace. Amen. Acts 20:27-35 Lord, we give you thanks for providing your church with pastors. Strengthen and encourage them in your work. In the name of our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Revelation 19:5-9 Lord Jesus, prepare us for the day of your return. Your bride is preparing for her wedding day. Come, Lord; come quickly. In your name we pray. Amen. Psalm 19:1-6 Father, Creator, Lord of all, we worship you for the heavens that declare your glory. Fill us with a renewed sense of awe at who you are and what you have done. Acts 2:43-47 Jesus, we long for the day when our fellowship mirrors the perfect community you have with your Father and the Spirit. Help us build true fellowship within our churches. Amen. John 17:20-26 Jesus, we pray that in your power and grace we may experience complete union with you and your church, so that all may know you are the Savior of the world. Amen. 1 John 3:1-10 Father God, thank you for granting us the privilege of calling you our Father. Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice your Son so that we might be your children. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Jesus, your body, the church, is wonderfully made. We praise you for making each one of us a part of your body. May we be a blessing to your church and to your world. Amen. Act 2:44-45 Father, you have given us so much. You have sacrificed your own Son for us. Fill our hearts and lives with a spirit of gratitude and generosity, we pray. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Psalm 95:1-7 Great Shepherd of your sheep, we worship you. We honor you, for you are worthy of all glory, praise, and adoration. May your name be glorified today. For Jesus' sake, Amen. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:4-7 Lord, thank you for chasing us down and bringing us home again. Thank you that you care about every one of us and that you were willing to die for us. In your name, Amen. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Father, thank you for inviting us to break bread with you and with each other. Fill us and nourish us by your Spirit with the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11 Jesus, we praise you for inviting us to your table and allowing us to partake of yourself. May we be nourished in such a way that we reflect you and your love. Amen. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:7-11 Father God, give us the strength and power to endure the suffering and pain of following Jesus. Help us to meet such trials with thanks and joy in Jesus. In his name, Amen. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 8:12-25 Lord, in a world of the instant, give us patience to wait for you. Grant us endurance as we await the fullness of your glory. May your kingdom come. Amen. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:15-20 Father, give us courage and wisdom as we seek to restore broken relationships in our lives. May we bring Christ's redemptive power into the lives of everyone around us. Amen. Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it? I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the Lord, whose name is The God of hosts. Amos 5:18-27 Lord, forgive us for our uncaring attitudes about unrighteousness in the world around us. Give us the willingness and courage to bring justice into your world. In Jesus, Amen. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. Romans 10:13-18 Father, you have called us to proclaim and spread the good news of Christ. Prepare our hearts to be open to your call. The harvest is ripe. Send forth reapers, Lord. Amen. Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. The Lord God, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him. Isaiah 56:1-8 Father, we adore you; we confess we are undeserving; we thank you for your grace and lift our needs before you--for you alone are our help and provision. In Jesus, Amen. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 Lord God, thank you that no matter what the situation or circumstances, we have the assurance that you are with us and that you are always listening. In Jesus' name, Amen. And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD. 1 Samuel 3 Speak, Lord; we are listening. Remove the roadblocks to understanding your concerns for us. Give us ears to hear your truth and wisdom, we pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw [that], he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which [belongeth] to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I [am] not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise [and] eat. And he looked, and, behold, [there was] a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise [and] eat; because the journey [is] too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD [came] to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; [but] the LORD [was] not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; [but] the LORD [was] not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it], that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 1 Kings 19:1-18 Father, thank you for surprising us with your love and grace. Quiet our voices, our hearts, and our lives so that we can hear your gentle whisper--and listen. In Jesus' name, Amen. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Jesus, we praise you for being our Savior and our God. We thank you for calling us to be your disciples. Fill us with the will and ability to show your grace to others. Amen. When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. Matthew 16:13-20 Lord God, we praise you for your church. Thank you for inviting us to be a part of it. Bless it and make it strong and faithful, filled with the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:42-47 Father, in the strength of Jesus we pray that we may follow the example of the early church and continually devote ourselves to the basics of life in Christ. Amen. So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein [there is] life, [I have given] every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Genesis 1:27-2:3 O God who made us, help me to know who you are and what it means that I have been made in your image. Help me to know myself by my connection to you and others. Amen. And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where [art] thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I [was] naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest [to be] with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What [is] this [that] thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Genesis 3:6-13; Acts 17:24-28 Dear God, often we sense your "otherness" and confess your holiness before we hear you call our names. Help us to know your love that seeks each of us, and to seek you. Amen. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:13-21; 17:1-3 Lord Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Help us to find true life today in our relationship with you and your Father. In your name we pray. Amen. Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where [art] thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I [was] naked; and I hid myself. Genesis 3:1-10 Lord, it's so easy to define our faith by talking about the good we do or the bad we avoid. Help me to see today what my choices and behavior say about you in my life. Amen. What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips: Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet [are] swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery [are] in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:9-20 Dear God, at times I can be too accepting of my sin: I'm okay with it, and others seem okay with me. Please help me to reflect on and understand how it affects you. Amen. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10 Lord Jesus, help me to understand my need so that I may understand your gift. Please work the "marrow" of your salvation in my life, and draw me near to God. Amen. (A Psalm of David, Maschil.) Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalm 32 Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us an ever-renewed relationship with our God. By your Spirit, help us daily to come to you for cleansing. In your name we pray. Amen. But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying, Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:34-40 Lord, at times love sounds so easy, and other times it sounds like a lot of talk. Help me see where I need to be in loving you, and give me the strength to grow in it. In Jesus, Amen. To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. He that [is] so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree [that] will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, [that] shall not be moved. Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? [It is] he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof [are] as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [things], that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that [he is] strong in power; not one faileth. Isaiah 40:18-26 Almighty God, believing you exist is no huge feat. Valuing you as my one and only God is much more difficult. Please show me how I am doing and where I may change. Amen. But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God: Exodus 34:13-14 Dear God, I want to know you and not be stuck in my boxed ideas of you. I don't want to confine you to what I need or to my comfort level. Help me see you as you are. Amen. And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father [was] an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish [woman] and a man of Israel strove together in the camp; And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name [of the LORD], and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name [was] Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard [him] lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, [and] all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name [of the LORD], shall be put to death. Leviticus 24:10-16 Lord, we don't want to use your name loosely or wrongly, even when we use it religiously. Help us to use your name only with respect in connection with you. Amen. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it]. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh [day] on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this [place] again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:1-11 Lord, we are busy people. Sometimes we love it, and other times we hate it. Help us to understand the Sabbath you intend for us; teach us when and how to rest. In Jesus, Amen. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Ephesians 6:1-9 You call us, Lord, to honor parents not for what they have done but for who they are, even if they are not easy to love. Help us do that well, for your, their, and our sake. Amen. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. Matthew 5:21-26 Thank you, Lord, for life. I want to see others as people whose lives are special. Help me to fight against any way in which I may be snuffing out life. In Jesus' name, Amen. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them]. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:3-20 Lord, we all have some connection to marriage, even if we're not married. Help spouses pursue faithfulness in love; help us all to honor our covenants without pretense. Amen. Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, [say they], and thou seest not? [wherefore] have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as [ye do this] day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday: Isaiah 58:1-10 Thank you, Lord, for good gifts I enjoy. If I have what belongs to others, or if I have become insensitive to being a faithful steward, please press that on my heart. Amen. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:17-25 Lord, even though we may be solidly against outright lies, it's hard at times not to be deceptive. Help us to honor others with honesty and to speak the truth in love. Amen. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:3-10 Lord, we can struggle between desires that lead us to work hard and desires that only make us unhappy and restless. Please help me pursue godliness with contentment. Amen. Men [and] brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. Acts 2:29-41 Lord, at times we can reduce our faith to some religious rituals or practices. Thank you that you have called us to belong to you and your people. Help me to live by that. Amen. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-26 Lord, at times we mistake what you intend. Help us to know your call to communion as an invitation to union with Christ and with your people. For Jesus' sake, Amen. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:9-14 Lord, some people's lives clearly show why they need you. I know I'm one of them, but I don't always see it. Please show me so that I may genuinely come to you. Amen. And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that [was] upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, [and] behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. And the women answered [one another] as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed [but] thousands: and [what] can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. 1 Samuel 18:1-9 Lord Jesus, at times my eyes tell me I don't measure up in ways that I would like. Help me to see who I am through your eyes. Help me to strive for your grace and peace. Amen. Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:12-27 Dear God, anger is a powerful but scary emotion. Please heal any wounds I may bear because of someone else's anger, and help me to root out wrongful anger in my heart. Amen. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:19-24 Lord, I admit that at times I don't want to face the truth about greed in my life. Help me direct my heart to find its real treasure in you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Romans 1:18-32 Lord, sexual sin is all around; it's close to our hearts. Please help me not simply to fight lust but also to pursue love the way you intended. Help me to find love first in you. Amen. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved. Philippians 3:12-4:1 Lord Jesus, thank you for food that nurtures and for the gift of taste. Help me to use and enjoy these as you intend, and to help others experience the same. In your name, Amen. (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me]. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted [with] all my ways. For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. [Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there]. [If] I take the wings of the morning, [and] dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light [are] both alike [to thee]. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:1-16, 23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart ... See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Help me also see that you're with me in this. In Jesus, Amen. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. 1 John 1:5-2:2 Lord Jesus, repentance is hard because it means dealing honestly with my guilt and then working hard to change. Help me fix my eyes on you to lead me through. Amen. (A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.) O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. Psalm 63 "O God, you are my God." I seek you, and so I pray. Guide me to cultivate a thirst for you, and to long for you in this dry and weary world. Fill me with your water of life. Amen. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 Dear God, I know my behavior and integrity can make a difference in how someone else sees you. Help me through my life to point others to you. In Jesus' name, Amen. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:1-7 Lord, I pray that you will sanctify me through and through, and that you will do what needs to be done in me. Lead me in the way everlasting, I pray. For Jesus' sake, Amen. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body. James 3:1-2 Jesus, we are sometimes surprised by the seasons that unfold in our personal lives. Help us to learn well the lessons you want to teach us. Open us to your grace and Spirit. Amen. Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1 Holy Spirit, remove the doubts that sometimes enter our minds about our Father's love. Give us the joy of the good news of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell. Matthew 5:27-30 Lord Jesus, we look forward to offering you all glory, honor, praise, and adoration forever. Help us to offer you pure and holy living, in the strength of your Spirit. Amen. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:1-8 Holy Spirit, give us humility and wisdom to know that we depend on our Lord Jesus for everything and that we find fulfillment only in staying connected to him. Amen. Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice [is] to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth [are] in righteousness; [there is] nothing froward or perverse in them. They [are] all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Proverbs 8:1-11 Holy Spirit, make us wise. Help us to keep our work, wealth, and possessions in proper perspective. Help us to use your Word to set our priorities for the week ahead. Amen. Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord [were] with the prophet that [is] in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. And [one] went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that [is] of the land of Israel. And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of raiment. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have [therewith] sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy. And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, [Am] I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. And it was [so], when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. [Are] not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 2 Kings 5:1-14 Holy Spirit of God, your ways are not always as we expect or want them to be. Help us to submit to your leading, and to receive the new life you prepare for us. Amen. And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way. But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, [as] the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw [him] running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, [Is] all well? And he said, All [is] well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid [them] upon two of his servants; and they bare [them] before him. And when he came to the tower, he took [them] from their hand, and bestowed [them] in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence [comest thou], Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow. 2 Kings 5:19-27 Our Father and Master, help us in our struggles with the sinful attitudes that lie within us. In all that we do, help us to concentrate on your miracle of healing grace. Amen. And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that confirmeth not [all] the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27:14-26 Father God, we confess to you what you already know--the sins we try to hide. Forgive all our sins, including the secret ones, we pray, and turn us back to your ways. Amen. Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth [it] empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. Matthew 12:38-45 Holy Spirit, fill us with your breath, your wind, and your cleansing fire; may our hearts be your home. We pray in the name of the Savior, who sent you. Amen. And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, [his] coat of [many] colours that [was] on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit [was] empty, [there was] no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit [is it] if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he [is] our brother [and] our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. Genesis 37:23-28 Father God, help those of us who are business people and managers and employers--as well as all the rest of us--to treat those around us as your children, made in your image. Amen. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them]. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Ephesians 5:3-14 Our Father, let the light of your Son shine on us. Following the example of Jesus our brother, may we live as your children--children of light. In Jesus' name, Amen. Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find [them] so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Luke 12:35-40 Lord our God, may no part of day or night be free from sacredness, but may all our life, every step and every day, be in fellowship with you. In the name of Jesus, Amen. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:14-17 Infinitely giving Father God, we do not have enough thanks to offer you for the gift of salvation that cost you so much. Still, we do offer our thanks. In Jesu mighty name, Amen. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:9-17 Father, "listen to your children praying." Send your Holy Spirit on us today, that we may have confidence to receive your love, power, and grace. In our brother Jesus' name, Amen. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. John 15:9-17 Lord Jesus, our Master, Teacher, Savior, and adoptive brother and friend--what a friend we have in you! Hear the praise of our prayers, and help us to show your love. Amen. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 God our Father, thank you that we can all come to you through the finished work of your Son, Jesus Christ, who died to break down every barrier resulting from sin. Amen. For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. Deuteronomy 30:11-20 Our Father, the choice you lay before us should not be difficult. But we need your Spirit alive in our hearts and minds to choose wisely and to live in obedience to you. Amen. And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:11-19 Lord, you have saved us from a fate far worse than leprosy. Help us gratefully to give all praise to you. May we bring all the issues of life under your lordship and care. Amen. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Lord, help us to give generously out of gratitude for all you have done. Our gifts are small, but please bless them for the sake of your kingdom. In your name, Amen. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luke 7:36-50 Lord Jesus, we know that on our own we have nothing to offer. But may your Spirit continue to assure us that faith in you frees us from the debt of our sins. Amen. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. Luke 7:36-47 Jesus, confront us with the sins we have learned to hide or overlook or dismiss as minor compared to everybody else. Overcome our debt with your grace, we pray. Amen. Then Job answered and said, Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. Job 23:1-7 Father God, when things are desperate, we can only turn to you, and to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Hear our desperate prayers, we pray, in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen. Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. 2 Kings 4:1-7 Lord, help us to follow the command to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to see you in the hungry, thirsty, stranger, sick, or imprisoned. May we do your will. Amen. At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Matthew 18:1-5 Father, bless each child, of whatever age, that is reading or hearing these words today. Whatever our age, may we always come to you with childlike faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 Loving Jesus, strong Jesus, we thank you that you take us, your children, even in our weakness, and say to us, You belong to me; Hear our prayers, O Lord. Amen. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. Luke 24:50-53 Ascended Lord Jesus, we worship you with joy this Sunday, as our heavenly ruler, the Lord of lords and King of kings. Guide us by your Spirit each day, we pray. Amen. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord. There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous. Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the Lord is his refuge. Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. Psalm 14 Father God, guard us from the actions of people whose hearts and minds refuse to acknowledge that there is a God looking down on them from heaven. Amen. And Jeremiah said, The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee saying, Buy thee my field that is in Anathoth: for the right of redemption is thine to buy it. So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the Lord, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord. And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances. So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which was open: And I gave the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, in the sight of Hanameel mine uncle's son, and in the presence of the witnesses that subscribed the book of the purchase, before all the Jews that sat in the court of the prison. And I charged Baruch before them, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days. For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land. Jeremiah 32:6-15 Holy Spirit, give us wisdom, insight, and faith to devote our living, talents, and resources to the long-term cause of your kingdom. In King Jesus mighty name we pray. Amen. Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart. Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. Daniel 2:27-45 Our Father in heaven your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm 8 Creator God, so great and mighty, thank you for showing your greatness and might in the midst of your tender, fatherly care for each of us. To your majestic name be all praise. Amen. But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt. Psalm 71:14-24 Mighty God of all ages, help us all to share the testimony of what you have done for us through every generation. May the young and old and all others praise your name. Amen. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:1-10 Dear Lord, help us begin this day with you. Thank you for giving us what we need for each day. Give us our daily bread, we pray, and help us to work with you. In Jesus, Amen. And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Genesis 11:1-9 Lord Jesus, make me an instrument of your peace. Use my feeble efforts to spread your good news across my neighborhood. In your name I pray, O Prince of Peace. Amen. And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. Acts 9:1-19 Jesus, you care about the kind of person I am and how my work benefits others in your kingdom. Help me to enter into your rest as I work for your kingdom to come. Amen. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. Mark 1:14-20 Lord, help me to assess my value in terms of living for you. I need your courage to lead me and guide me into places where I can make a difference today. In your name, Amen. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14 Thank you, Jesus, for becoming one of us. Thank you for loving us more than we can imagine. Please make your home in us today, we pray. In your name, Amen. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:1-3 Dear Jesus, may our trust in you keep our hearts from being troubled and afraid, because you indeed have overcome the world. In your precious name we pray. Amen And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:16-30 Dear Jesus, break the chains that prevent my heart from following you. In your strength, help me to put aside anything that distracts me from you. In your name, Lord, Amen. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Acts 28:30-31 Dear Lord, give me boldness and courage to live my life for Jesus, both in times of constraint and in times of freedom. In the name of this precious Savior I pray. Amen. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:1-18 Father, as you test us through trials, may we ask for your wisdom, determination, and strength to stand. Build us up, we pray, in your power. In Jesus' name, Amen. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1 John 3:1-11 Lord, we cannot begin to comprehend the depth of your love for us. Help us to live into your generous, lavish love in and through Jesus, our brother and Savior. Amen. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. Isaiah 40:1-2 Lord, thank you for giving us second chances. Thank you for not giving up on us. Restore us to your service again, and guide us to be a light for you. In our Savior's name, Amen. And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:8-10 I believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Even though I may suffer and be called to die for his sake, through faith in him I will live again. To God be the glory! Amen! The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods. Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O Lord. For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. Psalm 97:1-9 Dear Lord, help us to see you as infinitely greater than any of us. We join in singing that "you are exalted far above all ..." Because you reign, we are glad. In Jesus, Amen. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:7-12 Lord Jesus, by your power, make us desperate to know you and eager to spend time with you. Help us to strengthen our relationship with you. In your name we pray. Amen. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:31-36 Jesus, I need your truth to set me free-free to serve you. Speak, Lord, and your servant will listen. Help me to know I can do all things in the strength you give. Amen. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:4-10 Lord, thank you for choosing me to declare your praises. Please continue your construction in my life, that I may become more and more like you. In your name, Amen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:1-5 Thank you, Jesus, for your precious mercy. Empower us to show mercy to our neighbors, friends, and enemies today. Help us to see how we can help others. Amen. And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. John 9:1-12 Dear Jesus, open our eyes so that we can see people as you see them-people in need of the Light of the world. May we also testify to your grace and power in our lives. Amen. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Ephesians 4:7-13 Dear Lord, help us to spend more time thanking you for your gifts to the church and less time complaining about the church. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4 Father, help me to surrender my life to you. May I embrace a life of dying and rising with you, serving you faithfully even when it's inconvenient. In the Savior's name, Amen. When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:1-14 Dear Jesus, give me the water that none of the world's resources can supply. I accept it with gratitude for your grace. Quench my thirst, Lord, with the water of eternal life. Amen. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:1-4 Lord of the church, keep our fellowship with you fresh and our fellowship with each other open, honest, and hospitable. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 Teach me, Jesus, to give of my resources with joy, thanksgiving, and grace. Help me to see where help is needed, and to give willingly and cheerfully for your sake. Amen. Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice. Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord's controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel. O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me. For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:1-8 Lord, thank you for these requirements that are not burdens to complain about but are wonderful ways for us to practice love for you and our neighbors. Amen. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:1-4 Dear Jesus, stay with us so that our hearts will not be troubled. Increase our trust in you and in your Word. Give us patience in hard times and gratitude when things go well. Amen. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:11-21 Thank you, Jesus, for placing people in my life to lovingly confront my hypocrisy. Help me to see that they are confronting in love, and help me to change for the better. Amen. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Ephesians 1:1-10 Jesus, "mold me and make me after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded, and still." For your great salvation, Lord, may I always be thankful and overflowing with praise. Amen. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry? So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? Jonah 4 Thank you, God, that grace is not just for me. May I seek grace for others as you have given grace to me. And may I show your grace by sharing your love. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:16-21 Dear Lord, may we tell others today about you-with our words, our actions, and our whole lives. May we live each day in the sure hope that you are coming soon. Amen. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Matthew 4:1-11 Thank you, Jesus, that it's not about me but about doing your will in your way. By your strength, help me to become more and more like you always. In your name, Amen. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42 Open our hearts and minds, Holy Spirit. We want to see, hear, and be changed by Jesus. We want to be busier with that important work than with anything else on earth. Amen. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:41-52 "Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus" -- and hear him, connect with him, and do as he says. Make us branches to his vine and doers of his Word. Amen. Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, Luke 3:21-23 Father, your Son pleases not just you--He thrills us with his willingness to identify with sinners like us. Thank you for sending him. Jesus, thank you for dying for us. Amen. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way, Luke 4:14-30 O God, thank you for calling people of all nations to join your family through Jesus Christ! Thank you that we can be part of the family of God. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 Lord Jesus, fill us with your Spirit so that we are ready to point people to you and welcome all who come into your kingdom. In your name we pray. Amen. And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. Luke 5:12-16 Your grace, love, joy, peace, and righteousness--grant us these gifts, O loving God! Thank you for your willingness to heal us in all the ways we need to be healed. Amen. And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day. Luke 5:17-26 Open our eyes, Lord; we want to see Jesus. Open our hearts and minds; we want to believe. Open our hands so that, like Him, we can help others. In Jesus name, Amen. And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. Luke 5:27-31 Open our eyes, Lord. We need to see our sickness, lest we, too, scoff at "those people." Then heal us with your life-giving power and love, we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen. Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. Luke 7:1-10 We want to delight you, O God. Thank you for making this possible through the work of your Spirit, who keeps growing faith within us. In the Savior's name we pray. Amen. And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. Luke 7:11-16 May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer (see Psalm 19:14). In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luke 7:36-50 Loving God, you have sent us a Savior, but many do not recognize him. It makes us wonder if we see our own desperate need for him. Remind us that we too may have peace. Amen. Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. Luke 8:22-25 Dear Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit, who helps us remember and trust Jesus. Thank you for your peace that sustains us in every storm. In his name we pray. Amen. And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. Luke 8:26-39 We praise you, O God, for your restoring favor for all of us who suffer the effects of sin. Clothe us, too, in your grace, dear Father. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. Luke 8:40-48 Lord, we are glad to worship with our faith family and commune with you today. In the name of Jesus, through whose righteousness we can come before you, we thank you. Amen. And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed. Mark 7:24-30 Many of us are good at dragging our credentials before you and hoping you'll accept them, Lord. But you accept us only in the name of Jesus, in whom we pray. Amen. And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets. Luke 9:10-17 Dear God, I still have a long way to go before I believe as firmly as you call me to. Please keep teaching me. Help me to trust in you completely. In Jesus' name, Amen. And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. Luke 9:18-27 Loosen our grip on the assurances, comforts, and toys of this world, Lord. Teach us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow you. We pray this in your name. Amen. And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51-53 Thank you, Jesus, for your willingness, your resolve, and your love. In your sacrificial death we can have eternal peace, joy, and righteousness. Thank you! Amen. And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. Luke 13:10-17 Give us vision, Father, for the amazing work you are doing. Keep us from seeing your miracles today as ordinary events. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Luke 14:25-35 Dear Father, fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, so that we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us. In his name we pray. Amen. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:1-7 Give us daily repentance, Father, so that we too may stand close to Jesus and give joy to you! Help us to love others as we know you love us all. In Jesus' name, Amen. And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:11-19 Make our churches places of joy and thanksgiving, Lord. Help us acknowledge our shared suffering, delight in our shared healing, and offer you shared thanksgiving. Amen. And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Luke 18:15-17 Lord, kill off my self-sufficiency and self-importance. Make me like a little child in all the right ways so that I too may find a place on your lap. In your name, Amen. And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. Luke 18:18-30 Dear God, forgive us for betraying you by desiring other things more than you. Thank you for the grace of your forgiveness! Help us to set aside these things to serve you. Amen. And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. Luke 19:1-9 Dear Lord, you made a new beginning even in Zacchaeus's life! I am glad-because such great grace and forgiveness give me great hope. Thank you! In your name, Amen. Luke 19:28-44 Dear God, the tears of your Son show us somthing of your own love for us. Thank you for permitting us to see, and help us to live thankfully for you. Amen. Luke 20:20-26 Dear God, help us to be the best stewards we can be of the houses, cars, bodies, time, and health you give us-even of our very lives, Lord. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. John 11:17-37 Dear God, quickly bring the day when you will wipe away every tear-when death, mourning, crying, and pain will end. Thank you for being with us all the way. Amen. Luke 23:44-49 Dear God, we believe; help us in our unbelief! Put us there, at the cross, by faith. May we speak the truth about Jesus in all we do. "Your kingdom come, your will be done." Amen. Luke 24:1-12 Dear God, we delight in the living hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus. We rejoice in our inheritance that never perishes, spoils, or fades. In Jesus' name, Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Lord, thank you for revealing your Son to us through gospel writers like Luke. Thank you for showing us Jesus and drawing us close through him. In his name we pray. Amen. Psalm 50:1-15 Lord God, you are our marvelous Creator. Thank you for your overflowing generosity revealed through Jesus Christ. May we joyfully serve you with all that we have. Amen. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Dear God, help us to understand that if we have eternal and abundant life, we are rich beyond measure. Thank you that you gave of yourself to make us rich in you. Amen. Revelation 3:14-17 Lord, we confess that our lukewarm existence can make us "poor" in your eyes, no matter how successful we may seem. Forgive us and set our hearts afire for you, we pray. Amen. Revelation 3:18-22 Spirit of God, help us to listen to what you teach us today so that we may be rich in Christ. We love you for caring so much about us. By your light, help us to see. Amen. Joshua 7:1, 19-26; Luke 19:1-9 Lord God, bring salvation into our lives and families today by teaching us not only how to acquire goods but also how to share with others. May your name be praised. Amen. Luke 19:8-9 Lord Jesus, grant that we may follow you with the zeal and inspiration of Zacchaeus. May we fully trust you to guide us and provide for us. In your name, Amen. Matthew 19:16-22 Lord, many competing desires and needs come our way every day. May your Spirit direct our minds and hearts to keep our priorities straight as we follow you. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Father, you have taught us to pray for our daily bread, and you have promised to provide all we need. May we be content to trust in you for all things. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 16:1-9 Lord God, our gracious Provider, we confess that we have often squandered your re­sources. Forgive us, and help us to use well all that you lend to us. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Luke 16:3-13 God of wisdom and understanding, teach us how we may serve you well each day. May we, too, be welcomed into your eternal dwellings in the name of Jesus. Amen. Isaiah 55:1-7 Thank you, Lord, for creating a day of rest and for calling us to rest in you. We pray for people who are unable to rest today. May we all find our rest in Jesus Christ. Amen. John 12:1-8 Lord Jesus, we confess that we often make excuses rather than joining in the fight against poverty. We know you care about the poor. Forgive us, we pray. In your name, Amen. Proverbs 14:30-35 Lord our God, you call us to defend the rights of the poor and needy. May we hear and obey your word. Give us wisdom to speak and live by the truth, we pray. For Jesus' sake, Amen. Matthew 15:29-39 Heavenly Father, how it must grieve your heart to see so many of your children hungry today. Move our hearts with compassion, and our hands and feet to action. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Timothy 5:1-8 Lord, we pray for all who grapple with issues that cause and prolong poverty and hun­ger. May we serve faithfully wherever we see the opportunity. Help us, Jesus. Amen. Deuteronomy 15:7-15 Lord, help us not only to be openhanded toward our needy brothers and sisters. Help us also to be openhearted, so that they may experience justice. In Jesus' name, Amen. Exodus 16:21-27 Lord, you are the bread of life. May our hearts rejoice because you call us to meet with you in your house of worship. Bread of heaven, feed us till we "want no more." Amen. Matthew 8:1-4 Father, we thank you for coming near to us in your Son, Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you for reaching out to us and making us whole. May we reach out to others in your name. Amen. Acts 4:32-37 Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see, willing hands, and compassionate hearts so that our communities may reflect the heart of Christ. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Lord, sometimes it seems that our efforts barely make a dent in the world around us. Slavery, hunger, injustice-what can we do? Teach us to pray, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen. Matthew 6:16-18 Almighty Father, may our turning away from food for a time remind us of our need to turn away from secret sins or hidden pride, lest we think we can neglect you. In Jesus, Amen. Mark 2:13-17 Thank you, Father, for providing for us. Thank you, Jesus, for showing us how to celebrate our Father's good gifts. May our hearts be filled with joy at your goodness. Amen. John 6:25-35 Thank you, Father, for abundance in our lives. But may we humbly place our trust in Jesus so that we too may have "food that endures to eternal life." In his name, Amen. 2 Kings 5:15-27 Teach us, O Lord, to daily walk with you by following the path of Jesus, "the way and the truth and the life." Guide us by your Spirit so that we too may go in peace. Amen. Psalm 81 Father, thank you for your wonderful provision in our lives-especially for giving us your Word. May our lives be open wide to all that you say to us. In Jesus' name, Amen. Micah 6:6-8 Dear Lord, may our love for you increase so that daily we may act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God-and with all our neighbors as well. Amen. Titus 2:11-14 Jesus, thank you for coming into our world to bear our sufferings and burdens. As we look forward to your coming again, may we be filled with hope. In your name, Amen. Philippians 3:4b-14 King of our lives, teach us what it means to consider all things as rubbish so that we might gain the righteousness of Jesus Christ through faith in him. Amen. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Lord God, we offer ourselves to you in gratitude for the indescribable gift of your love to us in Christ. Help us to live out that gratitude daily in the power of your Spirit. Amen. Matthew 10:37-42 Thank you, Father, for sharing with us the good news of Jesus. Help us to pass it on to others along with your love in action-with thanksgiving in Jesus' name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Lord, the foolishness of Christmas is your gift to people like us, whose lives are riddled with scandals of sin and rebellion. Give us ears that hear fresh truths in old stories. Amen. Genesis 3:1-19 Gracious Father, your Son has come to engage in the one battle that will bring peace. We give thanks that as he bears terrible wounds for our sake, he strikes the final blow. Amen. Luke 1:5-18 Lord, we pray for miracles, and yet we have doubts when you break into our world in marvelous ways. Send us grace that renews and forgives, and help us to receive it. Amen. Luke 1:18-25 Lord, may you bless us and keep us; may your face shine upon us and be gracious to us; may you grant us your peace, we pray, in Jesus our Savior's name. Amen. Luke 1:57-66 Lord, we can't clean up our lives by ourselves. Thank you that we don't have to. Help us claim the meaning of John's name and discover the power of your love. Amen. Luke 1:67-80 Lord, life doesn't always make sense. Some pieces in our puzzle box seem so unfair. May our confidence in Jesus give us insight today and hope for our future. In his name, Amen. John 1:19-28 Lord Jesus, in this Advent season, keep the spot and shine; light of greatness away from mere mortals like ourselves. Help us keep the Christmas light shining directly upon you. Amen. Luke 3:1-14 Lord, we admit that our lives are a mess. It's been a long time since we've held them up to the light of your truth. Now is the time. Help us to begin today. In your name, Amen. Matthew 1:1-17 Lord Jesus, not everyone confesses your royal identity. Even fewer acknowledge your reign by bowing to you as disciples. May we be among those who confess you as King. Amen. Genesis 38:24-30 Lord, many of us have histories that embarrass us. Yet you can grab hold of us and carry our sordid past into a glorious future. Our future rests in your grace, through Jesus. Amen. Joshua 2 Lord, the road before us divides, and we must decide which path we will travel in life. By your grace, lead us to the track that walks with you and embraces real life. Amen. Ruth 4:13-22 Lord, empty us today of all hope in ourselves. Fill our hearts with your presence, so that we may overflow with your grace and goodness. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 2 Samuel 11:1-5 Lord, some of us have had our lives destroyed by the greed and injustice of others. We don't know where to turn. Comfort us, and open up a road to your peace, we pray. Amen. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women. And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 Lord, we hear you calling us, and we are afraid. You find us cowering in the corner. Call us to courage. Fill us with the love that sets us free to obey. In Jesus, Amen. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy [is] his name. And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. Luke 1:46-55 Lord, forgive us when our agendas are empty of issues of social justice and transformation. Help us to share your heart and our resources with exploited and oppressed people. Amen. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:18-25 Lord, we are often more concerned about what our neighbors think of us than what you think. With strength through your Spirit, may our service for you be genuine. Amen. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 Lord, help us lay aside our pride and embrace a humility that mirrors the sacrifice of your Son. Break down our defenses and help us; brace the wisdom of the incarnation. Amen. Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time [that] she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. And this [man] shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men. Micah 5:1-5 Lord, crucify our pride. Help us to be more faithfully obedient. Keep us from a fascination with the world's definition of success. Help us to live for your "Well done!" Amen. And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which [is] Bethlehem. And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that [is] the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day. Genesis 35:16-20 Lord, the tears of Jacob, weeping over the tomb of Rachel, are our tears too. Come among us with your healing grace and tear down walls of division. Amen. Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there. And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept. And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people. And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest. Ruth 1 Lord, "make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring your love; where there is injury, your pardon, Lord; and where there's doubt, true faith in you." Amen. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 Lord, we have hungers that our own efforts cannot satisfy. Who can feed us but Christ? In worship, may we find our deepest aches and hungers met. In Jesus' name, Amen. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:8-20 Lord Jesus, we sense the elation in the shepherds' voices. We enter into their joy. Come to us as the great Shepherd. Feed us and lead us in your pathways, we pray. Amen. Nevertheless the dimness [shall] not [be] such as [was] in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict [her by] the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior [is] with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but [this] shall be with burning [and] fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:1-7 Prince of Peace, help us join in the angels' song. Help us celebrate the gift of shalom that spills over into lives where the fruit of peace is experienced already today. Amen. And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, [which] saw the vision of the Almighty, falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. Numbers 24:15-19 Lord, forgive our neglect of your Word. May Christ's Spirit bring us to your ancient Scriptures so that they speak with fresh power to us today. In Jesus' name, Amen. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Matthew 2:1-6 Lord, on this Christmas Day, don't allow us to hang back. By your Spirit, bring us up close to Jesus so that we may adore your great gift and honor him as our Savior. Amen. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found [him], bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Matthew 2:7-12 Lord, "what can I give [you], poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part." As you desire, Lord, I'll give you my heart. Amen. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping [for] her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set [it]; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant [it] upon an high mountain and eminent: In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell. And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it]. Matthew 2:13-23; Ezekiel 17:22-24 Lord Jesus, we are as much in need of a home as you were. Help us find our shelter and security in you. In the shade of the branches of your kingdom, may we find rest. Amen. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:21-40 Lord, some of us are struggling with weakness that shows our journey on earth is ending. Be with us in our dying, and give us a peace that transcends the grave. Amen. I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Luke 12:49-53 Lord Jesus, help us lay aside religious speculations and embrace you as the divine truth. Build us up on your firm foundation, teaching us to trust in you always. Amen. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not [of it]. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among [their] kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:41-52 Lord, help us to take Christmas with us into our tomorrows. Illumine the meaning of our own lives as we think about the Christmas grace that reconciles us to you. Amen. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:32-42 Lord Jesus, thank you for your willingness to bear our burdens. Give us the strength to bear each other's burdens and take up the cross of discipleship for your sake. Amen. These [be] the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red [sea], between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. ([There are] eleven days' [journey] from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea.) And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first [day] of the month, [that] Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them; After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei: On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying, Deuteronomy 1:1-5 Thank you, Lord, for speaking the wonderful words of life. We need to hear them again and again. As we begin a new year, help us also to live by them. In Christ's name, Amen. The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all [the places] nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates. Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them. Deuteronomy 1:6-8 For forgiveness of sins and the gift of life eternal, through Jesus Christ, I thank you, Lord. Help me to be continually aware of your presence in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen. Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God: And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents [in], in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day. Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the LORD, we will go up and fight, according to all that the LORD our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill. And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I [am] not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill. And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, [even] unto Hormah. And ye returned and wept before the LORD; but the LORD would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you. So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode [there]. Deuteronomy 1:26-33, 41-46 It was I, O Christ, who crucified you. But "glory to God in the highest," who raised Christ from the dead. Help us to trust your promises this day, Lord, and forever. Amen. And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you. And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God [is there] in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that [is] beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold [it] with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor. Deuteronomy 3:21-29 Lord, help us to do your will, for we are burdened with our own weaknesses and sins. Give us rest, we pray, through Jesus Christ, the only one who can save us. Amen. Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God [are] alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people. For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]? And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Deuteronomy 4:1-8 Lord, hold us fast in Jesus Christ, who is your wisdom for us, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Fill us with the wisdom of your love, we pray. In Jesus' name, Amen. For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and [ask] from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been [any such thing] as this great thing [is], or hath been heard like it? Did [ever] people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? Or hath God assayed to go [and] take him a nation from the midst of [another] nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he [is] God; [there is] none else beside him. Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire. And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt; To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou [art], to bring thee in, to give thee their land [for] an inheritance, as [it is] this day. Know therefore this day, and consider [it] in thine heart, that the LORD he [is] God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: [there is] none else. Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever. Deuteronomy 4:32-40 "Lord, speak to me that I may speak, in living echoes" of your voice. Help me to hear you and see your works in my life, sharing with others so that they too may live. In Jesus, Amen. And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, [even] us, who [are] all of us here alive this day. The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying, Deuteronomy 5:1-5 Dear Lord, rescue me from the misery of blaming others for my sin. Help me to admit my own guilt and to bring it to you for forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Amen. Now these [are] the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do [them] in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do [it]; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Help us, Lord, to love you above all so that every part of our life is claimed by you. Help us also to love our neighbor as ourselves. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. [And] when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [mean] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you? Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand: And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as [it is] at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us. Deuteronomy 6:20-25 Thank you, Lord, that your mercy and grace are the same for us all. Help older generations show those who are younger the wonders of your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen. When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. Deuteronomy 7:1-11 Help me, O Lord, to worship you in spirit and in truth. By your Spirit frustrate all who worship falsely, that they may find you, the only true God. In Jesus' name, Amen. All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, [so] the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Deuteronomy 8:1-5, 10-11 Dear God, be with all your children who have little or nothing, and help those of us who have much to acknowledge the Source of our bounty and give freely to others. Amen. Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it; And that ye may prolong [your] days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey. For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, [is] not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst [it] with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, [is] a land of hills and valleys, [and] drinketh water of the rain of heaven: A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God [are] always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give [you] the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. Deuteronomy 11:8-14 Help me to cultivate well the gardens you have given me, Lord, whether they are gardens that I plant or the garden of my heart. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. These [are] the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth. Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God. But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee. Deuteronomy 12:1-7 Help me to worship you truly, O Lord, among the people where you are present. May my worship be Christ-centered, focused on you alone. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. If thou shalt hear [say] in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, [Certain] men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, [if it be] truth, [and] the thing certain, [that] such abomination is wrought among you; Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that [is] therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword. And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again. And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do [that which is] right in the eyes of the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 13:12-18 Heavenly Father, help us turn away from all who would tempt us to wander from you, and help us to look to you always for direction in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen. Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; [or] if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn [it] into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay [it] up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest. Deuteronomy 14:22-29 "Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling," O Lord. I have received so much from you, Lord; help me to give cheerfully in return. In Jesus' name, Amen. If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 Lord, may we use your gifts to us-gifts of teaching, liberal giving, encouragement, showing mercy-with generosity and open hands. In your name we pray. Amen. Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Deuteronomy 16:18-20 Fill the leaders of your people with your Spirit, Lord, that they may be wise and fair, and protected from the temptation for personal gain. In Jesus' name, Amen. If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose; And thou shalt come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days, and enquire; and they shall shew thee the sentence of judgment: And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee: According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, [to] the right hand, nor [to] the left. And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously. Deuteronomy 17:8-13 Heavenly Father, grant us wise understanding of the word of our heavenly High Priest, that we may discern your will for our lives. Help us to trust and obey. In Jesus, Amen. When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me; Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother. But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 Heavenly Father, rule us by your Word and Spirit, that we may flourish like trees planted beside streams of living water. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do]. The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well [spoken that] which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require [it] of him. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:14-22 Holy Spirit, light divine, dwell within my heart, that I may bear the truth of God's righteous judgment and boundless grace. Teach me the word of God, I pray. Amen. One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him [that which is] wrong; Then both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days; And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, [if] the witness [be] a false witness, [and] hath testified falsely against his brother; Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you. And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you. And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. Deuteronomy 19:15-21 Heavenly Father, by your Holy Spirit teach me your way of truth, that I may not depart from it. Guide me to discern truth from lies and to help lead others into your truth. Amen. When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man [is there] that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. And what man [is he] that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not [yet] eaten of it? let him [also] go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it. And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her. And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man [is there that is] fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart. And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people. Deuteronomy 20:1-9 God of grace, thank you for your goodness and the beauty of this life. Help us to be faithful as we await the fullness of your glory in this shadowland. In Jesus' name, Amen. If [one] be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, [and] it be not known who hath slain him: Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which [are] round about him that is slain: And it shall be, [that] the city [which is] next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, [and] which hath not drawn in the yoke; And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley: And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be [tried]: And all the elders of that city, [that are] next unto the slain [man], shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley: And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen [it]. Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. So shalt thou put away the [guilt of] innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do [that which is] right in the sight of the LORD. Deuteronomy 21:1-9 Heavenly Father, grant that justice be done on earth as it is in heaven, in Christ's name. Give peace to all who have suffered great loss. May we find rest and strength in you. Amen. He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD. A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD. An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee. Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee. Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever. Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land. The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation. When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing. If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp: But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash [himself] with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp [again]. Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad: And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee: For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee. Deuteronomy 23:1-14 "Lord Jesus, I want to be perfectly whole." Thank you for coming to cleanse my sins by your blood, and please live in my soul forever. In your name I pray. Amen. When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; [even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. Deuteronomy 23:21-23 Help me to be wise, Lord, in the words I speak and the promises I make. Give me strength to be a promise-keeper and, above all, to be faithful to you. In Jesus, Amen. And it shall be, when thou [art] come in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein; That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put [it] in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there. And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us. And the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the LORD thy God. And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish [was] my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous: And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage: And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression: And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders: And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, [even] a land that floweth with milk and honey. And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God: And thou shalt rejoice in every good [thing] which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that [is] among you. Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Thank you Lord, that you've turned my life around and given me a home. May my life show eternal gratitude to you, through Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen. And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day. And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin: And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. Cursed [be] he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deuteronomy 27:9-16 Thank you, heavenly Father, that Christ took on himself the curse we deserve. We confess our sin, and we give thanks for your forgiveness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel. And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of [every] seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing], may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. Deuteronomy 31:9-13 Thank you, heavenly Father, for the wonderful words of life. May I never tire of hearing the story of your love and faithfulness to me. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Deuteronomy 32:1-6, 44-47 For your comforting, honest, and dependable words, Lord, we give you thanks. May we put our complete trust in you for today and for the future. In Jesus' name, Amen. Deuteronomy 33:1-5, 26-29 Thank you, Lord, for blessing your people. As we live amid the pressures of worldly powers, help us to be wise, seeking the transforming power of your Holy Spirit. In Christ, Amen. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 God in heaven, help us to be patient as we await Christ's coming and the beginning of the new heavens and earth where your righteousness will dwell forever. In Jesus, Amen. Romans 5:12-19 Lead us, guide us, along the way, for if you lead us, we cannot stray. Lord, let us walk each day with you; lead us our whole life through. In the grace of Christ, Amen. Romans 12:1-8 Spirit of the living God, move among us all; make us one in heart and mind. Fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us by Gods mercy. In Jesus name, Amen. Philippians 4:4-6 God of all words and silence, thank you for hearing us clearly through our stumbling words and thoughts. Teach us to listen to you in silence, trust, and hope. Amen. Psalm 86 Lord, thank you for your Spirit, who makes our prayed mistakes into meaningful conversation with you. Thank you for the Spirits assurance that you always hear us. Amen. Psalm 77 God of all times and places, you know that I find time to do what is important to me. Help me be with you where you are every day of my life. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 1 God of all words, forgive us when we talk too much or use words carelessly. Silence us with your presence so that we can hear you. (Be silent for one minute.) In Jesus? name, Amen. Psalm 46 God of silence and sound, as you fill the earth, help us quiet down to hear your voice in silence, to soak in your words and enrich our lives with you. (Be silent for one minute.) Amen. Matthew 3:13-17 Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you for opening up our hearts and taking our sinful thoughts, words, and actions upon yourself so that we can come close to you. Amen. Psalm 51 Comfort your servant now, while at your throne I bow and call to you. Your pardoning grace is free; sinners who raise their plea your love and mercy see; they are made new. Amen. Luke 5:17-26 Lord, when we read your Word, let us not treat it like it has magic powers. Teach us instead to read your Word often, slowly, deeply, trusting in you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 5:17-26 Lord Jesus, give us the faith to see your forgiving power. Thank you for giving your life for us. As forgiven sinners, may we show our faith in all we do and say. Amen. Luke 5:17-26 Eternal forgiver and healer, thank you for showing us the people you forgave and healed, who received your Word in faith. Lead us in new life daily, we pray. Amen. Luke 5:17-26 God of all people, may we believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, came to save us and can forgive whatever wrong we do or think. In his name we pray. Amen. Luke 5:17-26 Dear God, may your forgiving Word soak into our hearts and grow out of our lives, no matter how profoundly we sin or how we have sinned against you or others. Amen. Psalm 136 Eternal God, I offer my heart thankfully for your enduring love in my life. Forgive my faulty memory. Bless me with better memories of your love. In Jesus? name, Amen. Acts 16:16-34 Faithful God, when we feel empty, remind us that you are God over emptiness too, so that feeling empty is OK at times. Fill our emptiness with your fullness, we pray. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 O God, author of every good word, thank you for your Word. Help us experience your living presence from your Word as you write that Word into our hearts and lives. Amen. John 2:1-11 Mighty God, your glory seems so far out of reach. Yet you love us so much that you send your glory among us. May we witness and praise your presence in Christ. Amen. John 6:1-13 You, Lord Jesus, give us so much of yourself every day. Help us learn to share you with the people you place in our pathways every day. In your name we pray. Amen. John 13:1-17 Jesus, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you. Teach us to kneel at the feet of our friends, to live like the Master who acts as a slave. Amen. John 21:1-14 Lord of all time, Giver of all food, help us see you at the start, in all hours, and at the end of every day. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. Amen. Luke 12:29-31 O Christ, the Head of your body, the church, help us feed on you, the bread of life. May we eat in ways that show that food was made for the body?not the body for food. Amen. Psalm 32 LORD, my petition heed, now help me in my need, or else I die. I am your servant, LORD; my trust is in your word. Mercy to me accord; to you I cry. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 2 Timothy 1:11-14; 2:1-2 God of all people, forgive us for trying to find our way with you in our own strength. Give us trusted people who can walk with us alongside you in our journeys. Amen. Matthew 14:1-14 Faithful God of unruly peoples and nations and weary Christians, give us space and time to see our need to retreat to you. Then return us in strength to your work again. Amen. Matthew 14:22-23 Dear God of solitude and community, teach us to retreat to you in prayer with others or only with you. Keep us close to you. Thank you that we are never alone. Amen. Matthew 26:36-44 Giver of food, community, and solitude; Lord of good over evil thank you for Jesus, who heard your will in retreat and prayer. May we live as he did till we see him face to face. Amen. Habakkuk 2:2-3, 18-20 God of all, you began creation with silence. Help us find hints of new creation in our lives by listening in silence for you to speak. (Keep silent for a minute.) Amen. Revelation 7:9-17 Dear Jesus, its hard for us to wait eagerly yet patiently for you to return. When we cry or laugh, play or work, help us believe like children that youre coming soon. Amen. Matthew 20:17-19 Lord God, as we walk with Jesus this month, may these meditations touch our hearts and bring us closer to Jesus, the Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen. John 12:1-2 Father, there are so many lonely people in the world. Please provide friends to console and stand by them. Help us to learn from our friend Jesus how to be a friend. Amen. John 12:3-7 Lord, our gifts to you pale in comparison to your gift of eternal life by your sacrifice on the cross. May our lives placed in your service be our fitting response. In your name, Amen. John 12:12-13 Father, we need you so much. We cry Hosanna to you. We know that you are the One who can help us, that you are our hiding place and our strength. In Jesus, Amen. John 12:14-19 We know, Lord Jesus, that when you come again, you will rout and destroy all that is wrong in this world, establishing your kingdom of peace forever. In your name, Amen. Luke 19:41-44 Thank you, Jesus, for revealing the way our unbelief grieves your heart of love. May we praise and thank you for your great salvation, and live each day for you. Amen. Matthew 21:12-17 Lord, what needs to be cleansed in our lives? Is it a love for money? Is it a desire to exploit people for our own purposes? Lord, cleanse what is offensive in me. In your name, Amen. Isaiah 56:6-8 Lord, we acknowledge that sometimes our traditions and closed-minded ways have shut the doors of our churches to others. Forgive us, we pray, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 21:12-17 Lord Jesus, you always have a heart for the poor. Thank you for loving us all and for showing us that we all need you. Make us more like you each day. In your name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Lord, we need forgiveness and cleansing. But we also need to grow to become more like Jesus. Help me to love and serve you each day, by the power of your Spirit in Christ. Amen. Matthew 22:1-14 Lord, forgive us for making excuses and putting off your invitation as the highest priority in our lives. May we come to your feast with joy, knowing that full life is with you. Amen. Matthew 23:37-39 Today, Lord, we pray for parents who worry about their children. I know, Lord, that I cannot die for my children. Help me to bring them to the One who did. In his name, Amen. John 13:1-5 Remind us, Father, that we are servants first of all. Bring me to someone today whom I can serve rather than being concerned about being served. In your name I pray. Amen. John 13:12-17 Lord, you have taught us that serving you by caring for and serving others is the way to have a firm foundation in life. Fill us with your love, Lord, each day. Amen. John 13:21-30 Dear Jesus, thank you for being the light of the world. Help me to follow you so that I will not choose darkness over light. In your precious name I pray. Amen. John 13:31-38 Lord Jesus, may my love for others attract them to you. And may my church be a loving community to those who seek you. May we all be faithful models of your love. Amen. Luke 22:39-46; Hebrews 1:14 Loving God, thank you for sending angels to guard and serve us and to minister to us in special circumstances. Help us to see your working in every part of our lives. Amen. John 18:1-9 Thank you, Lord, for your great love for me. You have atoned for all my sins. May my thankfulness show in the way I live in obedience for you. In your name, Amen. Luke 22:54-62 Lord, we know there are times when we need to weep bitter tears of repentance. Thank you for seeing our tears, hearing our prayers, and forgiving us in your name. Amen. Matthew 27:45-50 Lord, we will never understand your anguish on the cross. Thank you that you went into the darkness so that we may live in the light. In your name we pray. Amen. John 19:28-30 To God be the glory, great things he has done; so loved he the world that he gave us his Son, who yielded his life an atonement for sin; that we may live forever with him. Amen. Matthew 27:62-65 Death cannot keep its prey; Jesus, my Savior; he tore the bars away; Jesus, my Lord. Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph over his foes; Hallelujah! Amen. Matthew 28:1-7 On this Easter morning, Lord, remind all who have lost loved ones that there is life in the midst of death. Thank you that death does not have the last word for all who love you. Amen. Mark 16:1-8 Lord, I believe you have conquered death. I praise you that nothing could keep you in the grave. Help me to believe this truth every day of my life. In your name, Amen. John 20:10-18 We confess, Lord, that we often do not look for you. We search for answers in the wrong places. Thank you for helping us focus on looking for you, the living Lord. Amen. Luke 24:13-32 Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. Amen. Luke 24:33-35 Lord, we will never be able to fully understand or comprehend the greatness and depth of your love for sinners like us. But we thank you for your amazing grace. Amen. John 20:24-31 Jesus, I am so grateful that you brought Thomas to faith in you. May my confession be the same as his: My Lord and my God! In your name I pray. Amen. John 21:15-19 Lord, I don't always show that I love you. But thank you for asking. Deep down in my heart I know that I love you, because you first loved me. In your name I pray. Amen. John 21:18-23 Dear Lord, give us the grace and courage to follow you even if that means sacrifice. We pray for all who are persecuted today, trusting in your blessing for us all. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Thank you, God, that because he lives, I can face tomorrow; because he lives, all fear is gone. Lord Jesus, help me to walk with you today and forever. In your name, Amen. Isaiah 1:1-3 Father, help me recognize how much our world needs the Savior. I know that I also must confess my sins and acknowledge you as the Savior of my life, through Jesus. Amen. Isaiah 1:4-6 Have mercy on us, gracious Lord, and enable us by your grace to submit to your will as revealed to us in your Word. In our Saviors name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 1:7-9 Holy Father, your Son, our Lord Jesus, took upon himself the weight of all our sins. May your Word and Spirit help us to overcome the sin that surrounds us. In Jesus name, Amen. Isaiah 1:10-17 Gracious Father, purge us by your Word and Spirit so that our lives may truly reflect the holy character of the Lord Jesus, our Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 1:18-20 Gracious Lord, thank you for providing us with your Son, who met all that is required for our sins to be forgiven. Please forgive my sins, in Jesus name. Amen. Isaiah 2:1-4 How faithful and wonderful you are, O Lord. Thank you for fulfilling your promise of salvation to all peoples. Help us never to doubt the truth of your Word. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 2:1-11 Thank you, Lord, for the impact of Christ's presence on many millions of people in the world today. Help me to reflect more of his light in my own life. Amen. Isaiah 2:12-22 Gracious Lord, we are so easily filled with pride, which only separates us from you. Thank you for turning our eyes to Jesus, who became a servant in order to save us. Amen. Isaiah 3:8-11 Father, we confess that we are guilty of sins that deserve your anger. Thank you for Jesus, who not only came to take our place on the cross but also intercedes for us. Amen. Isaiah 4 Father, thank you for preserving the remnant of Judah. Help us so that more of the beauty of Jesus righteousness covers over the ugliness of our sin. In his name, Amen. Isaiah 5:1-7; John 15:1-11 Father, thank you for arranging for us to be redeemed by your Son and grafted into him. Help us so that by your Word and Spirit we remain in Christ and bear much fruit. Amen. Isaiah 6:1-4; John 12:37-43 Holy, holy, holy! LORD God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea. We acknowledge your holiness, Lord, and we worship you today. Amen. Isaiah 6:4-7 Father, thank you for exposing my own sinfulness. Grant me the cleansing that is needed for bearing witness to my Redeemer, in whose name I pray. Amen. Isaiah 6:8-13 Lord, please give us humility, wisdom, and courage as well as the cleansing needed to bear faithful testimony about our Savior. In his name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 7:1-16 Gracious Lord, thank you for coming in Christ through the virgin Mary, and for Jesus sinless humanity, which qualified him to be my Redeemer. In my Saviors name, Amen. Isaiah 8:1-10 Father, have mercy on us. We do believe your Word. Thank you for the blessing that comes through your beloved Son, who took on himself the judgment for our sins. Amen. Isaiah 8:11-22 Lord, we're often fearful and full of doubt when we see so much turbulence around us. Help us to wait in patient obedience, knowing that you are in control. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 9:1-3 O Lord, please keep my eyes focused on the great expanse of your kingdom throughout the world. Help me to work in your harvest field and bring others to you. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 9:4-7 Father, how wonderful it is to know that we too belong to Jesus kingdom of peace. May I give of myself to help bring peace to the people around me today. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 10:12-21 Lord, thank you for faithful servants like Isaiah, who carried the message in those dark days and faithfully labored to preserve the word of salvation. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 10:20-25 Almighty God, thank you for bringing together as one body Jews and Gentiles through faith in your Son, Immanuel, our Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 11:1-5 Anointed Christ, thank you for your grace. May we reflect your love as we seek justice and truth, and may we bring good news to the people around us today. Amen. Isaiah 11:6-9 Gracious Father, thank you for reconciling people to one another through the gospel of Christ. May your gospel spread throughout the world today. In Jesus name, Amen. Isaiah 11:10-16 Almighty Lord, our world needs your transforming grace. Strengthen your church in the world with your message of reconciliation, in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen. Isaiah 12 Father, the accomplishments of your Son, Immanuel, are more than amazing. We want the whole world to join us in singing about them! Praise be to you! In his name, Amen. Isaiah 13 Gracious God, we thank you for being consistent and just in all your ways. In a world that seems to be spinning out of control, help us to believe that you are in control. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 14:1-15 Almighty God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; thank you for freeing us from bondage to sin and Satan. We look forward to the day when the oppressors fury will be over. Amen. Isaiah 14:24-32 Gracious God, use your church today to bring healing to the worlds hurting people. And use each one of us to bring healing to our wounded neighbors. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 16:6-17:7 Father, when we look around us, we see unbelief and immorality, and we can easily become lost and afraid. Help us to look to you, the true God, in whose name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 19:18-25 Father, you are faithful to all your promises. May the day soon come when peoples everywhere will worship you as Lord and Savior. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 5:21-33 Ascended Lord, we thank you for the gift and mystery of marriage. Please speak to us during the coming month and help us all to strengthen our relationships. In Christ, Amen. Genesis 2:18-25 Father in heaven, help us to realize that marriage is from you. Give us the grace to help us make our marriages and all other relationships what you intend them to be. Amen. Genesis 2:15-18 Lord, we thank you for our marriage partners. May we help and encourage each other. Where relationships struggle, give your healing grace, we pray. For Jesus sake, Amen. 1 Corinthians 7:1-7 Lord, we thank you for the many single people who use their gifts to serve you and others in the whole family of God. Help us all to build each other up in serving you. Amen. Psalm 119:105-112 Lord, help all of us to listen to and learn from your Word. Use it to guide us in the pathway you want us to follow, and help us to obey. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 1 Peter 3:7-12 Lord, please help us to respect each other and accept each other. Forgive us for not always showing one another the respect you ask of us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 Lord, please fill us with your love so that we can love others for your sake. Give us wisdom to be patient and kind in all our relationships, we pray. In Jesus name, Amen. Ephesians 5:15-33 Father in heaven, help us to understand our roles as husbands and wives in Christ. Fill us all with Jesus love so that we may serve one another as he served us. In his name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Lord, we thank you for creating us male and female and for the gift of sex. Help us to enjoy your gift the way you intended. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. James 1:5-8 Lord, help those who are dating and thinking about getting married to follow your guidance into marriages that truly bring honor to Christ. In his name we pray. Amen. Galatians 5:16-26 Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us. In your strength, help us to produce fruit that shows we are children of God. In Jesus name, Amen. Ephesians 4:29-32 Holy Spirit, teach us how to listen. Make us quick to listen and slow to speak. Help us to show kindness and respect to others, knowing that they too have something to say. Amen. James 5:13-20 Lord our God, help us to humble ourselves and to admit wrong when we have failed someone close to us. Give us the grace to say I'm sorry. In Jesus name, Amen. Genesis 3:1-13 Lord, many of us are experts at blaming someone else. Help us to look at ourselves honestly, and give us the strength and the wisdom to change. For Jesus sake, Amen. Ephesians 4:25-28 Holy Spirit, change the hearts of all who battle the demon of sinful anger. Give them the grace to go for help. Keep us all from sin, and help us to forgive in Jesus name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 Father in heaven, we pray for all who struggle with addiction. Give each one the courage to go for help. Give us all hope, we pray, and help us to show your love. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 5:3-14 Lord, we ask that you will give those who are abused the courage to speak up, and bring those who are abusive to repentance. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Philippians 4:8-9 Lord, we pray for all who have become addicted. Give them the help they need and the courage to accept help. Whenever we are tempted, Lord, show us the way out. Amen. Proverbs 6:27-35 Lord our God, help us to be faithful to the vows we spoke in your presence, perhaps many years ago. Help us to be trustworthy examples for our children and others. Amen. Matthew 19:1-12 Lord, we pray for those who have experienced the pain of a divorce. Be with those who are looking for help, and make the church a place for new beginnings. Amen. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Father in heaven, help those who are thinking about marriage to choose the person you have in mind for them, and help them to make sure they belong to you. In Jesus name, Amen. James 1:22-27 Lord, help us as members of your church to reach out to all who stand alone as they raise their children, and give us all the grace to accept and learn from each other. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Samuel 1:1-20 Lord, we pray for all who live with the pain of childlessness. Give everyone your peace, we pray, and help hopeful parents know what your will is for them. In Jesus name, Amen. Matthew 18:1-6, 10-14 Lord, we thank you for the gift of adopted children. Thank you for so many families who have opened their hearts to receive a child this way in Jesus name. Amen. Psalm 100 Lord, we thank you for this special day you give to us. Thank you for the privilege of public worship. Be also with your people who do not have the freedom to worship. Amen. Proverbs 22:1-7 Lord our God, help us to be faithful stewards of the resources you entrust to us. Teach us to use our money well, knowing that everything we have belongs to you. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 4:29-32 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3). Keep us from unwholesome talk, we pray, and help us to build others up. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Lord God, we thank you for our mothers. Help us to love and respect them. Help us to be loving children as well as loving parents and spouses, for your sake. Amen. Proverbs 22:1-6 Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of children. Give us the wisdom to be the kind of parents you ask us to be, and help us to teach our children about you. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 6:1-4 Father in heaven, help us to honor and respect our parents. Forgive us if we have ignored them, and help us as children to be patient with their shortcomings. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 Father in heaven, thank you for making us a part of your family through our Lord Jesus. And help us as your family to include people who feel left out. In Jesus name, Amen. Psalm 61 Strong and loving God, when our fear wells up in our hearts, assure us that you are truly a refuge that can never be shaken. In the strong name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Psalm 17 Strong, loving God, open our eyes to see you as the nurturing presence in our lives. Truly your embrace offers us more than anyone or anything else on earth can provide. Amen. Jeremiah 18:1-10 Have thine own way, Lord you are the potter; we are the clay. Help us to be aware of your shaping presence in our lives each day, deeply expectant of your work in us. Amen. Psalm 23 Savior God, like a shepherd, lead us. Protect us even from predators we cannot see. When we are weak, carry us. And when we wander away, lead us home. In Jesus, Amen. Hosea 13 Strong, loving God, we cannot fathom the depths of your protecting love for all your children. Help us to see how your ferocious love overcomes the death we so fear. Amen. Micah 4:1-7 God of all wisdom, in this world filled with information but lacking in true wisdom, make us teachable. Help us learn to love the kind of learning you offer in your Word. Amen. Psalm 4 God of all grace and glory, angels and saints delight to praise you. Give us such an awareness of your beauty that with thankful hearts we will praise you in spirit and truth. Amen. Isaiah 53 Dear Jesus, help us to frankly acknowledge the spiritual cancer that we battle each day. Help us look to you alone to heal and restore us to full spiritual health and vitality. Amen. Ephesians 2:11-18 God, our refuge and strength, when we feel distant from you, open our eyes to help us see Jesus. Remind us again and again that he provides us full access to you. Amen. Ephesians 2:14-22 God of all creation, in a world so divided by culture, race, and generations, help us claim the reconciling power of the cross. Help us to be reconciling people in Jesus name. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:7-10 Almighty, loving God, when evil tempts us to be afraid, may the sheer strength of your victory comfort and assure us. With all your people, help us sing, Our God reigns! Amen. Ephesians 1:1-14 O God, you welcome us as sheep of your flock through your Son, Jesus. You embrace us as full members of your family. Thank you for this good news of your great love. Amen. Micah 4:1-4 Savior God, the breadth of your salvation is greater than we imagine and sometimes more than we can believe. Even so, we trust that your Word is true. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:17-31 Lord, help us to be suspicious in a holy way. Help us to be suspicious of anything the world deems important so that we can compare it to the power of the cross. Amen. Acts 22:1-16 Wash, O God, your sons and daughters. Purify our thinking and doing, our resting and worshiping through Jesus. Help us to sense the beauty of holiness each day. Amen. John 3:1-17 God of all creation, we marvel at the promise of new birth. Show us, even today, the kind of spiritual vitality that you make possible through the work of your Spirit in us. Amen. Romans 6 Lord God, may our lives today be filled with your forgiveness as we die to our sins, and filled with new life as we learn to do every kind of good. In Jesus name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:1-20 Lord, help us to take profound joy in what your body, the church, can do through the work of your Spirit. And may we take up our roles in your body with joy and grace. Amen. Luke 12:49-53 Gracious God, your Word speaks to us in honest and bracing ways about our calling as your people. Give us courage to live as your people, following our suffering Lord. Amen. Galatians 3:19-29 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, help us to know deep in our souls that we belong to you. Then help us to reflect this identity joyfully in all we think, do, and say. In Jesus name, Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Holy Spirit, we pray that you will breathe on us your strengthening power. Give us the strength to live faithfully and joyfully as apprentices of Jesus. In his name, Amen. Luke 22:14-20 God of the covenant: we praise you for being faithful to all your promises. Help us to live today as faithful children, looking to you alone for our spiritual nourishment. Amen. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Lord God, by your Spirit help us to be eager to take the bread and cup to proclaim the good news of the gospel until that day when we feast with you in glory. Amen. Matthew 26:26-30 Loving God, our minds and hearts are so often preoccupied with worries for today. Free us to look ahead with joy and hope to the feast of the coming kingdom. Amen. Matthew 26:26-30 Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe. You are the giver of every good and perfect gift. We thank you for your boundless love shown in Jesus, our Lord. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Lord God, we pray for every person we know who does not yet know Jesus as Lord. By your Spirit, open their eyes, help them to recognize you and to embrace you in faith. Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:14-17 Lord of the church, help us see beyond the disunity that often marks our church life. Help us discern all the ways that your Spirit is building us up together as one people. Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:16-22 Holy God, help us to understand that saying yes to you means saying no to every other force that calls for our allegiance. Deliver us, we pray, from all evil. Amen. Deuteronomy 31:15-19, 30-32:4 God of grace, from whom all blessings flow, give us the resolve to sing the weighty and wonderful words that clearly acknowledge you as the one God worthy of praise. Amen. Zephaniah 3:14-20 Almighty and loving God, help us to imagine you as the God who takes delight in your redeemed people. Then help us join the chorus that delights to sing your praise. Amen. Colossians 2:1-7 Thank you, Lord, for giving us new life through Jesus Christ, your Son. Help our faith to grow every day so that we can love you more and serve others better. Amen. Titus 3:1-8 Thank you, Lord, for showing us the power of your love. Help us to show your love to others so that they can see you living in us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Hebrews 12:1-3 Thank you, Lord, for loving us so much. May all who feel sad today find comfort in your love. Help me to show your love to them, for Jesus sake. Amen. Romans 12:9-21 Thank you, Lord, for loving us even when we were your enemies. Help us to be devoted to showing your love to others and honoring them above ourselves. In Jesus, Amen. Hosea 11:1-11 Lord, we often get confused about how valuable we are. Help us to see ourselves as you see us and to love others as you love them. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. Luke 18:9-14 Thank you, Lord, for showing your amazing love to us sinful people. Thank you for immersing us in your grace and forgiving us. Help us faithfully to say we're sorry. Amen. Psalm 51 Lord, how easy it is for us to downplay the effects of our sins. Help us to be honest about who we are and what we do. Thank you for the gift of forgiveness. Amen. Matthew 5:23-24 Dear Lord, thank you for making the first move by loving us even when we were your enemies. Help us to live in peace with others. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. Psalm 139 Thank you, Lord, for shining the light of your holiness into our lives. May your glory scatter the shadows of our sin and allow us to bask in your love. In Jesus' name, Amen. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Thank you, Lord, for remembering all your promises to us. Help me to focus on your strength and not my weakness and to serve others as you serve us. In Jesus name, Amen. Genesis 9:8-17 Thank you, Lord, for giving us so many reminders of your love and for being faithful to each promise you have made. Help us to keep our promises too. In Jesus name, Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Lord, we know there is nothing we could ever do to earn your love. Thank you for forgiving our sins and accepting us through Jesus, your Son. We pray in his name. Amen. Romans 16:1-16 Lord, you give us so many people who help our faith grow. Thank you for also using us to bless the lives of others. By serving others, help us remember we are serving you. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25 Thank you, Lord, for showing us in your Word what obedience looks like. As we hear you speak to us in the Bible, help us to put it into practice. In Jesus name, Amen. Luke 1:5-22 Thank you, Lord, for hearing every one of our prayers. Give us patience as we wait for you to show us how you will answer them. In the name of Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen. Matthew 11:1-6 Lord, sometimes its hard to believe your kingdom has come when we go through difficult times. Help us to trust in you and to help -others hear the good news of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 30 Lord, we thank you for all your gifts, and we praise you for all your glory. Thank you for hear-ing us when we call to you. Help us to give you glory in everything we do. Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Lord, your mercy is amazing, and your grace never ends. Thank you for sending Jesus to die in our place and for all the riches we have in him. We pray in his name. Amen. Luke 17:11-19 Dear Lord, we are often quick to ask for your help but not always so eager to thank you for it. Help us to be aware of all your gifts and to be grateful for each one. Amen. Colossians 3:15-17 Thank you, Lord, for filling your world with so much goodness and beauty. Thank you for sending Jesus, your Son, the greatest gift of all. We pray in his name. Amen. Luke 13:1-5 Lord, we have so many questions that seem to have no satisfying answers. Help us to trust your good will and to point others to you in their search for answers. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 10:27-31 Dear Lord, help all who are suffering to know that you are with them. Use us to show them your love. We pray in the name of Immanuel God with us. Amen. Hebrews 12:4-11 Lord, sometimes its hard to see any connection between our pain and your love. Fill us with your strength so we can endure hardship and bring comfort to others. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 1:15-23 Thank you, Lord, for being our King who hears all our prayers. In all of the struggles we face in life, may we always turn to you alone for help. In your name we pray! Amen. Philippians 2:19-30 Lord, we can easily become preoccupied with our own concerns and neglect the needs of others. Help us put others ahead of ourselves. Thank you for the joy of helping others. Amen. Matthew 26:6-13 Forgive us, Lord, for not being concerned enough about the poor. Help us to share your gifts with others. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for becoming poor for our sake. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Lord, you have given yourself so fully to us. Help us to follow your example by investing ourselves in the lives of others. Teach us to be humble, and show us how to serve. Amen. John 20:19-23 Breathe on me, Breath of God. Fill me with your life and your peace. Wherever you send me, use me to share your love with others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Matthew 9:35-38 Dear Lord, whether it is our job to plant or to harvest, send us into the field of this world to be your witnesses. Empower us till the day you return and the harvest is complete. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Lord, I know you can use me no matter where I am. Thank you for giving me so many opportunities to share your love with others. Help me to make the most of them. Amen. 1 Peter 2:9-12 Thank you, Lord, for calling us out of darkness and into light. Help us to live a life of praise in such a way that others will clearly see we belong to you. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Lord, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief through Jesus strength. Thank you for the inspiring examples of faithful believers in your Word, and especially for Jesus. Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Giver of life, help us to see life for the true and precious gift you have made it. Give us the strength, wisdom, and courage to share your message of life with others. Amen. Romans 8:28-39 Sometimes I hurt, Lord. But I trust that you are working good through every trial. Help us to see your works, O Lord; they truly are amazing. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 2 Samuel 6:1-15 Lord, sometimes we get so serious that we miss your work through others. Lift up our eyes, Lord. Help us to put hands and feet into welcoming and celebrating with others. Amen. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 O Lord who sees all, I hate getting caught. But thank you. Its just what I need. Guide me, Lord, by the strength of your everlasting arms and keep me close. In Jesus name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Savior, Strength, and Fortress, thank you for conquering death through your weakness and for giving worth and life to all who believe. In your name we pray. Amen. Matthew 24:32-35 Lord, keep my face in your Word each day. I am weak, but your Word is strong. Help me to share your Word with others, and may we grow strong in your love. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Lord, you bring good into my life. Forgive me for complaining when worse things could have happened. Teach me to see your protective care and be grateful. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father, your will be done. And keep our will conformed to your will, especially with interruptions that come into our lives. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Luke 22:39-44 Beautiful Savior, thank you for your selfless obedience. In your life, I have life. Help me to share the good news of your victory over sin and death for us all. In your name, Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Jesus, sometimes I feel as if you have abandoned me. Remind me that your grace is sufficient for me. Give me the assurance of your grace and strength. In your name, Amen. 2 Samuel 9 Lord, you never fail to keep your promises. Help me to keep mine as well, especially when it hurts and I'd rather show vengeance. Help me to be like you. In Jesus, Amen. 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 O God, I confess that my eyes wander from you to my pain. Keep them fixed on you alone. Thank you for making hope and joy possible even in the midst of pain. Amen. 2 Samuel 12:15-25 Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful blessings. Help me through my pain. As we cele-brate your goodness today, give us hope for full life as its supposed to be. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 32:22-32 Lord, we don't understand why some things happen, and sometimes we wrestle with you. Jesus, thank you for being as close as my own heart. Stay close. Stay close. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Thank you, Lord, for assuring us that you will never leave us or forsake us. Thank you, Jesus, for your promise to be with us forever. Be near to us each day. In your name, Amen. Psalm 150:1-6 Praise to you, Lord our God, for every one of your children who gives you praise. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise your holy name! Amen. 1 Samuel 1:1-20 Lord and Giver of life, be near to all couples who long to have children and still wait. Give them your peace, and help us all to trust that in all things you work for our good. Amen. Matthew 21:14-16 Forgive me, Lord, for not listening when you speak to me through others. Open my ears and my heart. Help me to listen and obey faithfully, in Jesus name. Amen. Matthew 14:22-32 Jesus, my eyes get distracted by the wind and waves instead of seeing you. Please, Lord, help me stay focused on you alone. I need your strength always. Amen. Luke 22:54-62 Thank you, Giver of second chances, for your Son, Jesus, who makes our life new each day. Help us to trust that our faith will not fail, knowing that our Lord prays for us. Amen. Job 1 Lord, teach me to leave my burning questions with you and simply to trust you. Your ways are not our ways. Help us to trust that you know best. For Jesus sake, Amen. John 19:23-27 Thank you, Jesus, for your amazing love. How can it be that you, my Lord, should die for me? In your weakness you died for us, gaining the victory of life. Amen. Luke 18:15-17 God, help me to hear your voice through whomever you choose to speak, especially in times of worship. Help us to love one another, knowing we all depend on you. Amen. Galatians 3:26-29 Lord and Savior, I offer my life to you. Thank you for making me a child of your Father. Help me to welcome all of Gods children into your family in your name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 Lord Jesus, forgive us for making an idol of strength. Open our hearts to learn from the people we think are weak. Help us all to see how we need you and one another. Amen. 2 Corinthians 11:24-30 Lord, take away the stigma of mental illness. Help each of us to let others see all of us, especially our weaknesses, knowing that our strength is in you. In Jesus name, Amen. John 15:1-8 Thank you, dear Jesus, for giving us gifts to share with others. May we make use of what we have. May we also encourage others to use their gifts to the glory of God. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:1-7 O God who has gifted me, fill me with an eager desire to use my gifts in service to you and for the good of your people. In the Spirits power and in Jesus name I pray. Amen. Joshua 1:1-11 Sometimes I am afraid and discouraged, Lord. Thank you that you are my refuge and strength. Help me remember that you are always with me. In Jesus name, Amen. Luke 14:15-24 Jesus, thank you for your love that has reached wide and deep. Thank you for loving me. Help me to love others and to invite them to enjoy full life with you. Amen. Philippians 4:4-7 Dear Lord, thank you for who you are and what you do. You are strength for the weary and a companion to the lonely. Fill me with the joy of your love. In Jesus name, Amen. Philippians 1:1-2 Dear Lord, though I have not seen you, I love you, and I am filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy for the gifts of grace and peace. Thank you, in Jesus name. Amen. Philippians 1:3-4 Dear Lord, I delight in who you are. I stand in awe that you are slow to anger and abounding in love. Guide me to live daily in joyful gratitude for your compassion. Amen. Philippians 1:3-8 Lord, how great you are that every language, people, and nation are invited into the joyful embrace of your grace. Accept our repentance, and guide us in the paths of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 121; Philippians 1:3-6 Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege to say, My help comes from the LORD. I praise you that my past, present, and future are securely in your hands. In Jesus name, Amen. Philippians 1:9-11 Dear Lord, turn my heart away from old ways and toward your transforming grace. I rejoice in your Word, and I look forward to growing in your will. In Jesus name, Amen. Philippians 1:12-18 Dear Lord, I rejoice that in spite of opposition, your gospel achieves its purpose. Continue to reveal your grace and to help me walk in the way of Jesus. In his name, Amen. Philippians 1:18b-26 Dear Lord, thank you for the message of eternity with Jesus. Help me to boast of him in life, and may he reign in my death. May your name alone be exalted. Amen. Philippians 1:27-30 Dear Lord, forgive me when I conform to the patterns of this world. Renew and enable me to conduct myself in a manner worthy of your glorious name. In Jesus, Amen. Philippians 2:1-5 Dear Lord, thank you for filling my life with your generous grace. By your Spirit use me as a pipeline to bring the joy of Christ into the lives of others. In his name, Amen. Philippians 2:1-8 Dear Lord, I praise you that human dignity is a gift of your grace. Protect me from pride and make me like Christ so that I will sow the seeds of your joy. In Jesus name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Dear Lord, help me to do for others as I would have them do for me. More important, forge Christ in me so that he will minister through me. In his name, Amen. Philippians 2:9-11 Dear Lord, thank you for shining the light of your grace into the darkness of my soul. Continue to fill me with your hope so that I may share it with others, to your praise. Amen. Philippians 2:12-13 Dear Lord, I desire more of the good fruit of your grace in Jesus Christ. Challenge my laziness; convict my heart; compel me to grow in your truth. For I delight in your ways. Amen. Philippians 2:14-15 Lord, how great and awesome you are. May the light of your grace always shine on me, within me, and through me. Guide me to know and delight in your will. In Jesus, Amen. Philippians 2:14-18 Dear Lord, thank you for clearly revealing to me who you are, what you do, and the hope you give. May your Word continue to accomplish its work in every human heart. Amen. Philippians 2:19-30 Dear Lord, thank you for sending Jesus, our Savior and Friend. Enable us, we pray, to help, comfort, and stand by each other, as he has done with us. In his name, Amen. Philippians 3:1-9 Lord, protect me from believing that human achievement can refine your gift of joy. Help me to praise your name, rest in your love, and trust in you alone as Savior. Amen. Philippians 3:2-7 Dear Lord, by your Holy Spirit help me to resist the deadly sin of pride. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus, whose work alone brings dignity, value, and joy to my life. Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Dear Lord, forgive me when I try to be good enough to be counted worthy of your love. Resist my legalism, humble me, and teach me to feast on the joy of grace alone. Amen. Philippians 3:12-21 Dear Lord, release me from being a slave to my own will and desires. Free me to listen to your truth, learn your ways, and live for your glory alone. In Jesus name, Amen. Philippians 4:4-7 Dear Lord, sometimes we are uneasy, distressed, apprehensive. Hear us, Lord, and watch over us. To you alone we look for help all the days of our lives. Amen. Philippians 3:12-16 Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation. Help us to forget the past, to press on, and to take hold of Jesus goals for our life. In his name we pray. Amen. Philippians 3:17-21 Dear Lord, rule my life and prepare me to meet Jesus. Do not allow the world to define who I am or the hope I have. Help me to trust in you alone. In Jesus name, Amen. Philippians 4:2-5 Dear Lord, make me a channel of your peace. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light; and where there is sadness, ever joy. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Philippians 4:6-7 Dear Lord, I rejoice in you. I will be joyful in God my Savior. Thank you for this gift of prayer, for listening to my heart, for speaking to me of your grace. In Jesus, Amen. Colossians 3:1-4 Dear Lord, teach me your ways, and give me an understanding heart. Lead me to think about whatever is true and right and pure so that I can live joyfully for you. In Jesus, Amen. Philippians 4:10-13 Dear Lord, help my heart to find contentment in Jesus alone. Give me neither poverty nor riches only what brings glory to you. Give me hope in your promises each day. Amen. Philippians 4:14-23 Lord, thank you for the gift of relationships. Help us to both give and receive encouragement so that Christ will shine in and through us into the world. In Jesus name, Amen. Philippians 1:3-11; 4:1 Dear Lord, I know Satan seeks to take away what you give. Yet I praise you that I already have victory in Jesus. Give me courage to stand firm in his strength. Amen. Hebrews 12:1-13 Our Lord and God, speak to us, we pray, and open our hearts to listen. Help us to share with one another what we have learned from you each day. In Jesus name, Amen. John 14:15-21 Father God, we thank you for adopting us into your family. Help us to remember that you are always trustworthy and that you are always near. In Jesus name, Amen. Romans 5:6-11 Thank you, Jesus, for sacrificing your life for us. Help us to live a life that is worthy of the price you paid to save us. Help us depend on your strength each day to live for you. Amen. 1 John 1:5-10 All knowing God, we confess that we have sinned against you. Help us to live in a way so that we don't have to hide from you. In the name of our Savior we pray. Amen. Isaiah 44:6-23 Thank you, Jesus, for your love. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen. Acts 17:22-31 Thank you, Jesus, for showing us the way of salvation. Help us to remind one another that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Amen. Psalm 90 Dear Lord, help us to enjoy this day, for it is the day you have made. Also help us to look beyond just this day, just this year, and focus our eyes on eternity. In Jesus, Amen. Psalm 23 Jesus, at times the situation is so bad that we feel hopeless and want to give up. Help us to tackle it head-on by drawing strength from you and from your people. Amen. Psalm 121 Jesus, thank you for being Immanuel, God with us. Help us to live confidently each day, knowing that you will keep us from all harm. In your name we pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13 Father, remind us that we love because [you] first loved us. Help us who are married to be committed to our spouses, and encourage us when we struggle. In Jesus, Amen. Psalm 139 Father, thank you for watching over me day and night. Help me to walk with you and not to wander away from you. Guide me to trust you in all things. In Christ, Amen. Matthew 14:22-32 O God, forgive us for our doubts. In the midst of all our troubles and difficulties, help us to remember that you are always in control and that you always care. In Jesus, Amen. Philippians 4:4-13 Gracious Lord, help us learn to be content whatever the circumstances, knowing that we can do everything through him who gives [us] strength. In Jesus name, Amen. James 1:12-15 Father, forgive us for falling into temptations so easily. Holy Spirit, help us not to see, listen, think, or do things that are displeasing to you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 Dear Lord, help us to remember that you will always accept us as we are, repentant sinners, and it is never too late for us to return to you. In your name we pray. Amen. John 6:1-15 O use me, Lord, use even me, just as you will, and when, and where until your blessed face I see, your rest, your joy, your glory share. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Psalm 8 Creator God, help us to see each person as your imagebearer. Forgive us when we do not respect others, and help us to fight for the sanctity of human life. In Jesus name, Amen. Mark 5:1-20 Thank you, Father, for creating us as we are, with the potential you have given. Help us to see others as you do and to share the good news of being created in your image. Amen. Matthew 10:26-31 Jesus, thank you for loving us whether we are healthy or sick, silver-haired or bald. Help us also to be a channel and testimony of your divine love. In your name, Amen. Jeremiah 29:10-14 O God, we confess that we often do not listen to you and want to follow our own sinful ways. Forgive us and guide us back to your plan for our lives. In Jesus name, Amen. Romans 10:8-15 Dear God, we know that nothing in our lives happens by chance. Help us to seize the opportunity to hear the good news and tell others about it. In Jesus name, Amen. Philippians 2:1-11 Lord Jesus, thank you for feeling our pains and our joys. Empower us to care for others as you have done for us. Help us to look and listen for opportunities to share your story. Amen. Matthew 18:21-35 Father God, thank you for forgiving us when we sin against you. Sometimes we struggle to forgive others, but please replace our vengeful spirit with your love. In Jesus, Amen. Habakkuk 1:1-2:3 Father, when our lives seem out of order, help us to trust that you care for us and that you will act in your time. Comfort us with your presence and your love, we pray. Amen. Genesis 18:16-33 Gracious God, thank you for being patient with us. Help us not only to ask Why? but also to ask what we should do in difficult situations. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Psalm 19 Almighty God, we want to praise you with our songs, our words, and our deeds. May they be pleasing in your sight. Help us to tell of your glory and love to others. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Father, help us to look forward to and be prepared for the day when we can meet you face to face. In the name of Jesus, who made all this possible, we pray. Amen. James 1:16-25 Father, thank you for giving us your Word. Help us to develop an appetite for it, to learn from it always, and to put it into practice every day. In Jesus name, Amen. John 12:20-33 Thank you, Jesus, for dying for us on the cross. Help us to follow your example in loving and caring for others. Make us more and more like you each day. In your name, Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 Thank you, Lord, for your amazing, immeasurable love. Help us to remember it, celebrate it, and pass it along to others each day. May we worship and serve you in all we do. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 Living God, thank you for raising Jesus from the dead as the guarantee of our resurrection. May the hope of living forever with you encourage us each day. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 4:14-16 Lord of all time, you hold our lives in your hands and you comfort us with your love and compassion. Help us to build each other up amid all the contrasts of life. In Jesus, Amen. Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 O Lord, having formed us, you welcome us into your world at our birth. Sustain us through our life, and uphold us as we pass into eternity at our time of death. Amen. John 1:1-14 Lord, call to my mind the twin virtues of truth and grace, and help me to be full of both. May I express truth graciously and be gracious in truth, for your sake. Amen. Psalm 34:1-10 Father, you are indeed high and lifted up, your glory fills the place of your dwelling. Thank you for becoming so real and close to us that we can enjoy you. In Jesus, Amen. Proverbs 18:17-24 We are bound to each other with cords of love, Lord Jesus, and we count on and enjoy friendships that grow through our relationship with you. Help us to be like you. Amen. Psalm 45:1-9 Lord, create in us hearts that imitate you. May we love as we have been loved and hate only what you hate: our own sin and pride. May we seek your righteousness. Amen. Isaiah 60:15-22 Lord, we would like to be in charge of our joys and sorrows. Give us hope for the day when you will replace all our sorrows with joy. May we trust you always. Amen. Romans 14:1-12 In our living and dying, in our bodies and souls, we receive the precious gift of belonging to you, Lord Jesus. Give us the gift of that comfort, we pray. Amen. Deuteronomy 9:23-24 Lord of our deliverance, create in us the trust that yields the fruit of obedience, and may our obeying show that our trust is real. In your name we pray. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 1 Lord, may our hearts and hands be busy waiting for you and doing our work for you. Give a boost to our waiting and purpose to our working. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Hebrews 11:1-2 Fill us, Lord Jesus, so that we may know you better and hope in you more deeply. Satisfy our longings with your presence. We pray in your name. Amen. Proverbs 8:1-11 Teach us your ways, O Lord, and give us an understanding heart so that we may lead others to you and your truth. Give us your wisdom, that we may share it with others. Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Lord of life, raise the banner of your victory in our lives! Because you have secured glorious life for us forever, support us now in times and places of struggle. In your name, Amen. Romans 6:8-14 Lord, by your power, may we die to sin and rise to new life in your name. Thank you for the grace of new life, and help us to live for you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. James 1:2-8 Lord, we ask you to be generous with us in our need for wisdom. Refresh us with your wisdom, again and again and help us grow closer to you each day. In Jesus, Amen. James 2:14-17, 26 Lord Jesus, change my heart so that my trust in you becomes a powerful, active display of your grace and power. Help me to serve you by serving and caring about others. Amen. James 1:2-4, 13-15 Good Shepherd, lead me according to your will today. May I trust you with all my being and find strength to resist temptations. I want to glorify you in all my ways. Amen. 1 John 4 Loving Father, we may be afraid of your displeasure and of the last judgment. But push that fear away with a fresh awareness of your far greater love, for Jesus sake. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Father, may your great strength show itself in our weakness as we let go and see your power at work. Help us trust you to do amazing things by your strength. Amen. Ephesians 4:1-6 We celebrate our diversity, giving thanks for your gifts, and we ask that you, O Lord, will indeed bind us together. In the name of our Lord Jesus we pray. Amen. Psalm 139:7-12 Lord of day and night, pursue us with your love and find us wherever we may be hiding. Help us to recognize your love and care and to find comfort in you. Amen. Matthew 6:19-24 Loving God, help us resist the materialism of our age in order to receive and respond to your love. Help us to display your love by our use of your resources. In your name, Amen. Luke 5:36-39 Teacher and Lord, show us what continues from the old promises and what you have made new so that your Spirit can shape our thinking, acting, and speaking today. Amen. Isaiah 53:7-12 Lamb of God, as you have shown by your example, teach us how to speak and how to be silent. May our words as well as our silences be of service to you. Amen. Ephesians 2:13-22 Lord Jesus, you are our cornerstone, and you have given us the foundation of the apostles. Reassure us today that you will continue the good work you have begun in us. Amen. Matthew 13:1-9 Father, you have cast the Word of life into our lives. May it take root and grow as we serve you and help to build up your kingdom in this world. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Luke 15:1-10 Thank you, Father, for searching for me whenever and wherever I have distanced myself from you and your love. Thank you for not giving up. In Jesus name, Amen. Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 O keeper of us all, help us to know what we should keep and throw away. Help us to see that the relationships in our lives, especially with you, are most valuable. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 11:11-19 Lord of all, take away our grief and replace it with the joy we can have in you. May our words and actions show that we have listened to your life-giving Word. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 2:1-5 God of peace and grace, hand us hammers to beat swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. keep us from accepting the status quo as we long for your future. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25 As you call us to be your partners in kingdom projects today, Lord, make us eager and obedient. Use us in your work for your glory. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Luke 1:5-25 Dear Father, I am often clueless, blind, and self-willed. Thank you for including me in your plan. Make my mind sharp, my eyes keen, and my heart responsive. Amen. Luke 1:5-17 We trust you, O God. Help us in our mistrust. And help us to pray persistently. We know you hear us. Help us to see that by your will and in your time all will be complete. Amen. Luke 1:18-20 Lord, sometimes we use skepticism as a crutch so that we don't have to do the work of believing. Please give us muscular faith today and clear, confirming sight! Amen. Luke 1:26-38 What do you have in mind for me today, Lord? Whatever it is, help me to rely more on your strength than on mine. If need be, make me weak, but obedient. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 1:26-38 Dear God, let me hear your voice today. Help me to respond with faith and obedience. Give me the strength to serve you in whatever you call me to do. In Jesus name, Amen. Matthew 1:18-25 Show me where you are stretching me, O God. Are you deepening my patience, compassion, wisdom, love, obedience? Stretch me and use me for your glory! Amen. Matthew 1:21-23 Dear Jesus, thank you for living up to your name. Thank you for coming to live among us and to be our Savior from sin and death. We praise your name, O Lord! Amen. Luke 1:39-45 Dear Lord, with that virgins child, you sent us the gift of reconciliation. Thank you! Teach us to love as you have loved us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Luke 1:46-55 Father, we are thankful for the mustard seeds you are planting and nourishing today. Open our eyes to see where you are at work, and use us in your kingdom too! In Jesus, Amen. Luke 1:57-66 Father, Zechariah prepared the way for his son, John, who prepared the way for his cousin, Jesus the Messiah. Prepare our hearts too, O Lord, that we may receive you. Amen. Luke 2:1-3; Matthew 2:1-18 Lord, you even made use of Caesar and Herod! Thank you for making use of leaders and nations; they are like clay in your hands. Use us too in your salvation plan. Amen. Revelation 11:19-12:6 Savior of the nations, let us see you again this season. Banish all our fears with the news of your perfect rule! Help us see all the ways you are at work in our world today. Amen. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5, 14 You becoming one of us? That, O God, is a miracle that's impossible to understand! Thank you for coming to live among us so that we can live with you. Amen. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 Thank you for Mary, dear God. Thank you for Joseph too. Thank you for all of your servants, those who served you then and those who serve you now. In Jesus name, Amen. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:8-18 Thank you, God, for the One born to be the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep. We are so often like sheep clueless and helpless apart from you. Amen. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:19-20 Help me put away the idol of busyness, Lord. Prepare me for this assignment, the work of being in awe at you and at all you have done. Help me see your wonders, Lord. Amen. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:13-20 Father, our imaginations are often fired up over things that aren't worthy of our praise. Shape us so that, like the shepherds, we are excited about your deeds. In Jesus, Amen. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2:21-38 Dear God, we love it when you say, Surprise! We love your surprises of the past and your surprises today. We look forward to all you have in store for the life to come. Amen. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Psalm 19:1-6; Matthew 2:1-2 God, give us ears to hear and hearts that respond to the message that even the heavens declared to all people. Our king has been born! Let us worship him! Amen. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Psalm 19:7-14; Matthew 2:3-23 Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. You are my Rock and my Redeemer, my Savior and my God. In Jesus, Amen. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Give us vision that takes us beyond our light and momentary troubles, Lord. That vision makes us ready to offer our hands and feet to you promptly and sincerely. Amen. Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:1-15 Dearest God, your ways are beyond our understanding, but they are perfect. We honor your wisdom, we are in awe of your power, and we are grateful for your work. Amen. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14 Dear God, we praise you for your glorious grace, which you have given in the One you love. We are in awe, and we thank you for your lavish love! In Jesus name, Amen. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 Glory to you in the highest, O God! And on earth bring peace among all on whom your favor rests. We love you, Lord; help us to love as you have loved. In Jesus name, Amen. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:16-21 Merry Christmas, dear Father! May our joy yesterday and today be a wonderful reflection of your joy, as your world is remade for your glory. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. Luke 2:25-33 We don't always like waiting for things, O God. Please give us strength, vision, patience, and expectation. We want to praise you like Simeon did! In Jesus name, Amen. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 Father, thank you for the story of Anna, which shows that aged saints and long shots are also included in your amazing plan of grace. Thank you for including us too. Amen. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Matthew 2:19-23; John 1:46 We have hope, dear God, because of your amazing knack for bringing beauty out of unlikely places, through your Son, Jesus. Do your work in us, please! Amen. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1 John 4:1-3 Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to become one of us and to do what we never could: give up his perfect life as an atoning sacrifice for sin. Thank you! Amen. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. John 20:24-31 Thank you, God, for teaching, shaping, encouraging, correcting, and strengthening us through the stories of Christmas. In Jesus our Saviors name we pray. Amen. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:1-6 Lord, keep me from placing my trust in anything but you. Give me the gift of discernment so that I can hold tight to Jesus Christ, whose name is Truth. In his name, Amen. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Lord, there are so many voices telling me what to believe. Help me to cut through the clutter and tune in to your divine speech. Help me to listen and learn. In Jesus, Amen. Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Exodus 3:1-15 Lord, we have so often been hurt by people who are close to us. For some of us, it’s hard to trust again. Help us to trust you deeply and completely, now and forever. Amen. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:1-17 Father God, we call out to you in the name of your Son, Jesus. May we experience a warm welcome into your family, and the continued blessing of knowing you as our Father. Amen. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19 Lord, we look, and yet we do not see. Open the eyes of our heart to see your signature written across creation. Help us to stand in awe of your glory and wisdom. Amen. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1 Lord, forgive us for seeking our identity and self-worth in anything but our relationship with you. Give us a sense of satisfaction as we fulfill our true calling in this world. Amen. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:19-27 Lord, sin has disfigured our character so that we are not the people you intend us to be. In relationship with Jesus, help us to look more like him each day. Amen. Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. Genesis 45:1-11 Lord, we give thanks that your wisdom and power work all things for good for those who love Jesus. Help us to trust you, especially when challenges come. Amen. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:13-17 Eternal God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; your mystery we cannot fathom. Yet you have come to us in all your fullness to fill us with your life. We offer you all praise. Amen. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:15-20 Lord Jesus, your work spans the universe; yet your care reaches deep into our everyday lives. Help us weave together the strands of life as we center ourselves in you. Amen. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 Father, help us to put ourselves totally in the hands of Jesus. Give us the joy of being forgiven. Give us the delight of being people who mirror his goodness and love. Amen. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. Luke 4:14-21 Lord, make us to be channels of Christ's mission of love to this world. Through gracious words of truth and loving deeds of service, may your kingdom come. Amen. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:6-15 Lord, thank you for emptying yourself of divine glory to enter our world. We give ourselves to you, knowing that through you we may enter the Father's presence. Amen. John 18:28-40 Lord, who was the guilty? Who brought this upon you? It is my treason, Lord, that has undone you, Lord Jesus, it was I who denied you; I crucified you. Amen. Matthew 27:32-44 Lord, thank you for resisting temptation and choosing the way of weakness to save us. Lord, I am weak. Cleanse me and help me to stand strong as your child. Amen. Psalm 22 Lord Jesus, we are stunned by all you have suffered for us. Open us to your continuing presence in all our moments of crisis and pain. In your name we pray. Amen. Matthew 28:1-10 Lord, may the power of your Easter victory be a daily experience in my life. Lead and guide me today into a life of resurrection, hope, and power. In your name, Amen. Acts 1:1-11 Lord, so often we bury our talents in the ground and do nothing, waiting for your return. Help us to understand our gifts and use them faithfully to share the good news. Amen. Acts 7:51-60 Lord, when my obedience is compromised, renew my vision of your presence at Gods right hand. May your lordship inspire complete devotion to kingdom service. Amen. Matthew 24:1-14 Lord, the years roll by, and we can lose a sense of how immediate your coming can be. Forgive us. Charge our obedience with the realization that you may return today. Amen. Matthew 25:31-46 Lord, help me not to wait until your return to do a life review. Help me to begin now. Make me an instrument of your peace to others, in your name and for your sake. Amen. John 14:15-21 Lord, we thank you for your amazing gift. May your Spirit live in us and shine through us to all who surround us. Guide us each day to follow you. In your name, Amen. John 14:22-27 Lord, you've promised that you will never abandon those who love you. Our love is born and strengthened by your Spirit. Help us walk with the Spirit today. Amen. 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Lord, forgive us when being part of your family doesn't excite us. Help us to give of ourselves to others. Give us also the grace to receive and to love others. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Lord, we are a people set apart for your service. Help us to grow in holiness not so that we become proud of our goodness but so that we may be humble in your service. Amen. Colossians 3:1-11 Lord, our vision of the church is often narrow. Forgive us when cultural differences make us suspicious of fellow believers. Build us into a global community, we pray. Amen. Acts 2:42-47 Lord Jesus, give us the grace to follow your example of generous giving. And may all who receive our gifts see your love and care in the blessings they receive. Amen. 1 John 1 Lord, help us to accept our acceptance by you. May a vision of your deep love and unfailing faithfulness lead us into the joy of true forgiveness. In Jesus name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:42-57 Lord, forgive us for limiting the scope of your redemption. Grant us the delight of looking forward to a future in which we are restored completely to live with you forever. Amen. Revelation 21:1-5 Lord, help us live today with an eye to eternity. Make us expectant people, as we look to the new world, where we will offer you perfect praise and obedience. Amen. Revelation 5:6-14 Lord, move us from merely knowing your good news to trusting in you today for eternity. Help us add our Amen to that of the church of all ages gathered before you. Amen! Psalm 19 God of all grace, we thank you that our sin unintentional or willful, hidden or known is never too great for your discerning, forgiving, keeping grace. In Jesus name, Amen. Genesis 32:22-32 God of all grace, help us to see that our struggles with you are a sign of healthy, honest faith. Be with us as we struggle, and strengthen our faith in you, we pray. Amen. Exodus 16:1-18 God of all grace, we so often grumble and complain like the people of Israel. We ask today for your grace to quiet our grumbling spirits. Help us to turn to you. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:13-23 God of all grace, may we never forget that you are the One who has brought us out so that you can bring us into your presence. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 1 Kings 18:41-46 God of all grace, open our ears so that we may hear your voice today. Whether in the midst of storms or in quiet times, please speak to us and help us obey. In Jesus name, Amen. 1 Kings 18:46-19:3 God of all grace, give us today the grace to keep from running away, and instead to run to you, the source of all our strength. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 1 Kings 19:1-9 God of all grace, we thank you today for your feeding grace when the journey is too much for us. Provide us with physical and spiritual food to keep us strong, we pray. Amen. Psalm 8 God of all grace, we rejoice today in your majestic name and humbly thank you for crowning us with a portion of your honor and glory. Guide us to serve you faithfully. Amen. Psalm 18:25-42 God of all grace, we know that we can do nothing without your helping grace. Help us to live our lives knowing that you help and sustain us each day. In Jesus name, Amen. Psalm 18:35-42 God of all grace, we can do nothing today but give you thanks that we find our greatness in your arms, close to your heart. Thank you for stooping down to us. In Jesus name, Amen. Psalm 25 God of all grace, we thank you today for instructing us in your ways and seeking us out when we stray from you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Psalm 27 God of all grace, we ask today for your grace to slow us down, that we might seek your face and gaze with wonder and praise on your beauty and majesty. Amen. Psalm 90 God of all grace, we marvel today that you, the all-consuming God, have chosen not to consume us with your anger but to cover us with your fearsome grace. Amen. Psalm 139:1-18 God of all grace, we know that to look into the face of a baby is to see your baby-making grace. Bless young children everywhere today, we pray, for Jesus sake. Amen. Mark 4:35-41; Luke 10:38-42 God of all grace, teach us today to live calmly in your caring grace. Help us to listen when you speak to us. Help us to trust you when storms swirl around us. In your name, Amen. Mark 10:17-31 God of all grace, whenever your Spirit speaks today and wherever you lead, give us the grace to count the cost, follow the call, and discover the joy in serving you. Amen. Luke 9:57-62 Lord of all grace, give us the grace today to turn the tricky business of following you into the trusting blessing of following you. In your name we pray. Amen. John 7:53-8:11 God of all grace, we pray today that whether we are young or old, we will be honest about our sin and hopeful about your grace. In our Saviors name we pray. Amen. John 21:1-14 God of all grace, thank you that in each new day we can see your welcoming arms and hear your inviting voice. Help us to see your signs of grace in all situations. In Jesus, Amen. Acts 9:1-19 God of all grace, we thank you today that your grace soundly turns us from ourselves to you. May we accept your free gift of eternal life and grace. In Jesus name, Amen. Acts 10:1-24 God of all grace, give us today the faith to see signs of your coincidental and abounding grace. Help us to see you working behind the scenes in our lives, and to trust you. Amen. Acts 12:1-23 God of all grace, strike us today with enough force to awaken us to the wonder of your forgiving and freeing grace. May we praise your name faithfully in all we do. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 God of all grace, we ask for your peace when we are caught in the conflict between grace and Satan. Give us your strength, we pray, to persevere for Jesus sake. Amen. Ephesians 3:7-12 God of all grace, keep us alert today for every opportunity to spread the gospel of your grace in Christ. May we be gracemongers for your sake and in Jesus name. Amen. Exodus 15:19-21; Luke 1:46-49 God of all grace, by your Spirit tune our hearts to sing your grace today. Inspire us to praise you and honor you in all that we think, say, and do. In Jesus name, Amen. Genesis 25:5-11 God of all grace, we give thanks today for the sober and humble reassurance that by your grace and in your time we will be gathered to our and your people. Amen. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:31-46 God of all grace, we thank you for the gracious blessing of helping others now and anticipating eternal life with you in the future. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21 God of all grace, how we long today for that greatest of all days when you fully display your grace and glory. Come, Lord Jesus! In your glorious name we pray. Amen. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:9-15 Almighty God, teach me your ways. Jesus Christ, give me insights into your everlasting truths. Holy Spirit, enliven and apply the Word of God to my heart. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make [it]. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:1-6 Creator and molder of the world, we are like clay in your hands. Refashion each one of us into your likeness until we are vessels that are useful to you. In Jesus name, Amen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:1-3 Father, my thoughts and actions are often controlled by earthly influences. I want to be conformed to Christ. Renew my mind so I can see how perfectly pleasing your will is. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Philippians 2:12-15 God of grace and power, we are your orchestra ready to follow your musical score. May our performance for you make beautiful music, transforming your world. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:1-10 Lord Jesus, we pray for the reforming of our society according to the teaching of your Word. May each person we meet today see a picture of your kingdom in us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, [which] put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 God, our Father, we frequently resist change because we want to be comfortable. Give us the mind of Christ so that we can choose Spirit-inspired change. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, [Is it] not because the LORD hath anointed thee [to be] captain over his inheritance? When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: And they will salute thee, and give thee two [loaves] of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands. After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where [is] the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, [that] thou do as occasion serve thee; for God [is] with thee. And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, [and] to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What [is] this [that] is come unto the son of Kish? [Is] Saul also among the prophets? 1 Samuel 10:1-11 Lord, our progress in the faith is often minimal. Our spiritual growth is inconsistent. May our spiritual fervor increase and may our love for you be renewed each day. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 We praise you, God Almighty, for the indwelling power of Christ's resurrection. May our joy never fade and our eternal treasure never spoil. In Jesus Righteous name. Amen. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9 Lord Almighty, we know that difficult circumstances produce spiritual growth. Use our trials to make our faith genuine and to honor and glorify your name. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1:10-12 Enflame our minds, O Lord, so that we long to study your Word. May we investigate the truths of Scripture. May the words of Jesus be our way, our truth, and our life. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:13-16 Lord, thank you for providing us with tremendous potential. Give us the motivation and desire we need in order to be faithful to our calling to serve you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Philippians 3:12-16 Lord Jesus, help us to forget our past failures and lack of faithfulness in order to press on toward our heavenly prize. Stretch us toward your goals and your glory. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. Habakkuk 3:17-19 Lord, many of us have become couch potatoes in our Christian life. Transform us into mountain climbers, O God Most High. May we set our sights on full life with you! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full. John 15:1-11 Divine Gardener, plant us in your vineyard. We know that as we remain in the vine of Christ, our prayers are answered, our joy is full, and our fruit is plentiful. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 Father, thank you for the firm foundation of Christ's finished work. Help us to build solidly with faith, hope, love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and more, in Jesus name. Amen. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8 Thank you, Father, for giving us everything we need for life and godliness. Mentor us so that we can both know and experience your great and precious promises. Amen. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:12-14 Father, we know that you hate sin. May we be quick to repent and always ready to follow your way instead of any path that leads to destruction. In Christ's name, Amen. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Colossians 1:24-27 Lord of glory, may we base our lives each day on the truth that Christ does indeed live within us through the Holy Spirit. May your grace and power transform us fully. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Lord Jesus, show us the spiritual exercises we need to develop to be fit for your service. Help us to train faithfully so that we are in tune with your design for our lives. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! 2 Timothy 1:1-4 Father, may encouragement flow from our lips so that we may motivate those around us. We praise you for your encouraging grace, which energizes us to keep growing. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:5-7 Thank you, Lord, for people who have helped our faith grow. Give us the vision and gifts to enable others to come to faith and to flourish in their Christian life. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:8-12 Father, focus our eyes on your extravagant grace. May we become spellbound with the mercy of Jesus Christ so that we offer ourselves totally to your service. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-2; 3:10-11 Sovereign Lord, we praise you for the examples of many faithful believers. Empower us also to be examples to others in our thoughts, words, and deeds. In Jesus name, Amen. 2 Timothy 2:14-19 Heavenly Father, we confess that our lives do not always mirror excellence. Transform our minds so that we strive for all that is excellent in your sight. In Jesus name, Amen. 2 Timothy 2:20-26 Lord, we are your children, new creations in Christ, your friends, citizens of heaven. May the way you picture us inspire us to live up to your expectations. Amen! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Lord Jesus, use the proclamation that the end is near to tenderize our conscience, to mobilize our will, and to incite acts of righteousness, for your names sake. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:10-11; 4:7 Sovereign Lord of history, provide for us the experiences that make us wise, the challenges that keep us running the race, and the failures that will prompt us to depend on you. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:14-16 Lord, your Word contains the breath of the Holy Spirit. May the Scriptures be our breath-giving life, our daily nourishment, our trainer in the righteousness of Christ. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Lord of the church, place people in our lives with the gifts to equip us for ministry. May your Word fulfill its purpose so that we are equipped for every good work. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Lord, sometimes we dismiss your orders and argue with your commands. Instill in us the reverence and humility to receive your commands as transforming exhortations. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 We praise you, Lord, for the sure promises of reward in the life to come. Help us to faithfully run the race for you, depending on your power to see us through. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 2:28-34 Father, we fall before you to confess our sins. Forgive us and raise us up, we pray, to live life in your image to the praise and glory of your name. Amen. Matthew 26:31-35 Teach us, Jesus, never to say never. All of us have denied you. Let your death on the cross humble us to ask you for the forgiveness of all our sins. In your name, Amen. Luke 22:39-46 Thank you, Jesus, for drinking this horrible cup so fouled by all our sins. Thank you for giving us the cup of salvation filled with your blood instead. We praise you forever. Amen. Matthew 26:47-56 Lord, forgive us for hurting you and others with the swords of destructive words and deeds. Make us skillful with the sword of the Spirit to praise you and bless others. Amen. Matthew 21:1-10 Jesus, you are the King of mercy and of grace, reigning omnipotent in every place; so come, O King, and our whole being sway, fill us to live in your humble way. Amen. Luke 23:32-34 Lord Jesus, help us to grow in your amazing grace so that, like you, we also desire and seek the salvation of our enemies. In your name we pray, O Savior. Amen. Luke 23:44-45 Thank you, Father, that in faith we may see beyond the darkness of Jesus death and see the light of new life. Receive our thanks in Jesus name, we pray. Amen. Matthew 27:45-49 God of heaven and earth, sometimes we feel forsaken even by you. Help us to remember the incredible work of Jesus, and that for his sake you declare us free of sin! Amen. Luke 23:32-43 Lord, we confess our sin and guilt. We pray for your forgiveness. We pray that you will remember us now that you are in your kingdom. For your names sake, Amen. John 19:28-30 Father, we thank and praise you for the finished work of Jesus. His enemies did not finish him! Rebuild our lives, we pray, on his completed work. In our Saviors name, Amen. John 19:38-42 Dear God, help us not to be afraid or ashamed of coming through for Jesus. May we not wait but put all we have at the disposal of Jesus and the cause of your kingdom. Amen. Matthew 28:1-8 Loves redeeming work is done; Fought the fight, the battle won; Death in vain forbids him rise; Christ has opened paradise; Thank you Spirit, Father, Son. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Heavenly Father, without resurrection, our faith is useless. Convict us so powerfully of the good news of Easter that we can already today begin to live new lives. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 24:13-32 Thank you, Jesus, for your resurrection and its promises to us. Give us faith-filled eyes to see and believe that the day is coming when you will make all things new. Amen. Mark 12:18-27 Father, we are not immune to the arguments of those who deny the resurrection. Empower us by your Spirit to hold on to the good news of Easter. For Jesus sake, Amen. Luke 9:18-27 Lord Jesus, help me to truly know who you are. Help me also to know who I am: your follower, called by your name (Christian), ready to take up my cross each day for you. Amen. Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 Thank you, God, that we may believe you exist and that the whole universe was made by you. Help us never to let go of this conviction, never to let go of you. For Jesus’ sake, Amen. Genesis 4:1-16; Hebrews 11:4 Dear God, help us to give you first place in our lives. May we offer to you what matters to us and is pleasing and acceptable to you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Genesis 4:1-12 Thank you, Father, that the faith of all who believe in you speaks even though many have died a martyrs death. Uphold the faith of all who are persecuted for Jesus sake. Amen. Genesis 5:18-24; Hebrews 11:5-6 Father, help us to be on walking and talking terms with you. May we have the same values and goals. Let not even death separate us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Genesis 6; Hebrews 11:7 Father, thank you for your warning. Thank you for the ark. May people everywhere heed your warning and, with us, believe in Jesus and be saved. In his name, Amen. Hebrews 11:8-16 Father, help us not to get so comfortable that we fail to look or long for anything better. By faith help us look forward to the city you have built. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-19 Father, we are good at finding reasonable objections to doing what you ask. Give us the faith to trust you more and to obey you faithfully. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Genesis 28:1-4 Lord Almighty, bless and keep our children. Give them strength to defeat all of lifes enemies. Let their lives be shaped by love and service to you and to their neighbors. Amen. Exodus 2:1-14; Hebrews 11:24-26 Dear God, help us to choose for you. Help us to choose for your people. Help us to choose for justice more than for luxury or worldly success. For Jesus sake, Amen. Exodus 1:8-2:2; Hebrews 11:23 Lord, help us to trust that we are always in your care; no one can snatch us out of your hand. Your resurrection power guarantees it, in Jesus name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 Mighty God, Savior of your people, give us the faith, we pray, to follow Jesus in his dying and rising as signified in our baptism. In his saving name we pray. Amen. Joshua 5:13-6:16, 20 Lord, you sent Jesus to break down all the walls that can come between us and your coming kingdom. Help us to believe in and trust in him each day. Amen. Joshua 2:1-21 Father, help us always to side with you and your people, no matter what others may ask us to say or do. Mark us with the blood of Jesus as the seal of our salvation. Amen. Hebrews 11:32-40 Lord, bless us still more with the power of faith in you, till the day when together with all believers who have gone before us we will be made perfect. In Jesus name, Amen. Acts 1:1-11 Lord, many people think you are uncaring and powerless against evil. Help us to share your love and to honor all you've done to destroy evil without having to destroy us. Amen. Jonah 4 Lord, we are so busy with our daily activities. Open our eyes so that we may see how people need you. Give us your compassion and guide us to join in the harvest. Amen. Genesis 12:1-9 Lord God, give us the desire to help the peoples of this world come to you. When we feel restless, be our dwelling place, as you have been to all generations. In Jesus name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Lord, when we chafe under the yoke of being your messengers, please come alongside and bear the load with us. Help us to help you bring forth fruit for eternal life. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Thank you, Lord, that you are One. Thank you for forgiving us when we were still sinners, unfaithful to you. Help us to honor you first in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen. Romans 2:1-8 Lord, teach us how to talk about Christ and how to listen. Holy Spirit, work in us so that we can grow to lead others to repentance and eternal life. In Jesus name, Amen. Isaiah 65:1-2 How can we thank you, Lord, for searching until you found us, lost sheep wandering aimlessly? Help us to give our lives to you and to follow you faithfully. In Christ, Amen. Galatians 1:6-9 Thank you, Lord, that the good news of your salvation changes lives and even changes whole cultures. Help us to teach the truth of your Word faithfully. In Jesus name, Amen. Matthew 9:35-38 Lord, guide us from losing sight of our compassion for lost people amid the busyness of church commitments and a zeal for taking care of details that may be less urgent. Amen. Revelation 20:11-15 Lord, we know that you rightly judge sin. But you have also shown your love for us by sending your Son to save us from the curse of sin. Give us faith in him, we pray. Amen. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11 Lord, make us like Jesus, who humbled himself for our sake, to show us the full extent of your love. Use us in the work of building your kingdom, we pray. Amen. The word of the Lord came unto me again, saying, What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God. If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things, And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife, Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination, Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him. Ezekiel 18:1-13 Lord, teach us when to speak and when to remain silent. Teach us discernment, that we may shine the wisdom of Christ into our conversations. In Jesus name, Amen. It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 O God, when we think we have been going it alone in our work for you, help us to realize you have been carrying us and providing us with others to help. In Jesus name, Amen. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 1 Timothy 5:17-20 Thank you, Lord, for providing shepherds for your flock. May they lead wisely, depending on you for direction. Protect and guide us all by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 1 Peter 3:13-18 Lord, many of your earliest disciples were uneducated, ordinary people. Make us zealous to tell others about you, our Savior, in a way that is clear and simple. Amen. Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 5:18-24 Help us, O God, to stay on track when society all around us is flying upside down. Help us to focus on Christ alone. Give us the wisdom to discern between good and evil. Amen. Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. Ezekiel 3:1-9 Lord, make us like Jesus, so gentle that he would not quench a smoldering wick, but so courageous that he set his face like flint to go to the cross. In his name we pray. Amen. In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts: According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:1-9 We have many anxieties, Lord, about your church. Give us confidence to lean on the Holy Spirit, and to spread the message of salvation where you have placed us. Amen. If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 3:2-12 King of the church, teach us to love your church, imperfect though it may be. Help us to share Christ with others and bring them into your church. In your name, Amen. Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:7-16 Lord Jesus, you made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Help us not to count the cost of living for you. May we be willing to lay down our lives for the people you call us to serve. Amen. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:7-14 O God, Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lord Jesus, we wait for your return, when the kingdom will come to earth and remain forever. Amen. Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. Exodus 3:1-15 Lord, please open the eyes of all who need to know who Jesus Christ really is not just a great teacher and prophet but also the one true God. In his name we pray. Amen. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20 Even when conversations turn icy, Lord, help us to cheerfully, lovingly, and bravely make known the mystery of the gospel, the good news of your love for us all. In Jesus, Amen. Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. Romans 2:17-24 Lord, we know that through Christ all nations will enter into blessing. Help our generation to avoid the mistakes of missions or power structures that dishonored your name. Amen. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Hebrews 11:11-19 When we do not know how to pray, Holy Spirit, pray for us with groans that words cannot express. We ask for your comfort and peace and courage to keep going. Amen. Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 1 Peter 3:1-6 Lord, we pray for the people we love, especially those who do not yet know you. Work in their hearts, Holy Spirit, and help us show your love in all we say and do. Amen. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Lord, what a wonderful but fearsome thing it is to tell people of salvation in Christ! Here we are, Lord, send us! May we bring your message faithfully and lead others to you. Amen. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? Romans 3:3-6 O sacred head, [once] wounded, with grief and shame weighed down; Mine, mine was the transgression, but yours the deadly pain. Thank you for taking my place. Amen. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:1-10 Jesus, you said you would build your church. Strengthen our hands with joy to work with you. Give us cheerful hearts, knowing you have given us new life! In your name, Amen. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1:26-31 Lord, thank you for work and for the health and strength to do it. Help us to do everything; evangelism and other work; as a fragrant offering to you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Acts 2:1-12 Lord, at one time we were without Christ. How can we thank you for saving us in Christ? May our lives be consecrated to you and your kingdom. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Mark 1:1-3 Dear Father, we have turned away from you often. Please forgive us and give us a fresh start through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior. In his name we pray. Amen. As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:2-8 Lord, forgive us. Help us to see our sin and hate it. Help us to turn back to you today. And may your Holy Spirit cleanse us from top to bottom. In Jesus name, Amen. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. Mark 1:14-20 Father, thank you for coming near to us through your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the kingdom promises he came to fulfill. May we draw near to you in faith through him. Amen. And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. Mark 2:1-5 Lord, give us faith that shows itself clearly by our actions. Help us to see people the way you do. And guide us to take action to bring others to you. In your name, Amen. And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mark 2:1-12 Thank you, Father, for Jesus and for the forgiveness of sins through him. Help us to believe fully that Jesus heals and forgives, that we may have joy and peace in you. Amen. And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. Mark 3:13-19 Lord, thank you for sending your Son to bear our sins, even our treachery, so that we never have to fear being apart from you. Forgive us and help us to follow you, we pray. Amen. And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. Mark 3:20-35 Lord God, help us all to see that Jesus is neither out of his mind nor a liar who serves the devil. Help us to do your will and make Jesus the center of our lives. In his name, Amen. And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. Mark 4:1-20 Lord, make us good listeners to your Word. By it, build our faith, cleanse our lives, and make us fruitful in the work of your kingdom. In your name we pray. Amen. And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:1-20 Lord Jesus, forgive us for resisting your lordship when we have wanted to do things our own way. Help us to surrender our entire lives to you. In your name, Amen. And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. Mark 5:21-43 Lord, give me faith and patience when I am tested to tears and perhaps even anguish. Help me to know that your timing is best; and God will be glorified. Amen. And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. Mark 6:14-29 Thank you, Lord, for the hope we have in Christ, our Savior, forever. Thank you that we too will be raised to new life with you. In your name we pray. Amen. And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. Mark 6:30-44 Lord, many of us are in times of testing right now. Forgive us our doubts and help us to trust you for all that we truly need. In the name of Jesus we pray and give thanks. Amen. And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. Mark 6:45-56 Lord Jesus, we're often afraid of many things. Replace our fears with confidence in your love, power, and presence. Help us remember that we are always safe in your hands. Amen. And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. And he charged them that they should tell no man of him. Mark 8:27-30 Lord, help us all to see and to say with certainty that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. And may we also know him as our personal Savior. Amen. And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. Mark 8:31-9:1 Dear Lord, we thank you for the cross, where our sins were paid for. May the freedom we have from our guilt lead us to live surrendered lives for you. In your name, Amen. And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him. Mark 9:14-32 Father, increase our faith in your power. Teach us to pray, knowing that you always hear us. And help us trust in your power to do your will. For Jesus sake, Amen. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 Heavenly Father, help us to trust you completely. Take away our fears and worries, and make us all like children, trusting completely in you. In Jesus mighty name we pray. Amen. And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Mark 10:17-31 Thank you, Lord, for giving yourself for us on the cross. Take over our lives, and make us love nothing more than to grow in relationship with you. In your name, Amen. And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:1-11 Thank you, Father, for giving us your Son, who suffered, died, and rose from the dead for our sake. Blessed is the coming kingdom you have promised! Hallelujah! Amen. And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.' And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way. Mark 12:1-12 Thank you, Father, for your mercy and grace, and for sending us your Son. Keep us from ignoring your patience, and move us to turn back to you today. For Jesus sake, Amen. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way. Mark 12:9-12 Lord, you bore the punishment of our sin on the cross, and you rose victorious from the grave. Guide us to honor you as our cornerstone, the center of our lives. Amen. And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. Mark 12:28-34 Father, draw into your kingdom all who are near to it through the one and only entrance: Jesus Christ. Help us to live completely by your way of love, in Jesus name. Amen. And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:41-44 Lord, thank you so much for your great gift. May we be willing to surrender our whole lives; time, talents, and treasures in gratitude for your gift to us. In your name, Amen. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. Mark 13:32-37 Lord, as the signs of your coming multiply, may we be ready, living godly lives and doing the work you've given us to do. Give us your wisdom to live faithfully. Amen. After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him. Mark 14:1-11 Lord Jesus, keep us from going the way of Judas and selling you out. Instead may we live a life that shows we are sold out for you. In your name we pray. Amen. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. Mark 14:27-31, 66-72 Father, we stand in awe of your forgiving grace. Forgive us our broken promises, restore us to service for you, and keep us faithful, we pray. In Jesus name, Amen. And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it. And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. Mark 15:1-15 Thank you, Jesus, for dying for our sins and giving us eternal life. We praise you for the good news of salvation. Help us to live gratefully for you each day. In your name, Amen. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. Mark 15:33-37 Thank you, Father, for your love and for giving us your Son as the full and complete sacrifice for our sins. Thank you, Jesus, for taking our place and setting us free. Amen. Mark 15:37-41 Lord Jesus, Son of God, as I look at big obstacles in my life, help me to place my hope and trust in you. Thank you for your strength and peace even in times of struggle. Amen. Mark 16:1-8 Father, thank you for the assurance that Jesus has risen from the dead, and that we also will rise because we believe in him. Thank you for the promise of new life forever in you. Amen. Galatians 5:16-26 God, thank you for your Son, Jesus, who gives us life in a way like a vine supplies life to its branches. Thank you for working in us by your Holy Spirit for Jesus sake. Amen. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirits life and work in us. Help us to grow and become more like your Son, Jesus Christ. In his name we pray. Amen. Colossians 3:1-11 Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful portrait of Jesus we see in the fruit of the Spirit. Grow your fruit in us so that our portraits may more closely resemble that of your Son. Amen. John 15:1-8 God, help me cooperate as your Spirit grows Christ's character in me. Help me work with you to tend my spiritual garden so that your harvest in me is both full and lasting. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Lord, grow the fruit of love in me by your Holy Spirit. Help me to love others not just with words but also with a commitment to act in ways that put others first. In Jesus, Amen. 1 John 4:7-21 Thank you, God, that at the very core of your being you are love. Express your love through me today to all the people I meet whoever you place in my path. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 5:43-48 Lord, thank you for your love shown through Jesus sacrifice. By your Spirit, grow in us a love that is able to reach out with grace even to people who are difficult to like. Amen. Psalm 36:5-9 Lord, nurture in me your fruit of joy. Let the water that flows in your river of delights well up in me and bring lasting joy that touches the lives of others. In your name, Amen. Psalm 126 Father, grant me a sense of joy that does not depend on circumstances. Cultivate an inner joy that reflects your love within me, and help me to share it with others. In Jesus, Amen. Psalm 16:9-11 Lord, thank you for preparing a place of eternal joy and pleasure for us. May that heavenly destiny increasingly be a part of our life here on earth! For your sake, Amen. Romans 12:9-21 Lord God, thank you for the peace we can experience in you. May your Holy Spirit develop peace in us so that we may also live at peace with others. In Jesus name, Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 Thank you, O God, for coming to seek and to save the lost. We're grateful that you reached out to us in peace through your Son and restored our relationship with you. Amen. Proverbs 6:16-19 By your Spirit, Lord, help us to walk the often difficult path of peace. May we be agents of your grace in the lives of the people around us, for Jesus sake. Amen. Colossians 1:9-14 Lord, we need to be clothed with patience. Help us by your Spirit to exercise patience at all times as we strive to please you in -every way. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. James 5:1-9 Thank you, Lord God, that you are establishing a kingdom where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Help us to persevere patiently in that hope. Amen. James 5:10-12 Lord, the world is full of pressures and difficulties. Continue to grow in us a patience that empowers us to be more than conquerors through him who loves us. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 10:25-37 God, our Father, open our eyes to the needs around us. Fill us with mercy, compassion, and kindness so that we may be neighbors even to people we haven't liked. Amen. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Holy Spirit, enable your kindness to take root and flourish in me. Make me more like Jesus, who, though he was rich, was willing to become poor for my sake. In his name, Amen. Acts 10:34-43 Thank you, O God, for your gift of grace that makes us good in your sight. Empower us to do good, as Jesus did, that we may bring glory to you every day. In Jesus name, Amen. Daniel 6:1-16 Holy Spirit of God, cultivate goodness in us so that we will live trustworthy lives for you. Give us the boldness we need to avoid corruption, we pray. In Jesus mighty name, Amen. 2 Timothy 2:1-13 O God, your faithfulness amazes us. Make our hearts good soil so that your faithfulness may also grow in us. Make us trustworthy, we pray, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Psalm 89:1-8 O God, we praise you for your faithfulness! Thank you that your mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness to us in Christ! In his name we pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Father, help us to be faithful so that when Jesus returns, we will hear him say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant! In his name we ask this. Amen. Luke 14:7-11 Spirit of God, wherever there is a pushy, aggressive, or proud spirit in me, be at work cultivating instead the Christlike quality of gentleness and humility. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Philippians 2:1-11 God, our Father, what heights of love we see in the depths of Christ's descent! Thank you that he was willing to stoop down low for our sake. In his name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 40:10-28 God, we acknowledge that in the midst of your tremendous power and presence, we are like fine dust. Help us remember that all we are and have is a gift from you. Amen. Nehemiah 1:1-4 In the orchard you are planting in my life, O God, grant me self-control. Give me a driving passion for Jesus and his kingdom that overcomes every lesser passion. Amen. Ephesians 5:1-20 Eternal God, I submit my life to you. Holy Spirit, fill me in such a way that Christ has control in my life and that I want to live in obedience to him. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. John 14:9-14 Father, by your Spirit, work in us so that we, like Jesus, submit ourselves completely to you. Accomplish your will and purposes in and through us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Father, we are grateful for your love; by your grace you have made us your children. Give us heartfelt assurance that, because of Christ, we are now eternally secure in you! Amen. 2 Peter 1:3-11 We want to grow, Lord! By your Spirit, we want to become rich, mature, ripe Christians. Grow your fruit in us so that we will reflect your Son, Jesus, to a needy world. Amen. Ephesians 1:1-14 Dear Lord, help us to receive your letter with thanks and to experience the grace and peace; you offer us through Paul as your encouragement to us. In Jesus name, Amen. Ephesians 1:15-23 Dear Lord, teach us to be encouragers for others and to draw strength from the encouragement you give us through your Word. In your Sons name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Thank you, dear God, for creating life and giving us new life in Christ. Help us to embrace your intent for our own lives and to live in fellowship with you. In Jesus name, Amen. Ephesians 2:1-3 Creator Lord, forgive us for not living up to your intentions for us. Guard us from the death-dealing ways of the devil, and restore us to fellowship with you. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 2:4-5 O merciful Lord, help us by the power of your Holy Spirit to trust in your great love and receive your rich mercy. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Ephesians 2:6-10 Thank you, dear God, for your free gift of grace. Help us acknowledge it as your gift to us. May the Spirit of Christ live in our hearts so that we can grow in grace. Amen. Ephesians 2:11-22 Lord, we pray today that you will forgive us for all the divisions we have caused. Help us to live in the unity that Jesus has made possible for us. In his name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 2:19-22 Father in heaven, thank you for welcoming us into the household of faith. Thank you also for the good news of Jesus that makes this possible. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 3:1-6 We are so grateful, Lord, that the mystery has been revealed. Thank you for including people everywhere in the promises of Christ. Help us to share this good news! Amen. Ephesians 3:7-10 Lord, thank you for your wisdom revealed in Jesus Christ and for gathering to yourself a community chosen for eternal life. Help your people to be united in true faith. Amen. Ephesians 3:10-13 Thank you for including everyone and everything in your plan of redemption, Lord. Thank you for redeeming all who confess your name and believe in your Son. Amen. Ephesians 3:12-13 Thank you, Lord, for giving us hope and confidence that you hear us and care for us. Help us to trust not in ourselves but in Jesus, who made our salvation possible. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 Father in heaven, teach us to rely on your Spirit for faith, confidence, and power. Help us to know you as the source of everything good in our hearts. Amen. Ephesians 3:16-19 Thank you, Father, for the gift of your good news that inspires faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you that we can experience this faith in the community of your people. Amen. Ephesians 3:16-19 Lord, fill us to overflowing with your fullness so that we love you more and serve you better. Help us to keep offering this prayer for others, that we may all grow in you. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 Thank you, Lord, for the power of imagination, for faith and hope, for your amazing grace. Thank you for doing immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. Amen. Ephesians 4:1-6 Dear Lord, may your calling in us be affirmed and strengthened. By the power of your Spirit in us, help us to be a people committed to the unity of the Spirit. In your name, Amen. Ephesians 4:2-6 Thank you, Lord, for the unity that you give to the church and to all who confess the name of Jesus Christ. Help us to live according to the calling you have given us. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 4:7-13 Thank you, God, for the gift of grace and for accepting us as we are. We want to believe and accept that your gift of grace is sufficient for us. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 4:11-13 We are grateful to you, O Christ, for making provisions for the needs of your people. May we be found faithful in using the gifts received for the purposes you intend. Amen. Ephesians 4:11-13 Help us, Lord, to strive for greater unity and knowledge. By the presence of your Spirit, help us to grow toward knowing the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Amen. Ephesians 4:14-16 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving us the capacity to grow and for encouraging us to mature to become more like you. In your name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 4:17-24 Dear Father in heaven, please help us to live in the awareness of your new creation. Guide us to be examples of the way of righteousness and holiness each day. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 4:25-32 For your gift of grace and for the power of your kindness and compassion toward us, we thank you, our Lord and our God. Teach us to treat others in that same spirit. Amen. Ephesians 5:1-7 Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for loving us and showing us your grace. May your example inform and inspire us to walk in the way of love. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 5:8-20 Dear Lord, thank you for enabling us to sing and make music. It is a joy to sing your praises. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we offer all our thanks to you. Amen. Ephesians 5:21-33 Teach us, Savior and Lord, the spiritual discipline of mutual submission. We desire to walk in your ways and to show our reverence for you. In your name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 6:1-9 Teach us, Lord, how to serve wholeheartedly. Inspire our minds and incline our hearts to be the kind of people you want us to be. We ask this in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Ephesians 6:10-17 Lord, you are the source of our protection and strength. Grant us fitting armor so that we can stand firm in times when evil surrounds us. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 6:18-20 Dear Lord, teach us again how to pray, not only for ourselves but also for your people everywhere who need your special care. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 6:21-24 Thank you, dear Lord, for your grace-filled presence in the lives of all who follow your Son, Jesus Christ. Empower us by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. James 1:22-25 Father in heaven, give us the grace during this month to hear what you are saying to us, and make us doers of your Word. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. James 2:14-26 Lord, sometimes I look the other way when someone needs my help. Open my eyes and my heart to truly share what you have given to me. For Jesus sake. Amen. Romans 12:1-2 Lord God, you have the power to change anyone. Show us your power, we pray, by changing the persons who need to believe in you. We ask this in the power of your Spirit. Amen. James 1:2-4 Father, it can be hard for us to rejoice when bad things happen in our lives. But help us to trust you in wisdom, knowing we can grow closer to you no matter what happens. Amen. Acts 5:29-42 Father in heaven, we thank you for your amazing grace. You refuse to let go of us even when we are tempted to let go. Help us to keep trusting in you always. Amen. James 1:5-7 Lord, we want to be in your will because we know there is no safety outside of your will. Please show us what you want us to do, and to serve you faithfully. Amen. James 1:13-15 Father in heaven, help us to avoid the lure of temptations. Protect us from the pull of our own evil desires, and deliver us from the evil one, we pray. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Lord our God, give us the strength to say no to the temptations we face, and help us to see the way of escape you provide. In Jesus Mighty name we ask this. Amen. James 1:19-20 Lord, help me become a better listener so that I can really hear what others are saying to me. Help me to consider what's being said, and then to speak wisely. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Job 42:1-6 Father, forgive us for being quick to speak, and show us when we should put our hand over our mouth. Help us to use the gift of speech to honor you. In your name, Amen. Ephesians 4:25-32 Holy Spirit, please give us your power and self-control to get rid of our sinful anger. Shine through us with the gentleness, kindness, and wisdom you want in us. Amen. Psalm 146 Father in heaven, open our eyes to see the needs of people who need our care. Help us to show the compassion of our Savior. In his name we pray. Amen. James 2:1-11 Lord, we are too easily impressed and distracted by people's outward appearances. Forgive us, we pray, and help us to see people as you see them. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 18:21-35 Father, we thank you for your great mercy. Help us to be merciful to all the people in our lives. Help us to appreciate your goodness and show it to others. For Jesus sake, Amen. James 3:1-12 Father in heaven, help us to use the gift of speech to praise your name. Holy Spirit, empower us to use our tongues only in praise and honor of you. In Jesus name, Amen. Ephesians 4:29-32 Father in heaven, thank you for the gifts of speech and communication. Please help each of us learn to speak the truth in love. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Matthew 10:32-33 Lord, forgive us if we have stood by silently when someone else misused your name. Help us to acknowledge you with honor and respect always. In Jesus holy name, Amen. James 3:13-18 Lord, our God, give us your wisdom to help us understand your Word and to live by it every day. Guide us into peaceful, wise living that shows your love. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. James 4:1-6 Lord our God, help us to want what you want, and keep us from fighting and quarreling because we cannot have things our way. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Romans 12:1-2 Lord our God, you know how reluctant we are to turn our lives over to you. Please give us the grace to surrender all to you today. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11 Holy Spirit, please give us power to resist the attacks of the devil. Strengthen us to resist temptations. Deliver us from the evil one as he tries to destroy us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. James 4:7-12 Lord our God, show us your presence in our lives. Help us to trust that you will never let go of us. As you have promised, you will never forsake us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 7:1-5 Father, please keep us from judging other people. Help us to take a close look at ourselves before we make assessments. In all things, help us to act with love. In Jesus, Amen. James 4:13-17 Lord, our God, help us to live in the awareness that you are the one who determines the outcome of our lives and that you alone hold our future. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Luke 12:16-21 Father in heaven, help us to find the purpose you have for us, and help us to be rich toward you. For the honor of your name, help us to put you first in our lives. In Jesus, Amen. James 5:1-6 Lord, our God, thank you for the blessings you have given us. Help us to use our riches for your kingdom and for the benefit of others. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Matthew 5:23-26 Lord, help us to see how we have hurt one another and that we need to reconciled. Lead us also to confess our sins to you, and help us to live faithfully for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. James 5:16-18 Father in heaven, help us to believe the teaching in your Word about prayer. Teach us how to pray, and help us to discern your answers, in line with your will. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Galatians 6:1-10 Lord, give us the grace to accept correction from others. Give us also the wisdom to caringly confront people who are living in sin, to help restore them gently. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 7:21-29 Father in heaven, help us to examine our faith and our actions, and work in us to conform every part of our lives to your will. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. James 1:12-27 Hearer of words and hearts, thank you for listening to us always. Teach us from your Word to treat everyone with love and respect in line with your will. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 4:7-16 Father, we thank you for words we can use to speak the truth about life in you. Help us to choose our words wisely to build each other up as we grow in faith and unity. Amen. 2 Samuel 19:1-8 Gracious God, thank you for the people in our lives who confront and encourage us with care. Help us to speak as well as to listen to wise advice when it's needed. In Jesus, Amen. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Dear God, thank you for Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Help us to be encouraged by Christ's example of encouraging. Thank you for mentors along the way. Amen. Malachi 1:6-9 Forgive us, Father, if we honor you with only our lips while showing respect for things that don't deserve it. Convert our minds and hearts, O Holy Spirit. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 3:8-16 Father, thank you for the respect you show us in your gentle dealing with us, despite our sins. Empower us to see you in others and to respect them as objects of your love. Amen. Romans 15:7-13 Heavenly Father, help us to trust you so implicitly that we can walk confidently and obediently with you in all situations. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 16:10-13 Dear God, thank you so much for the trust we can enjoy in you and in our relationships with others. Help us to walk in ways of hope and confidence, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Isaiah 11:1-9 God of life, thank you for the gift of play. Thank you for the ability to catch a ball, walk a woodland trail, or devise word games. Thank you most of all for Jesus! Amen. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Father God, thank you for understanding us so well. You know our needs as well as our wants. We do want desperately to please you. Give us a sense of humor, we pray. Amen. Genesis 39:1-6 Gracious Lord, be with us, whether we're in a tough spot or enjoying where we are. We need your blessing to be what you want us to be and to do your will faithfully. Amen. Jonah 1 Father, forgiver of all our sins, guide us in the way of love and obedience so that your name will be honored in the Ninevehs of our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Philippians 4:2-9 Lord, you are our example of love and compassion. Empower us with your Holy Spirit to live in such a way that others may see Christ living in us always. In his name, Amen. Psalm 106:1-12 Gracious and compassionate God, we give you thanks for the wonderful assurance in your Word that we are forgiven when we confess and repent. Help us to do so. Amen! Job 1:1-5 Father, thank you for faithfully keeping us in your care and for people in the family of Christ who pray for us. Help us to do the same for others. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 4:14-22 Gracious Provider, thank you for places of worship. Help us to worship you faithfully and be good examples to others. We need the empowering of your Spirit. Amen. Psalm 133 Lord of church and families, thank you for healthy churches and families that enjoy interacting as loving, committed brothers and sisters. Forgive us for doing any less. Amen. Acts 2:1-4 Lord of life and love, thank you for the opportunities we have to serve you and others while working together. Empower us to serve people in need for your sake. Amen. Genesis 17:1-10 Gracious, covenant-making God, thank you for your call to Abraham and his family. Help us to work with the common commitment of honoring you. In Christ's Mighty name, Amen. Acts 4:32-37 Lord, show us how to be one in heart, soul, and mind as we follow you in obedience. May we share a common commitment in our relationships, leading others to know you. Amen. Galatians 6:1-5 Jesus, thank you for the example of compassion you showed as you touched peoples lives. Help me to respect others also as creatures made in your image. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Father who knows all, help us to reach out with care and concern while refraining from judging. Give us patience to respect others and to mind our own business, wisely. Amen! Ephesians 6:1-9 Dear Lord, thank you for helping us see that we all need to serve if we're to be faithful to you and each other. Our desire is to honor you and serve your kingdom. Amen. Romans 12:1-8 Giver of gifts, thank you for opportunities to serve each other. Open our eyes to see where we’re needed, and empower us to serve Jesus by serving others in his name. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Father, thank you for the encouragement to talk about the vital issues of life. Help us to love you and each other with all our heart, soul, and strength. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. John 13:12-17 Dear Jesus, thank you for lessons learned as we come to your table and share the memory of your sacrifice. Forgive us when we are concerned about the wrong things. Amen. Mark 6:30-34 Jesus, thank you for your invitation to join you and others for a time of rest. We need the sustenance it provides as much as the food and drink we receive from you. Amen. Luke 9:28-36 Father, thank you for letting us know of your love for your Son. Help us savor the moments you give that encourage us to live for Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Luke 8:40-56 Healer of diseases and relationships, help us to know when to turn to you and also when to seek the help of others. We want to be as healthy as possible to serve you. Amen. Matthew 14:22-32 Lord Jesus, save us from thinking that our boldness lets us walk on water without your help. May our confidence in you as the Son of God help us get out of the boat. Amen. 2 Peter 3:11-18 Thank you, Lord, for your Word found in the Scriptures. Help us understand where and when to apply their teaching. May we do everything to your glory. Amen! Genesis 1:1; 2:1-3 Father, open our hearts to your closeness in our lives. Help us to honor and worship you in all we do. May we also gather with your people in worship. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 2:4-25 Thank you, Lord, that you have found me, that you give me abundant life in your presence. Help me to obey you, knowing that you know what's best for me. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 3 I need you, Lord; I need you every hour. By your Spirit give me new life in your presence. Feed me and shape me to be like Jesus till I am tainted by sin no more. In his name, Amen. Genesis 4:1-12 By the power of your Spirit, Lord, guard the door of our hearts to keep sin from entering in and trying to ruin our lives. In our faithful Saviors name we pray. Amen. Genesis 4:13-24 Heavenly Father, keep us safe at home. Help us to love each other as you love us, and may we rejoice with all the runaways you bring home. Through Christ, our Lord, Amen. Genesis 6:5-22 Fill me with your goodness and kindness, Lord. Keep me from the violence that would enter my heart. Guide me to live with joy in your presence. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Genesis 7:6-16 Thank you, Lord, for giving us refuge from the storms of sin. Help us not to fear the violence that batters your church. In your saving name we pray. Amen. Genesis 8:6-14 We ask, Lord, that our worship today may restore our faith and hope in the coming of Jesus Christ. Grant us patience to wait for the new creation. In your name, Amen. Genesis 8:15-22; 9:18-28 Bless me, Lord, that I may be a blessing. Keep me far away from the problems of the old world. Help me to live by the power and wisdom of your Spirit. In Christ Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 11:1-9 Thank you, Lord, for building and maintaining the church of Jesus Christ. Like a living stone, shape me and mold me according to your will. In Jesus’ name alone, Amen. Genesis 12:1-3 Thank you, Lord, for my family. Help me to love you first of all, that I may love my family better. Strengthen me to trust in you for everything I need. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 15:1-6 O Lord, I believe all your promises. Help me in my unbelief, through Jesus Christ, the ultimate promised descendant of Abram and Sarai. In his name I pray. Amen. Genesis 18:1-15 I confess Lord, that your ways are stranger than all my imaginations. Thank you for all the surprises, and help me to trust fully in you, through Jesus Christ. Amen. Genesis 19:1-11 O Lord in heaven, save us from the ancient defiler of our souls. Let us be hospitable to all the needy, but let us be strong to close the door to all that corrupts. Amen. Genesis 23:1-6, 16-20 I am not my own, Lord, but belong to you, body and soul, in life and in death. You have fully paid for my sins with your blood and freed me from the devils tyranny. Amen. Genesis 24:61-67 Thank you, Lord, for making me your disciple. Help me to be faithful and true to your call, in my living and dying, and to welcome others into your family. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 25:19-34 Keep our eyes on you, Lord, so that we may be instruments of surprising grace in a world struggling with the way you bring it good news. In Christs Mighty name we pray. Amen. Genesis 26:1-11 O Lord, be gracious and help me to see myself as others see me, that I may not be a stumbling block to them. Help me to love both you and others. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Genesis 28:10-22 Thank you, Lord, for removing the burden of getting close to you. Keep me near you, especially when I'm tempted to enter another gate. In Christ's Mighty name I pray. Amen. Genesis 32:1-7, 21; 33:8-11 Lord, I acknowledge your blessings on my life through Jesus struggle on the cross. Help me to set straight what I have made crooked, and to do whats right, for you. Amen. Genesis 34:24-31 Thank you, Lord, for your gift of forgiveness and your compassion in my life. Help me to love you above all, and my neighbor as myself, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Genesis 37:1-24 I admit, Lord, that you sent Jesus Christ to die and to cleanse me of my jealousies and hatreds. Help me to turn from evil and do good. Forgive me in Christ. Amen. Genesis 38:11-30 Bless us, Lord, to honor Jesus today, who made himself least among us all. Open our hearts to your ways of forgiveness and reconciliation so that we may bless others. Amen. Genesis 39:1-2, 6-23 Give me wisdom, Lord, that I may do what is right in your eyes, no matter the road you ask me to walk. Help me to trust in you always, for you are with me. Amen. Genesis 41:1-16 Lord, help us to seek your wisdom, that we may be patient to learn your will for our lives. Bless us with untroubled sleep and peace that goes beyond understanding. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 41:56-57 Let me depend, Lord, on the storehouses you build, that I may be sustained for eternal life with you. May others also be blessed by your work through me, for your sake. Amen. Genesis 42:1-8, 25-38 Thank you, Lord, for the grace you give us through Jesus Christ. We don't deserve it. Help us to surprise others with forgiveness and mercy, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 45:3-11, 25-46:4 Include me, Lord, in your strange ways with Jesus Christ, so that I may come home to you. Grant me your peace, O God. May your love fill me and overflow to others. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 46:1-7 Father in heaven, keep our eyes fixed on our true home with you, that we may patiently await the fulfillment of all your promises. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Genesis 50:4-14 Lord, I believe that Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again. Keep me in that faith always, knowing you are with me now and forever. In Jesus, Amen. Mark 1:1-8 Dear Father, help us to tell the story of Jesus with freshness, gladness, and joy. Thank you for also helping us pay attention to our own stories of grace and mercy. In Jesus, Amen. Mark 2:23-28 Jesus, I have a tendency to point out peoples’ shortcomings instead of walking in complete freedom with you. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to help others find rest in you. Amen. Mark 5:1-20 Precious Jesus, you have authority over all things in heaven and on the earth. May I never grow tired of telling others what you have done for me. In your name, Amen. Mark 8:27-30 Jesus, help me to give up my own ideas and notions about you. Help me to see who you truly are and to find assurance in your name and life. Amen. Mark 10:17-25 Forgive me, Lord, for being obsessed with my list and not seeing how much you love me and others. Help me see how living for you means showing your love to others. Amen. Mark 14:32-42 Jesus, thank you for enduring the struggle of death for our sake, and for going through the darkest place for us so that we can have life. Thank you for being with us always. Amen. Mark 16:1-11 Jesus, the amazing story of resurrection is so hard to believe. Please help me in my unbelief, convince me you are alive, and help me to share this good news with others. Amen. Matthew 3:1-12 Dear Lord, prepare me for your arrival into all areas of my life. Help me accept my role of being a support for your ministry. In your name I pray. Amen. Matthew 7:28-8:4 Jesus, correct any notion we might have that you have no time for us. Increase our faith in your wonder-working power. Strengthen our trust that you can make us whole. Amen. Matthew 8:23-27 Father, when storms surround me and often they do, help me to focus on Jesus, who has all power in his hands. Teach me to trust him in all situations. In his name, Amen. Matthew 12:1-14 Jesus, surprise me with your grace and mercy today. Open my heart and change my mind, for your names sake. Help me to live with love for everyone around me. Amen. Matthew 16:21-28 Dear Lord, I need help letting go of my life. Teach me to lose my life for your kingdom. Help me to see that the life you want me to live for you is best. Amen. Luke 1:46-55 Lord, we sing to you with great joy and gladness as the Savior of the world today. O God, thank you for your grace and mercy; fill us with your goodness and love, we pray. Amen. Luke 4:14-30 Dear Jesus, forgive me for wanting a celebrity Savior, and keep telling me the truth that sets me free from sin, shame, and death. In your name I pray. Amen. Luke 7:1-10 Dear Jesus, drive us back to simple faith in you and your kingdom. Open our hearts to come to you for healing. In your name we pray. Amen. Luke 9:10-17 Jesus, you are Lord of all things. Help me to trust you for all my needs and for the needs of others. Also work through me, as you will, to help meet others needs. In your name, Amen. Luke 10:38-42 Jesus, I am so easily distracted. I need your help in sitting at your feet and listening to your words of life. Help me to know you and to see you in the people I meet. Amen. Luke 11:5-11 Dear Jesus, build up my capacity to pray boldly for your kingdom to come. Help me to pray, knowing that you will hear and answer in the way that's best. In your name, Amen. Luke 12:32-40 Lord, I want to receive your gifts with faith despite my struggles. Help me to put aside worries and fears and to serve you in ministry that helps others in your name. Amen. Luke 13:1-9 Thank you, Father, that your grace is not merely efficient. We know it is amazingly generous, and we receive it. Help us to share your love graciously with others too. Amen. Luke 19:1-10 Jesus, we acknowledge your fierce love that seeks and finds us. Thank you for associating with sinners like us, and for inviting us into your house. In your name, Amen. Luke 19:11-27 Dear Lord, help me to think creatively in using my gifts to please you. Help us all to get to work. By your Spirit, may we be faithful servants. In your name we pray. Amen. John 1:1-5 Dear Jesus, in this Christmas season, shine the light of your love on and in us. And may this love also shine through us to bless others. In your name we pray. Amen. John 1:29-34 Lord Jesus, as we look forward to celebrating your birth, may our tongues never stop telling the story of forgiveness and salvation in you. In your name we pray. Amen. John 6:25-35 Jesus, as we fill our stomachs with food today, may we also seek spiritual nourishment from you. As we open gifts, may we seek the true gift of eternal life. Amen! John 12:20-26 Dear Jesus, help me understand that in order to truly live in you, I must die to myself. Help me to step out in commitment to you, knowing that you loved me first. Amen. John 13:1-11 Jesus, thank you for modeling servanthood. Help me to serve you with humble actions instead of boastful words. Help me to understand how I can serve you faithfully. Amen. John 14:15-27 Jesus, thank you for the promise of your Spirit, who will be with us forever to help us understand how to live for you. By the Spirit’s power, may we put our faith in you. Amen. John 17:6-19 It's amazing, Lord, to know you are praying for us. Thank you for your love and care for us and for your protection from evil. Help us also to pray for others. In your name, Amen. John 20:24-31 Jesus, fill my doubting heart with faith that dares to believe in you. Help me to truly see you with eyes of faith, and to live the full life of faith for your sake. Amen. John 21:15-19 Lord, forgive me when I fail, and help me to learn that even my failure can be used for your glory. Keep me focused on you, and help me to serve you faithfully. In Jesus, Amen. Psalm 1 Lord, we are tempted to chase fancies and fantasies, to buy happiness, and to go with the flow. Would you please make us people of substance? Through Jesus, Amen Psalm 2 Lord, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Help us all to recognize you as the King and to aim for your will in all we do. In your name, Amen Psalm 4 Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy. Let your angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace, and let your blessing be on us always. In Jesus, Amen Psalm 18 Lord, help us to become people of prayer. Make us fully alive in you. Help us see that staying connected with you gives us more life than we can imagine. For Jesus Might Name sake, Amen Psalm 19 Dear God, we love your Word and your world! Help us to learn from it each day. Thank you that your commands and grace are always with us. In Jesus, Amen Psalm 22 Father, we pray for every person who feels forsaken. We ask for your comfort and presence. We pray in the name of our suffering Savior. Amen Psalm 23 Lord, in a world of wants, lead us to your goodness and mercy. Guide us to see that you care for our needs and much more. Through Jesus, the good shepherd, we pray. Amen Psalm 23 Shepherd God, we try to be so independent. We ignore you, run from you, even belittle you. But we need you. Help us to lean on you. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen Psalm 23 Father God, we ask your mighty comfort for all who grieve. Walk with them through the shadow of death, we pray. Give us your peace and strength always. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen Psalm 23 Lord, you prepare a table before me. You anoint my head with oil. Your goodness and love follow me. I am blessed to be welcomed to live with you forever. In Jesus, Amen Psalm 24 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you for this world, and everything in it. Amen Psalm 27 Father, in my work today, be glorified. May I seek your face. Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path. Guide me to be strong and take heart,” in Jesus Mighty name. Amen Psalm 42 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Lord, help me put my hope in you and praise you, my Savior and my God. Through Jesus, Amen Psalm 46 O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, still be our guard while troubles last, and our eternal home! In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen Psalm 47 Father, we thank you for being our one true King. You are the Lord Most High, King over all the earth. We rejoice in you, O God, our Savior! In your name we pray. Amen Psalm 63 Father, our hearts are restless until we find our rest in you. Thank you for finding us in our need and for filling us with your love, your life. In Jesus, Amen Psalm 67 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May all of our life be unending praise to you. God, our God, blesses us so that others may praise him. Amen Psalm 73 Lord, we believe. Help us in our unbelief. Please also help our friends who struggle to believe. Lord, be the strength of all our hearts forever. Through Jesus, Amen Psalm 78:1-7 Dear God, let children everywhere around the world and in our family hear of your mighty deeds and amazing grace. Center our everyday living on your love in Christ. Amen Psalm 88 Jesus, you are the light of the world who steps into our darkness. Help us to trust in you, even in our darkest times, holding to your promise that you will never let us go. Amen Psalm 88 Father, thank you for giving us words to pray when troubles overwhelm us. Help us to remember that our Savior is also praying for us always (Romans 8:34). In his name, Amen Psalm 95 We worship you, our Lord and King. Help us to gratefully sing of your power and your love. Guide us to honor you with sincere worship, putting you first in our lives. Amen Psalm 100 Father, for your creation, for your saving work in Jesus, for adopting us into your family, we give you thanks. Help us to avoid grumbling and be more like Jesus. Amen Psalm 103:1-12 Jesus, your steadfast love is indeed amazing. You are the friend of sinners and my friend and Savior. You have paid for my sins and washed them all away. Thank you. Amen Psalm 103:13-18 Father, teach us to number our days so that we may have a heart of wisdom. May we look forward to death as the moment when we enter fully into your presence. In Jesus, Amen Psalm 104:1-18 Our God and King, we lift up our voices and sing, Alleluia! We praise you for your wonderful works in creation, and we are awed that you care for us too! In Jesus, Amen Psalm 113 Lord Jesus, you cared for the poor and the crippled and the lost. Help us to live by that same grace as we care for the people around us. In your name we pray. Amen Psalm 131; John 15:1-8 Lord, help us to calm ourselves and to quiet our ambitions. Help us also to mature and grow, moving from basic to deeper faith. Prune us as you see fit, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen Psalm 137 Lord, please bring your kingdom, when we know you will bring oppressors to justice. Heal their victims, we pray, and give us strength in Jesus Mighty name. Amen Psalm 139 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus Migthy Name. Amen Psalm 150 Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise the Lord. Amen! Matthew 7:7-12 O God, I need you in so many ways. Help me believe that my search for you is not futile. Help me to see that you are actually looking for me, and that I need to follow you. Amen Acts 17:22-28 O God, with each breath of air, we are reminded how you give us life and sustain us. Open our spiritual lungs to breathe in your renewing Spirit for full life. In Jesus, Amen Luke 19:1-10 Eternal God, even as I seek you today, may I too make the joyful discovery that it's been you, all along, searching me out to save me from being lost. For Jesus Might Name sake, Amen 2 Chronicles 30 Lord, I never feel entirely clean. Yet I do seek you with all my heart. Show me your favor so that I too may sing and celebrate your goodness. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen Hebrews 11:1-6 Lord, help me to seek you earnestly. Help me to find full life forever with you. Whatever you have in mind for me, Lord, please give me the strength to do it, for Jesus' sake. Amen Psalm 34 Lord God, help us to learn that in tight places and scary times we can trust that you are always near. Please give us your wisdom in every situation. In the name of Jesus, Amen Psalm 70 Father in heaven, help me to seek you, especially when enemies are breathing down my neck. May I find joy in you, even in dangerous and fearful times. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen 2 Chronicles 15:1-15 Father, in your mercy, compel me to keep on seeking you and to stay connected with others seeking you. Give us all together your secure shield of protection. In Jesus, Amen Isaiah 65:1-16 Father, life can be so draining for me. I long to know the pasture and life. In your grace, move me to find you and to draw from your resources to help feed others. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen Psalm 14 Father, forgive me when my only purpose in seeking you is merely to use you. By your grace, may I seek you simply because of who you are. I ask in Jesus Mighty name. Amen Psalm 63 Father, when I am in the desert place, meet me there. Arouse my memories. Kindle my imagination. Move me to prayer. May I find you, even there. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen 2 Chronicles 33:1-13 Thank you, God, for the times you mercifully brought me to the end of my resources. Thank you that even deeper than such terrors are your waiting arms. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen Psalm 69 Father, if I face abandonment or persecution, help me to seek only the light of your face, remembering what Jesus has suffered and that he will be with me always. Amen Psalm 32 O God, from whom nothing is hidden, move me to seek your face when I am blessed by a guilty conscience. Grant also that I may find your forgiveness. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen Psalm 73 Father, when life looks terribly unfair to me, and I cannot make any sense of it, help me to seek you in your sanctuary. Show me your wisdom, Lord. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen Genesis 32 Lord, when I feel the cold chill of fear, may I see it as a nudge to seek your blessing. Help me to grow closer to you, even if it means wrestling with you. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen 2 Samuel 7 Father, when windfalls come my way, help me to see your signature behind them, and to wonder at your goodness in the life you have given me. 1 Chronicles 28:9-21 Father, there is so much change in our world and in our own lives. As we try to cope, move us to seek your wisdom. Thank you for your promise to give it. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen 2 Chronicles 11:1-17 Father, nudge me to move to another place, if necessary, and away from distractions so I can seek you with all my heart. Help me to worship you only. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen Luke 5:15-16 Father, give me a heart that welcomes solitude and quiet places as openings for your voice to be heard and your glory to shine. Keep me in tune with you, I pray. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen Hebrews 10:19-23 Father, thank you for calling me to be confident as I seek your face. I bless you, O Christ, for earning me free access to the holy presence of my Father. In your name, Amen 2 Chronicles 34:1-7 Father, I pray that in your mercy you will pour your Spirit into me so that I too may welcome cleansing and seek you with a pure heart. In Christ's Mighty name I pray. Amen 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Father, I'm often so noisy. And sometimes I fear long periods of silence. Teach me to be still in your presence and simply to wait for you to whisper. In Christ Jesus Mighty name, Amen Ezra 6:19-22 Father, lead us to those who seek you, and link our hearts together so that we may find joy in you. Then help us to share your love and goodness with others. In Jesus, Amen 2 Chronicles 31:20-32:8 Father, thank you for the gift of worship that keeps us in tune with you. Strengthen us in knowing you are always with us, and may we honor your name always. Amen 2 Chronicles 17:1-13 Father, thank you for your help and strength in the work you call us to do. Protect us by your Spirit, tune us to your will, and guide us to seek you first in all we do. In Christ, Amen Luke 23:32-43 O Christ, thank you for welcoming people who've squandered their lives and discovered you only at the very last minute. Thank you for such merciful grace! In your name, Amen Amos 8:9-14 Father, spare us from ever turning our backs on you. Seek us, that we may seek you. Draw us, that we may draw near to you, and, finding you, find full life forever. In Jesus, Amen. John 19:28-37 Thank you, Lord, for taking on all the hurts of the world. Help us always to turn to you for comfort and to share the hope of the good news with others. In THY Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 8:14-17 Thank you, Lord, for showing us such amazing grace. May the good news of salvation continue to change our hearts and help us to obey your Word. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 24:13-27 Lord, long before you sent Jesus into the world, you sent prophets who spoke about his coming. Use their messages to bring us closer to Jesus, we pray. In his name, Amen. Hosea 1:1-9 Lord, how wonderful it will be to serve you perfectly in heaven one day. Until then, help us to obey you joyfully and love you faithfully. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Hosea 3 Lord, how can we thank you enough for the love you have shown us? Help us to live every day as those who belong to Jesus, our Master. We pray in his Mighty name. Amen. Hosea 6:1-6 Forgive us, Lord, for often being more concerned with talking the talk; than walking the walk. Fill our hearts with your mercy so that our love for you in Christ will grow. Amen. Hosea 13:9-14 Lord, sometimes our priorities are all mixed up, and we don't give you, our King, our total allegiance. Help us to serve you in all we do. We pray in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Joel 2:1-11 Lord, your Word commands a response from all who hear it. Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to die in my place. Use me to lead someone to faith in him. Amen. Joel 2:12-17 Amazing love! How can it be that you, my Lord, should die for me?! Thank you, Jesus, for paying the penalty for my sin. Help me to love you with all my heart. Amen. Joel 3:12-21 Lord Jesus, you are the way to God. Your blood paid our ransom. In you we face our Judge and Maker unafraid. Thank you for giving us the life we have in you. Amen. Amos 3:1-7 Thank you, God, for choosing us to be your children through Jesus, your Chosen One. Help us to share the good news of forgiveness with a world burdened by sin. Amen. Amos 8:9-12 Lord Jesus, thank you for shining the light of your love into our hearts, and for feeding us with your Word. Help us to walk in your light. Feed a hungry world through us. Amen. Amos 9:8-15 Lord, your Word has so many beautiful descriptions of the kingdom of heaven. Thank you for sending Jesus into the world and for restoring your creation in him. Amen. Obadiah 1:12 Lord Jesus, only your crucified hands can pry open our clenched fists. Help us to share the power of your healing grace with a hurting world. We pray in your name. Amen. Jonah 1:1-16 Lord, we know that it is only by faith in you that the guilty are declared innocent. Thank you for your grace that forgives us and gives us new life. In your name we pray. Amen. Jonah 1:17-2:10 Lord, in your dying you took upon yourself all the pain of our lives, and in your rising you give us the joy of new life. Thank you for your amazing love. In your name, Amen. Micah 4:1-8 Dear Lord, because we could never come to you, you have come to us. Thank you for sending Jesus, our King, who gathers us and freely gives us your healing love. Amen. Micah 5:1-4 Thank you, Lord for being both the Lamb who is sacrificed and the good shepherd who leads us. Use us to gather sheep into your flock so they too can know your love. Amen. Micah 6:1-8 Lord God, forgive us for all the things we do to break your heart. May the sacrifice of Jesus prompt us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen. Nahum 1:7-15 Lord, thank you for being our refuge. Its not always easy to trust you in a world full of trouble. Help us to strengthen each other as we trust in you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Habakkuk 1:1-4 Lord, sometimes we have so many questions that go unanswered, and our prayers seem to go unheard. Keep us close to Jesus and help us always to trust in him, we pray. Amen. Habakkuk 1:5-2:1 Thank you, Lord, for assuring us that in all things you are at work for the good of those who love you. Help us always to trust in your perfect will for us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Zephaniah 3:14-20 Lord, our hearts and mouths are full of praise because of all you have done for us. Thank you for the way the songs we sing now anticipate the eternal worship to come. Amen. Haggai 2:10-19 Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole. Thank you for healing us by your wounds and for giving us life through your death. Keep us always close to you. Amen. Zechariah 2:1-9 Thank you, Lord, for showing us so beautifully in your Word how much you love us. Help us always to look to you and to tell others how much you love them too. Amen. Zechariah 3:1-10 Lord, today we are reminded of how offensive sin is to you. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to put on Christ and to clothe ourselves in his holiness. We pray in his name. Amen. Zechariah 8:1-8 Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness that is greater than all our unfaithfulness. Help us to obey you more fully. Thank you for assuring us that we will live with you forever. Amen. Zechariah 9:9-13 Lord Jesus, you humbly entered Jerusalem to save us from our sin. Help us to follow your example of humility and to lead others to you, our great King. In your name, Amen. Zechariah 13:7-9 Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for gathering us in your love and guiding us by your grace. In your name, Amen. Malachi 2:17-3:4 Thank you, Lord, for your love in Jesus. May my hearts one desire; be that I am holy, set apart for you, my Master, and ready to do your will. In your name, Amen. Hebrews 1:1-9 Thank you, Lord, for speaking so clearly and powerfully in your Son. Give us ears to hear his Word. Use us to announce the good news of salvation far and wide. In Jesus, Amen. Mark 8:31-38 Lord Jesus, thank you for setting your lifes course unswervingly to Calvary. Holy Spirit, help us to pause and reflect on all that our Lord did for us there, and why. Amen. Isaiah 53:1-7 Father in heaven, our hope is in the cross, our help is in the cross, our glory is in the cross of Jesus. We are awestruck today, and we are humbly grateful. In Jesus’ name, Amen. John 19:38-42 Father, we thank you that Jesus died and was buried. We thank you, Lord Jesus, for taking no shortcuts on this journey. We also thank you that this was not the end. Amen. Luke 24:36-49 Father, we thank you that today’s good news about Jesus has changed our lives. Please also bring to yourself friends and loved ones who don’t yet know you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. John 19:25-27 When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Thank you for the cross, Lord! Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Jesus, keep me near the cross; there a precious fountain, free to all, a healing stream, flows from Calvary mountain. Lord, my hope is in you, through your cross. Amen. Luke 3:1-9 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, lift my vision to see where your love is reaching to every corner of the earth. Help me to do my part, in your strength. Amen. Luke 24:13-18 Come, Lord Jesus, walk with me today. Holy Spirit, speak and open my heart to listen. Father God, thank you for your great love, made plain in Jesus' death and resurrection. Amen. Luke 24:17-24 Father in heaven, we place all of our hopes, even lost hopes on you. Thank you for hearing us. Thank you for hope restored by your promise of new life in your Son. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Father in heaven, thank you that Jesus death happened once for all, but that resurrection will be repeated. Our hope is in you, Lord Jesus, and in your resurrection. Amen. John 11:17-27 Lord Jesus, thank you for dying and rising so that I may live. Holy Spirit, help me to live joyfully, fully appreciative of the new life that is mine through your grace. Amen. John 6:25-35 Heavenly Father, as we enjoy the food you give us today for our bodies, we also give you thanks for the bread of Jesus that satisfies us even now for eternal life. In his name, Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Lord, thank you for your new creation, including me. Give me eyes to discover all that you are doing, and give me eager hands to get involved in your renewing work. Amen. Acts 1:1-8 Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly dove, with all your quickening powers. Kindle a flame of sacred love; in my cold heart, and teach me to live like Jesus. In his name, Amen. John 3:1-8 Father, I want to be born again, renewed again in your love, by your Spirit. Holy Spirit, please change my heart, open my eyes, and rekindle my love. In Jesus name, Amen. Mark 1:9-20 Father in heaven, I am truly sorry for breaking your commandments and discrediting your love. Jesus, I throw myself down at your cross, begging forgiveness. Amen. 1 Peter 2:23-25 Lord, I die to my sins so slowly. Yesterday a victory; today a loss. I sorely need your healing touch in every part of me. I am truly sorry for my sin. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 2:4-8 Father God, your grace is magnificent. I ask you for your gift of faith. Lord Jesus, make your home in my heart and help me grow in faith each day. Amen. Mark 10:13-16 Lord, teach me to think and act like a child as I go through my day—to trust more, love more, be open more to what you and others have to teach me. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 15:11-32 Father, thank you for your concern for lost souls and wanderers. Please help all of us who are lost in one way or another, and help us to welcome others in your name. Amen. Acts 1:6-11 Thank you, Lord, for the great gift I have received from all whom I have heard speaking up for Jesus. I am so thankful for witnesses. Help me to speak up too. Amen. Galatians 5:16-25 Father in heaven, your gifts through Christ cross are immeasurably rich. Thank you for sending your Spirit. I pray to see the Spirits fruit in my life. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Acts 11:19-26 Lord, may my life and speech and the life and ministry of my church bring people all around to the Savior. Thank you for Antioch. Thank you for the Spirits power. In Jesus, Amen. Hebrews 10:19-25 Father God, impress on us the importance of worshiping you and encouraging brothers and sisters in Christ this Sunday. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Thank you, Father God, for people we know who give themselves completely to your work. Thank you for taking away distractions about the future, as we serve you. Amen. Matthew 20:1-19 Lord, give me a heart of acceptance for new believers and for anyone who hasn't known you as long as I have. And if I need to come to you for the first time, bring me now. Amen. Mark 8:34-38 Lord Jesus, I belong to you. Deep down I know there are difficult things you are asking me to do. Help me to pick up my cross. In your name I pray. Amen. Philippians 2:1-13 Lord Jesus, give me keen awareness of my family in Christ and of others who need your love and care. May I have a servant heart and hands to match. In your name, Amen. Matthew 25:31-46 Thank you, Father, for the promise of Jesus return. Lord Jesus, we live in you. Free us from anxiety about your return and free us up for serving the least of your children. Amen. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Dear God, today is the day of salvation for each of us. Some of us believe you, and some of us don't. Help us to use this month of May to believe in you. Amen. Psalm 31 Kind Father, thank you for worship and rest today. Give us strength and wisdom for a week of work, we pray. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 4:1-12 Dear God, in the course of time I have sinned against you and other people. I seek salvation in your one and only Son, my Savior, Jesus. Amen. Titus 3:1-8 Dear God, when I look in the mirror, I see lots of physical changes. Thank you for making me look better in your mirror through Jesus. In his name, Amen. Hebrews 3:7-11 O Holy Spirit, make my heart warm, soft, and pliable; open to your work. Heal my spiritual hard-heartedness for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. 2 Chronicles 15:1-7 Thank you, dear God, for being my refuge and strength in this troubled world. Thank you for your blessings in good times and in bad times. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Hebrews 10:26-31 Dear God, I know I deserve punishment for my sins. Thank you, Jesus, for taking my punishment so that I may be forgiven. Amen. Hebrews 12:4-11 Discipline hurts, dear God. Thank you for the righteousness and peace Jesus brings through his death and resurrection to pay for my sins. In his name, Amen. Ezekiel 48:30-35 Our Father in heaven, our minds are so caught up with this world. Our lives are so here and now. Help us to focus on honoring you in everything we do this week. Amen. Psalm 37:34-40 How desperately I want a rich and right relationship with you, dear God. Thank you for giving it as a gift through the death and resurrection of your son, Jesus. Amen. Hosea 10:12-15 Lord, I'm seeking you right now. Let me feel your presence, your power, your purity, your pardon. How I want to walk and talk with you, Jesus. Hear me, please. Amen. Mark 13:20-31 Today I give you all the glory, dear God. You have given me Jesus as Savior, and the Holy Spirit is working to renew my life. Help me grow closer to you. Amen. Hebrews 8 God, give me courage and grace to follow your lead in my spiritual growth. Don't let me be lazy and do too little but open my heart to love, and my mind to think of you. Amen. John 5:16-30 Once again, God, I am speaking to you. Make me quiet so that I listen. After I'm finished speaking, give me silence and patience to listen to you. I know I must hear you to really live. Amen. Revelation 3:1-6 Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, how I need your help to obey you and sincerely repent of my sins. Thank you, Jesus, for pardoning all my sin. Amen. Romans 5:1-11 Thank you, dear Jesus, for coming to earth to wash away our sin and give us new life with God. Your timing was perfect in every way. Help us use our time today for your praise. Amen. Hebrews 4:7-13 God our Father, open our hearts today to have you do an extreme makeover of our inner lives, that we may honor you in all we do. Thank you, Jesus. Amen. Esther 9:20-32 Jesus, help me to celebrate your great salvation for me and all who believe in you. Help me celebrate the rededication of my life to you. Amen. Mark 1:1-20 Dear Jesus, my prayer today is simple and short. Help me repent. Help me believe. Holy Spirit, open my heart to repentance and faith. Then make me bold for you. Amen. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Lord and Savior, guide and protect us from trying to coast through life. Holy Spirit, help us to use every moment for God and his kingdom. Amen. Isaiah 59 Dear Father in heaven, thank you for lifting our load. Thanks for keeping your promises for time and eternity so that, with you, we may build your kingdom and do your will. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 10:16-20 Thank you, dear God, for giving us words to say about you. Help us to more clearly understand you and to share your message of love. Amen. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Dear God, thank you for seeing me not as others see me, but through the lens of your grace and forgiveness in Jesus. I want to live for you. Amen. Romans 13:8-14 Dear Jesus, thank you so much for taking my place. You paid for my sin. You bought my salvation. I want to live a life of praise to you. My joy is in you, Lord. Amen. Daniel 2:1-23 Father in heaven, the world wants me to hurry through things. Help me to trust only in you, my heavenly Father. Give me joy in human relationships and especially in my relationship with you. Amen. Psalm 104 Dear God, provider of all and for all, help us by faith to find happiness in your daily provision for our lives. Make joy in your blessings a part of our everyday life. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Acts 26:19-29 Dear God, create in me the desire to draw near to you. Whatever my circumstances, whatever my excuses, send the Holy Spirit into my heart to live for you. Amen. John 16:16-24 Lord, I am a sinner who must be born again. Do whatever it takes, dear God, so you can rejoice in my salvation and I can rejoice in your love. I ask in Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Revelation 22 Jesus, thank you for the joy of living close to you. Please give me a rich, abundant life now and forever with you. That's my joy. Amen. 1 Timothy 2:1-7 O Holy Spirit, help me to worship with others in praise of you today. Take away any excuse I have. Make worship my joy in Jesus. Amen. Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 Dear God, this month as I have reflected on you and your gift of time, I want to thank you for every minute. I love you Lord even more today than ever before. Amen. Psalm 32 God of abounding grace, we thank you today that by your grace you have lifted our sins and carried them away. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Psalm 32:1-7 God of abounding grace, we pray today that you will move us and our sin from our flimsy cover-up to being totally covered by your grace. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. John 1:29-34 God of abounding grace, today we multiply our praises for Jesus, who has not divided but has subtracted, not some, but all of our sin. In his name, Amen. Psalm 51 God of abounding grace, we give you thanks today for your grand Son, our Savior, who washed us clean with his blood. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 God of abounding grace, we give thanks today that your good grace negates our bad, your better grace overcomes our worse, and your best grace obliterates our worst. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. 2 Peter 3:8-18 God of abounding grace, we pray today that we, who have been planted by grace, will be patient as we grow in grace. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Luke 5:1-11 God of abounding grace, we pray today for the grace to ask for what we need, and the grace to humbly receive. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Genesis 3:1-15 God of abounding grace, we thank you today for your powerful, crushing grace. Keep us alert to our enemy and alive to your Spirit. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Genesis 32:22-32 God of abounding grace, we thank you today that the blessings of your grace flow to us here, there, and everywhere. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Psalm 29 God of abounding grace, we pray today for those who are straying from you, isolated from others or scattered in their thoughts, words, and deeds. Bless them with your peace. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Philippians 3:7-14 God of abounding grace, we pray that we can reflect your grace by gracious living for all to see with nothing lost in the translation. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Psalm 104:19-30 God of abounding grace, we give thanks for the routines of days and seasons, all reflecting your faithful grace and peace and we remember that these are not in the least routine. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Ephesians 1:3-10 God of abounding grace, we thank you today that you do not give in moderation but that you pour your grace lavishly on us. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Acts 3:1-16 God of abounding grace, we pray that today as we live by asking for gifts, we may enjoy your goodness—and be jolly about it. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Psalm 103 God of abounding grace, we thank you today for the feast of grace you spread before us day after day. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Job 29:1-6 God of abounding grace, teach us today that any time is prime time for your grace. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Job 29:1-6 God of abounding grace, today we give thanks for your word of grace, the cream of life. Teach us also to live joyfully on the daily basics you provide. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 God of abounding grace, we pray today for overflowing joy, rich generosity, complete earnestness and eager willingness all by your grace. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. John 15:1-17 God of abounding grace, we give humble thanks today for the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in our lives. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Jeremiah 6:16-20 God of abounding grace, we pray today that at every crossroad, big or small, we will stand, look, ask and find the grace to walk in your good way. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Exodus 13:17-22 God of abounding grace, may we sense your guiding grace, and when we do not sense it, may we still trust that you are guiding us in your way. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Psalm 27 God of abounding grace, we pray today for faith to trust you, the God of all ways, to guide us always in your way. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Hebrews 12:14-15 God of abounding grace, we pray that today we and those around us will see your peace and holiness alive in us. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Psalm 31 God of abounding grace, we say today with David, Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. In you there is no shame. Into your hands [we] commit [our] spirit. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. John 10:22-30 God of abounding grace, we thank you today for your hands of grace that preserve and protect us. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Psalm 23 God of abounding grace, we thank you today for your escorting grace, whether we are going into, living in, or passing out of any difficulty. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Luke 10:1-4, 17-20 God of abounding grace, we give thanks today that we have joy beyond mere happiness, for we know you have written our names in heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Romans 8:28-39 God of abounding grace, we give thanks today that in your time our lives will fit perfectly into your plan of grace. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. 1 Peter 1:13-25 God of abounding grace, we give thanks today for the Spirit of hope who keeps our hearts and our hopes fresh by the grace already given to us. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Isaiah 43:1-7 God of abounding grace, we pray today that when we tread the verge of Jordan, you will bid our anxious fears subside. Through Jesus Christ, Amen. Luke 1:5-17 Father, forgive us for doubting your power when our situations are difficult. No matter what we are going through, help us to follow your will and triumph over hardships. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 1:26-38 Heavenly Father, we often complain of even small hardships. Please help us to have faith like Mary's and to glorify your name always. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 2:8-20 Father, we thank you that you do not see us the way the people in this world do. Please let us always be useful to you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 2:41-52 Holy Father, help us to be more like Jesus, knowing your will, certain of why he came. In his name, Amen. Luke 4:1-13 Father, no matter what tests and temptations we face, may we not forget your love. Help us to be grateful even in hard times. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 5:1-11 Lord, please forgive us for often neglecting to do your will. Help us to always be obedient and to see the miracles you work all around us. In your name we pray. Amen. Luke 5:17-26 Lord, forgive us for our fears and hesitation when we face hard times. Please help us to know that in Jesus we can meet any challenge. In his name we pray. Amen. Luke 6:1-11 Father, we know that true observation of the Sabbath comes not from the world but from you. Help us to find true rest in you and to become more Christlike each day. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 6:12-19 Father God, thank you for letting us become disciples. As disciples, please help us to be fruitful and to always give you the glory. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 7:1-10 Father, forgive us if we have overlooked the suffering of our neighbors. Move us to action in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen. Luke 7:11-17 Lord God, help us to have a burning love and compassion for you and your church. Help us to become more like Jesus, comforting those in grief, helping those in tears. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 7:36-50 Lord, forgive us if we have used you for our own advantage. Fill us with humble gratitude for the amazing grace you've shown us. In your name, Amen. Luke 8:4-15 God of love, please teach us and help us to live by the ways of the kingdom of heaven. Help us to know your will for our lives. We pray in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Luke 8:19-21 Father, we thank you for our families and especially for the family of God. Help us to include others as members of your family too. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 8:22-25 Lord Jesus, thank you for always being with us. Help us to have faith that you can overcome any threat to us. In your name we pray. Amen. Luke 9:21-27 Lord, we confess that we are often selfish. Instead of sharing with others, we try to take all we can. Please help us to give of ourselves for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Luke 9:27-36 Lord, help us to testify to your holiness, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness so that we can be used by you to do good. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 11:1-4 Father, help us to be like Jesus, always putting your will first. In good times or in tough times, let us always be people of prayer, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. In his name we pray. Amen. Luke 12:13-34 Loving God, forgive us for not putting your kingdom before our own wants. Please guide us to do your will, as you provide us with all that we could ever need. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 13:1-9 Father, we often do not realize how sinful our actions are. Help us confess all our sins to you, and help us know what they are so we don't repeat them. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 15:11-24 Loving Father in heaven, help us to know your plentiful love and to share it with everyone around us. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 17:11-19 Loving God, thank you for making us your children. Help us to become people who not only feel appreciative but also show our thanks in any way we can. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 18:1-8 Father, help us to see that we may always turn to you in faith and not be discouraged. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 18:9-14 Father, help us to see ourselves clearly and to repent of our sins, so that through your grace we can do your will. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 18:18-23; 19:1-10 Father, thank you for your grace, for giving us eternal life while we were still sinners. Help us to value our life with you more than anything else. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 19:11-27 Lord, thank you for this day, that we can know your will and live by it. Help us to live in a way that honors you. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 21:7-36 Father, until Jesus returns, help us not to be deceived but to live for you each day, and thus to be ready and to share this good news with everyone. Amen. Luke 22:39-53 Father, we know that now is the time for us to pay attention and stay awake. Help us so that we can be in tune with you always, like Jesus. In his name, Amen. Luke 23:32-43 Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us new life through Jesus. May your kingdom come, and may we be a part of it for Jesus Mighty Name sake. In his name we pray. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Lord, fill our hearts with your truth and help us to see that you are always with us. Warm us with your love, and lead us to share it with others. In your name, Amen. Luke 24:36-43 Loving God, thank you for your grace, which always gives us love and peace. Help us to always be close to you. Hold us in your loving hands. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Proverbs 8:1-3, 22-36 Thank you, Lord, for creating such a magnificent world. Open our eyes to the wisdom and meaning to be found in the every-day things of life. Help us to grow in wisdom. Through Jesus, Amen. John 14:1-7, 15-21 Lord, we believe. May we place our hope, trust, faith, and confidence in you as we journey with you through this life. Let us seek no other way but you. Amen. Romans 12:1-8 Thank you, Lord, for the map contained in your Word. Help us to consult it daily and discover and follow the everlasting way through Jesus, our Lord. Amen. Luke 10:1-12 Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given us. Help us to use them to honor you and bless others. In your Sons JESUS Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 7:13-14 Forgive us, Lord, for wanting to go our own way. Have your way with us; mold us and remake us, guiding us to do what’s right in all we do. Amen. Romans 7:7-25 Give wisdom, Father, to all who make and enforce our laws. And create pure hearts within us, that we my live by the heart of the law: steadfast love. Amen. Psalm 23 We confess, Lord, that we have not always cared for our physical or spiritual lives the way we should. Lead us to the green pastures of your Word and to the living water found in Jesus, our shepherd and Savior. Amen. John 6:1-15 Lord, thank you for daily bread that you so graciously provide. Nourish us also with your Word and Spirit so that we may thrive and live forever. Amen. Matthew 10:24-31 Thank you, Lord, for caring for all your creatures, great and small. Help us to feel your compassionate care in and through all the situations of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Isaiah 40:25-31 Thank you, Lord, for always watching over us. Help us to place our faith and hope in you, that we may soar like eagles, lifted up by your Spirit. Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 Forgive us, Lord, for worrying about what to eat, what to drink, and what to wear. Help us display the beauty of your work in our lives. Amen. Philippians 4:10-20 Purify our hearts, Lord, so that we deeply desire to show your love and care for others in all kinds of ways. In Jesus, Amen. Proverbs 6:6-8 Thank you, Lord, for your marvelous creation. Humble us to see that even the ant can display your wisdom. Help us to contribute to your church and kingdom. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Isaiah 28:14-22 Forgive us, Lord, for trying to create our own rest. Remind us again that we will never find rest until we find rest in you. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11 Open our eyes, Lord, to see you in the people around us. For when we show your love to anyone in need, we do it to you. In your name, Amen. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Teach and empower us, Lord, to be content no matter what the situation. Give us the strength to show your love, compassion, mercy, and joy always. Amen. Acts 9:1-19 Lord, you move in mysterious ways. Grant us faith, hope, courage, and strength to travel well and to trust you, no matter what roads we are on. Amen. Ezekiel 22:23-31 Thank you, Lord, for loving this world so much that you sent your one and only Son to bridge the gap between us. In Jesus help us to know your love. Amen. Philippians 3:1-11 Forgive us, Lord, if we have placed too much importance on the wrappings of our faith. Please animate our lives with your love and power. Amen. James 3:13-4:3 Forgive us, Lord, for the selfish ambition that so often entangles our motives and actions. Help us to embrace the wisdom shown to us in your Son, our Savior, Jesus. Amen. Matthew 12:38-42; 16:1-4 Father in heaven, enable us to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him we may have life in his name. Amen. Hebrews 1:1-4 Lord, speak to me that I may speak in living echoes of your tone. Bring your Word to reach into all our hearts, that we may live by the truth. Amen. John 12:20-29 Make me a channel of your peace, Lord. In all situations let me bring your love. Wherever I am called to honor you, help me do so. Amen. Isaiah 28:23-29 Lord, open our lives to the work of your Spirit leading us in the way everlasting. Help us to understand your teaching. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Isaiah 11:1-9 Sovereign Lord, we do not always understand your ways. Assure us again that you are bringing about a new world filled with your righteousness and full life. In Jesus, Amen. Hebrews 6:13-20 Thank you, Lord, for the gift of hope. Please bring our needs to the Father as we serve in your kingdom. Grant us joy, strength, and courage to face the challenges of each day in hope. Amen. John 3:1-8 Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do. Amen. Joshua 4:1-9 Forgive us, Lord, for getting wrapped up in our own pursuits. Open our eyes to the work of your kingdom and help us contribute to its coming. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Lord, may our hearts burn within us as the Scriptures are opened through the preaching of your Word. Help us to make it a part of our life story. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Philippians 3:15-4:1 Lord, teach us to do your will here on earth. Help us to live as you call us to, and to serve as faithfully as the angels in heaven. Amen. Luke 10:1-4, 17-24 Lord, use even me, just as you will, and when, and where until your blessed face I see, your rest, your joy, your glory share. Amen. Genesis 3:1-8 Lord, you have created us to have fellowship with you. We pray that you will meet us today. Help us this month to understand what it means to walk with you. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 3:6-10 God, our first parents disobeyed you, and so do we again and again. Seek us out by your grace and bring us back into fellowship with you. Help us to obey you always. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 3:10-24 Lord, I am ashamed to reveal myself to you. Yet you know me as I really am. You know my sinfulness. Forgive me and help me to enjoy fellowship with you and my neighbor. Amen. Genesis 5:1-5, 18-24; Hebrews 11:1-6 We thank you, God, for people like Enoch, who did not have to die because he walked with you. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we too may walk faithfully with you. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 6 Lord, I know I'm not perfect, but help me do what you want me to do. Help me to be obedient, even if others laugh at me. Your will be done. Amen. Genesis 17:1-10; Hebrews 11:8-12 Lord, increase our faith so that we can serve you. Help us through your Spirit to walk with you in faith, trusting in your promises to us. Amen. Genesis 22:1-19 Father, you tested Abraham, asking him to sacrifice his son, and yet you sacrificed your own Son. We want to thank you by walking faithfully with you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 24:1-41 Help us, Father, to serve you faithfully and, if we have children, help them to do so as well. We admit we are easily led astray. Strengthen our faith, we pray. Amen. Genesis 48:1-16 Bless all who walk with you, Lord. May we walk before you faithfully, knowing we need your shepherding care each day. In Jesus, Amen. Leviticus 26:3-17 Father, thank you for walking with us and providing the way for us to live. Through Jesus and your Spirit, help us walk faithfully with you. Amen. Deuteronomy 5:1-21, 32-33 Lord, help us to walk in your way. May we experience the blessings of true joy and peace that come from living in relationship with you. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Lord, help me to walk wholeheartedly with you. May I do so with my whole being, every moment of every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Deuteronomy 30:11-20 Lord, help me to walk in your way every day so that I may experience your love. Help me day by day to choose the road that leads to eternal life. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Kings 3:1-15 Lord, I know I am not perfect, but I do want to walk with you faithfully. Fill me with your Spirit, and help me to use my gifts in your service. Amen. 2 Chronicles 6:1-17 Jesus, you are the King of kings. Help me to walk faithfully with you and to serve in the hope of your coming kingdom. In your name, Amen. 2 Kings 20 Lord, you know me better than I know myself. Lift me up with your grace and keep me from falling into sin, I pray. Help me walk faithfully with you. Amen. Job 1 Lord, help us to trust in you even when we and those around us are sick or have lost our livelihood. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 1 Lord, help me to walk the path that leads to full life with you. Keep me from temptation. May your Word be the delight and strength of my heart. Amen. Psalm 15 Lord, help us to enter your sanctuary and experience your presence by living as you want us to not only on Sundays but every day of our lives. Amen. Psalm 119:1-16 Dear God, fill me with your Spirit to help me walk according to your way and enjoy truly joyful, full life. In Jesus, Amen. Proverbs 28 Lord, help me to walk blamelessly with you. Keep me from the temptation to love money. Give me the wisdom to see it as a gift and a resource to serve you, to bring you honor and glory. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 35 Lord Jesus, I want to join that throng. Please wash away my sins and help me to come into your holy presence. Help me to walk with you every day. Amen. Jeremiah 7:1-26 Lord, help us not to worship the idols of our time, which are so numerous and tempting. Help us to love you with all our heart, and to enjoy you forever. Amen. Micah 4:1-5 Lord, we pray that your kingdom will come soon, so that all your people may enjoy full life in your presence. But help us now to walk faithfully with you, and give us a further glimpse of that day. In Jesus, Amen. Micah 6:1-8 Jesus, you offered yourself for my sake. Help me to offer myself to live for you. May I act with justice, mercy, and humility, as you did. In your name, Amen. John 8:12 Shine, Jesus, shine into the darkest corners of the world and expose every evil thing. Help me to follow you, the light of the world. Brighten my path as I walk with you. Amen. John 12:35-46 Amid the gloom of the world around us, Father, it is good to know that your Son came to be our light. Help us to walk in his light each day. Amen. 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1 Holy God, cleanse me of every impurity, whether in thought, word, or deed. I want to have fellowship with you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 John 1:1-2:2 God, we thank you for forgiving and purifying us. Heal and strengthen our relationship with you and with everyone around us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Revelation 21 Lord, we thank you for the Bible and the promise of the new Jerusalem. Remove whatever is sinful in us so that we can enter that city. May we always walk with you! Amen. Colossians 1:9-14 What a meaningful, gracious, loving life you lived, Jesus! I too want to live my life as you lived yours. Would you help me do that? Amen. Romans 12:1-3 Jesus, as you pleased your Father in all you said and did, may we please you in what we do and say each day. Amen. John 15:1-8 Gracious God, you are the source of all that is sweet and nutritious and good. For your glory, produce good fruit in us so that your sweetness and health might be enjoyed by people we meet today. Amen. Exodus 34:4-7; Matthew 9:35-38 Lord Jesus, as you have looked at me with compassion, grace, and love, help me to see my loved ones and even my enemies with those same eyes. Amen. Titus 3:3-8 Gracious God, may your kindness gladden our hearts and soften our words and so be an unexpected gift to people today. In the name of our kind Savior we pray. Amen. Matthew 11:27-30 Thank you, Jesus, for the rest I find in you. May I, with humbleness and gentleness of heart, help others to find the rest they need in you. In your name, Amen. Isaiah 42:1-9 Strong and powerful Lord, thank you for being gentle with me. May my attitudes, words, and actions today be shaped by your gentleness. Amen. Jonah 3:1-4:3 Patient God, I find it easy to criticize and condemn what others do. Help me to count to forty, or more, if necessary, and to be as patient with others as you are with me. Amen. Habakkuk 1:2-4; 3:16-18 Dear Lord, come today with your kingdom of justice and peace and life. But if not today, give us patience, as we wait for that glorious day. Amen. Ephesians 4:1-6 Thank you, Lord, that people put up with the strange things I like and the weird things I do. Help me to put up with the shortcomings of others too. Amen. John 8:1-11 Tell me again, Jesus, that you do not condemn me. Set me free from my sin and empower me not to sin again. Amen. Matthew 18:21-35 Gracious God, thank you for the undeserved gift of forgiveness. Help us to follow your example and pass this gift along to others. Amen. Psalm 118:1-7, 28-29 Powerful, majestic God, out of love you created us, in love you saved us, and with your love you want us to live. May that be our desire each day. Amen. John 14:15-24 Dear Jesus, we cannot understand why you loved us when we did not deserve your love, but we are deeply grateful. Empower us by your Spirit to love deeply, as you love us. Amen. Revelation 2:1-7 Dear Jesus, alert us if we begin to show signs of forsaking our love for you. May we make and keep your love central in our lives. Amen. John 20:19-20 Jesus, some of us face political danger or family opposition because we are your disciples. Others of us fear ridicule, rejection, or embarrassment. Take away our fears, and grant us your peace, we pray. Amen. John 14:25-27; 20:19-21 Dear Jesus, thank you that your peace goes with us wherever we go today. May I live with you and for you, held securely by your peace. Amen. Psalm 100 Loving God, you bless us with wonderful gifts. We see them everywhere! Family, friends, work and most important your Son and his gift of life. Receive our thanks from the depths of our hearts. Amen. Psalm 142 Compassionate and loving Lord, may your loving presence be with all Brethren, who face so many challenges today. Show me how I might be able to help. In your name, Amen. John 6:35-40 Jesus, today we meditate on who you are: the way, the truth, and the life; bread and light; the true vine; the Living One. May the truth about you dwell in us richly. Amen. Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus, I'd like to have a conversation with you today. Tell me how you see things, what you would do here, what you would say there. Help me to be a listening disciple. Amen. Psalm 63:1-8 Gracious God, I want to know you better. Help me to seek you with my whole being. Tell me again today who you are so that I may love you more. Amen. John 14:8-10, 24 Heavenly Father, loving Lord, draw us into a closer relationship with you so that we may know you better and have a deeper understanding of what you desire and what you value. Amen. Matthew 25:1-13 Dear Jesus, help me to live in a way that is faithful to you. Guide me to say and do things that show your love to others. In your name, Amen. Acts 1:1-9 Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me to be your witness today. Fill me with your Spirits power to witness well. Amen. Matthew 10:17-22 Lord Jesus, you loved me all the way to the end, through persecution and death. Grant me the power to remain firm in my love for you all the way to the end. Amen. 1 Peter 1:3-9 Lord, what a wonderful thing it is to look forward to your kingdom of peace and abundant life. Thank you for reserving a place in it for me. Help me to live for you in hope each day. Amen. Isaiah 9:2-7 Jesus, we confess that you are the light of the world. You are my light today. Help me to walk in your light and to be your light for others. Amen. John 3:16-22 Grant us the courage, Lord, to come into your light and be disinfected and exposed. Take away all that is dark and shine the light of your life within us. Amen. Romans 3:21-26 Gracious, gift-giving God, with joyful thanks we receive and celebrate your life-giving gifts. In joyful gratitude we will share them with others today. Amen. Zephaniah 3:14-17 Heavenly Father, we're not used to thinking of you singing or dancing over us. May we, in Christ, learn to delight in you as you already delight in us! Amen. Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 Giver of all good gifts, please open our hearts to your counsel and will about all the resources you have given us. Detach us from service to them, and free us to serve you. Amen. Genesis 1:1-25 Dear Lord, help us keep our eyes on you. You are the Maker of all good things; yet you are the Good for us, forever. Amen. Genesis 2:4-15 Dear Father, thank you for our work. Help us to creatively labor in your amazing creation. Amen. Genesis 2:8-15 Lord, thank you for this world and this life. May we care for it well, as you have instructed us to do. Amen. Genesis 3:1-19 Comfort and strengthen those who struggle with their work today, Lord. Give them fulfilling and creative work. And help us to find ways to help, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Leviticus 25:8-22 Lord, we need a place with you and within your church. Help us to restore those who have lost, or have become lost. May we bring the good news of Jubilee to others. Amen. Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Father, forgive us for acting as if our own work is what will save us. Thank you for the work of your salvation, finished in Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Luke 16:19-31 Lord, show us where the poor are, and give us open hands and hearts to reach out to them, as you have reached out to us. In your name, Amen. 1 Timothy 6:3-10 Lord, keep us from feeling that our money is so important. Help us to see that it can lead us into all kinds of evil. Show us to love you first of all, as you have loved us. Amen. Matthew 25:14-30 Lord, you have given us much. Forgive us when we self-indulge in your gifts rather than using them for the good of your kingdom and your world. May we truly seek and serve you. Amen. Proverbs 19:7-17 Lord, help us not to calculate returns. The needs of others are a call to help and serve. When we do so, we give to you. Help us to be generous givers. Amen. Ruth 2:19-20 Thank you, Lord, for your provision. Show us where and how the gleanings of our harvests may be used for people who need it most. Amen. 1 Kings 12:1-24 Forgive us Lord, for thinking we are entitled or deserving. Thank you for the blessings we have received through our birth, and help us to give to others as they have need, for your honor and glory. Amen. Ezekiel 16:49-50 Forgive us, Lord, if we have even unintentionally crushed the poor. Show us how to serve them, and grant us mercy. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen. Deuteronomy 15:1-6 Lord, help us to love and do justice. Help us to pay attention to your will in economic matters. May there be no poor among us. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Deuteronomy 15:7-15 Giving God, forgive our calculating. Thank you for your immeasurable gift. Help us to see the poor as an opportunity to open our hands to you. Receive our prayer in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Proverbs 17:1-16 Lord, help us to be wise with our money. May we seek your wisdom when we have opportunities to use your money. Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 God of justice, help us to put first things first. Your kingdom and its justice must be first in our lives. May your upside-down justice overturn an upside-down world. Amen. 1 Samuel 25:1-40 Lord, pardon us for our foolishness. Help us to recognize that we cannot and should not try to control the use of your money, thinking it is ours. Amen. Acts 4:32-37 There are so many needs, Lord. And those who need them are often our brothers and sisters. Give us hearts that hear their cries, and a willingness to share, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 6:19-24 Bountiful God, may the ledger of our money be the measure of our love. Touch our hearts so that we may put our resources at your service. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Lord, thank you for all who are willing to go and share your love with others. Protect and bless them. May we show your love by supporting them. Amen. Isaiah 3:1-15 Lord, those who work for us are also your children. They have needs; they must be treated fairly. Help us to be employers and buyers who treat all people justly. Amen. Matthew 6:19-21 Lord, thank you for the future that awaits us. Forgive our folly when we try to collect the things of this world, and help us to send our treasure ahead of us to heaven. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 With you, Lord, we have all things. May we give thanks and be content with the treasures of grace that you give us so freely. Amen. John 12:1-8 Master, Savior, and Friend, we know you value us beyond measure. May we return your love in service to you. In your name, Amen. Revelation 18:1-20 Destroy empires that oppress, Lord. Give your people the will to do justice, and establish your city among us. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Malachi 3:1-12 Lord, spare us from robbing you. Help us to give gladly, and to trust you to care for us. Help us remember that all our resources are yours. Amen. James 4 Our desires are many, O Lord. Help us to see what you desire for us. Keep us from fighting and quarreling over things that we wrongly want. Amen. Revelation 21 Lord, we look to the day when you will lavish your gifts on us. We know that the first of these is now ours in Christ. Come quickly, Lord! Amen. Luke 2:8-14 Father in heaven, help us to celebrate the birth of our Savior and to anticipate the day of his glorious return. Amen. Luke 2:8-20 Lord Jesus, for some of us the Christmas season can be difficult and without joy. Please help us experience some of the joy you came to bring. In your name we pray. Amen. John 1:1-14 Holy Spirit, prepare our hearts and homes to let Jesus move in with us. Give us the grace to let him touch us and change our lives. In his name, Amen. Philippians 2:6-11 Lord Jesus, thank you for your willingness to leave the glories of heaven for us. Thank you for becoming a servant so that we might be saved. Amen. Philippians 2:1-11 Help us, Lord God, in this season and throughout the coming year, to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. We pray in our Saviors Mighty name. Amen. Isaiah 61:1-3 Father in heaven, thank you for your Word. Give us ears to hear what you have told us, and give us the grace to believe that your Word is true. Help us to stand in awe as we listen. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 15:29-39 Lord, fill us with your compassion and give us eyes to see the needs of people in so many places. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Mark 5:1-20 Lord Jesus, thank you for showing your power over demons, still today. We pray for all who are struggling to be set free from the powers that hold them prisoner. In your name, Amen. Mark 1:29-34 Father, we pray for all who are struggling with disease. Be close to those who are confined to their homes because of illness. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 9:9-13 Lord Jesus, thank you for your forgiveness. Help all who struggle to accept it, and take away their guilt. For your sake, Amen. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to [his] father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:25-32 Lord, give us the grace to forgive people who have sinned against us, as you forgave us. Help us to make that call or send that card to someone who wronged us. For THY HOLY names sake. Amen. After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep [market] a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. John 5:1-9 Lord God, help us to look around to find someone who is without family or friends. Teach us how to care and share in your name. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Mark 4:35-41 Lord, sometimes we get so afraid that we don't know where to turn. Help us to turn to you, and remind us of your power over all things. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And [Jesus] went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's [house certain] which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 Lord God, thank you for your power over death and the grave. Be with those who mourn the loss of someone they have loved, and remind them in this season that you came to conquer death. Thank You In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on [his] face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. Luke 5:12-15 Lord, help us to reach out to people who have fallen on hard times. Help us to show love and care in your name. Thank You Jesus, In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him]. Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:25-30 Lord Jesus, at this time of the year especially, so many of us are exhausted. Open our eyes and show us that we need the rest you came to bring. For your Mighty Names sake, Amen. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me. Matthew 3:1-6; 11:1-6 Lord, you have confronted us with so many mysteries that, at times, make us wonder. Please erase our doubts and help us to believe your Word is truth. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 Lord Jesus, thank you that you know how we feel every step of our personal journey. Thank you for praying for us. We praise THY name. Amen. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found [him], bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping [for] her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. Matthew 2:1-18 Father, please keep our eyes on you and on King Jesus. Deliver us from the evil one, who tries to keep us from celebrating. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:18-25 Lord, give us the simple faith of Joseph to believe what seems unbelievable. Help us live out our faith by listening to your Word and obeying you. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were [now] well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men. Luke 1:5-25 Lord, help us to see your hand in our lives. And use us as you carry out your plan for your coming kingdom. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women. And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 Lord, sometimes it is so difficult to surrender to your will. Bring us to the point where we say, Not my will, but yours be done. For Jesus sake, Amen. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 Lord of heaven and earth, help us to remember that you are in charge. Help us to remember that earthly rulers govern only because you allow them power for a while. Bring them to submit to you. In Jesus mighty name, Amen. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:25-35 Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus. Please give us a glimpse of your presence and reassure us that you are with us always. For your Mighty Names sake, Amen. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:1-20 Father in heaven, thank you for your gift that is too wonderful for words. Help us to accept your gift and share it. To you be all glory. In Jesus' name, Amen. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:10-14 Lord God, we pray for those who have shut you out of their lives. Change their hearts so they may receive you as Lord and Savior. In THY MIGHTY name. Amen. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 7:9-12 Father, help us to look past differences and to reach out to people we have ignored. Keep hatred from us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry. But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:13-21 Lord, some of us have been busy storing up goods for ourselves without giving generously for your kingdom. Forgive us, change our hearts, and help us to be rich toward you. In Jesus Holy Name. Amen. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish. They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-13 Holy Spirit, help us to live in such a way that we can meet our Savior when he calls us or comes again. We pray in HIS HOLY name. Amen. (David's Psalm of praise.) I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145 Lord, we praise you for your goodness and faithfulness in this past year. Help us to count our blessings and to be assured of your love. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:1-5 Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Please come with your new heaven and new earth. And, until you come, help us to serve you while we wait. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where [art] thou? Genesis 3:1-9 Father, your heart aches for lost souls. Thank you for rescuing us through Jesus, the only way home. Help us lead others to you with the same compassion and urgency. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. (To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David.) O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm 8 Dear Creator, thanks for zooming in on us. Make us mindful of others who cross our tracks, and provide opportunities for us to hear their stories. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people [is] one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Now these [are] the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot. And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees. And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife [was] Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah. But Sarai was barren; she [had] no child. And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran. Genesis 11:1-9, 27-32 God of Abraham, we trust what you've done to give us abundant life through your Son, Jesus, who descended from Abraham. Help us to tell others that no one need settle for less. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. Psalm 51 God, renew me with the joy of being found by you. And give me a vivid faith, that I may share this good news with others who need to be found. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 21:1-21 O Lord, thank you for the unique cultures, skills, and stories of all nations. Make new pathways in the desert to bring them home to you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ecclesiastes 12 As an old hymn says, Yet I may love you too, O Lord, almighty as you are, for you have stooped to ask of me the love of my poor heart. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Samuel 9:1-6; 10:14-24 Father, your eyes are always on us, your children. Lord, thank you for seeking and finding and transforming us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Job 2 Lord, forgive us when we give in to despair. We trust the One who endured the cross for love's better day. With him, may we let it all go into our Fathers hands. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 18 Holy Spirit, lead us to people who are strangers to your love. We offer to you the time and energy to befriend them. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Leviticus 19:1-18 Lord Jesus, make us into lighthouses so that the lost can find their way home. In Thy Great and Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 31 Lord, we hide our fearful hearts in your embrace, where nothing can keep us from living life to the fullest. Amen. 1 Kings 17:7-24 Lord, by your Spirit, we invited you in as you stood by the door of our hearts. Direct us to be hospitable to others, both in showing your love and receiving it. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 49:1-6 Thank you, Perfect Love, for piercing us and setting us free. The ache reminds us of how lost we were without you and how good it will be for all to come home. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Jonah 1 Lord, thank you for saving us. Thank you for sending Jesus and for his sacrifice for us. Send us to others, we pray. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Zechariah 11:4-17 Dear God, it's easy for us to forget your purposes. Remind us of your grace, our unity, and our mission. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 4:12-22 Master, thank you for finding me and paying my ransom. I want to be an active part of this movement you've begun. Show me how to connect with the lost for you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 7:1-14 We seek you, Lord, and we thank you for moving our souls to keep seeking you. Give us grace to encourage friends who are just beginning the journey. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 18:1-14 We have abused the new creation in us, Lord, with our own vain eyes, our own manipulative hands, and our own stubborn feet. With your help, Lord, may we never do those things again. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 15:1-24 Savior, each one of us is precious to you. You've gone out of your way for us, and heaven applauds our rescue. Make us your mission network. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 17:20-37 Lord, we want to be gathered where the Son of Man lives in glory with all his foundlings on earth. Forgive us for filling our time only with everyday busyness. Give us a greater share of your passion. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 3:1-16 Father, we are entrusted with the truth about your love. To share it, we need your Spirit to move a mountain of misunderstandings and misgivings. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 4:27-42 Master, thank you that we can share in your work. We'll keep tilling, planting, watering, weeding, and gathering the lost. Open our eyes so that we see the potential for harvest wherever we go. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 How did we drift from your plan, dear Jesus? Help us to be willing to gather with others and humbly wait on our knees till we want nothing more than your Great Commission. In Jesus Mighty Name. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Acts 2:36-47 Lord, teach us the value of one human life. Teach us the value of working for its rescue and celebrating each homecoming. Please keep adding to our number. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Acts 9:1-9; 22:4; 24:14 Father, forgive us for not holding high the lamp that can guide people living in darkness. Shape us anew as people of the Way. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Acts 8:26-40 Lord, give us listening ears, sharp minds, and courage to help all who deeply seek truth. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Acts 16:16-34 Lord, in our bonds and in our freedoms, in times of pain and times of bliss, in our powerlessness and in our strength, make us channels of your peace. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Acts 17:16-34 Lord, our culture too gropes after you. Give us wisdom to build bridges of understanding that connect with the lost. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 6:1-14 Father, I'm amazed at my redemption, for my heart tends to wander. Remind me that Christ lives in me forever. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Peter 2:1-12 It was your strong arms that saved us, Lord Jesus. It was your feet sunk deep in death that kept us from being swept away. Keep our eyes peeled for people who need your saving love and grace. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Revelation 22:1-17 Father, today we taste the springs of home, where one day we will be whole and free. In Jesus, help us invite others to a taste of home for his sake. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 3:21-26 Lord, you see us more clearly than we see ourselves. Please show us what you want us to discover about ourselves so that we can know your grace and forgiveness more deeply. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 8:31-34; Romans 6:11-18 Lord, though we'd rather be congratulated on our spiritual success, we need you to astonish us with your grace. Please turn our eyes toward you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 7:14-25 Lord, though we often pretend we can master our sin struggles, we really need to be mastered by you. Surprise us into a deeper mercy than we might expect. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 6:8-14 Lord, so often we try to think we can conquer our sin on our own. Please lead us into the wonder of complete surrender to you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Mark 5:1-20 Lord, lead us by your Spirit to rediscover the old, old story of your saving grace for us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 25:19-26 God, we often scramble, like Jacob, for first place. Slow us down so we can receive what you long to give us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 25:27-34 God, sometimes we seem to make progress, only to discover later that we have made problems for ourselves. Help us to follow your way, not ours. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 28:10-22 God, sometimes we are eager to strike out on our own, pursuing dreams that may not be from you. Remind us of your presence and never let us go. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 31:1-21 God, help us to see the difference between our ways and your way, and to live for you rather than for ourselves. May we rest secure in you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 139 Lord, keep us in step with you, and help us listen to your voice. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 32:1-21 Lord, sometimes we surround ourselves with work and planning, or simply with friends, music, or the TV or Internet. Draw us to a quiet place where we can't help encountering you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 32:22-26 Lord, sometimes we get desperate, hoping for things that only blind us from seeing you. Open our eyes. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 32:24-28 Lord, we know you are in control of our lives. Help us to struggle with but not against you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 32:27-31 God, slow us down enough to learn and grow in the way you want us to. Make us weaker if that will make us stronger in you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 32:30-32 Father God, help us see that even though struggling with you is painful, you have our ultimate good in mind. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 7:14-25 Forgiving God, please walk alongside us as we struggle with our sinful nature. Forgive us, as you forgave David, and shape us to be more like you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 God, you love us so much! Mold us to become people after your own heart. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 23 Lord, you alone know what is truly good for us. Help us to trust in your care. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 63 God, we so often bring you a list of our needs without really understanding what we need most. Please give us what we truly need. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Samuel 11:1-13 God, give us the wisdom to see the little things in our lives in which the devil wants a foothold. Help us to look to you for guidance in all things great and small. Amen. Romans 8:26-39 God, thank you for lifting us up when we have fallen, and for showing us how much we need you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Samuel 11:14-27 Lord, warn us when we seek to serve ourselves. Help us to look upward to you rather than inward. Help us to seek you only. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 51 God, we know our transgressions. Help us repent, and create in us a clean heart, we pray. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 God, help us to learn from the Bible's stories, and to discover the stories you are creating in our lives. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Galatians 5:16-25 God, show us what you want for us, and train our desires in your direction. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 51:1-6 God, help us to embrace the truth. May our churches be places of refuge where we can honestly and openly confess our sins. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 5:13-20 Lord, help us to dare to claim your grace together. May we have the freedom to say to you and to others, My name is , and I'm a sinner. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 32 God, I am not perfect. My name is Sinner, saved by grace. Thank you for setting me free, through Jesus' blood. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 O glorious God, open us now to the power of the cross. Stun us with the most momentous event in history, the death of your own Son. Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 O crucified Christ, help us to experience the joy and peace of renewal that flows from your cross for our sake. Amen. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 Lord Jesus, as you change us from within, fill us with a sincere desire to become like you. Amen. 2 Peter 1:16-18 Lord Jesus, in a world filled with flickering screens and dazzling images, help us to turn the eyes of our faith to you. Amen. Romans 12:1-2 Holy Spirit, help us to clean out the attic of our minds and replace old musty ideas about ourselves with fresh new ideas about Jesus. Amen. 1 Corinthians 2:1-8 Lord of glory, bless all who preach today. May they point only to you, the crucified Christ, as Savior, that all may be drawn to you. Amen. Matthew 27:32-44 Holy Spirit, help us to get the cross in our heads and our hearts so that we can live by your life-changing power. Amen. John 10:14-18 Lord Jesus, we thank you for staying where you were, up on that cross, for us, when you could have saved yourself. We love you for that. Amen. Isaiah 53:1-6 Lord Jesus, love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. I offer it to you. Amen. Galatians 3:10-14 Dearest Jesus, give us the eyes to see our crimes clearly so that we may see the depths of your love But they said, Crucify him. Hang him on a tree for us. Amen. Romans 8:1-4 Holy Spirit, move in my heart so that I can trust Jesus and receive pardon and begin to change into his likeness. Amen. Matthew 27:19-24, 32-36 Lord, please redirect spectators who are disinterested in the cross. Make us all into disciples who struggle to change for your sake. Amen. Ephesians 4:17-24 As we worship you today, Lord Jesus, fill us with hope that we can change. Teach us the truth about you, and may we give you thanks. Amen. Galatians 2:15-21 Lord Jesus, we tremble in anticipation as we hear Paul's testimony. Help us to live in the faith that you can change us too. Amen. Romans 6:1-8 Holy Spirit, we talk about real life. Give us the faith to believe in the new reality in which we live because we died with Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Romans 6:1-4 Holy Spirit, stir up the memory of our death to sin, presented in the powerful picture of baptism, so that we may celebrate our new life in Christ. Amen. Romans 6:5-10 Lord Jesus, we praise you for the miracle of your death and resurrection. Help us to believe in the transforming power of that miracle in our own lives. Amen. Romans 6:11-14 As I live my life today, O God, help me to think reasonably about who I am and how I should live as a crucified and risen person. In Christ, Amen. Romans 5:6-8 O God, focus our eyes on the cross so that we can see how much you love us. Amen. Romans 8:12-17 Abba, Father, thank you for loving me into your family. Help me remember that I am your child, adopted by grace. Amen. 1 John 4:7-11 O Lord, thank you for the invitation, through Jesus, to come out of the darkness into the light of your love. Help me to believe that your love is utterly trustworthy. Amen. 1 John 4:11-18 O Lord, we must confess that our churches are not always the communities of love they should be. Help us to love one another as you have loved us. Amen. John 12:20-29 When our wisdom conflicts with yours, O God of truth, help us to live by the wisdom of the cross, so that our lives can be truly fruitful. Amen. Matthew 10:37-42 Lord Jesus, fix our eyes on the cross so that we may have the courageous wisdom to put you before anyone or anything else, and thus find life. Amen. Luke 14:25-33 Lord Jesus, as we journey on through life, keep your cross before our eyes so that if we see a cross looming in our future, we won't veer off the path. Amen. Matthew 22:34-40 O Love that will not let us go, we turn our longing eyes to you, as you suffered there on the cross in love for us. Amen. John 21:15-17 Holy Spirit, penetrate the layers of self-defense in our hearts so that we can learn the truth about how much we love Jesus. Then fill us with love for him. Amen. John 15:9-17 Jesus, we praise you today for laying down your life for us, even when we were your enemies. No one has greater love than that. Thank you. Amen. 1 John 3:16-24 Our Father, fill us with your love so that we can love the needy with true sacrificial love. Amen. Romans 8:28-30 Eternal God, use this glimpse into your eternal plan to help us see the magnificent power of the cross and become like Jesus. Amen. Titus 2:11-14 Reveal yourself in us, O Lord, that the world may see our good works and glorify Christ crucified and risen. Amen. Hebrews 4:1-13 Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for the words of Jesus. Thank you for his words from the cross. As we study those words, shape us into the people you want us to be. Amen. Luke 23:26-38 O God, we often don't know what we are doing. We often don't see how our sin hurts you, others, and ourselves. Thank you that Jesus offered his life for us. Amen. Psalm 103:1-12 Mighty God, thank you that through Jesus sacrifice on the cross, we can know forgiveness and new life in you! We are grateful that you are compassionate, merciful, and full of love. Amen. Luke 23:39-43 Gracious God, remember me. In your mercy, grant me the gift of eternal life today, tomorrow, and forever, when Jesus returns to make all things new! Amen. Hebrews 9:23-28 Thank you, God that my destiny doesn't depend on my life, my devotion, my love, my giving, my serving, or my attitudes. Jesus died in my place so that I can know eternity with you! Amen. John 19:25-27 Thank you, God, for the special love and care Jesus had for Mary, his mother. Even in his darkest moments, he was obeying your word to honor one's parents. Amen. Luke 2:21-35 Father God, today Jesus still causes the rising and falling of many. Give me eyes of faith, that I may receive him as Savior and Lord of my life. Amen. Romans 12:3-8 Lord God, thank you for giving me a new family. As I place my faith in Jesus, I belong not only to you but also to a community of brothers and sisters in your name! Amen. Matthew 27:45-46 Father, we can't understand the depth of anguish Christ experienced for us as he hung on the cross. Thank you that, because of him, we never have to face that suffering. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Father, thank you that Jesus takes away all our sin. Thank you that he tasted hell for me, so that I will not have to. In his powerful name, Amen. Psalm 22 Gracious God, you heard Jesus even in those darkest moments, and we can trust that you will never abandon us, for his sake. Thank you, Father! Amen. John 19:28-29 O God, when I think you don't understand my hardships and pain, remind me again that Jesus took on human flesh, became one of us, and suffered in our place. Thank you that he knows all about being human. Amen. Isaiah 53:1-6 Thank you, Jesus, for being willing to enter the grit and grime of our humanity to save us. There has never been a greater sacrifice! Amen. John 19:28-30 God, my Father, thank you that Jesus never gave up. He was determined to see your plan of salvation through to the end, for my sake and for your glory. Amen. John 5:16-27 God in heaven, thank you that Jesus was resolute in his calling. Fill me too with a clear sense of your purposes for me, and help me to live out my calling to the very end. Amen. Matthew 20:20-28 O God, thank you that Jesus has bought salvation for me! He has done everything needed for me to know you, love you, and serve you now and forever! Amen. Hebrews 9:11-15 Forgive me, Father, for often trying to add somehow to the finished work of Jesus. The work of my hands could never add anything to the work of his! Amen. Luke 23:44-49 Father in heaven, teach me to trust in you with childlike faith. In life and in death, I want to commit my body, mind, and spirit into your trustworthy hands. Amen. John 10:11-18 Lord God, thank you that Jesus gave his life for us without reservation, even while we were yet sinners! Thank you, Jesus, for choosing obedience so that we may have life! Amen. John 5:1-18 Father, help me to trust you completely. Remind me that I can trust you with my entire life. Amen. Acts 7:51-60 In my sorrows, in my fears for the future, in the face of my deepest problems, remind me, O God, that you are my perfect Father in whom I can place my full trust. Amen. Hebrews 10:1-14 O God, thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, the Lamb of God. Through his one sacrifice, I have been made clean and holy, fit for eternal life with you. Amen. Ezekiel 37:1-14 Father God, there are days where you seem silent and we feel that we will never know hope again. Show us that you have the power to bring new life where all we can see is despair. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. John 20:1-18 Loving God, open my heart to you so that I may hear you whisper my name. May I be filled with joy as I celebrate the remarkable gift that Jesus is alive! Amen. John 20:19-23 God in heaven, remind us often that Jesus has sent us into the world, just as you sent him into the world. May our lives and words be a light that shows others the way. Amen. Acts 1:1-8 O God on High, fill me with your Spirit so that I might have power to serve others in your name! Amen. John 20:24-31 Jesus, thank you for not turning away from me when I find myself facing doubts, uncertainties, and fears. Please give me what I need today in order to fully believe! Amen. Mark 9:14-29 O God, sometimes I'm not sure I want to believe; help me overcome my unbelief. Assure me deep within so that I can live with the peace and joy you intend for me! Amen. John 21:15-19 Thank you, Father, for Peter's second chance, and for the second chance you are always ready to offer me. Help me to serve you faithfully in Jesus name. Amen. Psalm 119:97-104 Lord Jesus, thank you for the words you spoke from the cross and throughout your ministry. They are life to us because they lead us to the heart of your Father! Amen. Psalm 36:7-9 Lord, we praise you for your unfailing love and protection. Thank you for giving us food, water, and shelter to meet our daily needs. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 2:21-25 Lord, thank you for sending your Son to die for us. Make us worthy of his cross! And help us to take up our crosses and follow you. Amen. Hebrews 13:5-6 Father in heaven, thank you for being our reliable helper and protector. Give us a heart of contentment and thanksgiving! Through Jesus, your Son, Amen. John 3:16-17 Our heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live a life of thanksgiving for your salvation! Amen. Matthew 25:31-40 Lord, help us to see you in the destitute people in our community, in our country, and beyond. May we find concrete ways to help them in your name. Amen. John 6:25-37 Heavenly Father, we thank you for your loving, generous offer of the bread of life and living water, to satisfy the deepest needs of our soul. May we seek and find you. Amen. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 Heavenly Father, thank you for your patient grace! You alone can put peace in our hearts. May I be filled with your love and grace today. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 3:8-12 Lord, give us humble and loving hearts. Give us strength to love and treasure all people. Amen. Psalm 19:1-6 Lord, thank you for your world that proclaims your glory. Thank you for sending your Son so that we can see you more clearly and be reconciled to you. Amen. Mark 12:28-34 Lord, we know that without loving our neighbor we cannot love you. Give us a sacrificial spirit and wisdom so that we can do both. Amen. Psalm 46:1 Father, thank you for being our refuge! When difficult times and circumstances come, we can always feel safe in your love and protection. Amen. Isaiah 25:1-9 Father, thank you for saving us. As your people, we are under your care, waiting for the wonderful banquet celebrating your victory. What a celebration that will be! Amen. Psalm 119:113-120 Father, thank you for your Word and for the encouragement we find in it. Help us to use your Word to stay focused on Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. John 6:57-58 Father, we praise you for sending your Son, our only source of spiritual health. Keep feeding us in our walk of faith! Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Father God, we praise you for making us new creatures in Christ! In him you have shown us what true love is. Teach us how to love not only with words but also with tangible actions. Amen! Ephesians 4:25-32 Our heavenly Father, give us your Spirit of kindness and forgiveness. Help us reflect your love in this world. Amen. Colossians 3:15-17 Our heavenly Father, you give us the great privilege of fellowshiping with you in prayer. Fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving to you! Amen. Philippians 4:4-7 Lord, thank you for being near. That's why we don't have to be anxious about anything. We can pour out our hearts before you, trusting in your love and mercy. Amen. Mark 12:41-44 Father, thank you for your generous gift of salvation in Jesus. Help us to live out our gratitude to you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 4:1-11 Lord, help us to praise you in unity. Give us wisdom to use our gifts to serve others as we work in ministry. Amen! John 10:7-10 Father, thank you for bringing out the very best taste in our life through your Son, Jesus Christ. Give us wisdom to always listen to his voice. In Christs Mighty name we pray. Amen. Habakkuk 3:17-19 Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us always! Give us strength to rejoice in your love and protection in Christ, even when life gets tough. Amen. Philippians 1:21-24 Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us serve you ach day and to trust you forever, in Jesus. Amen. Romans 5:1-11 Heavenly Father, thank for reconciling us to you, through your Son. Thank you for delivering us, in Christ, from the sin of Adam and our own sins! Amen. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Father, we are surprised by your grace and mercy. Whenever we celebrate communion, help us grow in the saving knowledge of Christ. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your written Word. Help us to be faithful students so that we may be nourished and energized by it. Amen. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Our Father, your Son gave up his own body to save us. Give us wisdom and dedication to take good care of our bodies, because we know they belong to you. Amen. 1 Samuel 16:1-7 Our Father, help us to be honest with ourselves. Give us the right motivations and set us free from sins of vanity. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Hebrews 5:11-6:6 Father, thank you for feeding us daily with your Word and Spirit! Make us worthy students of your grace and righteousness. In Christ Mighty name! Amen. Revelation 21:1-4 Our heavenly Father, we look forward to one day joining you in the New Jerusalem. Help us to overcome our worries and to trust you fully in our walk of faith. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Our heavenly Father, thank you for giving us food that endures to eternal life in Jesus Christ! Be with us in good times and bad times. May we trust in you fully as you care for us always. Amen. 1 Peter 1:1-7 Dear Lord, thank you for our new life in Christ. Guide us not to be conformed to the pattern of this world, and teach us to live a life pleasing to you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Romans 8:28-39 Dear Lord, please deepen our joy in your grace and give us confidence to face the future. Establish us in your love and lead us in your paths. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 1:3-9 Dear Lord, thank you for the new birth we have received in Christ. We rejoice in your unfailing love and will continue to declare your praise. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 1:3-6; Revelation 21:1-5 Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of life and hope. Give us strength to face each day, courage to walk your path, and hearts ready to meet Jesus. In his name, Amen. 2 Peter 3:1-13 Dear Lord, forgive us for pursuing false security and empty hopes. By your Holy Spirit fill our minds with your truth and our hearts with your peace. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. 1 Peter 1:6-9; Romans 5:1-5 Lord, you see our trials and the crises of faith they often bring. Thank you for loving us enough to help us endure the pain, mature in grace, and grow in hope through your Son. Amen. 1 Peter 1:8-12 Dear Lord, sometimes we wonder whether you love or are even interested in us. When we doubt, grant us assurance; and when we feel lost, pour out your love, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. 1 Peter 2:4-8 Dear Lord, thank you for inviting me to be your child. I repent of my sin, embrace Jesus as my Savior, and surrender to your will. Thank you for your amazing love! Amen. 1 Peter 1:13-16 Father, thank you for the privilege to live in your presence. Make your holiness my passion and purpose. May I faithfully imitate your character. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 1:17-21 Dear Lord, I praise you for your gift of grace! Comfort me with your deliverance and convict me to live the life of Christ! May you be glorified in my every attitude and action. Amen. 1 Peter 1:22-2:3 Lord, I love your Word. Help me to read it carefully and prayerfully. May I gain understanding from your precepts and hate every wrong path. I praise you for your Word. Amen. Romans 12:1-2 Dear Lord, may your Spirit equip me to live a life pleasing to you! Enlighten my mind and direct my path. In Jesus, Amen. 1 John 4:7-21 Lord, search me and know my heart. Forgive my malicious and slanderous spirit. Give me courage to love as Christ loves, and to serve as he has served. In his name, Amen. John 8:42-47 Lord, you have taught that people who guard their lips guard their life. Deliver me from a deceptive heart and unclean lips so that I can testify to your purpose and will. Amen. Matthew 7:1-6 Lord, create a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. May your Spirit teach, counsel, and direct me in your truth. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. James 3:13-18 Lord, help me be content, whatever the circumstances. Deliver me from envy, and by your Spirit teach me to adopt your thoughts and goals. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 4:17-32 Lord, I am a person of unclean lips; please cleanse me. May I speak encouragement, not slander; praises, not curses. Use my lips for your glory. Amen. 1 Peter 2:4-8 Dear Lord, examine my heart, test my thoughts, and expose my motivations. Purify me so that more and more I will grow in your love and be transformed by your truth. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 2:9-10 Lord, thank you for the gift of holiness. From this day forward I will gratefully declare your gracious name. May my life be a testimony to your glory. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Lord, help me to commit to live for you. May I seek to live my life for your glory always. Amen. 1 Peter 2:13-17 Dear Lord, by your Holy Spirit give me courage to exercise the privilege of submission to you, your Word, your call, and to all authority that you have established. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 2:13-14; Romans 13:1-7 Lord, thank you for the freedom I have in Christ to do good in my community. Bless our leaders with a sense of justice and good for all people. For Jesus Mighty sake, Amen. 1 Peter 2:18-25 Lord, forgive me for the sins I have committed against others, and help me to endure unjust suffering by following the example of Christ, my Lord and my hope. In his name, Amen. 1 Peter 3:1-7 Lord, we praise you for your constant faithfulness and love in Jesus Christ. Help us to imitate your love in marriage and in all other relationships. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 3:8-14 Lord, I thank you for your forgiveness of my sin, and for your endless patience with my flaws and weaknesses. Help me to share with others the grace I have received from you. Amen. 1 Peter 3:13-22 Lord Jesus, equip us to be living witnesses for you. Help us to care as you cared, to forgive as you forgave, and to wisely hope in your return. In your name, Amen. 1 Peter 4 Lord, when we are weary of attacks on our faith, strengthen us with eternal vision, encourage us with grace, and surround us with love. Amen. 1 Peter 5:1-7 Lord, guide your church to grow in grace, to be clothed in holiness, and to live daily for your glory. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11 Lord, I know I am your child, but I am often assaulted by the evil one. Protect me from temptation and write your truth on my heart. Amen. 1 Peter 5:12-14 Dear Lord, as your child I love you; as your holy child I obey you; and as your living child I give testimony to your grace and glory by living your call. In Jesus, Amen. Acts 2:42-47 Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus. We want to see the beauty of what you are doing in your community, Christs body, his bride, your church. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Galatians 3:26-29 Young or old, male or female, from every nation we are all precious in your sight, Lord! Thank you! In Jesus, Amen. Psalm 150 All our praise is yours, O Lord! May you be praised everywhere today, as your church gathers to do what no other institution or body on earth can do to worship you. Amen. Psalm 46 May it be, sovereign God, that in all nations of the world the church of Jesus Christ proclaims this truth with confidence: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Amen. 3 John Dear God, we want others to know you are a God of deep grace and warm embrace. Show us someone who is standing alone, and make us into heroes of hospitality. We pray in Jesus’ name, and we cherish his leading. Amen. 1 John 4:7-21 You've spoken love to us through Christ, dear God. Thank you! May our deeds and our words say the same to others. We pray this for the sake of the world and in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 19:13-14 Thank you for your love of our children, dear Jesus. Make us like them in every way that gives you pleasure! We pray with great hope for your work in us, whether we are big or little. Amen. Philippians 2:1-4 Thank you for gracious people, Lord! They remind us of you, and they call us to be gracious ourselves. In Jesus, Amen. Acts 8:1-4 Lord, use us in any way you need us. And give us joy in new ministry opportunities, even if we face hard challenges. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 4:11-13 We long for fullness, Lord fullness in Christ! Thank you for providing people whose gifts and service move us further along toward that fullness. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Colossians 3:12-14 May people see you in us, dear God. Dress us beautifully today, we pray! Outfit us with the characteristics of Christ Mighty love. Amen. Ephesians 4:11-24 Help us to live up to the name Jesus has earned for us, O God. In Christ we are holy. Amen. Luke 15:1-7 Dear Father, when the church is a safe place for broken people, it reveals you to the world. Move whatever needs moving in our church so that more holy hugs take place there in days to come. Amen. 1 John 1:1-4 Dear God, keep us moving into genuine fellowship with one another in you. May it be the kind of fellowship that makes our joy complete by revealing your glory. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 Lord, fill us with true joy by building up your church and allowing us to see something of what you are doing. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Romans 12:9-21 O Covenant God, by calling us to yourself, you call us to live with and to love all who are yours. Help us to do that, especially when our desires and longings go unmet. We need to grow beyond ourselves and our wants. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 2:4-10 Open our eyes, Lord, to see you in the people with whom we will worship today. We want to see your holy nation, the community you've gathered by your great mercy. Amen. Philippians 1:3-11 Thank you, Father, for your ongoing work in our lives through your Spirit. Open our eyes to your work in us and in others so that we may be led into joyful wonder and praise. Amen. Philippians 2:1-4 Thank you for expert investigators, Lord. Teach us all this skill. And lead us to take our findings to you. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Timothy 4:6-14 Lord, sometimes its easy to bash policies and procedures. They seem so unspiritual. Give us wisdom to know good policy from bad. And give us insight into you! Amen. Psalm 96 Dearest Father, you are worthy of our praise, our devotion, our obedience, and our love. Forgive us if we have been stingy with these things, and lead us to offer them to you, in whose name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 40:28-31 Great Healer, enter our hearts today. Show us your healing touch and ignite the longing of our hearts. Thank you for the community of faith, a place to see things that help us grow steady and strong. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 18:15-20 Father, may your peace fill our relationships today. May our communities of faith be places of love in both good and difficult times. Give us large hearts for one another and a forgiving spirit. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 77 Father, hear our praises as well as our cries for help. We know you love us and can carry all our burdens. Strengthen us for praise-filled, peace-filled life in this broken world. Amen. Matthew 11:1-6 Father, we want to see the church of Christ soar. It pains us that instead it often crawls slowly. Teach us to be patient and gracious with others just as you are with us. Amen. Psalm 27 Father, you gather your saints, old and young, into the church, binding us together into a community of faith. Thank you for drawing us in! Thank you for keeping us from standing alone. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 We praise you for your care, awesome God! You give us gifts and send us into ministry. When we experience pain, you send us people to make us recipients of ministry. In either case, we see something of your beauty and love. Amen. Acts 7:54-60 O Christ, in the faces and stories of your people we see what your Word proclaims: you are alive and well, reigning over this world and extending grace through your followers. Thank you! In your name we pray. Amen. Psalm 97; Philippians 1:3-6 Lord, you are greater than any of us. Thank you for using us even though you don't need to. Thank you for carrying on to completion the good work you are doing in each of us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 5:25-33 At the end of time, Lord Jesus, we will be with you completely and forever. Thank you for making that possible through your sacrifice at the cross. In the meantime, we pledge ourselves to you and to all who are part of the church, your bride. Amen. Revelation 19:6-8 Your Spirit gives life, Lord Jesus. Please send your Spirit more and more fully to your Bride, the church. Help us who form her to love her, cherish her, and serve her, out of adoration for you, the Groom, our King. Amen. Hosea 1 Father, we don't deserve to be called your people. But through Jesus you name us as your children. Help us to live in honor of your name. Amen. Hosea 3 Father, you have delivered us from the power of sin and death. We give you all thanks and praise! Teach us to live each day in faithful obedience to your Word. Amen. Hosea 11 Father, we don't deserve your compassion, but because of Jesus, you show us wonderful grace. Help us to live in gratitude to you. Amen. Hosea 14 Lord, forgive us when we wander from you. Nourish us with your loving compassion. Help us bear fruit in our relationship with you. Amen. Joel 1:1-12; 2:12-17 Lord, we grieve that sin has broken your good creation. Help us to live faithfully for you in the hope of all restoration. In Jesus, Amen. Joel 2:18-32 Holy Spirit, thank you for your life-giving work! Bring us to life each day so that we will produce the fruit you desire from us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Amos 1:1-2 O God, you hate our sin. Forgive us when we fall short. Thank you for providing the Lamb who takes away our sin! Help us to hate our sin and grow in your grace. Amen. Amos 8:1-8 Lord, it is easy for us to profess our faith in you, but then also to ignore people in need around us. Forgive our hypocrisy, and help us to show the grace you have shown us. Amen. Obadiah 8-21 All powerful God, comfort us with the assurance of your victory, and keep us strong in the face of adversity. In Jesus, Amen. Jonah 1:1-16 Lord, we are often reluctant to share your good news with others. Change us and guide us to share your compassion for the world. Amen. Jonah 1:17-2:10 God, we often imagine we are better off without you. Forgive us our pride, and help us to live each day in the newness of life you have given us. In Jesus, Amen. Jonah 3:9 Lord God, we know we deserve your judgment, but through Jesus we know your great love. When we see others hurting, help us to treat them with your compassion and love. Amen. Jonah 4:11 Gracious and compassionate God, we treasure your mercy for ourselves, yet we are often reluctant to share your concern for others. Help us to share your compassion for all who are lost. Amen. Micah 2:1-5, 12-13 Jesus, our good shepherd, tend and care for us so that we will reflect your nature in all you call us to do. Keep us from greed and idolatry that threaten to destroy us. Amen. Micah 5:1-6; John 10:14-18 Savior, like a shepherd lead us. Help us to look to you for our peace and security. May we trust in your guidance and rest in your peace. In your name, Amen. Micah 7:8-20 Father, we often try to do things our own way, and we make a mess of our lives. Forgive us our pride, and help us to submit to your will for our lives. In Jesus, Amen. Micah 6:1-8 Lord, may our faith produce a life of joyful obedience. Teach us to walk faithfully with you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Nahum 1:7-15 King of peace, sin disrupts so much of this world. But you bring renewal and restoration! Help us to seek your peace wherever we see brokenness. Amen. Habakkuk 1:1-11 Lord, we grieve over pain and suffering in the world around us. We don’t always understand, but help us to live by faith. Amen. Habakkuk 3:17-19 Sovereign God, when we walk through the wilderness of life, help us to find joy in your salvation. Remind us that we belong to you, and strengthen our faith. In Jesus, Amen. Zephaniah 1:14-18 Lord, help us to be ready for your return. Test our hearts, and reveal to us if we are placing our hope in things that will not last. May your return be a day of victory for us! Amen. Haggai 1:6 Father, when we are tempted to look for satisfaction in this world, help us to find our rest in you. Help us to tend our relationship with you so that we may enjoy the full life you promise. Amen. Haggai 2:1-9 Glorious God, sometimes we look for your presence only in beautiful sanctuaries. We forget we are your temple! Help us to make known your glorious presence to a hurting world. In Jesus, Amen. Zechariah 1:1-6 God, forgive us when we insist on doing things our own way. Lead us out of our sin and into lives that are pleasing to you. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Zechariah 3; Colossians 3:12-17 Lord God, on our own, we wear stained and tattered clothing. Thank you for clothing us in Christ. Help us each day to clothe ourselves with the garments of your salvation. Amen. Zechariah 8:1-8 Lord, help us to live for you in our cities and towns so that our neighbors may experience your healing mercy. May your kingdom come! Amen. Zechariah 9:9-13 Lord, we confess that its easier for us to seek our own ambitions in life. Help us to submit our life to King Jesus, and to seek his rule in all parts of our life. Amen. Malachi 1:1-5 O God, help us to follow you, trusting in your love. Through Jesus, Amen. Malachi 1:6-9; Romans 12:1-2 Father, forgive us when our devotion to you is lukewarm. Kindle a burning desire in our hearts to serve you with every part of our being! Amen. Malachi 3:6-12 Gracious God, sometimes we live as though we own everything we have. Remind us again and again of your supreme generosity so that we too will be generous. In Jesus, Amen. Malachi 4:4 Lord Jesus, we look forward to seeing you face to face! Strengthen our hope in your coming, and help us to prepare for your return. In your name, Amen. Proverbs 1:1-7 Almighty God, I don't want to be a fool. Please give me a heart of wisdom to live as your child, to grow to be like Christ. In his name, Amen. Ephesians 4:11-16 Lord, sometimes I want the results of wisdom without really wanting to work with you. Remind me that I need you in my being in order to grow in wisdom. Please increase my desire for you. Amen. Ephesians 1:15-23 Heavenly Father, please give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Open the eyes of my heart to know the hope and power by which you want me to live. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Exodus 20:18-21 Lord, I confess that sometimes I resent your laws and confuse them with keeping me from enjoying freedom. Thank you that your love protects me. Please give me grace this day to follow you. Amen. Proverbs 6:6-11 Lord, sometimes we complain about the work we have to do, and sometimes we need rest. Help us to consider the ant and to honor you in all we do. Amen. Proverbs 1:30-33 Lord, give us wisdom that convicts us to avoid foolish actions in whatever we do. And help us to receive honest feedback as a wise way to grow. Amen. Proverbs 29:8-11; Ephesians 4:26 Lord, most of us get angry sometimes. But we confess that often we don't get angry about some wrong things that need to be made right. Help us to fight the good fight, for wisdoms sake. Amen. Ephesians 4:25-32; Matthew 5:22 Lord, your Word warns us that anger can give the devil a foothold. If there is any such foothold in my life, please help me remove it. If I have been wronged, help me to find a wise way toward restoration. Amen. James 3:13-18 Lord, help me to turn away anger through patience and love. Give me wisdom not to provoke the anger of others and to help angry people find peace. In Christ, Amen. Proverbs 8:1-11 We know, Lord, that we can keep busy mining for many things in life. Forgive our tendency to substitute lesser things for you. Help us to find wisdom. Amen. Psalm 139:1-10; Hebrews 4:12-13 Lord, please search me as I read your Word today, direct and correct my thoughts and attitudes, and lead me in the way of full life with you. Amen. Ephesians 4:29; James 3:2-12 Lord, we know how words can make a difference in the way people see us. I'm sorry for the ways I have misused words to hurt rather than build relationships. Help me to use words wisely. Amen. Proverbs 16:1-4 Lord, thank you for people you have given me on my lifes journey. Please use them to help me see what I need to see, and give me wisdom to listen. Amen. James 4:13-17 Lord, I know I don't control tomorrow, and I want to reflect on that enough to gain a heart of wisdom. Teach me to surrender all my plans to line up with your will. Amen. Galatians 5:16-26 Lord, thank you for habits of self-discipline that we have already learned. Please give us the strength and wisdom to get rid of our garbage and to cultivate additional good habits. In Jesus, Amen. Proverbs 23:19-35 Lord, we understand that alcohol itself is not evil, but misusing it can bring so much trouble. Thank you for people who help with healing when it is needed. Help us to live wisely so as not to need that healing. Amen. Titus 2:11-14 Thank you, Lord, for new life that helps us grow closer to you, and together, in wisdom. Amen. Malachi 3:6-12 Dear Jesus, you gave your life so that we could have you. We sometimes lose sight of your generosity and the circle of giving that it intends. Guide us to refresh others with the same spirit. Amen. Proverbs 2:1-11 Father God, I know that believing you exist is not enough. Help me not just to affirm certain truths or wrestle with what they mean—but to desire you, and to want the wisdom you have for me in Christ. Amen. Galatians 6:1-10 Lord, I know the value of kind encouragement for my soul. Thank you for times when I have seen you in that. Please help me to offer kindness and encouragement to someone today, in your name. Amen. Proverbs 15:1-8 Thank you, God, for the gift of your words, and for the gift of the Word made flesh. Knowing the power of words, help me to choose my words in line with your will. Amen. Proverbs 6:16-19 We know, Lord, that our words affect others. As I speak today, may my words reflect your heart. Amen. Matthew 25:31-46 For health and strength and daily food, we give you thanks, O Lord. As we receive your gifts with open hearts, give us wise kindness to share with others in need. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 18:9-14 Lord, I don't want to be proud. I don't want false humility or wounded self-esteem either. Please help me to see myself as you see me, so that I can see your grace better. Thank you. Amen. 1 Samuel 18:1-9 Lord, sometimes I fall into envy when I make comparisons. Help me to be joyful about the gifts you give to others, and to appreciate all you have given me. Guide me to serve you faithfully. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Proverbs 16:18-20 Thank you, Father, for your love, which reaches out to me in my need. Please help me to see others with your eyes of love, and to share your love with them. Amen. Proverbs 6:27 Lord, you have given marriage as a gift. Help me to honor your intentions about love and sex and trust and vows, for the good of all in my community. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Proverbs 15:13-15 Lord God, by your Spirit, create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Help me to focus on developing a wise spirit that honors you. In Jesus Mighty Name Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21 Father, I pray that you will strengthen me with power through your Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 22:37-40 Lord Jesus, in a world full of distractions, help me guard my heart. May it be the wellspring of love for you and your kingdom in every part of my life. In your name I pray. Amen. Hebrews 11:1-12 God of time and eternity, thank you for inviting us to be yours through the adventure of faith. May our hope and certainty rest in you alone. Amen. Hebrews 11:32-38 Dear God, I am an ordinary person you know that. I desire to be used by you for your purposes. Empty my life so that you may fill it with your gifts, including the gift of faith. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Judges 4:1-10 Dear God, forgive me when I seek to put myself first. Help me to point others to you in word and deed day by day. May the name of Jesus be lifted up, I pray. Amen. Judges 6:1-12 Dear God, you know my fears. Help me to face them by trusting in your forgiveness, presence, and provision through Jesus, Immanuel (God with us). Amen. Judges 6:11-18 Waiting Father, help me to know that my faith remains small unless I bring an offering of my heart. Help me also to be amazed at your patience with my small, sometimes stumbling steps in this journey of faith. Amen. Judges 7:1-22 Dear God, may I trust in your provision rather than my own abilities. When I am prideful of my gifts, remind me that they come from your hand. Keep me close to you. Amen. Judges 16:23-31 Dear God, may Samsons life remind me that in spite of what I have done, you can still redeem me. May I be willing to sacrifice for you as you have done for me through Jesus, your Son. Amen. Ruth 1:8 Dear God, today some of us are really struggling. May we hear from you even through our tears. Give us eyes to see others and to bless them even as we struggle. And please grant us peace. Amen. Ruth 1:15-22 Dear God, help me to see today anyone who needs me to stand by their side. May you move me from my comfort zone to be of comfort to another. May the Comforter direct me, I pray. Amen. Ruth 2:2 Dear God, may I be a witness for you in all my words and deeds. And may I realize that you use events in time to affect eternity. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Samuel 1:11 Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we pray that the next generation will come to faith in you. Raise up this generation and the next for your glory, O Lord. Amen. 1 Samuel 3:10 Dear God, may your Spirit direct us to still our hearts so that we can hear your Word to us. Direct our paths and our lives, we pray, and help us listen to you. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Samuel 14:1-23 Dear Spirit, guide us in all truth, and especially guide us in moments of uncertainty. May we know the power of following you and you alone. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Dear God, please forgive us when our sight is limited and prejudicial. Be our vision, I pray today! In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Lord, may your Spirit direct and lead us. Thank you for calling each of us to be used by you. May we become demonstrations of your Spirits power in us. Amen. 1 Samuel 24 Dear God, please deepen my trust in your timing and your purposes. When I am anxious, help me to lean into you and not run ahead of you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Samuel 25:1-27 Dear Word of Life, may our words be shaped by a heart that is more and more in line with yours. Help me to develop the habit of gentle, wise words. Amen. 1 Kings 17:1-5 Maker of heaven and earth, thank you for providing for me today. Thank you for your promises to be with me, especially in the difficult times of life. Carry me, I pray. Amen. 1 Kings 17:7-16 God of life and light, help me to be more generous. May I be challenged by the realization that I can never outgive you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Kings 17:17-24 Dear God, wipe away our tears. Surround those in deep sorrow with your care and comfort. May we find, in you, faith and life eternal. Amen. 1 Kings 18:1-15 God of life and salvation, help me not to confuse my position in life with my purpose for living. Help me to see that you desire to work through me as an ambassador for you. Amen. 1 Kings 18:16-24 Dear God, I confess that often I try to cover up. I fail to speak up about my faith, and I fail to confess my sins before you. Help me to seek and share your love. Forgive me, I pray. Amen. 1 Kings 18:22-29 Dear God, thank you for the grace that is available through the sacrifice of Jesus. May we be encouraged by knowing you are alive and you desire to bring life to us through Jesus. Amen. 1 Kings 18:30-39 O God, thank you for the invitations you give again and again. May we hear your call and come to you, responding with our voices, hearts, and lives. Amen. 1 Kings 18:40-46 Dear God, give us the patience to wait and watch for signs of your amazing work to your glory. Open our eyes, that we may see. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Kings 18:45-19:6 God of the mountains and valleys, keep us close. Protect and deliver us, we pray. Give us the rest and strength we need, and help us serve you again. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Kings 19:5-18 Provider God, when we are not able to take another step, may we be assured that you are already providing for us. Refresh us, we pray, in your Sons Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Kings 19:19-21 Dear God, when I am tempted to be lukewarm for you and your ways, may your Spirit enflame my life more and more for you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 2 Kings 5:1-6 God of healing and hope, there is suffering in this world, in our neighborhoods, and in our families. May we be instruments of your compassion, healing, and hope. Amen. 2 Kings 5:7-19 God of all grace, thank you for the healing that comes when we humble ourselves before you. Thank you for the community of faith that can encourage us on our journey to you. Amen. 2 Kings 19:14-19 Dear God, in offices, at job sites, in our homes and schools, may we live and pray so that others may know that you alone are the true God. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. John 20:19-23 Lord, we are weak and fearful. We cannot find our way to you on our own. Help us today to respond to your call and to follow you, by your Spirits strength, in your mission of love. Amen. 1 John 4:7-16 God, you love us so much that it nearly takes our breath away. We don't deserve it. But we thank you. Please open our hearts to love others as you love us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 19:1-10 God, please forgive me for the times I've not understood or accepted my role in your mission. Forgive me for getting distracted. Show me how I am called to your kingdom work. Amen. John 1:1-14; Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16 Lord, thank you for walking with me through my life's situations. Show me how to connect with others in my neighborhood and to share your good news with them. Amen. John 1:43-51 Lord, help us to appreciate where you've placed us. Help us to value others and not judge them for being different from us. Help us to love as you love. Amen. Philippians 2:1-11 Lord, life can be difficult. As we struggle, help us to surrender our pride and discover that in you we may find rest for the journey and strength to share your love. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Lord, we hear your invitation to mission. Give us the will and courage to follow wherever you lead. Help us see the people you want us to share your love with today. Amen. Acts 1:1-11 Lord, thank you for your promise of power through the Holy Spirit. Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do. Amen. Philippians 2:12-18 Lord, bring to our hearts and minds those who are right in front of us today. Help us to see them and to reach out to them with your love. Amen. John 4:1-14, 27-42 Lord, forgive our superior attitudes and prejudices. Help us to appreciate the diversity you have created. Help us to see you in peoples lives. Amen. Matthew 24:3-14 Lord, show us how to break down walls that keep us from reaching out to neighbors. Thank you for bringing people from the ends of the earth to our own area. Amen. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Lord, remove our blind spots and fears that prevent us from translating the gospel into the cultures around us. Help us remember that you came for all peoples. Amen. Luke 9:1-6 Lord, you call us to join in your work. Teach us to follow, knowing that all who hear the gospel call are hearing you. Make us humble. Help us to listen to your voice. Amen. Matthew 18:1-14 Lord, give us your wisdom and discernment. Help us to be faithful to you while letting go of our unhelpful customs and cultural styles for the sake of the gospel. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 25:34-46; Luke 6:27-31 Lord, you know how many times we have ignored the hungry, the poor, and other hurting people who have crossed our paths. Forgive us. Give us your discernment to know how to share your love today. Amen. Matthew 9:35-38 Lord, help us to see with our hearts the people around us who are suffering or facing injustice. Give us the love and courage to become their advocates and friends. Amen. Philippians 1:1-11 Lord, people are hungry for prayer. Open our eyes to see the people among our contacts who need you. Help us to touch others with your compassion and love. Amen. Colossians 3:1-17 Lord, some of us know you. Others do not. May your Spirit enlighten, transform, and fill us in a way that flavors a world in need of you today. Amen. Ephesians 5:8-20 Lord, sometimes our light dims in the world. Bring us back to the source, to you, the light of the world. May we shine brightly wherever you have placed us. Amen. Matthew 13:31-34 Lord, thank you for your generosity. While we offer you our service, you offer us life. You can use us to meet the needs of others around us. Grow us as you will. Amen. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; Luke 15:11-20 Lord, only you can replace our sinfulness with your pleasing aroma. Help us connect with you daily through your Word, so we can show your grace and mercy to others. Amen. John 17:20-26 Lord, we pray that the world will see our love for each other as individuals and churches in a way that cannot deny your power. Help us to support and build one another up. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:1-20, 27 Lord, we are created within and for community. May we join together as salt and light in this world. Amen. 2 Peter 3:8-15 Lord, make us aware of the spiritual battles we are waging. Give us freedom from fear and the sure knowledge that you are in control and that your grace is sufficient for us. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 Lord, forgive us if we have wasted time and ignored your urgent call. Give us boldness in our relationships with others. May we share your good news in your time. Amen. Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil. And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure where unto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 1 Peter 3:8-22 Lord, may I be a living testimony to your goodness and grace. By your Spirit, prepare me to hear and answer people’s key questions about faith. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:11-21 Lord, we are overwhelmed at how much you love us. Help us gratefully to receive your gift of salvation, forgiveness, and grace. Then help us to pass it along to others. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3 Lord of creation, King of the universe, we bow before you, the one Savior. Teach us to worship and adore you. Thank you for loving us so much. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 4:17-5:2 Lord, we are humbled at your invitation to join you in gathering your children into your kingdom. Fill us with your love for others as we remember what you have done for us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:7 Lord Jesus, we look forward to the day when we will see you coming again to live with us forever. Come, Lord Jesus! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:1-14 Thank you, Lord, for the love you have shown in the humble birth of Jesus, our Savior. In him our hope is renewed. In Christ we praise you. Amen. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:22-35 My Lord and my God, you are the true light that can illumine my soul. Please dissipate every cloud that has blurred my vision and has held me in darkness. In your name, Amen. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:32-51 Heavenly Father, all praise and worship belong to you, for you give me the food I needed to satisfy my spiritual hunger. Only in Christ can I find eternal satisfaction. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:11-18 Eternal God, I have relief, peace, and security, knowing that you are my shepherd. Help me submit to your will and rest entirely in your care. In your name I pray. Amen. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly. John 10:1-10 O God, all the freedoms we try outside of Jesus turn into slavery. Help us to find freedom in Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had [his] dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any [man] tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, [thou] unclean spirit. And he asked him, What [is] thy name? And he answered, saying, My name [is] Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told [it] in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw [it] told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and [also] concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all [men] did marvel. Mark 4:35-5:20 Almighty Lord, please take in your mighty hands every weight that has caused pain and suffering in my life. Strengthen me to trust you, for all power and authority are in you. In your name, Amen. And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft [clothing] are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. But where unto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a wine bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. Matthew 11:1-19 Beloved Father, even when my heart was marked by spiritual misery, you never stopped loving me. I thank you because you welcomed me with open arms through the saving love of Christ. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. John 14:1-7 Lord God, many people believe that all paths lead to you because they are surrounded by the teachings and theories of todays world. But salvation is found only in Jesus, the way to find the truth and eternal life. For his sake and in his name we pray. Amen. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1 John 1:1-2:3 Lord God, holy and righteous are your ways! I thank you because, through Jesus, I have forgiveness for everything that separates me from you. So I confess my sin, in his name. Amen. And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put [them] in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them [is] manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny [it]. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. Acts 4:1-22 Dear God, deliver me from the legalistic requirements I often set on myself. Help me surrender totally to Christ as my only Savior. Through him I pray. Amen. When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with [his] journey, sat thus on the well: [and] it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he]. John 4:1-26 Dear Lord, may I always drink from the water of life. Keep me away from spiritual pollution and its temptations offered to me every day. Only you can fully satisfy my thirst. In Christs MIGHTY NAME. Amen. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14 Father God, Jesus is the most beautiful statement of your love for lost people. Taking on our flesh, he identified with us and shared our pain. Thank you, Jesus. Amen. Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Lord God, I need to be healed by you. I admit that I have looked for other ways to satisfy my heart, but without success. Only you are the true refuge. In your name, Amen. If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind. [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11 Sovereign God, the lordship of Christ leads me to bow gladly before him and feeds my hope that he will always be with me. In his name I thank you. Amen. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! John 1:29-36 May you always be praised, my God and Savior, for in Christ, the Lamb, my debt is canceled and the forgiveness of my sins is absolute. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Nevertheless the dimness [shall] not [be] such as [was] in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict [her by] the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior [is] with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but [this] shall be with burning [and] fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:1-7 Lord and God, I extend to you all my praise and worship for the security I enjoy in the person of your Son, Jesus Christ, Savior and Everlasting Father. Through him I offer you all honor and glory. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you. But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:15-27 Father, there are many feelings in my heart that have taken away my joy and brought me nothing but loss. I ask that Christs peace may fill me. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:1-21 O God, your Word says there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Jesus is, therefore, our only hope. May we all put our hope in him. In Jesus Name. Amen. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, [yet] my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. John 8:12-20 Illumine my soul, O Lord, with the light of your wonderful splendor, so that I may lead a life that honors you. In Christ. Amen. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:6-12 Holy God, I belong wholly to you, in body and soul. What a comfort to know that Christ loves and protects me. Help me to serve as part of his body. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:12-21 Because Jesus is in control of my history, Almighty God, I know that he guides my life. Help me to celebrate your goodness, Lord. Turn my adversities into victories, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 1:16-22 Lord, I want to reflect your holy Word in my attitudes and character, as you have done. I want more than to have knowledge about you; I want to know you and walk with you. In your name, Amen. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether [it were] I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the first-fruits of them that slept. 1 Corinthians 15:3-20 Gracious God, there is no situation that can kill my hope in Christ, not even death. For in him there is life in all circumstances. Through him I give you praise. Amen. “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 Dear God, as Christmas nears, I confess my belief in Jesus Christ, your only Son. I believe that Jesus is the only way I can come to you. In his name I pray. Amen. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:18-25 Lord, thank you for being Immanuel God with us. May we celebrate your birth with true joy, knowing that you came to save and sustain us. Come into our hearts today, LORD JESUS IN THY NAME! Amen. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Luke 2:22-35; 1 Peter 2:4-10 Blessed Father, since the birth of Jesus, he has been both loved and hated. May my life be built on your solid foundation. I receive him in faith and submission. In his name I pray. Amen. And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine [is] this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. Mark 1:21-34 Lord, nothing is impossible with you. You can heal all our diseases, if that is your will. But, most of all, Lord, heal our souls. May we trust in your power and rest in your strength. In THY MIGHTY name. Amen. Now a certain [man] was sick, [named] Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was [that] Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to [his] disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. [His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had [lain] in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give [it] thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard [that], she arose quickly, and came unto him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been [dead] four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up [his] eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said [it], that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. John 11:1-44 Holy God, we know that death is not the end of our existence. In Jesus there are eternal delights prepared for all who love you. May you always be praised. In Christ Our Lords HOLY NAME. Amen. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:1-6 Lord, help me to know your peace and to lead lost people to you, the source of life and peace. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Colossians 1:15-23 Eternal God, thank you that Jesus Christ is the center of all things. Ultimate power is in his hands. Leaning on him, I have refuge and strength. His is the dominion forever and ever. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14 Lord, as this year ends, may I bow down and worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Jesus, name above all names, thank you for saving me. In your name I pray. Amen. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 Dear Lord, thank you for bringing us safely into another year. May we experience lots of spiritual growth to your praise and glory. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it. Thou preparedst [room] before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land. The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof [were like] the goodly cedars. She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river. Why hast thou [then] broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her? The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it. Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch [that] thou madest strong for thyself. [It is] burned with fire, [it is] cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance. Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man [whom] thou madest strong for thyself. So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name. Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:7-19 Forgive me, Lord, for being unfaithful to you. Draw me close so that I can bear the fruit you created my life to produce. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable; A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung [it]: And if it bear fruit, [well]: and if not, [then] after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:1-9 Thank you, Lord, for graciously interceding for us. Use us to tell others about your love so that they too can experience the lifesaving power of your forgiveness. In your name we pray. Amen. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9 Thank you, Lord, for giving us new life. Whether we have lived as Christians for many years or we are just beginning our life in you, help us grow closer to you each day. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-21 Thank you, Lord, for delivering us from the power of sin, and for ruling in our lives through the Holy Spirit. Help us to live by the power of your Spirit every day. Amen. And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10 Lord, sometimes I forget that the good works I do are the result of your grace. Forgive me for robbing you of your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Hebrews 12:7-11 Lord, sometimes its hard to connect our suffering to your goodness. Give us faith to believe that you can produce fruit in our lives through the difficulties we face. Amen. John 15:1-8 Lord, help me to hold nothing back when it comes to obeying your will. Give me the grace to submit to your pruning, so that more of your glory will fill my life. Amen. Galatians 5:22-25 Lord, I desire the fullness of the Holy Spirits ministry in my heart! Help me to grow to be more like Jesus in every way, so that the world will know I belong to you. Amen. Philippians 2:12-13 Dear Lord, thank you for providing everything I need to be a fruitful Christian. Help me, in total reliance on your grace, to devote all my energy to growing closer to you. Amen. 1 John 4:7-12 Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus into the world. May your great love continue to change our hearts so that we will love others as you have loved us. Amen. Romans 12:9-21 Dear Lord, you have lavished us with love even when we were most unlovable. Use us, we pray, to show your love to everyone even our enemies. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6 Thank you, Lord, for giving us joy. Help us to submit more and more to you so that the Holy Spirit will increase our joy in you. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Lord Jesus, help us to see our relationship with you as the most important part of our lives, and to find joy in you despite difficult circumstances. Thank you for your faithful love. In your name, Amen. Philippians 4:4-7 Lord Jesus, grant us your peace. Thank you for providing it. We surely need it. Keep us close to you so that we will always feel protected by the power of your love. Amen. Colossians 3:15-17 Lord, the only peace we can share with others is the peace you have first given us. Increase our desire to see your peace flow out of us to bless a hurting world. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Dear Lord, thank you for being patient with us. Forgive us for all we do wrong, and help us to be living testimonies of your mercy. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. James 5:7-11 Lord, how hard it is to be patient! Help me to take advantage of the opportunities you provide to become a stronger Christian. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Titus 3:1-8 Thank you, heavenly Father, for treating us kindly in Christ. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that others will see Jesus living in us. We pray in his name. Amen. Colossians 3:12-14 Lord in Jesus name I ask to dress in clothes of kindness so that others will experience your love through my brethren and me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Peter 1:1-4 Lord, the power of your goodness helps us know the difference between right and wrong. Continue to give us that power, and fill us with your glory. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 5:1-14 Lord, forgive us for all we do wrong. Help us to live in the light of your goodness and grace so that everyone will know we belong to you. Amen. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father. How comforting it is to know that my faith rests on the solid ground of your promises. Help me to grow in my faithfulness to you. Amen. Colossians 1:1-8 Forgive us, Lord, if we are more concerned with popularity than faithfulness. Help us to serve only you. Amen. Matthew 11:25-30 Lord Jesus, there is so much I need to learn from you. Help me to walk beside you, to listen to your teaching, and to enjoy the rest that only you can give. Amen. Ephesians 4:1-6 Thank you, Jesus, for being a gentle shepherd who tenderly cares for his sheep. Help us to be gentle with others, just as you have been gentle with us. Amen. Romans 8:5-11 Help me, Lord, to surrender totally to you. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen. 2 Peter 1:5-11 Help us, Lord, to work hard at making sure our faith is strong and vibrant. Thank you for giving us opportunities to see our spiritual progress over time. Amen. John 15:9-17 Thank you, Lord, for choosing us to bear fruit. What an incredible gift you have given us! Help us never to forget that everything we do is only by your grace. Amen. Philippians 3:10-14 Lord, no matter how far we have traveled with you, we still have far to go. Help us to grow in faith each day. In Jesus, Amen. Philippians 1:3-11 Lord, help me to live every day in fellowship with you. Thank you for promising to continue and to complete your work in me. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 2:1-5 Lord, you are doing great things in the world. Open our eyes to see. Catch us up into your marvelous work of calling the nations to Christ. Amen. Jeremiah 20:7-13 Lord, let the missionary zeal of Christians everywhere inspire our own witness. Help us to share your good news. Amen. 2 Kings 5:1-14 Lord, we often think we know it all. But you intend new faith lessons for us. Open our eyes. Amen. Isaiah 55 Lord, what we cannot accomplish on our own, you achieve through your Word. Help us to immerse our own lives in your Word and to bring that Word to others. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Proverbs 28:18-28 Lord, you are in charge of our lives. Thank you for the people you provide to help us chart wise and thoughtful paths. Amen. Genesis 18:1-8 Father, grant us the grace to overcome our fears and welcome people who need hospitality, that we may share the love we have received from you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 11:1-9 Lord, we crave community, yet we find it so hard to establish. Help us to receive it as part of your wonderful Pentecost gift, by which we are woven together into a fellowship of grace in Christ. Amen. Proverbs 16:20-33 Lord, when we run ahead of your plans, we fail. Give us the gift of patience to align our lives with your perfect intentions for us. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 2:11-22 Lord, help me share the good news in such a way that walls of difference come crashing down by the power of your grace. Amen. Revelation 21:15-27 Lord, you call us to unfold the incredible potential of our world. Help us to build well today as we look toward eternity, to your honor and glory. Amen. Exodus 3:1-10 Lord, regardless of our footwear, may our approach to you in worship always be in humility and awe. May we delight in your glory, celebrate your majesty, and realize that we stand in your presence by grace alone. In Christ Jesus, Amen. John 4:1-14 Lord Jesus, our lives are dry wastelands without the water of your life. Water us by your grace and Spirit, that we may experience the delight and fruitfulness of your kingdom. Amen. Matthew 25:31-46 Lord, help us to care for others in such a way that we show the truth of the gospel in all we do. Help us to serve you. In your name, Amen. Ephesians 6:10-20 Lord, open our eyes to see the ways the devil is attacking my own life and community. Help me to resist by your power, knowing that the devil flees from the strong name of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Psalm 32:5 Lord, we can't cover our sins, but by the blood of Christ you can. Bless us with the grace of your forgiveness and wash us clean. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Father, bless all who experience great pressure because of their faith in Jesus. Help us all to be your witnesses. Amen. Luke 15:1-7 Lord, may the fellowship of the Lord's Supper spill over into our everyday relationships, especially with people who need to know you. Help us to practice the hospitality of sharing meals, for your sake. Amen. Matthew 10:32-42 Lord, help me tear away all competitors to your place in my life. Lead me to discover ultimate joy in focusing on your lordship in all I do. Amen. Revelation 7:9-17 Lord, keep us from running after answers that fail to deliver. May our worship this Sunday be a foretaste of that glorious day when all nations sing to Christ the same song of salvation. Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Lord, make us channels of your peace and comfort. Because we have received much, may we give freely, and so be prepared to receive even more. Amen. 1 Kings 19:9-18 Lord, forgive our tendencies to ignore people we cannot see. Unite us by your Spirit with Christians in countries we might think are empty of the churches presence. We know that you love them too. Amen. Nehemiah 8:1-12 Lord, forgive us if we have neglected your Word. May we study it with joy, anticipating new discoveries each time we open it. Open our eyes, in Jesus name. Amen. John 14:1-14 Lord Jesus, give us courage to confess you alone, in whose name we pray. Amen. Revelation 8:1-5 Lord, thank you for hearing our prayers. May they be a sweet offering of praise and intercession to you, our triune God, in whose name we pray. Amen. Matthew 26:6-13 Lord, the needs of the worlds poor overwhelm us. But, beginning with the cup of cold water offered in your name, help us to pursue answers that open doors to hope. In your name, Amen. Isaiah 44:6-17 Lord, forgive us if we ridicule others beliefs. Help us to see the pain of those who live without hope and without you in this world. Amen. John 14:15-31 Lord, when we feel alone, reassure us by your Spirit that we are sons and daughters of the King. Amen. Colossians 2:6-15 Lord, thank you for the invasion of your grace into our broken world. Thank you that the powers of darkness are broken and that we live today in the assurance of the coming of the kingdom of light. Amen. Philippians 1:1-6 Lord, align us in your kingdom with the right people to do the job you intend for us. May your kingdom grow! Amen. Mark 1:1-18 Father, in your love convict us of our sin and assure us of your forgiveness. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 16:1-13 Father, in this Lenten season teach us to pray with confidence, knowing that you see us as we are and hear us as we call. In Christ our hope, Amen. Psalm 90:8 Father, in this season may the Holy Spirit point us to our sins, and point us sinners to Jesus. In his name we hope. Amen. 1 Peter 2:9-10 Father, may our worship and our lives be filled with your praise. In Christ our hope, Amen. Exodus 3:1-10 Jesus, in this Lenten season we praise you that all is well between you and us. We hear your invitation, and we come to you. In your name we hope. Amen. Psalm 25:8 Lord, in this Lenten season we thank you for teaching us your ways, especially in and through the work of Jesus, in whose name we hope. Amen. 1 Kings 19:19-21 Father, in this season, grip our hearts so that we may willingly and faithfully follow Jesus. In his name we hope and pray. Amen. Isaiah 49:13-16 Jesus, in this Lenten season we rejoice in the secure grip of your nail-scarred hands. In your name we hope. Amen. Psalm 34:1-10 Father, in this Lenten season we thankfully lift the cup of our Lord and joyfully taste his goodness. In his name we hope. Amen. Isaiah 55:6-13 Father, thank you for surprising us with your amazing way of responding to our sin. Through Jesus Christ our hope, Amen. John 1:35-42 Jesus, in this season, slow us down, teach us to refresh, refocus, and renew. In your name we hope. Amen. Psalm 37:1-8 Lord, release us from fretting for the glory of your name, for the good of others, and for our own peace. In your name we hope. Amen. Mark 4:35-41 Jesus, please remind us that even in severe, stormy times you are with us in your mercy. In your name we hope. Amen. John 21:15-19 Lord, keep us faithfully following you in life, that we might faithfully glorify you in death. In your name we hope. Amen. Psalm 40:2 Lord Jesus, in this Lenten season we thank you for lifting us up, carrying us to safety, and sending us on your way. In your name we hope. Amen. Romans 5:12-21 Father, in this season we thankfully confess with believers past and present, I am a great sinner; Christ is a greater Savior. Through Jesus Christ our hope, Amen. Romans 8:28-39 Father, in this Lenten season, strengthen our faith to trust your unbroken and unbreakable promises. Through Jesus Christ our hope, Amen. Psalm 147:1-11 Father, in this season, fill our hearts with pleasant and fitting praise that overflows from our hearts to honor you. Through Jesus Christ our hope, Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Jesus, thank you for holding the umbrella of your grace over us. Thank you for your everlasting kindness and faithfulness. In your name we hope. Amen. Philippians 2:5-15 Father, in this season, work in us the attitude of Christ Jesus. Help us to honor you as he did, in humble obedience. In his name we hope. Amen. Psalm 84:12 Father, in this Lenten season, may we find your strength in times of quiet, that we may actively walk with you. Through Jesus Christ our hope, Amen. 2 Timothy 2:1-10 Father, may the endurance of Jesus enable us to endure for him. In his name we hope. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Jesus, in this Lenten season, may we come to you, for you have the words of eternal life.” In your name we hope. Amen. Ephesians 1:17-23 Jesus, encourage us in the singleminded pursuit of being open to your wisdom and your working in our lives. In your name we hope. Amen. Luke 19:45-48 Jesus, as we approach the week of your passion, speak to our hearts about what our mouths speak to others. In your name we hope. Amen. Mark 12:28-34 Lord, we confess that we often fall short of showing your love to you as well as others. Forgive us, and help us to love the way you do. Amen. Luke 9:28-36 Jesus, humble us with your humility and move us with your servanthood. In your name we hope. Amen. Luke 22:17-23 Jesus, as we approach the week of your passion, unite us and bind us together in yourself. In your name we hope. Amen. Psalm 56:6 Jesus, as we approach the week of your passion, keep us watching and walking in your steps. In your name we hope, Amen. Luke 23:35-39 Jesus, as we approach the week of your passion, we fix our eyes on you, and our hearts stir with gratitude that you endured such scorn on our behalf. In your name we hope. Amen. Hebrews 7:23-28 Lord Jesus, as we approach the week of your passion, we who are all-deficient, adore you, our all-sufficient Savior. In your name we hope forever. Amen. Matthew 21:1-11 Lord, may we willingly obey you and joyfully follow you, the King of kings, in whose name we pray. Amen. Mark 14:1-9 Dear Lord, it's easy to say we love you but hard to pour ourselves out for others. Thank you for this beautiful example. In your name we pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Thank you, Lord, that in Christ you cleanse us of the stink of sin and make us like a sweet-smelling aroma. There is victory in Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Mark 14:1-11 Dear Lord, forgive us for the many subtle ways we commit the sin of betraying you. Thank you for the grace that is greater than all our sin. Amen. John 13:1-17, 31-35 Dear Teacher, you came to earth and became an example for us. Through your words and deeds come wisdom. Grant us the wisdom to be who you call us to be. Amen. John 19:28-37 Lord Jesus, thank you for this Good Friday, for making our salvation possible. Hallelujah! Amen. Mark 15:42-47 Lord, even as we stand in the shadow of the cross, we already rejoice in the hope that today can be the best day of our life. Thanks be to God! Amen. Romans 6:1-7, 23 Lord Jesus, may the joy we have received through your gift of free life be evident to all! Amen. Mark 16:1-8 Lord, thank you that you not only rose from the grave but are on the move, changing the world as you go. May we follow you, our living Lord, with joy and courage. Amen. John 20:11-18 Loving Lord, thank you for understanding us when our eyes fill with tears. Thank you for calling us by name. May our eyes be opened to your life-giving presence. In your name, Amen. John 20:19-23 Risen Lord Jesus, thank you for being with us every moment and for offering us your peace. May our lives today be filled to overflowing with joy because of you. Amen. John 20:21-23, 28-29 Gracious Spirit, thank you for coming into the world to live the life of Christ in us and through us. Pour out your gifts on our lives so that we may minister in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. John 20:1-10 Lord, sometimes we wonder about your claims and promises. Thank you for your patience. Fill us with faith in you. Amen. John 20:1-10 Thank you, Lord, for the leeway you give us as our faith develops. May we be equally gracious to one another as we struggle with questions while we follow you. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Thank you, Lord, for giving us your Word in the Bible. As we read it, open our hearts so that our trust in you will be renewed daily. Amen. John 21:1-23 Lord of our life, fill our nets to overflowing so that we may serve you with joy as we serve those around us. In your name, Amen. John 21:4-17 Gracious Lord, thank you for your unfailing love. Help us to confidently come to you in our weakness to find healing and renewal in you. In your name we pray. Amen. John 10:1-6 Dear Lord, help me to listen closely to your voice as I read your Word so that the pathway I follow is yours and yours alone. In your name, Amen. Matthew 8:18-22 Lord, forgive us for forgetting about your cross at times and thinking we can find easier ways to follow you. Thank you for your promise to be with us always. Amen. Matthew 11:25-30 Lord, thank you for the reminder from your Word that life was certainly not always smooth sailing for you. Thank you for the reminder to center ourselves on the will of God, just as you did. May we find rest for our souls today. Amen. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Thank you, Father, for the rhythm of work and rest in our lives. May we praise you on Saturday as we do our chores and on Sunday as we gather with fellow believers to worship you. Amen. John 8:12-30 Lord, thank you for the privilege many of us have today to gather and hear your Word. We pray especially for all who are persecuted for following you. Flood them with your light and love. Amen. Matthew 25:31-40 Lord, too often we focus on things that distract us from serving you wholeheartedly. Forgive us and let us hear again your voice calling, Come. Amen. Matthew 4:18-20; 28:16-20 Lord, you never wavered from your calling, to bring salvation to the whole world. May we be faithful as we hear your call. Amen. Matthew 19:27-30 Dear Lord, like the disciples, we sometimes struggle with following you. May your Word to us today encourage us to follow joyfully. Amen. Revelation 14:1-4 Lamb of God, Lord Jesus Christ, you have given your life for us. With joy and with songs of thanksgiving we surrender our lives to you. Amen. Luke 14:15-24 Gracious God, search our hearts, remove our excuses, and enable us to accept your offer of salvation through Jesus today. We pray in his name. Amen. Matthew 16:13-28 Jesus, we confess that often we are glad to call you Savior, but we do not always count the cost of your claim on our entire lives. May we understand daily that it is in dying to ourselves that we truly live for you. Amen. Mark 6:30-32 Gracious God, thank you for understanding how needy we are and for providing a day of rest for us. May we find a way to quiet ourselves in your presence today as we prepare to follow you this week. Amen. Psalm 23:1, 6 Good Shepherd, may I follow you joyfully every day of my life. Thank you that because of your love, revealed in Jesus Christ, I may dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Amen. Philippians 1:3-11 Holy Spirit, help me to become everything you intended me to be when you first created me. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Timothy 4:6-10 Heavenly Father, help me to develop the second nature of seeking to please you. Amen. Genesis 5:21-24 Lord Jesus, help me to recognize that you are with me on the path of life, and to find joy in the process of walking with you. Amen. Philippians 2:12-18 Holy Spirit, help me to realize the full value of Christs gift for me, and allow that gift to be worked out in my life. In Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen. Leviticus 20:22-26 Father, give me strength to become holy. Guide my steps so that I may become what you intend me to be. Amen. Philippians 4:8-9 Father in heaven, grant me the discipline to develop good habits for shaping my character. Make me more like Christ each day. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 Holy Spirit, please help me to know the wonder of dwelling in your presence through a life of prayer. Amen. Ephesians 6:10-20 Lord Jesus, shape my prayer life so that I may see your work and grow nearer to you. In your name, Amen. Matthew 6:5-15 Lord Jesus, help me to know you so that my desires may change. Shape my interests and pursuits so that I genuinely want to see your kingdom come. Amen. Genesis 32:22-32 Holy Spirit, lead me into a closer walk with you through the gift of prayer. Grant me your blessing, and help me to recognize the blessings you have already given me. Amen. Psalm 40:1-8 Open my eyes, Lord, so that I may see you working in this world, and so that my heart may swell with gratitude. Amen. Luke 17:11-19 Dear God, may my life of prayer with you give me an ever-growing sense of gratitude. In Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen. Mark 8:31-38 I confess, O Lord, that I often avoid doing the good I would like to do. I also admit that I regularly violate your commands, in spite of my best intentions. Make me new, so that I am able to obey your will. Amen. Luke 18:9-14 Holy Spirit, may the habits of faithful living draw me nearer to you. I pray in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 6:16-18 Lord, help me to avoid the temptation to appear holier than I am. Work in me to make me new. In Jesus, Amen. 1 John 1:5-10 Lord, I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. Fill me with your forgiving grace, that I may know your love. And help me turn from my sinful ways, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Acts 1:1-11 Lord Jesus, we praise you as you reign on high, and we ask that you will make us aware of your presence through your Spirit, even though we cannot see you. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Matthew 14:22-33 Lord Jesus, I confess that I am easily distracted and often worried by circumstances in my life. Help me to remember and trust in your power to sustain and rescue me. Amen. Luke 10:38-42 Lord, help me to set my priorities so that there is room for me to grow nearer to you. Amen. Psalm 77:1-12 As I set my thoughts on you, O Lord, show me the wonder of your ways. Help me to focus on you alone. Amen. Exodus 16:21-26 God of grace, thank you for the gift of your presence in my life. Help me to set aside time and space to enjoy you and your generosity. Amen. Mark 2:23-3:6 Heavenly Father, I want to know your grace more fully. Help me recognize the intent of your gifts so that I may enjoy and celebrate your salvation. Amen. Acts 15:28 Holy Spirit, help me to walk within your will so that I may be transformed to be more like Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen. Mark 12:41-44 Holy Spirit, change the way I use the resources you have given me so that my heart may be drawn nearer to you. Amen. John 13:1-17 Lord, move me to serve others so that they may be blessed through the work you have done in me, and so that I may grow closer to you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Romans 12:1-8 Heavenly Father, activate the gifts you have given me, so that through my actions others may see your grace. Amen. John 3:1-21 Holy Spirit, prepare my heart to be moved by you so that I am ready to respond whenever you call me. Amen. Psalm 102:18-22 Lord, help me to see your true worth. Bring others into my life who will help me know your value, so that I may treasure you above all things. Amen. Exodus 18:9-26 Holy Spirit, we praise you for the gift of fellowship. Work in me so that I may offer your insights to others and be ready to receive your wisdom as well. Amen. Isaiah 43:1-7 Lord Jesus, we praise you for being Emmanuel (God with us). Help us to know the true value of your presence. Amen. Psalm 51:12 Lord, let me know the joy of your presence, and allow me to revel in the wonder of your grace and love. Amen. Luke 19:37-44 Lord Jesus, you know the troubles in my life. Show me how to make peace with God and with the people in my life. Amen. Isaiah 9:2-7 Precious Lord, thank you that your kingdom is not of this world. I want to live with you where righteousness and justice reign. I trust in you for my security now and forever. Amen. Numbers 6:22-27 God of all grace, in the midst of fights and feuds, we yearn for your shalom, your peace through your Son, Jesus. Let us see and feel your smile on us today, especially when things go wrong. Amen. Colossians 1:15-20 God of grace, how can I thank you enough for the reconciliation you have made? In Jesus, Amen. James 3:13-4:3 Lord, forgive me for selfish desires that resulted in fights with others. Empty my heart of demands and show me how to find peace in all you want me to do. Amen. Luke 12:13-21 Lord Jesus, remind me that my life does not consist in the abundance of my possessions. Help me trust that I have enough with your presence in my heart and what you are pleased to give me. Amen. Colossians 3:5-15 Lord of the church, pour out your grace and peace on churches that are in conflict today. Show us how to accept and love one another. Amen. Ephesians 2:11-22 Father, your awesome grace is making a family of sons and daughters from every nation, tribe, and language. We praise you with one heart and one voice! Amen. Matthew 5:23-26 Lord of my life, it can be hard to obey your command to offer my love to others. Give me courage to pursue peace with grace wherever theres a problem. Amen. Genesis 27:41-45 God of salvation, I have denied and avoided conflicts that I should have faced. Give me courage and wisdom to work on past problems as well as any that I am now involved in. Amen. Acts 4:1-13 Father, how amazing that you have shown your love for me. While I was a sinner and an enemy, Christ died for me. How can I thank you? Amen. Romans 11:33-12:2 God, forgive me for wanting only my way. Change my mind so that I seek your will above all else. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 7:1-5 Search me, God, and know my heart. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Amen. 1 Samuel 25:23-35 Lord, give me strength and gentleness so I may lovingly confront those who sin and assure them of forgiveness if they will repent. Motivate me by your mercy. Amen. Acts 15:36-41 Lord of amazing grace, thank you that in Christ you are reconciling the world to yourself. Help me to do the same to those who have sinned against me. Amen. Mark 14:66-72 Lord Jesus, your love for me is so wide and long and high and deep that I struggle to grasp it! Fill me again with your fullness so that I may be useful in your kingdom. Amen. Ephesians 4:25 Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the way, the truth, and the life for me. Teach me how to speak the truth in love always. In your name, Amen. Hebrews 12:14-17 Lord of peace, shine your light into my closet of bitterness and show me how to clean it out. Thank you for letting go of all my sins against you, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. James 3:3-12 O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. (See Psalm 19:14.) Amen. Matthew 5:21-22 Lord of love, I need to change my ways of communicating. Too often I show contempt for people by calling them names, but I need to change my heart. Fill it with your love instead of my hatred. Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Lord, your Word always builds me up. Help me to speak so that others may benefit and grow in joy and peace. Amen. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 Holy God, let your Word penetrate to the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. Expose my excuses for sinning against you and others. When I do wrong, give me a godly sorrow that will lead to your forgiveness. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11 Lord of mercy, I often make a big deal out of a small problem. Fill me with your kindness and compassion, and show me when I need to overlook and let go. Amen. 2 Samuel 12:7, 13 Lord, I have too often tried to deny my sin. Give me courage to open my heart in honesty to you and others. I trust in your steadfast, forgiving love. Amen. Colossians 2:13-15 Lord of all grace, I stand amazed before the blood-soaked cross where Christ paid my debt. In your strength, help me to live for you. Thank you, Jesus! Amen. Matthew 6:9-15 Jesus, my suffering Savior, I am hurting inside for what other people have done to me. I need to imitate your forgiveness. Set me free from my bad feelings and enable me to release them. Amen. Romans 12:17-21 Lord, forgive me for trying to get revenge. Teach me to give that up to you. Then please bring peace into my heart. Amen. Luke 6:27-31 Lord of wisdom, teach me how to be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone especially you! Give me insight on how to live at peace with my neighbors. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:1-5 Lord Jesus, I want to be a peacemaker for you. Show me where I lack the character I need. By your Spirit, fill me with power and love to resolve the conflicts around me. Amen. John 14:23-27 Holy Spirit, I want to be a peacemaker. Calm my fears, end my anger, answer my doubts, clear up my confusion. In your strength I will work and wait for the glorious peace of heaven to come! Amen. John 21:1-14 Dear Jesus, my guilt over broken promises has often kept me from receiving your forgiveness. Help me return to you, Lord. Amen. John 20:19-23 Holy Spirit, breathe on us the peace that drives away our fears and worries. May we put our trust in our only Savior. Amen. John 17:1-5 Dear Lord, thank you for coming to display Gods work and bring us into the blessing of eternal life. Help us all to glorify the Son in our lives. Amen. John 16:12-15 Holy Spirit, I need your guidance to take in the truth of Gods Word. Help me as I receive the truth of Jesus as the very words of life. Amen. John 14:1-4 Jesus, we are often tossed on the restless seas of worry and doubt. Give us your blessed assurance that we have a place in your kingdom now and forever. Amen. John 12:1-8 Lord, I want to leave a scent of love and devotion to you alone. Help me to freely spread acts of mercy, grace, and peace to others in your precious name. Amen! John 11:17-26 Jesus, forgive me for placing too much emphasis on time and much less on building my faith and trust in you. Amen. John 10:14-18 Good Shepherd, I trust you are good and have my good in mind. Help me to follow you into safe and abundant pastures of love and grace. Amen. John 7:37-44 Jesus, thank you for your Spirit, who quenches my thirsty soul. I need to drink deeply from the well of the Spirit and be satisfied in you alone. Amen. John 6:16-21 Dear Jesus, forgive me for allowing the storms of life to distract me. I believe you are Lord over all things. Help me to trust you. Amen. Luke 24:45-53 Master, many things compete for my worship. Center my heart on you, Jesus, for you are the only one who can bring me the joy that really lasts. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Risen Lord, often I drown myself in my troubles and heartaches. I miss catching your presence with me. Thank you for never giving up on me. Amen. Luke 21:28-38 Lord Jesus, as we serve you each day, keep us alert and watchful for signs of your kingdom coming. May your word keep us grounded in doing your will. Amen. Luke 21:1-4 Dear Lord, I can't fool you about anything, especially my resources. May I give with a heart that depends on you alone. Amen. Luke 18:9-14 Gracious Father, thank you for showing me the dangers of seeking spiritual entitlement. Humble me to know my place in the kingdom that I'm a sinner saved by grace. In your name, Amen. Luke 15:11-32 Father, thank you for patiently waiting for us to come home to you. As you run toward us, we run toward your arms ready to embrace us. Amen. Luke 15:8-10 Jesus, I am amazed that you search till you find me and celebrate with joy. Thank you, Lord. Amen. Luke 15:1-7 Jesus, help me fight the disease of self-righteousness with your medicine of grace alone. May I never suppress my joy when you bring others into your kingdom. Amen. Luke 13:10-17 Dear Jesus, you are Lord of the Sabbath. Help me see that you are always available for your children who cry out to you. Hear my cry, I pray. Amen. Luke 12:22-34 Master, I believe you will take care of my needs according to your perfect plan and will. I will practice a life of generosity to those around me. Amen. Luke 9:38-45 Dear Jesus, help me to resist the options that cannot really help or heal my situation. I come to you and believe you can truly heal my soul. Amen. Mark 10:46-52 Dear Lord, I thank you for hearing my persistent pleas. I trust you to answer according to your will. Amen. Mark 9:38-41 Jesus, I need your help to see that all who believe in you are on your team. May we all work together to serve you. Amen. Mark 9:2-13 Master, help us to see you through the lens of your love. Keep us in conversation with you through the discipline of prayer and worship. Amen. Mark 7:31-37 Jesus, I do not understand your ways, but I know they are best. Help me to trust in you. In your name, Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Dear Lord, help me not to worry about circumstances I cannot control. May I trust my future to you alone as the firm foundation of my life. Amen. Matthew 25:14-30 Dear God, thank you for not giving us wiggle room in this teaching. Help us to please only you with our gifts, time, and talents, to bring glory to you alone. Amen. Matthew 22:34-40 Master, I struggle to love you with all my heart, soul, and mind. I'm challenged to love my neighbors the way you do. Help me to love you and others your way today. Amen. Matthew 11:25-30 Dear Jesus, I admit I'm tired and weary. I come to you as my true resting place. Amen. Matthew 10:1-16 Jesus, I accept the mission of sharing the news of grace, healing, and freedom in your name. Thank you for empowering me to be your witness. Amen. Matthew 9:18-22 Lord, I want your touch today. Show me the people who can be Jesus to me, and help me to share your love with others. Amen. Joshua 1:1-9 Lord, help us by your Spirit to hear your voice as we read the Bible today. In Jesus, Amen. Joshua 1:10-15 Help me, Lord, to find rest in you alone. Help me to trust in you and to live faithfully for you. Amen. Joshua 1:16-18 O Lord, help us all to follow you faithfully all the way, no matter the cost, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Joshua 2:1-2 Thank you, Lord, for the blessings and beginnings of new life with you, through Jesus and the Spirit. Amen. Joshua 2:2-11 For new life received through Jesus Christ, I thank you, Lord. Help me to keep my eyes on him as I entrust my future to you. Amen. Joshua 2:12-24 Lord, thank you for the gift of faith. Grant me the strength to declare my loyalty to you, in the name of Jesus. Amen. Joshua 3:9-17 Help me to trust only in your power, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen. Joshua 4:1-7, 19-24 Thank you, Lord, for your Word. Strengthen me to read it often, that I may remember all your good gifts and faithfulness, through Jesus Christ, the Savior. Amen. Joshua 5:2-8, 13-15 Have thine own way, Lord,” guiding us to serve you faithfully. Amen. Joshua 6:1-11 By your power, Lord, break down all walls of resistance, that you alone may be worshiped. Amen. Joshua 6:12-21 We give you but your own, whatever that gift may be. All that we have is yours alone to do with as you please. Amen. Joshua 6:22-25 Help me, a miserable sinner, to love you, Lord, and to embrace my neighbor with the compassion you have shown me. Amen. Joshua 6:26-27 Grant me the strength, Lord, to stand firm in the freedom of Jesus Christ, that I may not return to the slavery of sin. Amen. Joshua 7:1-5 Help your people on earth, Lord, to do your heavenly will, so that you may be glorified and your people may grow in grace. Amen. Joshua 8:1-8, 14-17, 24-27 Lord, may all who oppose you die to themselves by the sword of your Spirit so that they may rise to newness of life, as citizens of the city you are building. Amen. Joshua 9:1-6, 14-18, 22-27 Give us wisdom, Lord, to do your will, and may that also help others come to know you. Amen. Joshua 10:5-15 Lord, help us to see and to shine with your light, that others may come to know you today. Amen. Joshua 11:16-23 Father, may we experience your love in life and in death. In Christ, Amen. Joshua 13:1-7 Thank you, Lord, for the time in worship to be reminded of our work for you. Give us strength for each day. Amen. Joshua 14:6-15 When the waiting gets troublesome, Lord, and I am tempted to complain about bad people who get good things, open my eyes to see what you have done for me. Amen. Joshua 15:63; 18:1-7 Strengthen me, Lord, to carry the armor of your mighty power and to wield its weapons till the day of your return. Amen. Joshua 19:49-51 Dwell in us, blessed Spirit, so that, through us, people may know Christ as the Redeemer of their bodies and souls. Amen. Joshua 20:9 Because you have forgiven all my sins, Lord, help me to understand and forgive the sins of others. In Christ, Amen. Joshua 21:1-3, 41-42 Thank you for the marvelous gift of your presence, Lord. Keep us close to you, through Jesus Christ, our heavenly High Priest. Amen. Joshua 21:43-45 Thank you, Lord, for rest from the persecution of sin and its seductions. Clothe me this day with the righteousness of Christ so that no enemy can overwhelm me. In Christ, Amen. Joshua 22:10-20 Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see ourselves as you see us. May we all serve you faithfully in Christs Mighty name. Amen. Joshua 22:21-34 Lord Christ, help me to receive your gifts of grace alongside your people everywhere. May we all see your cross as the sign of our unity in you. Amen. Joshua 23:1-11 Help us to hold fast to your Word, Lord, that we may face the future secure in your presence. Amen. Joshua 24:1-14 Lord, we praise you for your faithfulness, especially Christ, our Lord. Help us obey you. Amen. Joshua 24:14-28 For health and strength and daily bread, I thank you, Lord. Keep me faithful, for you chose me before I could see you clearly. In Christs Mighty name, Amen. Joshua 24:29-33 Thank you, Lord, for preparing a place for me to remain with you when my earthly journey has ended. In Christ, Amen. Ephesians 4:1-16 O God, we long for the spiritual maturity that you have in store for us in Christ and that you work in us through your Spirit, in the church, the body of Christ. In his name we pray. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 We are thankful, Lord, for the Scriptures you have given us to teach us your way of wisdom for living. Thank you also for faithful believers who help us understand your Word to us. In Christ we pray. Amen. Psalm 1:1-3 Lord Jesus, thank you for the living water you give, that quenches our deepest thirst and keeps us alive in the barren times we sometimes must live in. Amen. Colossians 1:15-23 Thank you, Jesus, for such amazing grace that we may know you, the Lord of the universe, who holds all things together and upholds our lives! Guide us to focus on you. In your name, Amen. Exodus 20:17 How blind and foolish we are, O God, if we ignore the riches you have given us, and go grubbing in the dirt for something better. Teach us thankfulness in Christ. Amen. Luke 18:1-8 Lord, teach us to pray. We want to know you more, not less and less. Help us to pray often, deeply, and from the heart. Amen. Revelation 21:1-8 Glory be to your name, Lord, for the beauty of all you have made. We are ashamed to have trashed it. Through Christ, help us restore what we have ruined. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Lord, everything in our society conspires to tear us away from the church, the body of Christ. Help us to be faithful members of your body. Amen. Proverbs 4:1-19 Lord, give us wisdom and love for old and young, and everyone in between. Amen. Romans 14:14 Thank you for living within us, in Christ. Amen. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Lord Jesus, please work in our hearts and give us a truly gentle and loving spirit. And may our choices of clothing honor you and complement the joy and peace with which you fill our lives. For THY MIGHTY NAME sake, Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 O God, may we focus on you, and trust you to make us beautiful in your sight. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 5:27-30 O God, by your Spirit living in us, give us faith and strength to put to death all that is sinful in us, and fill our lives with what is healthy and wholesome, in keeping with your will. In Jesus’ name we ask this. Amen. John 6:53-69 Father, thank you for not looking for an excuse to con-demn us. Thank you that instead Jesus bridged the gulf that our sin had made between us and you. Thank you for reconciling with us through Christs blood. Amen. Isaiah 51:7-16 O Lord our Maker, give us courage in the midst of fearful situations in life. May we, like Jesus, not flinch, but forge ahead with joy, in your love. Amen. Jeremiah 5:1-5 Father, how can we take your love for granted, and at the same time judge others mercilessly? Give us a heart that is eager to do what’s right in society and in our own lives. Amen. Isaiah 58:3-12 We look up to you, Lord Jesus, the just Judge of all. Search our hearts, that we may be a part of the solution, not the root of the problem. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 O God, guide us to balance our passions. Where we are lukewarm, teach us, so that we may help usher in your kingdom. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Proverbs 4:23 Come, Holy Spirit, give life to hearts of stone, and cleanse minds that are polluted. May we on the day of resurrection be counted worthy to see you in your holiness and glory, because of Jesus. Amen. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 Thank you, Lord, for the Bible, the Word you have given us. Give us a taste for its stories and eternal truth that show us the way to life. In Jesus, Amen. Romans 12:1-8 Thank you, Lord, for your strength, and for the strength we have together as followers of Christ in the church. Thank you that we do not have to stand alone. In your name, Amen. Romans 6:15-23 Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart. Help me to fol-low you and to learn from you. Amen. Matthew 10:32-42 Lord Jesus, we like the idea of growing, but we struggle with giving up the parts of our lives that need to submit to you. Show us how to live sacrificially for you. Amen. Matthew 8:14-17 Heavenly Father, thank you for the healing of physical pains and difficulties. But we know that the root of our trouble is deeper, and that only you can ultimately heal our souls. Stretch out your healing hand today. Amen. Colossians 3:15-17 Lord, keep us from thinking we can separate our faith from the rest of life. May all we do bring glory to you. In Christ, Amen. Philippians 4:4-9 God our Father, pour the healing peace of the Holy Spirit on our troubled souls, and may we be a blessing for oth-ers who seek peace and refuge with you. Amen. Psalm 88:2-3 Thank you, Lord, for being a strong tower of refuge for all who trust in you! Thank you for being there when the en-emy of our souls attacks. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13 How sad, Lord, that love is so often thought of as a sentimental, empty word. We know that love is the heart of your heart, the key to the universe. Teach us how to love you and the people all around us. Amen. Malachi 3:6-12 Lord, open the purse strings of our hearts, that we may be blessed givers. In your name, Amen. Luke 15:1-7 O Son of Man, there are so many things that are too amazing for me to understand such as your love for the lost, and me among them. Thank you. In your name, Amen. Luke 15:11-24 Almighty God, my heart is filled with praise for your over-whelming grace. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 15:25-32 Lord, we often act like the older brother. By your grace remove the blindfolds from our eyes so that we can see others as you see them. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Luke 15:11-32 Father, your loving presence draws us into fellowship with you and all your children. Help us to show your gracious love to everyone. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 12:35-37 Servant God, your giving is unfathomable, your devotion to us is unreasonable. Lord, etch your character into us. Amen. Luke 13:6-9 Lord, extend your mercy to us and renew us. Fill us with new life by your Holy Spirit. Amen. Matthew 18:21-35 Lord, thank you for your freeing forgiveness. Create in me a new heart like yours. Amen. Matthew 20:1-16 Gracious God, kind Savior, make us gracious and kind like you. Remove stinginess and faulty comparisons from our eyes. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Mark 12:1-12 Father, we praise you for your patience with us. May we willingly serve, offering the firstfruits of our lives. Amen. Mark 4:2-9 Lord, we believe your kingdom seed is growing and you will keep multiplying your harvest of righteousness. Amen. Mark 4:26-29 Lord, we know that only your Spirit can transform peoples lives. Help us do our part as you produce your harvest. Amen. Ezekiel 31:1-9; Mark 4:30-32 Almighty God, we are amazed that you can use us to grow your kingdom. Reform our thinking patterns so we can honor you and live out the truths of this parable. Amen. Luke 13:20-21 Powerful God, you who use the unexpected in your plans, use us to carry out your purposes and to spread your glory. May your kingdom keep spreading throughout your world. Amen. Luke 14:16-24 Lord, thanks for planning the party to which all are invited. Convict me of my selfish pursuits and use me to bring your invitation to everyone. Amen. Luke 7:36-47 Lord, free us to see the love of others for you and to show our love too, in welcoming them for your sake. Amen. Luke 10:25-37 Lord, your love knows no bounds. Guide my attitudes so that I can show love as you do. Amen. Luke 18:9-14 Lord, we sometimes judge both the sinner and the self-righteous. Instead of disdain, we need your compassion for all people. We ask for that in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 21:28-32 Lord, turn us upside down till we become right side up. Teach us to follow your ways faithfully. For your sake, Amen. Matthew 7:24-27 O God, we desire to be wise builders in your kingdom. Guide us to be both hearers and doers of your Word. Amen. Luke 13:22-30 Lord, agitate us if you must; disturb us if we need it; do whatever it takes to move us toward faithful service to you. Amen. Matthew 13:44-46 Lord, open our eyes to see the value of living with you and for you in the midst of this world. Thank you for this treasure. May we follow you faithfully. Amen. Luke 14:25-33 Lord, help me count the cost and commit to serving you. Please give me the grace to pursue the course you have given me and in your strength, to prevail. Amen. Matthew 11:12-19 Lord, we hear your lament. Help us to be attentive to your voice in our everyday lives. Amen. Matthew 25:14-30 Generous God, remove self-preservation from my mind-set. May the realities of investing in your kingdom be more important to me than the worries of this life. Amen. Luke 12:13-21; Matthew 6:22-23 Lord Jesus, save us from the sin of materialism and move us by your Spirit to be rich toward God and wealthy in compassion. Amen. Luke 18:1-8 Lord Jesus, in place of our often-fickle efforts of random prayer, give us a resolute determination to persevere in prayer. Grant us new habits and renewed enthusiasm. Amen. Luke 16:1-9 Lord, your ways are higher than ours. Plant within us your spirit of generosity. Thank you for assuring us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 13:52 Ancient of Days, thank you for your marvelous revelations in the past. King Jesus, we anticipate the new life and growth of your kingdom now and in the future. Amen. Matthew 5:13-16 Thank you, Father. With Christ in us we are the salt of the earth and light of the world, in your name! Amen. Luke 15:1-7; Matthew 18:10-14 Father, fill us with your love and concern for all who are lost and wandering, and may we all grow together in faith. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 13:24-30 Lord Jesus, equip us with your love so that your garden may thrive in the world. Amen. Matthew 13:36-43, 47-50 Father in heaven, guide us to commit daily to live for you. And may our lives promote commitment to our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Romans 1:16-23 Lord, please help us to under­stand faith and to know you. Amen. Mark 9:14-29 Lord God, I can so easily make my faith all about me. Please turn my struggling eyes toward you. In your name, Amen. Hebrews 11:1-3 God, we often can’t see you at work. Please help us see by faith what is not visible to us. Amen. Romans 1:8-17 Lord, sometimes we wish you would be more obvious. That would save us from having to look so hard to find you. Please draw us closer to you, even when we can’t see where you are leading us. Amen. Matthew 11:1-6 Lord, help us to seek you, for we know we will find you and you will calm our anxious spirits. Amen. Hebrews 11:1-6 Lord, forgive us when we want to follow you on our own terms. Help us to look to you to lead and guide us. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 Lord, we're discovering that we need to find you even more than we need to avoid suffering or other difficulties. Please draw us to you. We pray in your name. Amen. Psalm 62:4-5 Lord God, when crises hit, help us to turn to you. But also help us turn to you every day of our lives. In your name, Amen. John 15:1-8 Lord, you know what we really need in order to thrive. Please connect us deeply to you, no matter what that may take. In THY MIGHTY name, Amen. 1 Peter 1:3-9 Lord, please use our sufferings to lead us closer to you. Amen. James 1:2-5 God, you have promised that your plan for our lives is good, but sometimes thats hard to believe. Help us surrender our plans for your review. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. James 4:1-3 Lord, help us to ask for the things you long to give to us. We pray this in your name. Amen. James 1:5-8 God, what we need is for you to lead us. Please help us to get that straight. We pray in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Romans 8:26-30 Lord, its a lot easier to ask for your help than to ask for your will. Please open my mind to pray for your best plans for me. In your name, Amen. Psalm 1:3 God, guide us to the nourishment we need from you. Satisfy us with what you know we need. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 1:1 Heavenly Father, during times of hardship, sustain us with your living waters. Help us to trust fully in you. Amen. Psalm 1:1-2 Lord, we know where we should turn when we face droughts in our lives. Give us a desire for you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 1:3 Lord, you know what kind of weather we need to thrive. Schedule the forecast we need. We pray this in your name. Amen. John 3:1-8 Lord, sometimes we are blind to your will in our lives. Open our eyes to what we might otherwise never choose to see. Amen. Acts 16:16-34 Lord, we're not good. But you are. Your nail-scarred hands and death on the cross finished the work needed for our salvation. Thank you! Amen. Acts 16:29-34 Lord, its easy for us to follow you without surrendering to you. Please claim us for yourself. We ask this in your name. Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Lord, thank you for drawing us to the death that brings us life. Bring us to the point of total surrender to you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Hebrews 10:19-25 Lord, help us as we seek you. May we develop healthy spiritual habits so that we become familiar with you. Amen. Daniel 6:6-16 God, help us to practice finding you. May our day begin and end with you. Amen. Matthew 5:1-10 Lord, we could settle for so little. Teach us to want what only you can provide. Amen. Psalm 145:4-6 Lord, as you lead us, draw us into the saving work you are doing in the lives of people all around us. In your name, Amen. 1 Peter 3:13-18 Lord, show us people who need to hear what you are doing in our lives, and help us to share honestly and with your love. We ask this for your sake. Amen. Lamentations 3:22-24 Lord, make our faith contagious. And use us where you will to bring faith to others, for your sake. Amen. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 Lord, help us notice the ways you are working in the people around us. And use us to help bring others to faith. Amen. Mark 4:35-41 Lord, show us what you want us to see, even if we too have to go into a storm. Draw us closer to you today. Amen. Luke 1:39-45 Father in heaven, thank you for keeping your promises and bringing the joy of new life in Christ. Wake us up, wherever we need it, so that we may believe and rejoice. Amen. 2 Peter 3:1-10 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God and Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:4-5). Amen. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 Holy Spirit, let me be known by work produced by faith, by labor prompted by love, and by endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Lord, help us listen to your Word. You promise peace to all your people, your faithful servants. May we not turn away but listen to your call. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 Lord Jesus, I marvel at your concern for each of us. Thank you for missionaries and neighbors who work and pray so that no one may miss the joy of salvation. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me; Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me (Psalm 51:10-12). Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Lord Jesus, you saw how your own disciples struggled to get along at times. But they learned from you. Please forgive us, and teach us too, through your Spirit. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Father God, thank you for the comfort of Romans 8, that neither death nor life nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. 2 Peter 3:11-18 Father in heaven, you are a just and loving God. Thank you that we can trust you to deal with the unfair stuff, and that one day all will be right. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Lord Jesus, I thank you that I do not have to fear your return, and that I may already walk in your light. Even hard days are brighter with you. I praise your name. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Lord, help us to see the possibility of joy always in connection with having peace in Christ, for we know you are always with us and our souls are secure in your hand. Amen. Isaiah 6:8-13 Open our eyes and ears, Lord, that we may see and hear. Give us understanding of your good news, and guide us to prepare for your coming. Amen. Isaiah 7:1-9 Thank you, Lord, for your promise to stick with us. Holy Spirit, help us to stand firm in our faith in you. In Jesus, Amen. Isaiah 7:10-17 Lord, give me faith, that I may trust in your presence even in hard times. Holy Spirit, help me to rejoice that Immanuel has come. Amen. Isaiah 8:11-18 Lord, it is often difficult to wait while we cannot see what you are doing. How could we ever guess your amazing plans? Please forgive us, and accept our praise. Amen. John 3:22-30 Lord Jesus, this Advent season should be about you. There are so many distractions this month and year-round. Help us to keep you front and center. Amen. Isaiah 8:16-9:2 Thank you, Holy Spirit, for showing me that it takes time to keep a promise, and time to know it was kept. Help me to celebrate the dawning of the light in faith and hope, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. John 3:16-21 Father, forgive us for holding back; help us share your love as you lead us. In Jesus, Amen. John 5:30-40 Holy Spirit, help me to see and believe who Jesus really is the Son of God who brings salvation. In your mercy, remove anything that would lead me to refuse to come to you. Amen. Luke 3:1-18 O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright? Your people long to greet you, my hope, my hearts delight! Oh, kindle, Lord most holy, your lamp within my breast, to do in spirit lowly, all that may please you best. Amen. Luke 1:26-38 Father God, we are so grateful that with you all things are possible, and that Jesus did come to earth. May we truly celebrate your glory and majesty this week. We pray in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Luke 1:46-55 Father in heaven, may we echo Mary's words. May we glorify and rejoice in you, because you are mindful of our situation and have chosen us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 1:57-66 Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Amen. Luke 1:67-80 Spirit of Jesus, guide us to walk in the light, to breathe in hope-filled air, to steer toward ways of peace. Thank you! Amen. Luke 2:1-20 Father in heaven, we join the angels and shepherds in praising you today for the gift of your Son. We bring glory to you, in the highest heaven and on earth. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25 Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me despite my sins, and for renewing love and life for me and for your world. Glory to God in the highest! Amen. 1 John 4:19-5:5 Spirit of God, help me to carry the warmth of Christmas into the next weeks and months. Thank you for the love I receive in Jesus Mighty coming; help me to pass it on. Amen. Matthew 18:1-5, 10-14 Father in heaven, please help us to be humble and to see the needs of little ones and others overlooked by our world. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. John 7:37-42 Lord, guide us always, satisfy our needs in a sun-scorched land, and make us a well-watered garden for your sake. Amen. John 7:53-8:11 Father in heaven, as I reflect on the past year and move to the new year, help me leave my old sins behind—and the guilt that goes with them. In your mercy, Lord. Amen. John 8:12-18 Lord Jesus Christ, help me to shine your light in all that I say and do, that our Father may be praised. Amen. Psalm 46:1 Lord, our God, thank you for a new year, and thank you for your promise to be our refuge and strengt because of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Psalm 90:12 Father in heaven, help us to understand that you have given us another year to serve you. Make us faithful in our calling. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Psalm 130:3-4 Thank you, Lord, for not keeping a record of my sins. Help me to confess and to receive your forgiveness through Jesus Christ, my Lord. In his name, Amen. Psalm 119:105-112 Lord, our God, thank you for your Word. Compel us to read it so that we may walk in the light of our Lord Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen. Psalm 13:5-6 Lord, our God, please give us the grace we need to trust you. You know exactly what we need. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 100:1-2 Lord, thank you for the freedom to worship you publicly. Bless those who do not have this freedom or who are not able to join with others. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Psalm 14:1 Lord, give us the faith to believe, and help us to show others that you are alive in our lives. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 50:1-15 Lord, thank you for allowing us the use of so many things. Help us to be faithful as we manage the things you own. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 51:1-10 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love. Blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, because of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 51:10-13 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Psalm 42:5 Lord, today we pray for all who suffer from depression and for those who try to minister to them. Help them to know there is hope. Amen. Psalm 71:20 Lord Jesus, thank you for the assurance that you have conquered death and will restore our lives even though we face death. We pray in your name. Amen. Psalm 115:1-11 Lord, so much in our lives centers on ourselves. We often care more about what will happen to us than about your names honor. Please forgive us, for your names sake. Amen. Psalm 8:1 Lord God, help us to understand something about the majesty of your name, and make us willing to acknowledge your greatness without embarrassment. Because of Jesus, Amen. Psalm 103:1-18 Father in heaven, help us to remember that Jesus came to heal our diseases, and help us to believe that someday every disease will be eradicated. Amen. Psalm 73:1-5, 16-28 Lord God, be close to all who struggle with hard questions today. Draw them into your presence. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Psalm 4:8 Father in heaven, be close to all who are experiencing the difficult challenges of life. Grant them the safety and security you offer through our Lord Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Psalm 37:1-9 Father in heaven, please help us make changes, if necessary, to spend more time enjoying your presence. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Psalm 27:1 Lord, there is so much in life to be afraid of. Help us to turn to you and to trust in you when fear overtakes us. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Psalm 139:5 Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into our world. Help us to find you. We pray in your name. Amen. Psalm 139:7-12 Lord, thank you for the assurance that you are with us even in our darkest moments. Help us to believe your hand will guide us. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Psalm 139:13-14 Father in heaven, thank you for creating us in your image. Help us to remember that we are special, and help us to seek your plan for our lives. Amen. Psalm 139:15-18 Lord, please open our eyes to opportunities to promote full life in your kingdom, and to respond with your love. Amen. Psalm 32:1-5 Lord, our God, thank you for your forgiveness through our Lord Jesus. Bring us to confess so that we too can be forgiven. Amen. Psalm 89:1-8 Father in heaven, help us to join in singing of your great love, and give us grace to talk about your faithfulness to the people around us. Amen. Psalm 141:3-4; Ephesians 4:29-32 Please, Lord, set a guard over our mouths and keep watch over the door of our lips. Help us to speak wisely, that we may honor you. In Jesus, Amen. Psalm 116:1-14 Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son, and for the many other gifts you have given us. Help us always to be grateful. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Psalm 92:1-5 Lord, give us the grace to praise you in spite of what might happen to us. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 127:1 Thank you, Lord, for inviting us to help in building your kingdom. Show us your plan, and help us to build with you. Amen. Psalm 66:8-20 Father in heaven, we have so much to tell because of your amazing grace in our lives. Help us to tell our story and point to you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Psalm 23:1-3 Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming our good shepherd and laying down your life for us. Thank you for walking with us always, even through the valley of death. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13 Forgive, O Lord, the church for its many foibles and failures. Give us grace to see it as you do. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 John 4:7-12 Lord Jesus, we stumble around looking for magic formulas that will set things right. Help us to receive and live out the love you have been offering us all along. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:1 Lord, you give us the gift of words. And language. And communication. Let us speak and communicate only in love. In the name of our loving Savior, Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 Lord, we may have all the information or data we need, but help us to realize its useless without your love. Amen. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 Father, make us generous, far more than we can imagine. And make our generosity an act of your love. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Father, thank you for the love you put in our hearts because of your Son, Jesus. May we love like you, because you first loved us. Amen. Ephesians 4:2-3 Patient Father, thank you for sticking with us, even when we fail you. Give us your strength to love in your patient way. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Father of all kindness, thank you for your kindness to us in Jesus. It is a most beautiful gift. Amen. Colossians 3:12-14 Father, you promise to make every wrong right. Help us be kind in small and big ways. Amen. Romans 5:6-11 Father, show us how to do simple acts and say simple words that lighten peoples loads. In the name of Jesus, who carries all our burdens, Amen. Luke 10:25-37 Father, help us to live out your love by showing your kindness to those around us. We know we can only do this through love. In your name we pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:13-26 Father, by your grace, give us such a secure identity that we need not feel envious of anothers success or abilities. Instead, let us celebrate the gifts you give to others. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Father, thank you for your generous love to us. Transform our stingy envy into your joyful grace. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7; 1 John 3:11-18 Father, you loved the world so much that you gave your only Son, that whoever believes in him can have eternal life. Thank you! Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 13:4 Father in heaven, let us rest in your accomplishments: in creation, on the cross, and at the resurrection. Help us to boast only in what you have done for us. In the name of our humble Savior we pray. Amen. James 3:13-18 Lord, so often we talk big because we feel small. We growl like a giant because we feel like a dwarf. Rescue us in Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Galatians 5:22-23 Father, more than etiquette, we need your manners. Help us produce fruit of the Spirit and honor everyone. Amen. 1 Corinthians 3:1-10 Lord, rescue us. We are desperate, stuffed with ourselves. Unstuff us by your grace, and fill us with Jesus Mighty love. Amen. Luke 6:27-38 Father, heal our old wounds. Give us the grace of for-giveness. End our record keeping. Through Jesus, who paid for all our wrongs, Amen. Romans 12:9-21 Father, forgive us when we delight in the tragedies of others. Heal our brokenness so that we can love as you do. Amen. Philippians 4:4-5, 8-9 Keep us, Lord, from twisting the truth and cutting others down. May we all grow up together in you. In Jesus, Amen. Romans 8:31-39 Jesus, thank you for never giving up, for never quitting on us or on the people we love. Thank you for bearing the cross for our sake. Amen. John 15:12-17 Lord, thank you for loving us even when we disappoint people, ourselves, and you. Make us ever new, in your name. Amen. Luke 15:11-24 Father, I'm not where I want to be, but by your grace give me hope that I can reflect the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Lord Jesus, help us to focus, as you have taught us, on love. As you have loved us, so let us love one another, so that everyone will know we are your disciples. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 Father, we know only in part. As we wait until the day when we will see you face to face, give us humble, gospel grace to love one another. Amen. 1 John 3:1-3 One glorious day, Father, we will see you face to face. We will be filled with a wonder that is everlasting. We long for that day. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13 Father, fill us with your Spirit. Give us love, which binds all other virtues together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14). In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 9:51-56 Jesus, thank you for your willingness to go to Jerusalem, to pay the price to save us. Help us to follow wherever you lead us, no matter what the cost. In the Spirits power we pray. Amen. Luke 9:57-62 Dear Lord, we are grateful that you call us to follow you. Help us to realize whats involved and to be determined to finish, faithful to the end, no matter whats involved. In your name, Amen. Luke 10:38-42 Dear Lord, help us to prioritize our time, making sure we gather with your people for worship and to hear you speak. Amen. Luke 11:1-8 Father, thank you for Jesus Mighty example and teaching. Help us to grow closer to you, knowing you are our Father and you care for all our needs and concerns. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 11:29-32 Dear Jesus, give us the power to live in a way pleasing to you as we learn from you. Amen. Luke 12:22-34 Lord, help us to see peoples needs and help in whatever ways we can, in line with your will. Give us a vision of your kingdom and its priorities on helping people to truly live in you. In your name, Amen. Luke 12:49-53 Lord Jesus, thank you for your willingness to endure a baptism beyond words. We thank you for providing our salvation. Help us to be faithful. In your name, Amen. Luke 13:31-35 Jesus, thank you for your willingness and commitment to go to Jerusalem to die. Thank you for your compassion. Amen. Luke 14:25-35 Dear Jesus, we hear your challenge and realize that we can serve only in the strength you provide. Empower us to be committed to your kingdom. Amen. Luke 15:11-32 Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son, who has prepared the way home for us. Give us a spirit of thanks as we share your invitation with others. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 18:1-5 Dear, patient Jesus: thank you for teaching us about following you as members of your kingdom. Help us to be trusting, truthful, and teachable. Amen! Matthew 20:17-19 Lord Jesus, thank you for the assurance that you are with us, whatever we face. Give us peace of mind that you are in control of your world. We pray, confident of your care. Amen. Matthew 20:20-28 Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us the way of serving, even when it includes suffering. Grant us the determination to be servants in your kingdom, not status seekers. To your glory, Amen. Luke 17:11-19 Lord Jesus, healer of our disease of sin and other illnesses, how can we thank you enough for the gifts of your life and love? Receive our gratitude for your amazing salvation. Amen! Luke 18:9-14 Lord Jesus, thank you for making us look at ourselves. Help us also to see how we pretend to be better than some of our neighbors. We need your grace. Amen. Mark 10:17-27 Lord, help us to realize that full life is possible only by your grace, and that we can be faithful only if we give up everything for you. Amen. Luke 19:1-10 Lord, thank you for making room in your kingdom for sinners even me! In your name, Amen. Luke 19:28-34 Lord Jesus! We have learned the truth about you. You accomplished your mission, and you call us to accomplish ours. O Lord, empower us by your Spirit today! Amen. Matthew 21:6-17, 23-27 Lord Jesus, inspire us to honor your authority always. Give us the courage to proclaim your authority and your victory over sin and death, thanks to Gods glory. Amen. Matthew 26:14-16 Lord Jesus, help us to trust and follow you, no matter what the cost, with you as our example. In your name, Amen. John 13:33-14:6 Lord Jesus, thank you for responding to your troubled disciples with these words of comfort about our future home with you. Help us to share this good news with others. Amen. John 18:1-11 Dear Jesus, again we are amazed at your willingness to suffer and die for our sake. Empower us to do your will, wherever and whenever we can. In your name, Amen. Luke 22:54-62 Lord Jesus, thank you for your look of love for Peter and for restoring him later. Help us to know the extent of your love today. In your name, Amen. John 12:12-19 Lord Jesus, we rejoice with all who acknowledge you as Savior and Lord. May our lives testify to the truth that you have made salvation possible for us. In your name we pray. Amen. Mark 11:15-18 Father God, thank you for Jesus Mighty teaching by his words and actions, showing us what is most important. May our churches today honor you in everything they do, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Mark 12:13-17 Father, thank you for being our creator and provider. Help us to honor you in all that we are and have, so that we may honor you in all we do. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Mark 14:3-11 Dear Jesus, thank you for rebuking those who were more concerned about themselves than showing you gratitude. Empower us to express our gratitude by serving others in your name. Amen. Luke 22:47-53 Jesus, thank you for your love, mercy, and kindness. Help us to be more like you. In your name, Amen. Luke 23:44-49 Thank you, Jesus, for showing your confidence in the God and Father of us all. May we live in the assurance of his love always. In your name, Amen. John 19:38-42 Father God, as we wait today to celebrate Christs resurrection, empower us to be bold in our witness. May we not be afraid to speak out for you. Amen. John 20:18-31 Lord Jesus, today we celebrate your being alive and in the world today. We are so grateful for your finished work of salvation. Help us to share it freely. Alleluia! Amen! Leviticus 25:14-19 Lord, help us to see others through your eyes and to treat them respectfully because of you. Give us the grace to get past our selfishness and to honor you in our relationships. Amen. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Lord, help us to care for one another and demonstrate your love in our world today. Help us to allow others to help. Let us be a community that reflects your love. In Jesus' name, Amen. Ephesians 4:17-25 Christ Jesus, we seek to be the new people you have renewed us to be. Help us to always speak the truth in love and live as your children. In your name we pray. Amen. Psalm 145:1-7 Lord, give us the words to share our stories of how you have been faithful in our lives. Help us to inspire the next generation to walk with you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Ephesians 5:15-20 Lord, help us to join in song to you in all the times of our life, both good and bad. May we join with those around us and glorify your name. In Jesus, Amen. Ephesians 4:25-32 Lord, teach us to forgive, as you have forgiven us. Help us to have compassion for one another and to let go of any anger we might have. Heal us all for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Proverbs 13:13-20; 27:17 Lord, help us to have a teachable spirit so we can continue to grow in you. Give us courage to correct one another in the context of your love. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Galatians 5:13-14 Lord, teach us how to serve one another. Help us to put the needs of others first, as you did for us. Show us ways to use our gifts to bless others. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Galatians 5:13-15 Lord, teach us how to put your love into action. Give us a spirit of love and compassion that drives away bitterness and envy. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Galatians 5:22-26 Lord, help us to let go of our sinful nature and learn to live a Spirit-filled life. Make your fruit evident in our lives so that others may be blessed. Amen. Galatians 6:1-10 Lord, help us to care for each other. May we show your love and lift others up in prayer. Amen. Colossians 3:1-11 Lord, help us every day to look more like you and to share your likeness with the people around us. May they come to know you better because they spent time with us. Amen. Colossians 3:12-17 Lord, teach us how to correct one another in a loving way. Make us a community in which we love enough to hold one another accountable. Give us receptive hearts to hear correction that will draw us closer to Jesus. Amen. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Lord, teach us to care about one another. Give us the courage to set aside our own agendas and to put others first. In the name of the One who gave up his own life to save ours. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:5-14 Lord, give us the courage to reach out in love to those who have hurt us. Grant restoration where that is possible. Amen. Hebrews 10:19-25 Lord, make us encouragers of one another. Give us the courage to step out in faith to explore new paths of service. May we use our talents to serve you. In Jesus, Amen. Hebrews 10:24-25 Lord, connect us with other believers and make us a community that glorifies you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 12:1-13 Lord, make us devoted to one another. Help us to put the needs of others first so that your love may be seen through us today. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Romans 12:9-21 Lord, forgive us for the sin of pride. Make us people who live in unity with those who are not like us. In Jesus, Amen. Romans 14:1-13 Lord, forgive us for judging one another. Teach us how to share our brokenness and to point others to Christ. Amen. Romans 15:1-13 Lord, give us your eyes to see one another as your precious children. Keep making us more like Jesus, we pray. Amen. 1 John 4:7-21 Lord, words are not enough to thank you for the love you have shown to us. Help us to follow your example and to love others in your name. Amen. Zechariah 7:8-14 Lord, help us to show mercy, and make us lovers of justice, so that we can make an impact in this world for you. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Lord, make us a people who encourage one another and bring out the best in those around us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-9 Lord, teach us how to practice hospitality. Connect us with people who need to experience your love through us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11 Lord, thank you for the ways you have gifted each one of us. Grant us opportunities to use our gifts to bless others. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 1 Peter 5:1-11 Lord, make us people who acknowledge our dependence on you. Grant us humble hearts to serve. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. James 5:7-12 Lord, you know our natural tendency to see the worst in people. Train our eyes to see beyond the challenges to the blessings you have in store for us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. James 5:13-20 Gracious Lord, grant us the courage to admit our failings and to confess them to one another. Help us to forgive each other and to pray for those whom you have placed in our lives. Amen. John 13:1-17 Lord, we are so humbled by the way you sacrificed yourself for us. May we follow your example and live sacrificially with those around us. In your name we pray. Amen. John 1:1-18 How great is your love for us, dear God, that we should be called your children. For that is what we are. Thank you, Father, Son, and Spirit. Amen. Genesis 2:17 Lord, our broken fellowship with you is painful. Thank you for not giving up on us and for covering our nakedness. Amen. Genesis 5:21-24 Father, our walks with you give us insight into how much you value and love us. Drawing close to you and hearing your heart for the growth of your kingdom excites us. In your name we pray. Amen. Genesis 12:1-9 Father, in Jesus Mighty name, help us to draw near to you with hearts full of faith, celebrating our relationship with you. Amen. Genesis 28:10-22 Father, may your kingdom come, and may your will be done in and through us as you live in us, your people. Amen. Exodus 6:1-12 Father, we thank you that you are our God and we are your people. Thank you for providing a way back to yourself by giving of your Son on the cross for us. Amen. Genesis 32:22-32 O Lord, we seek your face; we want to know you. Your promises are a treasury of life and new possibilities that we can find in you alone. Amen. Exodus 33:12-23 Our Father, show us your glory to empower us to walk in our times with truth, wisdom, and integrity. Thank you for delighting in showing yourself to us and building our faith. Amen. Psalm 91:1 Ascended Lord, we praise you for the security and peace we have in you, regardless of what we experience in life. Amen. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Lord Jesus, speak to my heart. Prompt me to listen and obey. By your Spirit, guide us to hear your call today and to serve you faithfully. Amen. Deuteronomy 10:6-9 Lord, we stand in awe of you. Help us to serve and speak faithfully for you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Nehemiah 1:3 Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace. Cleanse us from our sin, and build us up to stand firm in you. For your sake, Amen. Matthew 7:24-27 Father, we are listening to your Word. Help us put it into practice. Shape and mold us, we pray, so that our lives may honor you and last forever. Amen. Luke 8:4-15 Father, may your kingdom come and your will be done as our hearts grow fully devoted to you. Grant us courage to humble ourselves when our hearts are hard. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Father, we stand in awe of you and your commitment to your creation. You have provided salvation for us through your Son, our Lord Jesus. We are eternally grateful! Amen. Matthew 16:24-28 O Lord, our souls thirst for you, the living God. Guide us to live for you. Our hope is in you, our God and Savior. Amen. John 15:9-17 Jesus, thank you for framing our relationship with you as friends. Thank you for showing your friendship by becoming one of us and for setting us free by dying for us and giving us new life. Amen. John 15:1-8 Lord, you have called us to live in and for you. Fill us with your life, that we may bear fruit and share your goodness. Amen. Matthew 26:34-35, 69-75 Thank you, Jesus, for being the great promise-keeper and giving us an anchor in a very fickle world. We praise you for redeeming us, even when we break our promises. Amen. Luke 15:11-32 Father, we thank you for your great love for us. Help us to see your love and to celebrate being your children. Amen. John 21:1-19 Jesus, I want to come. Accept and love me, I pray. In your name, Amen. Luke 7:36-50 Jesus, thank you for blessing us with your presence. Hear our cry for mercy, and cleanse us from every impurity in our lives. For only in you can we find abundant life. Amen. Matthew 6:24-34 Father, we want to put our faith and trust in you, not in money or possessions. Enable us to be generous and selfless as we grow to be united with you, our good and gracious Creator, Lord, and Savior. Amen. Luke 3:1-18 Lord, let the fire of your Word enter us so that we will burn for you. Fill us to bring your light into this dark world, that people may see your goodness and have the light of life. Amen. Mark 2:18-22 Lord, help us see the work you are doing among us today, and to join in with enthusiasm! In your name, Amen. Luke 9:23-27 Father, the safest place to be is in your hands. We humbly come before you and lay our self-will at the cross. Take charge and lead us on, we pray. Amen. 1 John 4:7-21 Holy Spirit, send me a fresh outpouring of your love today. I repent of my selfishness and ask forgiveness. God of love, fill me with love. Amen. 1 Peter 1:13-25 Jesus, Lamb of God, we celebrate you and your precious blood. We come to you to be washed clean. Please help us to bring your self-giving love to our world. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Father, we honor you as the ultimate provider for our needs. Help us see how we can give thanks in all circum-stances, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Luke 3:1-6 Lord of all, thank you for your Word. Give us the humility to repent and to make crooked places straight in our lives. In THY MIGHTY Name. Amen. Revelation 21:1-8 Jesus, thank you for your great love for us for dying in our place so that we can be presented before the throne without fault and with great joy. What amazing grace! Amen. Psalm 46:10 Lord Almighty, we rejoice that you are with us. Teach us to be still so that increasingly we can experience your presence in our lives through your Holy Spirit within. Amen. Luke 10:41-42 Lord Jesus, there is so much to do! We find it hard to simply “stop” to listen and learn from you. Teach us how to gather at your feet, ready to honor you and take your words into our hearts. Amen. John 12:1-3 Thank you, God, for showing us that Mary often chose to be at the feet of Jesus. Remind us that our value is to be found not in what we do, but simply in who we are in Christ, our Savior. Amen. John 15:1-8 O God, forgive us for the times we try to live out of our own strength. We need to be deeply connected to you so that your life can flow through us to others! Amen. Exodus 20:1-17 Thank you, Father, for your tender commandments, and in particular, for the gift of Sabbath. Help us rediscover the true joy and freedom of this wonderful gift! In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 2:1-3 Father in heaven, on the seventh day of creation you looked out over all that you had made and declared it good! May we too follow the pattern of work and rest that you began. Amen. Leviticus 25:1-7 Dear God, thank you for the gift of life. Help me to live in step with how you have created me; allow the pattern of my life to fit with the person you made me to be. Amen. Leviticus 23:1-3 God in heaven, thank you for inviting us to pause from our work to enjoy the delights you have placed in our lives. Help us to bask in the Sabbath! Amen. Colossians 3:15-17 Thank you, O God, for the gift of work. Help me to learn how to regularly pause so that I am better equipped to serve you, bringing you glory in all my labors. Amen. Deuteronomy 7:7-11 Dear God, thank you that we don't need to earn our way into your kingdom. You welcome us simply on account of Jesus death and MIGHTY resurrection for our sake. Thank you that he has completed all the work necessary! Amen. Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Help me, O God, to regularly remember and celebrate all that you have done for me through your Son, Jesus. Thank you for his life, death, and resurrection! Amen. Psalm 78:1-22 Gracious God in heaven, it's so easy for us to lose sight of the grace and love you've shown us in Jesus. Help us to develop the Sabbath discipline of remembering. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 2:1-20 Thank you, God, for the gift of Sabbath and the opportunity it provides to treasure in our hearts the forgiveness and new life you have made possible for us through your Son, Jesus! Amen. Psalm 90:1-12 Thank you, Father, for our memories, by which we can recall the ways you've expressed your love for us through Jesus. Your grace has touched our lives again and again! Amen. Psalm 66:16 O God, you have shown me such tremendous love through your Son, Jesus! Help me to take the opportunity to share with someone the story of what you have done for me through him. Amen. Matthew 12:1-4 Thank you for the many people you've placed in our lives, O God. Help us to be mindful of them and to reach out to them with your compassion, love, and care. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 12:1-8 Father, help me to extend your love to others. Open my eyes to the needs around me so that I can be a person whose life is marked by mercy. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 12:9-14 Father in heaven, keep us from selfish distractions. May we learn to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others. In Jesus, Amen. John 3:1-17 Dear God, thank you for valuing us so deeply that you sent your Son to offer his life on our behalf! Enable us to embrace him in faith, and to embrace the people around us with his love. Amen. 1 John 4:7-21 We stand amazed, O God, at how deep and full your love is! Thank you that in Jesus you never stop loving us. May we learn to more fully share that love with others. We pray in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Philippians 4:1-7 Father in heaven, joy seems so elusive to us at times. Help us to move our focus from our circumstances to your promises and goodness. Then we'll be able to discover true joy in you! Amen. Philippians 3:7-14 Father, I want to know Jesus. By your Spirit, help me come to a deeper experience of your love and grace shown to me through your Son. In his name I pray. Amen. Philippians 3:7-14 Thank you, God, for Jesus. In his death my sin has been paid for; and in raising him from the dead, you have promised me new life. Help me rejoice in his suffering and resurrection. Amen. Acts 20:7-12 Father, as I gather with fellow believers to worship this coming Lord's Day, help me to rejoice in the tremendous news that Jesus has been raised from the dead and now reigns as Lord of lords! Amen. 1 Kings 19:1-18 O whispering God, I need to create opportunities to with-draw from the demands of my day to a quiet place where I can be fully attentive to you. Help me train my spirit to hear your Spirit. Amen. Acts 9:1-19 Father, thank you for the invitation to withdraw from the noise and busyness of the world and to enter into friend-ship with you. Tune my spirit to your Spirit so that I can hear you speak. Amen. Psalm 32:9 So often, God, we look for dramatic answers to our questions. Teach us to listen for your Spirit speaking within us. Amen. Matthew 26:36-44 Father, you long to meet us in the stillness. Help each of us, like Jesus, to seek solitude with you. Thank you for desiring to share your love and grace with us. Amen. Colossians 2:13-23 Thank you, Father, for welcoming us by your grace. Our relationship is founded on what you have done for us in Christ! Amen. Hebrews 4:1-5 O God, we never want to fall short of the rest that only you can give! Thank you that the door remains open for all who wish to enter with a believing heart. In Jesus, Amen. Hebrews 4:6-11 Lord, today I place my trust in you for salvation. Thank you for your Son, Jesus, who made my eternal rest possible by offering his life on my behalf. Help me to rest in him! Amen. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Heavenly Father, we praise you for giving us the Bible, your written Word! From your Word we are taught and corrected in our daily walk with you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Proverbs 30:4-5 Father, we marvel at your might, revealed in your control over the weather. But we are amazed even more by the power of your love for us that you reveal in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Genesis 6:5-9 Father, thank you for giving us salvation through Jesus Christ! Help us to seek your favor and righteousness in him. Amen. Genesis 9:8-17 Our Father, thank you for your new covenant! We trust in Jesus Christ alone for righteousness and the forgiveness of sins. Praise be to you! Amen. Philippians 4:4-7 Father, thank you for the great privilege of communing and fellowshiping with you in prayer. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 5:43-48 Lord, in the bright light of your perfection we discover our own imperfections. Fill us with your Spirit so that we may know how to love others, even our enemies! Amen. Genesis 2:1-3 Our Father, we need your wisdom to combine both physical and spiritual rest. Help us to always find time for you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 1:26-28 Our Father, thank you for this beautiful earth you have entrusted to us. Help us to learn how we can become better stewards of your creation. Amen. Psalm 51:1-12 Father, cleanse us of all our sins. Create in us a pure heart. Let us be glad and rejoice in your salvation. In Jesus, Amen. Malachi 4:1-2 Our Father, we repent of our wrongdoings and trust Christ alone for our salvation. As your children, we look forward to the rising of your sun of righteousness. Amen. Psalm 107:23-32 Father, we have the privilege of asking for your help in the storms of life. Thank you for your gracious deliverance in times of trouble. Amen. Psalm 148:7-8 Father, we thank you for the beauty of your creation. Give us a heart of praise, and show us how we can better glo-rify your name in our lives. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Exodus 9:13-34 Sovereign and all-powerful Lord, I praise you for giving me time and opportunities to make the right choices. Help me to follow you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Father, thank you for saving me through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. Give me wisdom to take good care of my body and soul, for I know they belong to you. Amen. 1 Kings 17:1-6 Lord, thank you for being with us even when we go through difficult times. May your love in Jesus Christ be our daily comfort and motivation for helping others. Amen. 1 Kings 18:41-46 Heavenly Father, give us wisdom to turn away from tempting, yet empty, idols. Thank you for giving us true happiness and purpose in Jesus Christ. Amen. 1 Kings 19:1-18 Father, thank you for sending us your Son, Jesus. Grant us good spiritual hearing to always detect his voice. Amen. Luke 21:25-36 Our Father, what a joy to know that your kingdom is near! Help me overcome my worries, as I look forward to that great day when everyone will see you in your power and glory. Amen. Mark 4:35-41 Jesus, give us faith to recognize you as our reliable care-taker and protector. Take away our fears and fill us with awe over your power and love for us, your followers. Amen. John 10:22-30 Jesus, we praise you for granting us the gift of salvation. Thank you for holding us securely in your hand. Amen. 1 Timothy 2:1-6 Jesus, you are our one and only way to heaven. Give us courage and wisdom to proclaim your salvation to every-one on earth. Amen. Job 37:5-13 Heavenly Father, thank you for the breathtaking beauty of your creation! We praise you for the Bible, your written Word that reveals you as our Savior in Christ. Amen. John 3:1-8 Spirit of God, thank you for blowing the love of Christ into our lives. Inspire us to pray for and witness to our unbelieving friends and relatives. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Matthew 24:9-14 Our Father, thank you for keeping our hearts warm with your love. Give us strength to persevere when our faith is tempted. Bless us as we share your Word and mercy with the whole world. Amen. Hebrews 13:15-16 Father, help us praise you not only in word but also in deed. Make us reflectors of your love in this world. In Jesus, Amen. Jeremiah 17:5-9 Father, thank you for providing us with the source of living water in the person of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to put all our trust into him only. Amen. Matthew 17:1-8 Father, I praise you for your presence in my life. Give me strength, humility, and wisdom to listen to your Son and to reflect his light into this world. Amen. Hebrews 12:1-3 Father, we praise you for the example of the heroes of faith who have run this race before us. Give us strength and perseverance, and help us fix our eyes on Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Exodus 13:17-22 Lord, we pray that you will continually assure us of your care, love, and concern. Lead, comfort, and strengthen us in our walk of faith, we pray. Amen. Isaiah 60:18-20 Father, we look forward to the day when your everlasting light will completely overpower the darkness. Help us to trust you fully in our daily walk with you. Amen. Romans 10:9-13 Father in heaven, thank you for assuring our salvation in your grace. With your Spirit, open our hearts to your gospel. Bless us in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. John 10:1-21 Walk with me, Lord. Lead me on a clear path in this life and into the next. I am off-level in so many ways. Still, minister to me and set me right. In your name I pray. Amen. Psalm 42:5 Father, comfort and bless us in our struggles. I am weak, but you are mighty. Be gracious to us, and awaken our souls to your goodness. For Jesus Mighty sake, Amen. Luke 9:1-17 I am glad for this, Lord that, despite my sins, you welcome me. I believe it. With my whole heart I say thank you. Amen. Psalm 100:2 Father, some days I'm so consumed by guilt. Lift that, please, by your Holy Spirit. Other times I live on commitment and duty. I'm asking today for the joy of Christ. Lord, lead me home, please! Amen. Luke 9:23 Lord, I know my life is full of imitation happiness. But I desire the real thing: Christ in my soul. Hear me and receive me, in his name. Amen. Luke 6:27-36 Lord, help me to follow your instructions. It is difficult, and I am selfish. Father, bless the world; save souls; lead my loved ones in your ways. Help me to give as you have given. In Jesus, Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Father, here I am again, wounded and a little beat up. I have failed you in so many ways. Help me to trust that your love is free and is greater than all my sin. Thank you, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. James 1:19-27 Father, bless our loved ones. Give us wisdom in how to speak with them. Help us carry our burdens, and make us instruments of your love. Amen. Acts 8:9-25 Lord, I pray today that I may truly be saved. I have so many false things in me, and so many superficial thoughts. Give me Jesus. Amen. 1 Peter 1:3-9 God, hold me close today and always. Often I get lost. Don't leave me to my own devices, and lead me safely home. For Jesus sake, Amen. Matthew 20:20-28 Lord, I often want power and greatness. I can be proud and rude. Forgive me. Humbly I come to offer myself to you. Receive me, I pray, for Jesus' sake. Amen. John 15:1-17 Lord, help me; teach me from your heart, and grant me your wisdom and strength. Jesus, help me to remain in you. Amen. Luke 8:26-39 Lord, you have placed me where I am. If ever I have missed a calling, please forgive me. But today I claim your calling to the life you have given me. Amen. 1 Peter 3:1-6 Lord, you have given me my earthly body. Thank you for your gifts to me. Help me not to covet others, and to be content, thankful, and confident in my soul for the way you made me. Amen. 1 Samuel 25:1-38 Father, I often act so foolishly. I need to change, in ways so deep and complicated that I don't know how to begin. Help me, Lord. Make me kind, generous, and peaceable. Send your Spirit to warm my heart. In Christ, Amen. 1 Samuel 25:14-19 Lord, help me, for I am in distress. Guide me in this painful situation. Act on my behalf; guard and protect me. Have mercy, I pray. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Lord, I need strength and motivation through you. Please give me energy for the task at hand. Amen. Exodus 5:1-21 Thank you, heavenly Father, for the gift of rest. Forgive me for refusing it. I need your help with this, because my calendar is consumed with too many busy choices. Lord, help me to rest in you. Amen. Ephesians 5:15-20 O God, guard us from becoming wasted and spent. Ruin and misery are piled up around us, and it is impossible to see a way through. Love us still, and restore us to yourself. Show the way, and bring healing. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Matthew 5:43-48 Lord, what you're asking here is risky and dangerous. It creates a conflict in my heart. Father, overcome this conflict. Give me strength to obey, and may this help your kingdom to come. Amen. Proverbs 12:11 Grip me, Lord. Open my eyes to see the goodness and blessing of the life you have given me. Forgive me when I fantasize. Help me love and serve you well each day. Amen. Matthew 5:43-48 Lord, I know I need to be an agent of your love, but I have so many barriers and attitudes that hem me in. Father, show me how to love. Help me to love as you have loved. Amen. Luke 6:27-38 Lord, I'm not sure I can really do this. I pray you will enable me to trust you and that you will give me wisdom, and also your mighty strength, so I can be a giver, to your glory. Amen. John 14:1-4 Oh, Lord, ease my fears. When its time, carry me safely home. Bless and comfort me in this mighty and unstoppable hope. In Christ, Amen. 1 Kings 17:7-16 My family is my blessing and my task, Lord. I realize this more deeply as I think about it. Help me to be less selfish. Use me to bless others today. I pray this in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Hebrews 10:19-25 Thank you, Lord, for the Christians around me. Help us to love and support each other, making the most of the time we have together. Amen. Luke 14:15-24 Lord, bless the Steves of this world. Forgive me for thinking I'm normal and he's not. Father, I need more love in my heart. Make me better at loving people. Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 Heavenly Father, watch over me; I need you every hour. Help me to trust you, and please keep me strong. Thank you. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Mark 10:17-31 Lord, I have so much. My soul gets clogged with it all. Move and shape my will. Make me a generous Christian, ready to serve and bless others at all times. This scares me a little, so I need your help. Amen. Philippians 1:27-30 Father, thank you for Christians who show what it means to live with you. Bless them with your power. Give all of us this blessing. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 5:1-2 Lord, you offer a way of life that we deeply desire but cannot gain on our own. Help us receive this gift by faith in you. Amen. Matthew 5:3-5 Gracious God, we don't like to admit our brokenness. But we realize we have nothing to bring you. Help us to trust in you to save us and to give us new life! Amen. Matthew 5:3-5 O God, the sting of death is bitter and strong. Yet it is not final! Comfort all who mourn; assure them that death is swallowed up in your victory. Amen. Philippians 2:5-8 King Jesus, since we share in your victory, help us to be meek, as you have shown us. Amen. Matthew 5:5-6 Lord God, thank you for the food you offer us in Christ so that we can be filled and enjoy full life. We love you eternally! Amen. Matthew 5:7-9 Father, we confess that we do not deserve to be called your children. Yet, in your mercy, you adopt us into your family. Help us show your mercy to others. In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 5:8-10 Holy God, when we search our hearts, we are painfully aware of our impurity. We rejoice in the purity of Jesus. Confident in what he has done for us, we long to see you face to face. Amen. Matthew 5:9-10 Lord, guide us as your children to be peacemakers so that your world may know peace. Amen. Matthew 5:10-12 Lord Jesus, you know what it was like to endure the persecution of this world. When others stand against us because of you, give us the comfort and courage to persevere. Amen. Matthew 5:13-16 Faithful God, you preserved this broken world at a cost we cannot imagine. Help us live out our faith so that the world may glimpse your life-giving power in us. Amen. Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus, light of the world, your glorious light shattered the gloom of this world and offered hope! May our lives reflect the brightness of your grace. Help us to live as light in this world. Amen. Matthew 5:17-20 Merciful God, transform us so that we may live lives of grateful, joyful obedience to you. Amen. Matthew 5:21-26 Lord, in our pride we often hate those who have wronged us. You showed supreme love and humility by dying for us even when we were your enemies. Help us to be willing to do the same. Amen. Matthew 5:27-30 Savior, forgive us for twisting what you intended to be beautiful. Fill us with joy and delight in knowing that you can break us free from the power of lust. Amen. Matthew 5:31-32 Lord Jesus, you remained faithful to us, even to death. By your Spirit, empower and equip us to value marriage as highly as you do. Amen. Matthew 5:33-37 Jesus, you are truth in the flesh. Sometimes in the way we live, we don't represent the truth well. Give us the courage to be people who speak the truth and mean it. Amen. Matthew 5:38-42 Gracious God, you have given us far more than we deserve. You love us at a far greater price than we can imagine. Help us to reflect your beautiful generosity to all whom we encounter. Amen. Matthew 5:43-48 Thank You Lord that You loved your enemies so much that you died for them. Forgive us when we limit how much we are willing to love others. Melt our hearts with your grace so that we may have the strength to love our enemies. Amen. Matthew 6:1-4 Jesus, soak our hearts in the beauty of your generosity and kindness so that we can overflow with grateful giving. For your sake, Amen. Matthew 6:5-15 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen. Matthew 6:16-18 We come to you, Lord, hungry for bread we cannot purchase, longing for food we cannot afford. Feed us with the only nourishment that can truly answer our longings. Lead us to realize our dependence on you. Amen. Matthew 6:19-24 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Since you treasured us first, help us to treasure you as the Lord and Master of our lives. We pray in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 Creator God, you hold the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of the smallest molecules in your hands. Help us to trust in your perfect care for us, so that we may be free to build our lives on you. Amen. Matthew 7:1-5 Our God, we find it easy to find fault in others, and nearly impossible to recognize our own sins. You see us perfectly, and yet through Jesus you no longer condemn us. Help us to see others as you see us. Amen. Proverbs 9:7-9 Father, you have entrusted us with the precious truth of your Word. May we receive its guidance as precious treasure, and may we share your wisdom wisely. Amen. Matthew 7:7-11 Dear Jesus, we marvel at your love as you stand before God's presence on our behalf, praying for us. Help us to ask you in humble confidence for great things for your glory and honor. Amen. Matthew 7:12-14 Merciful God, you love us in ways we do not deserve. Teach us to imitate your compassion. Fill us with your strength and love. Melt our hearts, that we may desire nothing more than to walk the road with you that leads to life. Amen. Matthew 7:15-20 Good Shepherd, many seek to lead us astray by having us trust in them or in ourselves. Help us to discern genuine leaders from those who might do us harm. Amen. Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus, you demonstrated a life of true obedience by doing your Father's will, even to death on a cross for our sake. May we show the fruit of an authentic relationship with you by laying down our own lives in love each day. Amen. Matthew 7:24-27 Lord, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus; blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus Mighty name. On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. In Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen. Matthew 7:28-29 Beautiful Savior, may the glory of your love draw us to follow you faithfully. May your Spirit work in our hearts so that our character conforms to you. In your name, Amen. John 1:1-5 Dear Jesus, impress on us the truth that you have always been God, enjoying full life with the Father and the Holy Spirit. You didn't have to take on our humanity and be criticized and rejected and killed. But you did that because you love us. May your love amaze and humble us today. Amen. John 1:4-5; 11:21-26 Life-giving Lord, come; breathe your life into me, into my home, into my relationships. Come, and, through me, bring life to others. Amen. John 1:9-13; 3:19-21 Grant us the courage, Lord, to come into your light, to be cleansed and given real life. Help us today to walk in and by your light and to share it with others. Amen. John 1:14, 16-18; 1 John 1:1-4 We bow before your creative power, O God. We admire the beauty of all you have made. And we are astonished at your desire to be with us. Thank you for that desire, for it is our salvation. Amen. John 1:6-8, 19-31; Isaiah 53:4-7 Jesus, your sacrifice to take away our sin is an expression of a love far greater than we can understand. But we know how much we need your love, and we gratefully receive it. Thank you for being the Lamb of God! We pray in your name. Amen. John 1:32-42 Thank you, Jesus, for asking me a question I must answer not just once but continually. May my answer include renewing my commitment to follow you. Please guide every-thing I do today. Amen. John 3:1-8 You're right, Jesus. I need different eyes and ears and a new heart to live with you and for you today. Grant them to me, I pray. Amen. John 3:9-13 Teach me, Jesus, for I have so many questions about God, about the purpose and meaning of life. Enlighten my mind with your truth. Amen. John 3:14-15; 1 John 4:7-12 Gracious Savior, we know what you had to do. Help us to do what we must that is, look to you and believe in you to be freed by you. Amen. John 3:16-18; Psalm 96 Thank you, gracious God, for loving your world and for in-cluding me in it. May I see everyone around me as included in your love. And may we together care for your creation and be filled with your life and love. Amen. John 4:1-10 Thank you, loving God, for the gift you have given me. May my desire be the same as yours: that my neighbors, coworkers, and everyone else around me may receive your gift too. Amen. John 5:16-24 Dear Jesus, help me understand the impact of what you have said. May all that I do and say today reflect the fact that I have already crossed over, by your amazing grace. Amen. John 6:51-59 Gracious Lord Jesus, come inside of me with your power, your obedience, your forgiveness, and your love. Be my nourishment and my strength today. Amen. John 8:31-36 I am your disciple, Jesus; teach me to live freely, as you did. Free me of any habits and attitudes that keep me from honoring you, and help me hold on to your teaching and your example. Amen. John 11:1-15 Thank you, Lord, for so often healing us and granting our requests. But help us understand we need you even more to defeat death for us, to give us eternal life. Amen. John 11:17-36 Thank you, Creator God, for being emotionally involved in what we do and in what is done to us. Thank you for getting angry at whatever does us harm. Help us to work against such things also. In your name, Amen. John 11:38-44 I know, Jesus, that one day you will call my name, and I too will walk out of death into glorious, full life in your eternal kingdom. Thank you! Thank you, Lord! Amen. John 12:1-8 Holy Spirit, what gift can I give Jesus today to express my gratitude and love? Lord, may I give you my life, my all. Amen. John 13:1-17 Jesus, wash us completely, that we may have new life in you. And help us to serve others for your sake, pointing them to you and to the life you give. Amen. John 14:1-4 Jesus, its humbling to know that you want us to live with you forever. Come back soon, so that with you, the Father, and the Spirit, we can enjoy full life together. Amen. John 14:4-7 Dear Jesus, help me not only to accept your claim to be the way and the truth and the life but also to live and die with it engraved on my heart. Amen. John 15:1-12 Thank you, Father, for grafting me onto the true vine. May the life of Jesus flow into me and through me to others. Amen. John 17:1-5 Dear Jesus, we joyfully submit to your authority, knowing that by it you give us life. What a wonderful Savior! Amen. John 17:6-19 May we glorify you today, Jesus, by all we say and do. May we love this world as you do, challenging its people and institutions to recognize you as Lord. Protect us, Lord, and help us to serve you faithfully. Amen. John 17:20-26 Unite us, Lord, in your will, your love, and your truth so that, through us, the world may recognize you as the living, loving God. In Christ Our Lord. Amen. John 18:1-9 Jesus, we confess that you are God with us. May we listen to you, receive the life you give, and obey all that you have commanded us. Amen. John 19:16-22, 28-30 With deepest gratitude, Lord Jesus, we hear your cry that your mission is accomplished, our victory won. We confidently wait for your victory to be fully present at your return, when all will be well. Amen. John 20:11-18 Jesus, may the truth of your resurrection calm our spirits. May your victory fill us all with gratitude, courage, and hope. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. John 20:19-23 Resurrected Lord, grant us your peace so that, in a world of violence, struggle, and death, we may confidently claim and put into practice the truth of your victory over sin and death. Amen. John 21:15-19 Loving Lord, I do love you. By your Spirit, help me to remain in your love, dwelling in it, living out of it each day, and sharing it with others, to your glory. Amen. Romans 5:1-11 We praise you, Jesus, that in your great mercy you have given us a new birth into a living hope. Help us to wait patiently and confidently in you. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25 Jesus, your name beautifully describes your work for our sake. We humbly confess that we cannot save ourselves, so we look to you in faith. We pray in your name. Amen. Isaiah 9:1-5 Jesus, you are our light and life. Drive away our darkness and fill us with hope. Help us to walk in the way of light. Amen. Isaiah 9:6-7 Lord, you have the words of life. Speak to us, and help us grow in true wisdom. We pray in your powerful name. Amen. Psalm 145:5 Glorious Savior, help us to ponder your greatness and marvel at your redeeming work. Fill us with humility, awe, and wonder. Amen. Isaiah 9:6-7 Savior who came into the world, words cannot express the depth of our gratitude for the gift of yourself for our salvation. We give ourselves to you as thank offerings, praying in your name. Amen. Colossians 1:9-14 Mighty God, we surrender our lives to you. Thank you that we need not go down in defeat. Fill us with your power, that we may live a life worthy of you, our Savior. Amen. John 16:28-33 Thank you, Lord, for being our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble. May your grace and presence sustain us as you work for our good in all situations. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Romans 8:31-39 Mighty God, thank you for defeating all our enemies and giving us the victory. We are secure in your loving arms. Amen! Isaiah 9:6-7 For making us your children through faith and for your steadfast love and abiding faithfulness, we thank you, Lord Jesus. We pray in your name. Amen. John 14:5-12 Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing your Father truly in your words and deeds. Help us to be more like you (and our Father) every day in all that we do and say. In your name we pray. Amen. Philippians 4:4-7 Prince of Peace, only in your kingdom can we find true, lasting peace. Fill us with your peace as we trust in you. Amen. Luke 2:8-14 Lord, we confess that we are sinners. Thank you for your gift of reconciliation so that in Jesus we can have your peace. Amen. Micah 5:2-5a Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus to destroy the devils work. Fill us with your peace as we find our security and serve as agents of peace in your kingdom. Amen. Luke 1:76-79 Lord of life, shine your light into the shadows of our lives. Dispel our darkness and guide us into the path of peace. Thank you for defeating death and bringing eternal life. Amen. Psalm 130 Lord, you are the hope of the hopeless, the help of the helpless. We praise you for answering our deepest need through “Christ Jesus our hope,” in whose name we pray. Amen. Luke 1:30-35 Dear Jesus, we thank you for being the answer to our guilt and shame. Thank you for the gift of your righteousness, and for clothing us in your holiness. Help us to live holy lives. Amen. Luke 1:67-75 Lord, forgive us for pursuing our wants with greed and selfishness. Help us to focus our lives on you, as we praise you for meeting our deepest needs. Amen. John 1:1-14 Lord, thank you for coming to us on our level to communicate with us. Deepen our prayer life and help us listen. We pray in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. John 1:1-5, 14 Lord, lead us in honest self-examination. Remove our excuses and rationalizations as we confess our sins. In your grace, forgive and empower us to live lives of grace and truth. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 8:1-17 Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth to bring us home to our heavenly Father. Deepen our love, and may our lives reflect that we are children of God. In your name, Amen. Galatians 4:4-7 Lord, we see the present, but you grasp eternity. We view only a part; you understand the whole. Help us to trust your wisdom. Renew us and your world, we pray. Amen. Isaiah 7:10-17 Lord, we cannot save ourselves. You are our only sure security and salvation. Deepen our trust in you, we pray. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25 Lord, we marvel at your coming as Immanuel. Draw us into a deepening relationship with you, that through faith we may live the reality of God with us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 2:1-20 With the angels and shepherds we worship you, precious Savior. We treasure you in our hearts. May all that we do and say bring glory to your name. Amen. Jude 17-25 We worship and praise you, Lord, for your life-changing gifts through Jesus. With hearts of gratitude, may we live out our new reality for the glory of your name. Amen. Philippians 2:1-11 Lord Jesus, thank you for all you have done for us and our salvation. In gratitude we offer ourselves in loving service. Help us to reflect your lifestyle in all that we do. Amen. 1 Peter 3:8-17 Thank you, Lord, for the hope that sustains and comforts us. May our lives be a testimony of your redeeming love, and may we share the good news of Jesus. Amen. Romans 15:1-13 Lord of hope, help us to walk with you each day. By your Spirit, fill us with overflowing hope in the coming year. Amen. John 11:17-30 Jesus, thank you that we can stand before Gods throne unafraid, confident not in ourselves but in you. Deepen our relationship with you each day, we pray. Amen. Revelation 1:4-18 In a world of uncertainty, we thank you, Lord, for the comfort, hope, and peace we have because we belong to you. Thank you for being our security and allowing us to share in your victory. Amen. Ezra 1:1-4 Lord, open us to your will, and guide us daily to follow the King who calls us back to you. Amen. Ezra 1:5-11 Jesus, I place my complete trust in you as the one who came to take away my sins and restore the joy of my salvation. Let nothing steal my devotion to you alone. Amen. Ezra 2:1, 64-70 Father God, thank you that my name has been written into your Book of Life. I know I belong to you alone because you know my name. Amen. Ezra 3:11 Lord, I need to worship with others because I belong to a holy community. Help me to enter the spacious world of your blessing, grace, and forgiveness when I meet with other believers in Christ. Amen. Ezra 4:1-5, 24 Dear Lord, I want to think I do not have enemies in my life. But help me discern a realistic picture of the world. Keep me on my knees as I pray for your kingdom to come. Amen. Ezra 5:1-2 Thank you, Lord, for your help in times of struggle and doubt. Thank you for your presence and work in us. Amen. Ezra 5:3-17 Lord, empower me to pray and work as I serve in your world. May I bring glory only to you. Amen. Ezra 6:1-12 Holy Spirit, make me attentive to your messages of love, forgiveness, and mercy that may be hidden in plain sight. Help me hear and experience the message of Jesus. Amen. Ezra 6:13-22 Lord and Savior, we want to worship and serve you with all our soul, mind, and strength. Amen! Ezra 7:1-10 Father, sometimes I'm tempted to think I earned my way into the family of God. Forgive me. Help me remember that my place in the family comes through Jesus Christ alone. Amen. Ezra 7:11-28 Master, help me to live the life you want in my home, work, and neighborhood. Amen. Ezra 8:1, 15-35 Lord, thank you for the vital work of worship in your church. Amen. Ezra 9:5-6 Savior, please forgive my sins. Renew me, Lord, and free me to do your will from now on. Amen. Ezra 10:1-17 Lord, I confess my sin, and I want to live according to your will. Please help me live faithfully for you. In Jesus, Amen. Nehemiah 1:4, 11 Father, forgive me for trying to run my life without consulting you. Renew my mind and heart to serve you, as Jesus did. Amen. Nehemiah 2:17 Lord, you have given us good work to do. Help us do our best, and sustain us when trouble comes, we pray. Amen. Nehemiah 3:4 Jesus, give me the fruit of the Spirit so that self-control, patience, and goodness are evident in my life. I want to serve with other Christians in the community where you have placed me. Amen. Nehemiah 4:14 Lord, give me confidence and courage to put my trust in you and do the work you have for me. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Nehemiah 5:9 Lord, guide me not to ignore injustices in my neighborhood, city, nation, and world. Help me to pray and work to bring justice in places where I have a voice and influence. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Nehemiah 6:1-14 Jesus, protect us from playing into schemes of the devil and those who would harm us. Keep our hearts and minds on guard against temptations and tricks. May we please you alone. Amen. So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear. Nehemiah 6:15-19 Jesus, help me to see that you always keep working in my life. Help me to trust that I am always your servant and child. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. Nehemiah 7:1-3 Dear Jesus, give me a heart and mind that truly follow your will and way. In your name, Amen. Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded. And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city; Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this; Nehemiah 7:4-7 Jesus, thank you for fulfilling every detail of salvation to redeem us from sin and death. Help us live faithfully for you. Amen. Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God. Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the Lord their God. Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the Lord your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous: And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day. And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go. Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant: And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them. But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go. Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. Nehemiah 9:1-21 Savior, you are the best story I can ever tell someone. Through it, may my neighbors see you. Amen. Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would. And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness. Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the land of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God. Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them. For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works. Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. Nehemiah 9:22-37 Righteous Lord, I regret choices I have made in the past. Forgive me in the name of Jesus, your Son. Help me to make choices that please you and allow your kingdom to come. Amen. And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding; They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, not take their daughters for our sons: And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt. Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the law: And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the Lord: Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God: And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house. For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God. Nehemiah 9:38; 10:28-39 Lord, I renew my vows of love and commitment to you alone. I promise to serve and worship you because you first loved me. In your name, Amen. And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants. And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez; Nehemiah 11:1-4 Jesus, may I live in such a way that others will see you at work in me and give you the glory. Amen. And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward. Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates. These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe. Nehemiah 12:24-26 I will sing of my Redeemer and his wondrous love to me. I will join in singing praise and thanksgiving to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps. And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi; Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem. And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall. Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate: And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah, And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph: And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them. And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall; And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate. So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me: And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets; And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer. Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron. Nehemiah 12:27-47 Master Jesus, I was created to praise you. I will not stand on the sidelines and just be a spectator. I will sing of your goodness to the people around me. In your name, Amen. On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude. And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests. But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff to Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense. Nehemiah 13:1-9 Jesus, sin keeps coming back into our lives. Help us to resist, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof. In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. Nehemiah 13:10-22 Dear Lord, we trust in you. Have your way in us, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. Hebrews 11:8-12 Lord, stretch us to grow and keep discovering the wonders of your kingdom while you call us to live for you in this world. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:1-4 Lord in heaven, thank you for preparing a place for us. We pray that we might be faithful pilgrims, never forgetting that you watch over our path. In Christs Mighty name, Amen. And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. Genesis 4:1-12 Lord God, we confess that our hearts by themselves desire to wander. Thank you for giving us Jesus Christ, who is the way and the truth and the life. We pray in his name. Amen. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3 Lord, teach us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Forgive us when we try to do things on our own. May we be led by your Spirit in all we do. Amen. Creator God, thank you that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us not only to be physically fit but also to be active in your kingdom work so that we may bring you glory and honor. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 Almighty God, you are the source of all life. We know that each day of our lives is a gift from your hand. Help us live each day in the light of your Word. Amen. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:13-16 King of Heaven, we long to visit your beautiful city. Thank you for preparing a place for us. Send your Spirit to give us joy and peace for the remainder of our pilgrimage. Amen. And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not. And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem: And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. Ezra 7:25-28 Divine Judge, we confess that we have not always lived according to your law. Please do not judge us by our actions, but by Christ THE LORDS perfect sacrifice. In his name alone we pray. Amen. And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh. And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. Genesis 47:7-12 Great Comforter, my life is often difficult. I need your support and power. Please send your Spirit so that I don't become resentful. Help me to be grateful for your blessings. Amen. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the Lord sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. Numbers 13:1-3, 26-31; 14:1-9 Lord of history, the past, present, and future are in your hands. You know all things and work in all things for good. Lead us by your promises. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord. Genesis 12:1-8 True God, I dedicate my life to you. Nothing that I have is mine alone; it all belongs to you. Use me and mold me after your will, I pray. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 1 Kings 19:1-18 Dear Lord, sometimes I fear that the forces of evil are overwhelming. I know that help is found only in your name. So I call to you for help in facing the challenges of my life. Amen. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Psalm 55:6 Lord, you give your Word and Spirit to lead and comfort us. Fill me again today so that I can live faithfully. I can live only by your blessing. Amen. Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. 1 Chronicles 29:10-19 Father God, the days of our lives are brief. Please send your Spirit to guide us so that we do not stumble or fall. Forgive us when we seek our own kingdoms instead of yours. May we instead honor your glorious name. Amen. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:15-21 Lord of the universe, help me to see that you are present with me today. I need you to protect me in all I do so that I will bring glory to you. May your Spirit fill me and strengthen me to serve you. Amen. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. John 6:66-69 Lord, as I continue on lifes journey, I realize I can go nowhere without you by my side. Please be my travel companion as I journey today. Amen. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. Psalm 119:105-112 Light of the world, make my path clear today. Help me to walk with confidence and joy as a child of God. Please heal my spiritual eyes if I cannot see as I should. In your name, Amen. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matthew 15:10-14 God of heaven and earth, I confess that lies are often more attractive than truth. Help me to listen to your Word so that I can follow the path of loving you. Amen. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Hebrews 7:23-28 Protector of life, I long for the day when I will be completely safe. Thank you for giving me your Spirit, who provides a foretaste of the joys of eternal life. All I do is in your hands. Amen. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:13-16 Lord, I confess that in body and soul, in life and in death, I am not my own, but belong to you. Not even a hair can fall from my head without your will. What a comfort! Amen. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. James 4:13-16 All-powerful God, if my plans for this day are not in line with your will, please correct my path by your Word and Spirit. May I give glory to you today and every day. Amen. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Romans 15:23-29 Dear Lord, thank you for prophets, apostles, and teachers who have served you faithfully. May my goal also be to share your good news with others. Amen. Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 Beautiful Savior, make my actions sweet to the senses of those around me today. Help me to reflect your beauty in a world that is full of ugly conflict and disease. In THY MIGHT NAME. Amen. The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Lord and Savior, keep my eyes focused on you. If I am weary, do not let me leave the path, but strengthen me by your grace and Spirit. My only hope is in you. Amen. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Dear God, I have known dark valleys in my life. Thank you for being present with me in joy and pain. Please continue to show me your presence as I travel onward. Amen. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:22-27 Lord, sometimes I don't have words to reveal the thoughts of my heart. Holy Spirit, thank you for your care and your prayers for me. In Jesus, Amen. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:19-34 Lord, help me see the right way to live. Do not let the world tell me what is special, but let me learn it from your Word. May Jesus Christ be my treasure today. Amen. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Psalm 84:5 Lord, thank you for your love and care. Draw me closer to you, to know you, to worship you with all my heart, by the strength of your Spirit. Amen. After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. Mark 14:1-9 Lord, you are worth more than all my love and devotion. May my life be in tune with all you have done for me. Amen. Mark 14:1-2, 10-11 We praise you, Lord, that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus. To that we say, Amen! Mark 14:12-25 We are grateful, Lord, that the eternal God wants to occupy our guest rooms and make our suppers a divine experience. We are thankful that you are our God always. Amen. Mark 14:17-31 Lord Jesus, just as you were prepared for death and glory, so prepare us by your Word for everything that comes our way. In your name, Amen. Mark 14:25; 15:36-37 Thank you, Jesus, that we do not have to wait for eternity to know that our sins are forgiven and that we can experience the joy of the kingdom now. Praise your name! Amen. Mark 14:29-31 Lord, I confess that my commitment to you ebbs and flows. Fill me with your Spirit so that I keep my promises. Amen. Matthew 26:36-46 Our prayer, Father, is that your perfect will may be accomplished in our lives. In Christ, Amen. Mark 13:34-37; 14:41 Thank you, Lord, for not sleeping when we needed you to win the victory for our salvation. Keep us awake to your will. Amen. Mark 14:32-42 Lord, we confess that we are weak in fighting temptations. May your Holy Spirit enlighten our spirits to the divine power at our disposal. Amen. Mark 14:43-46 Lord, help me to renounce disloyalty, pretense, and fakery in my life. Keep me loyal to you. Amen. Matthew 26:47-56 Lord, may every fiber of our being bristle against violence and stand up for your peace and justice. Amen. Mark 14:46-50 Jesus, you were faithful to the end and were finally vindicated in your victory over death. Father, give us the perseverance of your Son, our Savior. Amen. Mark 14:51-52; 16:5-7 Thank you, Lord, for wiping away our failures and restoring us to new life so that we can serve in your strength. Amen. Mark 14:53-72 Thank you, Lord, for saying I am in the crucible of criticism. May there not be even one occasion in our lives when we forget to confess your name. Amen. Mark 14:66-72 Lord, we often prefer the favor of people to the approval of God. Forgive us and remove our need for human acceptance, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Luke 22:56-62; John 21:15-17 Lord, we know that your convicting look is filled with convincing grace. Thank you for your transforming power! Amen. Mark 15:1-5 Father, we need your wisdom to discern when to speak and when to be silent. May our words always honor you. Amen. Matthew 27:15-28 Lord, we are thankful that your ways are higher than our ways. You overcame the schemes of human beings to provide for our salvation. Thank you! Amen. Matthew 27:3-5, 24-25 Jesus, Son of God and Lamb of God, I deserved to die, but you took my place. I was the guilty one, but you took the blame on yourself instead. What a Savior! Amen. Mark 14:65; 15:16-32 We avoid mockery at all costs, but you, O Lord, bore every tirade of human disgrace for our salvation. Thank you for taking the sting out of mockery. In your name, Amen. Mark 15:21 Father, show us what it means to take up our cross each day and follow Jesus. Thank you for answering this prayer. In Jesus, Amen. Luke 23:39-43 Lord, my simple prayer is this: Remember me when you come into your kingdom. Thank you, Jesus. Amen. Mark 15:22-27; Isaiah 53:3-10 Man of sorrows what a name for the Son of God, who came ruined sinners to reclaim: Hallelujah, what a Savior! Amen. Mark 15:25; Galatians 3:11-14 Lord, amid our business, may we stop to focus on all you have done for us. Through your death we can live! Amen. Mark 15:33-34; Psalm 22:1-2 Lord, thank you for taking our place and bearing our punishment. Your cry inspires within us cries of thanksgiving. Amen. John 19:28-30 Lord, you completed all the work of salvation for us. Thank you for your indescribable gift! Amen. Mark 15:38; Luke 23:44-46 Thank you, Lord, that we can find you because you are near. Thank you for finding us. Amen. Mark 1:9-11; 9:2-7; 15:39 Jesus, I proclaim today that you are the very Son of God. May my profession ring through my daily living! For your sake, Amen. John 19:31-37 Father God, hold our lives together, we pray, through your Word in Christ. Thank you! Amen. John 12:42-43; 19:38-40 Lord, we confess that we like to be comfortable in our culture. Empower us to stand up for you, whatever the cost. Amen. Matthew 28:1-9; Mark 8:31-34; 9:30-32; 10:32-34 Good news is sweet to the soul, and your resurrection, Lord Jesus, is the sweetest news of all. Thank you, Jesus, for resurrection hope. In your name, Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 Father in heaven, thank you for graciously revealing yourself in the Bible and in our lives. Help us to say with our mouths and our lives, Hallowed be your name. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Genesis 1:1-31 God, thank you for your marvelous creation! Thank you for your amazing grace! Help us to honor you as the one true God in all that we do and say. Amen. Genesis 14:17-20 O God Most High, please forgive us for often shunting you aside. Help us, like Abram, to worship you as Creator and Protector. Move us to give our lives as an offering to you. Amen. Genesis 16:13 Dear God, you see and care for us in all of our squabbles, struggles, and needs. Help us to know this through Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Genesis 17:1-8 God Almighty, thank you for revealing yourself to us with your power and might. Help us to expect big things when we live for you. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Psalm 31:1-5 O Faithful God of Truth, help us to proclaim you as our rock and our fortress. Help us to take refuge in you and lean on your everlasting arms. We ask this in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-25 O God, the Righteous One, your words and deeds are trust-worthy and true. Help us by the power of your Spirit to live by every word that comes from your mouth. Amen. Isaiah 9:1-7 Mighty God, we trust you for peace in our lives and our world, and we long for the day when all your enemies will be defeated. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 21:22-34 O God, you are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help us to trust you in the big and small events of our lives. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Exodus 33:12-23 God of Glory, we worship you in all your splendor and majesty. We see your glory today in the face of our Lord Jesus. Amen. Isaiah 5:1-17 Holy God, you are perfect in holiness and righteous! Yet you have given your Son to make sinners holy. Help us to live holy lives that produce the fruit of righteousness. Amen. Exodus 3:1-15 JEHOVAH GOD, we praise you for your faithfulness to all your people, including us. Help us to live faithfully for you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 15:1-6 Sovereign Lord, so often we fail to understand your ways. Help us to bow before you and to trust you completely, our Lord and Master. Amen. Genesis 22:1-14 Lord God, you see our need and provide. You have provided the Savior we need: Jesus Christ, our Lord. Help us to trust in you and to live in obedience to you. Amen. Exodus 15:22-27 O God, you are the one who heals. Through your Son, Jesus, we have been healed and forgiven. Help us to live fully with this assurance. Amen. Exodus 17:8-16 O God, your banner over us is love. Help us to keep our focus on you in our daily spiritual battles. Help us to do this as instruments of your peace. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Judges 6:11-24 God of Peace, in your Son we have seen your glory. Help us to serve as you call us to, knowing that you are our peace. Amen. Exodus 31:12-17 Holy God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, you have set us apart for yourself. Help us to strive to be holy and live for you. Through Jesus, Amen. 1 Samuel 17:45-50 Lord of Hosts, help us to rely on your strength to wage the battles we face each day against our own trials and temptations. We ask this in Jesus Mighty precious name. Amen. Ezekiel 34:25-31 Good Shepherd, you provide for our needs, guide, and protect us. Help us to take comfort in your care today and always. Amen. Jeremiah 33:14-18 Righteous God, thank you for making us righteous through Jesus. Help us to live righteously for you. Amen. Revelation 1:4-8 O God, you are the same yesterday, today, and forever! Help us to live by this eternal truth, by your grace, and for your glory. Amen. Revelation 15:1-4 O King of the Nations, we bow before you and look to the time when all people will do the same. Until that day, help us to trust and joyfully serve you. Amen. Romans 10:5-13 Lord God, we worship you with wonder for your mysterious and majestic plan of salvation. In our amazement and awe, help us to trust you and to call on your precious name. Amen. Luke 2:22-32 Sovereign Lord, you call each of us to serve you. Prompt us with your Spirit to serve you devoutly and righteously in all we do today. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:1-2 Father God, we worship you as creator and sustainer of all things. Thank you for stooping to bless us with your grace, mercy, and peace. Amen. John 5:16-23 Our Father in heaven, through Jesus, your Son, we belong to you. By your Spirits power, help us to live as Jesus lived in relation to you, in thanksgiving and holiness. Amen. Mark 14:32-36; Romans 8:8-17 Abba, Father, we enter your presence because through Jesus you have made us your children. Help us to seek your will today and always. Amen. Romans 1:1-7 Our Father in heaven, thank you that in Jesus Christ we have an intercessor at your right hand. Thank you for the assurance that you hear and answer our prayers. Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Father of Mercies, help us to see your goodness in joy and sorrow, well-being and suffering, and to know your comfort and share it with others. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Peter 5:1-11 Our Father, thank you for revealing your many names that show your grace and glory. Help us to honor your name in all we do and say. Amen. Genesis 1:1-25 Father in heaven, help us to praise you for your marvelous creation. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 1:26-31 Lord our God, thank you for the honor of bearing your image. Please use each one of us to honor you. Amen. Genesis 3:1-7 Lord, our God, thank you for refusing to let us go and for sending your Son to restore all things. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 8:18-25 Father in heaven, we often wonder about everything that is happening in our world today. Help us to trust that you are in complete control. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. John 3:16-21 Heavenly Father, thank you for your love that refuses to let go. Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us enough to come to save us. Amen. Philippians 2:5-11 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making yourself nothing in order to save us. Please hasten the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that you are Lord of all. Amen. Matthew 11:1-6 Father in heaven, give us the grace to believe that Jesus has come and has ushered in the kingdom, and help us to look forward to the day when your kingdom will fully come. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 Spirit of God, fill us with your love so that we can share it with the people around us. Make each of us a partner in building your kingdom here on earth. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:12-28 Lord, our God, keep us from being overcome with fear, and help us face the future with confidence because of Jesus Mighty death and resurrection. Amen. 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5 Father in heaven, thank you for the eternal promise to set us free from all the effects of sin here on earth. In Jesus Mighty Amen. Jeremiah 29:10-14 Father in heaven, show us the plan and purpose you have for us. Use us to build your kingdom. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Luke 17:20-25 Lord Jesus, help us to realize that you are with us wherever we go, and use us wherever we may find ourselves. Amen. Luke 12:13-21 Lord our God, help us to take a look at our lives, and give us the grace to be rich toward you. For Jesus Mighty Name sake, Amen. Luke 16:19-31 Lord, teach us to share with and help people who are in need. If our hearts need changing, please change us, for Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Matthew 25:31-46 Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we have walked past people whom we have judged to be least. Thank you for those who have stopped to help. Amen. Judges 6:1-14 Father in heaven, we pray for your grace and mercy for all who suffer. Please give them the assurance that you are with them. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. John 11:1-7, 17-25 Open our eyes, Lord; we want to see you. Please send us a sign of your presence in our lives. Because of OUR LORD JESUS. Amen. Psalm 23:4 Father in heaven, be close to those who are afraid. Reach out to them, reassure them, and help us to do the same. For Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Lord Jesus, thank you for your victory over death and for assuring us that death does not have the last word. Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Lord God, we often feel helpless and inadequate when people need comfort. Teach us how to give comfort in your name. Amen. Matthew 24:36-41 Father in heaven, use each one of us to bring the good news to those who need to hear it. For Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Matthew 24:42-44 Lord Jesus, please come back soon to bring about the new heavens and the new earth. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen. 2 Peter 3:1-9 Lord, help us to keep on praying for your return, and while you wait, please use us to call people to repentance. For THY MIGHTY NAMES sake, Amen. Matthew 17:1-13 Lord, our God, thank you for assuring us that someday we will see you in your glory and be joined with those who have gone before us. Amen. John 5:28-30 Lord Jesus, we marvel, and we stand amazed. Give us the faith to believe. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Zechariah 3:1-4 Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking up in our defense so that we may have eternal life. Amen. Revelation 7:9-12 Lord our God, forgive us for not going out of our way to invite people who may seem different from us. Help us to be willing to welcome all who need to meet you. Amen. Isaiah 65:17-25 Lord, thank you for giving us a glimpse of things to come. Please come soon. Amen. Revelation 21:1-5 Lord our God, please come soon to make all things new. Because of Jesus, Amen. Jeremiah 29:4-14 God, please tell us the story that you have for our lives. We’re listening. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen.​ Psalm 139:13-16 Lord, sometimes we hardly dare to hope that there is a great purpose behind the events of our lives, especially in everyday things that may seem mundane. Help us to hope in you. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Romans 5:1-8 Lord, open our eyes to the story of what you have done—and to the fact that you have done so much for our sake. Surprise us again with all that you are doing in our lives. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Mark 1:14-20 Lord, thank you for the best news we could possibly hear—salvation in Christ Jesus! In THY MIGHT NAME. Amen. Romans 8:18-28 God, it can be so hard for us to trust you with our lives. Help us dare to trust that you always have our best interests in mind. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Genesis 1:1-8, 26-31 God, we almost get used to the constant stream of bad news in our world. Please help us remember that you created us in the first place to enjoy full life with you. Amen. Revelation 21:1-5 Lord Jesus, give us an eager­ness for the happy ending that awaits us at the end of your story. Amen. Genesis 3:1-19 Lord, in this world we face trouble. Draw us close to you as we follow you through our stories. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, we pray. Amen. Romans 8:18-25 Lord, thank you for ignoring our pleas for comfort. Lead us instead into stories that will prove important someday. Amen. Isaiah 43:1-4 Lord, lead us into stories that will help shape us into your image. Amen. Psalm 139:1-4, 15-16 God, I know you are writing my story. Help me see more of what you are up to, and help me look forward to the next chapter. Amen. Matthew 16:21-28 Jesus, we fear giving up what we are comfortable with, but you invite us to find our life in you. Help us to follow you. Amen. Luke 9:21-26 Lord, so often we try to get you to follow us. Help us instead to follow you. In your name, Amen. Philippians 2:1-13 God, if we forget your goodness, please forgive us and remind us again of your great love. Amen. Genesis 12:1-7 Lord, sometimes you seem to take a long time with our stories. Please help us wait for you. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 39:1-5 God, it can be so easy to miss what you are doing in our lives. Please open our eyes to be able to see the things you are doing all around us. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. 1 Samuel 13:5-15 Lord, forgive us when we trust in our resources more than we trust in you. Help us to obey and have faith in you. Amen. 1 Samuel 24:1-13 Lord, help us to trust more in your sense of timing than in our own. Amen. Acts 9:1-9 Lord Jesus, meet us where you wish and show us your story for our lives. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Acts 1:1-9 Lord Jesus, keep us open to the new chapters you have for us in your story. In THY MIGHTY name we pray and trust. Amen. James 4:13-17 God, you know best. Forgive us for trying to write our stories for you. May we trust that your plan for us is the best one. Amen. Ephesians 2:1-10 Lord, please show us how our stories are supposed to go. Thank you. Amen. Luke 15:11-24 When we defy you, Father, lead us steadily back home to you. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Lord, keep us talking, even if we find ourselves unhappy with you. And help us to know that you know and love us—even when we are silent. In your precious name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 29:11-14 Lord Jesus—you see right through us. Please show us what you see. In THY MIGHT NAME. Amen. James 1:5-8 God, we believe that you will lead us. Show us how to listen to the clues that you provide. Amen. Revelation 21:1-5 Lord Jesus, help us to look ahead and see the end. May we eagerly wait for your return. Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 God, forgive us when we rush you. Help us to trust you instead each day, and to see your work in and around us always. Amen. Mark 8:34-38 Lord, help us to share with others the story of what you are doing in our lives. In Christ JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 12:13-21 Lord, we know what you have in store for us—a life of trust in you so that we can’t imagine settling for anything less than your best for our lives. Amen. Philippians 4:4-9 Lord Jesus, please loosen the grip by which we hold to our dreams and fears. Help us to cling to you, learning to enjoy your embrace. In THY MIGHT NAME. Amen. Psalm 119:1-8 Lord Jesus, we hear your call to deny ourselves and follow you. By your grace enable us to do this every day. Bless us as we trust and obey you. Amen. Matthew 4:1-11 Lord Jesus, You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! (Psalm 119:114-115). Amen. John 5:39-47 I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands (Psalm 119:166). Reveal yourself to us in your Word as the only way, the truth, and the life we need. Amen. Acts 2:36-41 May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word (Psalm 119:41-42). Amen. Nehemiah 8:1-10 You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise (Psalm 119:57-58). Amen. Acts 17:10-12 Lord, I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes (Psalm 119:125). Amen. Psalm 119:9-16 Lord, without your Word we lose sight of your love for us and the love you want from us. Lodge your words of life in our minds and hearts. Amen. Psalm 119:97-104 Lord, we need to seriously reflect on what you say to us in your Word. By your Spirit, show us how we can leave our sin behind and live for you. Give us power to change our habits. Reveal how we can grow in love, joy, and peace. Amen. Romans 4:1-5 Lord, May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous (Psalm 119:172). Amen. Galatians 3:1-6 May my cry come before you, Lord; deliver me according to your promise (Psalm 119:169-170). Amen. Ephesians 4:22-32 Lord, turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me (Psalm 119:132-133). Amen. 1 Timothy 4:6-10 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding (Psalm 119:31-32). Amen. 2 Kings 22:1-13 I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law (Psalm 119:52-53). Amen. 2 Kings 22:11-20 Lord, I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word (Psalm 119:25). In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Daniel 1:1-16 Father, reveal your love to our children. Jesus, save them by your grace. Holy Spirit, keep them obedient by your power. Amen. Psalm 119:49-56 Jesus, thank you for securing a place in heaven for us. We trust in your promise that you will never leave or forsake us. Amen. Psalm 119:17-24 Jesus, salvation is found in no one but you. Keep us from fear when we are under attack for our faith in you. Give us your courage and strength. Amen. Psalm 119:57-64 Lord Jesus, our fellow believers in many places are suffering much. They are losing their freedoms, homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Give them strength, we pray. Keep them singing your praises. Amen. Romans 13:11-14 Lord, I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:104-105). Amen. Psalm 119:129-136 Lord Jesus, we believe that by your obedience and sacrifice on the cross we are eternally right with God. Keep your truth clear to us. Amen. Psalm 119:137-144 Lord, give us strength to face any who oppose the truth of your Word. In the name of our Savior we pray. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Lord, Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end (Psalm 119:111-112). Amen. Psalm 119:73-80 Lord Jesus, you went through the valley all the way to death to be our good Shepherd. Take care of us now, and bring us to live with you forever, we pray. Amen. Psalm 119:113-120 Lord, we are confident that you are our strong helper and we do not have to be afraid of what people can do to us. Amen. Psalm 119:145-152 Lord, every promise you make is a yes in Christ. We believe you will fulfill your promises of salvation, and we praise you for your faithfulness. Show us your goodness now and forever. Amen. Psalm 119:89-96 Lord, we remember the family of God behind prison bars today. Thank you for setting their hearts free in Christ. Protect and encourage them in often threatening surroundings. Enable them to shine with your light into the lives of people around them. Amen. Psalm 119:65-72 Lord, you know each one who is suffering today. By your good and powerful compassion, grow perseverance, holy character, and hope in the hearts of all who struggle. In Jesus name, Amen. Psalm 119:33-40 Lord, keep me from wanting to get rich. Your Word says its a trap that can ensnare me with harmful desires that will plunge me into ruin. Satisfy me with the supreme value of your Spirits presence. Amen. Psalm 119:81-88 Lord, thank you for setting us free from being slaves to sin. We offer ourselves to you as obedient servants of righteousness leading to holiness. Strengthen us to live for you. Amen. Acts 20:17-38 Lord, may your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise … Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight (Psalm 119:76-77). Amen. Peter 4:12-19 Father in heaven, open our hearts to the sober truth that redemption comes hard. Brace us for the hardship of redeeming what is broken in our lives, families, and churches. In Jesus name, Amen. Genesis 25:19-28 Father in heaven, thank you for the great comfort that when sin runs from one generation to another, so do your love, grace, and faithfulness. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Genesis 37:1-11 Lord, search our hearts for any lethal infections. Turn us away from destructive attitudes and actions. Thank you for your forgiveness. In your name we pray. Amen. Genesis 37:12-17 Lord Jesus, thank you for refusing to allow peoples rejections to hinder your mission from the Father. Thank you for coming to find us and to secure our well-being forever. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Genesis 37:17-25 O God, if any hatreds are boiling in my soul, alert me to their danger. Give me the power to stop them before my looks, words, or actions become hurtful. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 37:21-30 We stand in awe, O God, as you work out your good purpose despite the evil plans of others especially in and through Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Genesis 37:31-36 Father in heaven, we sometimes have a cavalier attitude toward our own sins. May this picture of callous consciences alarm our hearts. Help us to face up to our faults. In Christ MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Genesis 38:26 Lord, comfort us with the truth that your purposes are not thwarted by wickedness. Forgive and deliver us from our sin. Amen. Genesis 39:1 Father, we are amazed that Jesus, your Son, took a journey like this for our sake. He left your side and willingly humbled himself, taking the form of a slave to free us from sin. We praise his name! Amen. Genesis 39:2-3 Father, help us to know that whatever situation we are in, even if we are exiled and abandoned, you are with us and can work through us to bring your blessings in this world. You are all we ever need. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 39:6-20 O God, help us to be faithful to you in all we do. May nothing distract us from fulfilling the work you have entrusted to us. In Jesus Mighty name, Amen. Genesis 39:19-23; Psalm 105:16-19 Lord Jesus, you endured unthinkable injustice and mistreatment for our sake. You submitted to the will of your Father. Teach us that kind of submission, especially when we face suffering for doing good. In your name we pray. Amen. Genesis 40:1-23 Lord Jesus, as Josephs wait in darkness points us to your suffering on the cross, help us to endure dark times of struggle, knowing you bring the light of life. Amen. Genesis 41:1-43 Father, in a culture that worships power for all kinds of imperfect reasons, transform our understanding and help us to do your will. Help us to use whatever positions of influence you have given us to do good, for Jesus Mighty sake. Amen. Genesis 41:44-49 O God, thank you for the stockpiles of grace and love you have in store. Help us to reflect your love. In Jesus, Amen. Genesis 41:50-52 O God, you give hurting people the salve of your healing mercies. Cure our wounded spirits and remove any bitterness from our hearts. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Genesis 41:53-57 Lord Jesus, fill us with your life, and help us to share it, bringing blessing to others in your name. Amen. Genesis 42:1-17 Lord, warn me today that if I ever think I am without sin, I am only deceiving myself and the truth is not in me (1 John 1:8). Search me deeply, and draw me to you. Amen. Genesis 42:18-24 Merciful God, thank you for pangs of conscience. Help us not to ignore them but to confess and seek your forgiveness for the sins we have done. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 42:25-28, 35 Holy God, sometimes you lead us to repentance with severe mercy. If today your hand is on me, help me to come to my senses and turn back to you. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 42:29-38 Father, as you reveal to us how tightly entrenched sins, bitter attitudes, and dirty secrets can grip our stony hearts, we tremble. We need your shattering truth. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 43:1-15 O God, when you allow relentless pressure to bear down on us, grant that we might see such times as a call to search our hearts. And if we're at fault, guide us to come clean. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 43:15-34 O God, you give us rain from heaven and crops in their seasons. You bless us and fill our hearts with joy. May your kindnesses tenderize us toward repentance. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 44:1-13 Eternal God, thank you for the moments in our lives when you finally stop us in our tracks, compel us to turn around, face up to our wrongdoing, and, surprisingly, find amazing grace. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 44:14-17 Father, be merciful to me, even if the mercy is severe. Open my eyes and show me my sin. Help me to welcome this rare gift, and guide me to repentance. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Genesis 44:18-34 Eternal Father, open my eyes to discover anew how precious I am to you. In grace, bring me to taste your wonderful love and daily mercies. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 45:1-3 Loving God, pour your mercy on me. Grant me forgiveness through Jesus, who paid the price for my sin, and make me whole. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Genesis 45:4-13 How glorious are your ways, O God. How beautiful your grace! How warm your embrace! How sweet your forgiveness! How perfectly you fulfill your saving purposes! In Jesus name we praise you! Amen. Genesis 45:14-24 O God, thank you for the blessings you give us in Christ: love, reconciliation, joy, hope, wisdom, goodwill, comfort, and so much more. You supply more than we need. May we live by your grace and share your blessings with everyone around us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 45:25-28;46:1-4, 28-30 O God, thank you that in both life and death we can have the comfort of being with you forever, through Jesus. Amen. 1 Peter 1:13-21 Father, forgive us if we try to be independent from your wise counsel and care. We are blessed by your love for us from before the creation of the world. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Galatians 6:11-18 Thank you, Jesus, for being willing to endure the shame of the cross to reconnect heaven and earth for our sake. We boast in your cross, Lord. Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 Lord Jesus, thank you for your gift of life on the cross. Open our hearts to see that life comes from you alone. In your name we pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Father, thank you for demonstrating your love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. We are awed by your great love that allows us to be called children of God. Amen. Acts 9:1-19 Jesus, thank you for your transforming power. We pray that the Marks and Sauls in our lives may meet you and find new life in your name. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Jesus, we confess that our hardened hearts have blocked you out. Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord, so that we can see who you are and that you want us to fully live. Receive us, we pray, in your name. Amen. Luke 24:28-35 Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see you. Break through any barriers that are keeping us from you, we pray. Use us in this world for your kingdoms sake. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Lord Jesus, may your Spirit reignite us to share your power at work in our lives. May we gladly tell the old, old story of you and your love. In your name we pray. Amen. Joshua 2:17-18 Lord Jesus, while much is crumbling around us, thank you for your unshakable kingdom. We trust in you and your finished work on the cross. Amen. Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60 Lord, may we at all times keep our focus on you so that, like Stephen, we can be inspired and have the power to stand faithfully to share the good news of your salvation. We pray in your name, O risen Lord. Amen. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Lord Jesus, we want to spread your fragrance throughout our land. As our aroma brings a smell of both life and death, may your kingdom powerfully advance through us. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 12:1-8 Lord Jesus, thank you for valuing each of us so much. As we meditate on this truth, please root out the lies we have believed. In THY MIGHTY NAME we pray. Amen. Acts 4:23-31 Father, thank you for sending your Son to pay the price of sin for us, so that we can have new life with you forever. Amen. John 2:13-25 Lord Jesus, come in and cleanse the temple of my life. My good life is not enough to make me right with God, but yours is. Only by your shed blood can I be made clean and whole. Amen. 1 Peter 1:13-25 Lord Jesus, thank you for being the perfect Lamb of God, who takes away our sin. May we spread your good news faithfully. We pray in your name. Amen. Jonah 2:7-3:5 Lord Jesus, I confess that my heart is often not lined up with yours. Pluck the self-righteousness out of my heart. Forgive my disobedience toward you. I rest in Christs finished work on the cross. Amen. 1 John 1:7 Father, open our eyes to see things the way you do. We enter your cleansing light to purify us from all our filth. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Daniel 4:29-37 Father God, we are miserable without you. We know that only you can free us, through Jesus Christ, from certain death. Forgive me of my pride and selfishness, for THY NAMES sake. Amen. Matthew 7:1-5 Lord, forgive us for judging others. Help us to leave judgment to you. May we help to bring life by following your command to love others as ourselves. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 4:14-30 Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the price of sin at the cross. You bore all my sin and shame, and you shared your love and grace. Thank you, Son of God. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. John 14:15-21 Lord, we come to you out of our isolation in sin. Thank you for making us your children again, because of Jesus. Amen. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Thank you, Jesus, for empowering us to proclaim your victory and ours over all the forces of evil. Lord Jesus, may we fix our eyes on you, in whose name we pray. Amen. Amos 7:7-8 Lord, draw us to surrender our lack of faith, our pride, and all our other sins at your cross. May we seek forgiveness and new life through your sacrifice for us. Amen. 1 Corinthians 11:27-34 Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Forgive us if we have dishonored you by downplaying your sacrifice on our behalf. We pray in your name. Amen. Luke 22:14-20 Father, we honor you and your Word. Thank you for reversing the curse of sin by inviting us to be one with you through the work of Jesus. Amen. Romans 6:1-14 Lord Jesus, thank you for filling us with new life. Through your Spirit may we stay in tune with you every day. In THY MIGHTY NAME we pray. Amen. Romans 1:18-25 Father, awaken us from our deadly sleep. We reach out to you, Jesus, to deliver and save us. Amen. Acts 1:1-11 Lord Jesus, may your kingdom come and your will be done here as it is in heaven. Fill us and work through us, Lord, to heal this hurting world. In THY MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 22:54-65 Lord, help us to seek your face, knowing that you love and care for us. We need your grace. Amen. John 18:1-14 Father God, thank you for the great gift of your only Son, who paid the price of sin in our place. Now, clothed in his righteousness, we can live with you in blessing and peace forever. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 3:19-26 Thank you, Jesus, for taking our place and paying for our sin so that we can be restored to life in Gods MIGHTY presence. Amen. Colossians 4:2-6 Lord Jesus, thank you for your loving grace and for the ways I've learned about you through Christians who show and tell your grace well. Let my conversations be wise and full of grace. Amen. Acts 17:16-28 Loving Father, thank you for the life and breath we have. Give us words to praise you in private and in public. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Almighty God, you raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and you promise us life after death. Comfort us in the trials we face so that hope may overflow from us to those who need it. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:1-10 Sovereign God, give me courage when I'm afraid or beaten down. By your Spirit may I have power, love, and self-discipline. In the strong name of Jesus. Amen. Luke 10:1-21 Dear God, give us the grace to be faithful to you and faithful about you to others. We trust your Spirit to convict and convert those who don't know you as their Savior and Lord. Amen. Proverbs 22:4-6 Dear Jesus, you laid down your life to forgive all our sins. I confess my selfishness, lies, and other sins. Thank you for your grace. By your Spirit, let your righteousness fill me so that I can lead by example. Amen. Matthew 5:43-48 Loving Father, thank you for the ways we are blessed through Christians and non-Christians alike. Please turn all hearts toward you, so that you will be praised. Amen. Colossians 3:22-24 Lord, we praise you for the talents we have and the provisions you give. Thank you for work and for days off. Show us how we can be a blessing to others today. Amen. Exodus 20:8-11 Lord of work and rest, thank you for these gifts. Help us to work hard and rest well. Please provide work where we need it. Please also bless whatever years of retirement rest we may have. Amen. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Lord God, thank you for all who serve to protect us from the dangers and evils of this world. May we seek to reflect your grace and truth. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Lord, forgive the sins that make us cold to you and others. We pray for our spiritual leaders. Light them up with your Spirits fire and keep them from sin so that our witness together for you will be bright. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 Lord, give us the strength and wisdom to do our best for your sake and for the good of others. Amen. Luke 5:27-32 Lord, by your Spirit, help us to honor you in all we do and say, that others may come to know you. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Revelation 22:12-17 Lord, lead me to people I can invite into full life with you by the power of your love. Amen. John 17:20-26 Triune God, we confess that if we were left to ourselves, the devil could divide and conquer us quickly. As you are three in one, so let your church be one. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. John 3:1-21 Loving Father, you graciously listen to our questions and guide us with your answers. Help us to be your ears and voice to people seeking you. In Jesus MIGHTY name, Amen. Matthew 22:34-46 O God, make our witness rich with healthy, caring questions for the people around us. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Matthew 6:25-34 Sovereign God, let me see and seek your kingdom and righteousness in every part of my life. Give me wisdom to know when and how I can be a blessing in the places you've put me. For THY MIGHTY glory. Amen. Jonah 4:11 God of mercy, thank you for forgiving me. Help me to share your grace with others. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Psalm 136:1-9 Everlasting God, I praise you for all you have created. Reveal yourself to me, so that my faith can be confident and my praise everlasting. Amen. Proverbs 31:10-31 Holy God, I praise you for the ways my parents provided for me. Forgive my shortcomings, and help me to bless people in all the ways I can. For Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake, Amen. Acts 8:26-40 Triune God, your Word is powerful and active. Guide many to know you through the witness of your Word today. Amen. Revelation 2:1-7 Lord Jesus, thank you for walking among us. Encourage and challenge us by your Spirit, we pray. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Philemon 11 Glorious God, thank you for the gift of humor. May others see your light through the lighter side of life. Amen. Luke 14:15-24 Lord, I praise you for your salvation and the fellowship of your people. Show me who I can pray for and invite to know you. Amen. Proverbs 16:20-24 Lord Jesus, forgive us for spending our words foolishly. Give us wisdom to lead people to you, the giver of full life. Amen. 1 Chronicles 16:1-36 Majestic Lord, I receive your salvation in Jesus Christ. Thank you for all the goodness you've poured into my life. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Amen. 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 Faithful God, thank you for your self-sacrificing love in Jesus. May we reflect your love in all we do. For your glory. Amen. Matthew 5:13-16 Lord God, fill me with your grace, mercy, and peace. Let it overflow to others in my words and deeds so that people will praise you. For Jesus Mighty Name sake. Amen. Isaiah 64:1-9 Come, Lord Jesus! We long for the new heaven and new earth you have promised. Until then, renew us each day by your Spirit. Let us be joyful witnesses for you! Amen. John 1:35-42 Lord Jesus, we praise you for humbling yourself to become like us, so that our deepest needs and longings can be satisfied. In THY MIGHT NAME. Amen. Luke 1:5-13 Lord, thank you for coming to bring relief amid the hopelessness we don't understand. Amen. Luke 1:11-19 Thank you, Lord, for comforting us when our disappointments are great, and for acting in surprising ways to bring joy and delight into our lives. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Luke 1:18-25 Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to undo the damages that sin has done in this world. Thank you for this beautiful story of healing and grace. Amen. Luke 1:26-33 Father, give us the wisdom to recognize that our frustrations do not mean you are absent. Help us to recognize that you work in wonderful ways, even when we experience trouble. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 1:31-35 Lord, help us trust in your plans and power when we are confused about things happening around us. May your will be done through us. Amen. Luke 1:31-38 Lord, work in my heart so that I am eager to do to your will. Work out the gift of salvation in my life so that I can be a blessing to others. In Christ JESUS MIGHTY name I pray. Amen. Luke 1:39-45 Father, we rejoice in the amazing love you have shown in redeeming and restoring us. Hallelujah! It is true, in Jesus! Amen. Luke 1:57-58, 67-79 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for standing against evil in order to redeem us from oppression and injustice. We rejoice in your precious name. Amen. Luke 2:1-7 Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to our unwelcoming world so that you could welcome us into your presence. Amen. Luke 2:8-14 Lord, we marvel at your welcoming grace. You welcome us into your presence, in spite of our guilt and shame. We are so blessed by your amazing love! Amen. Luke 2:15-16 Holy Spirit, move within my heart so that I am ready to leave behind anything that keeps me from pursuing your plans. May I fully experience the joy of serving and knowing you. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 2:16-18 Father, I admit that I am often reluctant to serve you, because I feel incapable of completing the great plans you have. Help me to realize that in serving you I am participating in a plan that will not fail. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 2:19-21 Holy Spirit, help us to recognize the good things you do in our lives, and transform our hearts so that we treasure the work you are doing in and through us. Amen. Luke 2:22-26 Lord God, be patient with us when we become frustrated and irritated by situations in our lives. Give us patience to wait for your good timing. Amen. Luke 2:25-32 Lord, open my eyes to see your salvation today, that I may be encouraged as I wait for your plans to be fulfilled. In Jesus Mighty. Amen. Luke 2:33-35 Lord, comfort us with your presence in times of trial, and hasten the day when the Fathers promises will all be fulfilled. Come, Lord Jesus come quickly! Amen. Luke 2:36-38 King of heaven, thank you that your concern for all of creation does not keep you from being concerned for each of us. In THY MIGHTY we pray. Amen. Matthew 1:18-21 Holy Spirit, give me wisdom so that I may know how best to respond to the difficult and trying times that I face in this sin-stained world. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 1:19-23 Father, grant us wisdom to discern where you are leading us, and courage to follow when our fears and apprehensions might urge us to walk away. Amen. Matthew 1:24-25 Holy Spirit, grant me the ability to discern when and where you are leading me. And please grant me the faith to obey your guidance. In Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen. Matthew 2:1-11 Father in heaven, keep me from having such a narrow view of your saving grace that I miss the wonderful things you are doing. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Matthew 2:7-12 Lord Jesus, give me the clarity to realize that my deepest longings can be satisfied only by your presence. In THY MIGHT NAME. Amen. Matthew 2:9-12 Heavenly Father, guide us around the pitfalls of life that can easily lead us astray. We trust in your unfailing promises. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. John 1:1-14 We praise you for your great plans and works of salvation, Lord Jesus. Help us to see the amazing love you have shown in coming to be with us to save us. Amen. Matthew 2:7-8 Lord Jesus, I belong to you. Help me to give up my selfish desires, as I realize the kind of submission you desire from me. I pray in your name. Amen. Matthew 2:13-15 Lord Jesus, let me know the comforting assurance of your presence as you challenge me with significant tasks for your kingdom. Amen. Matthew 2:16-23 We praise you for your power and wisdom, O Lord. Help us to find our security in you and in your ability to defeat all the powers that wish to do harm. In the name of our Savior, Jesus. Amen. Mark 1:1-8 Lord Jesus, help me to glimpse the kind of glory you are calling me to, so that I am ready to make a radical turn from the ways of this world, to embrace you. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Mark 1:9-15 Lord Jesus, with your Spirit stir my heart so that I too will participate in spreading your kingdom vision and renewing your world. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11-13 Lord, my life is in your hands. I praise you for the joys you have brought in the past year, and for the ways you refine me through the trials in my life. Prepare me to be part of your work in the year ahead. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 2 Timothy 1:12 Heavenly Father, we implore your grace and protection for this new year that is now upon us. Keep us temperate in our food and drink, and diligent in our various callings. Grant us patience under any affliction that you shall see fit to lay on us as well as minds content with our present condition. Give us grace to be just and upright in all our dealings, quiet and peaceable, full of compassion and ready to do good to all men according to our abilities and opportunities. We humbly ask all these through the merits and mediation of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Genesis 5:23,24 O God most high and holy, we come into your presence confessing that our offenses are many. Cleanse us, we pray, and take away every prejudice that hinders us from a clear view of ourselves. Your word declares that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Yet how blind we are to our own shortcomings and how quick to detect the shortcomings of others. Let Jesus be our example, and lead us in his steps. Give us his meekness and patience, his endurance, and his faithfulness even unto death. Whatever comes our way, be it evil or good, suffering or joy, let us walk with you and acknowledge your providence working for us. And with our confidence anchored in you, we shall walk through the valley of the shadow of death fearing no evil. Hear us for Jesus' sake. Amen. Matthew 6:6 O merciful Lord God, we beseech you to hear us now as we begin another year. Enable us to pray earnestly so that we may receive effectually and thereby gain a blessing. Give us that persevering determination of Jacob when we go to our closets to pray. Let us there wrestle with you until the sought-for blessing is gained. Uphold us by your Holy Spirit, lest we faint or grow weary because you do not answer at once. And though you may delay, yet an answer has never been denied to earnest and continued pleas, for the prayer of faith cannot be lost, cannot return void. But our faith is very weak, even when we think it strong. Help, therefore, our unbelief and be gracious to us, granting those mercies both temporal and spiritual that shall sustain us in our daily walk. And while we seek a benefit for ourselves, may we also seek to benefit and bless others, to do good unto all men. Let our prayers for each other be sincere and fervent, as if they were for ourselves. We pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our great high priest. Amen. Matthew 5:3-12 Heavenly Father, you have implanted in us parental instincts and commanded us to train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We feel our solemn responsibility in this task and ask that you would give us wisdom in discharging our duties. Let us not seek great things for them as to this world, but let our greatest prayer for them be their salvation, that they may live to please you and be numbered with your saints in glory everlasting. And may we guard against multiplying riches and leaving them incentives to pride, vanity, idleness, and sensuality. Enable us instead to lay up treasure in heaven, leaving behind an inheritance of godly prayers and examples of godly virtues. And by our example may we teach them that true happiness does not consist in a life free from trials and afflictions, but in exercising patience when calamities and reproaches are our portion, for your word declares that such patience will be blessed and rewarded in heaven. We pray in the name of Christ our Savior. Amen. Luke 7:36-39 Forgiveness, O good Lord, is your blessed attribute. You love to exercise mercy more than justice. You do not will that any should perish, but that all should come to you and be saved. Jesus, our great example, walked in the same spirit, being ready to forgive. Bring to our minds and hearts the great need we have of forgiveness, for we have often offended you in thought, word, and deed. And dare we come to you for pardon when we have not forgiven all who have offended us? Lord, open our eyes that we may read our hearts aright and see if our forgiveness of those who have offended us is sincere. And if any of them are yet unforgiven, this day lead us in the spirit of Jesus to forgive that one, even should he be our most bitter enemy. Let us pray that you would turn his heart, lest ruin follow on his iniquity. Implant such a love of you in our hearts that your love may influence all our dealings with our fellow men, and that peace may prevail and love abound, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Genesis 42:21-36 O Lord, you try the souls of sinful men by suffering, giving them bitter waters of affliction to drink and a cup of sorrow as their portion, that they may confess their guilt and turn to you in repentance and faith. Enable them to see the righteousness of their punishment, that you are a long-suffering God who does not take delight in the death of the wicked, and that they may come to you for salvation and not be turned away. Draw them this day by your Holy Spirit and grant them saving faith for Jesus' sake, in whose name we pray. Amen. Hebrews 11:6 Heavenly Father, we come now imploring you to hear our prayer, and may no labor on our part be too arduous if it assists us in drawing nigh to you. We confess that our hearts have been cold and dull in approaching your throne of grace, and we have not been surprised that our prayers have gone unanswered. Enable us, we pray, to enter your presence in faith, trusting in the blood of our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. You have commanded us to come for our own blessing, and have assured us that you will answer. Therefore accept us, because we come boldly according to your word, pleading the merits of your dear Son. Amen. Matthew 24:3 We come before your throne, O holy Lord God, knowing that you abhor sin and will punish the sinner. You are of purer eyes than to behold iniquity and will not excuse the guilty. Look upon us as we ask for pardon and peace, not for ourselves only but for our country also. Put away the filthy habits which abound, the pollution which cleaves to us. Show us our immorality in its true colors. Wake up the wicked from dreams of pleasure to the awful reality of justice and judgment to come. And for us who profess to be your disciples, enable us to put away every impure thought, to cease from every indecent expression, and to abstain from those abominable acts in which the scoffer and evil worker delight. Alas, we regard these things as light matters, and the blush of shame is almost unknown. Virtue among the people of this nation has become a bye-word. And yet, O Lord, will you not visit us for these things? Will you not be avenged on a nation like this? Oh let your mercy yet spare this nation a while longer and save us from the wrath to come, for we ask in the name of Jesus, our Savior and king. Amen. John 3:14, 15 O gracious Father, hear our cry! We confess that our hearts are deceitful and ever leaning to evil. They flatter us in thinking we are not as wicked as some of our neighbors, and they whisper peace to us when there is no peace. Alas, if you should mark iniquity, who can stand? But there is forgiveness with you, for Jesus has died on the cross to secure it. Enable us to seek it as we would a great treasure and to cleave to it as the anchor of hope.. Time is short, and the hours pass swiftly away. Year follows year, and we forget that now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. Let your Holy Spirit teach us this truth and so write it on our hearts that no pleasure of time or sense can blot it out. Then shall we walk in its remembrance and be secure through Christ, in whose all-prevailing name we pray. Amen. Proverbs 23:4-5 O eternal God, creator and governor of the universe, give us such a sense of your majesty and greatness that we may worship you with a humble heart. Keep us free from all idolatry, that no work of man might interfere with our duty to you. Preserve us from the love of riches, which eat as a cancer and are the root of all evil, and keep us from the desire for earthly honors, which occupy time and talents. Show us the hollowness of fame, for which men labor as for a good thing. We are too much tempted by the things of time and sense. Our natural hearts seek them rather than you, and our spirits cleave to them more than to you. We daily declare by our actions that we will not have you to rule over us, and yet at the same time confess that you are God in heaven above and in the earth beneath. O Lord, make our actions more conformable to our professions. Teach us how to acknowledge you as God alone, not merely by saying "Lord, Lord," but by doing your will, by giving you all our heart for the love of your dear Son, our Saviour and God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Proverbs 29:23 O God, you manifested your Son in the humble and lowly guise of man, and you placed him among the poor of this world that he might be our example. We would therefore pray that we would follow him in all things, but especially in humility, that most excellent and Christian grace. Help us toward the attainment of this gift, because it does not belong to man by nature. It does not spring from worldly philosophy or human wisdom, but it is only given by you, the author and giver of all good gifts. Humble us, for we have nothing of which we can boast, because we have nothing that we can call our own or that cannot be lost at any moment. Preserve us from pride, for we know that pride gives no rest but goes before destruction. Preserve us from all presumption and keep us in the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 Almighty Father and God, we rejoice before you in the light of another day, and acknowledge that it was solely by your mercy that we passed safely through the darkness of night. As the sun now goes forth to do your bidding, enable us to do the same. Lead and guide us that we may walk boldly, and yet carefully, as we go forth to the work appointed for us. And let us keep our eyes focused on the promised prize, an incorruptible heavenly crown, all the while keeping our body in subjection as we contend with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Be our companion, our friend and counselor this day, and keep us from sin for your dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ. Amen. Luke 22:66-71 O Almighty Lord God, our governor and preserver, let your face shine upon us and your Holy Spirit influence us while we pray. Speak peace to our souls, and take away whatever may hinder us from offering undivided service. We adore you, O Lord, as the supreme and only God. We worship you as the one to whom we owe everything, because we received everything from you. You have a claim upon our best service, though we can never fulfil what we owe nor perform what your law requires. Enable us to comprehend your nature and attributes, your majesty and power, in order that we may offer a spiritual worship. And to this end, give us an abiding faith in that mysterious union which binds three persons in one Godhead. Let not vain presumption lead us to deny that saving truth. Spare us, we plead, from such awful heresy, such daring impiety and sin, and keep us true and sincere worshipers of the triune God, for we pray in the name of our divine Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Psalm 119:71 Almighty God, you have been very merciful and gracious to us, though we have been unfaithful in loving you with all our heart and strength. So keep us from falling into the delusion that because we rose from our beds this morning in safety and are now in health and strength, therefore we are secure for this night and the morrow also. Who can tell whether adversity and affliction might not be our allotted portion then? Oh Father, grant us the humility to greet your providence with the confidence and humility that proves our love for you so that we may work with godly zeal to promote your glory, for the night is coming when no man can work. We ask in Christ's name. Amen. Ephesians 2:12, 13 O gracious God, we beseech you to illumine the hearts and minds of lost sinners to know the truth of your word, for they cannot learn it on their own, nor can the world teach it to them. Such knowledge comes from heaven. Open their eyes now to the glorious truth that Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Set forth this truth with convicting grace, that they might come to the foot of the cross and trust in his atonement for their salvation. And let us, your disciples, be instruments in so glorious a work, we pray, granting it for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Deuteronomy 34:5-6 O Lord God, you are the governor of the universe, ordering all things according to your good pleasure. Look upon us as a nation, we pray. We require your merciful protection, for vice abounds and iniquity threatens us with ruin. Love for you is very feeble, and few possess it. The desire for your honor is weak, and men have it not because they seek their own glory. You have mercifully revealed yourself to this nation by many acts and proofs of love, and we have been favored above all lands with the pure word of Scripture. In it we read of wise men who traveled a great distance to worship Jesus, the infant King of the Jews. And shall men of this nation, who possess their very own copy of the Bible, despise the Savior it reveals? Oh, enable all in authority to study that word and to walk and govern by the holy law which it imposes. Open their eyes to see that the best welfare of a nation can only be secured by governing in the faith and fear of you, and by taking the word of truth as the guide for every action. We ask for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and God. Amen. Prov. 1:9 O Lord, to you only belong mercies and forgiveness. From no other can salvation come. You are God in heaven above, which manifestly declares your glory, and you rule over all the earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Your eye surveys all things, and your mercy is over all your works. Oh, make us to rejoice that we are your workmanship, that it was you who fashioned us and who will not fail to preserve us! But above all, enable us to meditate upon that exceeding love shown to us, while we were yet sinners, in the death of Jesus. Make us fully sensible of it, and enable us to prove our gratitude for it by lives of holy and entire obedience. We confess that we can do nothing to compare with what you have done on our behalf, but all you ask we may give, even ourselves a living sacrifice unto you. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Luke 17:7-10 Almighty God, with what shall we come before you? How shall we give you the honor due your name? All that we have is unworthy of your regard, and our best offerings serve only to remind us how gracious you are in receiving them. You continue to bless us day to day and permit us to come into your presence because you delight in mercy, because your goodness is from everlasting to everlasting, and because, above all, you have respect for the sacrifice of your beloved Son, who gave himself a ransom for our souls, in whose name we offer this prayer. Amen. Psalm 119:97 O King eternal, immortal, and invisible, we bow before you through the mediation of the Lord Jesus, who washed us from our sins in his own blood. Though allowed to approach your divine majesty, make us never forget the humiliation and contrition which become such creatures as we are. We have merited your displeasure, and your righteousness would be completely justified in our destruction. Too often we have approached you with a presumptuous and careless familiarity, forgetting that you dwell in light inaccessible. Forgive us, we pray, and may this hour of devotion be filled with attention to your holy word. May no worldly things find room there. Amen. Jonah 4:6,7 O great and glorious God, you have created all things by your almighty hand and have sustained and ordered all by your wise and righteous providence. Your mercy is everlasting and extends over all your works. Who is able to express or conceive the exceeding riches of that grace and goodness which descends upon poor sinful creatures, men who deserve nothing but to be forsaken and abhorred by you? And yet we have repaid your love with unsuitable returns. Beside the guilt of our inbred corruption, we have willingly sinned against the light and teachings of the gospel. The Holy Spirit has striven with us, but we have remained stubborn. O Lord, do not forsake us utterly and grant no more of that grace which we have so greatly abused, no more of the Holy Spirit which we have so frequently refused. Do that work of grace upon our hearts that we may have cause to give you praise and glory to all eternity. We ask in Christ's name. Amen. John 6:35 Gracious Father, we bring before your throne of grace those who are yet unsaved. They have no due sense of their danger and are blind to the eternal ruin that must be their just portion unless they find pardon in that Savior who sits at your right hand. Open their eyes to see their lost condition. Send them convicting grace that they may repent and turn to Jesus, lest in the darkness of this night they are taken unawares and perish in their sins. And give us, your disciples, an earnest zeal to share the good news with them. Your word declares that the fields are ripe for harvest; yet we all too often sit with our hands folded as if there were nothing to do. Give us the compassion of Jesus, who saw the lost as sheep without a shepherd. Let us labor today to bring them into the fold, because the night is coming when no man can work. We pray in the name of Jesus, our great High Priest. Amen. James 3:5-8 O Lord most holy and merciful, we come before you with grateful hearts, for although we are but dust and ashes and weak and miserable, you have given us the means and aids by which we may be accepted at your throne of grace. We therefore come pleading the merits and sufficiency of your Son and our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. This day will bring trials and temptations to prove our love for you. Shield and guide us throughout its every hour. Hold back our hands from every evil deed, let not our tongues speak lies, keep our thoughts from foolishness, and enable us to do all to your glory, and to do it with all our might. Thank you for your never-ceasing fatherly care. Grant that we may be ever conscious of it. We ask in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Mark 6:31 O everlasting God, our Rock and Guide, you have always been the defense of your people in the hour of danger. You have been their refuge in every trial and their stronghold when temptation assailed. When blackness comes upon their fainting souls through sorrow or affliction, you love to shed beams of mercy upon them. When any are weary, you delight to lead and support them. Your mercy guides them to the waters of comfort where they find rest. We acknowledge with gratitude your ever present help, and humbly ask that you give us perfect satisfaction in our earthly lot, utmost confidence in your divine providence, and a patient waiting for Jesus Christ's return, when he will come in the full glory of his Father, with his angels, to establish his kingdom here on earth. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and our Intercessor through whom we come before your throne of grace. Amen. Luke 10:30-34 Heavenly Father, you are the God of all grace. We ask now that you would endue us with wisdom that we may use our time wisely, not as our own but as yours, so that we may be prepared at the last to render an account of our stewardship. Give us godly dispositions in conformity with our Savior's, that we may be meek, kind, forgiving, patient, and faithful. Teach us the forbearance that suffers long, which is your gift, the desire for our neighbor's best welfare, which is the Christian's mark, and the obedience that shows we are Christ's disciples indeed. Opportunities abound in which we may bring glory to you. Let us not allow them to pass by unnoticed, but accept them as the paths to spiritual blessing. We ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 2 Timothy 2:15 O Lord God almighty, in whose hands are the issues of life and death, we ask that you bless our President and direct him by your Spirit that he may seek your glory in his administration and adorn the doctrine of God his Savior in all things. Give to our elected representatives and senators wisdom and discretion, opening to them your law as the rule of every action and their guide in every council, for it must witness for or against them hereafter. Let their decisions be based upon the best and surest foundations in order that peace, happiness, truth, justice and piety may be established among us for all generations, and that your name may be magnified in this land and made known by us far and wide for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and God. Amen. Titus 2:11-14 O Lord and Savior, while on earth you declared in plain but powerful language what was required to do your will. But man has refused to see the broad distinction between vice and virtue, right and wrong, sin and holiness. He continues in sin thinking his ignorance will absolve him when he comes before your bar of eternal justice. Send him convicting grace, we pray, that he may know that if he does not walk according to your righteous law he must be cut off, and that without remedy. O blessed Savior, your love is yet great, your mercy is still abundant, and your power is still sufficient to save all who come to you for salvation. And as for us your disciples, your word is still true that the fields are white and ready for harvesting. Make us, therefore, zealous laborers for you. Amen. Galatians 5:22, 23 O Lord God Almighty, let your Holy Spirit bear witness with our spirits that we are children of God. Impart to us the fullness of your Spirit that we may bring forth love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness, long-suffering, patience, and temperance. Grant that we may so copy the example of our Savior as to be the letters of Christ, known and read of all men. Teach us, dear Father, to live so that we may glorify you, who has bought us with a price of such amazing value--the blood of your own Son, Jesus, in whom we offer this prayer. Amen. Proverbs 25:21,22 O Lord our God, we beseech you to increase our faith, hope, and love. By faith may we ever see Jesus as our mediator and intercessor, trusting in him as the only sure anchor for our souls both now and for eternity. Enlarge our hope by giving it a greater confidence in your promises and providence. Let us not be cast down nor dismayed when the path seems dark, let us not be anxious over our earthly cares, and let nothing darken that bright gleam on which we have set our eyes, the return of our Savior in power and great glory. And let not love, that greatest gift, fail within. Teach us how it suffers long and is kind. Show it to us in all its excellence and beauty by enabling us to meditate on the love of Christ, who reconciled us to himself when we were yet enemies. Make us understand it as a divine emanation of the triune God. Teach us by sweet experience that all your paths are pleasantness, and all your ways peace. And uphold us against temptation that we may glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Matthew 6:25-26 O God, from time to time you have proved and tried those who are yours by sore afflictions. From your devout worshipers you have taken houses, lands, friends, or health to see if they looked more to the Creator than to man, and to make them proofs before an evil world of the power of faith and the strength of grace. We beseech you to look upon us in mercy and compassion, and give us such a measure of your grace that we may learn to be content with what we have. May we bless and praise you because you have not visited us with the calamities and distresses which abound on every side. Let us remember to confess before an unbelieving world that the absence of pain, sorrow, and distress is a blessing beyond our liveliest gratitude to acknowledge as we ought. And let no complaints arise among us, but rather keep us kindly sympathetic to one another in brotherly love, bearing and forbearing even as did Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer and God, in whose name we now plead. Amen. Mark 14:41 Gracious Father, awaken us, we pray, from the paralyzing delusion that we may sit with our arms folded and our minds at ease, having nothing to do this day for you. Rouse us now, while we have energy to stir, to a sense of our danger from the enemy who roams tirelessly about seeking whom he may devour. Impress upon us the solemn and startling truth that it was anger kindled by our sins that led our Savior to the cross, and that only through his merits can we behold your holiness and glory. We confess with shame of face that our hearts have been cold and dull when reading of the cost of our redemption. We have been guilty of wandering thoughts when we should be shedding tears as we hear of the agony of him who propitiated your wrath against us. Pardon us, we plead, for such sinful neglect, and give us a burning desire to live for Christ and to share the good news that he died for sinners, for we ask in his name. Amen. Psalm 23:4 O Lord God, who is like you, full of mercy, tenderness, and compassion? You know our infirmities and pity us because we are weak and frail. You sustain us because we cannot stand alone. You have wrought out a redemption for us because we could not redeem ourselves. You provide food, clothes, and all things necessary, even though our thoughts are not on you. You preserve us from danger and distress and are ever near to help and defend, though we neglect to return grateful thanks. O pardon our blind ignorance, our presumptuous rebellion, our daring folly, and open our eyes to see your favor working for us in every event, your providence directing all things for our welfare. And may we keep them in remembrance that they may sustain us during times of trial or affliction, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We ask in Christ's name. Amen. Proverbs 12:16 Heavenly Father, your eyes behold the righteous and your ears are open to their prayers. Mold us in accordance with your holy law, and set before us the perfect example of Jesus, who went about doing good, and by patient endurance met sufferings keen and many. Give us grace to refrain our tongue from speaking evil, and make us especially careful lest we be moved to angry words, vain language, or unprofitable conversation, for we are warned that every idle word shall witness against us. Restrain us by your good Spirit, and perfect us according to the perfection of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Matthew 6:20 O Lord, we know that you will not hear the prayer of the hardened sinner, he whose heart is set on wickedness. Nor will you receive the prayer of the hypocrite, he who is a Christian in name only, who approaches you in the attitude of prayer but with words only. And yet we who are your disciples must confess that we have kneeled in your presence unprepared to make an acceptable offering. We have come without self-examination, without serious thought, as if we had only to bend the knee and bow the head and repeat a set form of words and all would be peace. Lord, you are merciful and long-suffering, and therefore we pray for pardon. Let your mercy in Christ Jesus blot out our sins, and let your love for him extend to us that we may repent of our ways and walk in that newness of life purchased for us at the cross. Bless and keep us, that we all may exclaim with the Psalmist, "God has heard me and considered the voice of my prayer. Praise be to God who has not cast out my prayer nor turned his mercy from me." In mercy grant this for our Savior's sake, Jesus Christ. Amen. Psalm 39:7-10 O Lord, to whom the outpouring of a contrite and humble heart is acceptable, we confess that we have too frequently sinned by thought, word, and deed. Yet having done so wickedly, we have not at all been ashamed. When shame should have covered our face, we have stood upright. And having been so bold to challenge you by our sin, we nevertheless venture into your presence as if you had nothing against us! O Lord, be merciful unto us and forgive. Blot out our offenses and remember our sins no more. Make us to walk in the light of your countenance, to rejoice in your favor, and to receive your blessings as great and undeserved mercies. Above all things, humble us in our own eyes by taking away that thick veil which hides your holiness and purity, and our own sin and defilement. Amen. Matthew 20:1-10 O God, yours is the kingdom, power belongs to you, and we must work according to your bidding. Vain is all the wisdom of man to countermand your counsels and useless is the strength of man to oppose your designs. You have declared your will, and you shall do it; your word must come to pass. The earth is yours, the sea also, and the heavens are the work of your hands. What then is man that you are mindful of him? We are as dust in the balance, as chaff before the wind. You spoke and we were made. At your call we return to dust again. Make us reflect upon this truth in deep abasement, that we no more walk high and proudly, no more boast in wealth, health, or any earthly possession, that we no longer value our power to do any work or deed better than our neighbor. In your sight we are all miserable, ignorant, foolish, and vain, except as we stand in Christ's righteousness, who propitiated your wrath at the cross of Calvary. Hear us now through his merits and intercession for us. Amen. Deuteronomy 29:29 O merciful Father, hear us now as we bring our petitions, for we come through the blood of your dear Son, Christ Jesus, who glorified your name in his death. We think upon his ignominious death, recognizing that it is only through faith in its efficacy that we can come before your throne of grace. May we meditate often on the hour of our Savior's agony, for it was our sins that added to its weight and accumulated fresh sorrows on his head. Turn our eyes to Calvary that we may there behold his innocent hands pierced with cruel nails, a sad return for the healing touch they often gave. There will we see his brow crowned in thorns and hear the heartless mockery of those who had heard his lips speak peace. Let your Holy Spirit kindle us to heavenly musings, rousing us from the dullness of indifference to meditate on the love which could endure such suffering for rebellious man. Hear our prayer, heavenly Father, for we ask all in the name of Jesus, who washed us from our sins in his own blood. Amen. Philippians 4:11-13 O Lord our God, you are more glorious than we are able to express or conceive. You do not need the services of men or angels to add in the least to your glory and happiness. Yet you are pleased to give us commands that we may serve you. You humble yourself to take notice of the worship of angels above. How great then is your condescension to look down upon us poor sinful creatures whose foundation is in the dust. Our desire is to bring glory to you. Regulate our unruly passions, purify our corrupt affections, and convert all the faculties of our soul to be instruments of your glory. And enable us to finish our course with joy and be received into your glory, for we claim on our behalf the all-sufficient merits of our blessed Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Psalm 1:2 O Lord, you have brought us safely to the beginning of another day. May we walk through it in the light of your countenance, striving to please and serve you in every act we do, every word we say, and every thought we indulge. May we struggle against every known error, every captivating sin, and seek the Holy Spirit's aid to strengthen us, lest temptation come and we fall. May we meditate much on the life of Jesus, who was tempted even as we are. Let each thought of him animate our zeal, increase our hope, and give us new energy and determination to walk with him. We know trials will come, but they are meant to produce valuable fruit in us. They are essential for learning patience and mortifying the flesh with its innumerable lusts. In every affliction and trial, enable us to cleave to Jesus as the only anchor of hope in this world of storms and difficulties. And if you have been pleased to keep us from the more vexing trials of life and have granted peace and quiet as our portion, let us recognize your mercy to us and be truly grateful. We ask all in the name of our great Redeemer, Christ Jesus. Amen. Proverbs 20:22 O God most holy, everlasting, and true, take each heart and mold and fashion it that it may be holy unto you. Let it be the fountain of good to others, bringing forth things acceptable in your sight. Impress upon our hearts and minds the need for patient endurance. Too often we are led astray by the evil one and are guilty of seeking revenge upon those who have offended us. Grant that we may be on our guard, lest the revenge we harbor in our heart burst forth to our shame and bring reproach upon your name. Enable us to live ever ready to render an account of our stewardship worthy of one of your disciples. Hear us now, for we pray in the name of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 1 John 1:8 Gracious Father, awaken us, we pray, from the paralyzing delusion that we may sit with our arms folded and our minds at ease, having nothing to do this day for you. Rouse us now, while we have energy to stir, to a sense of our danger from the enemy who roams tirelessly about seeking whom he may devour. Impress upon us the solemn and startling truth that it was anger kindled by our sins that led our Savior to the cross, and that only through his merits can we behold your holiness and glory. Strengthen us by your Holy Spirit that our penitence this day may be sincere, and sanctify us that we may glorify the triune God in all we do. We offer these petitions in the name of our precious Redeemer, Christ Jesus. Amen. Hosea 11:1-11 O God most merciful and mighty, you have in your own hands the spirits of all mankind, molding them as seems good to you. Take our spirits and fashion them to the likeness of Jesus, who took our nature upon him that he might teach us man's duty and responsibility. In his human nature he walked through this evil world as we do, subject to temptations, suffering from poverty, and despised by his own people whom he came to save. He bore reproach, all undeserved, and unkindness where love should have abounded. Yet he was kind, patient, forgiving, ready to help in every hour of distress, calling all to come to repentance. Help us to do this work also, for the fields are ripe for harvest. Give us a godly zeal to spread the good news of salvation to both Jew and Gentile, and then grant them saving faith that all may be heirs together of an eternal inheritance. Amen. John 16:33, 1 John 2:15-16 O God most holy, we now offer our prayer through our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Accept us for his sake, and let your blessing accompany us throughout this day. Enable us to walk as those who prize so precious a gift. We know this day will bring temptations and trials, but strength to withstand and grace to overcome is ours if we only flee to the fountain of all good things. We may be overtaken by sorrow, but we shall be able to bear it with your help. Disappointments may surround us, but we should not be discouraged, for an eternal kingdom of joy awaits us. And if some looked-for pleasure eludes us, let us not grieve for having missed a shadow when we have before us the boundless substance. Raise us, we pray, above the things of time and sense that we may learn that we are appointed to work out in time a salvation which is for all eternity, the purchased gift of your dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Exodus 20:8 O Lord God, accept our thanks for the privilege of meeting together for another Sabbath service. Strengthen us to walk according to all the precepts we this day have heard and to lay to heart the warnings of your ministers. Grant each one of us such a spirit of holy, teachable submission that we may receive with meekness and affection your word, which is able to save our souls. And may we take seriously the value of time, to whom it belongs and for what purpose it is lent to us. Enable us to see that it is a talent given to promote the glory of the giver, and one which we must restore to him at the last day with interest, or otherwise suffer with the unprofitable servant. Yea Lord, impress this upon us, for we must confess that though our days be short, yet we do not use them as we might. We dream hours away and waste precious minutes in vain and profitless speculation. Hear our confession, we pray, granting us pardon for the past and strength for the time to come, for we ask in Christ's name. Amen. Psalm 119:75 O God, give us that spirit of lowliness which was in Christ Jesus. Our hearts rebel against subjection, and we exercise authority as if we were all-powerful. When good things increase, our spirits are all the more lifted up in pride. Remove from our minds this delusion of meritorious service, we pray. Teach us that the more we have the more humble we ought to be, for as our gifts are multiplied so is our dependence upon you, the gracious and only giver. We are tempted to boast in the possession of this world's goods. Teach us to use them as your merciful gifts. Make us to always remember that a misuse is but a call for you to take them from us. And when you do so visit us, when you bring affliction, distress, or sorrow, enable us to examine ourselves and learn why your providence has so dealt with us. Yet give us grace to do this in faith, with a full assurance that it was for our good. Let us not complain and mistrust the God who corrects those whom he loves. We ask all this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:19 O gracious God, you have preserved us through the darkness of another night that you might heap fresh benefits upon us. Help us this day to bring glory to you, for we know that soon the time will come when we shall bend the knee before you for the last time here on earth. The day is not far distant when our house shall be no longer a home to us, when our friends can no longer soothe, when death is at the door. Prepare us for that day when the Master comes, that he may find us with our loins girded, our lamps burning, and a joyous welcome on our lips. Hear us and answer for your dear Sons' sake, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen. Matthew 12:34 Most holy God, we again bow our knees before you with contrition of heart and deep sorrow for our numerous sins. We confess them before you with a saddening knowledge of our insufficiency to help ourselves, and a depressing sense of our weakness and inability to fulfill the requirements of your most holy law. Open our eyes to behold ourselves in the nakedness of our nature, in that corruption in which we were born. It is a corruption from which we never can be free while in this earthly tabernacle, but which will not be counted against us if only we flee to Christ for salvation. Let us clothe ourselves in his righteousness, and then, wearing it as a garment, all men shall see that we are your disciples indeed. Make us to understand and appreciate the value of his inestimable gift, to see it as more precious than gold or silver, more valuable than all the blessings and comforts and possessions of this life. Endue us with power from above to go and search for it as for hid treasure, to seek it with diligence and zeal, and never to rest until we find it. And having found it, make us steadfast to the end, rejoicing that we are counted worthy through Christ to sit at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Amen. 2 Peter 1:20 O Lord, in your word we read that you try the faith of your saints by suffering, often giving them bitter waters of affliction to drink and a cup of sorrow as their portion, that the world may know the power of grace and the strength of faith, which are your great and merciful gifts. Help us to accept them as coming from your hand, and let them work to keep us more closely in your way. And when you spare us, preserving health, strength, and the enjoyments of life, let us not forget to thank you, our bountiful Giver, by dedicating ourselves anew to the study of your holy word, for therein are the words of life eternal. We ask in the precious name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for us that we might live for Him. Amen. John 13:5 Gracious Father, you love the humble one who comes to you. Make us understand the service you would have us do and feel it as a delight. Enable us to seek to be engaged in it as our best occupation, and to promote it as our highest interest. Lead us to search after the spirit which marked the every act of him who went before us as an example, who taught with authority yet was obedient in all things. And as we hope to serve our Lord in heaven, teach us to serve him here on earth, and to rejoice that we are granted the privilege of doing so. Hear our prayer for Jesus Christ's sake, our great intercessor. Amen. Genesis 1:2 O eternal God, your power is seen in every place, your majesty in every work. Open our lips to speak the praises of your name, to tell of your wonders day by day. The earth, the sun, the animal creation, and man himself are living witnesses to your omnipotence, your omniscience, and your omnipresence. Grant that we may sing your praises to the end of our days, for we ask in Jesus' name. Amen. John 19:30 O blessed Lord and Savior, Son of the living God, you indeed are God, and as God you were manifested in the flesh. We know that on the confession of this truth depends life eternal, and that its belief can exist only as the gift of the Holy Spirit. Enable us to say with holy confidence and unwavering faith, "You, O Lord, are our God forever and ever, holy and reverend is your name." For that great multitude who cannot confess this truth, set before them in its awful reality that great day which is coming, when every knee shall bow and every tongue constrained to own you as Lord and God. Will they be among those who obeyed your bidding and will remain among the glorious company of the redeemed, or will they be among the hard-hearted who refused to have you reign over them and must depart as accursed into perdition? Open their ears to hear your gentle persuasive reasonings that they may turn to you in penitence and seek you by prayer. Amen. Isaiah 55:9 O Lord, who orders all events in heaven and earth, who makes every event of life subservient to your own glory and to the good of your creation, we ask that you give us eyes to see your hand directing and your power controlling all we do to this end. Enable us to see how even the works of the devil and the sins and follies of the world further the great end of your providential dealings in the salvation of men. Direct us continually to a prayerful consideration of each occurrence as it befalls us, and make us to draw from it instruction in the way of holiness, to read in it another proof of your mercy and goodness, and then to praise your glorious name. Be gracious to us for Christ's sake, now and ever. Amen. 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23 To you, O God, belong mercies and forgiveness. Though we have not obeyed your voice nor walked according to your law, yet you are long suffering. Your mercy is great and over all your works. Keep us, we pray, that we stumble not and fall. Shelter us from the storms and support us through the trials of life. Strengthen us by faith to meet the ills which cleave to humanity, and to bear up against the sorrows that overtake us. Prepare us for your chastisements, for they are proofs of your goodness and love. Above all things, keep us from pride and presumption, from a haughty spirit. Show us the folly, weakness, and sin of boasting in any human power or attainment, which pass away at the breath of your displeasure, which cannot stand if you speak the word "Return." But if we will boast, let it be that we are saved by grace alone, a free gift to us but purchased at great cost to yourself. Amen. Proverbs 12:18 O Lord, your mercy has brought us to the morning of another day and to the active duties of another week. Enable us to perform them not in our own strength, not by the power of our own arm or by the wisdom of human ingenuity, but solely in reliance upon you. Bless our labors by giving us that honest industry which can bear the scrutiny of your searching eye, by enabling us to treat our fellow workers with kindness, and by making us very diligent, patient, and zealous in all things to which we put our hands, remembering that for them all we must one day give an account to you. Grant that we may be blessed with the happy and comforting assurance that you will accept us, because your glory was our objective, your work our delight, and to do our Father's business our first aim. Bless us for Jesus' sake we pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 3:18 We pray to you, O most holy Lord, our God and King. You are over all your works, directing all things. Your superintending providence keeps all nature in its place and gives to all its harmony and power. Of all your creation, it is man only, whom you have endued with your most excellent gifts, who opposes your designs and thwarts his Maker's will. It is man only who refuses to obey despite your warnings, promises, and care. You speak in the thundering of your wrath, but he will not heed. You appeal to him by gentle proofs of love and kindness, but he will not hear. You point to a crucified Redeemer as his example and strength, but he will have none of your counsel. He values not a Savior's life or work. He will stubbornly turn to himself, obeying the deceitful dictates of his own heart, thinking only of how he may promote his own interests. Oh, open his eyes and enlighten his conscience, we plead, that he may repent and be converted through the blood of the great Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. And for us your disciples, grant that we may always keep our eyes and thoughts directed to the great work Jesus has done in providing an atonement for our sins, and that each day we may become more like our Saviour, in whose name we pray. Amen. Romans 12:1 O God, how mercifully you have dealt with sinful man. You urge him day by day to accept the salvation which your Son, your only Son, has bought at so dear a cost to you. Your providence has kept him from danger, preserved him from evil, and warded off disease. Your holy word tells of your love and mercy to him, salvation being its design and happiness its promised end. Yet he seeks worldly pleasures, which give no satisfaction. He builds on worldly hopes, which slip from under him as a sandy foundation. Your words, "Why will you die?" should ring in his ears, but they do not. Your exceeding earnestness that you do not delight in the death of the wicked should arouse him to serious, instant consideration, but it does not. O Lord, enable him to consider his state, and then draw him by the cords of your love that he may come to you and be clothed in the righteousness of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. 1 Chronicles 28:9 Almighty God, whose ears are always open to the petitions of your humble servants, unto you do we lift up our souls. Let a sense of your presence abide with us this day. May we set you always before us, remembering that it is you, O God, who sees us. And since all hearts are open before you, and all desires known and no secrets hid, we pray that you would cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love and magnify your holy name. And to the only wise God our Savior be glory, and majesty, dominion and power, forever and ever. Amen. Matthew 10:31 Heavenly Father, we implore your grace and protection for this new day that is now upon us. Keep us temperate in our food and drink, and diligent in our various callings. Grant us patience under any temptation or affliction that you shall see fit to lay on us this day, for we acknowledge that your providence has in times past preserved us through many dangers of which we were unaware, dangers to both body and soul. And give us grace to be just and upright in all our dealings, quiet and peaceable, full of compassion and ready to do good to all men according to our abilities and opportunities. We humbly ask all these through the merits and mediation of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:5 O Lord, you have taught us in your word to be careful to maintain good works. Let us not disregard this solemn precept, but seal it upon our hearts and set our consciences to obey it both in spirit and letter. We have been taught that you are a rewarder of those who trust in you. But we confess that much we have done has been in utter neglect of you, without an eye to your glory. Our deeds have been only dead works, unfruitful and unprofitable actions. And yet by our works are we to be judged. Oh, let your Holy Spirit bring this solemn truth home to us now. We acknowledge that you can raise those who are dead in trespasses and sins, so for Jesus' sake go with us now and sanctify all our doings. Put into our hearts good desires and keep them alive for the glory of the triune God. Amen. Romans 13:14 O eternal God, who dwells in light unapproachable, who reigns in heaven ordering all things, who sends his blessed angels to do his bidding, hear us now as we approach your throne of grace. Enable us to be as anxious to do your bidding as the angels. Give us a hearty zeal to promote your honor and glory among all whom we meet. If we should ask ourselves, "What have I done this day for you, how much have I given myself to you in thought, word, or deed, how often have I brought glory to your name," we must bow our heads in shame. Be merciful to us and pardon our weakness of faith, our deadness of spirit, our coldness of service. Let us make no provision for the lusts of the flesh, but let us call upon the aid of your Holy Spirit. And in all we do to glorify your name, keep us humble in its remembrance, knowing that having done all, we are still unprofitable servants, unable to stand before you except in the shadow of our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Genesis 1:1-5; 2:2-3 Thank you, God, for your good creation. Open our eyes to see the brilliance and beauty of everything you have made, and to rest in the knowledge of your care for the world you created. In your name we pray. Amen. Psalm 33:1-11 Creator God, the stars and the seas declare your goodness and love. By your Holy Spirit, help us do the same. Amen. Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare your glory, Almighty God. Speak your Word into our hearts so that our words and thoughts are also pleasing to you. In the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. John 1:1-14 Word of God, speak to us. Thank you for being there in the beginning, and thank you for speaking still today. Help us to hear your voice of grace and truth. Amen. Genesis 3:1-15 Father, our sin has broken our world and our relationship with you. We long for something new, yet we hide from you. Let us hear your voice and know again the joy of fellowship with you. Amen. Jeremiah 2:4-13 Father, forgive my rebellion. Take away my idols. Keep me from wandering and exchanging you for so much less. Capture my attention with your glory and love, through Jesus. Amen. Ecclesiastes 4:1-12 Father, when we are lonely, let us seek your presence through Jesus Christ. Remind us that when you are with us, we are never alone. Amen. Matthew 26:6-13 Lord Jesus, you left heaven to become poor for our sake. May we also be willing to enter the struggles of the poor in our midst and to serve them with the riches of the gospel. Amen. Matthew 9:35-38 Compassionate God, we are often worn and weary. We need your help and hope. Restore us through the good news of Jesus, and guide us and others to share his message. Amen. Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Heavenly Father, we are stuck without you. Every day brings new evidence that nothing in us really changes. We are broken people in a broken world. Help us. Change us, for Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. Isaiah 40:21-31 Lord, so often we grow weary. Pick us up and renew our strength, we pray, so that we may put our hope in you, with whom there is no equal. Amen. Jeremiah 31:31-34 A new heart, a new hope—what a promise, Lord! Set within us hearts that know you and serve you, through Jesus Christ. Amen. Mark 1:21-28 Jesus, you rule over all things by your Word and Spirit. Enter our lives with your authority today, we pray. Amen. John 2:1-11 Fill us with joy, heavenly Father. Let us see your glory, find delight in you, and put our faith in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. John 13:1-17, 34-35 Thank you, Lord Jesus, for showing us love in a new way. Thank you for dying so that we can be cleansed from sin. Help us to love others as you have loved us. Amen. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Lord, I remember; I believe that you died for me. You gave up your perfect life so that I could live. May your death renew me for life with you today. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Thank you, God! You have given us the victory through Jesus Christ so that death no longer has power over us. Show us the strength to live through you today, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. 1 Peter 1:3-12 Living God, we praise you for the gift of hope. May the life of the risen Christ inspire us to hope and confidence today, even in the midst of our struggles. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Lord Jesus, grant us the grace and strength we need for each day, and may we show your love to all who struggle. Amen. Isaiah 43:16-21 God of new beginnings, thank you for a fresh start in Christ. Help us to leave behind our sin and to live joyfully for him. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Psalm 40:3 Father, thank you for the words and music that express your greatest gift—the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Put the song of salvation in our mouths as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Romans 6:1-14 Lord, I believe that you suffered death for my sake and rose again to give eternal life. Break the power of sin in me. Give me hope even in the face of the grave. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Father, I praise you! You know every weakness and sin in me, yet for Jesus’ sake you see me as righteous. Deepen my trust in Jesus, so that I may live as an ambassador for him. In his name, Amen. Ephesians 4:17-32 Holy Spirit, show me my new self. Help me to see how you are making me new. Make me more like Christ in this new year. Amen. 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Lord Jesus, give us confidence. Help us to face the needs and problems around us with the hope of our Savior’s competence. In your name, Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen. Colossians 1:15-23 Give us a vision, Father, of the glory of Jesus Christ. Show us the awesome grace of our connection to him by faith. Make the story of his victory first in our lives. Amen. Isaiah 62:2 Thank you, Father, for delighting in us. Remind us of the new name that is ours by grace, and help us to rest in your unceasing work to make us objects of your praise. Amen. Romans 8:18-27 Holy Spirit, show me how Christ’s life is being revealed in me right now. Hear my complaints, and turn them into praise. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Revelation 5:9 Lord Jesus, you are worthy. You are the Living One. Your resurrection has brought new life to a dying creation. Give me words, too, to join in the chorus of praise to you. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Isaiah 65:17-25 Father, show us where you are renewing both us and our world by the work of Jesus. Amen. Revelation 21:1-14, 22-27 God of creation and eternity, let me glimpse your finished work. Fill my heart with excitement as I see your new creation. And in your grace make me, too, new in Christ. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Isaiah 9:1-7 Jesus, Prince of Peace, fill us with peace as we serve you and anticipate your coming again to reign in shalom forever. Amen. Matthew 1:1-17 O Lord, you are the God of our spiritual ancestors. Through them we see the continuing promise of your love, fulfilled in your Son, Jesus, the Son of David. Amen. Isaiah 7:10-17 Jesus, Immanuel, we take comfort in your presence in our lives and our world today. Even so, we pray, come again and make all things right. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25 O Jesus, your name and your life proclaim that “the Lord saves”! Thank you for your redeeming, transforming love, and help us to bring that love into the world today. Amen. John 1:43-51 Jesus of Nazareth, forgive us when we fail to see who you really are. Help us to recognize you today as King of kings and Lord of lords, and to share you with the world. Amen. Mark 1:1-8 Lord Jesus, Messiah, you are the one chosen by God to be our Savior. Help us today to live in gratitude and trust for all you have done for us. In your name, Amen. Matthew 2:1-12 Jesus, King of the Jews and of all peoples, we bow down before you like the Magi did. By your mercy and grace, help us to worship you in every area of our lives. Amen. Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17 Jesus, God’s beloved Son, by taking on the shame of our sin, you have made us God’s children. Help us today to please you and the Father, to your glory. Amen. Matthew 4:1-11 Son of God, pioneer and perfecter of our faith, help us to hear the Father’s voice and to trust you in resisting the temptations we face today and every day. Amen. Matthew 8:18-22 Lord Jesus, you have given your all for us. Help us by your Spirit’s power to give our all for you. We ask this not because we are worthy but because of your love for us. In your precious name we pray. Amen. Luke 2:1-18 Dearest Lord Jesus, in your humble state we often fail to see you for who you are, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Savior. Help us to see you in all of your glory and mercy. Amen. John 1:1-18 Jesus, the Word, we thank you for pitching your tent right where we are. You have shown how much you love us. Help us to love and serve you in all we do. Amen. John 6:25-35 Jesus, bread of life, feed us till we want no more, that we may do your will today and every day. Amen. John 8:12-18 Jesus, light of the world, shine your radiant light in the dark corners of our lives. Draw us closer to yourself and our Father in heaven. Let us shine in this dark world for you. Amen. John 10:1-10 O Jesus, gate to heavenly peace, by your Spirit’s power, lead us to abundant life in God our Father, and make us into a gateway by which others can know you. Amen. John 10:11-18 Jesus, thank you for being our good shepherd. Help us to listen and respond to your voice and your leading today. Amen. John 11:17-27 Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life, and in you we have new life and the hope of eternal life. Work in our hearts and lives today as we serve you and look forward to spending eternity with you. Amen. John 14:1-14 Holy Spirit, work in our hearts today. Help us to trust in Jesus as “the way and the truth and the life.” Help us to live with confidence because of who he is. Amen. John 15:1-8 Jesus, you are the true vine, and we are your branches. By your grace and through the Holy Spirit, keep us connected to you so that we produce fruit that glorifies your Father. Amen. Luke 2:22-35 Jesus, our consolation, only you can provide true comfort. Through your life and death, you have made us alive. Help us to live in such way that we draw the world to you. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 1 John 2:1-2 Jesus, our advocate before the Father, help us in gratitude and in humility to bend to your will today. Help us to honor you in a world that needs to receive your grace. Amen. Ephesians 2:11-22 Jesus, in and through you as our cornerstone, we belong to your church here at home and around the world. By your grace, help us to be your presence wherever we are. Amen. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 Lord Jesus, our spiritual rock, help us to trust you as our only source of strength and to follow you in loving service today and always. Amen. Ephesians 4:1-16 Dear Jesus, you are the head of your body, the church. Help each of us, wherever we are, scattered throughout the earth, to submit to your authority and to cherish and support all of your parts, our brothers and sisters in Christ. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Hebrews 12:1-3 Lord Jesus, we take great comfort and confidence in you as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Help us to follow you courageously today in obedience and loving service. Amen. Numbers 24:15-19 Jesus, bright Morning Star, shine in our lives. By THY Spirit’s power, help us to shine for you in the world till you come again. Amen. Revelation 1:1-8 Jesus, you are the faithful witness of God’s truth, both in your words and in the gift of your life. Help us also to be your faithful witnesses today with our words and our lives. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Revelation 22:12-13 Jesus, we worship and adore you as Alpha and Omega. By your Spirit’s power, help us to lay our lives before you and serve you today and every day. Amen. Mark 8:31-38 Lord Jesus, you gave your life on the cross to pay for our sins and to give us new life. Teach us how to take up our crosses as we journey through Lent this year. In your name we pray. Amen. Jeremiah 6:16-17 Lord, show us the ancient paths, the way back to you, and how to follow your leading to eternal life, through Christ and by your Spirit. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Mark 3:13-19 Lord Jesus, give us the desire to be with you every day. Make us conscious that we’re always in your presence, and help us to live accordingly. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 24:13-19 Heavenly Father, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to burn with faith and joy today as we walk and talk with Jesus. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 24:17-27 Lord Jesus, explain your Word to us and guide us to study it, that we may be faithful, impassioned disciples. Amen. Luke 24:28-32 Spirit of the living God, set our hearts on fire today. Renew our faith and feed our souls as we practice the life of discipleship. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Psalm 42:1-8; John 4:7-14 We are parched, Lord, desperately thirsty for the living water found only in you. By your Word and the well of the Holy Spirit, satisfy our thirsty souls today, we pray. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. John 2:13-22 Holy God, the passion of your Son inspires and scares us. May his zeal for your holiness inspire us to be his disciplined followers, your faithful people. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Galatians 6:7-10; Colossians 1:27 Lord God, how can we ever please you? By the power of Christ and your Spirit, help us tend to the good we’re called to do. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Hebrews 4:12-13 Thank you, God, for the gift of Scripture. Give us the courage to study your Word. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Lord God, tell us what we need to hear. And may we heed all that you say, in Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Psalm 119:9-16, 105 Father, give me the discipline to get your Word into my head, heart, and soul so that by its light I can live. In THY MIGHTY NAME, O Lord, Amen. Psalm 119:97-104; Mark 1:35 Father, we’re immersed in an ocean of noise. Teach us to answer Jesus’ invitation and find a quiet place where we can hear you so that we can walk more closely with you each day. Amen. Luke 11:1-4 Father, hallow your name in our lives! Provide all we need in order to be the people you call us to be for your kingdom here on earth. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-16 Lord, we confess our sins, like poisonous snakes bent on destroying us. We look to Jesus to save us and give us eternal life today! In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. John 15:5-16 Lord, we want to do your will and live by it, serving in your kingdom. We pray in Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Matthew 6:1, 16-18 Father, in our fasting, help us feel our hunger for you. Transform us by your Spirit. In Christ we pray. Amen. Philippians 4:10-13 Gracious God, thank you for redeeming us. Teach us the discipline of simplicity, that we may have full life in you. Amen. Mark 8:34-35 Lord, thank you for the calling to submit to you. It’s possible only in your strength. Help me today. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Philippians 2:1-8 Lord God, you call us to the discipline of submission through bearing our own cross. Give us the encouragement we need each day to answer your call to the cross-life. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Matthew 20:20-28 Lord Jesus, you served us by dying for us. Help us to serve you by serving our neighbors. Make us humble, we pray, in your name. Amen. John 12:20-33 Lord Jesus, we want to know you thoroughly, through your Word and by your Spirit, so that ­others will see you in us and believe. We pray in your name. Amen. John 13:1-17 Humble, gracious Lord, you have set the bar of service for us to emulate. Grant us the grace and humility to serve even the least of your brothers and sisters. We pray in your name. Amen. Psalm 51:1-12 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Amen. 1 John 1:5-10; James 5:16 Lord Jesus, you died for our sins so that we could become your people. Help us to help each other know your mercy and grow into your image. We pray in your name. Amen. John 4:19-26 Lord God, we need your Spirit to teach us the truth about you and to inspire our worship, for Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. Isaiah 6:1 Holy Lord, may we glimpse your glory in the lives and worship of your people. Guide us to confess our sin and proclaim your holiness. Amen. Acts 13:1-3 Spirit of the living Christ, inspire us to worship God with our fellow disciples. Give us ears to hear and hearts to heed your instruction. Then motivate us to missions. We pray for Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. Mark 11:1-11 Lord, too often we cry for you to save us on our own terms. Please save us and mold us to honor you— on your terms and for your glory. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. John 8:31-32 Lord Christ, you bring us the truth that liberates—the truth of the kingdom of God. And you are Lord of that kingdom. Give us daily faith to follow in your truth. Amen. Philippians 4:4-9 Lord, today we dedicate ourselves to your discipline. Help us to live as you want each day. For Christ’s MIGHTY sake. Amen. Isaiah 53:5 Lord Jesus, thank you for your willingness to suffer and die for us. Fill us with gratitude and awe for your great love. Amen. John 13:1-17 Lord Jesus, teach us how to reach out to people who need your love. We ask in THY MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 23:26-43 Lord Jesus, your “love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” Amen. John 19:38-42 Father in heaven, fill us with courage to be willing to confess you wherever we may be. Because of Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Matthew 28:1-10 Risen Savior, on this day we worship you and thank you for your power over death. Help us to experience in our lives your resurrection power. Amen. John 20:1-8 Lord Jesus, help us to trust that you have overcome the world and will come again, making all things new. Amen. Luke 24:1-12 Father in heaven, help us to believe that Jesus rose from the dead, and make us your instruments in leading others to know you. For Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 “Open our eyes, Lord; we want to see Jesus.” Please help us to experience your presence here and now. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. John 20:19-23 Lord, our God, please give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones. Help us to serve where you want us to serve. For Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. John 20:24-29 Lord Jesus, come to us as we struggle with our doubts, and give us the assurance we look for. In your name we ask this. Amen. John 21:15-19 Lord Jesus, I confess that I have often failed. Please forgive me, and grant me a new beginning so that I can live for you. Amen. Acts 1:6-11 Lord and Savior, fill us with the power of your Spirit so that we can bring your good news everywhere. In THY MIGHTY name. Amen. Acts 2:42-47 Lord, give us the grace to follow your example; help us to be your witnesses by sharing your love with others. Amen. Acts 4:8-22 Lord our God, draw us into your presence, and help us to spend time with you so that others will see through our lives that we have been with Jesus. Amen. Acts 5:27-42 Lord Jesus, today we pray for all who are persecuted for your name’s sake. Give them and all of us the grace to persevere—and even to rejoice. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Acts 8:26-35 Lord, help us listen to the prompting of your Spirit, and open our eyes to the needs of others around us. For Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. Acts 9:1-16 Father in heaven, help us to represent you so that through us someone may come to know the Savior. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Acts 9:10-19 Lord God, give us humility and help us to see you clearly so that we can live fully for you. Forgive us for acting as if we know every­thing about things we don’t understand. We ask in Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Lord Jesus, thank you for the power of your resurrection. Thank you that even today we are being raised to new life. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Lord Jesus, thank you for paving the way so that we can be forgiven. Forgive our sins today, we pray, in THY MIGHTY name. Amen. Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 Lord Jesus, we pray for all who feel trapped in their lives. Please bring someone to lead them to you and help them see that you alone can bring meaning to our lives. In THY MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 Thank you, Lord Jesus, that death does not have the final word. Thank you for overcoming death for us. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Colossians 3:1-4 Lord Jesus, fill us with your power, and give us the grace to show that power in our lives. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Colossians 3:5-11 Father, fill us with your power to put away the things that trip us up. Guide us to people and facilities that can give us the support we need. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Colossians 3:12-17 Father in heaven, make each one of us faithful in our calling, and help us to do all things “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Amen. 1 Peter 1:3-9 Father in heaven, thank you for the hope we have because of Jesus Christ, your Son, the risen Savior, in whose MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. 1 Peter 2:4-10 Lord our God, help us to remember who you have made us to be, and help us to praise you through our lives. Amen. Hebrews 4:14-16 Lord Jesus, be with those who have no one in their lives, and move us to be willing to represent you. For your sake and in your name we pray. Amen. Revelation 1:4-8 Dear Lord, please use us to spread the good news that you are alive forevermore. And come soon, Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Father in heaven, may we all experience the power of the risen Savior. For JESUS MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. John 1:1-14 Lord, help us to accept the reality that we are your beloved children. May we feel your presence today in our everyday lives and be reminded of your father­ly care. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. John 17:20-26 Thank you, Father, for the amazing privilege of being your child. May childlike joy be restored to our lives and nurture a playful faith that trusts your unfailing hands. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Matthew 7:9-11 Father, we often find ourselves in need of your strength, wisdom, and protection. Thank you for always being there, always doing what is best for our well-being. In THY SONS MIGHTY name. Amen. Psalm 27:7-12 Father, thank you for calling us your own children and welcoming us into your life. Replace the pain of our broken relationships with the joy of your love. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Romans 8:12-17 Abba, Father, thank you for expressing your love for us and inviting us into relationship with you. Help us know and enjoy all the benefits of full life with you. In Jesus MIGHTY. Amen. Psalm 34:8-11 Help us, Father, to grow in our appreciation and honor of you. May we never lose respect for you as our Lord. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Matthew 6:5-8 Thank you, Lord, for loving us and hearing our prayers. You are never too busy for your children. May we be as eager to pray as you are to listen and respond. Amen. 1 John 3:1-3 Father God, may we have the power to grasp how wide and deep and high and long is your love for us, expressed in all that Jesus has done for us, that we may be your children. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Psalm 145:8-13 Father, thank you for your unfailing love. May your love define us as your children, and may we return it to you and offer it to others in Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Isaiah 49:8-16 We are comforted by your tender love, Lord, knowing that you will never leave or forsake us. May we celebrate your faithful care and loving nurture today. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Luke 15:11-32 Father, we have wandered from your love. Turn us from our sinful, rebellious ways to receive your embrace. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 15:1-10 Father, we confess that we have sinned against you and are no longer worthy to be called your children. Thank you for your grace that forgives all our sin and welcomes us home. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Psalm 103:8-14 “Praise the LORD, my soul.” O God, thank you for your compassion, love, and grace. Amen. Luke 15:17-24 Thank you, Father, for the free gift of our salvation, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus. We receive your grace and want to live as your children. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 15:17-24; John 8:31-36 Your grace, O Lord, is amazing. Thank you for restoring our souls and crediting the righteousness of Christ to us so that we can be restored as your children. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 15:25-32 Forgive us, Lord, when we turn religion into rules instead of a relationship with you. Fill us with your forgiveness and love for everyone. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Galatians 3:26-4:7 Thank you, Lord, for giving us the very best, for clothing us in Christ and giving us the rights of being your children. Knowing that, may we live with true joy and confidence. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 John 4:7-21 Father, open my eyes to your love, to the constant presence of your care in my life. May the abundance of your love create in me that same love—for you and for all others around me. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Mark 10:1-16 Father, we want to live eternally in your kingdom. Grant us the simple faith to trust you and to embrace the for-giveness and acceptance you offer us in Christ Jesus. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Mark 10:13-27 Thank you, Father, for letting us be your children, for accepting us when we come to you. Help us to live with a childlike trust in Jesus every day. Amen. Matthew 14:22-33 Lord, give us the faith to get out of the boat of our own security and to trust in you. May our faith grow as we follow you beyond our personal comfort zone. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Matthew 6:1-8 Father, may we have the vision to see your will unfolding in our lives and the faith to trust in your goodness when our vision fails. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 8:18-21 We praise you, O God, for the redemption and freedom of our souls. Help us to use our freedom to be Christlike in serving you and others. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Ephesians 1:3-14 Lord, words cannot express our gratitude for the new life you give. Thank you for real life in Jesus by THY MIGHTY Spirit! Amen. Romans 8:22-32 Thank you, Father, for loving us enough to work out the details of our salvation. May we appreciate your amazing work in our lives each day. Amen! 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Lord, may all who are living in darkness be drawn to you through the goodness shining from our lives. Give us strength and wisdom to live with integrity for your sake. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Ephesians 5:1-10 Lord, grant us the love to serve others with such selfless devotion that our kindness will help transform their lives and draw them to Jesus, the source of all love. In his name we pray. Amen. Hebrews 12:4-11 Father, we confess that we have sinned against you and wandered from your love and truth. Thank you for not abandoning us in our rebellion. Thank you for your love and pardon. Amen. Revelation 21:1-4 Father, our souls long for the day when our faith will be sight. Thank you for these glimpses of glory in your Word. May we live with expectant joy as we await that day. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Matthew 22:1-14 Father, thank you for the joy of heavenly moments in this life and the promise of heaven in the next. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. John 14:1-10 Father, thank you for your endless love and overwhelming grace. We receive your forgiveness and respond to your offer of new life with you and great joy for ever and ever, in Jesus MIGHTY name! Amen. Matthew 3:13-17 Father, thank you for your deep love and for including us in Jesus MIGHTY baptism. Whether our baptism is in the past or the future, we ask that it be to us a sign of your grace. Amen. Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus, thank you for doing everything needed to save us. We stand amazed that you would consider yourself our brother and Savior. Amen. John 1:19-34 Jesus, we know your humility saves. We are tempted by power, by control—and often we want to dominate. Let us trust your baptismal gentleness. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Mark 1:9-13 Father, thank you for pouring on us your grace and love and all the ­other blessings of heaven. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. John 8:2-11 Lord, we want to see you. And often we want to see you in power and majesty and strength. Help us to look for you in gentleness and humility. In JESUS MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Romans 8:14-17 Father, whisper over us your baptism promise: “This is my child, in whom I am well pleased.” In Jesus, Amen. Matthew 3:16 Father, most of the time we seriously underestimate the gifts you give us in baptism. Help us to receive them, and to put them into practice. In Jesus MIGHTY name and the HOLY SPIRIT power. Amen. Matthew 21:23-27 Father, let us hear your voice saying that we are your children. Help us to realize how much you love us. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Lord, we are baptized into your name. Lead us past obstacles to your grace. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Acts 8:26-40 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for breaking down barriers between people. Thank you for inviting all of us into your kingdom. Amen. Acts 9:1-19 Lord, thank you for showing mercy to us all. Draw us to yourself and give us new life, we pray. Amen. Revelation 7:9-17 Lord, our eyes are made blind by sin. Open them up by your love and grace. Help us to see people the way you do. Amen. Acts 16:11-15 Father, part of us wants to be visibly successful, up­standing, moral and religious. Help us see how desperately we need your good news. Free us through Jesus, we pray. Amen. Acts 16:16-24 Jesus, you came to set captives free and care for the poor. Help us to do the same, in your name. Amen. Acts 16:25-40 Lord, we don’t want to suffer. But if we do, please help us see in our suffering a chance to speak your grace. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Romans 6:1-14 Jesus, your promise is that all who die with you will also live with you. Help us to believe always. Amen. Colossians 1:21-29 Lord, we ask for a peaceful life. But when you call us to suffer, help us see it as part of our unity with you in baptism. Amen. Mark 10:32-45 Jesus, you invite us deeply into your life. No secrets. No surprises. Only an honest invitation to take up our cross and follow you. Help us obey. Amen. Acts 5:1-11 Father, forgive us for minimizing our sin. Forgive us for justifying ourselves. Keep us honest. For Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. Acts 8:9-25 Father, we know of so many frauds and schemers. So did your Son. Thank you that his sacrifice has redeemed and renewed such people—even me. In his name, Amen. Psalm 100:3 Father, you are the artist who created the world and the rescuer who saved it. Let us live in your love and make choices in tune with your grace. Amen. Acts 2:36-41 Father, so much of life seems scripted for us. We often feel trapped. Thank you for inviting us to a new kind of living—life with the Holy Spirit. Amen. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Father, thank you for looking for us down our well-worn road of independence, and never giving up on us. For those who have left you—please bring them back to you. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Peter 2:1-10 Father, your baptism makes us live for Jesus. In the dazzling array of nations, help us to see people of all nation-alities as our fellow citizens. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Colossians 3:12-17 Father, we are all in process. Please clothe us with your grace. Lead us by your Holy Spirit, we pray. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Ephesians 4:1-7 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, wrap up all our differences in your eternal dance of oneness, and teach us to delight in you. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 2 Kings 5:1-19 Lord, we often think we are self-sufficient. But you invite us into your baptismal waters that make us clean. Thank you. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Colossians 2:6-15 Father, thank you for adopting us as your children, through the work of your Son, our LORD AND SAVIOUR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Amen. Romans 4:1-12 Father, let our baptism symbolize to us your holy, permanent seal that we are in your care. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Father, you give your renewing life to all who follow Jesus. Help us, in his name, to live as those who are sent. Amen. Exodus 18:13-27 Lord, melt our stubborn hearts so that we can receive the advice of godly mentors who seek to care for us. Give us the courage to speak your Word lovingly into the lives of the people we love. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Kings 17:7-16 Lord, give us the courage to trust you as you move us outside of our comfort zone. May we help others to trust you and to follow boldly where you lead. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Genesis 22:1-14 Lord, help me to know you more each day and to trust you to care for me. Let my life be characterized by obedience to you so that others may be drawn to you. Amen. Genesis 45:1-15 Lord, thank you for giving us glimpses into your work in and through our lives. Thanks for using even difficult challenges for your glory. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Numbers 11:28-29 Lord, help me to be grateful for the gifts you have given me. May I never be jealous of anothers gifts, but celebrate your equipping in all our lives. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Lord, make us people who are in tune with your voice. Let us seek your leading throughout our life. Equip us to follow your direction, we pray. In Jesus MIGHTY name/ Amen. Jonah 4:2 Lord, thank you for being our compassionate mentor who forgives our sins and restores us to fellowship. Help us to extend your compassion to others as you have done for us in Christ. Amen. Job 19:23-29 Dear Lord, help us never to doubt that you are in control. May we trust in your love and faithfulness despite any challenges we face. Empower us to testify to your greatness. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Kings 19:19-21 Lord, help us to be fully committed to being your disciples. Help us to throw off anything that entangles us and hinders our commitment to you. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Acts 8:26-40 Lord, give us courage to lovingly engage with others. Help us to reach out in love to those around us with what you have given us. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Genesis 13:1-13 Lord, forgive us if we have made things and desires more important than people. Help us not to get pulled into senseless arguments, but to show your love to others always. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Colossians 1:3-8 Lord, thank you for your never-failing grace that does not treat us as our sins deserve. Thank you for loving, forgiving, and calling us to live for you. May we always marvel at your unfailing grace. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Colossians 4:10-14 Lord, help us to pray faithfully for all your people. Keep us all standing firmly in your will and growing in the grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 2 Samuel 12:1-13 Lord, help us to care for each other enough to lovingly confront wrong behavior. May we mentor one another to live obediently for you. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 2 Kings 5:1-15 Lord, give us boldness to share your truth even when do-ing so seems difficult. Give us courage to speak your truth in love each day. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Daniel 3:8-30 Father, give us the courage to be faithful in adversity. May we reflect your image even in hard times. In Christ JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Acts 18:24-28 Lord, give us compassion for one another so that we can speak the truth in love. May we offer correction in encouraging ways. Help us to invest in one another and care enough to correct in love. Amen. Galatians 1:1-10 Lord, help us to love enough to confront and redirect others back to you. Place people in our life to call out our bad behavior and draw us back into fellowship with you. Thank you, Jesus, for loving us and restoring us to you. Amen. Acts 9:36-42 Lord, help me to care for others with the love that you show me. Help me to give willingly with a cheerful heart as you have ­given to me. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Samuel 1:21-28 Lord, help us to trust you to care for those we love. Give us the courage to let go, knowing that you are holding those we love. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Esther 4:1-17 Lord, thank you for the unique way you have equipped me to serve. Help me to serve you with my gifts each day. Help me also to encourage the people around me to serve you faithfully. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Ruth 1:1-22 Lord, give us the courage to set a godly example for others to follow. May others see you through the love we share. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Acts 9:26-31 Lord, give me the compassionate strength to reach out and affirm someone who needs another chance. Make me a living ambassador of your grace. Amen. Acts 15:36-41 Lord, sometimes it is hard to forgive. Help us to remember how we have been forgiven, and help us to extend your grace to others. In the MIGHTY name of Jesus, our forgiver. Amen. 1 Timothy 4:11-16 Lord, thank you for the way you have gifted each one of us. Forgive us for the ways we may have ­neglected your blessings, and help us to further your kingdom. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Lord, help me to be ­honest about my sinfulness, and guide me to tell others about your grace. May my only boast be in Jesus Christ, whose grace is sufficient to overcome all our sins. In JESUS MIGHTY and Precious name. Amen. Daniel 6:10 Lord, help us to establish regular habits of prayer, worship, and engaging with your Word. May our habits of faith draw others to know you more. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Acts 16:13-15 Lord, help us to see your working among us. Embolden us to follow you in action. Amen. John 14:15-31 Lord, let your Spirit take up residence in us and produce the lasting fruit of transformation within us. Make us Spirit-filled people who testify to your greatness. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20 Father, make us disciple makers. May we always overflow with your grace to those around us. In Jesus MIGHTY name we pray, by your Spirit. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20 Lord, give us the courage and strength to make ourselves available to others. May we invest in peoples lives so that the name of Jesus is known throughout the earth. For Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. John 17:20-26 One God in Three Persons, make each of your people unique and yet also one in unity, purpose, mission, and love, just like you. In Jesus MIGHTY Name. Amen. Genesis 1:26-27 Triune God, thank you for not leaving Adam by himself. Thank you for creating humans as a community. Thank you for your gift of friendship, which we enjoy with you and with each other. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 3:1-13 Lord, our divine com­panion, we grieve the way our betrayals stain our relationships. We hurt because others hurt us. We confess that we have hurt others too. Make our relationships new through your Son. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Jesus our reconciler, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you paid not only to cover the penalty for our sin but also to reconcile us to God. Without you, we would be alone forever. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 Infinitely gifted God, thank you for distributing your gifts among all believers. Open my eyes to see the gifts you give to each one. Amen. Ephesians 2:14-18 Father, Son, Spirit, so united in love, teach us to revel in the wonderful diversity you have created among us. Make our love reflect yours. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Jonah 3:3-4:3 Reconciling God, I don’t like some people. In fact, there are whole groups of people I do not wish well. Forgive me. Teach me to love as your Son loves me. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 Inclusive God, thank you for welcoming me into fellowship with you. Sensitize my heart to people who are feeling like outsiders, and help me and my church to welcome them. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Mark 2:13-17 God, forgive me. Surprise me with how wonderfully different you have made your people. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 14:15-24 Welcoming Savior, you welcomed people who were looked down upon by society. In the same way, teach me to welcome people much different from my “own kind” into my life and my church. In THY MIGHT NAME. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:7-20 God, sometimes I wish certain people were not at my church. Forgive me. Teach me to welcome and love others as you have done. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:18-25 God, thank you for my ear rocks and for every person in my church, including me. Help me to appreciate each one, for we all are indispensable. For Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. 1 Samuel 20:16-17, 35-42 Surprising God, open my eyes to see the wonderful gifts you bring into the church through all the people involved, because I have trouble seeing them on my own. Amen. 1 John 4:13-18 Loving God, drive out anxiety from me with your love. So fill me with love that I see the poor, the outcast, the people at the margins as you see them: essential for a healthy church. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:22-26 Empathic God, forgive me for being so focused on my own life that I won’t hurt or rejoice with others. Teach me a love that empathizes with others in their struggles and joys. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 7:7, 32-35 Jesus, you remained single throughout your ministry on earth. Help us to value, appreciate, and engage single adults and all others in our fellowship. Amen. Romans 12:10 Teach me, Lord, out of love, to examine my assumptions about life and worship, and to hear the joyful praise others give you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 John 4:7-12 Loving God, sometimes I tire of loving others. Make my love be a reflection of your unending love for me. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Romans 15:13 Covenant God, give me grace and strength to live in joyful hope, knowing you will keep your promises. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Ephesians 4:1-6 Lord, your compassions never fail. Great is your faithfulness. Give us all your patient strength, we pray. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. James 5:13-16 God, help people in trouble. Help church leaders, community leaders, and national leaders. Help my friends and my enemies. God, help me. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Romans 12:9-13 God, you sent your Son to suffer and die for us. Help me to share with others what you have already given me. Make me, and your church, generous. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11 Welcoming God, we praise you that Ryan and Barb found a warm, embracing church family. May we all do for others as their church did for them. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 1 Peter 4:12-19 Sustaining God, thank you that I am part of a body that spans the globe. Hold tightly my brothers and sisters in the faith who suffer for Jesus MIGHTY NAME sake. Amen. Mark 5:25-34 Everlasting God, I feel so busy, so limited, so impatient. Teach me to slow down, listen, and love others. May I rejoice and mourn with people in their sorrows and joys. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Genesis 33:1-11 Reconciling God, thank you for reconciling the world to yourself in Christ. Thank you for making us Christ’s ambassadors of reconciliation. Help me to reconcile today with anyone who has hurt me. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 God, thank you that I am not my own but belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you that I need not insist on my own way because I am secure in Christ. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 12:17-21 God, we love because you first loved us, even though we can be unlovable. Show us how to love creatively. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen Romans 12:17-21 God, fill us all with your wisdom, and motivate us with your deep love to overcome evil with good. In the precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, Amen. Proverbs 1:1-7 Lord, help us to be wise in this world. In the MIGHTY name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Proverbs 1:8-19 Father, thank you for parents who teach their children the way of life to its fullest in Christ. Empower us today to follow Christ as our example. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Proverbs 1:20-33 Creator, God of wisdom, help us to see that our world needs us to know you as the source of life and of the knowledge about how to live in your world—all to your glory. In Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Proverbs 2:1-11 Life-giving God, grant us the desire to learn the truths and teachings in your Word so that our lives will have a compass to steer us in the right ­direction as your children. In Christ JESUS OUR LORD. Amen. Proverbs 3:1-12 Lord Jesus, thank you for being the example of living obediently. Empower us with your Spirit to make decisions based on your Word. In THY MIGHTY NAME WE PRAY. Amen. Proverbs 3:11-20 Father, thank you for Jesus’ example. Help us to understand that the goal of discipline is to grow in grace and knowledge. In THY MIGHTY NAME WE PRAY. Amen. Proverbs 3:27-32 Gracious Giver of gifts, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whom we needed so desperately. Help us to be more like him by being good neighbors. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Proverbs 4:1, 5-9, 20-27 Father God, help me to guard my heart by reading your Word and seeking the friendship of those whose hearts are tuned to your direction for their lives. In Christ JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Proverbs 5:1-6, 15-18, 21-23 Jesus, empower us to under­stand our sexual na­ture and be grateful for the gift of life. Help us to remain pure in all our relationships so that we honor you. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 6:20-24, 32-34 Father, help us to be aware of when and why we experience anger and jealousy so that we may not sin against you and others. In Christ JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 8:32-36 Lord, give us eyes of wisdom to see your design for the full life of loving, caring, and enjoying your favor. Empower us with your Spirit, we pray, in JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Proverbs 9:1-12 Gracious Host of the kingdom banquet, thank you for the invitation to include us in your plan of salvation. Empower us to live wisely. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Proverbs 10:1-11 Lord God, thank you for blessing us by way of all who have been examples of living as your children. Lord Jesus, thank you especially for showing us— and sharing with us—your true righteousness. Shape us to be like you. Amen. Proverbs 10:12-20 Lord, thank you for the forgiveness of all our sins, paid for by Christ on the cross. Help us to confess to you. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 11:24-31 Heavenly Father, Giver of all good gifts, we praise your name. Help us see that what you entrust to us is ours to share with others. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 12:17-28 Lord, thank you for the gift of speech, the use of words. Help me to guard my tongue so that I speak wisely and encourage ­others to walk in your ways. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 13:15-20 Father, thank you for wise friends and for enriching my life through their friendship. Show me how I can be a better friend. In the Mighty name of Jesus, my LORD and Friend, Amen. Proverbs 14:29-35 God of peace, help us see the riches we have in Christ. Help us be content to share what we have so that we will live obediently as your children in your world. In Jesus MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 15:1-17 Lord Jesus, thank you for the gifts of life and love that we can celebrate at your table. May we reflect your love and faithfulness in we all do! Amen. Proverbs 16:23-33 Father, thank you for displaying your love in the person of your Son, Jesus. Help us to see the wisdom demonstrated by a life crowned in glory, showing us how to live. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME we pray. Amen. Proverbs 23:15-25 Father, thank you for parents whom we can honor by caring for them in many different ways. Give us insight on how we can do so, to your glory. In Christ MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 22:1, 17-23 Lord Jesus, empower us richly with your Spirit so that we may live lives of integrity in all our relationships. We ask this in THY MIGHTY name. Amen. Proverbs 22:1-6 Father, thank you for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Help us follow his example of obedient living so that we also can be good examples for others. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs: 25:1-7 Our Father, hallowed be your name, not ours; your kingdom come, not ours; and your will be done, not ours. Help us to see ourselves as you see us and to live accordingly. In CHRIST JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 27:1-6, 17 Lord, thank you for friends who challenge us as they walk with us. We confess our inclination to avoid hearing what we need to hear. Help us to listen to wisdom. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 27:10-16 Lord, we need help to communicate honestly with each other, especially when we disagree. Help us to listen and look for your way of seeing things. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 27:19-27 Faithful Father, thank you for people in our lives who demonstrate hearts of compassion and obedience. Grant us the largeness of heart to be what you want us to be. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 29:1-11 Heavenly Father, thank you for welcoming us when we turn back from our foolish ways. We want to bring you joy, as Jesus did! In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Proverbs 23:29-35; 31:1-9 Gracious God, thank you for the power of your indwelling Spirit, who makes it possible for us to live gratefully, gracefully, and soberly as your children. In CHRIST JESUS MIGIHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 30:1-9 Father, we have so much to learn from each other as we desire to honor your name. Help us to be like Jesus, we pray. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 31:10-31 God of wisdom, thank you for all you teach us in Proverbs. Help us to live by your wisdom in faithful obedience, following your Son. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 1:1-6 Lord Jesus, the attractions and distractions of my life can lure me from being devoted to you. Help me to grow in seeing your presence and work everywhere, and in connecting with who you are. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 1:7-13 Heavenly Father, for the gift of your letters to us, we thank you. For your desire that we hear you, affirming our value to you, we give thanks in Christ. Amen. Romans 1:13-15 Father God, sometimes my own sense of wisdom, or the lack of it, can hinder me from hearing your Word. Help me see that however and wherever I am, you desire me. In CHRIST JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 1:14-17 Dear God, sometimes we see your power mostly as a means to our ends. Help us not to use it for us but to seek you, and to know your desire that we find you. In CHRIST JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 1:18-20 Father God, we know our human nature; we accept the truth we want to hear, and we set aside what we don’t want to hear. Help us in honesty to hear what you say and to live by it. Through JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 1:21-32 Father, your hand in my life is life. Forgive me for the ways I have not acknowledged you. Lead me on the path that brings me to you. In CHRIST JESUS NAME. Amen. Romans 2:1-11 Father God, thank you for your kindness, forbearance, and patience. Thank you for taking me seriously in all that I am and for pointing me to THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. In HIS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 2:12-16 Lord, for the ways in which my life shows you at work in me, thank you. For the ways in which I need reshaping to better reflect you, please guide me. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 2:17-29 Lord, you have called me not to religious practice, but to a faith that comes from the inside. Help me to live and grow in the comfort of belonging to you. Amen. Romans 3:9-20 Lord, help me to recognize that it doesn’t matter whether I am better or worse than others. Help me to walk the path you have put before me. Amen. Romans 3:21-26 Heavenly Father, your justice is real, because you have given your Son, Jesus, to die in my place, paying the price for my sin. Thank you that through the sacrifice of Christ I may know your love as my Father in heaven. Amen. Romans 3:27-31 Lord Jesus, it is hard for our minds to grasp that you alone have done all that is needed for us to be children of God. Increase our faith, we pray, and receive our heartfelt thanks. Amen. Romans 4:1-12 Heavenly Father, sometimes pride, or maybe guilt, makes me think I need to fix myself for you. But I can’t. Help me to trust you to set it right. In CHRIST JESUS THE LORD. Amen. Romans 4:13-17 Father God, I am your child in Jesus. I am an heir to your promise. Thank you for giving me new life and working your change in me. Help me to live for you. Through CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD. Amen. Romans 4:18-25 Father, help us to put our hope in your power and love. Strengthen our faith to embrace your promises. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Romans 5:1-5 Dear God, in all the talk about sin and justification, we can lose sight of your goal to make us your children. In Jesus, help me to know myself as your child, and to rest in your love and peace. Amen. Romans 5:6-11 Lord Jesus, I wish I wasn’t powerless. I wish I was perfect in godliness. But this is my reality. Thank you that at just the right time, you died for me. You are an awesome Savior! Amen. Romans 5:12-21 Lord Jesus, what a gift of grace you give. Though we still live in an infected world, we thank you that we no longer have to live in the grip of sin. Help me to live accordingly for you. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 6:1-7 Heavenly Father, I know my lifestyle choices affect my relationship with you and my relationships with others. Please lead me in building good relationships rather than just focusing on my behavior. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 6:8-14 Lord, because I belong to you, I do not want sin to reign in my life. You are my Master; I want to be your servant. I offer myself to you this day. Amen. Romans 6:15-23 Lord, you came so that we can have life to the full. Forgive me for the ways I rob myself of that fullness. I desire to follow you. For THY MIGHTY NAME SAKE. Amen. Romans 7:1-6 Lord, be alive in my life, and help me be alive in yours. Guide my growth in the freedom of loving you. Help me to live “in the new way of the Spirit.” Amen. Romans 7:7-13 Heavenly Father, sometimes your law feels like a burden on my freedom. Help me to better understand its holiness. Guide me to live in its goodness. Through Jesus, my Lord. Amen. Romans 7:14-20 Lord, thank you for Paul’s honest words. I’m sorry for ways in which my living doesn’t reflect belonging to you. But I know I belong to you, and that you love me—weaknesses and all. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 7:21-25 Lord, I don’t want to be ignorant of the evil that is right here with me. I belong to you. Help me fight what is evil and do what is good. In THY MIGHTY STRENGTH. Amen. Romans 8:1-4 Lord Jesus, regardless of yesterday or the days before, today is a new day with you. Help me to live in the freedom of all that this means, in love for you and for others. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 8:5-11 Holy Spirit, I want to set my mind on what you desire. Please live and work in me, that I may focus on and align with Christ, my Lord. Amen. Romans 8:18-27 Heavenly Father, in times of struggle and suffering, assure me of your strengthening presence in my life and remind me of what that means for the future. Through Jesus Christ my LORD. Amen. Romans 8:28-30 Heavenly Father, sometimes I resent your hand in my life. But in the end, I know that’s what I need. Thank you that in all things you work for the good of those who love you—including me. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Romans 8:31-39 Almighty God, your love knows no bounds, your pursuit is relentless, your justice is real, and your forgiveness is complete. Thank you for making me yours! In CHRIST JESUS THE LORD. Amen. Psalm 130:6 Gracious Father, whatever troubles we face, whatever sins haunt us, assure us that morning comes with your forgiveness and love. May we wait for you more than watchmen wait for the morning. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 2:25-35 Father of compassion and God of all comfort, may we find our consolation in Jesus, that we may share with others the comfort and assurance of the salvation we have received. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. Genesis 8:6-17 Almighty God, as the days of our waiting stretch ahead of us, assure us that you remember us, that we may continue to find our hope in you. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Luke 12:13-21 Giving God, teach us to measure our worth in our relationship with you, not in the goods we accumulate. Help us to be as generous to others as you have been with us. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 God of all creation, help us, whether employed or unemployed, engaged in our work or feeling stuck, to serve you in all we do, striving also to help others. In Jesus Mighty. Amen. Psalm 122:1 “O Jesus, joy of loving hearts,” fill us with anticipation in this Advent season so that in our celebration of your birth we might catch a glimpse of your joyous heavenly kingdom. Amen. Luke 2:36-40 Almighty God who gives freedom to the oppressed and recovery of sight to the blind, open our eyes, that we might see your redemption in Jesus. Amen. 2 Samuel 18:24-33 Lord, guard our hearts and minds so that we may have peace in you even while waiting for news we might not want to hear. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 37:1-9 Faithful God who makes the righteous shine like the dawn, help us to be still and to wait patiently, trusting that you will give us the desires of our hearts, in line with your will. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 24:4-14 O God, our Rock and Refuge, help us to put our confidence on your sure foundation. Assure us that we will never be shaken when we rest in your salvation through Jesus. Amen. Luke 1:5-19 God of hope, fill us with joy and peace as we trust in Jesus, that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Isaiah 8:5-8, 11-18 Ever-present God, help us to trust that your grace is sufficient for us, that we may always place our confidence in you. Amen. Matthew 25:1-13 Almighty God, assure us that your kingdom is worth waiting for, and help us to be ready for your coming again. Amen. Luke 3:1-20 Gracious Lord Jesus, may we hear the messengers you send to turn our hearts back to you, that we may be prepared to receive you. In THY MIGHTY NAME we pray. Amen. 1 Samuel 13:1-14 Everlasting God, help us to understand that you are not slow in keeping your promises, so that we may wait patiently in Jesus. Amen. Lamentations 3:19-26 Lord, your compassions never fail. Help us to wait quietly for your salvation, trusting that we have seen your great faithfulness revealed in Jesus. Amen. 2 Peter 3:8-13 Patient God, grant us childlike, trusting faith that is eager for your coming. May we always turn to you and live in the way you call us to, in Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 23:50-56 Almighty God, as you provided people to attend to Jesus, grant us your grace to be upright followers anticipating your kingdom. Amen. Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 All knowing God, you sees what is done in secret, and you know what we need before we ask. Help us to trust in your goodness, that we may open our hearts to you. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Hosea 14:4-9 Provider God, you feed the birds of the air and clothe the flowers of the field. Teach us that our work and worry do us no good. It’s your blessing that gives life, in Jesus MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 12:42-48 Gracious Master who came to serve, “fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you,” that we may be ready for your coming. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Comforting God, you promise to wipe every tear from our eyes in that day when there will be no more death. Help us to be comforted now, we pray, and to bring your comfort to those who grieve. In THY MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 1:26-38 Almighty God, you give life to the dead and call into being things that are not. Help us to respond to your call in the confidence that nothing is impossible with you. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 17:20-30 Gracious God, the day is almost upon us. Forgive us for leaving some things undone. Help us to rest in your grace and to receive the joy of your salvation revealed in Jesus. Amen. Luke 2:1-14 God of light and glory, instill in us the attitude of Jesus, who humbled himself by becoming human, like us, and was honored and exalted, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Luke 12:35-38 Humble Savior, we are used to getting our way, and we love to be served. Humble us, that we may look to the interests of others, not just our own, and so honor you. Amen. Luke 2:8-20 Gracious God who brought good news to the shepherds, fill us with your good news in such a way that we may praise and glorify you in everything we do. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 24:13-35 Ever-present God, revealed in the Word and sacraments, lift the veil of disappointment from our eyes, that we may see you are with us always, in Jesus. Amen. Luke 5:1-11 Lord, may we not grow weary in serving you. May we persevere, trusting that you will keep working through us for your sake. Amen. 2 Samuel 9 Loving God, your faithfulness endures forever. Help us to be faithful, keeping the promises we make and forgiving others as we have been forgiven. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. John 2:1-11 Faithful God, you have prepared what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind can conceive. Help us to keep looking forward in hope to that day “when our faith shall be sight”! In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Proverbs 11:12 O Lord, your mercy has brought us to the morning of another day and to the active duties of another week. Enable us to perform them not in our own strength, not by the power of our own arm or by the wisdom of human ingenuity, but solely in reliance upon you. Bless our labors by giving us that honest industry which can bear the scrutiny of your searching eye. Let us treat our fellow workers with kindness by overlooking their shortcomings, always remembering that "golden rule," to treat others as we would have them treat us. Make us very diligent, patient, and zealous in all things to which we put our hands, for we must one day give an account to you. And grant that we may be blessed with the happy and comforting assurance that you will accept us, because your glory was our objective, your work our delight, and to do our Father's business our first aim. Bless us for Jesus' sake we pray. Amen. 1 Kings 18:22 Heavenly Father, we come before your throne of grace through the merits of Jesus, who for our sakes fasted forty days and nights and suffered in order that we might have a blessing. Enable us to use such abstinence over our bodies that they may truly be temples of the Holy Spirit. The lusts of the flesh are very strong, and we do not seriously lay to heart our natural corruption, depravity, and inability to do any good thing. Work in us, we pray, to will and to do of your good pleasure. May we be brought entirely into subjection to your law and perceive the folly, unprofitableness, and wickedness of sin. May we strive ever more earnestly than we have so far to know the spiritual meaning and extent of your law, its force and requirements. May we seek more diligently the Holy Spirit's aid and assistance in every matter to which we are called. And may we, through the merits of your dear Son, bring forth much fruit to the praise of your holy name. Amen. Acts 7:59 O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, we rejoice to know that you are a very present help in trouble, and that all your dispensations are wise, righteous, and kind, even when they seem to be severe. It is not your word only that reminds us of our living in a dying world, but observation and experience too. You have permitted death to invade our small circle this day and have turned our dwelling into a house of mourning. May we find that it is better to be in the house of mourning than in the house of mirth. By the sadness of the face may the heart be made better, more serious to reflect and more softened to take impressions. May we remember that you have bereaved us not as an aggressor but as a proprietor, taking back what was lent us for a season but which never ceased to be your own. So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom, that wisdom which will lead us to secure an interest in a better world before we are removed from this. We ask in the name of our great Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen. Matthew 22:15-22 O Lord, Jehovah Jesus, our propitiation and by whom our redemption was worked out, plead with the Father for us. Look now upon us from your seat of glory and remember all the trials and temptations to which you were subjected on earth, and then strengthen your plea on our behalf. Call to mind our weakness, and then ask that we may be strengthened. Forget not our total inability to do, say, or think anything of ourselves that can be acceptable before our God, and then send upon us the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts to you. Let him teach us what we ought to speak, what we ought to do, and to set our feet in the right path that we may run in the way of your commandments. May he teach us the depravity of our own hearts, which of themselves ever choose evil before good, which refuse the benefits you have in store for us, and reject the blessings and mercies you so freely offer to every one of us, and which were purchased at the exceeding great price of your own blood. Amen. Nahum 1:2 O God of kingdoms and Lord of heaven and earth, give your blessing to all nations, especially this nation in which you have cast our lot. We are indeed a sinful people, laden with iniquity, and it is entirely because of your mercies that we have not been consumed. But continue, we pray, to spare and bless us, and grant that all your goodness towards us may lead us to repentance. Be our God, and may we be your people, that all the world may know that you are our Defender and Almighty Deliverer. We offer our prayers through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. Zephaniah 1:12 O eternal God, who searches the hearts of men, enable us by the power of your Holy Spirit to search our own. We know how deceitful they are, how desperately wicked. We know that in us dwells no good thing, and yet we know that we must be a habitation for you by the Spirit if we would live eternally. Teach us how to discern iniquity within our own heart, to detect every thought that savours of evil. Then may we flee to you, the fountain of mercy, and obtain pardon, peace, and deliverance. We are sorely hindered in running the race set before us. Our sins cleave to us as a heavy garment. And still we find ourselves continuing on as before, our consciences lulled to sleep, fancying ourselves secure because we enjoy the mercies you grant us day by day. Yet you have warned us that for all these things we shall be brought before the judgment seat of Christ. O purify us, good Lord, from all defilement of sin, and keep us unto the great day of account for your dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ. Amen. Acts 17:10-11 O almighty God, we pray that you would endue us with your Holy Spirit so that we may read the word of life with profit. Enable us to study it with patience and diligence, not as a mere fable cunningly devised of men, but as a record and revelation by which we may be perfected in every good word and work. We confess that we have often heard the Bible read while giving no more than a passing moment's attention. We have listened to its threatenings and gone away to revel in the very iniquity against which judgment was denounced. Be merciful to us, we plead, and open our blind eyes and deaf ears. Touch our stony hearts and make us learn your law, and enable us to do it readily and cheerfully, finding delight in it because it is your law. Grant this now, for we plead in our Savior's name. Amen. Hebrews 11:24-27 O Lord our God, you have told us that in the world we shall have tribulation, that man is born to sorrow as the sparks fly upwards. You have often allowed your disciples to experience these solemn truths. May we show our belief in them by a more determined clinging to our Savior, by a more untiring walk in the light of your Spirit, by a more steadfast confidence in your providence, and by a faith that knows all things will work out for our best. And let us not love the world nor the things of the world, but open our eyes to its vanities and follies, the emptiness of its pleasures and the unsatisfying nature of its amusements. Let us, like Moses, choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. We ask all in the name of Jesus, who washed us from our sins in his own blood. Amen. James 4:13-17 O most glorious God, creator and sustainer of all that exists, why is it that we fail to comprehend how thoroughly you know us? Every inward motion, every secret thought, every action, all are known by you and at all times. Your word has taught us this marvelous truth. Yet how often have we behaved presumptuously by making earthly plans with no regard to your glory? How often have we sought earthly treasure at the expense of the heavenly? How often have we harbored malice in our hearts where love should have reigned? Forgive us for such vain and wandering pursuits, for failing to sow the precious seed of salvation in the time allotted to us. Enable us to redeem the remaining time by walking in obedience to your holy law and loving you fervently with a pure heart. Let us be known and acknowledged as your redeemed, and preserve us to that day when Jesus comes again. It is in his name we pray. Amen. Exodus 33:15 O Lord God, everlasting and almighty, arise--arise quickly!--and help us, for vain is the help of man. Send your Spirit to help us fight against the evils abounding on every side and the temptations continually assailing us from within. The evil one is active, his devices are cunning, his power is great. He goes about as a roaring lion, and who can withstand him? He is in every place, yes, even in your church, where he tempts by wandering thoughts, foolish and unprofitable desires. We have in vain striven against his wiles. Raise then, we pray, your arm and help us, stirring up holy and lively feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving. When we kneel to offer our petitions, however trifling we may think them to be, enlarge our faith that we may not fear to bring them before your throne of grace. And watch over and sustain us by your almighty power as we make our way through this world of temptation, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Hebrews 13:5 O Lord, how shall we approach you and what shall we bring to you? We will plead your dear Son's name and sacrifice, and your own mercy and love so wondrously displayed in it. Give us such a trust in your divine providence that, whether sorrow or misfortune or joy surround us, we shall confess with our lips and show forth in our lives that we are your disciples. Grant that we may stand firm on the rock of our salvation in both times of pleasure and times of trial, for your word assures us that you will never forsake us. Yet there are many who call themselves your disciples but who are mere professors only, having been deceived through the cunning craft of the evil one. They are walking blindfolded in their own self-righteousness to their ruin and sure destruction. Draw them, we pray, by your Holy Spirit, and lead them to repentance for Jesus' sake, that they may be clothed in his righteousness and so have peace and eternal joy hereafter. Amen. Psalm 16:8 In the name of our Redeemer, we would thank you, O Lord our God, that you have brought us in safety to the beginning of another day. By the same power that has been so mercifully extended to us through the night, we ask that you would enable us to pass the hours of light in honest obedience to your will. We pray for an earnest endeavor to promote your glory and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we might be restrained from a too anxious desire to prosper in worldly matters. And if our day be darkened by disappointment, let your countenance cheer us. Give us a grateful recollection of all your mercies toward us so that we may be animated to greater zeal in your service. Amen. Ephesians 1:13-14 O Lord most holy, we confess that we are very sinful. By nature we long not only for things which do not profit, but which also perish in the using. You put into our hearts good desires, yet we long for worldly possessions. Though we are vexed and disappointed in following our own pursuits, still we continue to pursue the same follies and go on in the same unprofitable rounds. There is another power within us at war with our minds, making us slaves to the sin still within us, and this has caused us nothing but annoyance and dissatisfaction. Help us, we pray, and deliver us. Let your Holy Spirit strive with us more and more, that we may turn to you with penitence and prayer for amendment and grace, setting our hearts on holy thoughts and actions. Enable us by your Spirit to bear the trials of life and come out more than conquerors through him who died for us, Jesus Christ our Savior and God. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:10 O Lord God, we know that with your promises you have also uttered warnings; and with declarations of mercy, many and great, you have also spoken of justice and judgment to come. Awaken those who are yet unsaved while it is called day, lest they be awakened from their sleep of indifference and false security by the thunders of wrath and vengeance, when there will be no remedy. Let the still small voice of persuasive love plead with them, and let every good thing they enjoy urge them to flee to the great Giver, who is a reconciled Father through Christ Jesus. Our prayer is urgent, for we must confess that your mercy and love has not persuaded them. So let the fearful denunciations of judgment to come and the threatening of eternal punishment be effectual. Though pain, sorrow, and anguish be their taskmasters, let them bear all rather than forfeit a hope of the inheritance with the saints in light. Give them grace to come to you for that salvation which Christ has bought with his own blood. Amen. 1 Kings 22:37-39 Almighty God, it is a fearful thing to fall into your hands, for judgment is yours, and we know you will not excuse the guilty. Are we ready this day to meet you face to face? Enable us to ask ourselves this question, and press it home upon us. Make us feel and acknowledge its importance, and grant that we deceive not ourselves in the reply we give. Let us not fall into the delusion that because we rose from our beds this morning in safety and are now in health and strength, therefore we are secure for this night also. Who can call even the passing moment his own, much less the future? Time is ours now, but today must cease when the hour of our death comes and we are put in the grave. But a time of resurrection is certain. Will we then be ready to give an account of our life? O Lord, enable us to reflect on this solemn truth with all seriousness. If we have not come to the only fountain of mercy, the blood of Jesus, then to die now will secure condemnation at that day when every word, deed, and thought shall be brought to remembrance, and every neglected opportunity rise as a witness against us. Oh, grant that none will let this day pass without making their salvation sure. We ask in Christ's name. Amen. Mark 16:16 O Lord, you are a God of mercy for sinful man. Though he sins and goes astray, still you hold back judgment and give him time for repentance. But rebellion reigns in his heart, and by his iniquities man calls for vengeance and dares your wrath. Yet in mercy you spare him. But does the forbearance of man's Creator induce him to forsake his sins? Does such divine patience urge him to look for pardoning grace at the foot of the Savior's cross? No, the gift so precious is rejected. Sinful man refuses to believe. Awaken him, O Lord God, and rouse him from the sleep of death! Open his understanding to see what his end shall be. And then open his eyes to see Jesus dying on the cross for him, and grant him saving faith. We ask in the name of Jesus, the only mediator between God and man. Amen. Philippians 4:6 O Father of mercies, you are a very present help in every time of need. You wait to be gracious, and you are ever more ready to hear than we are to pray. Enable us in every hour of trial and temptation to flee to you as our strong tower. In the dark periods of sorrow and affliction, which checker all of human life and often cast a deep gloom over the rejoicing and buoyant spirit, grant that we may seek you with an earnest heart in order that we may find sweet joy and peace. And amidst our daily routines with their many stressful decisions, make us embrace your gracious invitation to cast all our anxious care upon you, thereby acknowledging that you alone knows what is best for us and are ready to help. Let us be ready to trust. We ask all in the name of our great Redeemer, Jesus the Messiah. Amen. 1 Peter 5:7 Heavenly Father, we come now imploring you to hear our prayer as we remember the sacrificial death of your only Son, Jesus Christ, the son of David. Give us that strength which shall enable us to be ever ready to follow him in all things, even unto death. May we be prepared to give up our health, strength, and worldly substance as proofs of our patience and obedience and love, if it be your good pleasure. Endue us with your Holy Spirit that we may think no sacrifice too great if it brings us nearer to you. May no labor be too arduous if it assists us in perfecting holiness and bringing men, both Jew and Gentile, to the saving knowledge of Jesus the Messiah. And in all our troubles and in every sorrow, teach us to draw nigh to you. Let us walk by faith, trusting in your divine providence, and casting all our cares upon you in the full assurance that you care for us. We ask in the blessed name of Jesus the Messiah. Amen. Genesis 1:31 O Lord, you have given us the knowledge of good and evil. You have shown us the way of life in Christ Jesus, and the path of death has been made plain before us. Mercy has directed us in the course we ought to pursue, and the Holy Spirit has been promised to guide us along it. Open our lips to speak the praises of your name, to tell of your wonders day by day, to tell of a Savior for sinful man. We see your great power wherever we look. The earth, the sun, the animal creation, and man himself are living witnesses to your omnipotence, your omniscience, and your omnipresence. Grant that we may sing your praises to the end of our days. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen. Hebrews 4:9 O everlasting God, our Rock and Guide, you have always been the defense of your people in the hour of danger. You have been their refuge in every trial and their stronghold when temptation assailed. When blackness comes upon their fainting souls through sorrow or affliction, you love to shed beams of mercy upon them. When any are weary, you delight to lead and support them. Your mercy guides them to the waters of comfort where they find rest. We acknowledge with gratitude your ever present help, and humbly ask that you give us perfect satisfaction in our earthly lot, utmost confidence in your divine providence, and a patient waiting for Jesus Christ's return, when he will come in the full glory of his Father, with his angels, to establish his kingdom here on earth. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and our Intercessor through whom we come before your throne of grace. Amen. Lamentations 3:31-33 O gracious Lord, look upon us as a nation and in pity regard the church of this land. See the iniquity that abounds not only among the powerful in government, but among professing Christians. Behold the sins committed by those who claim to be your disciples. Week after week opens with the Lord's day, and thousands congregate as if to worship you. But once their solemn engagements are over, they rush again into the world as if you were asleep and did not behold their wickedness. Fraud is used, falsehood prevails, the love of money sways, worldly ambition is intoxicating, earthly pleasures drug the soul, and a travesty is made of their Christian profession. Rise in your strength, O mighty God, to rebuke such sin! Warn such nominal professors in order that they may amend their ways. Cause them to remember that man may look on the outward appearance but the living God looks on the heart. Your threatenings are plain and fearful, and should make them pause and tremble. Oh, keep your church among us as a shining light and its members as living stones. Let us not bring reproach upon our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 4:6 O God, it is written in your law, "The soul that sins, it shall die." You have made it very plain, and none can misunderstand it. Man must bear the punishment of his own iniquity, and for his sin death shall be his portion. But you have been merciful and held back judgment, or else sinful man would now be waiting in the grave for his final doom to misery. We pray, O Lord, that you would spare him a little longer. Turn him from his wickedness and let your all-prevailing mercy give him grace and strength to forsake his evil way. Enable him to come to you in repentance this very day through the blood of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 26:3 O heavenly Father, when we consider your majesty and purity and reflect upon our lowliness and guilt, how shall we come into your presence to bow before your throne of grace? We are unworthy of your notice, and were you to judge us according to our deserts, our most innocent periods of life and most devout times of worship would make us shrink back with dread and despair from your presence. But we are encouraged to approach you by the revelation you have given of yourself as the Lord God gracious and merciful, by the invitations and promises of your word, and by the mediation of your dear Son. We rejoice that he put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, and being raised from the dead he entered into the holy place to be our advocate. May we therefore draw near in full assurance of faith believing that all things are now ready, that we are as welcome as we are needy, and that the blessings we implore are as gracious as they are great. Yes, you delight in mercy, and have not only permitted but commanded us to ask and receive that our joy may be full. O hear us now for Jesus' sake, we pray. Amen. Proverbs 13:24 Heavenly Father, you have implanted in us parental instincts and commanded us to train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We feel our solemn responsibility in this task and ask that you would give us wisdom in discharging our duties. Let us not seek great things for them as to this world, but let our greatest prayer for them be their salvation, that they may live to please you and be numbered with your saints in glory everlasting. And may we guard against multiplying riches and leaving them incentives to pride, vanity, idleness, and sensuality. Enable us instead to lay up treasure in heaven, leaving behind an inheritance of godly prayers and examples of godly virtues. And by our example may we teach them that true happiness does not consist in a life free from trials and afflictions, but in exercising patience when calamities and reproaches are our portion, for your word declares that such patience will be blessed and rewarded in heaven. We pray in the name of Christ our Savior. Amen. Matthew 4:4 O Lord God, bless us now as we prepare to read your holy word. We have read it many times before, but must confess with deep humiliation and abasement of spirit that we have gone away heedless of its instructions, its warnings, its precepts. We have walked into the world to follow our business or to seek our pleasure as if no eye but that of man were upon us, as if no holy voice had spoken and warned us to flee from the wrath to come. And yet your word held out its promises, blessings for now and the time to come, blessings more in number than we can count, to him who hears, reads, and keeps those things that are written. O Lord, pardon us we pray. Be merciful to us miserable sinners. Remember not our carelessness but strengthen us for the days to come. Make us to hear faithfully and to read with attention every lesson given in mercy by you, and so guide us by your Spirit that when we have heard and read we may not come under the condemnation of unprofitable servants who heed not a master's bidding. May we rather receive the reward promised to those who know your will and do it, even eternal life through Christ Jesus. Amen. Exodus 8:32 O gracious God, let your mercy fall upon us and help us, for vain is the help of man. We need your assistance to guide those set over us to govern, to direct their counsels, and to make them remember they are appointed as your stewards to promote your glory and seek the welfare of your church as well as the nation. Show them the folly of endeavoring to govern without regard to you, for though they may plan you can frustrate, and though they may devise you can hinder. You can bring confusion as well as grant success. Teach them to subdue every high thought and whatever may hinder them from seeking you, that we as a nation might have amity at home and peace abroad. Keep us under the shadow of your wings now and forever, for the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Ezekiel 37:19-22 Merciful God, give ear to our prayer, for we cry unto you in the name of Jesus Christ. The things of the world--the lust of the eye, and the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life--are continually tempting us and leading us astray. Our affections toward you are cold and dull. Our tempers are often unsanctified, and we are lukewarm and indifferent to perishing sinners when we ought to have holy zeal for their salvation. Oh, give us grace this day to overcome temptation and to mortify all our corrupt affections, and grant an abundance of your Holy Spirit that we may abound in every good work and walk worthy of the gospel of Christ, proclaiming the good news of salvation to all men. And we pray especially for your chosen people, Israel, asking that you would give them a new heart and new spirit, that they may worship their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the land you promised to their fathers. Amen. Genesis 45:7-8 O gracious Savior, you manifested your power while on earth by acts of love, compassion, and mercy to both Jews and Gentiles. When the multitude came to hear you speak, you fed them not only with the bread of life but with bread for their physical sustenance as well. Rather than send them away hungry, you exercised your highest power on their behalf. Do so this day, we plead, for your chosen people, Israel. They have heard the warnings of your holy prophets of old, but they are not satisfied with your provision in Jesus Christ. Unless you speak the word, they must go away empty, eternal punishment being their portion. Give them a hearty desire and craving for that bread which only you can give, that bread of eternal life which you have promised to all who call upon you in faith. And give us, your disciples, a passion for their salvation, for unto them were committed the oracles of God. Amen. Proverbs 10:7 O God, you are very good and gracious in giving us your inerrant word. Direct us in its study, fix our minds upon its precepts, and may we be able to say with the psalmist David, "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Enable us to see that you are a God of perfect holiness, of majesty unbounded, of infinite love. Let us meditate on your promises, especially that of a divine Savior for sinful man. Inspire us by your Holy Spirit to go out and sow the precious seed of salvation, teaching men their utter insufficiency to secure eternal happiness by their own righteousness. And then may your Holy Spirit convince them of the all-sufficiency of Christ's righteousness, bringing them to repentance and salvation for his sake. Amen. James 1:27 Heavenly Father, we come before you in humble faith. We know that you are tender and compassionate, so we open our heart that you may see the many troubles, distresses, and needs that weigh upon it. We love the vanities and follies of the world too much. We build up worldly hopes, which sickness and death banish. We turn our worldly desires into necessities, and mourn over them as if your hand were heavy upon us. Yet we own that you are our God and acknowledge your sovereign right to rule over us. Let your Holy Spirit strive with us more and more. Remove that obstinacy in which we so much indulge, that love of self which so greatly predominates and glories over our brethren. Visit us with your mercy and grace this day, and sanctify us daily that we may glorify you when Jesus comes again to receive his kingdom. Amen. Deuteronomy 32:10-12 O Lord our God, we beseech you to increase our faith, hope, and love. By faith may we ever see Jesus as our mediator and intercessor, trusting in him as the only sure anchor for our souls both now and for eternity. Enlarge our hope by giving it a greater confidence in your promises and providence. Let us not be cast down nor dismayed when the path seems dark. Let us not be anxious over our earthly cares. And let nothing darken that bright gleam on which we have set our eyes, the return of our Savior in power and great glory. And let not love, that greatest gift, fail within. Teach us how it suffers long and is kind. Show it to us in all its excellence and beauty by enabling us to meditate on the love of Christ, who reconciled us to himself when we were yet enemies. Make us understand it as a divine emanation of the triune God. Teach us by sweet experience that all your paths are pleasantness, and all your ways peace. And uphold us against temptation that we may glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Luke 13:23-27 We adore and magnify your name, O Father of mercies and God of all consolation, for having called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to your own purpose and grace given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. O for a song of praise, for a psalm of everlasting thanksgiving to thee, the God of our salvation, in whose hand all power resides! Your power is to be seen everywhere man can turn his eye, and yet the impenitent man refuses to acknowledge it, refuses to see it in the creation of his very own soul. Open his eyes, we pray, to the light of your truth, lest he perish in his sins. We ask in the name of our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Amen. 1 John 2:15-17 O Lord God, our heavenly Father, we are called to the duties of another day, entering into both the business of life and other occupations of time. The voice of pleasure may speak to some, the sound of amusement may attract others, and the snares of the world may more or less absorb us all. Deliver us, O Lord, in the hour of trial. Give strength when temptation comes. Be present in all our doings, and let the small voice of conscience do his busy work while we listen with attentive obedience. Give us that singleness of heart and purpose which was in Christ Jesus, that devotion to your will which marked his every work, and that desire to follow him in all things. And then may we be found, at the last, at the right hand of our King and Judge. Your grace is sufficient to accomplish this. Lead and guide us that we may find even this life pleasant because devoted to your service, and life eternal sure because we have not trusted in an arm of flesh to deliver us but in you only, through Jesus Christ our Mediator and God. Amen. 1 Peter 1:22 Heavenly Father, you are the God of all grace. We ask now that you would endue us with wisdom that we may use our time wisely, not as our own but as yours, so that we may be prepared at the last to render an account of our stewardship. Give us godly dispositions in conformity with our Savior's, that we may be meek, kind, forgiving, patient, and faithful. Teach us the forbearance that suffers long, which is your gift, the desire for our neighbor's best welfare, which is the Christian's mark, and the obedience that shows we are Christ's disciples indeed. Opportunities abound in which we may bring glory to you. Let us not allow them to pass by unnoticed, but accept them as the paths to spiritual blessing. We ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Luke 18:13 O Lord our God, we entreat your favor with our whole heart. We confess that we have forfeited all claims to it, and if we had no better ground of hope than our merits, we must sink into despair. But with you there is mercy, and with you there is plenteous redemption. You have sent your own Son into the world not to condemn it, but that the world through Christ might be saved. We rejoice that neither the number nor heinousness of our transgressions is a barrier to your forgiveness, a forgiveness founded on the sufferings and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. But keep us from the hope of the hypocrite, who rests satisfied with a mere profession of belief and outward forms of worship, all the while having a heart not right with God. May we judge of our sincerity by our fear to offend you, by our concern to know what you would have us to do, and by our willingness to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ. We offer this prayer in the all prevailing name of our blessed Redeemer, who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood. Amen. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 Gracious Father, awaken us, we pray, from the paralyzing delusion that we may sit with our arms folded and our minds at ease, having nothing to do this day for you. Rouse us now, while we have energy to stir, to a sense of our danger from the enemy who roams tirelessly about seeking whom he may devour. Impress upon us the solemn and startling truth that it was anger kindled by our sins that led our Savior to the cross, and that only through his merits can we behold your holiness and glory. Strengthen us by your Holy Spirit that our penitence this day may be sincere, and sanctify us that we may glorify the triune God in all we do. We offer these petitions in the name of our precious Redeemer, Christ Jesus. Amen. Romans 1:20 O Lord, who is like you? Who but you can order all things? Who but you are high, holy, and omnipotent? Who but you can give life and take it away? And yet it is you who are mocked, despised, blasphemed, and neglected. You have given man the ability to reason so he can know you, understanding so he can walk unharmed through this troubled scene of our mortality. Yet these very gifts are used to defy you. Spare us, O good Lord, from such iniquity! Break down the pride and stubbornness of our corrupt nature and bring us all into subjection to the law of Christ. Teach us his obedience, that we may go about doing good. Make us ready to assist others where we can lessen their burden, seeing that he was ever ready to stretch forth his arm in acts of mercy and love. We ask all in the name of our great high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Luke 7:46 Almighty God, arise and let your enemies be scattered! Like the smoke that vanishes, drive them away. But be merciful to us, your disciples, and send your Holy Spirit upon us in his fulness and power. Let him anoint our hearts that we may read your word with profit and pray with mighty power. We know your word is truth, but we are slow to believe it. We confess with our lips that Jesus is coming again soon, but we live as if there were no urgency in preparing for it. May your Holy Spirit be to us as cloven tongues of fire, giving us a burning zeal for you. May his influence be visibly seen by our lives and actions, and may we ever rejoice in his holy comfort. We bring these petitions before your throne through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you. Amen. John 11:21 O Lord God, who is like you, full of mercy, tenderness, and compassion? You know our infirmities and pity us because we are weak and frail. You sustain us because we cannot stand alone. You have wrought out a redemption for us because we could not redeem ourselves. You provide food, clothes, and all things necessary, even though our thoughts are not on you. You preserve us from danger and distress and are ever near to help and defend, though we neglect to return grateful thanks. O pardon our blind ignorance, our presumptuous rebellion, our daring folly, and open our eyes to see your favor working for us in every event, your providence directing all things for our welfare. And may we keep them in remembrance that they may sustain us during times of trial or affliction, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We ask in Christ's name. Amen. Mark 10:32 O Lord God, our creator and preserver, we bless your holy name for all your mercies granted to us. Enable us to recall them and thereby stir up our hearts to gratitude and heavenly love. May we be led to see more clearly how much you have done for us in giving your only beloved Son as an atonement for our sins. May we apprehend more fully the agonies of him whose vicarious death on the cross redeemed us from the power of Satan and set us on a sure footing in the kingdom of grace. And let us not keep such good news to ourselves, but give us the power of the Holy Spirit that we would be zealous in telling others of such great redemption. Then shall we be following in the steps of Jesus who was ever zealous for his Father's glory. Amen. Matthew 26:17-19 Gracious Father, the Sabbath is closing, another day of grace is nearly ended, and what have we done? The voice of your minister has sounded in our ears, the united prayers of a congregation have mingled with the words of our lips, and your praises have been said and sung, and we must ask again, "What have we done?" Pardon us that we have worked so little to your honor and glory. The enemy has triumphed over us, for he is mighty and strong and we are very weak. Endue us with your strength, we plead, and give us the victory over the evil one. Let Jesus be our example, he who gained the greatest victory for us when he triumphed at the cross. We ask in his name. Amen. Luke 22:24-27 O Lord our God, King of kings and Lord of lords, we seek your favor and grace. Root out that pride which lurks in our hearts and that self-confidence which mars our best hopes. Silence within us all rebellious thoughts, all evil imaginations, all proud and presumptuous stirrings of discontent. Remove from among us every thought of pride, every unkind word, and every foolish boast, as if we were better than our brethren. Make us be of one heart and one mind, preferring the lowly station in order that others might be preferred. Let us follow the example of our great Redeemer, Jesus, who came from heaven to be a servant of sinners. It is in his name that we bring these petitions. Amen. Matthew 27:19 O gracious and glorious Lord God, let all the world praise you and magnify your name. Let multitudes here on earth proclaim your goodness day by day and tell forth your loving mercy and truth as each night returns. Let all your worshiping people tell of your wonders and go forth in your strength to proclaim them among the nations of the earth. May we assist all within our reach to walk as your servants and magnify your name for mercies granted in love and pity, yet undeserved and unasked. We bring our petitions to your throne in the name of our great high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Matthew 27:32 O merciful Father, hear us now as we bring our petitions, for we come through the blood of your dear Son, Christ Jesus, who glorified your name in his death. We think upon his ignominious death, recognizing that it is only through faith in its efficacy that we can come before your throne of grace. May we meditate often on the hour of our Savior's agony, for it was our sins that added to its weight and accumulated fresh sorrows on his head. Turn our eyes to Calvary and there behold his innocent hands pierced with cruel nails, a sad return for the healing touch they often gave. There we see his brow crowned in thorns and hear the heartless mockery of those who had heard your lips speak peace. Let your Holy Spirit kindle us to heavenly musings, rousing us from the dullness of indifference to meditate on the love which could endure such suffering for rebellious man. Amen. Mark 15:33-38 O almighty God, you sent your dear Son into the world to save sinners. He was subjected to all the temptations and trials to which we are subjected, in order that he might be a righteous judge and Savior. Mercifully grant that we may use such abstinence as shall subdue within us every evil passion and desire, every motion that accords not with the purity of your gospel. May we remember what Jesus bore for us and our salvation, what he suffered in order to secure for us benefits which nothing else could purchase, blessings which none else could obtain. May we never be permitted to forget how he was bruised for our iniquities, how the chastisements of our peace was upon him, and that with his stripes we are healed. And then inspire us with such gratitude, such love, and such an ardent desire to show them forth in our life and conversation that we may indeed walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Mark 15:44 O King eternal, immortal, and invisible, we come this morning to the foot of the cross on which Jesus died. It is a subject into which angels desire to look. And if they who need no repentance inquire into the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow, how much more should we, to whom they are all important. Let us not turn aside and allow a dying Savior to address us in vain. It is at the cross where we see the value of our souls in the price paid for their deliverance. May we live only and wholly for him who died for us. And in the afflictions of life, whatever be the cross we are required to bear, may we look at Jesus, who carried a much heavier one, and carried it for us without a murmur. We ask all in his name, who washed us from our sins in his own blood. Amen. Mark 16:6 Heavenly Father, we rejoice today as we celebrate the all-sufficiency and acceptance of the sacrifice Jesus offered on the cross. He is a risen Savior, securing for us an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and which will never fade away. In all our difficulties and dangers, may we rejoice that he who was dead is alive again, to plead for us, defend us, and supply all our needs. We glory in his victory, not only over death and the grave, but over the powers of darkness. Establish in our minds a full persuasion that he was delivered for our offenses and raised again for our justification. And may we view his resurrection not only as the pledge of our own, but the model as well, for he shall change this vile body into a glorious one. Enable us to esteem it our highest honor to be like him, and feel it our greatest pleasure to serve him. To Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, Mediator, and Intercessor, be glory forever and ever. Amen. Mark 16:7 Almighty and most merciful God, go with us this day and bless us in all our ways. Whatever we do, may we do it heartily as unto you, remembering at what great cost our sins have been forgiven. Preserve us so that the pleasures, cares, and honors of this life do not turn away our thoughts from that life of eternal happiness which is to come. Enable us to live above the deceitful riches of this world and to follow our occupations with a heavenly mind, taking pleasure in the work you have appointed for us. And let us be always ready for the return to earth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, when he shall appear as King of kings and Lord of lords, in power and great glory. We offer this prayer in his name. Amen. Matthew 5:3 O Lord God great and glorious, giver of all good things and sole author of every blessing, how little have we deserved at your hands and yet how much have we received. We have had no claim on your bounty, yet it has been unfailing. And though we have not walked in your ways as we should, yet you have preserved us when danger was nigh and when sickness was round about. Make us humble and truly thankful for all these undeserved mercies and blessings, and enable us to express our thankfulness in deed as well as in word. And if you have denied us any good thing, if you have withheld the thing we asked for, let us not complain. Close our lips against the utterance of even one murmur and let not discontent lay hold of us. Teach us to see a merciful Providence overruling every event, turning all things not only to your glory and honor but to the good of all. We ask in the name of our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. John 1:1 O Lord, Jehovah Jesus, our propitiation and by whom our redemption was worked out, plead with the Father for us. Look now upon us from your seat of glory and remember all the trials and temptations to which you were subjected on earth, and then strengthen your plea on our behalf. Call to mind our weakness, and then ask that we may be strengthened. Forget not our total inability to do, say, or think anything of ourselves that can be acceptable before our God, and then send upon us the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts to you. Let him teach us what we ought to speak, what we ought to do, and to set our feet in the right path that we may run in the way of your commandments. May he teach us the depravity of our own hearts, which of themselves ever choose evil before good, which refuse the benefits you have in store for us, and reject the blessings and mercies you so freely offer to every one of us, and which were purchased at the exceeding great price of your own blood. Amen. Haggai 2:6-9 Merciful God, give ear to our prayer, for we cry unto you in the name of Jesus Christ. The things of the world--the lust of the eye, and the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life--are continually tempting us and leading us astray. Our affections toward you are cold and dull. Our tempers are often unsanctified, and we are lukewarm and indifferent to perishing sinners when we ought to have holy zeal for their salvation. Oh, give us grace this day to overcome temptation and to mortify all our corrupt affections, and grant an abundance of your Holy Spirit that we may abound in every good work and walk worthy of the gospel of Christ, proclaiming the good news of salvation to all men. And we pray especially for your chosen people, Israel, asking that you would give them a new heart and new spirit, that they may worship their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the land you promised to their fathers. Amen. 1 John 2:15 O most holy Lord, who can adequately express your praise or declare your mercy? Angels and archangels pass their eternity of existence singing it, and they never cease, for there is no power that can do it justice. Their work and their pleasure is the same. They wait to do your bidding all the while adding expressions of grateful love and adoring praise. And such is the ready occupation of your redeemed, the willing employment of those who have washed themselves in the blood of the Lamb, who are now standing in your presence for evermore beholding the fulness of the glory and majesty of their Redeemer and their God. And shall we who are this day receiving mercies continually and in great abundance be silent? Shall we refuse to prepare ourselves here for our hoped-for employment hereafter? Alas, we live as if our lives had no reference to the future, as if our work were to accumulate this world's goods only, to rejoice in the things of time and sense. Teach us better, O Lord. Seal us as your own by a zealous obedience and love for Jesus Christ's sake, our God and Savior. Amen. Luke 6:27 Gracious Father, you love the humble one who comes to you. Make us understand the service you would have us do and feel it as a delight. Enable us to pursue it as our best occupation, and to promote it as our highest interest. Lead us to search after the spirit which marked the every act of him who went before us as an example, who taught with authority, yet was obedient in all things. And as we hope to serve our Lord in heaven, teach us to serve him here on earth, and to rejoice that we are granted the privilege of doing so. Hear us now through the merits of Jesus Christ, our great intercessor. Amen. Jeremiah 17:9 O blessed Lord and Savior, Son of the living God, you indeed are God, and as God you were manifested in the flesh. We know that on the confession of this truth depends life eternal, and that its belief can exist only as the gift of the Holy Spirit. Enable us to say with holy confidence and unwavering faith, "You, O Lord, are our God forever and ever, holy and reverend is your name." For that great multitude who cannot confess this truth, set before them in its awful reality that great day which is coming, when every knee shall bow and every tongue constrained to own you as Lord and God. Will they be among those who obeyed your bidding and will remain among the glorious company of the redeemed, or will they be among the hard-hearted who refused to have you reign over them and must depart as accursed into perdition? Open their ears to hear your gentle persuasive reasonings that they may turn to you in penitence and seek you by prayer. Amen. Matthew 5:5 O God most high and holy, we come into your presence confessing that our offenses are many. Cleanse us, we pray, and take away every prejudice that hinders us from a clear view of ourselves. Your word declares that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Yet how blind we are to our own shortcomings and how quick to detect the shortcomings of others. Let Jesus be our example, and lead us in his steps. Give us his meekness and patience, his endurance, and his faithfulness even unto death. Whatever comes our way, be it evil or good, suffering or joy, let us praise your name and acknowledge your providence working for us. And with our confidence anchored in you, we shall walk through the valley of the shadow of death fearing no evil. Hear us for Jesus' sake. Amen. Jeremiah 17:9-10 O Lord, you have taught us that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Give us grace to seriously weigh and patiently reflect upon every word we utter, that we may thereby know whether our hearts are right with you. Enable us to make this search neither vainly, as if it were a matter which concerned us only as creatures of this world, nor proudly, as if we had performed some meritorious act that would justify our sin or claim pardon at your hands, but earnestly, knowing that our hearts are set to do evil continually. Let us strive to correct the evil suggestions from within with all the energy that despair calls forth, for we are very blind to our condition by nature. We are apt to think ourselves, if not very good, at least better than we are. Teach us to weigh our words and scan our thoughts by the balance and test of your holy law, that we be no longer deluded and no longer tempted thus to our ruin, but that we may henceforth become new creatures in Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 28:17 Gracious Lord and Father, governor of the world, you are a most merciful God and hate nothing that you have made. Give us such a sense of that mercy that we may come to you as children to a loving father, looking for comfort, joy, and peace. Show yourself to us in this rich attribute, and enable us to apprehend its fulness by revealing to us the fearful depravity of our own hearts, the total alienation to you we possess by nature, and our rejection of your rightful sovereignty. Then open our eyes to the sacrifice made for our redemption, that of your only and beloved Son. Your invitation to come for salvation is open to all, and so draw us this day and subdue our pride, obstinacy, and enmity of heart, that we may joyfully pray, "Your sovereign grace is rich and free, and if for others why not for me?" We ask in the name of our only Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Proverbs 23:26 Gracious Father, we bring before your throne of grace those who are yet unsaved. They have no due sense of their danger and are blind to the eternal ruin that must be their just portion unless they find pardon in that Savior who sits at your right hand. Open their eyes to see their lost condition. Send them convicting grace that they may repent and turn to Jesus, lest in the darkness of this night they are taken unawares and perish in their sins. And give us, your disciples, an earnest zeal to share the good news with them. Your word declares that the fields are ripe for harvest, yet we all too often sit with our hands folded as if there were nothing to do. Give us the compassion of Jesus, who saw the lost as sheep without a shepherd. Let us labor today to bring them into the fold, because the night is coming when no man can work. We pray in the name of Jesus, our great High Priest. Amen. Philippians 1:6 O eternal God, you are the source of every good, the author of every blessing. To know you is eternal life. Give us, we beseech you, that life. Make it ours now by faith, and ours hereafter in its full and blessed reality. We have much to do. The task is ours to secure the prize, to run, as in a race, to make our calling and election sure, and to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. O God, enable us by your grace and Holy Spirit to do this. Pour out your blessing and favor upon us, lest we walk under a delusion and say to ourselves, "Peace, peace," when there is no peace. Our hearts are deceitful. They mislead and deceive, promising things never to be performed, telling of joys that we will never know. We rest content in our righteousness and bow the knee as a cold duty. We pass the greater part of our days in the mists of indifference or in the darkness of error. Enlighten us, we pray, and show us your Son Jesus Christ as our only hope, and convince us that an unwavering faith in him is our only hope for safety. Bless us for his sake, in whose name we pray. Amen. Acts 17:32-34 Heavenly Father, another day is taken from the sum appointed to man. Though death seems far off, yet it is day-by-day nearer because of its certainty. It may happen at any moment, and shall a man be so foolish as to wait for a better time to set his house of flesh in order? Grant him wisdom, and purify him from such vain and deceitful notions. Show him that it is the present, and the present only, that is the promised time to seek salvation. Now is the time when he has his health and is in full possession of his faculties, and, most importantly, has your word at hand. When this hour is past, will he have another to call his own, another in which he will resolve to turn to you in sincerity of heart? To postpone a matter of such vital importance is the height of folly. Open his eyes and remove every delusion that rivets his affection on this uncertain and fleeting life. Enable him instead to focus on that certain and everlasting life, and to see that today is the day of salvation. Draw him for Jesus' sake, we pray. Amen. Mark 12:41-44 O eternal and glorious Lord God, before whom angels bow in lowly reverence as they do your bidding and whose service is their best delight, give us that same delight as we come to worship you on this your appointed day. Enable us to enter this house of worship with godly reverence and meek and quiet spirits, remembering that we are vessels chosen for your glory. Let us with a lively voice sing your praises, with attentive ears hear your word, and as faithful givers cheerfully return to you what is your own. We ask in the name of Jesus, who washed us from our sins in his own blood. Amen. Matthew 24:2-3 O Lord our God, we come before your throne of grace pleading the merits of our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Arise in your might, we pray, and show forth your power to the people of this nation. Let your threatenings break the sad slumber of negligence and indifference in which sinful man rests. Let your Holy Spirit show him his sin, his grievous offense against you in rejecting the righteousness of Christ for his salvation. You have bid him to come to you for salvation, and have promised that all who do will be joyfully accepted. But your call, like the voice of Noah, that preacher of righteousness, has been not only disregarded but utterly held in contempt by a froward and rebellious people. Rouse them, O mighty God, before their hearts become so hardened that your Spirit no longer strives with them. Awaken them before that great day of tribulation comes unexpectedly upon them. Open their eyes to see that, unless they repent, they must stand condemned at the final judgment. Amen. Matthew 5:21-26 O Lord most holy and merciful, we come before you with grateful hearts, for although we are but dust and ashes and weak and miserable, you have given us the means and aids by which we may be accepted at your throne of grace. We therefore come pleading the merits and sufficiency of your Son and our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. This day will bring trials and temptations to prove our love for you. Grant that we may follow in the steps of our Savior by doing good to all men. Let us not seek revenge, but let us repay our enemies with kindness. Let not the prosperity of the wicked cause us distress, but let us be content with our allotted portion, trusting in your wisdom and divine providence. We ask in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who died that we might have everlasting life. Amen. Proverbs 16:33 O Father of mercies, you are a very present help in every time of need. You wait to be gracious, and you are ever more ready to hear than we are to pray. Enable us in every hour of trial and temptation to flee to you as our strong tower. In the dark periods of sorrow and affliction, grant that we may seek you with an earnest heart in order that we may find sweet joy and peace. We confess that we nurse despondency and court gloom too much, dwelling upon things of time rather than upon our eternal interests. O teach us, we pray, to recognize that trials and afflictions work for our good, and grant that we may have a more abiding trust in your divine providence. We ask all in the name of our great Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Luke 15:17 Almighty Lord, we come before you now not to plead our righteousness or any deeds we have done, but to make the righteousness of Christ our plea, his death and resurrection our satisfaction. We confess that we have fallen short of our duty, and with deep humility we fall low before your footstool seeking pardon. Enable us to search ourselves carefully and diligently by your word to see where we have walked amiss, and make us see the folly of trying to conceal it from you. You would not that man should deceive himself by vain endeavors to deceive you. Yet how often we do this, all the while owning your omniscience. Strengthen us, we pray, that our penitence may be sincere, and answer for Christ's sake. Amen. Psalm 23:4 O Lord God, in your hands are the issues of life and death. As you spoke the word and we were made, so at your bidding we shall pass away and be no longer among the sons of men. At its longest, life is short; our days pass quickly away. Year follows year, seasons come and go, all things come to an end to warn us of our approaching reckoning at your throne of judgment. Prepare us daily that we may be as much nearer to you in spirit as we are to the grave. While health and strength abound, give us grace to walk before you among the living by revealing the fullness of your majesty and holiness. And enable us, we pray, to use our energy and mind in your service as we prepare to meet our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we offer our petitions. Amen. Proverbs 21:23 O Lord, your mercy has brought us to the morning of another day. Bless our labors by giving us that honest industry which can bear the scrutiny of your searching eye. Let us treat our fellow workers with kindness by overlooking their shortcomings, always remembering that "golden rule," to treat others as we would have them treat us. Make us very diligent, patient, and zealous in all things, for we must one day give an account to you. And grant that we may be blessed with the happy and comforting assurance that you will accept us, because your glory was our objective, your work our delight, and to do our Father's business our first aim. Bless us for Jesus' sake we pray. Amen. Romans 4:8 O gracious Father, shall we not come to you with confidence and plead before your throne of grace with boldness? Yes, Lord, we shall, for we remember what you have done for us. You have redeemed us, ransomed us from the hand of him who was stronger than we, for the evil one had mastery over us and there was none to help. Our enemy came against us and there was none to whom we might flee. We had sinned against our God and there was no one to make reconciliation. But you sent Jesus, your only Son, to shed his blood that our sins might be remitted. He died that we might live, rose again for our justification, his righteousness has been imputed to us, and he now stands at your right hand interceding for us. We know that whatever Jesus asks on our behalf will be for our best, and therefore we come in his name confident that his prayer will not be denied. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 O Lord, teach us to pray. Make us feel its privilege and rejoice in the mercy which permits sinful man to approach his Maker with importunity and to storm his throne with the violence of earnest desire. Show us how our best interests depend on prayer. Open our eyes to see our Savior bending his knee in the garden and crying unto you with all the fervor of humble determination which must be heard, and then lead us to follow in his steps. Give to each one of us his spirit, his entire trust on his Father's mercy, that we in our affliction will say with him, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not my will but Thine be done." All this we pray in the name of our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Jeremiah 17:9, Ephesians 6:1 O gracious Lord, look upon us as a nation and in pity regard the church of this land. See the iniquity that abounds not only among the powerful in government, but among professing Christians. Behold the sins committed by those who claim to be your disciples. Week after week opens with the Lord's day, and thousands congregate as if to worship you. But once their solemn engagements are over, they rush again into the world as if you were asleep and did not behold their wickedness. Fraud is used, falsehood prevails, the love of money sways, worldly ambition is intoxicating, earthly pleasures drug the soul, and a travesty is made of their Christian profession. Rise in your strength, O mighty God, to rebuke such sin! Warn such nominal professors in order that they may amend their ways. Cause them to remember that man may look on the outward appearance but the living God looks on the heart. Your threatenings are plain and fearful, and should make them pause and tremble. Oh, keep your church among us as a shining light and its members as living stones. Let us not bring reproach upon our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Titus 2:14 O God our Father, accept us now and bless us for Jesus Christ's sake, for we come pleading his merits. He died for our sins and rose again for our justification. If not for our iniquities, he would never have left your throne and borne a life of sorrow and suffering, and undergone an ignominious death. But he saw man's miserable and lost condition. And when there was no one to help, nothing that could avail to appease your righteous indignation for broken laws and despised commands, he then offered himself as the lamb of God to redeem lost mankind. By means of Christ's precious blood you are pleased to accept all who will come to you through him. Our time for repentance is very short, our opportunities very few. Yet they are sufficient if we will neither waste the one nor despise the other. Enable us to use both in our service and to our soul's eternal benefit. Amen. Romans 15:1-3 O Lord God Almighty, let your Holy Spirit bear witness with our spirits that we are children of God. Impart to us the fullness of your Spirit in order that we may bring forth love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness, long-suffering, patience, and temperance in all our doings, even in the seemingly unimportant interactions of life. Grant that we may so copy the example of our Savior as to be the letters of Christ, known and read of all men, but especially by those of our own household. Teach us to live so that we may glorify you. Let us recognize your presence with us at all times, remembering that we have been bought with a price of amazing value--the blood of your own Son, Jesus, in whom we offer this prayer. Amen. James 1:2-3 O Lord, you have brought us safely to the beginning of another day. May we walk through it in the light of your countenance, striving to please and serve you in every act we do, every word we say, and every thought we indulge. May we struggle against every known error, every captivating sin, and seek the Holy Spirit's aid to strengthen us, lest temptation come and we fall. May we meditate much on the life of Jesus, who was tempted even as we are. Let each thought of him animate our zeal, increase our hope, and give us new energy and determination to walk with him. We know trials will come, but they are meant to produce valuable fruit in us. They are essential for learning patience and mortifying the flesh with its innumerable lusts. In every affliction and trial, enable us to cleave to Jesus as the only anchor of hope in this world of storms and difficulties. And if you have been pleased to keep us from the more vexing trials of life and have granted peace and quiet as our portion, let us recognize your mercy to us and be truly grateful. We ask all in the name of our great Redeemer, Christ Jesus. Amen. Jude 3 Heavenly Father, we come now imploring you to hear our prayer as we remember the sacrificial death of your only Son, Jesus Christ, the son of David. Give us that strength which shall enable us to be ever ready to follow him in all things, even unto death. May we be prepared to give up our health, strength, and worldly substance as proofs of our patience and obedience and love, if it be your good pleasure. Endue us with your Holy Spirit that we may think no sacrifice too great if it brings us nearer to you. May no labor be too arduous if it assists us in perfecting holiness and bringing men, both Jew and Gentile, to the saving knowledge of Jesus the Messiah. And in all our troubles and in every sorrow, teach us to draw nigh to you. Let us walk by faith, trusting in your divine providence, and casting all our cares upon you in the full assurance that you care for us. We ask in the blessed name of Jesus the Messiah. Amen. Romans 2:4 O Lord, we bow before you as humble and penitent sinners. Increase our faith and improve our practice, for we must confess that our faith is very weak. Recent days bear sad witness to that fact. Much of our service has been a lifeless offering, a mockery of you. When we have knelt before you in prayer, our thoughts have wandered, and we have indulged in vain imaginations. We have taken our Bibles in hand more as an obligation than a privilege, and its study has seemed more like a burden than a joy. Our spirits have slumbered, even while in your house of worship. Oh, pardon us who forget our duty, and supply us with strength that we offend not so again. Let not indifference creep upon us, but preserve us by your power and in your great mercy. Rule and guide us as if every day were a holy day, for every day is yours and our lives should be dedicated to you in them all. We pour out our hearts to you with gratitude for such gracious forbearance and with the assurance of pardon and peace. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Isaiah 25:1 Merciful God, give ear to our prayer, for we cry unto you in the name of Jesus Christ. The things of the world--the lust of the eye, and the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life--are continually tempting us and leading us astray. Our affections toward you are cold and dull. Our tempers are often unsanctified, and we are lukewarm and indifferent to perishing sinners when we ought to have holy zeal for their salvation. Oh, give us grace this day to overcome temptation and to mortify all our corrupt affections, and grant an abundance of your Holy Spirit that we may abound in every good work and walk worthy of the gospel of Christ, proclaiming the good news of salvation to all men. And we pray especially for your chosen people, Israel, asking that you would give them a new heart and new spirit, that they may worship their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the land you promised to their fathers. Amen. Psalm 37:7 O everlasting God, our Rock and Guide, you have always been the defense of your people in the hour of danger. You have been their refuge in every trial and their stronghold when temptation assailed. When blackness comes upon their fainting souls through sorrow or affliction, you love to shed beams of mercy upon them. When any are weary, you delight to lead and support them. Your mercy guides them to the waters of comfort where they find rest. We acknowledge with gratitude your ever present help, and humbly ask that you give us perfect satisfaction in our earthly lot, utmost confidence in your divine providence, and a patient waiting for Jesus Christ's return, when he will come in the full glory of his Father, with his angels, to establish his kingdom here on earth. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and our Intercessor through whom we come before your throne of grace. Amen. Romans 6:22 O Lord, Jehovah Jesus, our propitiation and by whom our redemption was worked out, plead with the Father for us. Look now upon us from your seat of glory and remember all the trials and temptations to which you were subjected on earth, and then strengthen your plea on our behalf. Call to mind our weakness, and then ask that we may be strengthened. Forget not our total inability to do, say, or think anything of ourselves that can be acceptable before our God, and then send upon us the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts to you. Let him teach us what we ought to speak, what we ought to do, and to set our feet in the right path that we may run in the way of your commandments. May he teach us the depravity of our own hearts, which of themselves ever choose evil before good, which refuse the benefits you have in store for us, and reject the blessings and mercies you so freely offer to every one of us, and which were purchased at the exceeding great price of your own blood. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10 Rejoice! O let our souls rejoice, and let us lift up our hearts unto the Lord our God, for he has dealt graciously with his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation in the house of his servant David. He who was dead is alive again, and behold, he lives forevermore. Vain was the sealed tomb, the Roman guard, the malice of enemies, and the fear of friends. The Lord has risen, and we rejoice in our salvation thus secured to us. Touch our hearts, most gracious God, with your Spirit's influence, that we may feel and know the value of this memorable day's work, and that henceforth we may speak from our hearts of the abundance of your great love which has redeemed us from the dominion of sin and made us heirs of heaven through our crucified Lord and Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen. Matthew 6:11 Heavenly Father, we come before your throne of grace through the merits of Jesus, who for our sakes fasted forty days and nights and suffered in order that we might have a blessing. Enable us to use such abstinence over our bodies that they may truly be temples of the Holy Spirit. The lusts of the flesh are very strong, and we do not seriously lay to heart our natural corruption, depravity, and inability to do any good thing. Work in us, we pray, to will and to do of your good pleasure. May we be brought entirely into subjection to your law and perceive the folly, unprofitableness, and wickedness of sin. May we strive ever more earnestly than we have so far to know the spiritual meaning and extent of your law, its force and requirements. May we seek more diligently the Holy Spirit's aid and assistance in every matter to which we are called. And may we, under your blessing, bring forth much fruit to the praise of your holy name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:13 O eternal God, you have given mankind laws and ordinances whereby they prove themselves willing and obedient disciples. Give us grace and strength that we may obey and observe them now and all our days. Endue us with the Christian graces and virtues in order that we may be temperate, patient, charitable, meek, and forgiving. And may we exercise every day and in all our actions that most excellent gift of charity. Your holy apostle has taught us that though we bestow all our goods to feed the poor, it profits us nothing if we have not love. Impress us with the example of our Savior Christ, who showed forth its power and excellence in every action of his life and every word he spoke, whose whole career was an illustration of his great name, Love. Let us pass through this transitory life walking in his steps, for we ask in his holy name. Amen. 2 Peter 3:13 Almighty and most merciful God, go with us this day and bless us in all our ways. Whatever we do, may we do it heartily as unto you, with a single eye to your glory and a humble dependence on your fatherly protection. Preserve us so that the pleasures, cares, and honors of this life do not turn away our thoughts from the life which is to come, a life of eternal happiness. Enable us to live above the deceitful riches of this world and to follow our occupations with a heavenly mind, taking pleasure in the work you have appointed for us. And let us be always ready for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who shall appear in power and glory when he receives the kingdom promised to him by his Father. May we ever be defended by your most gracious and ready help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Genesis 14:18, Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:1-3 O Lord Jesus Christ, the only and eternal God, we bow before you now in your threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King. As Prophet, give us grace to learn, patience to hear, and determination to obey your holy precepts. We regard you as our only instructor, and acknowledge that life and immortality can come no other way. As Priest, you have offered yourself for us. It is by your sacrifice alone that we may be perfected. Let us seek no other atonement, for there is none. Your blood shed upon the cross is the only path to redemption. As King, rule in our hearts. Subdue all evil desires, affections and lusts, and break down that barrier of pride which bars our entrance to your throne. Show us the joy of your rule, the comfort of your sovereignty. Give us such perfect obedience that we may walk before you here on earth without fear of evil, and be ever ready to hear your summons to the heavenly kingdom. Accept our grateful, though feeble, homage we pray, O blessed Savior. Amen. 1 Corinthians 5:10 Almighty God, you are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God not of the dead but of the living. Enable us, with this dawning of another day, to live in obedience to your commandments. With the passing of each day we are reminded how fast time flies. Are we prepared for that great end, when time shall be no more and we are summoned to give our last account? For those unsaved, open your word to them by your Holy Spirit lest they sleep away the precious time remaining. Let your trumpet voice startle them to serious thought and grant them convicting grace. Awaken them from the sleep of death, lest the precious days when your mercy is offered come to an end and they find themselves standing before the judgment seat of Christ. And for us your disciples, let us remember that it is then that all our works for you will be examined. They will be tested by fire to see of what they were made, either hay and stubble or gold and precious gems. Oh, let us not waste time searching for worldly praise, but let us go forth with godly zeal sowing the precious seed of salvation to both Jew and Gentile, seeking only the praise of him who washed us from our sins in his own blood, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Heavenly Father, we come before you in humble faith. We know that you are tender and compassionate, so we open our hearts that you may see the many troubles, distresses, and needs that weigh upon them. We love the vanities and follies of the world too much. We build up worldly hopes, which sickness and death banish. We turn our worldly desires into necessities, and mourn over them as if your hand were heavy upon us. Yet we own that you are our God and acknowledge your sovereign right to rule over us. Let your Holy Spirit strive with us more and more. Remove that obstinacy in which we so much indulge, that love of self which so greatly predominates and glories over our brethren. Visit us with your mercy and grace this day, and sanctify us daily that we may glorify you when Jesus comes again to receive his kingdom. Amen. Phillipians 4:7 O God, as we bow before you we realize that all our thoughts are known to you. Sanctify us, therefore, that our minds may not be tempted to indulge in vain and evil thoughts. In the secrecy of our own chambers, when darkness closes in and no eye but yours is upon us, grant that we may not yield to the suggestions of the devil. He goes about seeking whom he may devour. He puts into our hearts evil imaginations and stirs us up to continually indulge in thoughts which our tongues would dare not utter, and which we should dread to carry into effect. Oh, make us remember that even the thought of foolishness is sin, and he who dares dwell upon vain, unprofitable, or forbidden things has forgotten your law and despised your commandments. When we kneel before you to offer our petitions and thanksgivings, enable us to think of nothing but the solemn service in which we are engaged. Lift up our dull and heavy hearts to embrace the great privilege of coming before your throne of grace through the merits of him who died in our place. In mercy hear us, O Lord, and now and ever shield us for your dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. James 3:1-2 O Lord our God, King of kings and Lord of lords, we seek your favor and grace. Root out that pride which lurks in our hearts and that self-confidence which mars our best hopes. Silence within us all rebellious thoughts, all evil imaginations, all proud and presumptuous stirrings of discontent. Remove from among us every unkind word and every foolish boast, as if we were better than our brethren. Make us be of one heart and one mind, preferring the lowly station in order that others might be preferred. Let us follow the example of our great Redeemer, Jesus, who came from heaven to be a servant of sinners. It is in his name that we bring these petitions. Amen. Psalm 27:4-6 O Lord God, another Sabbath day is ours. Let each one resolve to worship you in spirit and in truth, showing forth your praise with thanksgiving and blessing your name with humble reverence. Give your ministers strength to labor in your vineyard. Grant that they may know how to speak the word of caution, of instruction, of advice, and of warning. May they ever remember their great and solemn trust to shepherd the flock in their care. And may we meditate on what we hear this day, that it may be a blessing to us throughout the week ahead. We ask in Christ's name. Amen. Jeremiah 31:10 O gracious Savior, you manifested your power while on earth by acts of love, compassion, and mercy to both Jews and Gentiles. When the multitude came to hear you speak, you fed them not only with the bread of life but with bread for their physical sustenance as well. Rather than send them away hungry, you exercised your highest power on their behalf. Do so this day, we plead, for your chosen people, Israel. They have heard the warnings of your holy prophets of old, but they are not satisfied with your provision in Jesus Christ. Unless you speak the word, they must go away empty, eternal punishment being their portion. Give them a hearty desire and craving for that bread which only you can give, that bread of eternal life which you have promised to all who call upon you in faith. And give us, your disciples, a passion for their salvation, for unto them were committed the oracles of God. Amen. Luke 16:8 O almighty God, you have given gifts according to your own good pleasure, and all of us have received such talents as seemed best to you. Show us then, we pray, your great love and the wisdom which made the appointment, that we may glorify you by using them in your service. We are too apt to forget that we are but stewards of these gifts, that they are profitable to us only in their use and as they shall supply the needs of others. So we ask that you would open our hearts to be ready and glad to give, laying up in store for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come, doing our duty with kindly affection in that state of life in which it has pleased you to place us. And then we will not be cast out as unfaithful stewards who abused our privilege, but we will be rewarded as faithful servants of Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen. Psalm 19:1 O Lord, you have made the heavens, and throughout their vast expanse your law is observed in unfailing regularity and order. The starry host above rejoice to do your bidding, shining in splendor upon man as your blessing. Yet man looks up and refuses to acknowledge you. He will not see you in your own creation, because his heart is corrupt and set upon vanity. The things of the world only are what pleases him. He sets his treasure-house here on earth, storing up the wealth which, alas, shall one day be his no more. Even the simple breeze that moves through the air whispers of you, bringing health to the cheek and fresh beauty to the earth. The trees and herbs rejoice in your sunshine, bringing forth fruit in due season. Oh, be merciful to us, we pray, and give us new hearts, that we might set our affections on things above. And may we especially consecrate ourselves to the Lord Jesus, who, by coming to earth and laying aside his glory, condescended to live and die among men, purchasing by his merits salvation for us. Grant this, we pray, in his dear name. Amen. Hebrews 3:15 O Lord, it is a fearful thing to fall into your hands, for you are a living God. It is a fearful thing to arouse your anger, for you are a jealous God. If your wrath be kindled, yea but a little, how can sinful man abide it? He cannot hide himself from your presence, for wherever he is your eye sees him. He cannot hide his secret thoughts from you, for you already know them. Make him to understand this truth and teach him to set a guard upon his lips, lest a thought of which he will be ashamed becomes known. Though it may for a time be hid from his fellow man, the time will come when he shall appear at the judgment seat of Christ. There all the secrets of his sinful heart shall be revealed and stand as an accusing witness against him. Oh spare him, we plead, and open his eyes before it is too late! Rouse him from his sleep of death before Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, returns in power and great glory. We ask in Christ's name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:13 Heavenly Lord, as we take the step of baptism, we ask that you lead us onward into the long journey to which you have called us. Father, the step of baptism is one of the most important moments in our Christian walk. Help us to approach this act of dedication with clear minds and full hearts. Amen. Proverbs 31:25 Dear God, Thank you for the gift of motherhood. Thank you for the blessing it is to be called "Mom." Thank you for the good plans you have in store for those who still wait to be a Mom. Thank you for the numerous spiritual children you have given to so many "spiritual moms" and mentors. We pray that you would fill this day with favor and grace as we honor Moms all around our nation. We ask for comfort for those who are grieving loss and heartache, especially on this day. We ask for strength for those who wait for children to come back home. We ask for healing for those who have been hurt by relationships that were intended to be loving and nurturing. We ask for faith for those who will someday be Moms, who find themselves on a journey that seems so hard. We ask for great encouragement and grace to cover those who have made a brave and loving choice for adoption. We ask for incredible provision and care over every single parent mom who works so hard on behalf of her children. We ask that you would remind many of those who, though they do not have "physical" children, have the gift of being amazing hope-bringers to many spiritual children they've been blessed to nurture through these years. God, thank you, for the gift of life. Thank you that your heart is for us, and that you are with us, in all our unique journeys and pathways. Thank you that you are Sovereign over every part of our lives. Thank you that your ways are perfect and you make our footsteps secure. Today we pray for refreshing, for joy, for grace, for wisdom, for great peace...for all moms, for moms to be, and for women who nurture and lead. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 John 5:14 Dear Lord, thank you for your relentless love. No matter what troubles may plague this world, you will always remain. Father, teach us how to pray. Remind us that when we come before you with contrite hearts, you will hear us and reveal your will to us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Lamentations 3:22-23 Heavenly Father, my day is drawing to an end, and I'm ready to turn in. But before I do, I have to thank you for your faithfulness today. It's always a good day, even when things may not go the way I plan, or when the world seems in chaos, because you are in control. For all the times when I was aware of your help today, all the times when your unseen presence seemed so near, thank you, God. But for all the ways you worked behind the scenes, unknown to me, moments when heaven-sent angels moved on my behalf in ways I'll never know, thank you for those also, Lord. Forgive me for any foolish actions on my part today or things I did without first asking your blessing or wisdom. Those are moments I'd rather forget, but I'm so grateful for your forgiveness when I ask. I never want to go to bed without clearing the air between us, Lord. Our friendship means too much, and your holiness deserves that. Thank you for loving me just as I am. Your love compels me to give you my all and fills my heart with praise for the relationship we share because of Jesus. As I close my eyes tonight, I'm praying for loved ones around me, for friends and those who need to know you, Lord. I'm praying that your love, like the billions of stars in the night sky outside, will touch them and help them see who you really are. I pray for our world and those in it. I pray for their needs as well as my own. Grant me a good night's sleep tonight, God, so that I can awake refreshed and ready to begin another day loving you. Thank you again for blessings so undeserved and too numerous to count. I love being your child, and I long for the word "faithful" to describe my service to you, each day of every year. When I awake in the morning, may it be with a joyful smile, not a grumpy spirit. May your protection and your presence bathe this place with peace and safety against the enemy. Good night, Lord. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. THANK YOU. AMEN. Exodus 20:12 Heavenly Father, we’re grateful for the generations who’ve gone before us and even more grateful for their enduring influence on our children. Help us honor their memories in ways that matter. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 12:2 Lord, how I long to break free from negative thinking and embrace peace and joy and optimism. I invite You to begin transforming my thought patterns and help me recognize, reject and replace thoughts that are not pleasing to You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:5 Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with humility and clear our minds so that we read your Word with wisdom. Let us pursue your will with a spirit of holiness. Attune our ears to your message. May we engrave your words on our hearts forever. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 1 Peter 1:6-7 Lord, Your ways aren’t our ways. It sounds so simple. I’ve memorized the verse. But help those words sink in. Show me Your perspective through Your eyes. Help me to see that while I’m a small part of the bigger picture You have planned, you love me and I’m part of Your purpose. Rather than blame You when things go wrong, help me to remember You’re the only one who’s right there beside me as I crawl through the fire. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 13:34-35 Father, thank you for choosing us. Thank you for allowing us to have a relationship with You. Please forgive us for the occasions when we allow our earthly desires to take precedent over what you would have us to do. Thank you for the technology you have given us. Help us to be good stewards, and through your Holy Spirit, leads us in how we use it. When we interact online, helps us to be full of love, empathy, grace, mercy, peace, humility and goodness. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Psalm 147:3 Dear God, We feel wounded, betrayed, and brokenhearted. We wonder sometimes if we can ever fully recover from the deep hurt we feel inside. Thank you that you know what we’ve been through and the struggles we still carry. Help us to forgive. Help us to let go. We know that we can move forward with you in peace and freedom. We pray for those who have hurt us right now, and ask for your power to work mightily within their lives. We leave them in your hands and find our comfort and strength in your spirit. Thank you that you understand all that we’ve faced, that you see and you care. We ask that when the enemy taunts us with lies and tries to bring up the hurt of the past, you would silence his voice and allow us to walk free. We bring you all the stuff that he would use to try to trap us or stop us - the pain, the past, the mistakes, the struggles. And we lay it at your feet, again. Thank you for your healing, for your grace, for your hope. Thank you that you have set us free and will not waste the pain that we’ve carried. We look forward to the greater good and purpose you will bring through this struggle. We love you Lord, we need you, we trust you. In JESUS MIGHTY Name. Amen. Isaiah 40:31 Lord, I’m weary. My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. And I am so in need of you. I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back on track again. Your Word says the joy of the Lord is my strength. If that's true, then I need your joy to replace all the bone-tired parts of my mind, body, and soul. The pressures of life sometimes push me into a corner, rendering me helpless to move forward. A hundred voices call my name, and I feel paralyzed at times to answer, not knowing where to turn. Lord, help me not to quit, to keep running the race faithfully, and to find strength in that safe, secret place of yours, under the shadow of the Almighty. I need your strength to say no when I'm tempted to surrender to harmful things, or when selfishness clings to my clothes and won't let go. I need your strength to say yes, when cowardice and fear nudge me to deny the convictions of my heart. I need your strength to reach out in love to those both close to me and all around me. When don't I need your strength, God? You are my rock, and I run to you today, believing that you will lift up my heavy arms, that you will fuel me for the tasks you've given me, and that your joy will completely consume the weakness of my life and make me strong again. I don't want to stay grounded, crippled by limitations and failed attempts. I'm tired of feeble efforts. Lord, I want to mount up with wings like an eagle and not just fly. I want to soar. Renew my strength, Lord. Fill me with your supernatural power to overcome each obstacle in my path. With my eyes on you, Lord, with you walking beside me, working through me, I can make it. Thank you, Lord! In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. John 3:16 Heavenly Lord, may we never forget that neither height nor depth, nor angels nor demons, not even death itself can separate us from your love. As we meditate on your sacrifice and the grace you showed us, may we demonstrate the same compassion toward our neighbors. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Psalm 138:8 Lord, thank you for helping me find clarity about my purpose. Help me remember that I ultimately can find satisfying purpose when I seek after you. Lord, as I work to understand my purpose more fully, I pray that your joy would be present. I pray for grace and wisdom. Help me long to serve you above myself, even above others. Help me walk daily in dependence of you. In JESUS MIGHTY Name. Amen. Jeremiah 34:26 Dear Lord, We have seen the damage firsthand that storms can cause in our lives. We know the destruction, aching, and devastation that they cause. If we are being honest, at times it can seem impossible that anything beautiful or good can come from such sorrows. We know within our hearts that this isn’t the end of the story, that You have something far greater to come. Father, we ask today for Your hand in our lives. We pray for the restoration of our lives by Your process. That process may not look like what we would think or plan, but we know that because You see all that is, was, and is to come...that ultimately, You will do what is most compassionate and best. Father, today we come before Your Holy throne to ask for Your restoration in our lives. We submit ourselves to Your ever-loving Will and kindness throughout. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. 2 Peter 1:2 Heavenly Father, we are saved by no works of our own, but by your sacrifice alone. Let us take joy in that, and glorify your name. Father, do not allow us to doubt your grace. You have taken every sin upon your shoulders, and washed away every blemish from our hearts. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Psalm 23:4 Lord, help me keep my eyes on You, not the painful circumstances I’m facing — not on my problem but on Your power. Thank You that You are with me and will never leave me. Here’s my hand. Please hold it tightly. In JESUS MIGHTY Name. Amen. 1 Peter 5:7 Lord, thank you that you want us to cast our cares on you. Thank you that there is nowhere I can go that you are not there with me. Thank you for having a hold of my life, even as I feel like everything is crumbling around me. Lord, I confess that I have let stress take a hold of my life, rather than You. I have let stress control my mood, my attitudes and my actions. Lord, I repent of this! Please Father, help me see what is stressful in my life and hand it over to You. Help me not let the stress win out. Help me actively think on Your goodness to me. I am so hopeful for my eternity with you, Lord, where there will be NO more stress! Help me look back on all the ways You have rescued me from my stressful moments, and look in hope to the future where You will one day rid all stress, forever. Help me live boldly in the truth of Your goodness and power today. Thank You, Lord. In JESUS MIGHTY Name. Amen. John 12:16 Lord God, I know You are here. I trust in Your presence, Your power, Your goodness, and Your complete control over everything I’m facing. Help me walk through the questions, assured of Your answers, even though they’re still unclear to me. I know one day King Jesus will appear as the “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11), riding a powerful horse and fully revealing His authority. And I know that even now, when I don’t understand all the answers, I have You with me, and that is all that matters. Please give me increasing eyes of faith to trust what You are doing, even—and especially—when I don’t understand. I love You and I trust You, and I pray these things in Jesus Worthy Name. Amen. Proverbs 20:5 Dear Lord, I want to learn to listen more than I speak. Show me how to interact with others in a way that helps them dig deep to find wisdom. Reveal to me when I am talking too much and need to ask questions instead. I’m grateful that I can bring all my questions to You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 7:9 Heavenly Father, give me the courage to stand against the enemy today. I put on the armor of God: the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the sandals of the gospel of peace, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and the shield of faith. Thank You for the promise that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Philippians 4:8 Dear Lord, I need Your help. There are bigger and more critical needs out there, but in order for me to play the role you’ve given me, I need to be emotionally healthy. Thank You for the people who love me, who make me feel better just by being with me. Help me find time to be with those who make my soul sing, and thank you for the healing and enjoyment that brings. Give me wisdom about what I consume mentally and emotionally, and help me make wise choices for my health. Help me let go of the physical and mental clutter that drags me down, and help me to delight in the little things and find joy in the things that I do. But don’t stop there. Show me where else I can help bring joy—point me towards people whose lives I can improve in any small way. Use me, Lord, because that’s often where I find fulfillment, when I’m living out Your purposes. And through it all, help me to see You, to turn to You, to lean on You, and to give thanks to You. Because You are the giver of life, the hope of eternity, and the author of joy. Amen. Psalm 23:1 Oh Lord, You are my shepherd and I should not be in want, but so often I struggle to be content and do want; forgetting that you have graciously provided me with every spiritual blessing in Christ and everything I need for life and godliness. Thank you for often not giving me what I want because my desires would draw my heart from being satisfied in You. Help me to be content in You with what You have given me and to not be focused on what my flesh wants or the world tells me I should have. Protect me from coveting possessions or people, talent or influence, relationships or prestige. Keep my heart from being anxious for what I don’t have and make me thankful for the numerous gifts that You have already given. According to Your Word and steadfast love, fill me with the joy and satisfaction of contentment in Christ. Help me learn to be content in any situation like Paul and to quickly reject the idolatry that dwells beneath the surface of my coveting. I ask you to continually bring to mind your faithful provision for all of my needs, that Christ died for the sin of coveting, that in Christ I am free to be content and live righteously, and that godliness with contentment is greater gain than pleasing my flesh. And may I be humbled and changed by the ultimate example of contentment; of Christ becoming poor in order that I could become rich, and being content to go to the cross to fulfill the Father’s will to rescue a people for Himself who can be free from discontent and zealous for good works. Psalm 139:23-24 Lord, I want to lay before you all that weighs heavy on my heart. Reveal even the sin I am not aware of, Lord. I lay these at your feet and pray your forgiveness on me. I believe you when you say that you wash us whiter than snow. Thank you Lord for your unending love for me! Help me start fresh right now to make choices that honor you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 22:6 Father, I find it so easy to focus on the negatives in my teen's life, easy to jump on those things without listening. Help me to speak in a way that will bring out the best in my child. Help me to not put him down, not cut him out. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! 2 Samuel 7:20-21 Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans, and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect, Lord. Thank You for offering gentle grace. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 41:10 Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for your steadfastness and continual presence in our lives. Sometimes, we can feel you right next to us. But sometimes, it is hard to know that you are there at all. Sometimes life gets so difficult that our hearts just cannot feel you through the pain. Sometimes you take away those feelings so that we may seek you even more fervently. I pray today, Father, that I may rely not on my own feelings but rather on your love for me. May I rely on your Word to be the truth that rules my life over my own understanding. Help me to see you and believe in your character even though my feelings may tell me otherwise. You are kind, you are good, and you are gracious. You are both all-powerful and all-loving. You care deeply for me and for my loved ones. Be with me as I live out these truths no matter what my circumstances are today, Lord, as we walk forward together. I love you and pray all of these things in your Son’s amazing name, Amen. Daniel 9:19 Dear God, Thank you for your great power. We praise you for your Truth. We’re grateful that you have set us free from the clutching grasp of sin and death. Would you be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, providing your protection, and empowering with your strength. We ask that you'd bring about an awakening of your presence to America as never seen before. We ask that your Name be proclaimed, that all plans to silence the Name of Jesus would be thwarted and crushed. We pray that many would come to know you as Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your Light, that you would open blind eyes and release those still imprisoned. We pray that you would unify your people for the glory of your Name, that all who call themselves Christians would rise up, believing your great Truth. Wake us up Lord! Remind us to live aware, to redeem the time, to listen to your words, to be willing to make a difference in this land. We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them your wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people. We pray for your great healing on America. Shine your face on us dear God. We need you now, more than ever before. Our times are in your hands. Thank you that you are rich in mercy and full of grace. Thank you that you are forgiving and merciful. Thank you that you are strong and mighty. Thank you that you are for us and that you fight for us still today. Bring honor to your Name, Oh Lord, for You alone are worthy. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen. John 16:33 Dear Lord, when the troubles of life begin to mount and we can see no way out, help us to trust in you and sing your praises all the more. There are days when we struggle to make sense of the world, Help us to remember that no matter what may come, you are always with us. Amen. Titus 2:7 Dear Lord, I long to honor you in everything I say and do. I long to treat those around me as You would. Yet, sometimes I struggle in some areas and I need Your help. I long to be a good example for those around me and sometimes I fail. Lord, I ask that You will help me in all these areas so that I can grow and become the role model in You that You want me to be. The role model in You that I want to be. Please guide my mind and emotions from here on out. In Your name I pray. Amen. Psalm 37:5 Lord, I release my children to Your care and protection, and I relinquish my will for them in favor of Your will. I know I can’t go everywhere my child goes, but I know You do. Please protect them. Give us wisdom for how to parent well. Give us peace in Your goodness toward our children and your love for us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Hebrews 4:16 Dear God, You are worthy of all praise. You have given me life even though I am unworthy and undeserving. You have taken my sin and made me guiltless. But right now I don’t feel guiltless, and my shame has made me forget who you made me to be. You have made me your child and heir, and you have given me the greatest gift anyone could ask for—eternal life in your presence. But I have forgotten this in my sin; Lord please forgive this sin and grant me mercy. I do not deserve it, but I thank you that because of your Son's sacrifice I am freely forgiven and loved. Please grant me your strength to resist this sin and other sins, and Holy Spirit please urge my soul to spend more time in prayer and praise because in your presence is where I truly belong. In Your name Jesus. Amen Ephesians 1:4 Father, Praise You for peace and purpose. You know every strain, thread and thought of our lives. The care and love that You put into the people we are is part of Your great and compassionate character. Let us remember that when our days threaten to fill up with doubt, You rain down hope and assurance that we are worthy, chosen, and free. Thank You for the journey each life inevitably unfolds. There’s not enough time to witness all of the marvelous stories of courage and triumph that You have worked out in the lives that surround us and fill this world. Let stories of inspiration flood our hearts with assurance and love, sweeping doubt away. Let our hearts flow with the current of Your truth and the promises that You have laid throughout Scripture for us to see. When we look out at the sunrise, may we welcome another day full of life and purpose. And as the sun sets, we pray to finish each day well, unassured of how many more will follow. Thank you for setting us free from sin. Forgive us for allowing ourselves to be enslaved by lies and imperfections that Christ has already conquered on the cross. Bless the dreams that You lay on our hearts. Help us to stay in tune with Your will. Align the ambitions of our hearts to Your plan. We know that Your plans for our lives are more than we can imagine or ask for. Praise You, Lord Jesus! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 6:1-5 Father I am barely holding on. Please come to my aid. Please come soon. Because of Jesus I know Your unfailing love. I am holding on and trusting. Give me Your strength. I trust in You alone for deliverance. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. 1 Timothy 2:16 Father, Praise You for godly friends who hold us accountable. Thank You for illuminating the deceitful power of gossip, that we all entertain within earshot daily. Forgive us for listening to it instead of walking away. We confess that often we don’t speak up out of fear of rejection, and pray that you help us to have the courage to honor others with kind words when their character is being publicly slain. Bless and heal those who have been mangled by gossip, and others enslaved by it’s addictive habit. Heal our insecurities, and help us learn to turn to you for affirmation. Make us busy serving others in love to give You glory, instead of sitting in circles of babble and participating in chatter-filled phone calls. Empower us with Your Holy Spirit to head Your warnings, and steer our conversations with Your love. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 27:1 Lord, I’m here today with open hands and an open heart, ready to depend on you to help me through the day and all it will bring my way. Help me be like Nehemiah, help me come to you for guidance, strength, provision and protection. As I face tough choices and hard situations, help me remember my belovedness, help me remember that I am Your child and Your representative to the world around me. Help me live today in a way that brings honor to Your holy name. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 22:10-11 Dear Lord, help us to promote the sanctity of life. May our words and deeds show everyone in our community that they are loved. Teach us to value every human life. When we look at a person, give us your eyes so we may see your son or daughter. Amen. Hebrews 13:7 Heavenly Father, there are days when we don’t know what to do. When all direction seems to lead us nowhere. We ask that you guide us in these difficult times. Help us to rise up as courageous leaders. Give us the strength and wisdom to accomplish your will and to stand firm upon your commands. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 1:33 Dear God, I need Your peace today. I know that in order to be at rest I have to stop juggling fear with faith. So I ask for Your wisdom. Help me to be brave. I come now and hand over these concerns (pause to personalize this). Fill me with Your love, joy and peace instead, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 Dear God, We pray for our graduates today and lift them before you. We thank you so much for these we love and for the work you are continuing to do in their lives. They are a gift to us and to many others. And during this season of new beginnings, we ask that you would make their way clear. We ask that you would keep their footsteps firm and remind them that you are with them, always. May they sense the freshness of your Spirit over their lives in amazing ways, may they be strengthened, instilled with hope, for the new roads you have in store. And today, again, we release our children straight into your tender care. Because we know that’s the best place they could ever be. We thank you in advance for all you have in store, for this day, for this year, for their lives. We pray for protection, for your covering, that you would surround their lives as with a shield. Protect their coming and going. We ask that you would help them to live aware in a dark world and keep harm or evil intent far away. We ask that you would hide them in the safety of your powerful presence. Our world is currently anxious, fearful and uncertain. We pray our graduates are filled with your courage and strength, that they may be a light to their friends and neighbors in this uncertain time. We ask for your wisdom and clear direction over their lives, that you would give them understanding beyond their years. Thank you that your timing is perfect. We pray that you would direct their steps, that your plans for them would prosper; that every place you have determined for them to walk would be paved clear. We ask for you to open doors that need to be opened and close every one that should be shut tight. Allow every gift and treasure you have placed inside their lives to grow, develop, and flourish, to bring you glory. We ask that you would remind them every day how very much you love them, that they would find security and confidence fully in you, knowing that you are trustworthy and true. We ask that you would teach them your ways and fill them with an unquenchable desire to learn your Word. Give them a compassionate spirit, and the wisdom to look beyond outward appearances to the heart within. We pray that you would surround them with friends and leaders who would challenge them to press closer to you. We ask for your peace to cover them. We ask for laughter and joy to fill their days. We pray that you would give them boldness and courage to face challenges set before them, with the confidence and peace that can only come from your spirit. We ask that you would raise up greatness in their lives, greatness in this generation, willing to stand strong and true, passionate for you, believing that you have designed them for purpose and good works, which you have planned and prepared in advance for them to do. Be a lamp for their feet, and a light to their path. Shine over them. Fill them with your spirit. Bless them with your favor and peace. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 Heavenly Lord, though we may not be able to love enough, teach us how to love like you. Lord, help us to live out your commands through kindness and understanding. Teach us that love is more than a feeling, it is an action. Amen. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36:27 Heavenly Lord, may the words of your gospel be always in our hearts. As I work in ministry, help me work with all of my might, but also help me know when I have to step aside, in order for you to step in and work in a mighty way. Help me have wisdom to know how to abide in you. Help me avoid burnout by letting you be you. Thank you so much for the work you’ve given me, may it bear much fruit for your Kingdom. Amen. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1 John 4:11 Lord, thank You that we were made for connection and intimacy with others and with You. We pray You help us grow closer to those who matter most in our lives. Thank You for loving us so deeply. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:8 Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me long before I ever loved You. Affirm Your love to me so I may know it well and pour it out on those around me. You are good, and Your love is perfect. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40 Heavenly Father, in this time of prayer, we reach out in the assurance that you will embrace your children and lead us home. Thank you for your grace, without it we are lost. Teach us to be your hands and feet. Send us where we are needed, and help us to look upon other with eyes unclouded by hate. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 Lord, be with me when the only thing I can even ask for is peace. Be in the big moments, the little moments, the in-between and uncertain moments. Thank you that you are, “…not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33) and that Your peace, “transcends all understanding, (and) will guard (our) hearts and (our) minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Help me to trust in Your word and in this verse. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). I’m so glad You’re a God who understands—even when the world doesn’t. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 Dear Lord, as we rise to meet each new day, please let us be filled with Your spirit. Wherever we go, let us spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness. Let us desire to become more like you and to worship you in all we do. Help us desire these things so much more than the sin that entices us. Thank you for always going before us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 Father, help me to be a generous giver--with my time and resources. Show me how to build the community I long for and how to be part of the solution instead of complaining and comparing. Forgive me where I have been lazy or apathetic instead of bold and engaged; I want to grow in my faith this year. Help me to do that, and to be a blessing in my church community. Amen. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 We thank you for the Power of your Word and your Presence over our lives. We thank you that no weapon formed against us will prosper, for greater are You who is in us, than he who is in the world. We pray that you will cast down every threat and accusation, every abusive word and cruel attack hurled our way. We praise you that nothing is impossible with you, that You are loving and gracious, full of mercy and might. We trust in you alone, to rise up strong on our behalf. Thank you that you are our Defender and Strong Tower, our Refuge and our Strength. Thank you that you fight for us today, and in our weakness, you make us strong. In the Powerful Name of Jesus. Amen. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 Father, I praise You today for all that You have done in my life. You are faithful even when I am faithless. Your love pursues me even when I am unlovable. Your forgiveness covers my sin and frees me from its penalty. I praise You for your love and faithfulness to me. Your presence in my life changes everything, empowering me to live each moment of every day, content in knowing You are in control. As I face today, Lord, remind me that no matter what happens, I can praise You! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:6 Father, only you understand how much I’ve been hurt by this person. I don’t want to carry the pain for another second. I don’t want to be a bitter person. But I need your grace and the power of the cross to release my hurt and to forgive those who’ve hurt me. This is the turning point. First, I need to experience your forgiveness. You know all the ways I’ve hurt others, and I’m so sorry for my sins. Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I accept your grace and forgiveness, and I need it daily. Today I’m turning to you, and I’m choosing to forgive the way you have forgiven me. Every time the memory comes back, I’ll forgive that person again until the pain is gone. Heal my heart with your grace. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 Dear God, We thank you for the freedom you have given to us, and for the price that was paid by Christ so that we could live free. We remember today. The cost of it all. The great sacrifice for freedom. We thank you for the brave men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, so courageously for our nation. We ask for your covering and blessing over them and their families. We pray that you would be gracious and encircle them with your peace. We pray for your great favor and goodness to be evident in their lives. Please be with all those who wear the uniform, who serve our communities and nation every single day. We ask that you provide your protection, that you would be their guiding force who leads the way, and their rear guard who keeps them safe from behind. We ask that you would draw them to yourself amidst the dangers they face in a dark world, for you are the Truth, you are the Way, you are the Light. Help them to walk wisely. To stay covered in your armor. Give them godly discernment. Make them constantly aware of what lurks close by. Help them to be men and women of prayer, realizing that this is where their greatest help comes from. Help them to stay united and strong, bold and resolute, determined and unwavering. Bless their families. Bless those they love. Give them your great favor, this day, and every day. Thank you that in our nation today, we are free to worship. We are free to pray. We are free to read your Word. We are free to speak. We are free to share. For this, we are incredibly grateful. Yet, we understand how quickly these freedoms can be taken away. Give us an increased awareness of the spiritual battle we’re in. Help us to stand strong in you and for your purposes. Thank you that as believers, we can be assured, you will never leave us, and are with us always, in this life, and the next. Thank you for your truth that says, who the Son sets free is free indeed! We know that in you alone, true freedom is found. In Jesus Mighty Name we pray. Amen. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12 Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel like I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life. I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial. Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom! By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 Father, I have to thank You for looking beyond my faults and for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me when I fail to love others in the same way. Give me eyes to see the needs of the difficult people in my life, and show me how to meet those needs in a way that pleases You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Peter 2:13 Lord, forgive me for my rebellious spirit. Teach me to be submissive and respectful to those in authority over me. Help me be a light in our dark world; let Christ shine through me. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear those around me who need Your gospel truth. Thank You for Your great love and tender mercy toward me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 119:105 Father in Heaven, I come before you today with my mind swirling with different thoughts and feelings. I have a hard decision make and I just don't know what to do. I feel helpless and confused. I'm worried about the consequences to my decision. I worry about the impact my decision will have not only on myself but on others as well. To be honest, I fear making the wrong decision. Your word tells me that if I seek after wisdom you will provide it. So I am seeking you, the source and fountain of wisdom. You've written everything you want me to know if the pages of your book, The Bible. I pray that as I read your word, it would shape my wants and desires and longings. I pray that it would impress on me what matters most to you. I pray that as I consider the decision before me, that I would remember what your word teaches about your sovereignty and control over all things. You know this problem before me. You know how it turns out. That's because you are the Alpha and the Omega. You know the end from the beginning. Nothing happens apart from your will and plan. Not only are you sovereign, but you are good. All your plans are holy, righteous, and good. I can trust that you know what is best for me. When I move forward with this decision, I know that it is your will and that you will use it for my good and your glory. Forgive me for getting caught up in wanting to know the future and how everything turns out. Forgive me for treating you like a "magic 8 ball." Forgive me for fearing the future and for waiting around in the hopes that the answer will be written on the wall. Help me to rest and trust in who you are. Help me to look to Jesus, knowing that if you gave of your own Son to save me from sin, how will you not also be with me in all the challenges and decisions of my life? There is nothing and no one that can separate me from you; I have nothing to fear. You are my Rock, my Savior, and my Deliverer. Be with me as I move forward in this time of confusion and difficulty. Above all, may your will be done on earth, and in my life, as it is in heaven. In Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen. Exodus 23:12 Dear Lord, break me of the need to be busy pursuing a sense of self-worth. Make me secure in who You are and who You’ve made me to be, and as a result, teach me what it means to truly rest. Help me catch my breath. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 3:2 Father, today I ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself. I do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously you made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Ephesians 3:20 Father, we praise You, for You love us perfectly. You set the stars in the sky and the oceans’ borders in place. Everything moves under Your omnipotent hand. To heal us gives You joy. We don’t understand pain. You tell us that sin has consequences in this life, yet we struggle to draft together a lofty purpose and reasoning for the when, why, where, and who it befalls. Father, You are grace and love and hold us in perfect justice and fairness. You grow us through every season, painful and not. When we are in pain, the world seems to stop for us. Every move becomes more poignant, and dependent on Strength above our own. Thank You for lending us Your power in times of weakness and sickness. Thank You for gluing us together when we are emotionally coming unwound. Thank You for holding our tongues when the daggers of insult threaten to wage war in our hearts. Thank You for loving us completely and perfectly, providing the care and companionship through medicine, family, friends, and church families that pray for us and unite for our cause. Forgive us, Lord, when we are too quiet and scared to reach out. Whether it be to speak of our pain under a blanket of prayer, or shout of our miracles to Your glorious Name. Forgive our silence, and quicken us to share our grief and our miracles with You and others as a testimony of hope. Father, you can heal us in a heartbeat. We pray for Your miraculous healing today. From depression, life-long disease, sudden failures, addictions and massive handicaps. We pray for miraculous healing because we know you are as capable of fixing our physicality as you are to hold the oceans in place as the earth spins around. Through Your Son’s death on the cross, we have the opportunity to be healed spiritually. By believing in Jesus we are connected straight to You in prayer and presence. Bless our hearts to believe in You beyond our heart’s capacity. Strengthen our faith where it is weak and strengthen our resolve to linger in Your presence a little longer each day. Take our pain away, according to Your will, in Your time. We’re not promised a painless life on this earth, but You do want us to live a happy one. Send Your Spirit to help us see past our circumstances and onto Your calling on our lives. Sickness and injury can’t stop God-placed dreams. Fill our hearts with hope as we wait on You to move in our lives and flow out from our hearts. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Philippians 4:12-13 Dear Lord, I want to process everything I face in life through the filter of Your love. I know You love me. But sometimes it’s just hard to understand the circumstances that come my way. I find myself consumed with trying to figure things out rather than looking for Your perspective and trusting You. Thank You for this new way to look at things. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 37:4 Lord, You are mighty and worthy and full of perfect love. Everything I’m not. When You said in your word to, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4), that passage doesn’t mean You’d give me everything I asked for when I asked for it. It means that if I take delight in You, You’ll fill my heart with the desires You want me to have. Next time I come to you in prayer, build my faith. Open my eyes to the way You see things whether my prayer is answered the way I want or not. Change the way I think. Make me more like You. And thank you for taking care of me in the very best way, even if sometimes I don’t understand your decisions. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 62:5-8 Lord, you are not just the God of time but the God of timing. Help me to trust You as I wait for the things I desperately want. Help me not become discouraged or depressed in this season of waiting, but help me take my place joyfully with all the saints who persevered through the wait you had for them. As we walk through this season of Advent, help me to spend time meditating on Your promise to bring our Savior into the world. Thank You for Your plan to come again and bring restoration for all things! In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Psalm 23:1-6 Dear God, Thank you that you are our good Shepherd and we can trust you with our lives. Thank you for your leadership and Sovereignty. Thank you for your guidance and care in all our days. Thank you that you restore our souls, give us peace, and bring us hope in all of our tomorrows. Thank you for your protection and strength that surrounds us like a shield. Thank you that we never have to fear. Thank you for your goodness and love that follows after us, chases us, even when were unaware. Thank you Lord, that you trustworthy and able, that you are our Refuge and hope. In You alone is rest and peace. We praise you for the assurance that we will dwell with you forever. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Lord, train us to see others as you would see them. Help us use truth as a light to guide us, and grace as a hand to hold the weary. Help us to be your disciples. We ask also for your forgiveness. We have failed to show grace to our neighbor. We have used truth as a club rather than a bandage. Help us to refine these gifts you have given us, and speak with your voice. Amen. 2 Timothy 2:24 Please help me when those around me try to bring me down. Allow me to recognize the hurts and issues in their lives and how I can be of help to them. Help me to keep my natural human tendencies in check and not to retaliate back. Quietly remind me where my true worth and value really lie. Give me comfort in knowing that You are leading me on a better path and give me the strength to continue pursuing it. Please clear my heart of any issues that will hinder me from praying for those around me. In Your Name I pray. Amen. Ecclesiastes 8:15 Father, I thank you that you want me to enjoy times of fun and celebration. You are the creator of fun and you love to see your children enjoying the world and gifts you've given them. Help me not be afraid to have fun. Help me pursue fun in ways that honor and bring you joy. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Jonah 4:2-3 Heavenly Father, how very patient you are with us and with our prayers that are more often letting off steam and demanding things we want. Please align our hearts to yours so that even as Jesus prayed with tears, we too might have His compassion, not hardness of heart toward those in need of the Saviour. For His Mighty Name sake. Amen. 1 John 5:5 Father, We praise You for sending Your Son to abide with us and be with us. Life can feel lonely, but the fact is…we are never alone. That is a truth we can cling to during the ugliest breakdowns. Thank You for giving us the grace to release our failed efforts and bottled up emotions to You, free of judgment and full of healing love. Forgive us for walking through life without the joy that Jesus died to fill our hearts with. Help us to find You in the hard moments of life, and remember the comfort and truth of Your promises during seasons of suffering. Jesus, You never leave us, and always guide us. Who we are becoming is no secret to You, You who formed us in our mother’s womb. You came down to earth to save us, love us, and show us how to live. May we chase after You all of our days, and experience the rich and irreplaceable Peace that allows us to overcome to walk victorious and to hold onto hope. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Philippians 4:6-7 Lord, I am overwhelmed by my situation. I can hardly find words, but I know you understand what I am going through. Oh Father – help! I know you promise to never leave me or forsake me. Be with me now- help me know you are with me. I know you will never let your children slip and fall – hold me up! Lord, give me the strength I need today to make it through this trial. Give me hope that can only come from you. In THY MIGHTY name I pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:1 Dear God, I thank you for bringing me and my family safely to this new home, and for all the new opportunities that it brings. I pray for peace in this time of transition, when everything feels new and unfamiliar. Lord, I trust that you will lead me into community that will help me to grow, and that you will use me to shine your light to my new neighbors and coworkers. Help me to remember to set aside time to spend with you, even when it feels like the tasks are piling up. God I pray that you would bless this home and bring joy to these rooms. Help us to be welcoming and hospitable to all who enter, showing them your love in all seasons. Thank you that you are always in control and that you never change, even when everything in my life feels unfamiliar. Help me to draw nearer to you in this new chapter of life. Amen Ruth 1:16-17 Dear Lord God, our lives haven’t turned out the way we expected. At times we’re equally grateful, tired, and full of questions. Teach us, Father, how to be our strength in our weakness. Show us, how to not be afraid of tomorrow; to believe you are in control. Remind us, your grace is enough. Meet us in our expectations. Fill us with joy, fill us with peace, and let our lives brim over with hope. Provide us with what we need, when we need it, to make it through this. Give us the eyes we need to see how you are working everything out for our good. God, help us to be brave and not give up. Keep us looking to you when we feel like we can’t anymore. May our eyes and heart always be expecting you to get here soon, to revive us. May your strength be our song and salvation, we pray. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ecclesiastes 3:11 Dear God, if I’m honest, there are times where I feel deep pain. It’s hard to continue. There are no smiles. I don’t feel joy. Please help me trust You when it’s hard. Help me believe that, with time, You can make something beautiful of my life. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 3:5 Heavenly Lord, may we trust in you with all our heart from this day until our last day. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Luke 10:38-42 Father, help me learn to cherish and make time to simply sit at Your feet and be in Your presence. Teach me how to discipline my steps and invest my time in a way that pleases You and honors the plan You have for my life. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 14:2 Lord, I confess I don’t often long for heaven. I’m a creature of this world and crave worldly things, not heavenly ones. I ask you would grow a desire in me for heaven. Help me not be satisfied with the things of this world, but long for closeness with you and the perfection of eternity in your presence. Lord, thank you for the hope of heaven and the joy we will have when we get there! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Exodus 20:9 Dear Lord, help me to make every Sabbath about you. Quiet my heart, give rest to my soul, and refocus my spirit—for true renewal comes only from you. Holy Spirit please help me to be intentional with my time and worship, and encourage me to find rest in you alone. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Jeremiah 2:13, 17:14; John 7:38 Lord God, I am at a loss for words. I’m not sure how to pray for this difficult situation, but I know you promise that you hear our prayers, so I want to try praying now. Please be our comfort, our support, our strength and our shield. Please help us overcome all that the enemy tries to throw our way. Help us depend on your and find great joy and peace from your presence. Thank you for always loving us and never leaving us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! 1 John 1:9 Gracious Lord, give us the courage to seek forgiveness. Remind us that confession is never a mistake; it frees us from the chains of the enemy. We know we cannot hide our hearts from you. Help us to let go of our bitterness and fear, and purify us with the knowledge that you have taken away every sin. In THY MIGHTY name. Amen. Luke 19:10 Dear God, You know our hearts, you hear our prayers, and care about all that concerns us. You understand the burden we carry and how we want, more than anything, to see our loved ones come to you. Help us to remember that you love them more than we ever could. And you desire to extend your great love and forgiveness, your mercy and hope all-things-possible. Thank you that nothing is too difficult for you. Thank you that your power is unlimited and you came to set the captives free. Thank you that you wait, arms open, for the prodigal to return, that you look for his arrival to lavishly celebrate that he’s come home. We praise you for you are Redeemer and Rescuer, Savior and Lord. We know and believe that there’s no pit so deep that your love can’t reach us still. We understand that your mercies are new every morning, and your faithfulness is great. Lord, we ask that you would halt the plans of the enemy over these we love as we bring them before you right now. We pray that his schemes be demolished and that your plans for good, for a future and hope, would prevail. Would you open blind eyes that they might see your Truth. Would you rescue those walking in darkness and heal the deep wounds of those who’ve been hurt. We pray for the miraculous intervention of your Spirit to draw them to yourself, to work strong on behalf of our loved ones who are lost and wandering. For you came with good news, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for captives and release for the prisoners. Though we deserved penalty for our wrong, you stood in our place and took the blows on our behalf. You choose to die, so that we can live. Forever and free. Lord, forgive our unbelief. Forgive the times we’ve doubted that you could ever change a distant heart. Forgive our hard-heartedness, our weariness, or forgetfulness to “pray continually.” Thank you that you never give up on us. Remind us of how you’ve changed our own hearts. How your miracle of life and hope has sprung up deep within our souls. We love you Lord, we need you, and we thank you that you hear our prayers and are at work even now. Powerfully. Faithfully. Miraculously. Thank you for the gift of our Savior, God with us. Thank you for your goodness and love. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 1:48 Dear Jesus, although my gifting seems small or rough-hewn, I will no longer hide this gift. But instead, I’ll hold it up to You, asking You to use it in ways that delight Your heart. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 34:18 Dear Lord, I come into Your presence with my broken heart. Instead of building walls and lashing out, I give my hurts and fears to You and seek Your comfort. As I read the scriptures, let me hear Your words through the ages, as words meant for me in my struggles. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ephesians 4:32 Lord, you know how my heart is hurting over the actions of those around me toward me. I’m so frustrated and weary of dealing with the hurt she is causing me. Lord, I know you know her heart. And I know that every time I judge her or get frustrated with her, I condemn myself, because I’m not perfectly kind either. Oh Lord, forgive me! Help me to see my sin too. Help me be kind to her even when she is unkind to me. Help me treat her with hospitality and consideration. Help me see her the way you see her, Lord. And Father, will you convict her heart too? Will you transform her more and more into your likeness? Will you help her see how her actions wound? I surrender this relationship to you now, Lord. Take my hurt and hold it close, and help me not need her kindness to be kind in return. In THY MIGHTY name I pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:13 Father, Praise You for Jesus’ example on this earth. We know that You are purposeful in the plan that You have or our lives, and for the people that you place in it. We are not always going to get along with everyone. Not always going to execute our behavior in Christ-like fashion. Help alleviate the shame of our imperfection, and help us to extend that grace to others. Christ came to forgive us for every misbehavior He knew that we would choose to suffer by. Imperfect people dealing with imperfect people can get a little messy down on earth. We ask for You to cover us in Your grace, and convict our hearts to change and love more like Jesus every day that we wake to breathe again. Forgive us for letting the sharp edges of our sensitivities take over conversations, and the anxieties of our minds cloud our judgment. Help us to see others through Your eyes, as souls that You love just as much as You love ours. Bless our hearts to soften towards others, yet protect us from deceptive motives. When there is a relationship that you wish us to walk away from, be it friendly or romantic, help us to hear a clear word from You. Bless our friendships to be godly and God-centered. Bless our marriages to be lifelong and blessed. When we struggle maritally, provide godly counsel and reconciliation, so that if at all possible we may honor our lifelong commitment to You and each other. Show us, by illuminating Your Word and blessing us with Your presence, how to be more like Jesus, how to love as He spoke, and You command. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 31:24 Lord, You know how hard it is to live and love in this world sometimes, because You’ve been here, too. Thank You for Your compassion toward us and Your promise to bring us through whatever we may face. Through You, we have strength, grace and victory. I pray You will empower me to keep fighting today. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 147:3 Lord, please heal my broken heart. Fill me with the peace and joy I know can only come from You during this hard time. Walk closely beside me during my journey to healing and recovery that I know is possible through Your power alone. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 58:1 Dear God, Thank you for your great power. We praise you for your Truth. We’re grateful that you have set us free from the clutching grasp of sin and death.Would you be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, providing your protection, and empowering with your strength. We ask that you'd bring about an awakening of your presence as never seen before. We ask that your Name be proclaimed, that all plans to silence the Name of Jesus would be thwarted and crushed.We pray that many would come to know you as Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your Light, that you would open blind eyes and release those still imprisoned. We pray that you would unify your people for the glory of your Name that all who call themselves Christians would rise up, believing your great Truth.Wake us up Lord! Remind us to live aware, to redeem the time, to listen to your words, to be willing to make a difference in this land.We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them your wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people. We pray for your great healing on our land. Shine your face on us dear God. We need you now, more than ever before. Our times are in your hands.Thank you that you are rich in mercy and full of grace. Thank you that you are forgiving and merciful. Thank you that you are strong and mighty. Thank you that you are for us and that you fight for us still today. Bring honor to your Name, Oh Lord, for You alone are worthy. In the Powerful Name of Jesus we pray. Amen. John 17:23 Dear God, We are needy of you. We’re aware, more than ever, of our own weaknesses, and of the struggle with dark forces that try hard to divide us and gain more ground. We say “No more.” We stand our ground. We ask that you would fill us with your Spirit of love and unity among believers all across this nation. We ask that you would help us to set aside our differences and look to the greater cause, the cause of Christ. We ask that you would help us to truly live a life of love. We know that this is only possible through the power of your Spirit, so we ask that you would move across our land in fresh ways. With fresh filling and awareness. Turning your people back to you. Drawing others to come to know you. We thank you that you are always with us, and give us great purpose and hope. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Lord, help me embrace Your Word. But most of all, help me to live it. Help me be the kind of parent who will inspire my children to please You, because that’s what they see being lived out in my life. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 1:5 Dear Lord, times are really hard right now and life has really got me down. I don’t know what to do. I ask that You bestow Your wisdom upon me. I don’t want to lean on my own knowledge anymore, because it has let me down so many times. I need to hear Your voice. Give me the discernment to hear Your voice and Your voice alone. Speak to me in the way You know I will hear you best. I also pray for Your Will, Lord. I give You the praise and the glory in my circumstances because I know that I am exactly where You want me. I know this is to teach me something or to help me to grow. No matter what, I trust you and ask You to show what is best in this situation. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. 1 John 4:19 Lord, I know that Your Word tells me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I know I am your child; I know that I am saved by your grace. You are kind, good, merciful and gracious, and because You are all of those things, I know You are all of those things for me. When I feel unworthy, help me stop looking at and comparing myself to others, but fix my gaze on You. Through You I will always see my worth clearly. Thank you for your gracious love toward me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! Isaiah 40:28-29 God, I want to believe that you’re with me and that I am known and loved by you but some days, it’s hard. Help me to speak the truth from your Word back to myself. Take it from my head to my heart. Give me peace and wisdom courage to live like a conqueror—because you’ve already given me victory over every challenge and obstacle. Amen. Psalm 130:5 Father in Heaven, I come before you with my heart filled with so many different thoughts and feelings. I am tense and uncertain about what I should be doing and where I should go. I feel weak and helpless. Powerless. I am worried about what happens next and whether I have the strength to handle it. Deep down I wonder, how long will I be here? Will I be stuck in this place of waiting forever? But most of all, I wonder, where are you? Why haven't you responded to my cries for help? But even as I pray that, I know you are right where you've always said you would be. You've never left me and you will never forsake me. You hear all my cries. In fact, as David wrote in Psalm 139, you know my thoughts before I even think them. You know exactly what is happening in my life and what will happen next. All things are in your control and nothing can happen apart from your will. Not a sparrow falls to earth without your willing it to and you know the number of hairs on my head. You are never surprised. Even about this issue in my life today. You know why this is happening and will use it for your glory and my good. As the prophet wrote in Lamentations, "It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord" (3:26). Help me to remember that it is good to wait for you. In this place of waiting, help me to remember all that you have done for me through Jesus Christ. Help me to remember that your grace is sufficient to not only save me from sin, but to sustain me each and every day. Your grace is at work in me right now, transforming me and making me more like your Son. Nothing can separate me from you. I am safe in your love. May I live for you even while I wait. Help me to obey and remain faithful, no matter how long I am in this place of waiting. In Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen. Psalm 103:1-5 Dear God, We bless your holy name today! Thank you for your goodness, thank you for your crown of steadfast love and mercy. We recognize all that you have done for us, all that you continue to do now, and all that you will do in the future. Thank you that your plans for us are good and that you renew our strength like the eagle’s. Thank you that you have redeemed our lives from the pit, you have forgiven our sin and healed all our disease. You are Restorer of the broken, Healer, and Redeemer. You are Father, you are Friend, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness. You are Faithful, you are True, you are Powerful, you are forever with us. You are Holy, you are Worthy, and we worship you this day, and always. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Lord, I confess there is sin in my life I can’t shake. I’ve struggled silently for so along against it. I’ve dismissed it, justified it, tried to convince myself it isn’t as bad as I know it really is. Lord, I know Satan desires me to leave my sin in the dark. I confess it to you, and bring it to light. Lord, I need your strength to defeat this sin. I am thankful that your power is made perfect in my weakness. I don’t boast in my sin, but boast in you who works in my weakness to make me more like you. I know that I have the opportunity to glorify you by fighting against this sin in my life. Give me wisdom and perspective in the moment I am tempted to sin – help me in that moment see my sin as you see it, and not do the sin my heart longs to do. Oh Lord – who will save me from this body of death! Thanks be to God! Thank you Lord for rescuing me and saving me from my sinfulness. It is only in your grace that I am saved, and I am so thankful. In your name I pray, Amen! Mark 1:16-18 Jesus, I am humbled that You consider me worthy to be used—in ways big and small—to accomplish Your will here on earth. Help me respond without hesitation whenever I perceive Your voice calling me into action. In Your powerful and equipping Name, I pray. Amen. John 4:29 Heavenly Father, open my eyes of faith to see Your illustrations of love in the interruptions of my life today. Lord, help me see these moments as opportunities to love and to accept Your love and the love of others. Help me share the good news of Your great love with everyone I know. Slow me down, so that I can receiving and give to others. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 11:28-30 Lord, We humble ourselves before you and confess that we often go our own way instead of consulting you on our plans. And sometimes we feel stuck, as a result. Thank you for your grace and mercy towards us, to give us wisdom and understanding in how to avoid adding unnecessary layers to our lives. Please give us a listening ear to your guidance. Please give us the strength to overcome the temptation to add unnecessary layers and encourage us with a new sense of freedom. Enable us to live the life of faith that you created us for! In Jesus Mighty name. Amen! Genesis 50:20 Dear God, Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. Thank you that your favor has no end, but it lasts for our entire lifetime. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us as with a shield. We ask that we would walk in your blessing and goodness today. That your face would shine on us. That you would open the right doors for our lives and for our loved ones, that you would close the wrong doors and protect us from those we need to walk away from. Establish the work of our hands and bring to fulfillment all that you have given us to do in these days. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 John 1:9 Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for not abandoning us to our mistakes, but for reaching out instead to bring us home. Help convict me of sin and help me accept your mercy without shame. Thank you for the love you have poured out for me and all of your children. Help me live out of that love today. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 16:11 Heavenly Father, please help us find fulfillment in your presence. Help us to live in such a way that our actions serve as a reflection of your own grace and mercy. Teach us to seek first your Kingdom, in a life that brings glory to your name. Amen. Ephesians 1:4 Dear Lord, thank You. Thank You that You see us as holy and blameless. Thank You that You want us. Thank You that, because of your sacrifice, You see us as radiant. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We accept this as truth and we will walk by this truth today. We love You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 116:15 Lord Jesus, Teach us to be the servants you have called us to be. Help us to walk in humility, and to stand firm in our faith no matter how difficult the road becomes. Thank you that because of you we will only ever know the shadow of death- death will never have victory over our lives! Thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness to my family and me. In Your Name we pray. Amen. Ephesians 3:20 Dear Lord, strengthen my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and let that faith lead me to love other people just as Christ loved me. May I be always prayerful, always asking God to give me spiritual insight so that I can grow in my knowledge of Him and His love. Let me be filled with hope and point to the rich and glorious inheritance that God bestows on me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 22:6 Lord Jesus, I look to You for the wisdom I need in any moment. What takes me by surprise does not take You by surprise. You are always ready to make a direct deposit from Your heart to mine. Teach me to live so synced to Your heart that heaven’s resources are always at my disposal. Amen. Matthew 5:9 Dear Lord, forgive me for being quarrelsome and ungrateful sometimes. Help me to be an agent of love in my home. Your Word says blessed are the peacemakers. I want to be a peacemaker in my home. Change my heart that I might be calmer and more respectful to those closest to me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Heavenly Father, help us to keep your commands and reflect your love to our neighbors. Give us the motivation to be the good and faithful servants you have called us to be. Help us have the passion and perseverance to get up and live out your commands every day. Let us be disciples who yearn to celebrate your glory. Amen. Ephesians 6:12 Heavenly Father, each day is a struggle against sin and temptation. Give us the strength to overcome cruelty with grace, and hatred with love. God, remind us that our actions matter. We do not fight a physical battle but a spiritual one, and with each act of compassion we build your kingdom. Help us to be kingdom-builders today. Amen. 1 Peter 5:7 Dear Father in Heaven, So much in my life is broken. I have so many concerns and cares, and they weigh me down. While I desire to cast my cares upon You, I find I usually pick them back up again, and they only add more anxiety and stress. Please help me learn to cast my cares on You as I learn what it means to rest and trust in You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 27:1 Dear Lord, we will face many terrifying events throughout this life, but may we never forget that the ultimate victory belongs to you. Through your sacrifice, death has been defeated. As we continue to walk in your truth, help us to set our eyes on Heavenly things. Amen. Ephesians 1:3 Father, forgive me for living like a spiritual pauper rather than a child of the King. Help me to let go of my scarcity mentality and take hold of the riches of my inheritance. Help me to take hold of the precious promises. And Lord, I know this isn’t about money or the treasures of this world. Oh, your precious promises go so much deeper than anything this temporary world has for us. Open my eyes to see what is important the blessings You have given me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 139:14 Lord, thank You so much that You declare I am enough in You and because of You. When the lies in my life and heart get loud, help me listen to Your voice of truth instead. I’m so grateful that I belong to You, and that You alone have the final word on my identity and destiny. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 8:28 Father, sometimes I can’t understand how you can bring beauty from the ashes of my life. I struggle to trust you with the broken pieces. You say in your Word that without faith it is impossible to please you, and I want to please you. I want to trust you. I want you to make me more like Jesus and use my trials for my good and your glory. Help me believe the promise of Romans 8:28. In the strong name of Jesus I ask. Amen. Isaiah 41:13 Almighty God, renew our hearts so that we may give your words to others. Hold us up in faith and lead us in righteousness. Father, as we begin each day, remind us to place our full dependence on you. You are the author of all things, and through you we are blessed. Amen. John 16:33 Jesus, sometimes I can almost sense the heaviness of pressure mounting and the ominous presence of darkness around me. I recognize my enemy is at work again. Whether he's trying to discourage me to get sidetracked, to fall into temptation, to give up, or to take my eyes off you, he's always hanging around. I need your supernatural power, Lord, to stand strong and not surrender. Physical force won't help, because you've said the weapons of our warfare are different from those in this world. As believers, ours are powerful and can demolish strongholds and lies. These supernatural weapons originate from you. By your precious name and blood, Jesus, I'm asking you to confuse Satan and cancel his attempts to shut me and my influence down. Help me not to become discouraged or to give in when heavy times of testing come. When I'm tired and weak, you are strong, Lord, and you are my only source of help. I cannot fight without you. Teach me how to pray and to trust you to pull down those strongholds that keep me or others helpless. Guard me from isolation that leaves me exposed and vulnerable. I believe you destroyed the power of my enemy by your death and resurrection. But like a bad penny, my enemy keeps showing up, whispering lies, twisting truth, and attempting to inflate my selfish pride. He never gives up. I am declaring the devil and his demons liars today, Lord. Through the power of your precious name and blood, I agree with your Word and the truth that you are in me and that you are greater than my enemy who wants to rule the world. You, your Word, and prayer, Lord, are my secret weapons. I belong to you, and that fills me with a powerful God-confidence. I want to constantly dress in the spiritual armor you give me. Help me use it to defend others from Satan's fiery darts as well. No one and nothing can snatch me away from your hand. Strengthen my faith, Lord. Forgive my sins, so that I may be clean in your righteousness. Make me brave, so I can stand and fight the spiritual battles in my life and in our world. Give me your wisdom and discernment so I won't be caught off guard. Together, Lord, we'll win, because in truth, you already have. In Jesus's powerful name before which every knee shall bow. Amen! Jeremiah 17:14 Lord Jesus, thank you that you love all those suffering from illness I cannot name. I know that you hate what their illness is doing to them/me. I ask that you would heal this disease, that you would have compassion and bring healing from all sickness. Your word says in Psalm 107:19-20 that when we call out to you the Eternal one you will give the order, heal and rescue us from certain death. In the Bible, I have read of miraculous healing and I believe that you still heal the same way today. I believe that there is no illness you cannot heal after all the bible tells of you raising people from the dead so I ask for your healing in this situation. I also know from my experience of life on earth that not everyone is healed. If that happens here than keep my heart soft towards you, help me to understand your plan and help me to be excited about heaven. God, I thank you that all those suffering from illness I cannot name belong to you and that you are in control of everything that happens from our first breath to our last sigh. Amen. Ephesians 3:16-19 Dear God, We thank you that you indeed are powerful and loving, that out of your glorious riches you strengthen us through your Spirit in our inner being. We ask you for the fresh filling of your Holy Spirit, we ask for your power and love to fill us. We thank you that as believers we know that Christ dwells richly within our hearts through faith. We pray that you would strengthen our roots and establish our lives firmly in your love. When the world shouts hate, help us to love. When the past won’t let go, help us to love. When the enemy taunts with lies and surrounds with darkness, help us to love. When a relationship feels broken or we’re betrayed or rejected, help us to love. Help us to love, and to keep on loving. By the power of your Spirit. Even when it seems impossible. Even when it doesn’t make sense. May our lives be filled with your goodness and power, today and every day, as we walk in your Spirit of love. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Peter 3:15 Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the living hope I have today through your Son, Jesus Christ. There is nothing more wonderful. Help my kids to know the magnitude of that hope, as I show it through my words and actions. When we are tempted to be cynical, restore our joy and renew our attitudes. You are bigger than any problem in this world. I declare today that my family will focus on Your goodness. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 22:29 Dear Lord, I need to regain joy in my tasks. Help me to worship You as I work, doing it all for the King of Kings. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 5:16 Heavenly Father, please give us someone who will hold us accountable, and teach us to do the same for others. Teach us to be men and women of integrity. Let us take responsibility for our actions, and teach our children to do the same. Amen. Matthew 11:28-30 Lord Jesus, I have carried this burden far too long. My present sin is disabling my heart. My past guilt has paralyzed my future obedience. Anxiety over things I can't control has taken siege over my soul. I am worn out. I cannot continue on my own. Right now, I come to You. I am taking You at Your word. I am seeking to partner with You and have You take my load. I am ready for my burden to be lightened and my heart to find rest. In Your name. Amen. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Father, your greatest command was to love You and love each other (Matthew 22:36-40). You’ve given marriage as a holy relationship that reflects our relationship with You. Show us how to follow your example and set aside our selfishness and pride and humbly serve each other. Help us to be of one spirit and of one mind and value each other above ourselves, looking out for each other’s interests (Philippians 2:2-4). In the midst of our busy lives, help us take time to love each other deeply from the heart, as you have loved us (Ephesians 5:1-2). May the love we have for each other be an example to the world of how You love them and gave Your life for them. Father, help us not to just go to church on Sunday, but to recognize that your presence goes with us wherever we go. May we know a deep communion with you every day. May our marriage be a place where we grow together and lean on You in every situation. Help us to grow to be more like You every day, having a unity in Spirit, being patient, humble and gentle with each other, and bearing each other’s burdens with Your love and strength. Fill our marriage with Your peace. When a struggle or strife arises, may our first response be to come to You together for help. Help us make talking about You and Your Word a priority. We ask your Spirit to help us understand Your Word and grow together in our love and service to You. Father, life gets so busy and things can creep into our marriage and cause distance. Help us be intentional in spending time together and reveal things that are creating a chasm in our relationship. Protect us from things that will divide us, whether it be time spent online or a recreational activity or a friendship that is taking away from our marriage. Help us know how to remedy the situation and bring a closeness back into our marriage with You at the center. Father, enable us to forgive each other as You have forgiven us. Help us not to hold onto bitterness, keep records of wrong, or allow the enemy any foothold in our relationship. Keep our hearts sensitive to You and each other, and move us to the work of reconciliation quickly. When we are wounded, help us be honest with each other and not fear retaliation. Help us to work through our differences in a way that honors You and strengthens our relationship. Help us grow in humility and recognize when we have wounded each other. Give us Your strength to ask for and give forgiveness. In THY MIGHTY NAME I PRAY. AMEN. Micah 6:8 Lord, I confess that I often ignore or don't care to follow the path you've laid out for me. I often try to make my own path with disasterous results. Help me follow you with not only my actions, but my thoughts and attitudes. Thank you for knowing the best path for my life and for never abandoning me to my own ways. Help me remember this truth as I live out my days, and help me make necessary course corrections as I walk along the way. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Lord, I long for those moments early in my faith when I felt your closeness, your joy, your energy and zest for life. I confess that the daily grind has ground down my passion for you. I confess that I allow the cares of the world to choke out the joy of the gospel. Lord, turn my heart toward you again. Fix my eyes on you, fix my heart on you. Help me have a reset in my faith and in my life, starting today. Renew my heart, renew my life for you and your ways. Help me see the daily routines of life as moments to gracefully submit to your will. Thank you for being the Lord of my life everyday. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 16:33 Father in Heaven, I come before you with a heart weighed down by disappointments. Life hasn’t turned out like I expected. I feel let down, like I’ve been failed in some way. I don't know what to do with these disappointments. Part of me wants to complain, part of me wants to give up in despair, and part of me wonders, Why do I even bother? Yet even as I ask this, your Spirit prompts me in remembrance of your word. I know why life is disappointing. I know that it’s not supposed to be this way. You created everything to work together in perfect harmony. But ever since that day when my first parents ate the fruit you told them not to eat, life has been marred and broken by sin. Disappointments rule the day. Everything from the earth itself, to my body, to relationships, to my dreams, they all fail to work the way they are supposed to. Father, forgive me for complaining about my situation. Forgive me for wallowing in my self-pity. Forgive me for my discontentment. Yes, I know why life is disappointing and I should not be surprised. But what do I do with those disappointments? How do I wake up every day knowing that life will not work the way it is supposed to and that a struggle or trial will appear at some time in my future? Your Spirit prompts me again and I remember your Son. The Man of Sorrows. He knew the disappointments of this life. Your word says, "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not" (Isaiah 53:3). He willingly entered this dark world, filled with brokenness, pain, sin, and sorrow. He took on the same weak flesh that I wear. He experienced everything I experience. Yet he did not sin. He did what I cannot do. He woke up every morning knowing that it was one day closer to the day he would give up his life for me and he willingly took those steps forward. For me. And then when the time had come, he took on all my sin at the cross, suffering the curse I deserved. In that moment, he reversed the curse that started the day Eve bit into the flesh of that forbidden fruit. I thank you Father for providing a way out of that curse. I thank you that because of your Son, I have the hope of heaven and eternity with you forever. I long for the day when all things will be restored to its rightful place, where there will be no more disappointments and sorrows and I'll be finally freed of my sin forever. Help me Father to have an eternal perspective. Help me to see my disappointments in light of what Jesus purchased for me at the cross. Help me to seize those disappointments as opportunities to draw closer to you and not away from you. Help me to learn from them. Help them to shape me more and more into the image of your Son. Help me to see Jesus in them and to see his love and grace for me. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 1 John 4:18 Lord, I pray now for my marriage. Thank you God for my spouse. Thank you for your love for him/her, and for our marriage. Thank you that you are a champion of marriage and you want to see our marriage last. Lord, forgive me – so often I put myself first, and push you and my spouse to the backburner. Help me prioritize our marriage. Help me fight for it when it’s hard, and to enjoy it when it’s going well. Help me encourage and support my spouse in all she/he has going on. Help me Lord! I know that without your guidance and support I would stumble and fall. Help us put you first, and strengthen our resolve to work through the hardest parts of marriage. In THY MIGHTY name I pray. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Father, Praise You for these lessons on strength and joy, and for Paul’s faithful life witness left behind for us to learn from. Father, You command us to be joyful always, but You do not expect us to be able to figure out how to attain or retain that joy ourselves. You gave Your Son Jesus to light the way a joy-filled life. Through His earthly footsteps, we study the example He left for us to follow. Thank You for Scripture. As 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” All of creation reminds us of You. The beauty of nature and marvel of the changing seasons. The uniqueness in all of us and the diversity in the daily horizon. Surround us with reminders of You often, through nature, the people you place in our lives, and the Bible. May the Holy Spirit help us to understand Your Word, and will for our lives. Bless our hearts with sustaining joy, and the strength to hold onto it no matter what. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 8:39 Heavenly Lord, we will never be able to earn the love you have so lavished upon us. Instead, let us contemplate your grace and be humbled by it. There is no way we can comprehend your love. Even when we sin against you, you wait for us to return with open arms. Thank you that even though we are sinners, you've forgiven us through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. I pray that your ceaseless love would pour into my heart, and that I would be changed into someone who also offers ceaseless love to others. Thank you for the grace you give us to start each day with new mercy over us. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 Lord, I need You. Give me grace each day to love my children and see them with your eyes. Help me to find in Your Word the wisdom I need to lead my kids well and to train them diligently. I am so thankful I don't have to rely on my own wisdom to parent my children. Thank you for the guidance, discernment and truth your Spirit provides. Help me live in utter dependence on you in all things, particularly today in my parenting. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Mark 5:35-36 Lord, help me to hear you saying, "I am your hope" over all the other voices. Lord, your word says, you are the hope for hopeless so I'm running to you with both hands stretched out and grabbing on to you. Fill me up with hope and give me a tangible reminder today that hope is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline (Hebrews 6:19-20). God, you know those things in my heart that I barely dare to hope for, today I give them to you, I trust them to you, and ask that you because I know that you can do more than I could ever guess, imagine or request in wildest dreams (Eph 3:20). God, you are my hope and I trust you. Amen. Proverbs 19:20-21 Lord, thank You for the people You have divinely placed in my life who speak holy truth, love and words of wisdom. Give me a heart of discernment to know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and my circumstances, and give me the strength and courage to follow through with that advice, even when it’s hard. Fill me with peace in knowing that even if I take a wrong turn, Your purpose will prevail. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 27:3 Father in Heaven, I come before you as the psalmist did, weary, worn, and frightened. I come before you because you are King and you rule all things. I come before you because you are my Father, my Abba. You adopted me as your child and have given me every privilege that comes with being a part of your family. I come before you because you are my Savior. All I have comes to me from your generous hands. I come before you because you are my Redeemer. You alone can redeem and restore all that is broken in my life and in the world around me. Forgive me for turning my gaze from you and looking at the frightening things happening around me. Forgive me for forgetting that you are with me. Forgive me for not trusting. Forgive me for not crying out to you sooner but trying to conquer my fears in my own strength. Forgive me for not living in complete dependence upon you. Father, hear the deepest cries of my heart. Rule and reign over your Kingdom, turn the hearts of kings, and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Raise up godly leaders, teachers, pastors, and people who love you and your Word. Use your people to spread your gospel across the earth. May we be the salt and light you instructed us to be. In my life Lord, give me a peace that passes all understanding. Though I don't know what will happen with all that troubles me this day, help me to trust you. Help me to remember that you are not surprised. Help me to remember that nothing will happen today that takes you off guard. You are not asleep or too busy but are actively involved in all the cares of my life. Help me to wait and watch for your glory. Help me to obey and do the right thing in the moment, knowing you are there in all the moments to come. Most of all, help me to remember Jesus, the One who cried out in the garden on the night he was betrayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 13:46). I thank you that "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). Even now, he intercedes for me—what a marvelous truth! I pray all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Hebrews 10:35-36 Lord, sometimes I just get tired of trying. Tired of hanging on. Tired of believing for a miracle. Fill me with Your power to persevere. I’ll take the next step and believe for the next day. I will not give up! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 19:30 Heavenly Father, the enemy prowls about like a roaring lion, but you have given us a spirit of courage and the tools to defeat him. May we always stand ready to do battle in your name. You have defeated death and broken the chains of sin. Now help us as we work to see your kingdom built on earth. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Dear Lord, may we never be ashamed to praise your name. It is easy to rejoice when life is going well, but we quickly turn away and grumble when challenges arise. Help us to give thanks in all circumstances. Help us live humble, grateful lives. Today, Lord, help us remember your goodness toward us. In your name we pray. Amen. Genesis 50:20 Dear Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful You are involved in every step of my life. How comforting to know that in good times or bad, You remain in control and have a plan for me. I thank You that You are good no matter what happens, and that I can rest in Your presence. I am thankful for the faithfulness of Joseph that no matter what happened, he turned to You and never doubted You. I pray to have that kind of faith and live a life of surrender to Your will. In Jesus Name. Amen. John 14:26 Dear LORD, help me distinguish between the accuser’s voice and the Advocate’s voice. I know I have a choice when it comes to whom I listen to: condemnation or correction. Thank You for Your great love that never condemns, but lovingly corrects. Increase my wisdom and let my mind and soul be enlightened by the gift of discernment. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 22:6 Father, You are powerful to hold the future in Your hands. The direction of our lives is no more predictable to us than our children’s lives. We trust You with all of it, and praise You for the perfect way You have designed each human life. We praise You for blessing us with motherhood, and the intentional way it matures our faith in You. Your all-knowing hand pulls families together in Your time and will, which is perfect and unchanging. There is no love that is an accident or outside Your will, because You are love. Each child, each person was created on purpose with purpose. Praise You that we get to take part in the greatest love story of all time. Thank you for our children. They bless us in ways that our hearts know but our heads cannot make sense of. The forgiving grace in our hearts for our children is only a thread of the love You have for us… and them. Help us to remember that You loved our babies before we did and infinitely more than we do. We can trust You with their lives, and ask the strength of Your Holy Spirit to help us lead them to Your loving arms. Forgive us for our human strain of impatience, control, worry and anxiety. The very things we try to prevent our children from suffering sometimes happen anyway, and that’s a very hard thing to understand. We ask You to help us trust You more. Bless our hearts with great faith, daily steps of obedience, and lives full of evident trust in Your love. Bless us with reciprocal love from our children. Help us to love them through all circumstances with appropriate apology and steadfast discipline. May the love we show for You be evident to them. Bless our lives to uphold Your truth and the testimony of Your Son--Our Savior--Jesus, to the best of our ability on this earth. Send Your Spirit to help us remember Your Word, and applicably pull it from the tucked-in places of our hearts, to point our children in the right direction. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 Dear Lord, thank You so much for Your love. I know that because I am abundantly loved by You, I have an abundance of love to give. Help me today to live loved and to give love. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 55:8-9 Lord, thank You that in spite of your “no” or “wait” or even Your silence, You know what is very best for me and You promise to work for my eternal good, not just my temporary satisfaction. Thank You that in all all situations, in all pain and pressure and circumstances beyond my control, You are making me more like Christ, as I give up my will and surrender to Yours. Scripture says without faith it is impossible to please You so I choose to believe that You have it all under control. Thank You for being a good, loving, all-knowing and ever-present God who will not let anything touch me that hasn’t first passed through Your loving hands. In the name of Jesus. Amen. Acts 27:19 Dear God, Thank You for loving me. Please forgive me for my sins and show me the burdens I carry that You want to remove. There may be things I'm not aware of that are distracting me from the best that You have for me. Please show me these things so that I can give them over to You. I pray this in Jesus Mighty name. Amen. John 16:13 Father, We praise You for Your powerful Word, and the Holy Spirit in us that reminds and reveals Your encouragement and direction to us. Thank You for the stories that give voice to our struggles, and the characters that we find camaraderie with in our daily lives. The miracle of Your Word is it’s stark reliability and relevancy. There are times in life when we feel powerless and voiceless. When we encounter injustice and unfairness, help us to see our situation through the scope of Your lens, not our interpretations. May the Holy Spirit be upon us to reveal and direct us as we study Your Word and look to You there for counsel and wisdom. Forgive neglecting to meet You in Your Word daily, and trying to rally the volume of our voices to solve problems, sway opinions, and get our way. We repent of any misleading, dishonest, or incorrect interpretations of Your Word, Father. Bless our hearts with the peace that comes in meeting You in Your Word every day, and deflecting to Your voice over ours. May we tune into Your volume over our own, and hear You above all other noise. Help us to remain focused on You, and Your love, and extending that love to all who witness our lives. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 104:5-9 Father, we praise You for the delicate way You powerfully align our lives to Your creation. Thank You for the waters and mountains that remind us of You. Forgive us for overlooking Your presence in every aspect of our lives, and bless us to notice and give glory to You, for You are our healer. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ephesians 5:4 Father, I praise You for humor. It’s one of my favorite things about You! I love to laugh with You. Forgive us for taking all the best things about humor and making them dark with sin. We ask you to bless us, let us enjoy laughter, but not at another’s expense. Guide our words and motives, and let the way we talk to and around others honor You, always. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Acts 26:24 Father, I praise you for making us all a little mad! Thank you for diversity and difference, for it is a breeding ground for compassion and love. Forgive us for missing our chance to love on others in your name by allowing this world’s fit to consume our agenda. Bless our hearts to love you with abandon, in the way You uniquely gifted us to. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 4:14 Dear Lord, when our life on earth is done, may we stand before you and hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Father, we know our time on earth is but a few words in the cosmic story. Help us to use our time wisely, and leave our mark when our time is done. In Jesus Mighty name we pray. Amen. 1 Corinthians 12:11 Father, Praise You for creating each person differently. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to guide us onto the paths You have planned for our lives. We confess the times we ignore the sacrifice of Your Son, and try to control our lives the way we think they should be run. Bless us to let go, and follow You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 Father, I’ve lived without margin in my life for so long I can hardly remember what it’s like to not feel fatigue or pressure all the time. I think fatigue is the normal way I’m supposed to live and feel, but it’s not. I’m tired of being rushed and late and exhausted all the time. I’ve got too many irons in the fire, and I need your help to get out of the mess I’ve gotten myself into. Help me to recognize and accept my limitations. Help me to put some space in my schedule. I need breathing room and margin in my life. Jesus Christ, I know I can’t do it all, and I need your wisdom in deciding what matters most and what I should do. I don’t want to waste my life. Please give me the courage to say ‘no’ to the wrong things and ‘yes’ to the right things. Most of all, help me to trust you. Forgive me for thinking and acting as if everything depends on me. It doesn’t. It all depends on you! I want to have greater faith in you and less reliance on myself. I want less stress and more margin in my life. In your name I pray. Amen. Psalm 55:12-14 Lord, today I come to you hurting. This wound from a friend is almost more than I can bear. I feel broken hearted, and I want justice. Lord, I know that justice is not mine to give, so I come to you open handed. Here is the friendship that has wounded me so much, Lord- take this hurt from me, help me feel your peace and your love toward me now. I don’t want to extend grace. But I know you have been so gracious toward me- all my life you have lavished grace on me as I’ve sinned against you. Help me be humble. Help me see my part to play. Help me give grace and love toward my friend. Numbers 6:24-26 Dear God, Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. Thank you that your favor has no end, but it lasts for our entire lifetime. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us, as with a shield. We ask for your guidance so that we might walk fully in your blessing and goodness today. We ask that your face would shine on us. That you would open the right doors for our lives and for our loved ones, that you would close the wrong doors and protect us from those we need to walk away from. Establish the work of our hands and bring to fulfillment all that you have given us to do in these days. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 103:10 Father, We praise You for Your patience! Thank for each day we are forgiven instead of condemned. We don’t get what we deserve, and we ask Your forgiveness for times we have taken that for granted. Bless us to recognize Your patient love in others over our stubborn heart’s criticism. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Jeremiah 23:24 Dear Heavenly Father, I am ready now. I am ready to give you my words, my heart, my hands, my feet, my family, my life. I am ready for you to use me in a powerful, mighty way to serve you and learn your ways. I know I have hidden away words that could have brought others to your Kingdom’s saving grace. I know that I might have stayed quiet in the past out of fear of rejection, but you have not rejected me, Oh God. You have brought me to the salvation that leads to eternal life and hope. You have brought me to my knees in praise. I thank you, Lord, for your patience with me. I know I may be weak at times, but I will lean on your strength. I might wrestle with anxiety, but I will pray for your peace. I might fight with pain, but I will pray for your healing. Instead of hiding from you, Lord, let me hide in you. You are my hiding place and my ever-present help in trouble. Thank you for bringing me to your truth. I love you. In JESUS MIGHTY name. Amen. Psalm 119:18 Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Your Word. Thank You for the privilege of opening it and reading it today. I admit to You that I am in a hurry. I am busy and distracted. So please slow me down. Help me focus. Keep distractions away. Help me listen to things in Your Word that I need to hear. Use Your Word to point out areas of sin that I need to confess. Open my eyes to blind spots that I keep missing. Show me where I am off track. Open my eyes to a biblical perspective of where I am and where I should be. Instruct me regarding business interactions. Help me understand and apply Your instructions. Guide me regarding my relationships. I desire to be a godly parent. Open my eyes to Your Word that will help me raise my children according to Your ways. Lord, I desire to know You more fully and deeply. Speak to me in a new and fresh way through Your Word. Father, please open my eyes to see the wonderful truths You have for me. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Lamentations 3:56 Father, we praise You for Jesus. No one has ever experienced pain like He did for us. Thank You for His sacrifice, which allows us to call out to You for help in full confidence that You hear us and will answer us and heal us. Forgive us for wanting to control what the answers to Your prayers look and feel like and when they happen. Bless us to be strong in Your Word, and rely on You for strength. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ephesians 3:20 Father, We praise You for the perspective that Your Word provides. We get caught up in our mistakes and failures so easily, giving them a foothold in the mountain of doubt that threatens to take us out and discourage us. But You don’t look at our mistakes like we do. You never give up on us, teach us how to repent and live out consequences, and keep moving us forward and into the purpose You have specifically laid out for our lives. Thank You for the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross, making Your Word accessible daily, to encourage and teach us. The Holy Spirit guides us and reminds us. You promise never to leave us, and to protect us with Your army of angels. Forgive us for doubting your purpose, and for confusing mistakes to be disqualifications. When we skip time with You, remind us to be refueled and rejuvenated by Your Word. We need the sustenance of Your truth to operate properly in Your will. Help stretch our time and rearrange our daily agendas to put You above all. Bless our lives to reflect Your love, and help us to develop patience and perseverance to navigate our mistakes with grace. We want Your will and Your plan for our lives. Bless us with Your perspective. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 13:5 Heavenly Lord, you set aside your glory to walk among us as a human. Help us to lay down our petty idols and walk with you through this life until your Kingdom comes. Help us to follow the example you have laid out for us in the scripture. May we love our neighbors, walk in humility, and always speak with gentleness. Help us follow the example Christ gives us, keeping his perspective before us. In Your Name we pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Father, We praise You for the stories that You place in front of us. The ones that make us unconformable and call us to action. Thank You for all those who answer calls to physically go to those far corners of the world to feed the hungry. Keep them physically safe as they travel the globe on Your behalf. For those of us who feel the stir to help around the world and in our own communities, grant us the resolve to remain obedient to Your leading. Bless all those who go hungry in this world, and show us what our part is to aid in filling their stomachs with food and their hearts with Christ’s love. Thank You for the blessings that we count in our lives, and show us how to extend our hands and hearts to those who need Your love.There are so many souls that starve and lack for clean water and a place to call home. We lift them up to You in a special way today, and pray that those who feel the compassionate call to help answer. Whether through prayer, finances, or physical presence, show us where our place to extend Your love is. Soften our hearts to those who suffer, and embolden us to share the Gospel where hurt and suffering are prevalent. There are so many big things, little things, daily things, that we can do. Help us to operate in Your love daily, so we don’t miss an opportunity for one. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 19:4-5 Father, Praise You for the sky and sun, for both remind us of a new day’s challenge and chance to chase You. Thank You for reminding us life is not always easy, but that we don’t have to carry the hard into each new day. Forgive us for dwelling on the past and for holding onto grudges. Bless our hearts to be held back by nothing as we seek You each day. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 12:4 Father, we praise You for our missionaries and mission teams. Thank You for the opportunity to come face to face with the people who need the gospel and who need physical, emotional and spiritual aid. Forgive us for forgetting about the forgotten. Bless us with the chance to go on mission trips. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 1:17 Father, we praise You for Your consistency. Thank You that though we are incapable of being consistently good, loving and righteous, you are those things for us.. Forgive us for our inconsistency, and bless us, that we may know Your love for us never changes. You are always loving, and for that we give thanks. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Hebrews 11:6 Father, we Praise You for Your compassionate love for us! Thank You for the gifts you give us. Every day is a gift, full of gifts for us to delight in. Help us have eyes to see the goodness you bless us with. And help us know this truth: we are blessed to be a blessing to others. With the good gifts you give, help us to likewise be generous. We love you, Father. In Your Name we pray. Amen. Hebrews 4:12 Father, we praise You for worn out Bibles and brand new stuck together pages! Thank You for marking each part of Your Word with such special clarity to each individual life. We confess that we pass by Your Word for human wisdom so often, and pray that You refocus our hearts to Your highlights. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 19:1-2 Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy and wonder of the autumn season. As we spend this time with friends and family, help to remember the many blessing you have bestowed upon us. As we reflect on the end of the harvest time, help us remember that you are in the business of bringing life out of death. Thank you that death does NOT have victory over us, and that spring will always come again. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Jeremiah 15:21 Heavenly Father, give us the courage to face each new day with all its challenges. Remind us that you are greater than our perception of who you are, and in all things, you prevail. Amen. Luke 19:10 Dear God, We’re thankful that you know our hearts, you hear our prayers, and you care about all that concerns us. Thank you that you understand these burdens we carry and how we want, more than anything, to see our loved ones come to you. Help us to remember that you love them more than we ever could. And that you desire to extend your great love and forgiveness to the deepest part of their soul. We are forever grateful for your healing power, for your gift of mercy, and your message of hope. Father, we ask that you would stop every plan of the enemy over those we love as we bring them before you right now. We pray that you demolish his schemes and that your plans for good, for a future and hope, would prevail. Please open up blind eyes that they might see your truth. We believe in you to rescue those walking in darkness, and to heal the deep wounds of all who have been hurt. We pray for the miraculous intervention of your Spirit to draw them to yourself, to work strongly on behalf of our loved ones who are lost and wandering. Lord, forgive our unbelief. Please forgive the times we’ve doubted that you could ever change a distant heart. Forgive our hard-heartedness, our weariness, or forgetfulness to pray continually. And thank you God, that you never give up on us. Remind us again of how you’ve changed our own hearts; how your miracle of life and hope has sprung up deep within our souls. We love you Lord; we need you today and every day. We thank you that you hear our prayers and believe that you are at work even now. Powerfully. Faithfully. And miraculously. Doing what only You can do. Thank you again for the most wonderful gift of our Savior, God with us. Thank you for your great goodness and love. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 103:17 Dear Father, in Your beautiful book of Psalms, chapter 103 and verse 17, You give us this wonderful promise, “From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” What better promise could we receive from You in the autumn of our lives than to see our children and children’s children blessed with Your love and righteousness? We ask for Your hand of blessing on us as well. Bless us with strength to be there for those we love, and wisdom to know what to say to bring comfort, encouragement, and sometimes difficult truth. We will need Your patience as we wait for Your perfect will and way in each of our loved one’s lives. We are so grateful, Lord God. Amen. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Father, Praise You for THE LORD JESUS sacrifice. His perfect love defeated sin on the cross. Your perfect love for us carries a theme of redemption. Thank You for loving us perfectly, and for layering our lives with unique purpose. When it’s hard to find direction, forgive us for choosing paths that lead us away from Your love. Bring us back time and again, as we strive to be strong, courageous, and obedient to You. Bless our hearts to know the direction that You have mapped out for us. Help us to drift through seasons of discouragement focused on Your Word and Your promises. When we lose our way, remind us of who we are …Whose we are. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Micah 6:8 Dear Lord, not matter what trials await us tomorrow, may we never forget the blessings you have shown us. Help me cling to you as my anchor. Help me remember your steadfast love and faithfulness for me in all things. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Col. 3:17 Lord God, help us. Where we are weak, make us strong. Where we are wavering, help us lay our anchor down. May we find strength through knowing you hold us. We no longer need to be held down by the world's claws. May we believe you are so believable we see your hand in our everything. May we so fall into your arms of grace, so we never feel the pangs of condemnation rip us apart. That is not you. And, truly, we want nothing that is not associated with you - it will only leave us empty. God, you are one that leaves us on full. Not once, but all the time. God, give us you. Increase our faith; make us into fighters who don't back down. May we know, strongly, you are what we need to run after. You are the answer to everything. You are the only way. Tie down our heart into you. Amen. Psalm 126:5-6 Dear Father God, Thank You for Your unfailing love for me, Your blessings, and goodness. Thank You for Your faithfulness to guide me and see me through times of uncertainty, for lifting me up, and setting me on high. Thank You for Scripture that comforts and reminds me of Your promises, plan, and provision. Thank you for taking away my fears and worries, the what-ifs, and reminding me that my help comes from You. Help me be a good steward and to sow wisely. In Christ’s Name. Amen. Isaiah 44:22 Our all-glorious God and Father, we are awed by Your grace, patience and love. Thank You for the endless power of resurrection because of the cross of Christ. Apply it to us lavishly this day. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Samuel 22:35 Father, we praise you for crooked elbows and knobby knees. Thank you for imperfect parts and Your perfect love. Forgive us for wanting to be anything we weren’t built to accomplish, and bless us to be all you have purposed us to be. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Philippians 4:6 Dear Lord, I thank you that I can come to You always for any reason. I’m grateful that when I pray to You, You answer me. Help me to come to You at the beginning of my fears and anxieties instead of waiting until I can’t stand them anymore. The quicker I come to You the better. You want to free me from ALL my fears. Help me look to You for help more often so that I can be radiant with Your joy. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. 1 John 5:14 Lord, I bow my heart before You and give You honor and praise. Oh God, strengthen my prayer life. Help me to pray more. Nudge me to pray when I’m doing mindless tasks. Help me to truly know who I am in Christ, to understand that You always hear me, to know Your Word so I can pray it, to write down my own prayer needs and the needs of others, and to know that You really do know me. In the strong name of Jesus. Amen. 1 John 4:8 Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me long before I ever loved You. Affirm Your love to me so I may know it well and pour it out on those around me. You are good, and Your love is perfect. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 8:25 Father, can I be honest? I am tired of waiting. Waiting is hard, painful, exhausting. But I know that learning to wait well is a beautiful, sanctifying, hope-giving thing. So help me wait well. Help me cling to you as I wait. Please Lord, let your peace rule in my heart. Help me live by your grace each day of this waiting. And help me bring you glory as I wait expectantly. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! 1 Peter 3:3-4 Lord, help me live an authentic life. Help me see where my true beauty and worth lie – in being a child of the Most High God. Help me have the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit. Thank you for valuing me so much that you sent Jesus to die for me. Thank you that you take what is broken and ugly in me – my sin – and wash me white as snow. Help me live to glorify you, not myself. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. John 21:4-5 Lord, thank You for working in my life, even in ways that look like failure. Help me keep my eyes on You and not on my situation. Help me trust You more, especially when I face what looks like a disappointment. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 3:5-6 Gracious Father, as we begin a new day, help us to engage your will with a reckless faith. Teach us to trust in you, and help us grow in righteousness. Heavenly Lord, give us the courage to step out in faith this day. Fill our hearts with your spirit, and let us speak your words with pride. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 12:12 God, teach us what it means to have faith in silence. When we face trials that are beyond our understanding, help us to find peace. Help me be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. You set all things in accordance to your time. Remind us to wait patiently, and find peace in your plan. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalms 86:5 Lord, we praise you for your grace. By you we are raise out of the muck and mire to find a new home in your Kingdom. There will come moments in our lives when all we can do is call on you. We thirst for your mercy Lord, please hear our prayer. Amen. Ephesians 4:29 Heavenly Lord, may the words of our mouth and the actions of our heart reflect only the grace you have demonstrated to all mankind. Our words have the power to harm and to heal. Whenever we speak, let us demonstrate the gentleness and charity you showed to all. Amen. Psalms 25:11 Heavenly father, we are all your children, and you love us in a way we can hardly fathom. Help us to see past the issues that divide us, and see one another with eyes free of hate. We have sinned. We have struck at our brothers and sisters with malice in our heart. We have made enemies of others while claiming to be your disciples. Help us to atone for these sins, and remember to love our neighbors and we love ourselves. Amen. Joshua 1:2-3 Heavenly Father, I have been so wishy-washy when it comes to taking hold of Your promises and making them mine. But today, I’m putting my foot down! I will not allow my human reason to talk me out of my spiritual inheritance. I will set my foot down on every promise that You have given me today. I’m going in! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Dear Lord, this is the day you have made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it. Do not allow the enemy to steal our joy! Father, teach us to be grateful in all circumstances. Do not let our hearts become heavy with resentment and envy. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Philemon 1:8 Dear Lord, please equip me with the courage to love my enemies and repent for my faults. Give me courage to take the path that might mean making enemies our of friends, but ultimately brings me closer to you. Help me find willingness to risk reputuation all for Your sake. Help me love you more than anything or anyone on this earth. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Father, help me to be the best husband you have intended me to be. Show me where I need to improve. Help me to be a better communicator, help me to love my [husband/wife] better, and help us both to grow closer to You and to each other in this new year. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Deuteronomy 31:8 Heavenly Father, please strengthen our hearts, and remind us to encourage one another when the troubles of life start to overwhelm us. Please guard our hearts from depression. Give us the strength up to rise up each day and fight against the struggles which seek to weigh us down. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Galatians 5:22-23 Dear Lord, help us to know ourselves. Teach us to recognize our weaknesses and work to walk in holiness. Let us repent, and follow you in all things. Thank you for your unendeding grace and mercy toward us when we need it most. Help us to trust you with our lives. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Mark 1:11 God, when the road grows dark and life gets difficult, remind us that you too suffered and were persecuted. Remind us that we are not alone, and even now you see us. Help us to remember that you have paved the way for us. You have taken the sin of the world upon yourself, and you are with us in every trial. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 1:5 Lord, give us a heavenly perspective on this life. Help us not to be distracted by the things of this world but to constantly turn our gaze toward you. Help us to have perspective and to see with clear eyes both the hardships and blessings of our lives. Lord, as we are tempted to despair over hardships, remind us that you never let us go through trouble without gifting us a measure of your goodness, grace, peace and love. As we reflect on our blessings, help us bless others. Lord, give us all right perspective on the life we have, a gift from you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 92:12-15 Father, I thank you for Jesus, who makes possible our God-honoring transition from this world to everlasting glory. As I pray these things for my parent, I pray them for myself as well. I pray we all will someday hear Your “well done.” In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! John 14:26 Heavenly Lord, do not let us neglect Your Spirit or the gifts You have given us. Give us courage to use these gifts and the humility to not use them for our glory, but for You and Your glory. Help us see the good work You have ready for us and embrace that work with willingness and joy. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 28:13 Father, do not let me ever forget the price You paid for my sin. Thank You for the forgiveness and freedom You purchased with Your death on the cross. Bring swift awareness and conviction when I sin. Give me the strength and power to deal with and turn from the sin in my life. For Your glory and in Your Name I pray. Amen. Psalm 103:12 Dear God, I’m realizing it’s not my curse that I believe I’m not enough; it’s my sin that I keep trying to be. Thank You for the reminder that life with You means I can rest, and I have nothing to prove. Will You continue to show me Your freedom, Your power and my need to stop striving to please You and instead just live life with You? In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 6:27-28 Holy God. You are full of mercy and compassion, slow to anger and full of love. You love imperfect people extravagantly. Father, I may be blind to my own role in toxic relationships. Help me see the truth about myself. Apply the healing power of Your Word to my heart and mind. Deliver me from any stronghold that causes me to harm people with my words and actions. Save me from self-destructive patterns. I struggle in my relationship with those around me and who I come into contact with. I need You to give me wisdom on how to love them well. You are my shield and defender. Show me how, when and where to erect boundaries in our relationship. I believe You are my healer and I trust You to guard my heart and mind. Help me to love those around me courageously. Fill me with Your truth and compel me to fearlessly tell the truth with love. Let Your perfect love cast out all of my fears related to our relationship. I surrender what I think our relationship should be. Please transform it so that it honors You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 61:2 Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking my “overwhelmed” and placing it under your will. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 138:2 Father, I come to You, confessing that I tend to have a heart that is filled with whining and complaining instead of gratitude. Please forgive me. Help me learn to see Your hand at work in my life. I want to trust You even when I don’t understand my circumstances. Right now, I choose to praise You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Philippians 3:12 Lord, I want to move forward and take hold of all that You have taken hold of for me, but sometimes I have trouble letting go. Help me to release all that hinders my spiritual growth and intimate relationship with You. I open my heart, my hands, and my eyes to all You have for me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 34:5 God, these tiny little prayers feel like cheating. Does that even count? Yes, I know they do. Help me combat these feelings of shame by speaking truth, by offering up these small prayers of surrender as I can and trusting they are enough. Give me freedom from the shame I am feeling. Help me fix my thoughts on you, not on my past, my failures or hurts. Give me eyes to see your goodness. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 17:5-6 Lord, you are faithful in all things. Your promises endure forever, and there is no limit to your miracles. In your hands all things are possible. You are the one who conquered death and made a place for us in heaven. May we never cease to sing your praise. In THY MIGHTY name we pray. Amen. Colossians 3:23 Dear Lord, allow us to take every experience we possess and use it for good in this lifelong journey. Teach us to be wise, and to use that wisdom for your glory. Teach us to strive for excellence in everything we do. May our actions always be righteous, and our hearts always be sensitive to your voice. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 Lord, I surrender my life to you. I want to do something, to make something happen, all on my own strength, but I know without you I can do nothing. I know my life is not my own, it is yours to work through me. Lord, I am grateful for this life you’ve given me. You’ve blessed me with different gifts and talents. Help me understand how to cultivate those things to bring glory to your great name. Amen. Colossians 3:23-24 Father, thank you for all the ways you’ve blessed me, specifically with this job that pays my bills and puts food on my table. Thank you that ALL work has significance because work is good. Help me bring you glory today, through my actions, my words, through the good work I do to bring order to my little corner of the world. Help me view my work as a blessing and not a curse. Give me grace and strength for the hardest aspects of my job. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Psalm 23:5 Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. I long to bring pleasure to Your heart daily. Break the power of the enemy in my life. Defeat him through my sacrifice of praise. Change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment with my present circumstances. I thank You for… [Name a difficult circumstance in your life presently and thank God for it.] Jesus, I want to be like You who obeyed the Father without complaint. You embraced the chains of humanity when You walked this earth. Convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart. ‘I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens’ (Psalm 7:17-18:1). In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Deuteronomy 25:1-3 O Lord Jesus, you were scourged and humiliated and degraded for me that I might be lifted up, adopted as a child of God, and share in your inheritance. All glory, honor and praise to you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 146:2 Dear Lord, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for the lives we have been graciously given, and help us to use our limited time for good. Help us to pursue our lives to their fullest. Remind us that living for you is the only path to true fulfillment. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 9:37 Lord, thank you so much for the rich harvests in my life. Thank you for the blessings of safety, peace, joy, beauty, work, and play that surround my life. Your loving-kindness toward me is always flowing, and I am so grateful. Lord, help me use these blessings to bless others. Help me have eyes to see the needy and a heart that longs to give gracious gifts toward others, as you have given graciously toward me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! Psalm 18:19 God, I need help believing that You are delighted with me. Please fill me with Your wisdom and defend me against condemning thoughts about myself. I know I am lovingly, wonderfully made by you. I know that you know every breathe I take, and I know that you are acquainted with all my thoughts, the passions of my heart, my longings and trials. Nothing about me is lost to you, and all you know about me, both the good and bad, never changes your love for me. I know when you look at me you see something ‘very good.’ Help me know these things, help me live confidently and at peace because of your delight in me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 1:17 Heavenly Lord, may we never forget that we are yours, and that your love never changes regardless of time. This is the day you have made, and in every moment we will rejoice for you have taken our shame and made us your children! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 5:5 Father, we pray today that you would draw us into meekness. We pray that you would soften our hearts, that you would remind us of the gift of gentleness, that you would show us through Jesus how to live in love day by day. We pray that you would forgive us of our sins and open our eyes and hearts to forgiveness for others in our lives. We ask that you would help us to guard our speech, that the words we say would be life-giving and glorifying to you. We are so grateful for your refining fire in our lives. In THY holy name. Amen. Proverbs 22:6 Dear Lord, we ask that you place a hand of protection over our children. Teach them to be strong without being hard, and compassionate without being proud. We are their parents, but you are their Heavenly Father. Please be with our children as they grow in this strange world. Teach them to love others as you have loved them, and help us guide them in your ways. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 15:31-32 Dear Heavenly Father, I’m a prodigal and have wandered far from home. Today, I realize that I need to take responsibility for allowing my past and my pain to control me. Give me courage to step out of the shadows, and help me to lean into your grace-filled embrace. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 34:18 Jesus, my pain is so deep. My anger is fierce, my fear is crippling. And then in the midst of all of these emotions, numbness sets in. I struggle to know how to pray or where to begin! So I’m going to remind myself of truth. I know you are here with me in my grief. I know you are mending the brokenness in ways I can’t always see. Lord, hold me in your arms, take this pain and help me bear it. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Deut. 3:22 Dear God, We thank you that you hold the victory over sin and death in this world. We thank you that you came to set the captives free. We thank you for your redemptive work you’ve done in our lives. We thank you for freedom and the hope you bring. Your word says to “stand our ground,” and that’s what we will do, in the power of your Name. The enemy has no control over us, and we bring your words of truth as weapon against his schemes. We know that we’re never alone, for you are constantly at work on behalf of your children, shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware. We ask that you would give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy and to stand strong against his work. We ask that you would remind us to pray, constantly, for all believers. We ask that you would help us to stay alert in a dark world. We ask that you would help us to be salt and light, that we would be loving and gracious, yet unyielding to sin. We ask that you help us to remember to put on your armor daily, for you give us all that we need to stand firm in this day. We thank you that you are far greater than anything we face here in this life, and we have overcome, because you have set us free. We thank you for your truth, “no weapon formed that is formed against you will prosper.” Lord, we ask for your peace, we ask for your protection, we trust you for your constant work on our behalf. We ask you to bring justice. We ask that you would bring light, knowing that you expose the deeds of darkness. Standing together in your great and powerful Name, believing you are with us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 3:5-6 Father, thank you for creating us with the capacity to love deeply. We know that relationships begin with the feeling of love, but we know that relationships only flourish by acting in love. You showed us the greatest act of love by sending Jesus to die for the our sins. I pray that my child’s spouse is experiencing Your great love at this very moment. Help them to receive Your redeeming love in a very personal way. Give them a heart that is full of love and ready and willing to forgive the mistakes that will happen their marriage. Show them what it looks like for love to win. In Jesus Mighty Name We Pray. Amen. James 1:5 Lord, thank you for this time you’ve given me to open your Word and discover who you are. Thank you that you don’t leave us in the dark about who you are and what you are doing in the world, but that you have revealed yourself and your will through the Bible, your sacred words to us. Lord, I need wisdom as I read your Word. You promise us in James 1:5 that we only have to ask for wisdom to receive it. Lord, please give me your wisdom now as I approach your word. Help me discern the truth of this text. Help me not rely on my own understanding. Thank you God for the clarity, encouragement and hope your Word brings. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Romans 8:28-29 Lord, Thank You that what is happening in my life right now did not take You by surprise. You understand the bigger picture of what is going on and I trust You with Your plan and purposes for my life. Thank You that You are in absolute control and You are fully able to conform me to the image of Christ through this ordeal as I surrender it to You. Show me what You want me to learn through this and help me to remain teachable and sensitive to Your Holy Spirit. I thank You that You are with me, that You will never leave me, and that You are drawing me closer to You through this situation so I can experience a more intimate relationship with You. May You receive glory for how I respond to all that Your loving hand has allowed in my life. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Psalm 27:14 As I face my fears, when I am feeling afraid, when I am feeling timid, remind me of who YOU are, and who I am in You. You are strong and courageous, the Almighty King and loving Father. You have said in Your word that as I wait upon You, I can “take courage,” because I know You are with me, You are for me, and You will empower me with the courage and the strength I need for whatever is placed before me. Remind me of who You have created me to be and what You have empowered me to do. Lord, You are the Courageous One! And so right now, as I wait upon You, as I face fear and intimidation, I trust that You will keep your promise. I trust that I am who You say I am. I trust that You will give me the strength and courage I need to face this circumstance, and I trust that victory is on the other side. I boldly declare that I will not let fear or intimidation stop me from being obedient. Help me to endure, Lord. Give me grace. You’re a good Father, and You are faithful. I trust You! Thank you, Father. I pray this in Jesus Mighty name. Amen Philippians 4:5 Father, forgive me for the times I choose condemnation over love, rudeness over kindness, or desire to do nothing rather than do the right thing. Please prompt my heart and interrupt my momentary schedule so my actions may reflect who You are. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 5:31-32 Lord, thank you that you are the one that can change me. Thank you that I do not have to change myself. Thank you for dying so that we could have life. Help us not to judge others in sin, but to treat them with love and compassion. Help us come to you just as we are: broken, imperfect, but fully alive and healed by the power of your blood on the cross. Thank you Jesus! The gospel is such good news. Help me live into that each day. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 147:10-11 God, we pray that our hearts would learn how to rightfully fear you. We bow before you, acknowledging you as Lord and Savior of lives, praising you for your might, your sovereignty, your power, your strength, your mercy, and your justice. We thank you for your unending love even when we are undeserving. We stand in awe of you. We surrender our hearts to you. We put you first, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Habakkuk 1:2-3 Lord, my joy is found in you. You are my salvation and my strength. Whatever my circumstances, whatever fears or anxieties I have, whatever darkness lurks on the horizon, whatever is happening in the world around me, you are my salvation and my joy. When the world around me seems confusing and hopeless, I pray that you would fill me with incredible hope in your goodness, grace and sovereignty over all things. Help me fix my gaze on you all the days of my life. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Acts 1:9-12 Dear Lord, let us live each day in preparation for your return. Help us to glorify your name and serve as lights on the hilltop of your kingdom. Heavenly Father, it is so easy for us to get caught up in our limited time on Earth. Don’t let us lose perspective on our eternal destination. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen Revelation 21:4 Lord, my heart is feels like a thousand knives are running through it. I am weary, spent, and just so sad. Please, help me! Hear my prayers. Hold me and my family up. Give us strength. Be present. Be persistent in your love. Carry us through this heartache. Sustain us. Bring us joy and hope. In Your Name I pray. Amen. Psalm 36:5-6 O My God, Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects, my heart admires, adores, loves thee, for my little vessel is as full as it can be, and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow. When I think upon and converse with thee ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up, ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, crowding into every moment of happiness. I bless thee for the soul thou hast created, for adorning it, sanctifying it, though it is fixed in barren soil; for the body thou has given me, for preserving its strength and vigour, for providing sense to enjoy delights, for the ease and freedom of my limbs, for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding; for thy royal bounty providing my daily support, for a full table and overflowing cup, for appetite, taste, sweetness, for social joys of relatives and friends, for ability to serve others, for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities, for a mind to care for my fellow-men, for opportunities of spreading happiness around, for loved ones in the joys of heaven, for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly. I love thee above the powers of language to express, for what thou art to thy creatures. Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. AMEN. Hebrews 10:24 Dear Jesus Christ, I want to live an awesome life. And I want to have an awesome family. I know I won’t have either if I just live for myself. So today I give myself to you. As for me and my house, we’re going to serve the Lord. I want my family to be a place of play and fun, not just work and negativity. I want my family to be a place where we encourage each other to grow constantly. I want to be a family that is a shelter in the storm, a safe haven, a refuge. Help me to protect my family — not just their bodies but also their minds. I want my family to serve you by serving others. Help us to find our family mission, our purpose, what you shaped our family to do. Help me to teach my kids to be generous by modeling generosity to God and to others. Help me to have a bifocal vision to not just care about my family but to teach them to care about the whole world. May we model dedication and service and generosity and prayer. I can’t do this on my own, Lord. So I ask you to come into my life and take complete control of every area and give me the power to do the right thing. In THY MIGHTY name I pray. Amen. Deuteronomy 7:9 Jesus, you are more than a Prince – you are my Savior, my Redeemer. I know that nothing outside of a relationship with you will satisfy the desires of my heart. Lord, help me long for you above all other relationships on this earth—even good relationships you’ve given me to enjoy. Help me love you with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me live my life for you and not what I can gain from it. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ps. 95:1-3 Dear God, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are Able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 100:1-5 Dear God, Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over our lives. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. We’re so grateful you for your amazing love and care, for your mercy and grace, for always working on our behalf, even behind the scenes when we’re unaware. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us, even through loss and the most difficult of times. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy, this Thanksgiving Day and every day. We give you thanks and praise, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 5:24 Dear Lord, show me how to walk step by step with You in faith — not ahead of You or behind You, but right by Your side. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 John 4:18 Heavenly Father, sometimes I am afraid. I worry. I am weak-kneed. Help me to trust in Your unfailing love and give fear the boot right out of the door of my heart. I know that You have my best interest in mind…all the time. Help me to trust in Your sovereign goodness and move forward with confidence. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 2:7 Dear God, Help us to keep our focus first on Christ this season. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention on other things. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you never leave us. Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you today… and keep you first in our hearts and lives. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Lamentations 3:22-23 Lord, I’m coming to you with my personal morning offering prayer. I worship you today and want to give you praise for another day of life. As I begin to think about your amazing grace and for all you have done on my behalf, I am overwhelmed with joy. Your love draws me into your sweet presence the moment my eyes open. Even when sleepiness tries to pull me back under the covers, your tug on my heart awakens me to start the day right with you. This morning I offer back to you this day and my life as a gift of gratitude. You deserve the best, and I want to give you all that I have and am in a fresh new way. Write on my heart the lessons you want to teach me today. Fill my mouth with your words and thoughts, not mine. I long to live this day for you, with my affections set on things above, not focusing on worries here on earth. You gave your life for me, an offering of death to pay the penalty of my sin. In return, I long to make your heart happy by offering my life as a living sacrifice to you. Some days I feel like I have so little to offer; yet you know my heart. You created me, and you love me just as I am. You require nothing from me but faith, because your love is a gift with no strings attached. I can’t earn it, and I can’t buy it. But, Lord, out of a deep love for you, I desire to live for you today in such a way that encourages others. I want to bless you as well as those who cross my path. If I give to others with mercy and compassion, you’ve said it’s the same as giving to you. So accept my morning offering prayer today, Lord. May my life be a sweet fragrance to you, as I seek to follow you, to love you with all my heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as myself. Use my mouth, my mind, my hands, and my feet— all of me — as instruments of your peace. May I be a light in the darkness for others or simply a pitcher of kindness poured out for you. Here is my life; here are my talents. My gifts are yours to do with as you please. Order my steps today; guard my thoughts; and bathe my actions with thoughtfulness and goodness, so others can see your reflection in me. I trust you; I wait for you, and I listen for your voice. Your strength is all I need. With eagerness I begin this day and offer my life to live for you, anyway you want. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Isaiah 9:6 Father, We praise You for the Christmas season, and the remembrance of Jesus’ glorious birth! You remind us in Isaiah of your powerful namesake, who came to earth for us. He could not be described by just one name or in one way. He is the One who holds the key to our peace and our freedom. Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth to pursue us. Thank You for the traditions that we treasure enough to miss, and those that we are blessed to continue celebrating. Forgive us for making Christmas about anything but you, Jesus. Unearth the routines that threaten to trip us up in pursuit of You, and open our eyes to recognize what matters the most. Be with us this Christmas, Jesus. Open our eyes and our hearts to see you in a fresh, new way, whether in the midst of time-honored traditions or fresh new ways to celebrate Your birth. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 1:20 Father, I don't know what is going on. The situation we face seems impossible. And our marriage is in the firing line. I'm not sure what to believe or who to trust. The road ahead seems hard, even impossible. Give us tenacity and perseverance. Lord, I believe we will experience our own miracle in the manger. The fight, the struggle, the journey will be worth it in the end. I know you are faithful to answer my prayer. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 4:6 We adore you, Jesus. May this Christmas be about adoring You! In Your name we pray, Amen. Psalm 46:1 Father, Praise You for Your omnipotent hand of protection over our lives. Even through we come to You with downcast hearts, we know in full confidence that You are able to lift us out of our grief. You are our Healer. You know our hearts, from our aching hurts to our feelings of despair. As the frigid winter air freezes the ground, our hurting hearts tend to harden. Mourning isn’t easy, and we’d often rather go it alone, or avoid it all together. When we wish to close everyone off and isolate our hearts, empower us to bring the broken pieces of our hearts to You. Death is difficult, but we are promised to be reunited with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in heaven. For those of us that mourn the loss of a fellow believer, we know that our pain is temporary, and that theirs has now passed away to eternal peace with Christ in heaven. Though it’s difficult to say good-bye, we know that Your presence is more than enough to restore our peace and fuel our continued perseverance of Your purpose for our lives on this earth. Forgive us for wallowing times of despair and hopelessness. Holy Spirit, translate the groaning of our heart to the Father that sits above all in sovereignty. Relieve feelings of anger, confusion, depression, anxiety, and all other maladies of the heart and soul the coincide with grief and mourning. Help us to adjust to life without the one we mourn. Thank You for the time we were granted with their sweet soul while their time on earth ran it’s course. For the ways they helped us grow closer to You, and challenged us to follow the course You set out for our lives. For those of us saying goodbye to mentors and teachers, seeds of doubt that we can walk as courageously without them will temp us to falter. But the remnants of their love for You will carry on in our lives in ways that we may never comprehend. Help us to retain their memory, Father. May our memories be swift, and our grief be short. We know that every life is numbered perfectly by You, and we trust You first with the our lives, and the lives of the ones we love on this earth. Help us to let go, knowing every life belongs to You, first. Bless us with an appreciation of the mark they left in Your honor on this earth, Father. May they rest in the peace of Your arms, until we see them again. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Mark 16:15 Dear Lord, help me to continuously be aware of all people around me every single day. Where there are people, there are needs. Give me Your eyes to see some of those needs and the wisdom to know how to help as well. Help me to be your hands and feet as I serve others right where I’m at. And allow them to see Your light in my life as I do work in your name. Amen. Matthew 11:28-30 Dear God, Thank you for the gift of Jesus, the One who alone can save us and give us lasting joy. Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that you promise to give the worried, the hurried, the pressured, and stressed out - rest and peace for our souls - if we'll just come before you. Thank you for your reminder that we don't have to carry it all. Forgive us for the times we try to, for not taking time to rest. Thank you for the refreshing that comes from your Spirit, filling us again with joy, covering us with a shield of favor and blessing, leading us forward with hope. Equip us to be those who notice the lonely, the hurting. Help us to slow down, to take time, to point others to you, and to remember most of all, what this season is all about. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 11:28-29 Lord, thank You for providing a rest for my soul that’s not attached to a person or experience. You created me for this rest, and I accept it now. Help me fully trust You with my heart. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Judges 3:31 Lord, thank You for reminding me that You can use anyone and everyone. I willingly offer You all that I am and all that I have — choosing to believe that who I am is enough to be used by You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 14:1 Lord, I confess I am grieving the loss of the dream I held so dear. This is hard Lord- why couldn’t you give me this desire of my heart? Yet Lord, I know You are good. Your ways are perfect. Your plan for me is perfect. Please help me remember that and keep those truths in mind as I mourn the loss of this dream. Please comfort me, Lord. Lord, I pray I would understand—even if it’s only a little bit—why my dream isn’t coming to be. Help me have hope even as I wrestle. In Your name I pray. Amen. Romans 8:31 Heavenly Father, teach us to trust in you. Remind us that your plans are to help and not harm. For you are a loving God. You know all the days of mankind. You have numbered the hairs on our heads. Please help us to hear you calling and respond as faithful children. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 8:28 Father, sometimes I can’t understand how you can bring beauty from the ashes of my life. I struggle to trust you with the broken pieces. You say in your Word that without faith it is impossible to please you, and I want to please you. I want to trust you. I want you to make me more like Jesus and use my trials for my good and your glory. Help me believe the promise of Romans 8:28. In the strong name of Jesus I ask. Amen. Isaiah 11:1-2 O Father, we praise you that before the foundation of the world You chose Jesus, our Messiah, to come to earth and show us the Way to the heavenly kingdom and to be the Way to the heavenly kingdom. We thank you for making room for us who are redeemed in Your heavenly Kingdom. Jesus, we worship you as King of Kings and Lord of lords. You are my King. You have rule over my heart and my life, my thoughts and time and goals. I bow to You only and give you full and free reign over my life. Help me not to grip anything so tightly that I am unwilling to release it to You. You are a just King; our Prince of Peace. Help me to desire Your kingdom above that of my own making and bow to Your will above my own. Holy Spirit, lead me in the ways of the heavenly kingdom. Teach me wisdom from above and guide me in truth. Help me to have eyes that see and ears that hear all that God has for me. Help me to know the Lord, to fully understand His might, to fear turning away from Him and to know His grace. We love you Lord. With all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind and all of our strength we love you. We lavish you with our worship. We come to adore You today. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ephesians 4:29 Lord, thank you for your mercy and grace, even when we sin and gossip. Help me see this sin for what it is—hateful, hurtful, and ultimately sin that separates me from you. Lord, give me a greater affection for you. Help me love you so much that it spills over into everyone I meet. Help me love you so much that the temptation to gossip melts away in the midst of my thankfulness and joy. Help me long to build others up, not tear them down. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Psalm 127:3-5 Father, thank you for my family. You have blessed me so much, entrusting me to care for my children. Help me to be the father you have called me to be. Give me the strength to teach my daughter how to be the woman you have called her to be. Give me the courage to say the things she needs to hear, even if they are not the things she wants to hear. Give me wisdom to know what to say, and give her a tender heart to be receptive to her parents’ guidance. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Psalm 55:22 Lord, thank You for being ever-present in my life. And thank You for the hard times. I might not have said that then, but I see now how faithful You were (and are) to meet my needs. Help me walk so closely with You that I never return to my independent self. I love You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 10:10 Lord Jesus, I am so overwhelmed. My heart is heavy, burdened. The losses this year are crushing me, overcoming my peace and joy. I know you tell us you are close to the brokenhearted, but I don’t feel you. I feel lost, hopeless, abandoned. I know this is a season, a season that has a beginning and an end. But right now it feels like it will never end. I need hope, hope to believe you will truly restore me, strengthen me. I need hope to believe you will one day have me put together and on my feet for good. I need a vision of the future you have for me, a future of hope and blessings from you. It’s so easy to become distracted, to focus on the many losses I have experienced. Forgive me. Help me to put my thoughts, my attention on you. Help me cling to you, to your word, to your promises. Help me be fixed on you because I know it’s the only way to enjoy your perfect peace. As I walk through this holiday season, give me a fresh glimpse of who You are. Help me remember the suffering You experienced as You watched your Son on the cross, a gift given just for me. Help me remember with joy and wonder the amazing gifts we have simply because you gave, a precious baby born that Christmas morning. Help me focus my heart and mind on Immanuel, God with me. You are my hope, my only hope, for Christmas and every day on this earth. May I always carry your hope with me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Isaiah 9:6 Dear God, Help us to focus on the greatest gift of all this season, and the whole year through. Thank you for sending your one and only Son, that we might be saved through Him. We praise you for your faithfulness and power. We thank you for your love and peace. Forgive us for letting other things get in the way of remembering what’s most important this Christmas. We ask for your joy and strength to fill us afresh, may we shine the light of your presence everywhere we go. We need you and we love you Lord. In the powerful Name of The Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Matthew 11:28 Dear God, Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that you promise to give to us, those who feel worried, hurried, pressured, and stressed; deep rest and peace for our souls - if we'll just come before you. Thank you for your reminder that we don't have to carry it all. Forgive us for the times we try to be self-sufficient, for not taking time to rest. Thank you for the refreshing that comes from your Spirit, filling us with joy, covering us with your shield of favor and blessing, leading us forward with hope. Equip us to be those who notice the lonely, the hurting. Help us to slow down, to take time, to point others to you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 46:10 Lord, I bow my heart before You and honor You. Here I am in a holy pause. Thank you for this moment to step out of the busyness and step into your presence. Help me to choose not one but many holy pauses this holiday season. Please nudge me by Your Spirit and remind me to step away from the Christmas crazy and get alone with you. In Jesus’s awesome name. Amen. 1 John 2:28 Father, Praise You for Christmas! Thank You for Jesus, born to earth to live among us and pay the ultimate price for our sin. Along the way, He lived a life that we can look to as an example of how to navigate human life on earth. Belief in Him reaches beyond this life, and unto heaven. This Christmas, we ask your forgiveness for getting caught up in the hustle of commercialism, and ask that You re-focus our hearts to Christ. Help us to experience His presence and revel in His closeness. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 107:19-20 Dear God, You already know the pain we’ve carried, the deep wounds, the feelings of loss and heartache. You know how we’ve so often lost hope. Wondering if we’ll ever be truly free from this burden. It feels too great some days. We desperately need your healing and grace. We need your peace and our hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, and completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else can fully see or understand. You know all the places where we need to be set free, even those we’re not aware of. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your mighty power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 1:10-11 Eternal God, the light of the minds that know you, the joy of the hearts that love you, and the strength of the wills that serve you: grant us so to know you that we may truly love you, so to love you that we may truly serve you, whose service is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Isaiah 9:6 Dear God, Thank you for the gift of Jesus! We celebrate the treasure of all that He is in our lives, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and so much more. We recognize His Powerful Presence over all, and we worship Him as King of Kings and Lord and Lords. We thank you that you made a way for us to be set free through the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Thank you for giving us the gift of eternal life, to all that have believed in Your Name. We bring to you today, every need and concern that we have, every fear and pain of loss we’ve experienced this year. We ask for your healing and grace, for your strength and your peace to fill us afresh. We draw near to you, and thank you that you are close. Our Immanuel God with us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Peter 5:7 Dear Father, I admit that I often forget that you are with me. I often forget what you’re like. Would you please forgive me for that? I need to get to know you better. I need to get to know your Word and your promises better. Help me to put you first in every area of my life. Help me to live one day at a time. Help me to not worry about tomorrow but instead focus on what you’re doing in my life right now. I want to trust in your promise to take care of every one of my needs — financial, relational, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional. Help me to trust you more and worry less. I pray in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 John 1:9 Righteous Lord, you are the King of our hearts, but the heart is deceitful above all else. Help us to discern your will, and teach us to walk forever in your ways. Heavenly Father, teach us to be sensitive to the prodding of your Spirit. When we have strayed, return us to your path, just as a shepherd does with his sheep. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Hebrews 13:8 Thank You, God, that You are sure. I can always count on You, because You will never change. Thank You for a safe place to fix my eyes when everything else seems unstable. Only You are my Rock and my Fortress. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 10:10 Dear God, Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. You never leave us. Thank you for your daily Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that your surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you, in all these days after Christmas. Thank you for giving us this hope we can carry all year through. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Cor. 5:17 Dear God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you've allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day. We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else. We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask that you would help us release our grip on the things to which you’ve said “no,” “not yet,” or “wait.” We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you’ve put within our hearts. We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you. We pray that you’d keep us far from the snares and traps of temptations. That you would whisper in our ear when we need to run, and whisper in our heart when we need to stand our ground. We pray for your protection over our families and friends. We ask for your hand to cover us and keep us distanced from the evil intent of the enemy; that you would be a barrier to surround us, that we’d be safe in your hands. We pray that you would give us discernment and insight beyond our years, to understand your will, hear your voice, and know your ways. We ask that you would keep our footsteps firm, on solid ground, helping us to be consistent and faithful. Give us supernatural endurance to stay the course, not swerving to the right or to the left, or being too easily distracted by other things that would seek to call us away from a close walk with you. Forgive us for the times we have worked so hard to be self-sufficient, forgetting our need for you, living independent of your spirit. Forgive us for letting fear and worry control our minds, and for allowing pride and selfishness wreak havoc over our lives. Forgive us for not following your ways and for living distant from your presence. We confess our need for you fresh new again. We ask that you make all things new, in our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, for this coming year. We pray for your refreshing over us. Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, as you remind us we are safe with you and your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground. We ask that you would provide for our needs, we ask for your grace and favor. We pray for your blessings to cover us, we pray that you would help us to prosper and make every plan that you have birthed in our heart to succeed. We pray that others would take notice of your goodness and could not help but to say, “These are the ones that the Lord has blessed.” Help us to be known as great givers, help us to be generous and kind, help us to look to the needs of others and not be consumed by only our own. May we be lovers of truth, may the fruits of your spirit be evident in our lives - your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing. To you be glory and honor, in this New Year, and forever. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Psalm 63:4 Dear Lord, I come to You over my prayer life right now. I know that I have been lax and have been so distracted lately. I want to renew my commitment to spending time with You everyday and to jumpstart my prayer life again. But I’m scared that I will become distracted and fail like so many other times. I pray that You will renew a passion in me for this part of my life. I pray that I will have a fresh, laser like focus on spending time with You and in praying for others. Help me to recognize the stirring in my heart when someone needs spontaneous prayer. Help me to recognize when it’s You that wakes me up in the middle of the night to be a ‘watchman’ and to have the clarity to hear your voice. In Your Name I pray. Amen. Philippians 4:7 Father God, my heart is filled with chaos and confusion. I feel as if I am drowning in my circumstances and my heart is filled with fear and confusion. I really need the strength and peace that only You can give. Right now, I choose to rest in You. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Romans 8:26 Lord - You are Immanuel, God with me. Thank You for being with me now as I mourn this loss. You are the God of all Comfort and I willingly receive Your comfort now. I do not know what Your comfort will look like or feel like, but I trust it even so. My heart is broken but You are near. My spirit is crushed, but You are my rescuer. Your Word is my hope. It revives me and comforts me in especially now. My soul faints, but you are the breath of life within me. You are my help, the One who sustains me. I am weak but You are strong. You bless those who mourn, and I trust You to bless me and my family with all that we need. You will rescue me from this dark cloud of despair because You delight in me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Genesis 1:26 Father, I thank You for our sameness. I thank You that we are brothers and sisters by Your design. May that truth shape how we view others, but first, may it shape how we view ourselves. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 Lord, I’ll just be honest: I feel like everything good has been taken from me. And I feel like You’ve let it happen. Can I admit that to You? Thank you for being big enough to handle all my fears, angers, and uncertainties. Lord, thank you for this truth: I am afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, struck down but not destroyed. Lord, help me- give me Your Spirit, help me know Your goodness even in the midst of this pain. Help me out of this pit, Lord, and onto steady ground. Thank You God for never leaving me. Help me only have hope in You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 12:20 Jesus, knowing You forgive all my sins was enough. But there is more? Praises to You! Yes, I want to be free from guilt and shame! Yes, I long for this abundant life! IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Psalm 71:20-21 Create in those who love me with a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within them (Psalm 51:10). Though you have made those who love me to see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore their lives again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring them up. You will increase their honor and comfort them once again (Psalm 71:20-21). Thank You that Your word says I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate them from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME. Amen. Psalm 34:8-10 Father, I have tasted and seen that you are good. I have tasted the finest delicacies this world can offer, and they cannot compare to you. Your presence satisfies me like nothing else. You give more joy and deeper joy than anything else in this world. One day in your courts is better than a thousand days elsewhere. One moment with you is better than a thousand lifetimes anywhere else. Please give me more tastes of your presence, more glimpses of your glory. Expand my heart to love you more, and then take me deeper into the vast ocean of your love. Your love is better than life itself. I do not take refuge in money, people, job security, or friends. Those things are fleeting vapors that quickly dissipate. They don’t provide any true security. I take my refuge in you, the King of Kings, owner of all things, Sovereign One, and protector of the helpless. I know that you’ll care for me, provide for me, and satisfy me. I know that you’ll protect me, just as a father protects his children. Teach me what it means to fully entrust myself. Deliver me from my sinful self-sufficiency. Teach me what it means to truly, humbly fear you. Fill my heart with appropriate reverence, awe, and fear of you. I want to seek you above all else, knowing that if I seek you, I won’t lack any good thing. You are not a stingy God who is hesitant to bless his creatures. You are an abundantly generous God. Like a constantly flowing spring, you bubble over with goodness and generosity. If you clothe the lilies in splendor and feed the ravens, you will certainly provide me with everything that I need. If something is good for me, you will give it to me. If it is not good, you will withhold it. I know that I can trust you to give me exactly what I need for every situation. Ultimately, I don’t know what I most need, but you do. I don’t trust in my own ability to meet my needs, I trust you to meet all of my needs. Amen. 2 Corinthians 10:12 Lord, thank You that in Christ I’m chosen, holy and dearly loved. When I’m tempted to measure myself according to the world’s standards or my foolish comparisons, help me recognize Satan’s lies, refuse his temptations and rely on Your truth about me instead. In Jesus Mighty Name! Amen. James 1:27 Lord, I love you. I want to be like you. I want my children to love others. I want them to be compassionate people. I know that we are saved by grace through faith and not by our works, but I pray that my works are evidence to the world of what you are doing in me. My children are following me; please help me lead them to you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 12:11-12 Dear God, I don’t want to go another day without you in my life, controlling every part of my heart. I offer you my body. I dedicate myself to you. In light of all you’ve done for me, I give myself as a living sacrifice to you as a spiritual act of worship. I humbly admit that I need help. I want you to help renew my mind. Help me to think the way you want me to think. Please forgive me for my pride. I don’t want to think more highly of myself than I should. My faith needs to grow, and I need your help to set goals that can be measured so I can manage them. Forgive me for trying to change on my own. I want to fill my life with love. I want to fill my life with you. Help me to get group support. Help me to take delight in honoring other people, to focus on giving my life away so that you can take care of my needs. I want to nurture my enthusiasm by being in you. Help me to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. I give myself to you. In THY MIGHTY name I pray. Amen. Philippians 3:13 Holy Lord, Thank You for grace. Please help me move beyond the hurdles that trip me up and give me the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope I run toward in Christ. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Acts 2:42 It helps, now and then, to step back, and take the long view. The Kingdom of Heaven is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the Church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything. This is what we are about. We will plant the seeds that one day will grow, We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but everything is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, But that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are the workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future of our own. May that future be filled with grace, peace, and hope. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 74:17 Father, Praise You for the seasonal change that so many of us witness first hand each year. Even though we can predict an inevitable shift in weather, each time a new wave of beauty ushers onto the scene we are reminded of the amazing way You have created the earth. The beauty in each season reminds us of Your creativity and finite care for life, especially ours. Winter brings it’s own set of characteristic landscape, with blankets of snow and powdery tree branches. Though the winter storms batter us and chill us to the bone, the sun shines onto the sparkling snow thereafter, reminding us that You make beauty out of all things. Your creation is marvelous. It has the power to pull us out of the doldrums. Thank You for Your faithfulness to remind us through Psalm 74 today how powerful our remembrance of Your character is. Even in the darkest depressive state, buried under a snowfall that has turned shoveled sidewalks into tunnels, we know that worship can spin our hearts on a dime. New change is exciting at first, as is every new season that ushers in. It’s easy to let the excitement of the first snowfall and the Christmas Season fuel our childlike wonder for the change of Fall to Winter. A White Christmas and the sound of kids sledding brings refreshing change to our souls. But once the twinkling lights of Christmas have faded, and the first snowfall has drifted away into dead grass and gray skies, we struggle to remember the glory of this particular season. Forgive us for allowing the cold, gray skies and short dark winter days to steal the joy of our hearts. Help use extra downtime to restore our energy and slow our schedules. Soften our hearts to look beyond the inconvenience of the season. For we know that without the tiring lag of the current season, the next one wouldn’t be so welcome and exciting of a change. Thank You for brining us to another Winter, and another New Year. Resolutions can seem like impossible tasks to take on when it’s cold outside and the lack of daylight makes the days seem shorter.“You are the Architect of the seasons.” The Architect of our hearts. You have gone before us, and know what lies ahead. You are a good Father, and Your love for us is perfect. We can trust You to pull us through the winter. Bless us with hearts more like Jesus, patient and perseverant. Watch over our cloud of despair that threatens to set in with the gray skies. Bring bright memories of sunshine and warmth to the top of our minds when we need to be reminded that just as sure as the winter came, it will go. Help us to enjoy every day You bless us with on this earth, seeking Your purpose first, and always, through every kind of weather. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen Colossians 3:17 Lord, thank you for the blessing of my business or ministry. I am grateful that you planted a seed in my heart and gave me the resources and opportunity to use my gifts to serve others. Lord please show me what you want me to do next with the gift of my work. Teach me to make wise decisions and keep my eyes focused on the path you set before me. Help me avoid temptations and distractions that lead me astray. Lord, please help me to be a better steward of the many blessings you have bestowed on me. Teach me to be financially responsible and generous with my time, talent and treasure. Lord, give me the courage and faith to follow your call – even when it means taking risks. Protect me from the doubts and fears that prevent me from fulfilling your purpose for me. Help me to trust in you and feel your never-ending love and presence. Lord, when I’m filled with doubt about my abilities or qualifications, please cover me with your peace and fill me with confidence. Help me to remember that I am serving you through my work and that you will equip me to fulfill your call. Lord, please fill me with faith and resolve to keep moving forward when I feel like giving up. Remind me of your will for me and give me the patience and endurance to stay the course, despite the many obstacles I face. Lord, this business or ministry is a wonderful learning experience for me. Please teach me everything I need to know in order to succeed in your plans. Give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding, so that I may please you and glorify you through my work. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Galatians 6:4 God, help me love the life I live right now. Show me the good things I often overlook and help me be content with what I have. Forgive me when I compare myself to others, forgive me for longing for things outside of you and your kingdom. Thank you for loving me right where I am, right as I am. Help me keep my eyes on you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Deuteronomy 2:7 Dear Lord, I know that wherever I am, You are with me—guiding, protecting, providing. You make a mountain into a way; You make streams flow in the desert; You cause a root to grow out of dry ground. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to see You work when all hope seems lost. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 43:2 Father, I am tempted to worry about so many things. Our world is a mess! Forgive me for focusing on anything or anyone but You. Thank You for the Bible that equips and empowers me to live each day. Right now, I declare that You are my only Hope. Please help me remember that You really are in control. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 16:1-2 Lord, grant me tenacious winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don't go my way. And give me courage to do whatever needs to be done. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Psalm 7:17-8:1 Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Teach me to be joyful always, to pray continually and to give thanks in all my circumstances. I accept them as Your will for my life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). I long to bring pleasure to Your heart daily. Break the power of the enemy in my life. Defeat Him through my sacrifice of praise. Change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment with my present circumstances. I thank You for… [Name a difficult circumstance in your life presently and thank God for it.] Jesus, I want to be like You who obeyed the Father without complaint. You embraced the chains of humanity when You walked this earth. Convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. Give me Your attitude of humility and thankful acceptance. I want to be like the Apostle Paul who learned contentment in every circumstance. I choose to continually offer You a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that give praise to Your name (Hebrews 13:15). I long to bring a smile to Your face. Teach me the power of a thankful heart. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Deuteronomy 20:4 Lord, thank you for your greatness. Thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. Lord, the Devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with you. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honor you in all my ways. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 139:14 Dear Lord, Thank You for fearfully and wonderfully creating each of us. Thank You for giving us worth in Your eyes. Help us live as the one You uniquely intended us to be. Help us abide instead of strive, living peacefully and joyfully as heirs to Your Kingdom and co-heirs with Christ. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Deut. 3:22 Dear God, today we put on the full armor to guard our lives against attack. We put on the belt of truth to protect against lies and deception. We put on the breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts from the temptations we battle. We put the gospel of peace on our feet, so we’re ready to take your light wherever you send us this day. We choose to walk in the peace and freedom of your Spirit and not be overcome with fear and anxious thoughts. We take up your shield of faith that will extinguish all the darts and threats hurled our way by the enemy. We believe in your power to protect us and choose to trust in you. We put on the helmet of salvation, which covers our minds and thoughts, reminding us we are children of the day, forgiven, set free, saved by the grace of Christ Jesus. We take up the sword of the Spirit, your very Word, the one offensive weapon given to us for battle, which has the power to demolish strongholds, alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword. We ask for your help in remembering to put on your full armor every day, for you give us all that we need to stand firm in this world. Forgive us God for the times we’ve been unprepared, too busy to care, or trying to fight and wrestle in our own strength. Thank you that we never fight alone, for you are constantly at work on our behalf, shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 40:5 Grant me wings to soar, Father. Set me upon high places and show me the wonders of Your love. Open my heart to new things, and watch me grow. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 91:1 Dear God, Thank you for your presence with us, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before us, and cover us from behind. Thank you that you are in our midst, and that our future is secure in the place you're preparing for us. Your words bring such hope and comfort. Remind us of your strength today, may we see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as we seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 22:11 Father, my heart is heavy. I feel like I have to carry the burden alone. Words like "overwhelmed," "distraught," "exhausted" seem to describe where I am. I am not sure how to let you carry my heavy load, so please show me how. Take it from me. Let me rest and be refreshed so that my heart won't be so heavy in the morning. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 God, you know me better than I know myself. You know my fears and my desires. You know how much I want this. You know how much I will be devastated if this doesn't happen. I know you love me. I know you have a plan for me. Please, Lord, don't let my desires blind me to your will. If this is not within your plan for me, throw up a Brick Wall. Give me an obstacle I cannot get past. Help me follow your will, Father. Give me peace about whatever is to come. If this falls through, I will know it is your hand. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 8:32 Lord, help me break free from the bondage of insecurity. I confess that I’ve listened to the voice of the enemy more than I’ve listened to your truth. Lord, help me listen and know that I am loved, that I am perfectly made, that I am accepted as I am in You. Give me your Spirit to help me see when I am listening to lies instead of truth. Help me fix my eyes on you and all you are and have done for me and for this world. Thank you Lord! In THY MIGHTY name I pray. Amen. Proverbs 24:16 Lord, help me let go of my fear of failure. I know Satan wants to use my fears to hold me back from living boldly for You. Forgive me for not living in faith, and help me from this moment on to live with bold confidence in You. Lord, help me not compare myself to others around me. I pray instead that I can keep my eye on You and live a life that proclaims Your excellence. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Lord, thank you for your abundant, abounding grace. Thank you that we don't have to earn a drop of the mighty river of grace that flows freely for us today. Thank you for the unexpected, unmerited favor you've showered on my life. Help me put myself in the path of your love and grace. Help me not neglect the disciplines I need to meet with you regularly and to drink from the water of life. Thank you for your rich love. Amen. Hebrews 13:16 Lord, I pray you would move the Spirit more boldly in my life. I know that any sin can grieve and diminish the voice of the Spirit, and I pray against the temptation to sin. Help me crave your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and so walk closer with Yourself. I pray for guidance from your Spirit- let your will and promises always be a meditation of my heart. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Galatians 5:13 Lord, I pray that I would stop trying to find my identity in anything other than being Your child, a child of the King and a citizen in the Kingdom of God. Thank You for this amazing grace in my life! Lord, help me see the minute I start placing my identity in something else- my children, my career, my marriage, my gifts and talents. Help me in those moments to remember that all of those things—even though they are good gifts—will never satisfy me the way You will. Help me keep you before me in all things. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! Romans 6:6 Father, only you understand how much I’ve been hurt by this person. I don’t want to carry the pain for another second. I don’t want to be a bitter person. But I need your grace and the power of the cross to release my hurt and to forgive those who’ve hurt me. This is the turning point. First, I need to experience your forgiveness. You know all the ways I’ve hurt others, and I’m so sorry for my sins. Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I accept your grace and forgiveness, and I need it daily. Today I’m turning to you, and I’m choosing to forgive the way you have forgiven me. Every time the memory comes back, I’ll forgive that person again until the pain is gone. Heal my heart with your grace. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Mark 10:45 Father, I realize I have had some of these thoughts. I’m quick to think I have to carry others’ burdens on my own. I also see my tendency to think I can save friends and family, when I know you are the only one who can. Help me see any unhealthy motives I have for helping others. Help me establish healthy boundaries. Forgive me for helping out of these unrighteous motivations. Help me serve others with a generous, selfless heart that shows them your love. Help me be motivated by your love, not my own ego. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Psalm 5:11 Father, thank you for intervening in my life and allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. Thank you for your love for me today and forever. Thank you for the blessings you’ve given me and my family. Help us use those blessings to bless others. May I live a life of true joy as I see you at work around me today! In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 19:13 Father, I want to be a prayer warrior, a woman of God who lives in a constant state of prayer. Please help me see the needs in the lives of the people I love as well as those needs in the lives of people I meet every day. Teach me how to pray, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 17:17 LORD JESUS, you know satan is trying with all his might to divide your house and your people. We pray Lord with all our might that we would not let that happen. That we would remember that a house divided cannot stand. Help us to be the peacemaker in our relationships, friendships, and families, without bending or compromising on the Truth. And Lord, if it must be that there are those who choose to no longer be our friends or in relationship with us, guard us against a bitter heart and remind us to pray for a softening of their heart. In JESUS MIGHTY name, we pray. Amen. Psalm 119:105 Dear God, I admit that reading the Bible is challenging for me. Yet I desire to be more than a carrier of Your Word. Give me a hunger and thirst for Your Truth. Lead me by the power of Your Spirit to study and apply Your Word to my life. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 1:2 Lord, free me from the shackles of a bad attitude. Work in my heart and mind to transform my thinking from negative to positive — despite the struggles I face. Fill me with a joy that can only come from You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Dear Father, I come to you today feeling so weak and helpless. There are many thing on my plate, so many worries, so many uncertainties, so many things that I just can't do. Every time I think about what lies ahead for me, I feel overwhelmed. When I consider carrying this burden for days on end, I feel like I just might drown. Everything seems impossible. You said to come to you with my burdens. The Bible says you are our "Rock" and our "Fortress." You are all knowing and all powerful. You know the burdens that I bear. You are not surprised by them. In fact, you've allowed them into my life. I may not know the purpose for them, but I do know that I can trust your goodness. You are always faithful to do what is best for me. You care most about my holiness, even above my immediate happiness. I ask that you remove this burden from me, take away my weakness, but ultimately, I desire most of all that your will be done. I confess that I hate this weakness in me. I don't like not knowing what to do. I don't like being incapable and insufficient. Forgive me for wanting to be sufficient in myself. Forgive me for wanting to be in control. Forgive me for complaining and grumbling. Forgive me for doubting your love for me. And forgive me for not being willing to trust and rely on you and your grace. When I look into the future and see my weakness, help me to trust you. May I, like Paul, embrace my weakness so that you can be my strength. May you work through my weakness to change me. May I glorify you in my weakness, looking away from myself and to the wonders of your amazing love through Christ. Grant me gospel joy, even in the midst of this struggle. It's because of Jesus and through Jesus that I can pray. Amen. Psalm 46:10 Oh Lord, You know my heart. You know I sincerely want to grow closer to You and spend time with You, but I get so easily distracted. Like a silly sheep, my mind wanders, and I find my thoughts far from You. Forgive me for my undisciplined thoughts. Forgive me for so often giving up instead of persevering despite my distraction. Forgive me for choosing the easy path instead of the more difficult, disciplined route. I really want to know You more. I want to spend time in Your presence, to learn to sit quietly at Your feet without a million thoughts distracting me. Teach me, Lord, how to be still. Like a Good Shepherd, lead me beside still waters. Quiet my soul. Bring order and calm to the chaos in my mind, so that I can spend time in quiet and joyful meditation with You. Thank You that you are willing and able to do these things, and that when I am weak, You are strong. I love You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Chronicles 20:17 Lord, I admit, I am weary. Life is going a million miles an hour and I am just trying to hang on. I am tired and I am afraid when I look to the future and think about all that is coming. Lord, I know You want me to trust You through this. I know You want me to surrender this weariness to You. I surrender now. Fill me with Your strength. Fill me with Your presence. Help me find moments today of rest and rejuvenation. Thank You that You never abandon us in the midst of the battle. Thank you for your everlasting faithfulness. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ephesians 6:10-12 Dear God, We thank you that you hold the victory over sin and death in this world. We thank you for your redemptive work you’ve done in our lives. We thank you for freedom and the hope you bring. Your word says to “stand our ground,” and that’s what we will do, in the power of your Name. The enemy has no control over us, and we bring your word of Truth as weapon against his schemes. We know that we do not fight alone, for you are constantly at work on behalf of your children, shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware. We ask that you would give us wisdom and discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy in our lives and to stand strong against his work. We ask that you would remind us to pray, constantly, for all believers. We ask that you would help us to stay alert in a dark world that tries hard to make things look “not so bad.” We ask that you would equip us to be salt and light, that we would be loving and gracious, yet unyielding to sin. We ask that you help us to remember to put on your armor daily, for you give us all that we need to stand firm in this day. We thank you that though you remind us in your word that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one, you are still far greater and we have overcome, because you have set us free. We thank you for your truth, “no weapon formed that is formed against you will prosper,” and that you tell us this is our “heritage” in you, our inherited blessing, place of possession, and gift straight from your hand. We love you Lord. We need you. We stand together in your great and powerful Name. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 20:29 Dear Lord, we cannot see you but we trust that you are there. We trust that you hold the world in the palm of your hand. Help us to live every day with this perspective. Help us to understand that faith is found in the small actions of kindness we make. When we comfort the grieving, when give help to the homeless, we are declaring your victory. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 14:18 Lord, I am just so lonely. My heart longs for friendships, for even one good friend nearby. Lord, I know you wouldn’t let me go through this loneliness without having a good reason for it. Help me long for you and relationship with you before all other things. I know that if I have you I have everything I need. Help me find satisfaction in you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Peter 3:8 Dear Lord, when my wife is in the midst of a tumult of worries, fear, and sadness, remind her as quickly as possible that You are with her. She can never go anywhere where You can’t find her. In her mountain top, excited moments, You are there. In her desert wanderings, You are there. You are even there in her lowest, most distressed states. She may not always feel it, but she knows You are with her. Help me be just the right person at just the right time to help her to stand when she is under pressure. And always remind her of Your immense love which was depicted on that cross. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 11:27 Lord, teach us how to be as faith-filled as Martha, and trust Your promises, no matter how impossible they seem. Remind us that with You all things are possible, including Your resurrection and ours. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Dear Lord, You made me for good works. You gave me the desire to always learn and grow in my ability to love You and my neighbors. Help me to make progress on my goals each day and not to worry about the conclusion that you may bring out of that obedience. Remind me regularly that your conclusions of every matter will always bring fruit even though the conclusion may be different than I was thinking. Your ways are above my ways. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 12:17-21 Father God, we praise you for your love and faithfulness towards your children. We praise you for being a perfect, holy, trustworthy God that is bigger than all the evil we experience here on earth. We ask that you give us eyes to see when evil is before us, hearts to hate evil and the desire to flee from its presence. We ask that you would not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil and draw us closer to yourself. We ask for the long-expected Jesus to come quickly and make all things new. We ask these things His precious name. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 Lord, I come to you and I thank you for drawing near to me when I draw near to you. To think that you are mindful of me — it overwhelms my soul. But Lord, today my spirit is heavy and my body is weak. I cannot bear the weight of this anxiety and panic any longer. I recognize I can’t get through this alone, and I pray against the very active enemy who is trying to shake my faith and tear us apart. Help me stand strong in you. Fortify these weary bones and remind me of the truth that this pain and panic will not last forever. It will pass. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 15:12-15 Dear Lord, teach me to love others the way you first loved me. As I build relationships with others, let them see you in the extent of my generosity, the authenticity of my kindness, and the depths of my love. All of those things are only possible through you, the God who abides with me and calls me friend. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 10:2 Lord, thank You for reminding me how You created me on purpose and with purpose. I don’t have to live this life feeling threatened by the success of others. Today, I’m asking You to bless the women around me doing what I long to do. Stir even more hearts with a deep passion to make You known. And continue to settle my heart with the truth that this world really does need my exact brand of beautiful. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 139:14 Lord, thank you for letting us work with you to share your joy with the world. Help us not take for granted the gift it is to share you gospel to the nations, and to our neighbors. Help us have eyes to see the needs around us and to respond to those needs in joy and hope. Thank you so much Lord for your love and care over us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 55:8-9 God, thank You that Your will and Your plan is always perfect. It might not be easy or always feel good, but I know You see the big picture and know what’s best for me. You are always good. You are always faithful. You always have steadfast love for your children. These are truths that will never be untrue- so help me live in light of those truths today. Help me have peace as I meditate on what it means that You are always good, faithful and full of steadfast love for me. Help me face today with confidence knowing that Your plan is greater than all of my dreams. Lord, I love You, thank You for the life I have in You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Mark 6:31 Father, I need to hear from You. Today, I make the commitment to start having a daily quiet time. I will listen for Your voice above all of the other voices in my life. Lord, teach me how to center my life on You and help me obey what I hear You say. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Psalm 119:105 Dear Lord, we thank you for your unending grace. Help us to be sensitive to the prodding of the Holy Spirit, and may we always listen for your voice. Teach us to walk in your ways. Guide us down the path of righteousness, and may our steps never falter. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 12:2 Lord, forgive me for letting fears and doubts get in the way of my obedience. Give me the strength and desire to step out in faith and trust that I am equipped and capable in Your strength. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 John 3:1 Dear Father, thank you for our children. Thank you for loving them even more than we do, and for calling them out of darkness into your wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) They see a world of confusion. They hear messages condemning their beliefs. Yet Your Word is more powerful than any negativity that comes their way. Help them keep their faith in You, Lord. Give us wisdom to guide them as they grow into the mighty men and women you created them to be. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Proverbs 11:2 Lord, please give us the wisdom to recognize our own mistakes, and the courage to acknowledge them. Help us to grow a spirit of humility. Teach us to look first for the plank in our own eye before we turn to judge our neighbors. In Thy Mighty Name. Amen. Exodus 33:14 Lord, I really want to get this one! Please help me to turn to You in all circumstances – in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Give me the strength to surrender my will to Yours, and guard my heart and mind with the peace as I choose to trust You with my struggles today. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Job 19:25-27 Lord, I know that you are faithful over all things, even the hard, dark times of my life. Help me not back away from you in my time of grief. Help me instead to lean into you and trust you, even when I do not understand your ways. Please keep my head above the waters of anguish and my feet from slipping off the ground of truth. Help me see you in these hard moments and glorify you in my response. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Exodus 17:15-16 Dear God, The battle feels intense some days. We get tired and weak, weary and worn. It’s hard to keep going in the face of defeat. But help us to remember that you will never leave us, that you’re our Refuge and our Strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We know that the enemy wouldn’t be fighting so hard against us, if we weren’t making a difference for your Kingdom. He wouldn’t be trying so hard to stop us, if he didn’t think you had so much good still in store. Remind us that the battle belongs to you, and whatever we’re up against can be taken down in one fail swoop by your Mighty Hand. Help us to trust you more, to never waste time spinning our wheels and wrestling or fighting in our strength. Please forgive us Lord for the times we’ve failed to lift our hands to you, for the days we’ve forgotten to come to you first. Fill us with the Power of your Holy Spirit this day. Fill us with your joy, fill us with your wisdom and discernment, fill us with constant reminders that Your Presence will go with us, and you will give us rest. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 13:3 Lord, I know my tongue often gets ahead of my mind and heart. I am quick to speak and I repent of the many thoughtless things I have spoken. I am sorry for words I have spoken in anger or in gossip. Please help me to see when I am about to speak without thinking and to check my heart. Help me be slow to speak. Help me Lord to be a person full of loving words, full of your Spirit, overflowing with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Joshua 1:9 Lord, I thank You that You are the God of the impossible. You can do anything. I want to trust in Your ability and not my own. Teach me to see difficulties in my life from Your perspective. Help me to focus on You and Your power. I want to be like Joshua and Caleb who believed in a good report and focused on You even in hard circumstances (Numbers 14:7-9). My responsibility is to carefully read, trust, and obey Your Word. Today I bring before You this difficulty in my life [Name a hard situation you are right now facing]. Help me not to fear but to trust You in this situation. I declare my faith in Your ability to fulfill Your promises to me. You will fight for me and win the battles in my life. You are mighty, powerful, righteous and true. I have nothing to fear with You on my side. I will be strong and courageous even in hard times. I will not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9). You will never leave me or forsake me (Joshua 1:5). I do not need to figure everything out. You already know the best plan for my life. I will not try any man-made method to do only what You can do. Show me Your supernatural power. Teach me how to walk by faith and pray breakthrough prayers. I choose to have faith in Your ability to break through every obstacle in my life. Just like Joshua, You will give me the land and every place where my feet step (Joshua 1:3). “Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever” (Psa 44:5-8). In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 127:2 Dear God, Thank you for the blessing of this day and your goodness in it, we’re grateful for the gift of life. Thank you for all that you’ve allowed into our lives these past hours, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. We ask for your huge peace to surround us tonight, all of us who feel restless and worried right now, those who have been carrying big burdens and shouldering stress. Help us to lay it down before you, again, even though we’re struggling to really let go. Remind us that you can carry it so much better than we ever could. May your power and your rest fill us fresh. May the presence of your Spirit breathe hope deep into our souls, even as we sleep. Forgive us for the times we tried to do things all in our own strength, getting too easily distracted, or forgetting our need for you. Forgive us for letting fear and impatience control us, or for allowing pride and selfishness to dictate our choices. Forgive us for not following your ways or for living distant from your presence. Cleanse our hearts and renew our minds in you, as we lay it all to rest. We ask that you would provide for our needs, even as we sleep. We pray for your huge grace and favor. We thank you that you never sleep or slumber, that you’re always at work, even in the dark of night, even behind the scenes where we can’t fully see. We pray for your blessings to cover us, that you would make every plan you’ve birthed in our hearts to succeed at just the right time. We pray that you’d be opening doors, clearing pathways, closing the wrong roads, and setting up our way for tomorrow. Help us to be alert to your spirit, that our hearts would be eager to hear your voice as we awaken. We pray you’d make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Help us to feel refreshed deep down in our souls, and to be faithful to walk in the wisdom of your word. Give us a desire for more of your presence. Help us to remember to rely fully on you, fixing our eyes on Jesus. We ask for your words of truth and power to strengthen us in our inner being. Thank you for your goodness, thank you that you know the way we take and that you have a plan. We love you Lord, we need you, and we thank you we can rest in your perfect care. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 40:31 Dear Father in Heaven, I come before you weary and beat down by this long day. Being a mother can be so hard! I often feel helpless and inadequate. I never know what to expect. I often don't know what to do. The constant change leaves me reeling. The twists and turns of each day is a glaring reminder of how needy and dependent I am. The book of Hebrews tells me I can come to you in confidence and find the grace and mercy I need. And so I come to you now to lay all these burdens at your feet. I feel so overwhelmed by the details of life. It seems like I can never get ahead. Just when I clean up one mess, another one pops up somewhere else. Just when I think I know what I am doing as a mom, my child enters a new age and stage. Just when I think I have a steady routine in place, someone gets sick or hurt. Some days I wonder if I’m really cut out for motherhood. I know I failed to glorify you today. I failed to love as you love me. I failed to extend the grace you’ve given me to my children. Forgive me for striving in my own strength. Forgive me for my fears over all the unknowns of motherhood. Forgive me for putting my hope in things, circumstances, or in my own strength rather than in you. Forgive me for my impatience and for wanting life to go my way. Each of these sins and failures reminds me of just how much I need a Savior. Today reminds me that I need Jesus more than I did yesterday and that tomorrow I will need him even more. I pray that tomorrow you would be with me in all ups and downs of my day. Help me to find my joy in you and not in my circumstances. Help me not to fear whatever twists and turns may come. Help me to love my children and serve them well. Help me to enjoy each moment with them and not spend my time worrying about the next moment to come. May I remember that even when it feels otherwise, you are always with me and will never leave me or forsake me. Tonight, may I sleep in peace knowing that even when I lose my grip, you never let go of me. And may I open my eyes in the morning to find mercy, fresh and new, ready for the taking. In Jesus Mighty name I pray. Amen. Isaiah 45:3 Father, I am so sorry for the way I complain about my circumstances. Please forgive me for my bad attitude when things don't go my way. I want to see Your hand in every part of every day - good or bad. Help me learn how to face every storm with confidence, knowing that You really are in control even though I cannot hear Your voice or see Your hand at work. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 46:10 Dear Lord, help me—every single morning—to find faith in the midst of the chaos. Give me the desire and ability to see You, hear You, talk to You, and give thanks to You. And as I do, I pray that I will draw nearer and nearer to You, and that my faith will multiply exponentially as I understand in new, deeper ways that You are everything I ever hoped You would be. And so much more. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psa 34:14 Dear God, Our world is hurting and broken. We pray for those who have lost loved ones this week, please comfort them in their grief and loss, cover them with your peace and presence, as only your Spirit can do. We know that in whatever we face, you are our Peace and Refuge, a very present help in times of trouble. Thank you that you remind us throughout your Word, we do not face the storms alone, but you are always with us. Whispering calm. Speaking peace. Bringing rest to our souls. We confess our need for you. We ask you to forgive us for trying to figure everything out on our own, for not trusting that you are more than able and powerful to work on our behalf. Forgive us for picking back up what we already determined to lay down at your feet. Give us the ability to trust you more, give us a heart that finds rest in your presence, give us the wisdom to seek peace and pursue it, remembering it’s only to be found in you alone. Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that you care for us. Thank you that the peace of your loving and strong presence guards and protects our hearts and minds in you. Thank you that we do not have to walk in fear or live in overwhelmed cycles of worry and stress. Thank you for your voice that breaks through the greatest wind and storm swirling around us, and whispers “Peace, be still.” Thank you that you sent your One and Only Son to set us free. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen John 15:7 Dear God, We’re thankful that you know our hearts, you hear our prayers, and you care about all that concerns us. Thank you that you understand these burdens we carry and how we want, more than anything, to see our loved ones come to you. Help us to remember that you love them more than we ever could. And that you desire to extend your great love and forgiveness to the deepest part of their soul. We are forever grateful for your healing power, for your gift of mercy, and your message of hope. Thank you Lord that nothing is too difficult for you. Thank you that your power is unlimited, and you came to set the captives free. Thank you that you wait, arms open, for the prodigal to return, that you look for his arrival to lavishly celebrate that he’s come home. We praise you for you are Redeemer and Rescuer, Savior and Lord. We know and believe that there’s no pit so deep that your love can’t reach us still. We understand that your mercies are new every morning, and your faithfulness is great. Dear God, we ask that you would stop every plan of the enemy over those we love as we bring them before you right now. We pray that you demolish his schemes and that your plans for good, for a future and hope, would prevail. Please open up blind eyes that they might see your truth. We believe in you to rescue those walking in darkness, and to heal the deep wounds of all who have been hurt. We pray for the miraculous intervention of your Spirit to draw them to yourself, to work strongly on behalf of our loved ones who are lost and wandering. For you came with good news, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for captives and release for the prisoners. Though we deserved penalty for our wrong, you stood in our place and took the blows on our behalf. You chose to die so that we can live forever, and we could be free. Lord, forgive our unbelief. Please forgive the times we’ve doubted that you could ever change a distant heart. Forgive our hard-heartedness, our weariness, or forgetfulness to pray continually. And thank you God, that you never give up on us. Remind us again of how you’ve changed our own hearts; how your miracle of life and hope has sprung up deep within our souls. We love you Lord; we need you today and every day. We thank you that you hear our prayers and believe that you are at work even now. Powerfully. Faithfully. And miraculously. Doing what only You can do. Thank you again for the most wonderful gift of our Savior, God with us. Thank you for your great goodness and love. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 24:44 Lord, thank You for the work You have been doing and the work You continue to do in this world. Make us conscious of Your presence, help us learn to abide in You moment by moment. Convict us of even the smallest sins, and help us turn toward you in joyful obedience. Lord, revive the nations to Your gospel truth. Help us not draw back but rather fight the good fight of faith. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! Isa 61:3 Dear God, In this season of Lent we’re reminded of our own difficulties and struggles. Sometimes the way has seemed too dark. Sometimes we feel like our lives have been marked by such grief and pain, we don’t see how our circumstance can ever change. But in the midst of our weakness, we ask that you would be strong on our behalf. Lord, rise up within us, let your Spirit shine out of every broken place we’ve walked through. Allow your power to be manifest through our own weakness, so that others will recognize it is You who is at work on our behalf. We ask that you would trade the ashes of our lives for the beauty of your Presence. Trade our mourning and grief for the oil of joy and gladness from your Spirit. Trade our despair for hope and praise. We choose to give you thanks today and believe that this season of darkness will fade away. Thank you that you are with us in whatever we face, and that you are greater than this trial. We know and recognize that you are Sovereign, we thank you for the victory that is ours because of Christ Jesus, and we are confident that you have good still in store for our future. We thank you that you are at work right now, trading our ashes for greater beauty. We praise you, for you make all things new. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ps. 84:11 Dear God, We thank you that your presence is powerful and real even today. We thank that your Word reminds us over and over again, that you are always with us. Thank you that you go before us, and that you cover us from behind. Thank you for the gift of your Spirit, that you live within us, bringing life and peace. Thank you for your protection over us, that you surround our lives as a shield. Thank you for your grace and favor, for your blessings and love that you so graciously shine over your people. We look to you today, our Lord and Savior, our Rock and Redeemer. Our trust and security are in you alone. Though things may often feel uncertain around us, though struggles may mount up and we feel like we’re facing enemy ground, though darkness tries hard to steal our joy away, we choose to rest in you. Thank you Lord that you are our firm foundation. We walk in your strength and victory, as you pave out our paths, and lead our way. We praise you that you bless us and keep us, that you make your face shine over us. We love you Lord. We hold on to your truth, and rely on your presence in us, and around us. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Jeremiah 17:7 Lord Jesus, push me! I want to go higher with You! I want to know the fullness of life that comes only when I’m planted in Your will. Help me trust You and follow You wherever you lead, that I may experience the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 18:10 Lord, like David, I need your encouragement in a time of trial and anguish. Thank you that you are always on the throne, always my God, ready to save. Thank you for being the same God to me that you were to David. Thank you for always being near and always rescuing me from my fears and hurts. Lord, help me remember that daybreak might be just ahead, that this trial will not last forever. Fill me with hope that daybreak is coming and that your love will always prevail! In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! Deuteronomy 31:6 Father God, the darkness has taken hold of me and I can’t find my way back to the light. In this moment, ending it all seems like the best option, the only option, the only way to escape. Yet, there is something in me that wants your light to snuff out the darkness. So I ask, Lord, that you would do just that. You are the only light that can shine in the darkness. I know when I’m consumed with thoughts of death I’m believing lies from the enemy. I ask Lord that you would remind me of these truths: when I feel alone, you are with me; when I feel invisible, you see me; when I feel worthless, my value is knowing you and being known by you. I often feel out of place in this world. I don’t fit in and I’m not sure I want to. Remind me that this world is not my home and while, as your child, I will never fit in here, my time here isn’t over. Not yet. Please, give me the desire to live. When I feel like I don’t matter, remind me that I was created with purpose. When I don’t know or understand why I feel the way I feel - remind me that you know the depth of pain in my heart, in my body and in my being. You know me better than I know myself… and yet you still love me. Remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I am worth more than I know. Remind me that this life is not mine to take. Remind me that suicide is not the only option. Remind me to love you and to love myself. Remind me that Jesus did not come to earth and die for me so that I could live a defeated life. Help me to desire life and to live fully in you. In Jesus Mighty precious name. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10 Father, I want to bloom where I am planted and resist the temptation to compare myself to others. Help me see the ways you have uniquely gifted me to serve you and your Kingdom. Thank you for making me just as I am. Forgive me for the ways I have compared myself and coveted the abilities of others. I pray that, starting today, I would see the opportunities if front of me to use my gifts and abilities. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Ephesians 4:2 Lord Jesus, Please lead me. Take the wheel. Take the whole car! Take my life. No more pushing to the front of the line for me. I want You, Jesus. I want more of You. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Psalm 55:17 Dear Father, I come before you today with a heavy heart. Sadness overwhelms me. I feel surrounded by a dense fog that I fear will never lift. Like David, "my tears have been my food day and night" (Psalm 42:3). For however long this season of sorrow lasts, I pray that you would show me more of your love and grace. Help me not to run from whatever you want to do in my heart. Help me to trust that you are at work and to rest in your faithfulness. I want to say along with David, "I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul" (Psalm 31:7). Father, grant me gospel joy; help me to rejoice in Christ even as I grieve. Envelope me with the peace and comfort only you can provide. As the days move into months, may this burden lessen. As the months move to years, use me to encourage and bless someone else who must walk a similar path. Help me to point them to you as the God of all comfort. I know that you are always with me and that your love never ceases. Help me to find refuge in you and nowhere else. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 God, sometimes life gets me down and I find it hard to see things to be thankful for. Open my eyes to see the gifts you’ve given me in my life. I’m going to start by thanking you for loving me enough to come to earth and die so we can live together forever. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Isaiah 64:8 Holy Lord, There is none like You and Your greatness is unsearchable. Thank You for writing Your love on the fabric of humanity and on all that is created by Your hands. Thank You for expressing Your love to me in the intricate, design details of my life. I stand in awe and bless Your great name. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen. Luke 15:10 Dear Lord, Thank You for seeking and saving me by Your grace. Thank You for loving me when I was hard to love. (And for the times when I still am!) Help me to see others as You see them. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Please use me to point others to Your hope. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 8:28 Father, I choose to believe You are faithful and will do what You promise to do in Your Word. I believe when I lay the pain and hurt of my past at Your feet, You not only can but also will transform it all into something beautiful. I choose to believe You will turn the broken places of my life into living illustrations of Your sufficiency and healing power. I trust You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 113:3 Dear God, We praise you today with our hearts and songs, we praise you for your faithfulness, we praise you for your great power and love. We confess our need for you, our lives don't go so well when we just spin around on our own. We struggle and worry, get weary and worn. Yet you never leave us. Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your care over us, thank you that you breathe renewal right into our souls. We ask for your spirit to fill us, to draw us close to yourself, and to work your purposes through us, as we set our eyes on you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Corinthians 13:8 Dear God, Thank you that you are a loving, gracious God. Thank you that you’ve offered us forgiveness and the gift of new life in you. Thank you that your love is perfect, it never fails, and that nothing can separate us from your love. We pray that our lives would be filled and overflowing with the power of your love so we can make a difference in this world and bring honor to you. We ask for your help in reminding us that the most important things are not what we do outwardly, it’s not based on any talent or gift, but the most significant thing we can do in this life is simply to love you and to choose to love others. Lord thank you that your love is patient. Help us show patience with those around us. Lord thank you that your love is kind. Help us to extend kindness to others. Lord thank you that true love is not jealous. Help us cast aside feelings of jealousy or hatred towards others. Lord thank you that your love does not brag and is not arrogant. Help us not to live with pride or arrogance, but to choose to walk with humility and grace. Lord thank you that true love does not act unbecomingly. Lord help us to extend kindness instead of rudeness towards others. Help us to lay aside the critical tone and tearing down with our words, so that we can truly walk in peace. Lord thank you that true love does not seek its own. Lord help us not to live selfishly, looking only to our own interests. Lord thank you that true love is not provoked. Lord help us not to become easily angered. Help us not to be so quickly reactive, but instead slow to speak and slow to become angry. Lord thank you that your love does not take into account a wrong suffered. Lord help us not to hold grudges, but to choose to forgive, even when it’s difficult. Lord thank you that your love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. Lord help us to love your words of truth, may we walk in your freedom and wisdom. Let it be what drives our lives and choices every day. Lord thank you that your love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, thank you that your love never fails. Help us to love as you love. Fill us with your Spirit so that we can choose what is best. We are weak Lord, but we know also, that even when we are weak, you are strong within us. Thank you that it’s not all up to us. Thank you that you equip us to face each day with the power of your love, your forgiveness, and your grace. We love you Lord, and we need you today, and every day, In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Phil 4:8 Dear God, I am prone to worry. I let the happenings of the world, the elections and the economy sit heavy on me. I need to find your peace. I invite you to restructure my thinking. May my hope be you. May my peace be you. May you help love flow out from me. Give me clarity. May I change what I am able to change and release what I can't. May I know that the greatest joy is staying where you are. God, thank you that you have the whole world in your hands. I need not fear because you are the best manager, orchestrator and caretaker. You made it all. I believe in your plan. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 34:19 Father God, I don’t understand this situation. But I do understand Your goodness to me. Help me replace the fears threatening to consume me with truth. I know You love me, You are for me, and I absolutely can trust You with all of my heart. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Luke 12:13-15 Dear Jesus, I know that beauty begins with my heart, but sometimes that’s not where I put my energy or thoughts. Give me wisdom to end the pursuit of things that have little eternal value. Help me run after what changes me from the inside out. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 15:9 Lord, I’ve been so prone to evaluate my value in terms of what I produce. I’ve believed wrong things about how You see me, keeping me from being as close as You desire. Today, I surrender. I move in to dwell permanently in Your love. I choose to rest and abide. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 Samuel 1:10 Lord, I haven’t been bringing myself to You honestly. You know what’s inside of me and where the bitterness and anxiety rest. Please help me to pray like I mean it today, free of all pretense. I’ll trust You to sort it out. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Mark 5:27-28 Dear God, We confess our need for you today. We need your healing and your grace. We need hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running all different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else is able to fully see or understand. You know the pain we've carried. The burdens. The cares. You know where we need to be set free. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are Able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your Mighty Power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 1 John 4:20 Lord, I am not above you. I am not above the world ruling. I am not the master of all things, nor the creator. But, I am your servant, your child, and your love. Help me reside in that place. Help me see my need and confess it to you. Help me be quick to look at myself when I am prone to look over to others. Thank you that you have wild and abundant grace for me. It will not cease. It will not end. It will not let me go. I ask you to restore me in fullness with you. Teach me your ways and help me be receptive to them, so I will not fall. Help me Lord. You rule and I surrender all my ways, thoughts, opinions, perceptions and decisions to you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 Dear Lord, You are compassionate and loving. You know the details of my life and the burdens of my heart. I bring them to You now and give You thanks. Thank you for THY deliverance from the lust of the eyes and for THY deliverance from the lust of the flesh and for THY deliverance from the pride of life. I choose to trust You in the good and the bad. Help me rely on you and not on myself. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen! James 4:8 Father in Heaven, Help me! I am so weary and worn down by this day. So many things are happening all at once and I don't know what to do. I am overwhelmed. It feels like I am standing in a fierce wind that is whipping and swirling around me. I can't move; the force is so strong. It may just knock me down flat. And worse of all, what if I can't get back up again? Father, I can barely lift my eyes to you. It's all I can do to cry out for help. Please extend your grace to me this day. Help me to see that you are in this and that you are with me. Help me to remember that you are not surprised or taken off guard by the events of this day. As I dwell and meditate on who you are, I am amazed and filled with wonder that you would love and care for me. No other religion in all the world has a God that loves his people. No other religion has a God that listens and cares about the cries of the human heart. No other religion has a God that would humble himself and take on frail human flesh and live in this sin-stained world. No other religion has a God that would lay down his life for his people. But you are that God. You are God alone. Your word tells me that before time began you chose me to be yours through your Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4). You set your love on me and made me yours. Ephesians also says that through Christ, I have "redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" (1:7). Forgive me for my fears about this day. Forgive me for how I have complained and muttered about how hard this day has been. Forgive me for forgetting that you are with me. Forgive me for forgetting who I am because of what your Son, Jesus Christ, has done. Forgive me for failing to remember the glorious truths and riches I have because of the gospel. It is these truths that I am focusing my heart on in the midst of this hard day. I pray the words of Paul and claim them as my own that "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give me the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of my hearts enlightened, that I may know what is the hope to which he has called me, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" (Ephesians 1:17-19). Father, hear my prayer. Grant me gospel hope in the midst of this hard day. Help me to cling to your grace, your wisdom, and your strength. Through Jesus and because of Jesus and in His name I pray. Amen. Psalm 16:8 Dear Lord, I need your unshakable peace! Please forgive me for placing my trust and hope in things of this earth. Lead my soul to find rest in You and in Your perfect plan for my life. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Romans 12:2 Lord, help us to study and apply your Word to our lives each day. Help us make this a discipline of the mind and heart, empowered by Your Spirit, transforming us each day more and more into your likeness. Help us have self-awareness of when we’re falling into temptation and turn quickly back to you. Thank you for your tender mercy and love, ever leading us onward. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray. Amen! Isaiah 53:5 Dear God, We remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life. Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf. Help us to be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things, for not fully recognizing what you freely given, what you have done for us. Thank you Lord that by your wounds we are healed. Thank you that because of your huge sacrifice we can live free. Thank you that sin and death have been conquered, and that your Power is everlasting. Thank you that we can say with great hope, “It is finished” For we know what’s still to come. And death has lost its sting. We praise you for you are making all things new. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. James 1:6-8 Lord, thank you that you are always faithful and true, and that your steadfast love never ceases. Thank you that prayer is powerful and effective, and that even when we doubt, you still hear our prayers and act on our behalf. Lord, I confess that sometimes I doubt. Sometimes I’m not sure if my prayers are really effective or if you hear me. So Lord, I ask you would embolden my faith. Help me have confidence that you will always be there for me and will never leave or forsake me. Thank you for your tender love for me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Matthew 28:6 Dear God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the Victory and Power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, and that by your might, Christ was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to live free. Thank you that you had plan, thank you that you made a way. We praise you for your great strength, we praise you for your lavish love. We praise you for you are Conqueror, Victor, Redeemer, and Friend. We praise you that you alone are our Deliverer, you are Worthy, you are our everlasting Father, our great and awesome God. We confess our need for you. We ask that you would renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your spirit of refreshing to fill us again. Keep your words of truth planted firmly within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us of where we have been, whispering his lies and hurling attacks our way, may he be reminded again of his future. For we have a future and a hope in you. We’ve been set free, redeemed, the old has lost its grip, the new has come. Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing. Thanks be to you God, for your indescribable gift! To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever. In Jesus Mighty name. Amen. Matthew 22:37-40 Dear God, Forgive us for drifting away from you, for allowing other things to become more important in our lives. Help us to live aware, to choose wisely, to stay close to you, and anchored in your Truth. Apart from you, we have no hope. Thank you for your great love and mercy, thank you that you wait for us, that you call us to yourself, and you strengthen us in our weakness. Thank you that you alone are our Refuge and Safety, and you fill us with hope. We come to you today, choosing to walk in your Presence and Light. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 55:22 Dear God, We confess our need for you today. We need your healing and your grace. We need hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running all different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else is able to fully see or understand. You know the pain we’ve carried. The burdens. The cares. You know where we need to be set free. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are Able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your Mighty Power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We release to you this day every need and problem we’ve carried or tried hard to control. We believe in your goodness to see us through. We love you. We need you today. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Nehemiah 8:10 Dear God, at the start of each day, help us to recognize you above all else. Enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see you, and notice how you're at work through our lives. Give us wisdom to make the best choices, fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in this world. Let your Spirit and power breathe in us, through us, again, fresh and new. Thank you that you are greater than anything we may face in our day. Thank you that your presence goes with us, and that your joy is never dependent on our circumstances, but it is our true and lasting strength, no matter what we're up against. We ask that your peace lead us, that it would guard our hearts and minds in you. We ask for your grace to cover our lives this day. We love you Lord we need you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Hebrews 2:14 Dear God, you are God, and I’m not. You sent Jesus to be my Savior, so I must need to be saved. I need you to forgive the things I’ve done wrong in life. I need you to give me a fresh start in life. I need you to help me know my purpose. I want to begin a relationship with you. I ask you to come into my life. I want to learn to trust you. I want to learn to love you. I want to learn to love other people the way you want me to. So I ask you today with humility and honesty and sincerity to please save me as I put my trust in you. I pray this prayer in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Zephaniah 3:17 Prince of Peace, I find myself unable to cope with life sometimes. Instead of feeling grateful, I feel bogged down by the responsibilities of all that You’ve given me. I want to live out Your love, but I find myself consumed with frustration, jealousy, or worry. I want to grow closer to You, but in practice, I’m too tired or bored or busy. Circumstances will rarely be ideal; I know that. But I also know that the only thing that makes life worthwhile is living it with You. Show me how to pray when things aren’t perfect. Show me how to put aside all of the weights and sins and emotions that tangle me up. And demonstrate to me, daily, the reality that if I spend time with You, things will be better. I will be better. Amen. Jeremiah 17:9 Lord, thank you that you promise never to leave us and never to forsake us. Help me have wisdom to see clearly that just because I don’t feel Your presence, doesn’t mean you’re not with me always. Help me have peace that comes from knowing the Truth of Your word to me today – you will never leave your children or give up on them. Help me live a life that honors You and points others toward You. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. John 8:36 Lord, protect me from the abuse and harm of toxic people. I know you desire to set me free—free from the hurt of others, but also free from my own sin and bondage in that sin. Help me have eyes to see toxic behavior around me and in me… and give me the strength, courage and resilience to break free from that toxicity and choose the path of life. Thank you for always protecting and guiding me Lord. Thank you for always being good, gracious, kind and loving. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Philippians 4:4 Faint not nor fear, His arms are near, He changeth not, and thou art dear; Only believe and you shalt see, That Christ is all in all to thee. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Mark 9:23-24 Lord, I believe in you. I believe you are good. I believe that I am secure in you – that I am hidden in you and no real harm can come to me with you as my rock and my salvation. I believe that you see me and you love me - that I am treasured in your sight. Help my unbelief. Help that head knowledge become heart knowledge- so that my actions reflect those truths and not the lies the enemy throws at me. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 139:14 Dear Creator God, on this Earth Day and all days, let me always be in awe of Your wonderful works of creation. I don’t want to take the details of the world You created for me for granted. Everything around me is wonderfully complex and splendid. You, Lord, are both an Engineer and an Artist that built a world to perfectly sustain life. But you didn’t stop there. You also made immense details that please all of our senses as well. There are beautiful things to see, sounds to hear, textures to feel, yummy food to taste, and even delightful aromas to bring us enjoyment. Thank you for the details of life. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Ephesians 6:12 Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to walk in two worlds. Help us to recognize the movements of the spirit, and sew peace where the enemy would create strife. Open my eyes to see Your vast kingdom which exists in the invisible realm. Remind me in my daily activities to keep Your presence and power in the forefront of my mind. Divert my gaze from the problems or issues that I can see to the root which lies hidden behind them so that I may overwhelmingly conquer through Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen. Psalm 34:18 Dear Lord, You alone are the Comforter. Please provide a season of comfort in the midst of deep sadness, to the hearts that are hurting. Hold them, Father. Please wrap your loving arms around them so that they know they are not alone. You are the One who brings peace. We need you, Lord. Please cover the hurt with Your faithful and peaceful presence, Jesus. In Your Name we pray. Amen. Matthew 11:28 Dear God, Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that you promise to give the worried, the hurried, the pressured, and stressed out - rest and peace for our souls - if we'll just come before you. Thank you that you already know all that concerns us, and you care. We’re so grateful for your reminder that we don't have to carry it all on our own. Forgive us for the times that we’ve tried to fix things in our own power, for not taking the time to rest, or coming to you first with our needs and burdens. Thank you for the refreshing that comes from your Spirit, filling us with joy, covering us with a shield, leading us forward with hope. Equip us to be those who take notice of others who seem weary and burdened too. Help us to slow down, to take the time, to point others to you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Proverbs 3:5 Father, sometimes it does feel that you have left us in the battle. We know that you are with us, but so are our feelings of aloneness. The Enemy seems to be taking ground. Our crying out to you seems to go unanswered. We know you are at work, but help us trust you in the midst of our questions. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Philippians 4:19 Dear God, We thank you that no situation is too far out of your control to provide. For you are Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. We thank you that you own it all, and hold everything in your hands. We thank you that you know our needs before we even ask, before we even come to you. You’re aware of all that concerns us, and you have a plan. You hold the provision, you have the solution. You alone can move mountains to make a way for your children. We ask for your answer, in your timing, in your plan, to be given for every need that weighs our hearts down. Forgive us for doubting you, for worrying, and for trying so hard to work everything out on our own. Help us to trust you more, help us in our unbelief. We choose to recognize and to believe that you are Able to accomplish far more, to do far greater, than we even thought possible. We thank you in advance for your miracles, for paving out pathways, for your provision for those who love you. Thank you for the abundance of blessing and goodness you have already stored up. We trust you this day, and every day, and are so grateful for your Power and joy that fills our lives. Thank you for teaching us to be content in all circumstances, we love you Lord, we’re leaning on you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Psalm 139:23-24 Lord, I want to lay before you all that weighs heavy on my heart. Reveal even the sin I am not aware of, Lord. I lay these at your feet and pray your forgiveness on me. I believe you when you say that you wash us whiter than snow. Thank you Lord for your unending love for me! Help me start fresh right now to make choices that honor you. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Leviticus 19:31, Exodus 22:18 1. Evil agent, carry your message to your sender and release the arrows you brought to me against him. 2. I curse the curses sent against me and return them to their senders, in the name of Jesus. 3. Let the heavens send judgment against every strange covenant of darkness, in the name of Jesus. 4. O Lord, make me an instrument of spiritual violence. 5. I break every evil authority, in the name of Jesus. 6. I break every dark resistance, in the name of Jesus. 7. Holy fire, break the backbones and destroy the roots of every evil spirit that is speaking against me, in the name of Jesus. 8. Let the serpent of the Lord swallow the serpent of my Pharaoh, in the name of Jesus. 9. I cast every bondage off my shoulder, in the name of Jesus. 10. I use the keys of heaven to lock out problems from my life, in the name of Jesus. Ephesians 5:23 1. Let every seat of witchcraft in my household be roasted in Jesus name. 2. Let the thunder of God scatter beyond redemption, the foundation of witchcraft in my household in Jesus name. 3. Every stronghold of refuge of my household witches, be destroyed in Jesus name. 4. Every hiding place and secret place of witchcraft in my family, be exposed by fire in Jesus name. 5. Let every local and international witchcraft network of my household witches be shattered to pieces in Jesus name. 6. Thunder fire of God, destroy every seat of witchcraft stronghold that I inherited, in the name of Jesus. 7. I break down and burnt to ashes, every seat of witchcraft stronghold that I have built by my own mouth and I cancel their effects upon my life, in the name of Jesus. 8. Father Lord, let every inherited seat of witchcraft at present working against my life, be roasted by fire, in Jesus name. Psalms 122:5 1. I reverse every mandate given to any evil power to supervise my life, in the name of Jesus. 2. O Lord, let the rain of affliction fall upon the marine world that is after my progress for evil. 3. Every evil deposit from the sun against my life, the Lord rebukes you. 4. You sun, lift away your warfare from my life, in the name of Jesus. 5. You moon, shut up your light from night raiders, in the name of Jesus. 6. You hidden arrow of wickedness, come out now by fire, in the name of Jesus. 7. Every power harboring enchantment against me, vomit them, in the name of Jesus. 8. O moon, sun and stars, vomit every enchantment against my life, in the name of Jesus. 9. O earth vomit every wickedness against me, in the name of Jesus. 10. Let the heavens break every yoke of iniquity upon my life, in the name of Jesus. Micah 3:3 1. I break every witchcraft pot over my life, in the name of Jesus. 2. Let every evil pot hunt their owners, in the name of Jesus. 3. Every wicked pot cooking my affairs, be roasted, in the name of Jesus. 4. Every witchcraft pot working against me, I bring the judgment of God against you, in Jesus name. 5. Every pot of darkness seated against my life, be destroyed by fire, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every power calling my name into any caldrons, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. 7. Every power cooking my progress in an evil pot, receive the fire of judgment, in the name of Jesus. 8. Every satanic program emanating from the caldron of darkness, be reversed, in the name of Jesus. 9. I disentangle myself and my family from every witchcraft cage and pot, in the name of Jesus. 10. I command every evil pot and concoction used against my life to break to pieces, in the name of Jesus Isaiah 14:20 1. Every operation of witchcraft burial in my life be reversed now, in the in name of Jesus. 2. Every witchcraft burial against my marriage be reversed now, in the name of Jesus. 3. 0 Lord, let the power of witchcraft burial against my finances be reversed now in the name of Jesus. 4. 0 Lord, let the power of be witchcraft burial against my progress be nullified in the name of Jesus. 5. Lay your right hand on your head. And pray like this all blessings imprisoned by the grave, come forth in the name of Jesus. 6. I release my blessing from the hand of any dead relatives in the name of Jesus. 7. I withdraw my blessing from the hand of any dead relative in the name of Jesus. 8. Whatever has been done against me using the ground, be neutralized in the name of Jesus. Numbers 22:6 1. Arrow of deliverance locate my stubborn infirmity, in the name of Jesus. 2. You witchcraft foundation in my life be dismantled by fire, in the name of Jesus. 3. Every witchcraft money spent on my behalf, be withdrawn by fire. 4. Every witchcraft law over my life, vanish by fire, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every witchcraft/herbalist coven harboring my womb receive the fire of God and be roasted, in Jesus name. 6. Every monthly monitoring of my womb by witchcraft power be dissolved by fire. 7. Every bi-monthly monitoring of my womb by witchcraft power, be dissolved by fire, in the name of Jesus. 8. Every witchcraft verdicts against my life, turn against your sender, in the name of Jesus. 9. You curse of bitterness issued against my life by witchcraft spirits, be broken in the name of Jesus. 10. Your curse of desolation issued against my womb, ovary, fallopian tubes by witchcraft, be broken by the blood of Jesus. 11. You curse of miscarriages issued against my womb, break by fire, in the name of Jesus. 12. Every verdict of witchcraft be nullified, in the name of Jesus. Proverbs 3:6 1. Let life-choking thorns begin to grow on the traveling route of my household witchcraft, in Jesus name. 2. Let the traveling-routes of my household witchcraft become their burying places, in the name of Jesus. 3. Let the angel of destruction continually minister on any route of witchcraft that is fashioned against me, in Jesus name. 4. Let any witchcraft route constructed against me become dark and slippery, in the name of Jesus. 5. Thunderbolt of God begin to scatter the traveling-routes of any witch troubling me, in the name of Jesus. Genesis 11:4 1. Let the communication system of my household witches be frustrated in Jesus name. 2. Every witchcraft network working against my prosperity be dismantled by fire in the name of Jesus. 3. Let every witchcraft communication gadget delegated against my life be destroyed by fire in Jesus name. 4. Let every witchcraft computer assigned against my life be destroyed by fire in Jesus name. 5. O Lord confuse the tongue of every witchcraft speaking against my destiny in Jesus name. 6. Every evil communication against me fall down and die in the name of Jesus. Exodus 14:18 1. Let the terrible fire of God consume the transportation of my household witchcraft in Jesus name. 2. I ordain the tempest of God against every witchcraft transportation systems designed against my life in Jesus name. 3. Every witchcraft transportation system assigned against my life shall not prosper in Jesus name. 4. As the angel of God obstructed Balaam let every witchcraft transportation be destroyed in Jesus name. 5. No evil transportation systems shall prosper against my life in the name of Jesus. Genesis 4:5 1. Altars that are working against me, let the heavens send judgment against you now, in the name of Jesus. 2. Evil altars, the day of your judgment has come by fire, in the name of Jesus. 3. Let every altar of witchcraft and familiar spirit, be broken in the name of Jesus. 4. We set the fire of God on demon powers eating sacrifices on cross roads. 5. I command that every altar of wickedness constructed against me to be broken in the name of Jesus. 6. Let the fire of God fall down and consume every altar of false religion in this country in the name of Jesus. 7. I disgrace every altar of iniquity in my life by the blood of Jesus. 8. I rebuke the spell of any witchcraft pot from my neck, in the name of Jesus. 9. Every pot cooking my affairs, the Lord rebuke you, in the name of Jesus. 10. Let the altar of witchcraft in my household be roasted in Jesus. Daniel 6 1. Raise your two hands up Father Lord, baptize my hand with your liquid fire mixed with the blood of Jesus to destroy and break witchcraft curses. 2. Lay the two hands on your head Father Lord, destroy every witchcraft curse upon my life by your fire, in the name of Jesus. 3. You my divine destiny, you will not be bewitched, in the name of Jesus. 4. I gather together all witchcraft curses issued against my life and I send them back to the sender, in Jesus Mighty name. “And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” Daniel 3:6 O Lord, let Your thunder and fire locate all covens of witches and wizards established against me for total destruction. As the wax is melted by fire, let all witchcraft covens caging my life or destiny evaporate by fire, in Jesus name. All witchcraft banks and strong room harboring my blessings and treasures be pulled down by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every witchcraft coven calling my name for evil be destroyed by fire in the name of Jesus. Every witchcraft coven having my picture or image be consumed by fire in the name of Jesus. I command my body, soul and spirit to jump out of every witchcraft coven in the name of Jesus. Every areas of my life caged by witchcraft coven be released now by fire in the name of Jesus. Revelation 22:1 1. Every marine witchcraft present in my family, be disgraced by fire, in the name of Jesus. 2. I break the backbone of every marine witchcraft militating against my life with the hands of fire, in Jesus name. 3. Every work of marine witchcraft in my life, be destroyed by the blood of Jesus. 4. I release my life from the grip of marine witchcraft, in the name of Jesus. Romans 14:21 1. Father Lord, let my intestine and every organ of my body experience the fireworks of the Holy Ghost, in Jesus name. 2. Father Lord, let there be a disassociation between my body and the evil food I have eaten, in the name of Jesus. 3. Father Lord, in the name of Jesus, I vomit every evil food that I have eaten. 4. Let the blood of Jesus flush out every poison deposited in my blood system as a result of evil food, in Jesus name 5. All that I have lost as a result of eating evil food, Father Lord let me have them back, in the name of Jesus. Psalm 147:3 1. You demon backing witchcraft in my life, somersault, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. 2. O God re-arrange any part of my body that has been fragmented by the power of infirmity, in Jesus' name. 3. I curse to die, you the power of infirmity working in any part of my body, in the name of Jesus. 4. I speak destruction to the root of any infirmity planted by witchcraft powers in my life, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every inherited sickness from my family lineage, dry to your roots, in the name of Jesus. Proverbs 23:6 1. Every witchcraft eye monitoring my business for destruction be plucked by fire, in the name of Jesus. 2. Arrow of fire, pluck out the eyes of every monitoring agent over the affairs of my life, in the name of Jesus. 3. Let the eyes of every household witchcraft manipulating my marriage be plucked off by fire, in Jesus name. 4. Every witchcraft eye manipulating my finances be plucked off, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every witchcraft eye manipulating my spiritual life be cut off by arrow of fire, in the name of Jesus. 6. Evil mirrors used to monitor my life break to pieces, in the name of Jesus 7. I blind the eyes of envious witchcraft monitoring my life, in the name of Jesus. Psalms 135:15-18 1. Every throne of witchcraft in my neighborhood be pulled down, in the name of Jesus. 2. Let the ground open and swallow every witchcraft throne hiding in the body of Christ, in the name of Jesus. 3. Every flying throne of witchcraft be cast down, in the name of Jesus. 4. Every throne of witchcraft set up against my enthronement; be demolished, in the name of Jesus. 5. Let the throne of Jesus Christ be established in every area of my life, in the name le, of Jesus. 6. Let the thunder of God locate and dismantle the throne of witchcraft in my household. 7. Every throne that has exalted itself against my life, I cast you down, in the name of Jesus. Co1.2:14-15; 13-14; 2 Tim.1:18; Isa 53:3-5; 54:17; Rev 12:11 1. Thank the Lord for His redemptive power which neither fail none diminish 2. Lord walk back to the foundation of my life and carry out the necessary surgical operation. 3. I release myself, in Jesus name, from every marital and ancestral curse. 4. I take authority over and bind the strongman attached to any area of my life in Jesus name. 5. In the name of Jesus, I break all marital curses placed on me by my household enemies. 6. I fire back every arrow of family idols, in the name of Jesus. 7. All family idols from both sides of my parents, release me in the name of Jesus 8. I refused to allow any evil pattern programmed by any of my ancestor in Jesus name. 9. I renounce all hidden soul ties, in the name of Jesus. 10. Every cycle of hardship, break in the name of Jesus. 11. I decree that divine character be planted and built in my home, in Jesus name. 12. Let every evil power trying to re-draw my destiny be put to shame in Jesus name. 13. Let every disease of our family altar be healed, in the name of Jesus. 14. I release myself from every dream pollution, in the name of Jesus. 15. I command every evil plantation in my life, come out with all your roots in the name of Jesus. (Lay your hand on your stomach and keep repeating the emphasized areas) 16. Let all avenues of eating or drinking spiritual poison, be closed in the name of Jesus. 17. Let all negative material circulating in my blood stream, be evacuated, in the name of Jesus 18. Lay one hand on your head and the other on your stomach or navel and begin to pray like this: Holy Ghost Fire, burn from the top of my head to the sole of my feet. Begin to mention every organ of your body; your kidney, liver, intestines, blood, you must not rush at this level because the fire will actually come and you may start feeling the heat. 19. Every witchcraft challenge of my destiny, die in the name of Jesus. 20. Holy Ghost Fire purge my life. 21. I claim my complete deliverance from the spirit of (things you do not desire in your life), in Jesus name 22. I claim divine peculiarity; I must shine in the name of Jesus. 23. I receive the miracle of supernatural promotion, in the name of Jesus. 24. O God arise and overhaul my spiritual life, in the name of Jesus. 25. Thou sword of deliverance, cut down the tree of family affliction, in the name of Jesus 26. Every evil power from my father's house, die in the name of Jesus. 27. Every evil power of my mother's house, die in the name of Jesus 28. Every power that pursued my parents, release me in the name of Jesus. 29. Every evil power pursuing me from my father's house, die in the name of Jesus. 30. Every evil power pursuing me from my mother's house, die in the name of Jesus 31. Every witchcraft tree binding my placenta, die in the name of Jesus. Isaiah 43:19 1. Thank the Lord for enabling you to see this day. 2. I close every evil door open against my life in the past, in the name of Jesus. 3. O God of new beginning, arise and manifest Your power in my life, in the name of Jesus. 4. My Father, arise and open new chapters of great breakthroughs in my life, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every demotion and stagnation assigned against my destiny, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 6. O God, arise and do what will make the world to know that You are my God, in the name of Jesus. 7. Every demonic foundation troubling my destiny, clear away, in the name of Jesus. 8. O God, arise and reveal any hidden talent in my life to me, in the name of Jesus. 9. My Father, show me Yourself and show me Your ways, in the name of Jesus. 10. Any power fuelling my problems, dry up, in the name of Jesus. 11. O God, arise and mock every gathering of my adversaries, in the name of Jesus. 12. I break every witchcraft coven with a rod of iron, in the name of Jesus. 13. Every plan against my glory, be scattered, in the name of Jesus. 14. Every priest of darkness monitoring my destiny, dry up, in the name of Jesus. 15. Evil power house assigned against me, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 16. Demonic grave diggers assigned against me fall into your own graves, in the name of Jesus. 17. O God, arise, distract my enemies with problems that are bigger than them, in Jesus’ name. 18. Miracle, that surpasses explanation, manifest in my life now, in the name of Jesus. 19. O God, arise today, and let my situation change, in the name of Jesus. 20. Today, I position myself by fire for divine intervention, in the name of Jesus. 21. O God, my Father, burst forth in my life by signs and wonders, in the name of Jesus. 22. Resources of heaven, arise by fire, promote me, in the name of Jesus. 23. My Father, arise and let the root of hardship in my life die now, in the name of Jesus. 24. I recover ten-fold all my wasted years, in the name of Jesus. Numbers 8:16 1. Every placenta witchcraft targeted against my destiny, what are you waiting for, die, in Jesus name. 2. Every caldron of darkness that is harassing my destiny, break, in the name of Jesus. 3. Every chain of darkness around my waist, break, in the name of Jesus. 4. Placenta witchcraft manipulating my destiny, die, in the name of Jesus. 5. Thou bank of satan, release my placenta, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every satanic transfer into my destiny through the placenta, I cut you off, in the name of Jesus. 7. Blood of Jesus, recover my placenta from the earth, in the name of Jesus. 8. Blood of Jesus, recover my destiny from the waters, in the name of Jesus. 9. Every placenta attachment to my place of birth, what are you waiting for, die, in the name of Jesus. 10. Thou eater of flesh and drinker of blood, vomit my placenta, in the name of Jesus. 11. Thou power of God, deliver me from placenta bondage, in the name of Jesus. 12. Every power using my placenta against me, what are you waiting for, die, in the name of Jesus. 13. Every covenant between any tree and my placenta, break, in the name of Jesus. 14. Every blessing that I have lost through placenta witchcraft, I possess you, in the name of Jesus. 15. Every cage of placenta manipulation, break, in the name of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 1. I release myself from any inherited bondage and limitations in the name of Jesus. 2. O Lord, send Your axe of fire to the foundation of my life and destroy every evil plantation. 3-4. I release myself from the grip of any problem transferred into my life from the womb in Jesus name. 5. I break and loose myself from every inherited evil covenant in the name of Jesus. 6. I break and loose myself from every inherited evil curse in the name of Jesus. 7. I command all foundational strongmen attached to my life to be paralyzed in the name of Jesus. 8. Let the roots of family witchcraft be uprooted from the foundation of my life in the name of Jesus. Psalms 23:4 1. I release myself from any inherited bondage in the name of Jesus. 2. I release myself from the grip of any problem transferred into my life from the womb in the name of Jesus. 3. I break and loose myself from every inherited evil covenant in the name of Jesus. 4. I break and loose myself from every inherited evil curse in the name of Jesus. 5. I release myself from every inherited disease in the name of Jesus. 6. Let the blood of Jesus correct any inherited defect in my body in the name of Jesus. 7. I break any curse of rejection from the womb or illegitimacy that may be in my family back to ten generations on both sides of the family in the name of Jesus.. 8. I break all the curses of deformity, infirmity and sickness in my family back to ten generations on both sides of my family in the name of Jesus. 9. I command the spirit of death and hell to loose its hold upon my life in the name of Jesus. 10. I break every demonic circle in my life, in the name of Jesus. 11. Lord, send your axe of fire to the foundation of my life and destroy every evil plantation. 12. Father, let the fire of the Holy Ghost enter into my blood stream and cleanse my system, in Jesus name. 13. I break every curse of automatic failure mechanism working in the name of Jesus. Colossians 3:23 1. I revoke every satanic decree issued against my promotion in the name of Jesus. 2. I silence every evil dog barking against my breakthroughs in the name of Jesus. 3. Every agent of disgrace, backwardness and shame, release me in the mighty name of Jesus. 4. Let every spiritual vulture delegated against me eat their own flesh in the name of Jesus. 5. Holy Spirit, transform me from weakness to strength in the name of Jesus. 6. I disgrace every evil wisdom working against my breakthroughs in the name of Jesus. 7. Lord, let me be extraordinary. 8. Holy Spirit, deposit Your wonders in my life in the name of Jesus. 9. Lord Jesus, set me ablaze with Your Spirit. 10. Let divine earthquake shake down the foundation of every satanic prison in the name of Jesus. 11. I bind every evil spirit withstanding good testimonies in my life in the name of Jesus. 12. Let every satanic river of backwardness dry up in the name of Jesus. 13. Holy Ghost, fulfill Your purpose in me now in the name of Jesus. 14. O Lord, create within me a hunger and thirsting after purity and holiness. 15. Holy Spirit, promote divine possibility in my life in the name of Jesus. Leviticus 26:45 1. Every grip of the evil consequences of the ancestral worship of my forefathers' god over my life and ministry, break by fire, in the name of Jesus. 2. Every covenant with the world and its false god be broken by the blood of Jesus. 3. Every unconscious evil soul-tie and covenant with the spirits of my dead grandfather, grandmother, occult uncles, aunties, custodian of family gods/oracles/shrines, be broken by the blood of Jesus. 4. Every decision, vow or promise made by my forefathers contrary to my divine destiny, loose your hold by fire, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every legal ground that ancestral/guardian spirits have in my life, be destroyed by the blood of Jesus. 6. Every generational curse of God resulting from the sin of idolatry on my forefathers, loose your hold, in the name of Jesus. 7. Every ancestral evil altar prospering against me, be dashed against the Rock of Ages, in Jesus name. 8. Every hold of any sacrifice ever offered in my family or on my behalf, I break your power in my life, in the name of Jesus. 9. Any ancestral blood shed of animals, or human beings affecting me, loose your hold by the blood of Jesus. 10. Any curse placed on my ancestral line by anybody cheated, maltreated or at the point of death, break now, in Jesus' name. 11. Every evil ancestral river flowing down to my generation, I cut you off, in the name of Jesus. 12. Every evil ancestral habit and weakness of moral failures manifesting in my life, loose your grip and release me now, in Jesus' name. 13. Every rage and rampage of ancestral and family spirits resulting from my being born again, be quenched by the liquid fire of God, in the name of Jesus. 14. I recover every good thing stolen by ancestral evil spirits from my forefathers, my immediate family and myself, in Jesus' name. 15. Every ancestral embargo, be lifted; and let good things begin to break forth in my life and in my family, in the name of Jesus. Psalms 51:7 1. Any demonic incisions loose your hold over my life and be purged out of my foundation. 2. Any dream pollution loose your hold over my life and be purged out of my foundation. 3. Any demonic sacrifices loose your hold over my life and be purged out of my foundation. 4. Any demonic marriages loose your hold over my life and be purged out of my foundation. 5. Any wrong exposures to sex loose your hold over my life and be purged out of my foundation. 6. Any demonic incisions loose your hold over my life and be purged out of my foundation. 7. Any fellowships with family idols loose your hold over my life and be purged out of my foundation. 8. I command all the enemy of God in my life, husband/wife, family to carry their entire problems today, in Jesus name Genesis 18:19 1. O Lord, nullify the evil influence of family strongman upon my life in the name of Jesus. 2. Every stronghold of family strongman upon my spirit, soul and body, be shattered to pieces in the name of Jesus. 3. Let the wickedness of the family strongman be overturned in the mighty name of Jesus. 4. I arrest the spiritual soldiers of any family strongmen watching over the affairs of my life in the name of Jesus. 5. Let the thunder of God strike the altar of family strongmen in the name of Jesus. 6. I cancel the evil dedication of my name to any evil family strongman in the name of Jesus. 7. I bring the Blood of Jesus over every evil claim from the family strongman over my life in the name of Jesus. 8. The gates of the ancestral demon working against my divine goal in life is broken by the power of Jesus in the name of Jesus. 9. I break the yoke of any family strongman upon my life in the name of Jesus. 10. Every foundation of family strongmen rooted in my dreams, visions and destiny, be uprooted in the name of Jesus. 11. The tree of family strongmen in my life, be cut down in the name of Jesus. Romans 8:28 1. Destiny vultures, vomit my destiny in the name of Jesus. 2. Visions of my divine destiny, come upon my life, in Jesus name. 3. Every witchcraft servant riding on the horse of my destiny, come down now, in the name of Jesus 4. Every family destiny cage, what are you waiting for? Die, in Jesus name. 5. Every evil destiny pattern, die, in Jesus name. 6. Every spiritual bastard pursuing my destiny, die, in Jesus name. 7. Every job that will not move me forward, change by fire, in Jesus name. 8. Every spiritual relative stealing from me, scatter now, in Jesus name. 9. Every curse issued against my destiny, backfire, in the name of Jesus. 10. Every witchcraft embargo on my finances, die, in the name of Jesus. 11. Every witchcraft embargo on my career and business, die, in the name of Jesus. 12. Every witchcraft embargo on my marriage, die, in the name of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 1. I deliver my goods and my destiny from the hands of the evil strongmen in the name of Jesus. 2. I recover all my confiscated and stolen properties, in Jesus' name. 3. You devil take off your legs from my finances in the name of Jesus. 4. I bind every strongman holding my privileges and rights captive, in the name of Jesus. 5. I retrieve all properties from the satanic banks, in Jesus' name. 6. I possess all my possessions, in the name of Jesus. 7. Any power sitting on an evil mat against my prosperity, fall down and die in the name of Jesus. 8. Lord, restore seven-fold, everything that spiritual thieves have stolen from me. 9. I bind every spirit sitting on my possession, in the name of Jesus. 10. I command my money being caged by the enemy to be completely released in the name of Jesus. 11. Let my proposals be too hot for the enemy to sit upon, in the name of Jesus. 13. Let the riches of the Gentiles be transferred to me, in Jesus' name. 14. I recover my blessings from water, forest and satanic banks, in the name of Jesus. 15. O Lord, create new and profitable opportunities for me. 16. Every stolen and satanically transferred virtues, be restored, in the name of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:21 1. Every darkness planted in my foundation, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 2. Every foundational arrester, be arrested, in the name of Jesus. 3. Every serpent in my foundation, die, in the name of Jesus. 4. Every scorpion in my foundation, die, in the name of Jesus. 5. Let God arise and let all foundational witchcraft scatter, in the, name of Jesus. 6. Every seed of witchcraft in my foundation, die, in the name of Jesus. 7. Every foundational confusion, die, in the name of Jesus. 8. Every foundational familiar spirit, I bind you and cast you out, in the name of Jesus. 9. Every foundational marine power, bow, in the name of Jesus. 10. Every problem attached to my family name, be neutralized, in the name of Jesus. 11. Family idols, receive the consuming fire of God, in the name of Jesus. 12. I release myself from every ancestral demonic pollution in the name of Jesus. 13. I release myself from every demonic pollution emanating from my parents’ religion in the name of Jesus. 14. I release myself from demonic pollution emanating from my past involvement in any demonic religion in the name of Jesus. 15. I break and loose myself from every idol and related association in the name of Jesus. 2 Peter 1:21 1. O Lord, rearrange my situation to glorify Your name. 2. O Lord, re-arrange my situation to defeat and disgrace my enemies. 3. O Lord, speak deliverance to any bondage situation in my life. 4. Let the Pharaoh in my place of birth fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. 5. O Lord, make me attractive to prosperity. 6. O Lord, let Your purpose for my life be fulfilled. 7. O Lord, let Your electric love flow into my life. 8. O Lord, wash and cleanse me from past wounds and scars. 9. O Lord, bring light into the shadows of my life. 10. O Lord, bring light into all the dark rooms in my soul. 11. O Lord, uproot the root cause of any chronic failures. 12. Let all good things burned alive come forth now, in the name of Jesus. 13. I cancel the effect of all former satanic benefits upon my life, in the name of Jesus. 14. I claim back any territory of my life handed over to Satan, in the name of Jesus. Revelation 21:8 1. Any witchcraft practiced under any water against my life, receive immediate judgment of fire, in Jesus name. 2. Every witchcraft power that has introduced spirit husband/wife or child into my dreams be roasted by fire, in the mighty name of Jesus. 3. Every agent of witchcraft power posing as my husband, wife or child in my dreams, be roasted by fire, in Jesus mighty name. 4. Every agent of witchcraft power physically attached to my marriage to frustrate it, fall down and perish now, in Jesus name. 5. Every agent of witchcraft power assigned to attack my finances through dream, fall down and perish, in Jesus mighty name. 6. Let the thunderbolts of God locate and destroy every witchcraft power covens where deliberations and decisions ever fashioned against me, in Jesus name. 7. Any water spirit from my village, in the place of my birth, practicing witchcraft against me and my family, be amputated by the word of God, in Jesus name. 8. Any power of witchcraft holding any of my blessings in bondage, receive the fire of judgment of God and release them, in the name of Jesus. 9. I loose my mind and soul from the bondage of marine witches, in Jesus mighty name. 10. Any witchcraft power chain, binding my hands and feet from prospering, be broken and shattered to pieces, in the name of Jesus. Psalm 118:17 1. I reject every satanic re-arrangement of my destiny, in the name of Jesus. 2. I refuse to live below my divine standard, in Jesus’ name. 3. Every evil power having negative awareness of my destiny, be impotent, in the name of Jesus. 4. I paralyze every destiny polluter, in the name of Jesus. 1. Every damage done to my destiny, be repaired now, in the name of Jesus. 2. The enemy will not convert my destiny to rags, in the name of Jesus. 3. O Lord, restore me to Your original design for my life. 4. I reject destiny-demoting names, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every internal warfare in my life, be quenched, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every internal thief, be exposed, in the name of Jesus. Acts 1:8 1. 0 God arise in your east wind and make my Pharaoh fall into the red sea, in the name of Jesus. 2. Every evil power struggling to restructure my destiny die, in the name of Jesus. 3. Umbrella of the Almighty God - cover my life, in the name of Jesus. 4. 0 God, arise and incubate me with wisdom and knowledge, in the name of Jesus. 5. Power to wait on the Lord fall upon me, in the name of Jesus. 6. Thou power of inherited failure die, in the name of Jesus. 7. I am unbeatable by the devil, in the name of Jesus. 8. I declare myself free from genetic demons, in the name of Jesus. 9. I declare myself free from national and continental curses, in the name of Jesus. 10. My enemies shall bow down to me, in the name of Jesus. 11. Every satanic agenda for my life be aborted, in the name of Jesus. 12. 0 thou that troubleth the Israel of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, the God of Elijah shall trouble you today, in the name of Jesus. 13. Every enemy of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 12. 0 God arise and uproot any thing You did not plant inside the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries. 2 Chronicles 30:20 1. Let Your deliverance hand be stretched out upon my life now, in the name of Jesus. 2. I annul every engagement with the spirit of death, in Jesus' name. 3. I rebuke every refuge of sickness, in the name of Jesus. 4. I destroy the grip and operation of sickness upon my life, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every knee of infirmity in my life, bow, in the name of Jesus. 6. Let all my negative be converted to positive, in the name of Jesus. 7. I command death upon any sickness in any area of my life, in the name of Jesus. 8. I shall see my sickness no more, in the name of Jesus. 9. Let the whirlwind scatter every vessel of infirmity fashioned against my life, in the name of Jesus. 10. Every spirit hindering my perfect healing, fall down and die now, in the name of Jesus. 11. Let all death contractors begin to kill themselves, in Jesus' name. 12. Let every germ of infirmity in my body die, in the name of Jesus. 13. Let every agent of sickness working against my health disappear, in the name of Jesus. 14. Fountain of discomfort in my life, dry up now, in the name of Jesus. 15. Every dead organ in my body, receive life now, in Jesus' name. 16. Let my blood be transfused with the blood of Jesus to effect my perfect health, in the name of Jesus. 17. Every internal disorder, receive order, in the name of Jesus. 18. Every infirmity, come out with all your roots, in the name of Jesus. 19. I withdraw every conscious and unconscious cooperation with sickness, in the name of Jesus. 20. Let the whirlwind of the Lord blow every wind of infirmity away, in the name of Jesus. 21. I release my body from every curse of infirmity, in Jesus Mighty name. Psalm 75:6 1. O thou, that troubleth our brethren, the God of Elijah shall trouble you today. 2. Every enemy, of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 3. O God, arise and uproot, anything You did not plant inside the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in Jesus’ name. 4. Fire of revival, fall upon Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every good thing the power of darkness has stolen from me, I recover it by fire, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every darkness raised against me, before I leave this place, die, in the name of Jesus. 7. Divine contacts, that will convert my hardship to history, locate my life, in the name of Jesus. 8. All powers that hate my existence shall be put to shame, in the name of Jesus. 9. O God, arise and catapult me to my next level, in the name of Jesus. 10. Every agreement with the darkness for my destiny, I release fire to smite it, in the name of Jesus. 11. O God, my Father, restore my power and anointing, in the name of Jesus. 12. O Lord, release the power to crush the head of the serpent of my father’s house to me, in the name of Jesus. 13. Lord, plot away the handwriting of ordinances that accuse me everyday, in the name of Jesus. 14. Lord, restore the glory of my life, in the name of Jesus. 15. Lord, restore the crown on my head, in the name of Jesus. 16. Lord, restore power into my body, in the name of Jesus. 17. Lord, put on the light in my spirit, in the name of Jesus. 18. Lord, arise today and give me power to become an excellent person, in the name of Jesus. 19. I receive power, healing and forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. 20. Every evil sentenced upon my head, disappear now, in the name of Jesus. 21. Every witchcraft upon my life, catch fire now, in the name of Jesus. 22. Every power boasting itself against God in my life, catch fire, in the name of Jesus. 23. My God, arise and let the enemies of my life be scattered, in the name of Jesus. 24. Lord, let the harvest of miracles begin in my life, in the name of Jesus. 25. Lord, I receive Your healing by the blood of Your covenant, in the name of Jesus. 26. Lord, remember me in the preparation of Your coming, in the name of Jesus. 27. I command the grave to give up what its holding against me, in the name of Jesus. 28. Father Lord, let my glory be restored today, in the name of Jesus. 29. I receive my healing and deliverance by fire, in the name of Jesus. 30. I receive the ministry of the Holy Spirit for my divine elevation, in the name of Jesus. 31. Lord, set Your throne in my life and dismantle any other throne that will not allow me see my destiny fulfilled, in Jesus’ name. 32. Anything standing in the way of my glorification, I release the fire of God to consume it, in the name of Jesus. 33. By the power in the blood of Jesus, the redemption of God shall come upon me, in the name of Jesus. 34. I shall not miss my appointed time, in the name of Jesus. 35. Any power obstructing my journey, the Lord shall write your judgment today, in the name of Jesus. 36. Everything I have laboured for shall bring me fruits this month, in the name of Jesus. 37. The pit holding the breath of my anointing, fire, come down and break it open and release my anointing, in the name of Jesus. 38. Anything in my foundation, contending with my destiny, O Lord severe it out of my life, in the name of Jesus. 39. Anything that humiliates me, I separate myself from you, in the name of Jesus. 40. Powers, assigned to prevent me from reaching my goals, die by fire, in the name of Jesus. 1 John 3:8 1. Every roaring of satanic Lions against my life, be silenced by fire, in the name of Jesus. 2. Activities of vagabond evil broadcasters, be terminated by fire, in the name of Jesus. 3. Every satanic pregnancy against my life, be aborted by fire, in the name of Jesus. 4. Every power hunting for my secrets, be deaf and blind, in the name of Jesus. 5. I paralyze every power of bewitchment fashioned against me, in the name of Jesus. 6. Let any demon living inside members of my household depart now, in the name of Jesus. 7. Every spirit of pocket with holes, be disgraced out of my life, in the name of Jesus. 8. All evil rivers flowing down to me, from my father and mother, dry up, in the name of Jesus. 9. I quench the power of star paralyzers, in the name of Jesus. 10. Every power swallowing the results of my prayers, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. 11. Every household witchcraft power fall down an d die, in the name of Jesus. 12. Every waster of my prosperity, be impotent, in the name of Jesus. 13. Every known and unknown aggressor of my comfort, be paralyzed, in the name of Jesus. 14. Anything planted into my life to disgrace me, come out with all your roots, in the name of Jesus. 15. I reject demonic stagnation of my blessings, in the name of Jesus. 16. I reject weak financial breakthroughs and claim big financial breakthroughs, in the name of Jesus. 17. Hidden and clever devourers, be bound, in the name of Jesus. 18. I release myself from every evil family pattern of poverty, in the name of Jesus. 19. I refuse to allow my wealth to die on any evil altar, in the name of Jesus. 20. I reject every prosperity paralysis, in the name of Jesus. 21. I possess all my foreign benefits, in the name of Jesus. 22. My pocket will not leak, in the name of Jesus. 23. I dash every poverty dreams to the ground, in the name of Jesus. 24. My hands have started to build and shall finish it, in the name of Jesus. 25. I refuse to become the foot mat of amputators, in the name of Jesus. 26. Let my helpers appear, let my hindrance disappear, in the name of Jesus. 27. God of providence, raise divine capital for me, in the name of Jesus. 28. I occupy my rightful position, in the name of Jesus. 29. Every delayed and denied prosperity, manifest by fire, in the name of Jesus. 30. Every power, broadcasting my goodness for evil, be silenced, in the name of Jesus. 31. I refuse to lock the doors of blessings against myself, in the name of Jesus. 32. I release myself from every spirit of poverty, in the name of Jesus. 33. I curse the spirit of poverty, in the name of Jesus. 34. I release myself from every bondage of poverty, in the name of Jesus. 35. The riches of the gentiles shall come to me, in the name of Jesus. 36. Every bewitched account, receive deliverance, in the name of Jesus. 37. O thou that troubleth the Israel of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, the God of Elijah shall trouble you today. 38. Every enemy of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 39. O God, arise and uproot anything You did not plant inside the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in Jesus’ name. 40. Let the fire of revival fall upon Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in the name of Jesus. Ps 75:6 1. Every Red Sea harassing my life, give way, in the name of Jesus. 2. O God, arise complete what You have started in my life, in the name of Jesus. 3. My life, hear the word of the Lord, disappoint my enemies, in the name of Jesus. 4. I shall bury the enemy assigned to terminate my life, in the name of Jesus. 5. I bind and cast out every power of discouragement and fear, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every yoke affecting my destiny, break, in the name of Jesus. 7. My Father, show me Your hidden riches, in the name of Jesus. 8. I declare that I am untouchable and unstoppable, in the name of Jesus. 9. Wickedness of the wicked, expire by fire, in the name of Jesus. 10. O Lord, draw out Your sword and fight for me, in the name of Jesus. 11. My unrepentant enemy, hear the word of the Lord, receive reproach, insult and injury, in the name of Jesus. 12. O God, reveal to me the secret plans of my enemies, in the name of Jesus. 13. Every evil factory, manufacturing against me, catch fire, in the name of Jesus. 14. O Lord, change me and use me to change my world, in the name of Jesus. 15. Men shall begin to help me without knowing me, in the name of Jesus. 16. Where I was tolerated, I shall be celebrated, in the name of Jesus. 17. Where I was rejected, I will be selected, in the name of Jesus. 18. The power that promoted Joseph, shall change my story, in the name of Jesus. 19. My breakthrough is not negotiateable, I move forward by fire, in the name of Jesus. 20. I cancel every satanic agenda against my expectation, in the name of Jesus. 21. My Father, accelerate my celebration, in the name of Jesus. 22. Every power prolonging my problem, die, in the name of Jesus. 23. My star shall be honored in the land of the living, in the name of Jesus. 24. My Father, make me Your workshop and Your showroom, in the name of Jesus. 25. O God, arise and perform miracles beyond explanation in my life, in the name of Jesus. 26. After the order of Daniel, O God, raise helpers for me, in the name of Jesus. 27. Holy Ghost, announce my destiny by fire and thunder, in the name of Jesus. 28. Yoke multipliers, your time is up, die, in the name of Jesus 29. Weapon of witchcraft targeted against me, catch fire, in the name of Jesus. 30. The mouth that attacks me shall be silenced, in the name of Jesus. 31. O thou that troubleth the Israel of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, the God of Elijah shall trouble you today. 32. Every enemy of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 33. O God, arise and uproot anything You did not plant inside the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in Jesus’ name. 34. Let the fire of revival fall upon Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in the name of Jesus. Psalm 27:1-3 In the name of Jesus, I refuse to fear, because God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I bind the spirit of fear in my life, in the name of Jesus. I break every evil covenant that has brought fear into my life, in the name of Jesus. I command every terror of the night that has brought fear into my life to stop and move from my environment, in the name of Jesus. You spirit of fear, loose your hold upon my life and my family, in the name of Jesus. I command all human agents using the spirits of fear to terrify me in the night to stumble and fall, in the name of Jesus. The fear and terror of the unbelievers shall not be my lot, in the name of Jesus. My tomorrow is blessed is Christ Jesus, therefore, you spirit that is responsible for the fear of tomorrow in my life, I bind you, in the name of Jesus. My destiny is attached to God, therefore I decree that I can never fail, in the name of Jesus. Every bondage that I am subjecting myself to by the spirit of fear, I break you, in the name of Jesus. All negative doors that the spirit of fear has opened in the past, be closed now, in the name of Jesus. Every disease, oppression and depression that came into my life as a result of fear, disappear now, in the name of Jesus. I refuse to be intimidated by any demonic nightmare, in the name of Jesus. Every enchantment and invocation of fear being made against me, I neutralize you and I command you to fail, in the name of Jesus. Every confederacy of the enemies in my home with the enemies outside shall not stand, in the name o f Jesus. All arrangements of the devil concerning my home shall not stand; neither shall they come to pass, in the name of Jesus. I destroy all efforts of the enemy to frustrate my work, in the name of Jesus. I nullify every writing, agreement or covenant against my work, in the name of Jesus. Father Lord, increase my greatness and comfort me on every side, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, as You delight in my prosperity, I pray that You bless me indeed in my work. Let no household enemy be able to control my well-being any longer, in the name of Jesus. Let all those who are against me without a cause in my place of work turn back and be brought to confusion, in the name of Jesus. I close every door through which the enemies have been working against my work, in the name of Jesus. No weapon of satan and his agents fashioned against me shall prosper, in the name of Jesus. My life is hid with Christ in God, therefore nobody can kill me or harm me, in the name of Jesus. I open wide all doors leading to my blessings, victory and breakthroughs which the enemies have closed, in the name of Jesus. Let every territorial spirit working against us in our neighborhood be frustrated, bound and cast out, in the name of Jesus. Let every power contrary to the power of God operating to suppress people in my area be neutralized, in the name of Jesus. I bind every spirit of frustration, defeat, delayed blessing and fear in my environment, in the name of Jesus. I banish every enemy of progress in my neighborhood, in the name of Jesus. I bind the spirit of death, armed robbery and assassination in my neighborhood, in the name of Jesus. I reject, renounce and destroy every evil agreement or covenant in the environment, in the name of Jesus. By the blood of Jesus, I nullify the effects and operation of evil forces around my house, in the name of Jesus. Lord, get all my stubborn pursuers occupied with unprofitable assignments, in the name of Jesus. In Jesus' mighty name, I fire back every arrow, spiritual bullets and satanic missiles fired at me. O Lord, reveal the secrets and expose all my enemies masquerading as my friends. Father Lord, make it impossible for my enemies to use my foot marks, urine, faeces, hair, clothing, and shoes. You evil pattern of Marital Failure in my life, I destroy you, in the name of Jesus. O God of success, my marital life must not fail, in the name of Jesus. The failure that happened in the lives of my parents, will not happen in my life, in the name of Jesus. Every plantation of witchcraft in my family, what are you waiting for? Die, in the name of Jesus. Every pattern of household witchcraft in my family, I bury you today, in the name of Jesus. O God arise, and let every witchcraft power release my destiny, in the name of Jesus. Every stronghold of death and tragedy in my family, scatter by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every messenger of death operating in my family line, die in the name of Jesus. Every garment of evil pattern against my divine goal, roast, in the name of Jesus. Every evil pattern of non-achievement in my family clear out now, in the name of Jesus. Every giant of almost -there in my family, drop dead, in the name of Jesus. You evil pattern of poverty, die, in the name of Jesus. Every bacteria of poverty in my life, die in the name of Jesus. O Lord, let my life attract prosperity, in the name of Jesus. I command every pattern of Chronic disease in my life to cease, in the name of Jesus. Every evil pattern of infirmity in my life, break in the name of Jesus. I disconnect my life from all evil calendars in the name of Jesus. Every river of sadness, dry up by fire, in the name of Jesus. Crying shall not be my lot again, in the name of of Jesus. Every curse of disorder upon my family, be broken by fire, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, manifest your glory in my family, in the name of Jesus. Every pattern of failure in my root, die, in the name of Jesus. I wash away every deposit of failure, in the name of Jesus. Every evil pattern of marital failure in my life, break in the name of Jesus. Every evil pattern of unstable husband/wife in my life, break in the name of Jesus. You the spirit of lesbianism, I am not your candidate, in the name of Jesus. Lord, deliver me from every evil altar of Lesbianism, in the name of Jesus. Any area of my life that the spirit of lesbianism has gripped, break free by fire, in the name of Jesus I receive fire to destroy every sexual defilement in my life, in the name of Jesus. (Repeat Seven times) You stronghold of sexual impurity in my body, I pull you down, in the name of Jesus. I shake away every serpent of sexual immorality hiding in my life, in the name of Jesus. Every wall of Jericho of adultery in my life, I pull you down, in the mighty name of Jesus. Every satanic influence in my life, be quenched by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every anointing of destructive anger in my blood, dry up by fire, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, deliver me from the spirit of ancestral anger in the name of Jesus. You the satanic strongman of anger assigned to push me to hell, die, in the name of Jesus. Every evil pattern of Jezebel Spirit in my life, die by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every contract of evil pattern of Jezebel spirit in my family, terminated, in the name of Jesus. Every seed of depression in the salvation of my life, die, in the name of Jesus. O God my father, send down your fire, turn me to fire, on the mountain of fire, in the name of Jesus. You the root cause of bad habits, together with your branches, die, in the name of Jesus. Every ancestral spirit, responsible for bad habits in my life, be utterly destroyed, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, strengthen me for holy living pattern in the name of Jesus. O God, forgive me today, of every sin of unforgiveness in my family, in the name of Jesus. God arise, and help me to recover all my blessings that I have lost as a result of evil pattern, in the name of Jesus. I receive the power to overcome, in the name of Jesus Thank God for answers to your prayers. O Lord, repair every damage done to my life by evil pattern of argumentative spirit, in the name of Jesus. Every satanic attempt to downgrade my potentials with argumentative spirit, be frustrated now, in the name of Jesus. Every root of bitterness in my life, die, in the name of Jesus Blood of Jesus Christ, purge every bitterness away from my life, in the name of Jesus. Everything that bitterness has destroyed in my life, be restored by the resurrection power of God, in the name of Jesus. Every curse and pattern of careless indifference, affecting my destiny, break by fire, in the name of Jesus. The salt of my life shall not become sand, in the name of Jesus. Every evil word spoken in my home town against my family, backfire, in the name of Jesus. I shall reach my goal whatever anybody says about me, in the name of Jesus. Every power magnetizing me to the pattern of confusion, I bury you alive today, in the name of Jesus. You pattern of confusion turning me back at the edge of breakthroughs, enough is enough, die, in the name of Jesus. Every cycle of confusion operating in my life, break, in the name of Jesus. Every lying tongue against me, roast by fire, in the name of Jesus. Any evil lie planted in anybody's heart against me, be melted by fire, in the name of Jesus. Any satanic agent that has ever lied against me, receive angelic slap; receive divine hammer and die, in the name of Jesus. Every family fountain chasing away my helpers, dry up by fire, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, pour your anointing of favour upon my life, in the name of Jesus. Every power attacking my blessing day and night, vanish, in the name of Jesus O God arise and give me the anointing of the winners, in the name of Jesus. Every hidden curse of evil pattern, riding upon the horses of my destiny, I pull you down by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every re-arrangement of my destiny through the curse of evil pattern, be reversed by fire, in the name of Jesus. I . . . , begin to follow divine pattern for my life from today, in the name of Jesus. Every evil pattern of slavery in my family die, by fire in the name of Jesus. I refuse to work like an elephant and eat like an ant, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, let all my problems become my promotions in the name of Jesus. Every pattern of laziness and slavery in my foundation, break, in the name of Jesus. Any evil pattern of laziness sponsoring fear and wastage in my life, break, in the name of Jesus. My life, refuse to co-operate with the spirit of laziness, in the name of Jesus. I break free and lose myself from the grip and control of family idol spirit in the name of Jesus. Every problem in my life promoted by idol worship, die in the name of Jesus O Lord, deliver me from every evil pattern, emanating from evil family idol, in the name of Jesus. Every arrow of mental disorder, fired into my brain, go back to your sender, in the name of Jesus. Every evil computer system against my life in the demonic world, shatter to pieces, in the name of Jesus. Any evil pot cooking my destiny, break by fire, in the name of Jesus. Evil pattern of horrible dreams in my life, break by fire, in the name of Jesus. Let every evil pattern of satanic discipline in my life be terminated, in the name of Jesus. Psalm 34:10 Let all security-men in charge of satanic banks that are harbouring my blessings be paralysed, in the name of Jesus. I terminate the appointment of all satanic bankers and managers, in the name of Jesus. I command the thunder of God to break to pieces all the satanic strong-rooms harbouring my properties, in Jesus' name. I possess all my properties, in the name of Jesus. Let all satanic instruments (the legal tenders and the cheque) used against me be completely destroyed, in Jesus' name. I command all satanic clearing houses and agents to be roasted, in the name of Jesus. I paralyse completely all satanic transactions and contracts against my life, in the name of Jesus. Let all satanic network and computers fashioned against me be disorganized, in the name of Jesus. Heavenly Father, let all blood that has been stored up in satanic bank come forth, in the name of Jesus. I refuse to be an object for satanic transaction, in Jesus' name. I refuse to do profitless work, in the name of Jesus. Every evil force against my handiwork, be paralysed, in the name of Jesus. I send back to the sender every arrow of spiritual deposit and advance payment against my handiwork, in the name of Jesus. You my handiwork, receive divine profit, in the name of Jesus. I cover my handiwork with the fire of God, in the name of Jesus. I cover my handiwork with hot coals of fire, untouchable for evil forces, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, put to shame every evil force that is against my handiwork. My handiwork, receive the touch of the Lord, in Jesus' name. Every tree of profitless hard work, be uprooted, in Jesus' name. Profitless hard-work, pack your load and go out of my life, in the name of Jesus. I will not carry any evil load forward in my life, in Jesus' name. O Lord, drain out satanic deposits from my business and handiwork. Let all the strange hands and legs walk out of my business and handiwork, in the name of Jesus. Let the spirit of favour fall upon me now, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, enlarge my coast. I rebuke every devourer in my handiwork, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, cause ministering angels to bring in customers and money into my business. I bind every spirit of error, in the name of Jesus. Let every trouble emanating from envious business partners be rendered null and void, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, surprise me with abundance in every area of my life. I command a quit notice to evil legs on finances, in the name of Jesus. Let the anointing for money-yielding ideas fall upon my life, in the name of Jesus. I bind every spirit of fake and useless investment, in Jesus' name. I command every effect of strange money on my business to be neutralized, in the name of Jesus. Father Lord, let all satanic hosts against my prosperity receive blindness and commotion, in the name of Jesus. All hindrances to my prosperity, be electrocuted, in Jesus' name. Let all my mistakes be converted to miracles and testimonies, in the name of Jesus. I command all those who vow to hinder my prosperity to somersault, become naked and confess to death, in Jesus' name. I command all my buried blessings to be exhumed, in Jesus' name. Father Lord, use both white and black men to bless me, in the name of Jesus. I command all my pounds sterling and dollars' miracles to locate me, in the name of Jesus. All my blessings attached to my place of birth, be released, in the name of Jesus. Father Lord, use all the people in my environment to bless me and let anointing of prosperity fall on me, in the name of Jesus. Lord, by the power of the blood, remove from my life any hindrance of the enemy. O Lord, drive away all darkness in every area of my life. O Lord, shield me from all forms of deception. O Lord, illuminate Your truth to my understanding. Lord, let me, with the eyes of my heart, see You clearly. Lord, take away from me all powers do not originate from You. I separate myself from satan and his kingdom, in Jesus' name. I renounce the kingdom of darkness in the name of Jesus. Psalm 23 Thank God for what He has done for you this year. Let frustration and disappointment, be the portion of every object fashioned against my life and family, in the name of Jesus. Every tie to polluted objects and items between my life and family, break, in the name of Jesus. Every unspoken curse against my life, break, in the name of Jesus. Every curse pronounced inwardly against my destiny, break, in the name of Jesus. You inward curses, militating against my virtues, break, in the name of Jesus. Any power given the mandate to curse and hinder y progress, summersault and die, in the name of Jesus. Let every spirit of Balaam hired to curse my progress, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. Every curse that I have brought into my life through ignorance and disobedience, break by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every power magnetizing physical and spiritual curses to me, I raise the blood of Jesus against you and I challenge you by fire, in the name of Jesus. Father, Lord, turn all my self-imposed curses to blessings, in the name of Jesus. Every instrument, put in place to frustrate me become impotent, in the name of Jesus. I reject every cycle of frustration, in the name of Jesus. Every agent assigned to frustrate me, perish by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every power tormenting Nigeria, die by the sword, in the name of Jesus. I destroy the power of every satanic arrest in my life, in the name of Jesus. All satanic-arresting agents, release me in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything that is representing me in the demonic world against my career, be destroyed by the fire of God, in the name of Jesus. Spirit of the living God, quicken the whole of my being, in the name of Jesus. God, smash me and renew my strength, in the name of Jesus. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see beyond the visible to the invisible, in the name of Jesus. Lord, ignite my career with Your fire. O Lord, liberate my spirit to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, teach me to pray through problems instead of praying about, it in the name of Jesus. O Lord, deliver me from the lies I tell myself. Every evil spiritual padlock and evil chain hindering my success, be roasted, in the name of Jesus. I rebuke every spirit of spiritual deafness and blindness in my life, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, empower me to resist satan that he would flee. I chose to believe the report of the Lord and no other, in the name of Jesus. Lord, anoint my eyes and my ears that they may see and hear wondrous things from heaven. O Lord, anoint me to pray without ceasing. In the name of Jesus, I capture every power behind any career failure. Holy Spirit, rain on me now, in the name of Jesus. Holy Spirit, uncover my darkest secrets, in the name of Jesus. You spirit of confusion, loose your hold over my life, in the name of Jesus. In the power of the Holy Spirit, I defy satan's power upon my career, in the name of Jesus. Let water of life flush out every unwanted stranger in my life, in the name of Jesus. You the enemies of my career, be paralyzed, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, begin to clean away from my life all that does not reflect You. Holy Spirit fire, ignite me to the glory of God, in the name of Jesus. Oh Lord, let the anointing of the Holy Spirit break every yoke of backwardness in my life. I frustrate every demonic arrest over my spirit-man, in the name of Jesus. Let the blood of Jesus remove any unprogressive label from every aspect of my life, in Jesus' name. Anti-breakthrough decrees, be revoked, in the name of Jesus. Holy Ghost fire, destroy every satanic garments in my life, in the name of Jesus. I shall begin to thank God in every breath. Zech. 4:7 Sing songs of praises unto God for how far He has helped you in the journey of your life. Begin to cover yourself, household and properties with the blood of Jesus. Every spirit of limitation against my breakthroughs, die, in the name of Jesus. Every power of demotion targeted against my destiny, die, in the name of Jesus. Every spirit, power and personality working against my elevation, die, in the name of Jesus. I refuse to carry the evil-left over of my family, in the name of Jesus. Every evil standing order against my destiny, die, in the name of Jesus. Every ancestral curse working against my destiny, die, in the name of Jesus. O God arise and begin to disgrace all my Goliaths, in the name of Jesus. Let my Pharaoh die in his own Red Sea, in the name of Jesus. I fire back every arrow of spiritual demotion, in the name of Jesus. I fire back every arrow of physical demotion, in the name of Jesus. I fire back every arrow of financial demotion, in the name of Jesus. I fire back every arrow of marital demotion, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, begin to laugh my enemies to scorn. Every power preventing me from enjoying the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, die, in the name of Jesus. Let God be God in my life, in the name of Jesus. Let God be over my battles, in the name of Jesus. Oh God arise and fight for me in my dreams, in the name of Jesus. In the presence of those who think I'm nobody, Oh God arise, and make me somebody, in the name of Jesus. In the presence of those who are asking for my God, oh God arise and manifest Yourself, in the name of Jesus. Oh Lord, make my life a bethel, in the name of Jesus. Every pattern of poverty will not prosper in my life, in the name of Jesus. Let the rivers of breakthroughs flow into my life, in the name of Jesus. Poverty, you will not locate my life, in the name of Jesus. Angels of blessing, what are you waiting for, locate me now, in the name of Jesus. I pull down every altar of serpent in my life, in the name of Jesus. Oh Lord, arise and destroy every spiritual marriage prepared for my life, in the name of Jesus. I shall not be a victim of spiritual marriage, in the mighty name of Jesus. Oh Lord, destroy the plans of spiritual marriage against my life, in the name of Jesus. You spirit of death and hell, I am not your candidate, in the name of Jesus. Tragedy, you shall not locate me, in the name of Jesus I reject death, I claim abundant life, in the name of Jesus. Every power, planning to wage war against my divine vision, what are you waiting for, die in the name of Jesus. Every power, that refuses to let me go, what are you waiting for die, in the name of Jesus. My life, move from minimum to maximum, in the name of Jesus. Whether the enemy likes it or not, I shall not serve my enemies, in the name of Jesus. My sun shall shine, in the name of Jesus. Every cloud of confusion, covering my divine goal, clear, in the name of Jesus. My divine goal, locate me by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every generational curse affecting my divine goal, break by the blood of Jesus. Every evil meeting summoned against my goal, I scatter you by fire, in the name of Jesus. Every power caging my divine goal, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. Anointing to excel, fall upon me now, in the name of Jesus. As from now on, I shall prevail against the enemies of my breakthroughs, in the name of Jesus. Finger of God, write my name in the book of success, in the name of Jesus. Every enemy of my destiny, die, in the name of Jesus. Every enemy of my marriage, die, in the name of Jesus. Every enemy of God for my breakthroughs, die, in the name of Jesus. Isa. 43:19 O Lord, Plant Good Things In My Life. O Lord, Uproot Evil Things From My Life. I Cancel Every Unconscious Negative Agreement, In Jesus' Name. Lord, Make Me Your Battle Axe. Let Every Spiritual Weakness In My Life Receive Termination Now, In The Name Of Jesus. Let Every Financial Failure In My Life Receive Termination Now, In The Name Of Jesus. Let Every Sickness In My Life Receive Termination Now, In The Name Of Jesus. Let Every Architect Of Problems Receive Termination Now, In The Name Of Jesus. I Paralyze All Spiritual Wolves Working Against My Life, In The Name Of Jesus. Let That Which Hinders Me From Greatness Begin To Give Way Now, In The Mighty Name Of Jesus. Let Every Imprisoned And Buried Potentials Begin To Come Forth Now, In The Name Of Jesus. You Unfriendly Helpers, I Command You, In The Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ, Depart From Me. Let Every Negative Transactions Currently Affecting My Life Negatively Be Canceled, In The Name Of Jesus. I Command All The Dark Works Done Against My Life In The Secret To Be Exposed And Be Nullified, In The Name Of Jesus. I Loose Myself From Any Evil Spirit, In The Name Of Jesus. O Lord, If My Life Is On The Wrong Course, Correct Me. Let Every Anti-progress Altar Fashioned Against Me Be Destroyed With The Thunder Fire Of God, In The Name Of Jesus. I Command My Destiny To Change To The Best, In Jesus' Name. Let My Hand Become A Sword Of Fire To Cut Down Demonic Trees, In The Name Of Jesus. All Boasting Powers Delegated Against Me, Be Silenced Permanently, In The Name Of Jesus. I Withdraw All My Benefits From The Hands Of The Oppressors, In The Name Of Jesus. Let All Unprofitable Marks In My Life Be Erased, In Jesus' Name. Let Every Power Chasing Away My Blessings Be Paralyzed, In The Name Of Jesus. Let Every Good Thing Eaten Up By The Enemy Be Vomited Now, In The Name Of Jesus. Let The Anointing For Spiritual Breakthroughs Fall Upon Me, In The Name Of Jesus. O Lord, Make Me A Prayer Addict. O Lord, Ignite My Prayer Life With Your Fire. O Lord, Empower My Prayer Altar. I Reject Every Spiritual Contamination, In The Name Of Jesus. O Lord, Give Me Power To Overcome All Obstacles To My Breakthroughs. O Lord, Give Me Divine Prescription To My Problems. I Break All Curses Of Leaking Blessings, In The Name Of Jesus. Let All Spiritual Holes In My Life Be Closed With The Blood Of Jesus, In The Name Of Jesus. Lord, Help Me To Locate The Defect In The Clay Of My Life. Lord, Let Me Be At The Right Place At The Right Time. I Disarm Every Household Enemy Today, In The Name Of Jesus. Let My Enemies Pitch Their Tents Against One Another, In The Name Of Jesus. I Frustrate And Disappoint Every Instrument Of The Enemy Fashioned Against Me, In The Name Of Jesus. I Seal My Victory With The Blood Of Jesus. I Thank You Lord Jesus For Answering My Prayers. Gen 28:15 Every destiny destroyed by polygamy, be reversed, in the name of Jesus. Every witchcraft power working against my destiny, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. Every incantation and ritual working against my destiny, be disgraced, in the name of Jesus. Every power of darkness assigned against my destiny, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. Every evil power trying to re-programme my life, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. I reject every rearrangement of my destiny by household wickedness, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, anytime I want to make a mistake, direct me aright. I refuse to be removed from the divine agenda, in the name of Jesus. I refuse to be limited by any power of darkness, in the name of Jesus. Every quencher of my destiny, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, let my divine destiny appear and let perverted destiny disappear. I reject every satanic re-arrangement of my destiny, in the name of Jesus. I refuse to live below my divine standard, in Jesus' name. Every evil power having negative awareness of my destiny, be impotent, in the name of Jesus. I paralyse every destiny polluter, in the name of Jesus. Every damage done to my destiny, be repaired now, in the name of Jesus. The enemy will not convert my body to rags, in the name of Jesus. The enemy will not convert my destiny to rags, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, restore me to Your original design for my life. I reject destiny-demoting names, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, enlarge my coast. I refuse to operate below my divine destiny, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, anoint my eyes, hand and legs to locate my divine purpose. Every power contending with my divine destiny, scatter unto desolation, in the name of Jesus. Let the spirit of excellence come upon me, in Jesus' name. Satan, I resist and rebuke your efforts to change my destiny, in the name of Jesus. Satan, I remove from you the right to rob me of my divine destiny, in the name of Jesus. I command all powers of darkness assigned to my destiny to leave and never return, in the name of Jesus. Let the earthquake, sea quake, air quake destroy every demoter assigned against my life, in the name of Jesus. I command all the enemies of Jesus Christ that have access to my progress to leave and never return, in the name of Jesus. I paralyse every satanic opportunities contending against my life, in the name of Jesus. Every incantation, ritual and witchcraft power against my destiny, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. I render null and void the influence of destiny swallowers, in the name of Jesus. Every household wickedness struggling to re-arrange my destiny, loose your hold, in the name of Jesus. The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon my life, in the name of Jesus. I refuse to be removed from the divine agenda, in the name of Jesus. Holy Spirit, I invite You into my imagination. O Lord, bring to light every darkness shielding my potentials, in the name of Jesus. I break every curse of backwardness, in the name of Jesus I recover myself from every evil diversion, in Jesus' name. I shall not come to the world in vain, in the name of Jesus. Every forest and rock demons assigned against me, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. Every local charm burnt against me, be roasted, in the name of Jesus. I release myself from ungodly parental linkage, in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus, manifest Yourself in my life by Your name called 'Wonderful'. Every bird of death assigned against me, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. I withdraw the food and drink of my problems, in the name of Jesus. No evil family river shall flow into my life, in Jesus' name. I withdraw my progress from every satanic regulation and domination, in the name of Jesus. Every garment of darkness, be roasted by fire, in the name of Jesus. I refuse to live a floating life, in the name of Jesus. Every deeply entrenched problem, dry to the roots, in the name of Jesus. I destroy the weapons of satanic night raiders, in the name of Jesus. Every stronghold of failure, be broken, in Jesus' name. Every internal warfare in my life, be quenched, in the name of Jesus. Every internal thief, be exposed, in the name of Jesus. Anything planted in my life by my enemies, come out with all your roots, in the name of Jesus. Let the handwriting of household wickedness be rubbed off, in the name of Jesus. I do not ask for your co-operation, I command it, in Jesus' name. Thieves that have stolen my divine deposits, return them now, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, lay Your hands of fire upon me and change my destiny. I receive explosive breakthroughs, I reject weak breakthroughs, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, change my destiny to the best. Every evil power struggling to re-programme my life, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, shake me to my senses where I have made mistakes. I thank the Lord Jesus for scattering the enemies of my divine destiny. Every organ of my body, be washed by the blood of Jesus. I withdraw every organ of my body from every satanic altar, in the name of Jesus. Every spiritual parent, release me now, in Jesus' name. Every unprofitable love targeted against me, be broken now, in the name of Jesus. Every evil load prepared by household wickedness, be smashed unto desolation, in the name of Jesus. Every stubborn curse, be broken by fire, in Jesus' name. I dash every evil clock controlling my life on the wall of fire, in the name of Jesus. Thank You Lord Jesus for answering my prayer. Daniel 2:2, Eph. 1:17 Thank God for the Holy Spirit. Lord give unto me the Spirit of revelation and wisdom in the knowledge of Yourself. The Lord should remove spiritual cataract from my eyes. Lord, forgive me for every false motive or thought that has ever been formed in my heart since the day I was born. Lord, forgive me for any lie that I have ever told against any person, system or organization. Lord, deliver me from the bondage and sin of spiritual laziness. Lord, open up my understanding. Lord, teach me deep and secret things. Lord, reveal to me every secret behind any problem that I have. Lord, should bring to the light every thing planned against me in darkness. The Lord should ignite and revive my beneficial potentials. Ask the Lord for divine wisdom to operate your life. The Lord should make His Church a citadel of holiness, wonder, miracle and glory upon the earth. God should bring the workers of His choice to His Church and keep all other evil agents away. O Lord, let every veil preventing me from having plain spiritual vision be removed . Father in the name of Jesus, I ask to know Your mind about . . . (slot in the appropriate situation) situation. Let the spirit of prophesy and revelation fall upon the totality of my being in the name of Jesus. Holy Spirit, reveal deep and the secret things to me about . . . I bind every demon that pollutes spiritual vision and dreams in the name of Jesus. Let every dirtiness blocking my communication pipe with the living God be washed clean with the blood of Jesus. I receive power to operate with sharp spiritual eyes that cannot be deceived in the name of Jesus. Let the glory and the power of the Almighty God fall upon my life in a mighty way in the name of Jesus. I remove my name from the book of those who grope and stumble in darkness in the name of Jesus. O Lord, make me a vessel capable of knowing Your secret things. Divine revelations, spiritual visions, dreams and information will not become scarce commodity in my life in the name of Jesus. I drink to the full in the well of salvation and anointing in the name of Jesus. Genesis 32:24-32 Power of affliction, die in the name of Jesus. O God of Jabez, arise and let my story change, in the name of Jesus My life, reject invitation to poverty, in the name of Jesus. My father, today destroy every sorrow in my life, in the name of Jesus. Every power despising me your season is over, disappear, in the name of Jesus. Satanic arrows keeping my destiny in affliction go back to your sender. Masquerade on assignment to kill me, go back to your sender, in Jesus’ name. Valley of sorrow, vomit me to the mountain of joy. Catch fire, catch fire, catch fire, Idols of my father’s house. Celebration of poverty, around my destiny, scatter by fire. Power of my father’s house, using ancestral mistake to make me suffer, die, in the name of Jesus. Image of shame and disgrace, covering my destiny, clear away. My breakthrough jump out of satanic cage, in the name of Jesus. Angel of God roll away evil stones blocking my breakthroughs, in the name of Jesus. My Father today, enlarge my coast. Power to seek and find, fall upon me now, in the name of Jesus. Power to enter into open doors of divine opportunities; rest upon my life, in the name of Jesus. Power to ask and receive, fall upon me now, in the name of Jesus. My father, do a new thing in my life that will make my enemies to hang themselves. By the anointing of the Holy Ghost, I shall be great, in the name of Jesus. Joel 2:25-26 Thank God for the name of Jesus. Lord, open doors of opportunity to me through this prayer, in the name of Jesus. I command all evil unknown forces organised against my life to be scattered, in the name of Jesus. I paralyse every activity of physical and spiritual parasites and devourers in my life, in the name of Jesus. Powers denying me my due miracles, receive the stones of fire, in the name of Jesus. I recover all the ground that I had lost to the enemy, in Jesus' name I bind the spirit of depression, frustration and disillusionment in my life, in the name of Jesus. Heavenly surgeons, perform the necessary surgical operations in all the areas of my life, in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus, carry out all the repairs that are necessary in my life. Decree aggressively I command all the damages done to my life by . . . (pick from the under listed) to be repaired, in the name of Jesus. - evil tongue - demonic prophecies - witchcraft spells and curses - personal negative confessions - household wickedness Let all the parasites feeding on any area of my life be roasted, in the name of Jesus. Fire of God, consume the evil clock of the enemy that is working against my life, in the name of Jesus. My life is not a fertile ground for any evil to thrive in, Jesus' name. I command all doors of good things, closed against me by the enemy to be opened, in the name of Jesus. I reject the spirit of impossibility, I claim open doors, in the name of Jesus. I decree restoration seven fold in . . . areas of my life, in the name of Jesus. I refuse to wage war against myself, in the name of Jesus. Lord, make my case a miracle. Shock my foes, friends, and even myself, in the name of Jesus. Lord, give me the solution to any problem facing me, in the name of Jesus. Trees of problems in my life, dry up to the roots, in Jesus' name. Walls of physical and spiritual opposition, fall after the order of Jericho, in the name of Jesus. Let my king Uzziah die, so that I can see Your face, O Lord, in the name of Jesus. I posses the power to pursue, overtake and recover my goods from spiritual Egyptians, in the name of Jesus. Let every spell, jinxes, and demonic incantations rendered against me be cancelled, in the name of Jesus. I cancel every effect of any strange help received from Egypt regarding this problem, in the name of Jesus. Lord, heal all wounds and spiritual bullets sustained from attacks of the enemy. Let all hidden potentials and gifts that will make me great, stolen from me, be restored 21 fold, in the name of Jesus. I reject the spirit of regret, woes and disappointment, in the name of Jesus. Lord, give me power for a new beginning. Lord, make my life a miracle and be glorified in every area of it, in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus, I thank You for answering my prayer. O Lord, empower my prayer altar by fire. O Lord, soak me in the spirit of prayer. Let God arise in His anger and fight for me. I refuse to allow my angels of blessings to depart, in Jesus' name. I cancel every evil effect of names from evil origins in my life, in the name of Jesus. I paralyze all aggression addressed at my star, in Jesus' name. I neutralize all problems originating from the mistakes of my parents, in the name of Jesus. Lord, bring honey out of the rock for me. Lord, open up all the good doors of my life that household wickedness has shut. Let all anti-breakthrough designs against my life be shattered to irreparable pieces, in the name of Jesus. I paralyze all satanic antagonism from the womb, in Jesus' name. I command open disgrace on the mask of the enemy, in Jesus' name. I paralyze all evil legs roaming about for my sake, in Jesus' name. Let all evil blood that has mingled with my blood be drained out, in the name of Jesus. I trample upon every enemy of my advancement and promotion, in the name of Jesus. I break every evil collective unity organized against me, in the name of Jesus. Let all evil counselors against me follow the wrong programme, in the name of Jesus. Let the backbone of the stubborn pursuer and strongman break, in the name of Jesus. I destabilize the controller of any land of bondage in my life, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, enlarge my coasts beyond my wildest dream. Holy Ghost, seal all pockets that have demonic holes, in Jesus' name. Let the fire of disgrace fall upon demonic prophets assigned against my life, in the name of Jesus. No dark meeting held on my behalf shall prosper, in Jesus' name. I claim back my goods presently residing in wrong hands, in the name of Jesus. Let the blood and strength of stubborn oppressors dry up, in the name of Jesus. Let the head of every serpent power fashioned against me be broken, in the name of Jesus. Psalms 18:37 The Lord should ordain terrifying noises unto the camp of the enemies of the gospel in my life (II Kings 7:6,7). I command every satanic embargo on my goodness and prosperity to be scattered to irreparable pieces, in the name of Jesus. Let every door of attack on my spiritual progress be closed, in Jesus' name. Holy Spirit, set me on Fire for God. I command all my imprisoned benefits to be released, in Jesus' name. The Lord should anoint me to pull down negative strongholds standing against me, in the name of Jesus. Let the thunder fire of God strike down all demonic strongholds manufactured against me. The Lord should anoint me with the power to pursue, overtake and recover my stolen properties from the enemy. The Lord should bring to naught every evil counselor and counsel against me. The enemy shall not have a hiding place in my life in Jesus' name. Let all blocked ways of prosperity be open up in Jesus' name. I command the devil to take his legs off my finances in Jesus' name. I paralyze every spirit of Goliath with the stones of fire in the name of Jesus. Pray in the Spirit for at least fifteen (15) minutes. I command every demonic transport vehicle loading away my benefits to be paralyzed, in the name of Jesus. I receive the power to pursue every stubborn pursue into the red sea, in the name of Jesus. Let the mandate issued to every robber of my blessing be rendered null and void, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, provide me with the Moses to face my Pharaoh and the David to face my Goliath. Let the wheels of all pursuing evil chariots be chattered, in the name of Jesus. I pursue and overtake all forces of household wickedness and I recover my stolen items from them, in the name of Jesus. Let blessings, goodness and prosperity pursue and overtake me, in the mighty name of Jesus. I command all my properties captured by spiritual robbers in the dream to become too hot to handle and to come back to me, in the name of Jesus. Isaiah 8:10 Every witchcraft utterance and projections, made against me, be overthrown, in the name of Jesus. O God, make my enemies like a wheel as the stubble before the wind, in the name of Jesus. I reverse the effect of every witchcraft summoning of my spirit, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, persecute my enemies with thy tempest and make them afraid with thy storm, in the Name of Jesus. Every witchcraft identification mark, be wiped off by the blood of Jesus. O Lord, let my enemies be confounded and troubled, in the name of Jesus. I frustrate every witchcraft exchange of my virtues, in the name of Jesus. All the assembly of the violent men be scattered, in the name of Jesus. Anything planted in my life by witchcraft, come out now, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, break down the hedges of the wicked and bring their strongholds to run, in the name of Jesus. Every witchcraft seed in my life be roasted, in the name of Jesus. I shall not be afraid for the terror by night, or for the arrow that flieth by day, in the name of Jesus. Let each step taken by witchcraft against me lead them to greater destructions, in the nam eof Jesus. Thousand shall fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand, but it shall not come near me, in the name of Jesus. I declare my environment not-flying zone for witchcraft birds, in the name of Jesus. Mines eyes shall see my desires on my enemies, in the name of Jesus. I cut off the roots of witchcraft in the water, in the name of Jesus. Thou power that troubled the Egyptians, trouble my enemies, in the name of Jesus. Anything deposited in my life by marine witchcraft, come out now, in the name of Jesus. O gate of brass and bars of iron, working against me, be broken, in the name of Jesus. Anything deposited in my life by household witchcraft, come out now, in the name of Jesus. The wicked shall be grieved and his desired shall perish, in the name of Jesus. Let the rivers of my enemies be turned into wilderness, in the name of Jesus. I come against every form of barrenness in my life, in the name of Jesus. Through God, I shall do valiantly, for it is He that shall tread down my enemies, in the name of Jesus. Let all those who consult darkness against me be disgraced, in the name of Jesus. O Lord, set a wicked man over the wicked, in the name of Jesus. The Lord is on my side, I will not fear what man can do unto me, in the name of Jesus. Let the days of my enemies be cut off and let another take his office, in the name of Jesus. Depart from me, ye evil doers, for I will keep the commandments of my God, in the Name of Jesus. As the enemy loved cursing, let it come unto him, in the name of Jesus. Lord, deliver me from the oppression of man, in the name of Jesus. As the enemy delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him, in the name of Jesus. As the enemy clothed him with cursing, like as a garment, so let it come into his bowel like water and like oil into his bones, in the name of Jesus. Jonah 2:7, Micah 7:8 O God arises for my help. Where my ability as failed, arise for my help. Persistence problems in my father’s house in my blood system die. Every wicked tree of infirmity planted in my family, be uprooted by fire. I shall not die in this situation. Any problem that have covenant with night in my life-die. Problem of evil name, assigned to turned my life upside down – die. Problem expander in my father’s house – die. The enemy shall not celebrate my down fall this year. Any problem, assigned to add problems into my marriage – die. Any power that is using my late father/mother to punish me – die. Inherited problem organise. Power, that is using my past to attack my present – die. Foundational bondage assigned to mess up my life die. Powers that want me to die in my situation – die. Notable problem in my father’s house – die. Powers, that is rejoicing over my problem – die. Family cage in my father’s house catch fire. Family reproach problem in my blood system dry up by fire. Ps 75:6 1. Every Red Sea harassing my life, give way, in the name of Jesus. 2. O God, arise complete what You have started in my life, in the name of Jesus. 3. My life, hear the word of the Lord, disappoint my enemies, in the name of Jesus. 4. I shall bury the enemy assigned to terminate my life, in the name of Jesus. 5. I bind and cast out every power of discouragement and fear, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every yoke affecting my destiny, break, in the name of Jesus. 7. My Father, show me Your hidden riches, in the name of Jesus. 8. I declare that I am untouchable and unstoppable, in the name of Jesus. 9. Wickedness of the wicked, expire by fire, in the name of Jesus. 10. O Lord, draw out Your sword and fight for me, in the name of Jesus. 11. My unrepentant enemy, hear the word of the Lord, receive reproach, insult and injury, in the name of Jesus. 12. O God, reveal to me the secret plans of my enemies, in the name of Jesus. 13. Every evil factory, manufacturing against me, catch fire, in the name of Jesus. 14. O Lord, change me and use me to change my world, in the name of Jesus. 15. Men shall begin to help me without knowing me, in the name of Jesus. 16. Where I was tolerated, I shall be celebrated, in the name of Jesus. 17. Where I was rejected, I will be selected, in the name of Jesus. 18. The power that promoted Joseph, shall change my story, in the name of Jesus. 19. My breakthrough is not negotiateable, I move forward by fire, in the name of Jesus. 20. I cancel every satanic agenda against my expectation, in the name of Jesus. 21. My Father, accelerate my celebration, in the name of Jesus. 22. Every power prolonging my problem, die, in the name of Jesus. 23. My star shall be honored in the land of the living, in the name of Jesus. 24. My Father, make me Your workshop and Your showroom, in the name of Jesus. 25. O God, arise and perform miracles beyond explanation in my life, in the name of Jesus. 26. After the order of Daniel, O God, raise helpers for me, in the name of Jesus. 27. Holy Ghost, announce my destiny by fire and thunder, in the name of Jesus. 28. Yoke multipliers, your time is up, die, in the name of Jesus 29. Weapon of witchcraft targeted against me, catch fire, in the name of Jesus. 30. The mouth that attacks me shall be silenced, in the name of Jesus. 31. O thou that troubleth the Israel of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, the God of Elijah shall trouble you today. 32. Every enemy of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 33. O God, arise and uproot anything You did not plant inside the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in Jesus’ name. 34. Let the fire of revival fall upon Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in the name of Jesus. Psalm 68:1-3 1. My adversaries are brought down and fallen but I rise and stand upright, in the name of Jesus. 2. God, vex my stubborn oppressors in Your sore displeasure, in the name of Jesus. 3. Let Thine hand find out all Thine enemies; let Thy right hand find out those that hate Thee, in the name of Jesus. 4. God shall destroy the camp of the enemy and their camp shall never be rebuilt up, in the name of Jesus. 5. Lord, according to the deeds of the wicked, give them the works of their hands, in the name of Jesus. 6. Lord, put off my sackcloth and gird me with gladness, in the name of Jesus. 7. Bow down Thine ear to me, 0 Lord, and deliver me speedily, in the name of Jesus. 8. Pull me out of the hidden net of the enemy, in Jesus' name. 9. My times are in Thy hand, deliver me from the hands of mine enemies and from them that persecute me, in the name of Jesus. 10. Let the wicked be ashamed and let them be silent in the grave, in the name of Jesus. 11. Every lying lip speaking against me, be silenced, in Jesus' name. 12. Lord, bring the counsel of the ungodly to nought, in the name of Jesus. 13. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, in the name of Jesus. 14. God, make my adversaries as a fiery oven in the time of Thine anger, in the name of Jesus. 15. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies, in the name of Jesus. 16. Lord, break my enemies with Your rod of iron, in Jesus' name. 17. Lord, make the devices of my adversaries of no effect, in the name of Jesus. 18. Evil shall slay the wicked and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate, in the name of Jesus. 19. Father, fight against them that fight against me, in the name of Jesus. 20. Father, be Thy shield and buckler and stand up for mine help 21. Father, draw out Your spear and stop my persecutors, in Jesus' name. Deut 33:26 1. Point of contact of the devil in my life, die, in the name of Jesus. 2. I envelope my family with the fire of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus. 3. Every witchcraft altar in my compound, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 4. Every witchcraft lion, roaring against me, die, in the name of Jesus. 5. I release spiritual bullets against every evil dark gathering, in the name of Jesus. 6. Thou Word of God, with Your power as hammer, break evil chains, in the name of Jesus. 7. O Lord, give me a dream that will change my life for the better, in the name of Jesus. 8. I terminate the life of every vision killer, in the name of Jesus. 9. O Lord, reschedule my destiny for uncommon breakthroughs, in the name of Jesus. 10. O God, You gave the sun power to breakthrough darkness, give me breakthrough powers, in the name of Jesus. 11. O God, arise and roll my stone away, in the name of Jesus. 12. Angels of prophecy, take your position in my life, in the name of Jesus. 13. Every strange voice, I renounce your dominion, in the name of Jesus. 14. O God, arise and smite my infirmity, in the name of Jesus. 15. Fire in the name of Jesus, arise, unlock my virtues, in the name of Jesus. 16. Everywhere I turn, harvest shall salute me, in the name of Jesus. 17. My blood shall not be found on any altar, in the name of Jesus. 18. My soul will not answer unto dark powers, in the name of Jesus. 19. Yokes, curses, enchantments, break away from my life, in the name of Jesus. 20. Every bird used as instrument against my life, die, in the name of Jesus. 21. Yokes buried in my body, be uprooted by the blood of Jesus. 22. Thou evil sun, overshadowing my star, clear away, in the name of Jesus. 23. Blood of Jesus, arise, deliver my foundation, in the name of Jesus. 24. Angels of fire, position yourselves, recover my foundational virtues, in the name of Jesus. 25. Joy swallowers of my father’s house, die, in the name of Jesus. 26. Pollution in my roots, hear the word of the Lord, clear away, in the name of Jesus. 27. Anything in the land of the dead troubling my life, catch fire, in the name of Jesus. 28. Breakthrough bankers of my father’s house, die, in the name of Jesus. 29. Opportunity wasters of my father’s house, die, in the name of Jesus. 30. Miracle swallowers of my father’s house, die, in the name of Jesus. 31. Powers decorating my problems, die by fire, in the name of Jesus. 32. Dreams of foundational injury, die, in the name of Jesus. 33. Foundational serpents and scorpions in my life, die, in the name of Jesus. 34. Agents of blockage from my foundation, die, in the name of Jesus. 35. Agents of embarrassment from my foundation, die, in the name of Jesus. 36. Agents of shame from my foundation, die, in the name of Jesus. 37. O thou that troubleth the Baptist Church, the God of Elijah shall trouble you today. 38. Every enemy of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 39. O God, arise and uproot anything You did not plant inside the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in the name of Jesus. 40. Let the fire of revival fall upon The Baptist Church, in the name of Jesus. Psalm 68:1 1. All graves dug for me, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 2. Powers prolonging my problems, die, in the name of Jesus. 3. Powers of reproach, die, in the name of Jesus. 4. Fire of affliction, die, and rise no more, in the name of Jesus. 5. Gates of death, reject me, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every strange thing in my body, come out now, in the name of Jesus. 7. I prophesy over my life. (Mention your name), wake up, in the name of Jesus. 8. Satanic mafia working against my prosperity, I bury you now, in the name of Jesus. 9. The devil will not bury me, in the name of Jesus. 10. Foundation of witchcraft in my family, die, in the name of Jesus. 11. Spiritual funeral procession organized against me, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 12. Every enchantment assigned against me, die, in the name of Jesus. 13. Every problem designed to destroy my destiny, die, in the name of Jesus. 14. Violently, forcefully, I take back everything the enemy has stolen from me, in the name of Jesus. 15. Every power mocking God in my life, die, in the name of Jesus. 16. Every power challenging God in my life, die, in the name of Jesus. 17. Goliath, you will not survive your boast, die, in the name of Jesus. 18. Sorcery of stagnancy, break, in the name of Jesus. 19. My destiny, shoot me out, in the name of Jesus. 20. Sickness. Be eaten up by the blood of Jesus. 21. My Red Sea, loose your power, in the name of Jesus. 22. Every power designed to waste my life, die, in the name of Jesus. 23. Root of hardship, die, in the name of Jesus. 24. Yoke of stagnancy, break, in the name of Jesus. 25. Every power working against my prayers, die, in the name of Jesus. 26. I cancel my name from the register of satan, in the name of Jesus. 27. Yoke of satanic delay, break, in the name of Jesus. 28. Every problem that came into my life through the blood of my parents, be wasted, in the name of Jesus. 29. Every problem that came into my life through anything I have swallowed, be crushed, in the name of Jesus. 30. Every problem that came into my life through witchcraft and polygamy, be destroyed, in the name of Jesus. 31. Every problem that came into my life through dreams, be buried, in the name of Jesus. 32. Every problem that came into my life through any agent of satan, die, in the name of Jesus. 33. Every problem that came into my life through covenants and curses, break, in the name of Jesus. 34. Every problem that came into my life through bad habits, die, in the name of Jesus. 35. Every problem that came into my life through naming ceremony, die, in the name of Jesus. 36. Every problem that came into my life through any burial ceremony be destroyed, in the name of Jesus. 37. Every problem that came into my life through anything I have stepped upon, be nullified, in the name of Jesus. 38. Every problem that came into my life through my first food in life, die, in the name of Jesus. 39. Every problem that came into my life through marriage, die, in the name of Jesus. 40. 40. O thou that troubleth the Baptist Church, the God of Elijah shall trouble you today. 41. Every enemy of the Baptist Church, scatter, in Jesus’ name. Isaiah 49:25-26 1. Every garment of bondage, catch fire, in the name of Jesus. 2. O God arise and catapult me to a greater tomorrow, in the name of Jesus. 3. Thunder of God, arise, waste my enemies, in the name of Jesus. 4. Every tree planted in my life by the strongman, die, in the name of Jesus. 5. Strongman of poverty, assigned against me, die, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every power delaying my success, die, in the name of Jesus. 7. Every power hindering my progress, die, in the name of Jesus. 8. Every strongman frustrating my breakthroughs, die, in the name of Jesus. 9. Every strongman blocking my chances, die, in the name of Jesus. 10. Every strongman diverting my blessings, die, in the name of Jesus. 11. Every power destroying my business and blocking my opportunities, die, in the name of Jesus. 12. To every strongman in charge of my case, I invade your domain and put you under arrest, in Jesus name. 13. I pull you down to zero level and I bind you with fetters of iron, in the name of Jesus. 14. Receive fire and brimstone after the order of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the name of Jesus. 15. I trample upon you, in the name of Jesus. 16. I come as a strongman against you and I overpower you with the blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus. 17. I seize your weapons and smash them to irreparable pieces, in the name of Jesus. 18. I recover my stolen goods from you, in the name of Jesus. 19. Net of dark powers, release me, in the name of Jesus. 20. Power of the wicked avenger upon my life, die, in the name of Jesus. 21. Blood of Jesus, neutralize any evil blood of my parents in me, in the name of Jesus. 22. Every evil hand disturbing the program of God for my life, catch fire, in the name of Jesus. 23. Every battle acquired from my father’s house, die, in the name of Jesus. 24. Pillar of demotion, break, in the name of Jesus. 25. Every power that does not want to let me go, Lord, visit them with the ten plagues of Egypt, in Jesus name. 26. Every contrary wind assigned against me, backfire, in the name of Jesus. 27. Every utterance from any shrine working against me, die, in the name of Jesus. 28. Calvary covenant, arise by fire, scatter every negative covenant afflicting my life, in the name of Jesus. 29. Any seal of darkness upon my life, scatter, in the name of Jesus. 30. Every problem assigned to ridicule me, die, in the name of Jesus. 31. The mighty and the terrible assigned against me, die, in the name of Jesus. 32. Witchcraft decisions on my destiny, expire, in the name of Jesus. 33. I shot down any spiritual gunmen assigned against me, in the name of Jesus. 34. Every strongman resident in the heaven over my head, fall down and die, in the name of Jesus. 35. I recover seven-fold, everything that the strongman has stolen from me, in the name of Jesus. 36. Power to break the power of the strongman, fall upon me now, in the name of Jesus. Psalm 138:8 1. My divine dreams shall come to pass, in the name of Jesus. 2. I shall be what my haters don’t want me to be, in the name of Jesus. 3. O God, arise and restore to me all the years the devil has stolen, in the name of Jesus. 4. Every spell, of witches and wizards against me shall not prosper, in the name of Jesus. 5. Evil shall not come to my dwelling place, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every spiritual missiles and enchantment, sent against me from my place of birth, will not prosper. 7. O God, arise and teach me how to hunt with words and prosper, in the name of Jesus. 8. O God, arise and let me acquire ability equal to my opportunities, in the name of Jesus. 9. O God, arise and let me be an eagle in the market place, in the name of Jesus. 10. O God, arise and let me remain humble, in the name of Jesus. 11. O God, arise and let me pluck the seeds of success where others have failed, in the name of Jesus. 12. God, arise and give me sufficient days to reach my goal, in the name of Jesus. 13. God, arise and let my words and life bear fruit, in the name of Jesus. 14. God, arise and bathe me in good habits and let the bad habits drown, in the name of Jesus. 15. God, arise and let me become all Your planned for me when my seed was planted, in the name of Jesus. Deut 28:13 1. Let the teeth of the enemy over my life break, in the name of Jesus. 2. Let every covenant with the earth against my life be broken, in the name of Jesus. 3. Let every covenant with the sun, moon and stars against my life, be broken, in the name of Jesus. 4. Let every covenant with the waters against my life, be broken, in the name of Jesus. 5. Every one who has accepted witchcraft for my sake, be disgraced, in the name of Jesus. 6. Every power crippling against me, die, in the name of Jesus. 7. Oh Lord, release the rivers of life upon my dwelling this year, in the name of Jesus. 8. I shall not be a spiritual casualty, in the name of Jesus. 9. Oh Lord, take away my portions from casualty, in the name of Jesus. 10. My God, my life shall not be left with the wind, in the name of Jesus. 11. The meanderings of the enemy will not prosper in my life, in the name of Jesus. 12. Let the excesses of darkness be checked by fire, in the name of Jesus. 13. I break the law of death over my life, in the name of Jesus. 14. Every covenant of death with this year, be broken, in the name of Jesus. 15. I am invisible to aggressive elements, in the name of Jesus. 16. I destroy every magic in any house I have entered, in the name of Jesus. 17. Every evil power that has established authority in my family, be dismantled, in the name of Jesus. 18. Whenever I go, satanic agents will not steal my portions, in the name of Jesus. 19. Every agent of darkness, assigned against my life, I command the sword of the Lord to rise against you, in the name of Jesus. 20. Every biting demon, be silenced, in the name of Jesus. 21. Let the oil lost in my life be returned, in the name of Jesus. 22. I pull down every throne of iniquity, in the name of Jesus. 23. God will find rest in my life, in the name of Jesus. 24. Let the wall of challenges against my breakthroughs be broken, in the name of Jesus. 25. My neck shall not be broken by territorial spirits, in the name of Jesus. 26. Blood, poured on the ground, will not eat me up, in the name of Jesus. 27. My portion is not with the dead, in the name of Jesus. 28. Every medicine, poured on the ground, to subdue my life, I destroy it, in the name of Jesus. 29. I destroy the hand of every witchdoctor working against me, in the name of Jesus. 30. Any blood sacrifice, against me, let the life in the blood, be revoked to smite them, in the name of Jesus. 31. Oh Life, that has been allowed to die through rituals against me, arise, and strangulate your killers, in the name of Jesus. 32. I quench every anger energized through this land against me, in the name of Jesus. 33. By the power in the blood of Jesus, I subjugate the power of witches, in the name of Jesus. 34. I destroy the alignment of witches, in the name of Jesus. Almighty God, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus I believe You are the Son of God and the only way to God. That You died on the Cross for my Sins and rose again from the dead. I confess that my life has been sinful separated from You ( Rom 3:23 ). Forgive my sins. Jesus I believe You shed Your precious Blood on the Cross for my justification. I thank You for Loving me. Jesus I turn to You. Heal my body and soul. Heal my body, …heal my life. Come into my heart. Fill my soul. Change me. Mold me. Use me. Heal me. Deliver me. Transform my life and never let me be the same again. Cleanse me with your Holy blood and make me Whole. Jesus – in You I have the Eternal life. And this is Eternal Life, that I may know You, the only True God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent ( John 17:1-5 ). Let me know You deeply through Holy Spirit Father. Reveal Your Will to me according to my calling. Heavenly Father fill me with the Holy Spirit and Baptize me with the Holy Ghost and Fire. That I may have part of the First Resurrection (Revelation 20:5-6). I receive Your Spirit and the Spiritual Gifts as Holy Spirit gives me according to His Will. I desire for Spiritual Gifts. Jesus. Give me a new mind and new heart and a new spirit. Transform my life as I surrender to Your Divine Calling. I surrender to Your will. I surrender to receive the Power! Jesus is Alive and hears my prayer right now! I give myself fully to You Jesus. I give myself fully to You Holy Spirit. I receive Your Power! I receive Your Anointing! I receive the Anointing of the Holy Ghost right now! The presence of God is over my life! And now I proclaim : “God Almighty is my Father. Jesus Christ is my Saviour. Holy Spirit is my Comforter ( John 16:7-15 ). I am Born Again of the water and of the Spirit ( John 3:5-6 ). I have inherited an Eternal Life. I am now part of the Body of Christ ( Rom 12:5 ).” In Jesus Mighty and Holy name and in the Blood of Everlasting Covenant (Hebrews 13:20-21). I Pray and give You the Glory. Amen. Psalm 32:7 Lord Jesus, evil is such a harsh word, and yet Your Word uses it frequently to describe the opposite of good. While we are all capable of sin, I ask Your protection against those who call good evil, and evil good. Guard us from those who scheme against righteousness and from those who twist truth into lies to accomplish their evil intents. May Your angels hover ever near to eradicate fear and fight against dark, spiritual forces we cannot see. Help us cast down every imagination and thought that our enemy tries to use to exalt itself against You. You dealt our spiritual enemy a fateful blow on Calvary when you died on the cross for us and were resurrected on the third day. While evil still roams, the power of Your name and Your blood rises up to defeat and bring us victory against every evil planned against us. While malicious actions may disturb us, we use the armor of God You have given us to stand firm. You will bring justice in due time for all the harm and needless violence aimed at Your children. Until then, we remain in Your presence, aligned with Your purposes, and we look to You as our Supreme Commander and Protector. Help us to avoid temptation, and deliver us from evil, Lord. You are the Mighty One, the One Who will ultimately bring all evil to light. With You, Jesus, we are safe. Precious Jesus, You know what it means to be pursued by earthly enemies. And because of Your compassion and understanding, You know the harm we and our families face every day. As Christians and followers of Yours, we will be marked as enemies. Our children need protection from bullies, from misguided avengers, and from false philosophies that attack their spiritual heritage. Fiendish plots pursue our children’s hearts daily and try to entice them into harmful practices. Hold our loved ones tightly, Lord, and never let them go. Command Your angels, Lord, to keep us in all our ways, so that no harm or disaster will come near to our home or our lives. Our trust is not in our ability but in Your stability as our El Shaddai. Our weapons of warfare are spiritual, and we look to You for victory. Show us when to speak up, when to listen, and when to act, always aware that You are fighting our battles for us and with us. Teach us to love our enemies, to pray for them, but to resist evil in Your powerful name. We don’t fear those who might try to hurt us physically. We are confident in our eternal security. Our fear is a holy, righteous reverence based on Who You are and Whose we have become in You. As Commander and Chief, You will defend us from all earthly enemies. And as long as You are with us, we fear no evil. In Your name, Amen. Lord God, I pray for Your protection as I begin this day. You are my hiding place, and under Your wings I can always find refuge. Protect me from trouble wherever I go, and keep evil far from me. No matter where I am, I will look to You as my Protector, the One Who fights for me every day. Your love and faithfulness, along with Your goodness and mercy, surround me daily, so I will not fear whatever might come against me. My trust is in You, God, and I give thanks to You for Your love and protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Father, I entrust my children into Your loving care. You are the most powerful influence in their lives, so I ask You to surround them with Your constant presence and safety. Because You love children, You are even more concerned than I am as a parent. You take their protection seriously. Place Your Holy Spirit around them like a bubble that deflects any harm aimed their way. Guard them from danger at school, whether from outside or inside. Place Your angels in strategic places, ready to move on their behalf. Let no evil come near them. Give them a steadfast faith and trust in You that puts their fears at rest, knowing they will live in safety with Your solid protection. Guard them from temptation and those who would try to make them compromise their convictions. When trouble comes, let them cry out to You, their Deliverer and Refuge. May their security rest not in this world, but in their relationship with You and in their eternal future. Impress on them daily that this world is not their final home, and that nothing and no one can ever separate them from Your love. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen. Lord God, I pray for Your physical and spiritual protection in the workplace, where our influence, our priorities, and our character are tested daily. Help us to remember that every foolish action reaps consequences, and every careless word carries weight among our coworkers. Others are watching, Lord, so set a watch before our mouths and guard the door of our lips. Protect us from those who try to sway our convictions or tempt us to compromise our standards in the name of success. Place an invisible banner over us that reminds us of Your protective love and that we belong to You. Our work is important to You, so turn us away from slothfulness or misplaced priorities. When others aim criticism our way or when misunderstanding arises, guard us from impatience or anger. Protect us from our own sinful nature and help us to always take the high road of love in dealing with dissatisfied customers or disgruntled colleagues. Thank You for Your promise never to leave us or abandon us, and that Your Spirit lives inside of us to give wisdom, understanding, and security against those who want to pull us away or harm us. You are Lord, and as our Employer, we look to You to preserve all benefits involved in that relationship. In Jesus’ name, Amen. We bless You, Lord, for You are our Jehovah Rapha, the Healer of all our diseases. Our body is the temple of Your Spirit, so we pray for protection from that which could bring harm to us physically. Guard us from stresses that steal our emotional strength and lower our immunity to fight infection. Heal us of past traumas that may affect our present or future health. Teach us how to discipline our bodies so we can grow stronger and increase our physical stamina. When challenges arise, we need not fear, for You have given us a spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind. As the Great Physician, You know us so well. You ordained every part of our body even before we were born. Help us to treat our bodies with respect as Your beloved creations. We want to serve You with excellence, so in our weakness, grant us strength and good health so that nothing will prevent Your plan for our lives. Protect us from contagions and disease that can riddle the body and bring dangerous results. Safeguard us with wisdom to use well the rest You provide as we wait on You and with You daily. Our lives and our health are in Your hands, Lord, and our trust and faith are in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THE devil HAS COME DOWN Yesterday our lives were bursting with plans Today they were abruptly ripped from our hands A terror hidden from everyone’s sight Twisted sunny days into a dark, dreary night From out of the abyss this evil befell Plotted and sanctioned in the depths of hell Enraged from knowing his time grows short Satan seeks revenge for facing God’s court But we will not yield, nor will we flee We know Christ Jesus will answer our plea Faith sustains us amidst demonic afflictions Forewarned, we’re armed by Christ’s predictions Nothing the accuser plots for release Shall cause us to succumb, or diminish our peace So, whether we live, or if we should die Our mansion is readied in God’s eternal sky THAT GLORIOUS BLESSED HOPE I am looking for that blessed glorious day When Jesus will rapture His church away. That special day I will not be fearing, That blessed hope of His glorious appearing. I am listening for the trumpet to sound. So quickly my feet will leave the ground. I will meet my blessed Savior in the air. The dead in Christ will precede me there. Jesus will take me to that golden shore. Then I will be with my Savior forever more. From saved loved ones, I will never depart, For on the earth, they were dear to my heart. That blessed glorious hope will take place, And I'll see my blessed Savior face to face. Make sure you accept Jesus as Savior too. Then Jesus will also be coming for you. BE STILL In life's race that Christians run, Sometimes you must be still. You need to feel God's presence, And make sure you're in His will. At times, you feel that you run alone, But remember God is by your side. Just get still and feel his presence, For in your heart, the Lord does abide. Don't let worrying weigh you down. Don't let shadows obscure your way. Be still and see the light of Christ, And in His will, you should always stay. Be still and realize God's presence, And praise the Lord for Who He is. Learn to lean upon His strength. Christians, remember you're one of His! JOB 3-JOB'S LAMENT Let the day of my birth disappear from the earth; how I wish I had never been born! You don't know how I'm grieved that my mother conceived, and I hold my conception in scorn. May that morning be dark and the dawning embark without light as if God did not care. Let the gloom, like a cloud, and the darkness enshroud that one day like it never was there. Let that day disappear from the calendar year, and the month be excluded for spite; it would silence their voice -- any chance to rejoice -- if the world could be barren that night. Given time to rehearse, let the experts who curse raise Leviathan -- cursing away. Let the stars turn their back and the twilight go black and the morning ignore the new day. For my own mother's womb had refused me a tomb, so I breathed in my very first breath. Why'd I lay in her lap? Why'd I nurse at her pap? Why'd I choose to live life over death? ​If I'd died there somehow I'd be resting right now with the kings and the princes of old, in the houses they've built and their palaces filled ​with their treasures of silver and gold. Could I not remain hid like the fetus they've rid and the stillborn they've buried away; like the infants who died before they ever cried, and whose eyes never saw light of day? For in death troubles cease and the weary find peace and the captives and guards are the same; and you cannot tell which are the poor or the rich, and the master of slaves has no claim. Why does God give a light to a man without sight and a life to the bitter of soul? For he digs in the ground beyond treasures he's found, as he seeks for his grave in the hole. With great joy are they filled, and exceedingly thrilled, when they find they are at the grave's edge. Why is light even shown when their paths are unknown -- for whom God has surrounded a hedge? Now my sighing is great at the sight of my plate and my crying pours out like the sea; for the thing I most fear is now actually here and I dread what has happened to me. There's no quiet, no ease -- I'm a stranger to these, I have feelings I can't even name; with the peace in my head now replaced by the dread since this trouble and turmoil came.​ DIRECT MY STEPS, O LORD O Lord, please guide me step by step. Please lead me each and every day. I need Your divine guidance in my life. I want to please you, Lord, in every way. When I leave You out of my plans, I tend to stumble and tend to fall, So precious Lord, please take my hand, For upon You, Lord, I humbly call. I acknowledge You in all my ways, For I know Your will is always best. In Your Word, You said You'd lead me, So upon this promise, I will rest. When my work down here is over, And on this earth, I will trod no more, Then direct my steps, and lead me To Heaven's beautiful golden shore. PSALM 51 Because of Your loving kindness Lord, have mercy upon me. For Your compassion is great; Blotting out my iniquity. Cleanse me and wash away my sins; If in Your sight I’ve done these ills. When You speak, You will be just. With Your grace You are judging still. I, in all Man’s iniquity, Was formed in the womb within. My parents who conceived me Were full of guiltiness and sin. You knit me in the inward parts. With Your Grace, You also mend me. With Your Wisdom, You’ll make me know That without You what I would be. Of fruitfulness and joyfulness, You instructed me by Your Voice; So my bones and soul You’ve made Will break into songs of rejoice. All my sins are blotted out, That made my face hide from my sin. Create a clean heart and renew A right spirit from within me. Don’t cast me from Your Sight; Nor take the Holy Spirit away. Restore to me Your Salvation, And have Your Holy Spirit stay. A broken spirit is to You A pleasing and well sacrifice. A contrite and broken heart; Lord, You will never despise JESUS, THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME There are many names that are famous. They are recorded on history book pages, But there is one name above all others That has remained throughout the ages. That great name is Jesus, the Son of God. We use other terms to describe Him too. He is the Messiah, Savior, and Redeemer. These divine terms are only just a few. Countless many in the world love Jesus, But there are many who hate His name. As for me, I love Jesus, my great Savior. His blood washed away my sin and shame. Jesus died and was buried and arose again. Over death and the grave He won victory. He came to this world to seek and to save Poor lost sinners just like you and me. At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, And every tongue will confess Him one day To the glory of God, the Heavenly Father. "Jesus Christ is Lord!" each one will say. THE ANGELIC STRANGER Who knows what angel we shall meet in each stranger that we greet? Who knows what visage so divine from their face upon us shall shine? Help me Lord in each person to see Your loving eyes gazing upon me. Help me Lord from their lips to hear Your voice speaking plain and clear. And as You Lord in earthly guise reveal Yourself before our eyes please bless us both ere we part with life enriched and gladdened heart JESUS WILL RETURN There are promises in the Bible That bring peace to you and me. When we claim these promises, How very comforting they can be, One great and precious promise Is a glorious one we have heard. Christ Jesus will return one day. That is promised in God's Word. Comfort one another with the words, "Christ Jesus will surely return.!" Christians should love His appearing, For in the Scriptures, this we learn. Yes, Jesus Christ will come again "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye," At the last trump, when it shall sound, Believers will meet Him in the sky. "Come up hither" are comforting words. These are words Christians may hear. When Jesus calls His children home, That's a time of joy and not of fear. Will you meet Jesus up in the air? Have you accepted Him as your Savior? If not, please accept Jesus today, And stand justified in God's favor. THE RICH YOUNG RULER A young man came to Jesus Eternal life he sought He soon realized that nothing Was quite as he had thought He leaned on human reason and insight And so viewed not the things of God aright He approached with lowly reverence He called Christ good but then The Savior kindly reminded the man Only God is good and not men Of the Savior He had a superficial view Of Jesus' full Deity He was given a clue He knew not that he was helpless He knew not he was depraved He asked what things that he could do To be eternally saved With himself his hopes began and ended (such are very often by the cross offended) Jesus laid out the commands By which a man could be saved The man assured him that from birth He'd been very well behaved By His wicked heart he had been deceived He was perfectly righteous, or so he believed Jesus knew the man's true heart The covetousness inwrought He told him to sell all that he possessed And give to the poor as he ought He used the law to undeceive the man And spoil his vain self-righteous plan The man walked away offended Unable to live out God's law At least he now knew his standing In breaking one point he broke all We know not for sure if he ever came back But faithfully by Christ he was shown His true lack As Jesus watched him walk away The man's lost estate He lamented "How hardly shall the rich be saved" The Savior solemnly commented A camel may sooner pass through a needle's eye Than the rich should go to heaven by and by His followers stood in amazement Who then can be saved they cried "What things are impossible with men Are possible with God" Christ replied. Rich or poor, men to their efforts do cleave Until God in His purpose gives them grace to leave Oh sinner turn from your vain hopes You'll fare no better at all Than the rich young man in the Bible When tested and proved by the law Come away from self and all legal endeavors Trust Jesus alone and be saved forever THE CASTAWAY She came to Him, a woman cast away, Unclean, unloved - reached out to Him that day; For everything she touched became defiled, Each object, person, every friend and child. Abandoned now, no dignity or wealth, Her faith stretched out a trembling hand for health. She only touched His clothes, she dared not face This holy man of God in her disgrace, But hidden in the crowd no-one would know As healing came and stemmed the tainting flow. Then suddenly He spoke and turned about, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ he asked. She was found out. She had to face Him, trembling and afraid, And tell Him of the change that touch had made; Pour out the hurt and anguish of the years, Confess resentment, anger, cry her tears. 'Daughter,' he said 'your faith has made you whole' And blessed her with a peace that filled her soul. The Lord reached out in love to her that day And she felt precious - no more cast away. ASK Ask and it shall be given unto you Jesus is faithful and true. He waits for us to come to Him Ask forgiveness through Christ for sin. Seek and you shall find our living Savior while there is time. His Kingdom is not of this world Seek eternity find it in the Lord. Knock and it shall be opened unto you God will show you what to do. Trust in His word for it is true Knock Christ is the Door and waits for you. [Matthew 7: 7-8] PETER DO YOU LOVE ME? "Peter do you love me?" Jesus said to him that day. The Lord was so compassionate And tender in His way. Peter had denied him, “I do not know the man.” Now to restore him Jesus came And mercy was His plan. “Peter do you love me?” (For lack here was his sin) He asked him once, he asked him twice, He asked him yet again. “Lord you know I love you,” Sincerely Peter said, Then Jesus reconfirmed his call, By him sheep would be fed. No matter how you’ve fallen, No matter how you’ve sinned, Christ can reconfirm the call And show Himself your friend. FIGHT MY BATTLES It’s almost easy to forget about God, when life gives us the go around. When that drawn out battle leaves us feeling defeated and broken down. We get to the point of almost giving in to an unbelievers point of view. Talking about, “God why are you allowing this? What do you plan to do?” We put God behind us and try to achieve victory in our own name. And when we fail, we get angry and look at God to take the blame. When the struggle is overbearing, we revert to our pre-saved mentality. We rely on our own strength, and turn on Jesus like He’s the enemy. But, our enemy is not of this world, and our mind is the spiritual battlefield. And we can’t expect a victory when our best weapon is never revealed. Our natural battles are constantly being fought in the supernatural realm. Just because we can’t see it, we can trust that Jesus will never underwhelm. We have to remember to don the armor of God, whenever we feel surrounded. For when that day of evil comes, it is the only way we will ever feel grounded. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. And constantly ensure the breastplate of righteousness is securely placed. For the devil will attack from any direction and sometimes unexpectedly. But with proper use of the armor of God, in seven directions he must flee. Keep your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Preach the good news, reminding the devil he’s here on month to month lease. Take up the shield of faith, extinguishing the flaming arrows of the evil one. When properly raised up, our faith can cease an attack before its even begun. Keep the helmet of salvation secure, by faithfully following and obeying the Lord. And claim victory over the enemy daily by constantly meditating on God’s word. God’s word is truth, and lack of knowledge in it, can ultimately destroy us. So, by taking up the sword of the spirit, you can be nothing but victorious. Have faith like David, who showed up to Elah with only cheese and bread. Saying “the battle is the Lord’s,” he walked out of there with Goliath’s head. Have faith like Daniel did, when king Darius threw him into the lion’s den. Solely because he chose to pray to God, rather than bowing down to men. Increase your faith level to that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Who didn’t waiver when Nebuchwhatever was trying to play hot potato. Worship and praise Him, even write songs about Him like Miriam and Moses. When we choose to exalt Him, Heaven rejoices and hell progressively closes. The Lord is a warrior, and Lord is His name, and His business is destroying enemies. I mean, with a simple raise of His right hand, He just nonchalantly parts red seas. No matter what storms we go through, we must have an undefeated mindset. Because God has never lost a battle, and the devil will never be a threat. So, when the waves rise, don’t try to walk on that water by yourself. Turn to The Word that sits on a throne and not on a dusty bookshelf. Be a saint when it comes to Jesus, but be a beast when it comes to the devil. You can figuratively stomp him out, when you literally raise your faith level. Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God on a daily basis. Hunger for Jesus is the best way to regularly interrupt Satan's homeostasis. Put God back in front, following Him closely towards your destiny and victory. Towards a life of pure joy, confidence, wholeness, blessings, and prosperity. We are more than conquerors through Him, as stated in Romans 8 verse 37. So, convince yourself that no devil can separate you from our God in Heaven. Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:6-8; 10:9-10; 8:1; 4:6-8 STUFF The word "stuff" could be a verb, Or "stuff" could also be a noun. Stuff could be all our belongings, Or we can stuff our pillows with down. Achan took of the accursed things, And he hid it all under his stuff. Israel lost a battle; Achan lost his life. Coveting stuff can make things rough. In our lifetime, we collect stuff, And we place a value on each thing. We lay up treasures on this earth Such as a house, a car, or a ring. The Bible speaks of eternal treasures. Those treasures will last forever. Those things we do for Jesus Christ Will never fade away, no never. We lay up treasures on this earth Such as a house, a car, or a ring. LOOKING UP There are great and precious promises In the Word of God we can see. Jesus promised that He would return. That promise means so much to me. We are promised a special crown If Christ's appearing we do love. With joy, my eyes turn to the skies. I want to see Him come from above. That will be a happy, joyous reunion When friends and loved ones I'll see, But most of all I want to see Jesus Who shed his precious blood for me. So I will keep on looking upward And listening for that trumpet sound And hoping for Christ's soon return When my feet shall leave the ground. NOTHING NEW There's nothing new under the sun Wars are fought but never won Tyrants rise and rule and fall We chase the wind and wait death's call But while we breathe we feud for power Which cannot help but warp and sour We forfeit loved ones to gain wealth Which cannot purchase peace or health Hollow pleasures numb our pain Makeshift umbrellas for grief, the rain But thrills don't leave us satisfied Our troubled souls aren't pacified There's a time for everything A time to cry, a time to sing A time to die and to be born A time to laugh, a time to mourn Time can’t be slowed, it soldiers on Endless twilights, nights, and dawns Until the sun and moon go dark In tired eyes and waning hearts And when we pass, memory of us dims Few are evoked in poems or hymns Left to the living, our ghost and spoils The fruit of heavy sweat and toils Yet once we're gone, the earth still spins The seasons change and change again The sun still rises, hangs, and sets All this is vain, it's meaningless So take joy now while in your youth Enjoy your strength and search for truth In Him you'll find some muted bliss Like friendship, love, a baby's kiss A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR Jesus died for all and arose again. I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. I strive to serve my Lord everyday. I want to live within His favor. A vessel unto honor, I want to be, Fit for use by my Lord and King. I know I must keep a clean vessel If my best to my Master I bring. I can keep my vessel fit and clean If I give God first place everyday. With my life sanctified for His service, He can lead me each step of the way. I want to honor my Lord in my life, And may others see Jesus in me, So a vessel unto my Lord's honor Is what I strive everyday to be. BLESSINGS FOR OBEDIENCE No carvings of statues nor idols of stone; I am the Lord God to be bowed to alone. Remember my Sabbaths, they can't be ignored; revere where I'm worshiped for I am your Lord.​ If you will obey my decrees and commands, then I will send seasonal rains through your lands. The crops from the ground will produce such a yield, and trees will bear riches of fruit in your field. Your threshing will last till your grapes have been grown, your grape harvest lasting till grain has been sown. And you will eat all of the bread you can stand, while living both safe and secure in your land. I'll give the land peace so you'll lie down at night and sleep without trouble and worry or fright. The dangerous beasts -- I'll remove them for you; ​your land will not witness the sword passing through. Your enemies will be exhaustively chased, and they will be felled by the sword and laid waste. Five chasing a hundred, a hundred pursue ten thousand -- your enemies slain before you. My favor on you will make you multiply, confirming my compact between you and I. You still will be eating from last harvest's store, which you'll need to clear out to make room for more. Among you my dwelling place I will erect, and you, in my soul, will I never reject. And I'll walk among you -- be your God, divine; and you as a people will ever be mine. I am the Lord God, who from Egypt has saved and freed you from those who would keep you enslaved. I've broken the bars of the yoke that you wore and freed you to walk with head high evermore. SAVIOUR The Lord is my Savior, what more do I need when I am hungry on His Word, I feed. He renews my spirit, in the verses I read He calms my soul when to His ways I heed. Through I have troubles, I have nothing to fear for I know my Lord will always be near. He brings me relief, when I lean on His promise to lead me and guide me out of the darkness. He's preparing me a place, with His blood I'm anointed in Him, my joy overflows I'll not be disappointed. His justice and forgiveness, in my heart I will store until the day I meet Him on heaven's shore. The Lord is my Savior... what more do I need! Psalms 23 SIN IN THE CAMP We read in the Bible of Achan, Who committed the sin of greed. He took of the accursed thing And was guilty of a great misdeed. Achan saw the very lavish goods, And he coveted as he went, And took of the accursed thing, And hid it under his tent. Then Israel lost the battle When against Ai, she did go. There was truly sin in the camp, And this caused Israel's woe. Achan's sin was then uncovered, And he and his family were stoned. God had to judge sin in the camp, And this sin had to be atoned. Again Israel went against Ai. This time the battle was won. The accursed thing was removed, And God's judgment was done. Sometimes in our churches, Some members try to cover sin. That sin in the camp may hinder Blessings from flowing within. If we confess our sin to God, He is faithful to forgive. We can keep sin out of the camp As each day for Christ we live. THOU ART THE MAN Do we see the sins of others, But tend to ignore our own sin? Do we justify our shortcomings, But quickly condemn other men? King David was a great man, A man after God's own heart, But he sinned against Uriah, Failing to see his sinful part. God sent Nathan, the prophet. To David, this story was told. "A rich man stole a poor man's lamb." David said, "He'll restore fourfold." "King David, thou art the man!" This verdict the prophet did give. "God said that you will not die, But your new baby will not live." If you study the life of King David, You'll see his own judgment, he told. Through sorrowful losses in his life, You can say he was judged fourfold. David repented in great sorrow, But he still suffered because of sin. Sin always leaves its ugly scars, And sin will mar the lives of men. CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM So much fury from the hearts of men Men He created, again and again Repeated these words, screaming aloud Following their hearts, following the crowd What was the reason? Did anyone know? Undeserved hatred heightened each blow Beaten and bleeding, gashes of blood Burrowed into His skin echoing the THUD The thud of the cross shoved into the ground No one suspected that God was around Yes, God was around, right there and above Loving creation unworthy of love He knew what they'd say, the words they would yell The poison they'd spit from the gallows of Hell He knew their hearts, He saw their hate He carried the cross, He bore the weight The weight of the cross, and the weight of THEIR sin More than the gashes dug into His skin Like a Father whose children have all turned away More than the kiss of Judas did betray So, what about it friend? Do you scream and yell? One day all your words will certainly foretell Will you stand in the path of those facing loss? Or be cleansed by His blood that was shed on the cross.. FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE Behold the scene; it is serene, But sorrow is in the air. Friends and loved ones weep For Lazarus, a brother so fair. "Our brother died," Martha sighed, As she greeted her Master so dear. "You could have healed his body, If only You would have been here." "But I believe that You'll receive Of God whatsoever You pray." Jesus said, "Thy brother will rise." Said Martha, "Yes, at the last day." Then Martha heard her Master's word, And she forgot her sorrow and strife. Jesus turned to her and said, "I am the resurrection and the life." Then Jesus said, "Though he were dead, If one believes on Me, he shall live. Martha, believest thou this?" He asked. "Lord, I believe!" A reply she did give. Jesus neared the grave; it was in a cave. "Take away the stone," he said. "But Lord, he stinketh!" said Martha. "For four days he has been dead." There was a shout for him to come out. "Lazarus, come forth!" Jesus cried. Then came forth a living Lazarus, That man who had already died. He made no sound for he was bound. "Loose him and let him go!" Many Jews believed on Jesus that day. They said, "He's the Christ, we know!" If you believe, you will receive Salvation, the gift of God's love. Though you may die, you'll live again In that great Heavenly home above. THE ANGELS KEPT SILENT Away up the hillside My Savior was led. My humble Lord Jesus With thorns on his head. The angels above Looked down on His way; They kept silent as they Watched Him that day. They watched as the beam Was dropped in a hole. Wings trembled in rage And made thunder roll. Not long ago they watched Above where he lay. They rejoiced as the Savior Was placed in the hay. This time they watched silent, They did not rejoice; They did not echo in Any harmonic voice. Did they wait in their legions, A single word to be said? One word to prompt a rescue Archangel led. Did they know this way was God's eternal plan? From the spear in His side To the spikes in His hands. The angels kept silent As He cried 'It is done.' Did they weep as if The enemy had just won? As the Messiah was placed into the grave, Did they comprehend the plan For human souls to save? Three days passed as they Watched the stony place. The death shroud then fell They looked upon His face. Heaven could no longer Hold back their voice; Their silence was broken In harmonic rejoice. Hallelujah! He is risen! He has risen from the dead! He is alive! He is alive! Just as He said! Death has no victory, Death has no sting! For Christ is alive He's the everlasting King! JESUS DIED IN OUR STEAD "Should I release unto you Jesus?" Pilate asked the Jews that day. "Crucify Him!" Crucify Him!" He heard the angry crowd say. "According to your Passover custom, One prisoner should be released." "Release the prisoner, Barabbas For this Jewish Passover feast." Now Barabbas was a sinful robber, But to his freedom, he was led. They took the sinless Son of God And crucified Him in his stead. We are all like unto Barabbas. We are each one guilty of sin, And the wages of sin is death, But Jesus died for all men. Our sins condemn us to Hell. By Jesus our sin debt was paid. He died and shed His blood for us. In a tomb, His body was laid. Praise God! On the third day, Jesus arose from the grave! If you put your trust in Him, Your soul, Jesus can save! THEY WATCHED HIM THERE "Sitting down, they watched Him there" As Jesus was crucified that day. They watched our sinless, holy Savior Die in an agonizing, horrible way. They watched that crown of thorns As it pierced His aching brow so deep. They watched soldiers pierce his sides. They watched His loving mother weep. They watched His precious blood flow From Christ's hands and His feet too As He said, "Father forgive them For they know not what they do." They watched the day turn to darkness As our Savior cried out in agony. He cried loudly, "My God, My God, Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" They watched as Christ Jesus died Upon that old cruel rugged tree. They watched the holy Savior die For our salvation, full and free. I wonder if any of those watching Trusted in the Lord Jesus that day. They watched as He shed His blood, And many sadly turned Him away. A TABLE IN THE WILDERNESS The Israelites were in bondage Four-hundred years in Egypt land. Then God brought them all out With His great almighty hand. God desired to lead His people Into a promised land so sublime, But they doubted God and murmured On their trip from time to time. They questioned God's great power. They asked, "Is God really able In this great, vast wilderness To furnish food for our table?" Even though they doubted God, In His great infinite love, He sent them much tasty manna, His special food from above. How about our faith, Christian. Isn't our great God also able To supply every one of our needs And to furnish food for our table? Let us not doubt God's promises. Let us have faith and believe. God is able to supply our needs. Ask, believe, and you'll receive. THE EMPTY CROSS The cross is where it was finished, And the cross is where it began. The blood Jesus shed was necessary- Without His shedding there was no hope for man. Adam failed to do what was required, As he sat and watched Eve that day. listen to the lies of Satan, As she gave their authority away. Adam had the authority to stop her He could have run the devil off. God provided the needed weapon Adam's failure was the world's loss. Adam yielded his authority All he had to do was say. Satan. you have no right in our garden, Take your lies and go away. Down through the ages, Man has struggled while on earth, But Jesus took away the struggle When He gave us a new birth. The new birth is for the taking All you have to do is ask. But too many people are like Adam: To speak is too big a task. So now the cross is empty It served its purpose well. You can ask for forgiveness Or spend eternity in hell. THOU MY MOST HIGH Oh, Thou my most High, dearest Father up above I praise Your Holy name and rejoice in Your love. My heart, in its wholeness, offers its deepest respect for Your tender mercies which defend and protect. In my life I have seen, works formed by Your hand You're my Rock of salvation onto which I faithfully stand. My heart is full of gladness, my lips sing thankful praise each day that You bring me my song to You I will raise. Oh, Thou my most High, who's throne I do praise forever I will follow You for, marvelous are Your ways! Psalm 9:1-2 King James Version "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High" BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD For years, many animals were sacrificed To make atonement for the sins of men, For truly, without the shedding of blood, There cannot be any remission of sin. John the Baptist introduced Jesus. "Behold the Lamb of God," he said. "He takes away the sins of the world." By Jesus, His disciples were led. The disciples of Jesus followed Him. They believed He was God's Son. They forsook all and followed Him, And he was only betrayed by one. Yes, behold the holy Lamb of God! He shed His blood for you and for me. He arose from death and the grave, And from sin, He can set us free. Behold the Savior, the Lamb of God! Accept Him as your Savior today. Trust Him for your eternal salvation. Follow Jesus! He's the only Way. ASHES TO BEAUTY One day all of our sorrows, will turn from ashes into beauty for Jesus will come again . . . fulfilling His last anointed duty. He will raise the truly penitent, from their fallen, sinful state the poor in spirit He'll elevate all the way to heaven's gate. The brokenhearted will see, their painful wounds bound up their worries will be silenced by the grace held in His cup. He'll set the remorseful free, from the chains of their sin as the yoke of guilt and shame no longer, pierces from within. All those who have made Jesus, the Lord and Master of their life will not be judged or condemned nor be damned for their past strife. He'll comfort all who've mourned, for He has gathered up their tears their ashes will turn into His beauty and His glory ~ will calm their fears! Isaiah 61:3 King James Version "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes,the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;that they might be called trees of righteousness,the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." THE PERFECT LAMB OF GOD Jesus was God in the flesh When He dwelt upon this earth. He was God as well as man, Though He had a lowly birth. Jesus came in the form of man, Yet He was totally divine. He was born into a family. Judah's ancestry was His line. Jesus was tempted by Satan In all points like we are, Yet He never, ever sinned. He had no spot, blemish, or mar. He was the perfect Lamb of God, For Jesus Christ knew no sin, But for us He died on a cross And took on Him the sins of men. I am so very, very thankful That God so loved even me And sent His only Son to die For my salvation, full and free. HOLD YOUR PEACE The Israelites were in bondage In Egypt for four-hundred years. They served cruel taskmasters, Through suffering, pain, and tears. God used Moses to deliver them From hard-hearted Pharaoh's hold. Leaving Egypt, they camped by the sea. A fearful sight, they did behold. The Israelites lifted up their eyes To see Egyptians following them. "We will die in the wilderness!" Their future really looked dim. Moses gave them this Godly advice: "Fear ye not." He said, "Stand still And see the salvation of the Lord. Today you will see it! You will!" "The Lord shall fight for you, And ye shall hold your peace." The Lord told Moses to tell them To go forward and do not cease. God told Moses to take his rod And stretch it over the Red Sea. "My people shall walk on dry land, But the Egyptians shall follow thee." Moses then obeyed the Lord God, And the waters rolled into a heap. There was dry ground to walk upon Instead of the Red Sea so deep. The Egyptians tried to follow, But Moses stretched forth his rod, And the waters rolled back in place By the hand of our almighty God. The Egyptians who followed them Were drowned that very same day. God fought the battle for Israel Just like prophet Moses did say. Some things you can do for yourself. Christian, some things you cannot do. Sometimes you should hold your peace And let God fight the battle for you. A JOURNEY TO BETHANY AND BACK To Bethany, a village the Lord often came Where two ladies of much beauty and fame Lived and loved him as friend with friend In loving sought he to know and understand How precious they were to his loving heart And with their brother they stood apart Martha and Mary their names are known Sisters to Lazarus, who are his own But death came knocking on their door one day When their Lord was busy and far away With tender messages the ladies sent word That Lazarus was ill and so he heard And knowing the better his Father’s intent Tarried a while longer before he went And in the span of two days of his wait The man he loved thus suffered his fate Against the dangers that before him lay The Lord Jesus to Lazarus made way Although many wondered at his going For they knew that death had no undoing As news of his coming to Martha came She ran to meet him to proclaim That her brother would have yet been alive If early he had come to heal and revive Yet he to his beloved friend he thus spoke As the truth of the matter to her he broke “I am the resurrection and the life” he said “Men believing shall live forever instead.” “Messiah!” she thus called upon his name Her faith in the Lord Jesus anew became Thereafter bade she her sister to him go As Mary in haste made her way to him so Before the Lord she fell at his feet For her brother wept she to entreat And it came upon Jesus in that hour The bitter truth of death’s dark power As trouble and sorrow gripped his breast And tears of anguish by love so blest Streamed from his eyes pure and swift As so moved his heart to heaven uplift Thus Jesus raised his voice above to pray The tomb-blackened stone was rolled away Calling his friend, “Lazarus, come out!” Amidst the gathering unbelief and doubt Over the crowd an unspoken silence lay For none could imagine what saw they With graveclothes on him wrapped round Lazarus awoke from death unbound The conqueror of death did death defeat Yet while the victory was fast and sweet Before him loomed a shadow that cast A veil over his joy that was not to last For unto him would come the final hour When he would be subject to its power In the cross his mortal fate was sealed Until the day his glory would be revealed For Lazarus was but raised for a while Unbeknownst to the serpent’s guile The greater hand had the Lord to win To rescue the perishing world from sin Crushing beneath him with death the twain Endured the wrath of God and pain Of cross and nails pierced him to bear A twisted crown of thorns to wear Would death’s power over him hold sway? Would darkness triumph the light of day? For the final victory by Christ was wrought Beyond all man’s conceiving and thought He wrested from death its sceptre by hand And plucked the immortal burning brand While in flaming its fire shall consume not Eternally its beacon shines bright and hot Thereafter is for all men thus found the light Through faith in Christ Jesus, not by sight Purchased our salvation for all the ages Resurrection life through eternal pages In death a hope beyond the grave In living to us new life he gave Through mortality immortality is born Unworthy men the crown of life to adorn DAVID AND BATHSHEBA Nathan’s inspired and Spirit driven dart had convicted David and pierced his heart. “Oh what a wretched man I am, ” he cried, “That because of my lust a man has died.” God then said, “I anointed you as king and gave you land, power and everything.” In anguish and with despair David cried, “Oh, Lord my God, Your wrath is justified.” “I confess my transgression and iniquity in your great love please have mercy on me.” “For I’ve sinned and done evil in your sight, and the things that I have done were not right.” David was a man after God’s own heart but he’d slipped badly after a great start, and ‘though he had fasted, pleaded and cried, his son by Bathsheba fell ill and died. The things David had done displeased the Lord and divided his kingdom by the sword. But he confessed to God and everyone and we see what he said in Psalm 51. Read on in the Bible and you will see God forgave David of his iniquity. But it’s a terrible web that we weave When we start to plot or plan to deceive. A DAY TO SHOW LOVE Some people think Valentine's Day Is just silly in every way. Some think it is for stores To make more money on that day. Whatever your sentiments are, You must admit it is nice To show love to special ones, Even if there is a price. Red roses stand for love, And candy says, "You're sweet!" So give her roses and candy And sweep her off her feet. God showed us His great love In a very special way When He gave His only Son To die on Crucifixion Day. Jesus died for our sins. He arose from the grave. He shed His precious blood, So He our souls could save. VAIN JANGLE Paul warned Timothy about Teachers who had turned aside. They forsook true doctrine In their ungodly pride. It seems there were those who Hindered the Gospel of Christ, Even though for their sins, Christ, as a lamb was sacrificed. They desired to teach the law Rather than free redemption of sin. They turned aside to "vain jangling," Like discordant sounding men. Are we guilty of "vain jangling," Instead of witnessing for our Savior? Do we chatter meaningless talk? Does our faithfulness to Christ waiver? When every opportunity comes, Let's witness for our great Lord. Let us put away "vain jangling." In Heaven we'll receive our reward. HE GIVETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP Sometimes we want to fret When we cannot fall asleep. Perhaps someone asked you, "Why don't you just count sheep?" Has counting imaginary sheep Really ever worked for you? Just try talking to the Shepherd. Then let Him talk to you. You can talk to the Shepherd When to the Lord you pray, And when you read God's Word, You'll know what He doth say. When you really cannot sleep, Try praying for a little while. The Lord can give you comfort. Then fall asleep with a smile. HEAVEN CAME DOWN Heaven came down and hope touched the earth In human form a new baby's birth Mother embracing the only Son of God To walk among us on this earthly sod. Small little fingers held his mother's hand Would someday heal our desperate land Counting each baby finger, each baby toe Not knowing someday they'd let him go. They bore witness to the purest of light Surrounded by Angelic Presence so bright In heavenly rapture they sang of great joy Has come to the earth as a new baby boy Music enveloped in harmonic rejoice Melodies flowing from the purest of voice Written long ago in the scripture was laid Hope restored Faith in the promises made The promise packaged in complete sacrifice The perfect gift willing to lay down his life Peace on earth we whole heartedly proclaim Our songs and our faith to His Holy name. BIND UP THEIR WOUNDS We witness in silent horror As we watch the news unfold We hold our breath and wait As our blood runs cold We can't fathom what we hear We try to make some sense We cry out for the families Who have lost their innocence. Where is God some ask As the final beat of hearts? Where was He that day When the lives fall apart? Where was the guardian angels? When innocence was slain What could be the purpose Of such horrific pain? God was in the heartbreak He was there with the tears He was there with each teacher Calming the children's fears He was there with the officers As His coat was draped On a shivering child Wishing it was a mistake He is with a town In shock and disbelief Wondering if they ever Will again feel joy's relief He is there hands reaching As the nation falls apart Waiting and longing To be welcomed in each heart He was with the many teachers Who guarded with their lives And protected little ones Telling them to hide their eyes He was there beside each of us As we put into perspective What our needs really are He caused us to be reflective For some will be lives empty And we have a choice to make Look at the needs of others Or to decide just to take. Carried on angelic wings Are each and every tear To the throne of God Who now holds them near. Psalms 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. DO GOOD TO OTHERS A man was hired to build a house Of the best materials he could buy, But in order to make more money, He bought materials of inferior ply. He cut corners whenever he could. He thought, "The owner won't know That I did not do a very good job," For on the outside, it didn't show. He finished building the house, And no one could really see a flaw. The buyer came to take a view, And he was pleased with what he saw. Then the buyer said to the builder, "I am glad you built it so well, For I discovered you needed a house. It is for you; it's not for sale. The builder looked very surprised, And he groaned down deep inside, For he remembered what was beneath That the very nice siding did hide. Do good toward all others, indeed, As for yourself, you would do. You can never know when this good Could come back and bless even you. SERVICE FOR CHRIST IS ETERNAL Do we trust in temporal things, Those things that we can see, Or trust in things we cannot see, Which will last through eternity? Many put their faith in money And the joys that it can bring. Those joys last but for a season, For money is a temporal thing. All the riches of this world Will someday just fade away, But what we do for our Lord Throughout eternity will stay. Let us trust in Jesus Christ. He can save us from our sin. Then we can witness for Jesus, So lost souls we can try to win. Do not trust in temporal things That will certainly fade away. The things we do for Jesus Christ Are eternal, and they will stay. WHY I AM THANKFUL Why am I thankful, let me count the ways and the first one is because I trust Jesus with all my days. I am thankful for His love, for forgiving me my sin I am thankful for the Holy Spirit who dwells and lives within. I am thankful for His mercy, His endless supply of grace I am thankful that He knows the contour of my face. I am thankful for His truths, that keep me on the narrow path I am thankful that I will not know the full measure of His wrath. I am thankful for His peace, the calm that surrounds me I am thankful for His hope that once blinded eyes can see. Why am I thankful, I cannot count all the ways but for these and so many more I give Him all my praise. May our Lord and Savior be your reason to be thankful . . . This Thanksgiving Day and everyday! Amen and Amen CONTEMPLATING THE LORD'S PRAYER O Lord, holy is Your Name! As one of Your many children, my inheritance I openly claim. Willingly I lift my voice in praise, thankful for Your new mercies and the warmth of the sun's rays. With genuineness of heart and a simplicity of words, I desire for Your kick start... to begin this glorious day, as I'm covered with blessings, and faith's fragrant bouquet! Forgive me of my ignorance and lack of spiritual understanding, when I kneel before Your Presence. Teach me Lord about true forgiveness; etch its precepts into my heart; allow me to remain covered by thy holiness. Bathe me with divine inspiration, and cover me with Your Essence, before I embrace… death's cremation. Thanks for meeting my earthly needs; keep me focused on right priorities and spreading your Word's holy seed. Help me share my poetic story and touch the lives of others, until I reach... Heaven's glory. Matt 6:9-13 REMEMBER THE QUAKING ASPEN I was visiting another state When I saw an unusual tree. A more interesting tree, I will probably never see. The slightest breeze can blow, And its leaves begin to shake. When other trees stand steady, This tree just seems to quake. It is called a quaking aspen. It shakes on just a whim. It seems so very unsettled In every branch and limb. Are we like quaking aspens? Do we lack deep peace within? Does a slight issue upset us? Over all chaos, can we win? Let us turn to God for peace. He can place it in our hearts, Even when Satan unsettles us With his wiles and evil darts. Remember the quaking aspen When you're in a nervous way. May God give us needed peace Every hour of every day. HIS WONDROUS WORKS When I visited the mountains, My heart was filled with awe. Such majesty of God's creation I confess I never, ever saw! Then I visited Niagra Falls. In its beauty, I did delight! Mere words cannot describe That wondrous beautiful sight! God's beauty is all around us, But it is hard for you and me To realize the glory and majesty In God's wondrous works we see. Let us take time to meditate On the wondrous works of God. Let's get a glimpse of His glory As in this busy world we trod. THE GREATEST GIFT I heard someone say one day, "The best things in life are free." When I pondered this statement, I said, "I really must agree." You cannot buy loyalty or trust. You cannot buy joy and peace, And devoted love and affection You cannot buy or even lease. Eternal life is a great free gift, For salvation, you cannot buy. Neither can you buy a mansion That Jesus has prepared on high. Yes, salvation is free to us, But Jesus Christ paid it all. You can receive this free gift If upon Jesus, you will call. If you do not have this gift, Consider receiving it today. Trust in Jesus, the Savior, For He is the true and only way. MR. MIRAN AND HIS RICHES Mr. Miran was a wealthy man, And he had no need for God. He lived to accumulate riches As upon this earth he trod. Mr. Miran began to lose weight, And he did not feel so well. Even though he took his meds, His health continued to fail. They put him in the hospital. Would those tests ever cease? Then came the final diagnosis. "Sir, you have a fatal disease." Mr. Miran went to other doctors, Getting second opinions and more, But they all said the same thing As all the doctors said before. Then he went to other countries, Even to villages remote and obscure. He thought, "With all my money, I should be able to find a cure." He came home feeling defeated. He called a Christian doctor friend. "What you need," said the doctor, "Is to get ready to meet the end." "But can't you pray to your God Like the preachers do on the TV For God to heal this sickness? It would mean so much to me!" "Sir, I can pray for your body, But you need to consider your soul. Your soul will go on forever As the many, many ages roll." Finally Mr. Miran understood That his money he loved so well Could not heal his sick body Or save his sinful soul from Hell. That day Mr. Miran humbled himself And dropped down on his knees. He trusted in Jesus, the Savior, As he made his sincere humble pleas. His disease went into remission, And he lived many more happy years. He accumulated spiritual riches, Giving God his heartaches and fears. ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED A murderer was sitting on death row. Being a lost sinner, to Hell he'd go. He accepted Christ on bended knee, So accepted in the Beloved is he. A dying man repented of his sin. He asked Jesus to save him then. "I'm on my way to Heaven," said he. He's accepted in the Beloved, you see. The meanest man in town got saved. He repented of the way he had behaved. He'll go to Heaven one day; it's true. He is accepted in the Beloved too. A little girl, just seven years-old Trusted Jesus to save her, I was told. One day in Heaven, this one I'll see, For accepted in the Beloved is she. God sent His Son to this earth below To die on a cross for sin, you know. If we trust Him to wash away our sin. We are accepted in the Beloved then. HIS PROMISES NEVER CHANGE Here in our beloved nation, Many changes are taking place. People are uneasy and unsure About the future they will face. We worry about the price of gas And our doctor bills and such, And when we go to do our shopping, Everything seems to cost too much. Immoral behavior is widely accepted In our ever changing society today. Even some who have held to the faith Have unfortunately gone astray. When around us, chaos sadly reigns, Christians can stedfastly endure. God will supply our every need Because His promises are very sure. Jesus Christ, our Lord, is the same Yesterday, today, and forever. His Word still stands unchanged. He never breaks promises! Never! THE PERFECT TEACHER I have had teachers I have loved, And I remember each one so well, But none of them were perfect, Though they did their job so swell. There is one perfect teacher. In case you have never heard, He is the great almighty God. He instructs us in His holy Word. Let us read and study the Bible. God's Word, let's not forsake. His holy instructions are perfect. God never, ever makes a mistake. God is the perfect instructor. He gives perfect instructions too. Let's obey His everlasting Word. His Word is holy, pure, and true! ALL DAY WITH MY LORD I greet my Lord in the morning As I arise from bed once more. I thank Him for another day As my feet rest on the floor. I pray to Him for guidance As I start another day anew. I ask Him to direct my path In all that I say and do. I ask for a fresh new filling Of the Holy Spirit's power. I know that I will need it As I face each waking hour. I call upon Him frequently As I work throughout the day. He is always, ever available, For He is with me to stay. I cannot lead like Moses, Nor can I preach like Paul, But my Lord can use me also When upon Him I will call. When each long day is over, And the dark shadows creep, I ask Him to watch over me While I lie down to sleep. ASSEMBLE WITH THE SAINTS I'm trying to think of an excuse To stay home from church today. My bed feels soft and so cozy, And here I would like to stay. My ox could be in the ditch, But I really don't own an ox, And even my newborn kittens Are safe and secure in a box. "I feel really sick today," Always a good excuse to use. "My feet are swollen so much I just cannot put on my shoes." Then way down deep within, The Holy Spirit speaks to me. "My child, through any excuse Your Heavenly Father can see." "He sent Jesus, His only Son To die on the cross for you. You can assemble with the saints. That's the least that you can do." I feel oh so very unworthy Of God's mercy and His grace. I will get up and go to church With a big smile on my face. WHEN JESUS SPOKE THE WORD The centurion loved his servant Who had the palsy, suffering much. The centurion came to Jesus To ask for His healing touch. The centurion had great faith That if Jesus, a word would speak, His servant would be healed, And this healing, he did seek. Jesus heard him and marvelled At the centurion's faith, you see. Jesus told him, "Go thy way. This shall be done for thee." When he checked on his servant, Then the good news he heard. His beloved servant was healed When Jesus spoke the word. Jesus' words are in the Bible. We can read them every day. Faith cometh by reading His word. Let's read our Bibles and pray. IT IS WRITTEN In the volume of the book it is written It is written in the Word of God. I delight to do His will... for the prophesy's fulfilled. It is written in the Word of God. By His mercy and His grace it is written. It is written in the Word of God. He provides the cleansing flood. I am saved by His Own Blood. Itis written in the Word of God. In the days of trying times it is written It is written in the Word of God. It is finished. It is done. God has spoken by His Son. It is written in the Word of God. GOD'S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION A department of correction Is provided by our state To monitor all the citizens, Who have probation as their fate. God has His own department Of correction, as you know, To keep His children in line As they struggle here below. It's called the chastening rod. God uses it when it is needed, When His children fall in sin, And His rules they haven't heeded. He has angelic messengers, Who act as parole officers here, And when Christians go astray, Chastening will come, I fear. Just remember, dear Christian, Whom God loves, He chastens too, So let's avoid the chastening rod By obeying what we should do. GOD'S WAITING ROOM In God's waiting room... I sometimes have to stay at first I don't understand the reasons for His delay. But while I am in there, it becomes obvious to me and He shows me why I have to wait and see. He wants me to learn, how to depend just on Him and my pride and conceit He has to pare and trim. He uses this waiting time, for me to focus on His face so that I can experience the full measure of His grace. He wants my every thought, to be centered on His peace though He takes His time His love for me doesn't cease. He wants me to understand, that waiting has its due season and soon I will gather and reap the answers to His reason. In God's waiting room... I've learned about delay and now I understand how to trust Him every day! Psalm 27:14 King James Version "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." COME UP HITHER One day Jesus will return To take His children home. Sorrow, woe, and pain will end, And no more in sin we'll roam. "Come up hither!" He may say, As we meet Him in the air. That long awaited trumpet sound Will greet us with its blare. "Come up hither!" are the words I think that we will then hear. Whether alive or dead in Christ, We will meet our Savior so dear. In Revelation, to the two witnesses As they ascended to Heaven in a cloud, He commanded, "Come up hither," In a voice from Heaven so loud! "Come up hither!" Such exiting words, With comfort and welcoming cheer. We'll be drawn up like a magnet To our great Lord and Savior so dear! MY DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE I declare my dependence on God, For I need Him each and every hour. My Lord is the God of my salvation. He is my shield and my high tower. I declare my dependence on God. In Him I do trust; He is my rock. The Lord is my good Shepherd. I am blessed to be in His flock. I declare my dependence on God. I want to live within His favor. He sent Jesus, His Son to die for me, And I accepted Him as my Savior. I declare my dependence on God. He gives me strength every day. With Christ, I can do all things. He guides me each step of the way. THE FINAL REUNION As you my dear family are now seated in place I wish you could see all the joy on my face I am pain free, I'm happy, I'm surrounded by love To her family she whispers from portals above Heaven is wonderful, It is a glorious place I wish you could see it, I wish you could taste Up here now with Jesus, I and others await For our family reunion inside Heaven's Gate Make sure that you know Him, make sure you are His Because Heaven is real, and my loved ones, He Lives! HIS POOR PITIFUL LAMB It's not the first time I've felt like this And I can't promise it will be the last But I'm sinking Lord, please help me I'm going down for the third time fast I know just how it started With neglect for your Word and Prayer And now I feel so far from you I can't see or hear you anywhere My heart cries out Lord help me Though I've wandered You know where I am And He reaches down to pick me up His poor little pitiful lamb I don't deserve His mercy Or the grace that He gives so free But He restores full fellowship When I pray dear God forgive me Perhaps you are feeling so lonely You've strayed and can't find your way home And you think that God doesn't love you That He's left you to make it all alone But deep in your heart you are crying Lord help me is your silent prayer If you reach out your hand, believing in faith You'll find that He's right there Let your heart cry out Lord help me Though I've wandered you know where I am And He'll reach right down to pick you up His poor little pitiful lamb SISTER PHEBE Paul wrote letters to churches dear That he helped to start far and near. He was in prison for taking a stand, Preaching Jesus throughout the land. Sometimes in letters, he would name Saints in churches who were of no fame. He saluted some, and he greeted others, Mentioning Godly sisters and brothers. "My Sister Phebe, I commend unto you. In Cenchrea's church, a servant true. Romans, receive her in the Lord, indeed. Assist her in whatever she will need." "Phebe has assisted me and also others, Helping so many sisters and brothers." Of Phebe, Paul had nice things to say. She had lived her life in a Godly way. Phebe never knew that in the Bible pages, Her name would stay throughout the ages. O Christian, like Phebe, to God be true, So others can easily see Jesus in you. YOU'RE SPECIAL One can't help but notice Your bright and shiny eyes They seem to shout, Hey, Jesus lives And friend, for you He died You have God's touch of gentleness You're concerned for those astray And you strive to give your very best As you serve Him day by day MY BIBLE At times when I feel oh so low I clutch my bible near At times when I am oh so scared My bible is so dear And then, there's times when I am glad And my bible shouts with praise But regardless of the way I feel I will read it all my days For it to me was given By my Lord who waits above It is filled with all His Holiness His might and special love Through saints I see His precious face And feel His arms of love But face to face I'll see my Lord When He takes me home above BESEECHING THEE Dare I to make one small request From such a hand as Thine When I have trampled Heaven's best And drank the sinner's wine? The folly of my sinful heart Is never hid from Thee Thou knowest every secret part Yet lovest tenderly Should I reserve from Heaven's own The best that I can bring? Nay, yet I bow before Thy throne With humble offering Pleasure dies and then the man And man returns to dust Thou, my God and Thou alone Art all that I can trust Though man is like a fleeting breath His day like fading grass Thou wilt keep each one through death As from this life we pass Dare I to make one small request From such a God as Thee? Nay, but to ask Thy righteousness To work its will in me LET US LOVE Let us not love in idle words, that simply roll off our tongues. Let us love in truthful actions, and deeds that are left unsung. Let us not love with conditions, that requires more of another. Let us love in a forgiving measure, bracing and lifting up each other. Let us not love over factors, that causes us to clash and fight. Let us love with assuring hearts, filled with joy and His delight. Let us not love in competition, that causes one to win or to lose. Let us love with honest declarations, His truth be in the terms we choose. Let us not love with a lofty heart, that brings or puts another down. Let us love with hope and bold faith, so others can see the truth we've found. Let us love with pure, honest deeds, so our conduct awes and inspires; another's life to turn to our Lord, for that is what His heart desires. Philippians 2: 1-3 DON'T BOAST ABOUT TOMORROW Don't boast about tomorrow, or brag about today. Don't plan your course of action, or go off in your own way. Don't say I will do this, or try a little bit of that. Don't show off your deeds, or give yourself a pat. For arrogance to the Lord, is really just a sin. And for all that you accomplish, without Him, you'll never win. But if you seek God's will first, He will lead you from there on. For your life is but a vapor, ...and one day... you'll vanish and be gone! James 4: 13-17 A DEADLY WEAPON The tongue is a deadly weapon, we use it for our own gain. Like an arrow, we shoot it off, to inflict on others a taste of pain. Gossip is just another way, for us to hit our intended mark. The lies we choose to project, leaves not a soul in the dark. With bitter words and acid talk, the tongue will bend and sway. But rest assured my prattling friend, our words will return to us one day. The busybody likes to spin their tales, into stories that are somewhat true. It only takes another gossipmonger, to make the rumors stick like glue. The idle tongue loosely jabbers, while it travels on scandals quest. Telling all those who will listen, "I need to get something off my chest." The bitter arrows fly at will, and know the target that's in their sight. For the lying lips behind the gossip, don't care if they are wrong or right. It is true the tongue holds great power, it can bring about life or even death. So tame it while you still can, or learn to hold your bloody breath. James 3:8 "But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." REFLECTIONS OF MY CREATOR The sun bounces beautiful off the golden fields of fall And angels sing harmonious when the night birds start to call There are rivers gushing glorious as if they were called breathtakingly beautiful and I am totally enthralled The earth flaunts the wonders of their maker and their king And Jesus I adore You more than all of these Things Creation reflects your goodness and shouts of your great glory May my tongue and ink also forever live to tell your story TONGUES OF FIRE What sounded like a roaring wind shook the room they gathered in imagine shock and great surprise when tongues of fire was their prize They now proclaimed His glory loud which drew a large and boisterous crowd amazed that they could understand God praised in language from their land They wondered what those had consumed at 9 A.M. throughout that room so Peter stood to set them straight a gospel story to relate About the Man they crucified who paid for all the day He died then rose to conquer death and sin appeared to many and their kin Those hearts were pierced like right away three thousand added just that day and many more would follow soon thanks to the fire in that room Now if there is a lesson here please hear my plead which is sincere the Spirit moves in power still when we find worshiping a thrill Then boys and girls will prophesy old men dream dreams before they die the young see visions that are clear both slave and free will be drawn near A people renewed by tongues of flame will shake a church that had it tame and we'll proclaim Jesus is Lord when greater works have been restored MASKS In my bedroom drawer neatly tucked away What mask to church will I wear today There are four from which I have to choose But today I'll wear the one that hides the Blues My Smiley mask I've nearly worn out It hides so well my fears and doubts My Spiritual mask works like a jewel It hides me when I've been mean and cruel The mask I call my Ace in the hole Hides me when my heart is cold Sometimes I wish others could see Right past the mask and into me And help me find my way back home To God's dear arms from whence I've roamed But others seem to do so well My failures I wouldn't dare to tell Then the question to myself I ask I wonder if they too wear a mask THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH We need to pray everyday And avoid appearance of sin. We need to study the Bible And witness for souls to win. Following Biblical commands Requires much faith, we see. "The just shall live by faith," We see in Galatians, chapter three. We know that without faith, It is impossible to please God. With faith, we can move mountains As on this earth we trod. We know that faith will come When we hear God's holy Word. We cannot build up our faith If the Word we've never heard. Do we live our life by faith? For Jesus, do we stand true? "The just shall live by faith!" Have faith; God will bless you! ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY Salvation is a gift that is free. It's not by righteous works we do. According to His mercy, He saves us. Jesus shed His blood for me and you. Though we are so very unworthy, God sent His only Son to earth To be the sacrifice for our sins. Accept Him and have a new birth. Our great God is a God full of mercy. We don't deserve blessings He bestows, But He blesses us beyond measure. We fall short of His mercy, He knows. The Lord has done so much for us. We should serve Him until we die. We need to be led by the Holy Spirit. His presence can always be nigh. According to His mercy, He saves us. Let us give Him thanks and praise! Then face to face with our Savior, We can thank Him one of these days. YOU SAID GO YE Lord, into all the world You told your disciples to go. You want the Gospel spread Throughout this earth below. You sent your Son to die On that cross on Calvary. He shed His precious blood. From sin, He can set us free. Here I am, dear Savior. I am willing to go for Thee. A blood-bought willing servant, I really want my life to be. Lord Jesus, show me Your will. Lead me by Your nail-scarred hand. I will even be willing to go Overseas to a foreign land. If it's not Your will to send me To a land far across the sea, Then I am still willing serve You. At home, Your witness I will be. NO, NOT EVEN ONE Her heart was filled with lust, her spirit was broken down she was sought by the men who lived althrough her town. She lived her life in darkness, she knew she would be stoned yet, she carried on in her sin till her secret was made known. They caught her red handed, right in the sinful act and they brought her to Jesus with all the details of the fact. They asked Him to judge her, to indict her for her sin they called Him their Master in hopes a ruling they would win. He knew she was an adulterous, and told the blood thirsty crowd so then He said, "You without sin" go ahead and cast the first throw. They caught her in her sin, they saw the crime she had done but they could not condemn her no not even one! John 8: 7 "So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." LUKE 15-THE PRODIGAL AND THE ROAD TO EGYPT The Prodigal was a restless man Who turned aside from God's best plan To walk the road of fleshly pleasure Squandering his inherited treasure. He spent freely on all his friends Until his money came to an end. By following plans of his own design He found himself a herder of swine. Dirty, dusty, hungry and hot, He realized now that he was not Living the truths his father taught But a victim of Satan's devious plot. "My father's servants live better than me. I will go home a servant to be. I will seek my father's favor; Then as a servant, faithfully labor." The father in love watched from afar For His son who followed the wandering star. He ran to meet him with warm embrace Extending his love and healing grace. If you have been down the Egyptian Road Heed the truth the Scripture has told. Come bow your head and bend your knee To the only One who can set you free. Remember the faithfulness of your God; Forsake this path upon which you trod. Return to the One whose love is true; He will restore the joy you once knew. Come to the altar of surrender Admit you are a spiritual pretender. Today if you hear the Spirit call Come kneel before God; give Him your all. DAVID VS. GOLIATH A giant came to challenge a small boy that turned a king His name was Goliath but David came prepared with a sling he went to a stream and pulled out five stones but he only needed one, he had faith in God alone he stood up to the giant, everyone else was scared the giant looked upon David as the battle prepared This is but a boy who you send to fight against all odds surely there is someone else to fight with the strength of gods Perhaps a man built as strong as an ox Why do you bring this small boy with a sling and bag of rocks The giant stood ready as David threw his sling the stone hurled into the air as Goliath laughed, this is a king David never doubted that his shot would hit the giants head and down would fall Goliath, as viewers looked upon the dead the dead man that a small boy had defeated was fearless and defiant everyone who looked upon was in awe of the death of this giant David prevailed by the strength and power of God's might yet the giant was persistent to victory with all despite despite the heavy favor was the giant who stood tall as viewers stood in disbelief as they watched this giant fall THE STRANGE MAN There once was a boy born in a manger And why he was there was something even stranger For he was only born to die on a tree He did it for you he did it for me This strange man was God's own son The spotless lamb and ever righteous one But thats not all he rose again And he's waiting there for all repenting men So thats my story I'm finished and done But I hope you'll think about God's loving son FOR YOU AND I He was lifted out of a cradle up onto a cross, just for you and I, Then it was for our sinful cause only, that He was willing to die. From the cross He's put into a tomb and for three days He stayed, He arose, returned to His disciples, as this miracle is displayed. He remained a while, proving to doubters, He'd been crucified, When they see the holes and nail prints, then they are satisfied. Instructing them to teach all nations, that is from coast to coast, Baptizing them in the name of The Father, The Son and Holy Ghost. He descended back to heaven, to His place by His Father's side, Wanting to hear the acceptance from those for whom He had died. Now He intercedes for these as they unwillingly commit wrongs, Letting The Father know that it is to Him, each of them belongs. Jesus shed His robe of royalty to enter a world loaded with sin, Then, because of His coming, it would never be the same again. Now we sing of Him in the cradle and of His dying on the cross, To leave this life without Jesus, is to suffer the greatest loss. PRINCIPLES OR PREFERENCES We should strive to live as Daniel did in the days of old A man of his conviction, not just doing what he was told He was pressured to live as the Babylonians did But as a man of principle; some things he just forbid No matter what they asked of him and his earthly friends He always chose God's desires for them to a bitter end Daniel was offered to partake of food from the king's table But being unlawful for him to eat non kosher; he just wasn't able Praying was outlawed in the Babylonian way Daniel just ignored it and kneeled to God each day He was arrested and thrown into the lion's den God came to his rescue; His Daniel he did defend Daniel was restored to his position in the land And served as a leader; this Godly principled man Daniel didn't live by the preferences of the flesh But lived by conviction that in his heart was so enmeshed Are you living by principles in the decisions that you make Or do you live out your preferences in the things you undertake God gives to us the moral laws and standards by which we are to live Through the Holy Bible; the answers to you He gives Most decisions aren't meant to be so difficult They're either right or wrong; giving you quick results You can't fudge on true convictions, try as you might When living by God's principles; they're plainly in black and white With the new year upon us, take a stand to live out your convictions When you waiver from the truth; think of the crucifixion If Jesus lived by personal preference instead of principles from His Father above None of us would have ever had the chance to know the Father's love ARE YOU THE ONE? They caught her in the plain act of adultery, Before the feet of Jesus, threw her down. He did not speak, but stooped and picked a pebble, And began to write something upon the ground. I don't what he wrote, but it was chastening, To those who stood there ready to condemn. And then he said the one who was without sin Could throw the first stone, and her life to end. I cannot be the one to throw the first stone, For well I know that I am without sin. I cannot be the one to point the finger, For in my life sin had made a home within. I can't imagine just how much she suffered Lying there upon the ground, for all to see. But I can know the joy the leaped within her, When Jesus said, "go sin no more, you now are free." So don't be quick to scorn and point the finger, At someone who is tangled in their sin. Go share His love, and try to help your neighbor And leave the criticising up to Him. BLINDED BY THE LIGHT I have written of many wonders Beautiful visions God brings to me So awe-inspiring and glorious Because my eyes are able to see. But, what if I could not? Could not visualize the sight What if I was completely blind? Not seeing a single ray of light. Then, what would I reflect? If my sight was taken away How would I know these things? The simple change from night to day? God spoke to me the answer Through a woman's voice so sweet Her light shined His brilliance She was humbly at his feet. She was blinded by His light No earthly vision can she see But God's presence, it flowed From her voice He came to me. For inside her soul light glowed A thousand angel's voices, I heard Closed my eyes, embraced the sound When a wondrous moment occurred. The room was engulfed in warmth Listening as her heart would teach The light of God poured over me The darkest places He would reach. This vision not of this world Someday we will all be free Hearing the words of a woman blind Because God gifted her to see. Oh I cry to all, look, look! Not to the vision of this place But light, light that comes from Christ Shines brightly on her lovely face. Let me reflect His unfailing love On the Cross He carried for me The beauty of His light behold I was blind, but now I see. REFLECTIONS FROM GOD In the beginning was the Word Through Him all things were made From Him life became flesh Brought light that will never fade. See His glory in the clouds Reflections from God above His light shines down radiantly On the Bible, His Book of love. It calls to me with deep longing To learn with fervent desire A love letter from the Lord Sets a heart for God on fire. In the Word we seek and find Our eyes are heaven bound The Bible reflects our Savior God Then eternal life will be found. Sit quietly and meditate on Him Feel the warmth on your skin He will come inside your heart And wash away every last sin. His presence dwells in the soul A breathless sight for all to see Every thought shall bear His name When at last a sinner becomes free. The Bible will reveal His story I am mesmerized by this vision Reflections from the one true God My heart sings, "He is Risen!" John 1:1 REFLECTIONS Once again I'm nearing my birthday with reflections in my mind Once again I'm nearing my birthday and my Savior's will I seek to find For, Lord, I want to live in a way that is always pleasing to you Lord, I want to live in a way that includes you in all I do At this point in my life there's been too many wasted days At this point in my life too many times I didn't walk in your ways I can't turn back the hands of time and change it if I would I can't turn back the hands of time, and don't know that I should For every path I took beforehand was known to you For every path I took in life was just another clue Many journeys that I've taken were a rocky road at best Many journeys that I've taken put my faith to the test And even though I veered from the course you set for me There were many times I veered that you had something for me to see It's been a road of twists and turns and rocky mountains steep It's been a road of twists and turns but nothing I wouldn't keep For the Lord has taught me much in life on the roads that I did travel The Lord has taught me much in life and never once did my life unravel So once again as another year approaches I reflect back over the years Once again as another year approaches I reflect back over the tears The trail of tears I clearly see, the paths of joy and sorrow that always led to thee Yes, it's a trail I clearly see for you were always there to love and comfort me. So my birthday prayer at this time is for me to give you my all And I pray that for the rest of my days I will always hear your call COST OF PEACE Whispering winds blow, honeysuckle scents in the morning mist. The gentle creeks flow, shadows dance while the sunlight glists. Seem-less time is lost, while the troubles hide. What is the cost, for the peace to abide? The price was paid, by the Saviour's blood. Upon his sacrifice, our fate laid, His love is like a flood. He has given us the chance, to redeem our souls and be forgiven. In his grace we may dance, for the toils of life we are livin'. What must we do to get eternal life? Ask forgiveness, believe in your heart. Leave it in God's hands, the strife, If you have, your salvation is at the start. Thank God daily and pray, help your family and friends. To everyone confess and say, Peace I offer from Jesus who sends. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL Life can be so beautiful Life can be so sweet Life is worth more than just going through defeats Life means more than going through the motion Life means forgetting all the silly notions Life is more than acquiring houses and land Life is reaching out to others with a helping hand Life is more than having fortune and fame Life is living for Jesus a name above every other name It is only one life and it is quite precious Do not live it being unscrupulous Strive to live your life on earth deliberately Don't throw it all away living recklessly Live life that when it's finally time to die You won't have any regrets about saying your good-byes Be able to say when life on earth is through God, I was all I could be in life, only because of you. DID ANYONE MENTION YOU? We see them on park benches, In hallways and alleys, too In all they've heard today, Lord Did anybody mention You? God bless you, Jesus love you Did anyone stop to say? And I wonder in all my doings, Lord Did they see "Jesus" in me today? In bus depots and train stations, They huddle every day, And no one really seems to care Or be bothered in any way. They're hungry, Lord, and homeless Both physically and spiritually, And I wonder in all my doings, Lord Do they see Jesus Christ in me? DIAMOND'S GLITTER Breezes and the sun can make - diamonds shimmer on the lake. Jewels seen but can't be touched, can't be clutched - and always fake. Running to and fro and hither - never call these men a 'quitter' - chasing glimmer on the waves, just busy slaves - at each glitter. With every single passing cloud - that floats on by, that laughs out loud - seeing feeble, vain attempts, in full contempt, the rich and proud. The root of evil, Satan's tools, reveals imitation jewels - then proves beyond a shadows doubt, a 'wisdom' drought - with greedy fools. So please observe creation, vast - clouds move slowly, time moves fast. Don't let the diamonds make you thirst - put others first, and put you last... as Jesus did upon the tree, the sacrifice, for you, for me. Pass by the glimmers on the lake - those diamonds, fake. His Spirit, free. ON A WING AND A PRAYER Feeling a fluttering, warmth That brings His holy sigh I am there with my Father Left behind loved ones to cry. I rode your prayer to heaven Please do not wonder why There is peace, so much peace It was time for me to die. Do not ponder your faith Believing we could rearrange For my God the Father knows Some things prayers won't change. There is a celebration, grand! The angels are singing my story I rode your prayer to heaven To my Father to share His Glory. Do not ponder your belief The date was divinely appointed He waits patiently for each of us By Him we have been anointed. Feeling a fluttering, warmth As His presence fills the air Riding on an eagle's wing, to Heaven: On a wing and a prayer. Proverbs 23:5 "they fly away like an eagle toward heaven." Exodus 19:4 "have you seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagle's wings and brought you to Myself." PROVERBS 19-THE POWER OF COMMON SENSE O what a blessing is common sense as you walk your path each day. Here are some proverbs Solomon gave to keep you from going astray. 1 Passion and zeal are important cogs in the wheel of success, But without knowledge as the top dog, zeal creates a mess. 3 Many a man has ruined his life because of his own foolish deeds. Then he blames God for hardship and strife in his time of need. 4 If you are rich or rule from the throne, you will have many friends, But if you are poor; going it alone, their desire for friendship ends. 8 He who loves wisdom loves his own soul. He enjoys peace within. He who is foolish and out of control will look back on life with chagrin. 9 Nobody likes a liar, my friend. Your friendship brings only pain. So bring your lying to a quick end if friendships you would sustain. 11 A man of discretion with self control is a very rare man indeed. He is mature enough to forgive a soul for their foolish misdeed. 13 A son for a fool is a father's ruin as is a quarrelsome wife. Parents and child are not in tune with God who could change their life. 15 Lazy people sleep very well especially when they are younger. Unless this bad habit they dispel, they will certainly suffer hunger. 17 He who has pity on the poor is one who lends to the Lord. God will repay what he has given and add a generous reward. 19 Hot-tempered people must pay the price. You must make them face the facts. If you rescue once, you will rescue twice because of their foolish acts. 26 Woe to the man who robs his father; encumbers his mother with debt. With failure and trouble throughout his life, he is forever beset. 27 Learn to listen to wise instruction. From wisdom do not depart. This is the way to preserve your life, bring peace and joy to your heart. PROVERBS 18-PRESCRIPTIONS FOR FAILURE OR SUCCESS 1 An unfriendly fellow does his own thing ignoring common sense. The space between his two deaf ears is empty and immense. 2 Fools don't see the other man's thought; they love to talk and opine. They fail to see the things they ought, for the eyes of their heart are blind. 4 Wise words are scarce; in deep waters buried, difficult to find, So cherish the wisdom that flows forth from the wise man's mind. 5 You can't be partial to the transgressor and punish the righteous man. Let's see you try to explain it to God. I'd like to see if you can. 7 The mouth of a fool is his undoing, his lips a snare to his soul. 8 Each morsel of gossip he is reviewing eradicates self control. 9 The lazy employee slothful in toil is brother to one who tears down. For failing to till his spiritual soil, he forfeits heaven's crown. 10 The name of the Lord is my strong tower. Through Him I am secure. Though demons attack with spiritual power, in Him I am safe and sure. 12 Before I was humbled I was proud, for I was a special guy. Then I stumbled and with head bowed, I wished that I could die. Humility always precedes honor; the humble get God's attention. In my pride I was a goner, but now I have comprehension. 13 To speak before knowing all the facts will make one look like a fool. Once you talk or too quickly act, there is nothing you can do. 19 An offended brother is hard to win back. He puts up walls of defense. So bring a halt to your wordy attack and return to common sense. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, of healing or corruption. Those who love it will it will eat its fruit, for blessing or destruction. PROVERBS 17-WISE WORDS TO LIVE BY 1 Better dry bread all the days of your life Than eating your fill in a house of strife. 2 He who is wise and serves his boss well Will rule over all the employed personnel. 5 To insult the poor is to mock their Creator Who settles the score sooner or later. 6 Grandkids bring joy to doting grandparents When generational pride is readily apparent. 9 Love shines forth when forgiveness is there, But simmering anger divides a pair. 10 Well-spoken reproofs to the wise as a rule Works better than beating the back of a fool. 13 If you want to live in fear and dread Repay good deeds with evil instead. 14 To pick a fight is to open the gate, So stop your wrangling before it's too late. 15 If you put the innocent to the sword, Prepare to face the wrath of the Lord. 17 A friend is loyal in word and deed, A brother who helps in time of need. 22 A cheerful spirit like medicine's strong dose Prevents me from living sad and morose 27 A truly wise person employs few words. He stops to think before he is heard. 28 Even a fool is thought to be smart If he keeps his thoughts and his mouth apart. What wisdom Solomon has to impart For the humble and wise to take to heart. THIS IS IT... This is it, this is what life is about and in my heart... there is not any doubt. This is it, this is all that I desire and in my soul... true love I did acquire. This is it, this is what hope feels like and in my spirit... faith and trust are alike. This is it, this is peace forever more and in my mind... this is what I was born for. This is it, this is what life is about and with Jesus as my Lord what is there to doubt? 2 Peter 1:3 King James Version "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" THE BOOK You'll do well to take a look Within the pages of The Book To find out where you're coming from; To learn about God and His Son. Inspired by the Holy Ghost Guarded by the hallowed host; Penned by men in bygone ages - Prophets, poets, scribes and sages. A record of God's awesome deeds, Of human weaknesses and greed; Of promises I Am has kept; Of tears our Lord and Savior wept. Helping souls to grow; mature Whilst making our election sure. Teaching us what not to do - What is false and what is true. The blueprint of God's glorious plan For the heavens and for man. Giving a glimpse into Christ's mind, Restoring sight to souls born blind. A Light unto God's children's feet Each word illuminated; sweet, Filling men with love and hope; Helping those who read it cope. The Word of God will guide us on Until the final song's been sung; Until the end of man and beast; Until all life on Earth has ceased. THROUGH THE STORMS OF LIFE The clouds had darkened, blackening the sky and the waves roared as they rose up high cascading down over their little boat; as they bailed out water to stay afloat. But in that boat upon the sea with them was the One who was born in Bethlehem and He whom Wise Men had come to see Stood up, in awesome Power and Majesty. “Peace, be still.” His powerful words spoken and the fury of the storm was broken as upon that once windswept, raging sea the boat now floated calm and peacefully. “What manner of man is this they cried, that at his word the winds and waves subside?” ‘Twas Christ, the Lord of wind and wave and sea shielding them from the storms ferocity! Storms in our lives can suddenly appear. Their great turbulence causes us to fear. It’s wonderful to have Jesus in the boat guiding the way and keeping us afloat. PROVERBS 16-LIVING WITH PURPOSE IN LIFE To man belong the plans of the heart. He ponders them in his mind. God sees them all right from the start; determines them every time. Each man thinks his motives are pure and justifies his desire. God, who knows our hearts for sure, will test them in life's fire. To commit our plans unto the Lord is important for all to do. Wisdom and strength shall be our reward; He will carry us through. The Lord is not pleased with the proud of heart and their defiant spirit. Wisdom and honor He cannot impart, for pompous men won't hear it. When a man's ways are pleasing to Him, God's grace will only increase. Trials may come strong and grim, but the faithful will see peace. The lips of the king must be true and fair, for he speaks from heaven above. Justice and honor he must declare as he rules with wisdom and love. The Lord demands accurate scales. A king should never cheat. How could you respect a king marked by lies and deceit? The pathway of the righteous man leaves evil far behind. How wise it is to spend our life span righteously inclined. Discretion is like a bubbling fountain to wise men who possess it. The ignorant fool in his time of need is too lazy to address it. Agitators sow seeds of strife; their gossip separates friends. With wicked hearts they walk through life never making amends. If you advanced to gray-hair age, that's a very good thing. Living for God at every stage will honor and blessing bring. Once again we come to the end of additional sets of instruction. Every day we have to spend enhance our character construction. Waste no time on wood, hay, or stubble; construct a house that will stand. Build your life with heaven in mind fulfilling the Master Plan. PROVERBS 15-LEARNING TO WALK WITH GOD 1 Have you ever expressed angst when a matter made you mad? You felt your spirit sadly tank knowing that you had been had. 2 O how we need to control the tongue using it for gain, An unruly tongue can come undone inflicting heartache and pain. 4 A healing tongue will bring life; that's how it should be used, But it is a fire of evil and strife when allowed to lie and accuse. 9 The Lord is not pleased with wicked men who love to scheme and plot. 10 Rejecting correction again and again, punishment is their lot. 13 A joyful heart makes your face bright, but sadness crushes the soul. If you make God your daily delight, He will keep you whole. 15 All the days of those oppressed are wretched as can be. Better to be by God possessed—on that we all agree. 16 I may not have much in worldly wealth, but treasure in heaven awaits. Riches are mine and eternal health the moment I enter His gates. 25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, the widow He protects. To abuse the widow is disallowed if ever you would be blessed. 31 Listen, my friend, with a humble heart to thoughts that are well advised. It will give you a blessed head start on the journey to become wise. 32 If you reject God's discipline, you only harm yourself. Failing to surrender to Him will put you aside on the shelf. 33 Reverence for God is an apt beginning, for it will make you strong Granting power to stop the sinning; forgive you for all past wrongs. Humility comes before honor bestowed, obedience before the glory. O God, through me let your Spirit flow. May that be my earthly story. PROVERBS 14-THE WAY OF THE FOOL 1 She who is wise builds her home with truth and love as her stand. The foolish woman is sadly prone to destroy it by her own hand. 4 Without oxen the stable is clean, but it's tragic to say the least. Without an ox to turn the soil there is no food or feast. 7 Stay away from fools, my friend; receive this very wise tip, You will see clearly in the end stupidity flows from his lips. 8 The prudent person plans ahead. He knows what he has to do. The fool needs others to be fed; he doesn't think things through. 9 The sinner shrugs off the guilt within; there is no transformation. Godly people acknowledge their sin; seek reconciliation. 12 There is a way that seems right to a man but ends in terrible death. I will be thankful for God's plan when I draw my final breath. 14 Both backslider and the good man will get what they deserve So I will seek out God's game plan as recorded in His Word. 15 Naïve fools believe what they hear. The discerning man thinks it through. Since he is known by his peers, he bids each fool adieu. 16 A hot-headed man is foolish indeed. No one respects a schemer. Remove yourself with lightning speed from silly intemperate dreamers. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who is kind is blessed. Generously pour out your love and favor. You will enjoy sweet rest. 23 Earnest hard work produces great gain, but fools are known by their talk. The diligent rise to a higher plane while others complain and gawk. 30 A heart at peace gives life and health but jealousy rots the bones. Give me honor instead of wealth; then take me to heaven's home. 34 Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a great disgrace. God help us see our awful estate. O call us to seek Your face. PITHY PROVERBS FOR PERSONAL SERVICE 1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction. The scoffer never learns. He is headed for self destruction, a matter of grave concern. 3 If you learn to guard your tongue, you will improve your life. Hasty words carelessly flung are followed by anger and strife. 4 The sluggard craves material treasure, yet he ends up poor. He who places work before pleasure will be blessed and secure. 5 Godliness guards the righteous man because he loves God's Word. Those who are evil scoff at this plan; their selfishness is preferred. 9 A godly life is like a bright lamp reflecting heaven's pure light. The evil man will find himself camped in eternity's darkest night. 11 Stay away from get-rich schemes; your money will fade away. Make saving your prudent money theme and you will win the day. 12 Hope deferred makes a heart sick so put action to your dreams. A house is built brick upon brick until the dream you redeem. 15 Common sense will guide a man with careful, constructive deduction. The impulsive man without a plan is headed for certain destruction. 18 He who refuses sage direction inherits only disgrace. He who listens with reflection creates for himself a place. 21 Trouble chases sinners, my friend, and it never loses a race. Blessings and honor come without end to those who seek God's face. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance for generations yet to come. The best inheritance you can leave is to show them what God has done. Some leave money, houses, and land; items cherished from youth, But there is no greater legacy than a life of love and truth. 24 The scripture says to spare the rod is the same as hating your son. To fail to teach him love and respect is to leave the job half done. These wise proverbs Solomon wrote to help us think more clearly. Though they serve well as a pithy quote, it's best to live them sincerely. THE KING A lone bird was sitting high upon the top of a tree Looking down all around as though he is the king of you and me I do wonder the thoughts that run through his head Wonder if he knows the one who provides his daily bread I wonder if he knows he's not the king of you and I That he's just a tiny creature passing through this world by and by Some people feel as though they sit high upon a hill Bidding others around them do their every will I truly wonder about the thoughts that run through their heads Wonder if they know the one who provides their daily bread And do they really think they're the king of you and I In reality they're just a tiny creature passing through this world by and by There is One who sits upon a heavenly throne on high Looking down on earth, His children to spy I do wonder about the thoughts that run through His head After He sees and hears all the hideous things we've done and said And He truly is the only King of you and I And we're all just His tiny creatures passing through this world by and by Our King watches and waits for us in heaven on high Hoping that each of us on Him will come to rely All through our life He continues to give us our daily bread Even though so often the greed in our hearts won't allow us to be well fed Amazing love Jesus has for us; the King of the entire human race So much that He came down to earth to save us by His grace! GOD KNOWS When churches fall away from God, when theology is focused cause, when government turns back on you, when they create acidic laws, when business can't get any worse, when banks and vendors receive bail, when bills aren't paid and debts go up, when you, though innocent, will fail, when even friends have gone astray, when each mistake is yours to claim, when heavy skies come crushing down, when you take every speck of blame, when children do not talk to you, when arms are present, not the hug, when spouse seems very distant too, when deep in every hole dug, when rain comes down, in buckets pour, when clouds are whipped and tempest tossed, when friendly wagging tail stops, when even your best dog is lost, when all seems dead and all seems grave, when all you've done has been a curse, when none can help, though say they care, when all goes sour, bad to worse, when life proves fragile, hopeless too, when everything gets out of hand - remember, God knows every truth, and will, forever, understand. PROVERBS 5-A FATHER'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND SEX What I have to say, my son, will make my face quite red, But I need to say it clear; it is what God has said. Listen closely, pay attention; the topic is complex. God has given for husband and wife the wonderful gift of sex. There are women in the world with lips as sweet as honey Who pervert the gift God gave in exchange for money. Foolish men seek them out for momentary pleasure Surrendering honor and respect while squandering their treasure. Rejecting truth, embracing sin with attitude so haughty, They find themselves diseased within—both in mind and body. They cry in anguish in the end, their hearts are filled with pain; Addictive drugs and pornography rule o'er them unrestrained. Find the wife God has for you. Give her all your love. Your sexual union is God's gift given from heaven above. Each is a well of love for the other so keep it sweet and pure. Reserving yourself only for the other makes your love endure. Remember the beauty of your wife; give her lots of praise. Tell her how she thrills your soul; sets your heart ablaze. Honor her and care for her; walk with her in truth. Satisfy your loving desire with the wife of your youth. The Lord sees all that happens to men watching the paths they take. The foolish are trapped again and again by the decisions they make. Many surrender eternal life pursuing this worldly role. How sad it is to embrace the lie only to lose your soul! Take heed, my son, these words are true. Let wisdom rule in your heart. Let understanding carry you through with direction it will impart. Talk with God, seek His face; serve Him all of your days, For there are present and future rewards for all who walk in His ways. PROVERBS 4-A FATHER'S ADVICE TO HIS SON When I was still my father's son, my mother's little boy, I learned truths when I was young, truths I still employ. My father taught me about my heart, about its disposition; How I must stay true to God to keep it in submission. He taught the value of God's Word for wisdom by which to live. No greater truths I ever heard than these he had to give: "Get wisdom, my son, and understanding essential to success. Say 'no' to all the flesh is demanding, for this you must possess." If you will embrace this truth each day, honor will come to you. You will be crowned with glory and grace before your years are through. When you walk the pathway of life, there will be light to see. Be sure to seek the Lord's advice, for therein is the key. Stay away from evil paths. When you see one turn around, For wicked men lie in wait seeking to strike you down. Evil men rob and kill becoming more violent still. They drink the wine of cruelty and practice their killing skill. The righteous pathway shines like the sun, gets brighter through the day, But the wicked stumble as they run, for evil has led them astray. So listen my son, trust God's Word; plant it deep in your heart. Let it reveal the righteous path from which you never depart. Guard your heart and eyes, my son. Keep perversity from your tongue. This will bring peace and joy on earth and heaven when this life is done. I hope you listen well, my son, for whom I feel such pride. Pursue the plan God has for you and the one who walks alongside. I pray your home will resound with joy as little ones laugh and sup. I pray that they too will hear these words and drink from the wisdom cup." PROVERBS 3-AN OUNCE OF HOLY PREVENTION My son do not forget My law, be true to My commands; A longer life will come to you by following their demands. Keep truth and mercy in your heart; bind them around your neck. They will faithfully do their part to keep your life in check. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, Keep yourself firmly on God's path; honor what He is commanding. Don't follow the wisdom of human minds in your walk with the Lord. His truth and wisdom will combine with health as your reward. Honor the Lord from all you earn. For many this is a test. Those who faithfully give to Him will be richly blessed. Be sure to respect the Lord's reproof; He disciplines all He loves. He who is wise responds to rebuke for it comes from heaven above. Keep sound judgment close at hand; discernment clearly in sight, They will prevent heartache and pain that flows from sin and strife. Always be ready to help the deserving if it's within your power. Never delay your decisive action until a later hour. Do not plot against your neighbor living nearby in peace, For you will incur the Lord's disfavor causing His blessings to cease. Don't withhold good for whom it is due if you're able to bless him. Loving others as God loves you is sure to please and impress Him. Believers inherit blessings from God because of what they do, The wicked have only their life of shame—the legacy of a fool. Make these proverbs your daily intention. Remain committed and sure. You'll find them to be God's holy prevention essential to sin's cure. PROVERBS 2-THE GREAT VALUE OF WISDOM If you value His Words so true and follow His commands, If sin's evil you eschew with all its attendant demands, If you seek with all your heart as searching for hidden treasure, Wisdom from heaven God will impart in ever-increasing measure. Victory comes from God above. It's granted to the upright. He is a shield to those He loves, a Light that shines so bright. Wisdom directs the just and fair guiding them each day. There is nothing to compare with living our life God's way. Wisdom saves me from evil men with wicked ways perverse, For evil tempts again and again with arguments well rehearsed. Wisdom saves from the wicked flirt who left her husband to play. All who follow her swinging skirt will regret it on Judgment Day. Godly wisdom if embraced will keep us on paths that are true. It will help us run the race in all we say and do. Now we see evil on the increase as sinners drink long at its trough, But soon the godly will live in peace and the wicked will be cut off. Today is the day of your salvation. Don't waste this drop of time. Stop flirting with eternal damnation, refusing God's grace sublime. Today if you hear the Spirit call, get down upon your knees. Confess your sin, give Him your all; be healed from sin's disease. God will hear your cry today and cleanse you from all sin. He will lift the heavy load, give peace and joy within. You will feel a brand new love knowing you belong to Him Redeemed and loved by the One above; freed from the curse of sin. PROVERBS 1-WISDOM IS CALLING OUT TO YOU God has recorded wisdom for man With practical truth to observe. Try to read daily if you can From Solomon's sage proverbs. If you are wise in the eyes of men You can be wiser still. Read the Proverbs again and again, Their truths and wisdom distill. Receive correction from your dad; Heed your mother's instruction. It will keep you from paths that are bad; Protect you from sin's seduction. Sinners will say, "Come join us. We ambush to kill and steal. Flee from such. Don't stop to discuss The evil intent they reveal. Wicked, lazy rebels like these Bring judgment swift and sure. Flee from sin's deceptive plea, Keep yourself strong and pure. Even a bird when it sees a trap Knows it must fly away. But greedy fools are soon entrapped They're fodder for Judgment Day. Wisdom cries aloud in the street Amazed at man's inattention. She sees a fool whose life is replete With actions beyond comprehension. If you have been a fool for years You would be wise to take heed. Judgment is coming. There's much to fear; Forgiveness and grace you need. Lucky for all, our God is love Filled with redeeming grace. Forgiveness and grace go hand in glove When His truth you embrace. Repent of your sin. Turn around. Place your trust in Christ. He will put you on higher ground And give you eternal life. BE STRONG The Bible is the inspired word of God above Given to His people that we may learn of His love The Book of the Law should not depart from you Day or night it is the source of all that you should do Follow its direction and your path will lead to success For when you walk in God's way; you He will bless As your Father, God commands you to be strong Be courageous, for to God's kingdom you belong Walk in confidence; do not be afraid Lean on the Lord; do not be dismayed For God is with you wherever you go He will be your protector as stormy winds do blow Just as Joshua listened to all that God said He trusted Him with all His heart for he could have fled He chose to follow the Savior's leading hand In order to take His people into the promised land If we will but follow our precious Savior's lead With His guidance for our life we can only succeed NATHANAEL My names Nathanael, how do you do, I'm from Cana, you'll guess I'm a Jew. I just sat here beneath this fig tree, When my dear friend Philip came up to me. "You know the Messiah who we're looking for, The prophesied one in our Jewish law. Its Joseph's son Jesus they're from Nazareth," "That place!" I shouted with my very next breath. "Can anything good come from that town?" I said "Come see for yourself," I followed he led. We found him, he stated, "A true Israelite, No falseness here, only does what is right." Amazed I questioned, "Sir, how do you know that?" "I saw under the fig tree, the place where you sat." Proclaiming him "Rabbi, King of Israel, Son of God". Since then I have followed, in His steps I have trod. THE CROWN OF GLORY Reaching for the land above Where dwells our eternal King Trusting in God who is love As we go, all along we'll sing Though there be rivers to swim through Rivers wide and deep And mountains to climb too Mountains rugged and steep Onward we'll go, with hope alive Singing the victory song Through our Savior we'll survive Glad for to Him we belong Onward in the way of the cross Looking unto Christ our Lord Full of hope and courageous Believing the promise of His Word Till we reach that celestial city of gold Where awaits us the crown of glory A land of bliss and beauty untold Where forever happy we'll be. I WILL WORSHIP I stood with hands raised high My lips uttering praises to the King I bow before the omnipotent one Singing songs angels couldn't sing I knelt in true worship To his omnipresence Then fell flat on my face At his omniscience We were made in his likeness For his good pleasure Created in his image A gem we should always treasure His only son he gave That we would be made free Oh what a price to pay To rescue you and me What would have happened then? If one willing could not be found To sacrifice heavenly pleasures To loose those that were once bound The answer we won't have to guess For the lamb that was slain Accepted the gruesome challenge And endured unbearable pain So here I stand with hands raised high Bringing glory to my King Forever in his presence With the angels I will sing. PRINCESS I knew you were royalty the very first time we met. That look on your face I will never forget. What joy and what peace radiated from within. It told the whole story of deliverance from sin. We were destined to be friends right from the very start. For true friendship always begin within the heart. I'm not quite sure what happened when I first held your hand. But I knew for certain you were from the heavenly land. A princess you are and always will be, For the father made you so, that everyone can see. It just doesn't matter what you do or where ever you go. For someone will always notice that heavenly glow. I know that you are a part of a chosen race, And I just love to see a smile on your beautiful face. Some may say I am partial because I'm your friend, But friends we will be until the very end. God sure has blessed us with a beautiful Gem, One who was redeemed from the children of Men. A beautiful princess so priceless and so rare, Destined to live forever in her loving father's care. SEASONS OF LIFE Spring returns with warm breezes aloft Tulips spring forth in colors so soft New leaves are sprouting out on the trees And new hope for the future we can foresee New leaves remind me of a new Christian's grace How Jesus takes your old life and will replace Born again Christians bid their old life adieu As the Holy Spirit comes to live within you Summer is a season for family time Beautiful summer flowers and roses that climb Succulent green leaves are now fully grown Awaiting fall breezes when their true beauty is shone Christian growth reminds me of the growing leaves How as a Christian you begin growing once you believe The Spirit guides you through this world of sin Teaching you lessons to be used for the Glory of Him Fall is my favorite time of the year When God's most brilliant artistry appears Green foliage begins to make its change From colors of yellow to red they range Colorful changing leaves remind me of a Christian mature How through you God's light shines so pure To help lead others to the Savior's love and grace So they too can be transformed and their sins erased Winter winds will soon begin to blow The beautiful leaves will have finished their show Dying leaves will have fallen and covered the ground Trees await the return of warm weather to rebound When Christians finish their life on earth We return to the ground only to have rebirth With our Father in heaven we will go to live Where we will have eternal life through the love He gives AMAZING GRACE Amazing grace how sweet the sound I once was lost but now am found Those are such precious words to me Take my life; let me live for thee I was wandering in this sinful world Never knowing what Satan would unfurl Life was pointless and without aim Until for me the Savior came He came to earth and died upon the cross He forgave my sins and paid my cost Amazing love He has for me My Jesus Christ who set me free Now His Spirit dwells deep within Leading me places I haven't been I now live my life for God above Do His will out of His love Through me let His light shine I am a branch, He is the vine He empowers me to spread His word To all the people who haven't heard Amazing grace how sweet the sound I once was lost but now am found! DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE? Do you know someone worth losing everything for? Leave your life and this world ignore Someone for which you would give up the life you live Turn away from your friends even if they don't forgive Do you know someone you would follow anywhere Leave your home and job, place yourself in their care Someone that you would put your trust in their hands Leave everything behind for an unknown land Do you know someone for which you would be willing to die Give up your life and would not deny Someone for which you would give your all Give up everything and take the fall Do you know someone who would give His life for you Leave His home and His Father to see you through Someone who would suffer and die to save your eternal soul Give His blood in exchange for your sins and make you whole Jesus is the someone who already gave His life for you Already left His home and His Father so that He could see you through Already He suffered and died to save your eternal soul Already shed His blood on the cross so you can be made whole Do you know someone worth losing everything for? His name is Jesus and He's knocking at your door Place your life in His hands and He'll give you salvation His death on the cross was for your vindication MORE THAN THESE Though I toiled in the darkness For the things that could not please. In the light of dawn I saw Him, Who created all the seas. Cast your net unto the right Then come and dine on some of these. He always gives just what I needed, Gently puts my mind at ease. Like the calm upon the waters When He stills the ocean breeze. He satisfies my hunger I am driven to my knees. Then I hear Him softly Whisper His voice echoes through the trees. Do you love me? Do you love me? DO you love ME more than these? They're like sheep without a shepherd Feed My lambs just what they need. Go and give of my sweet nectar It's like honey to the bees. Unlock the gate and lead them forth. For I have given you the keys. Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me more than these? When my mind began to wander From the Call He'd given me. And I thought my fulfillment Could be found upon the sea. He came and gave me purpose Then these words He said to me Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me more than these? I SAW GOD TODAY I saw God today perched high upon the clouds His tears falling down around me on the ground Praying for His people to return to Him today Praying for our nation lost to the Savior's way He looks in sadness at many who don't believe He exist Looking with concern at our Godless nation in conflict I saw God today standing in a school yard Watching all the little children who for Him have no regard Many have never even met the Father For many of their parents never ever bother Tears began to fall from the Savior's face As He remembered the schools won't allow Him in their place I saw God today standing on the Capitol building lawn Despairing as our congressmen from Him have withdrawn No longer is He welcome to freely roam the halls No longer can He be present for the Congress roll call No longer does our government look to our Lord for advice Most decisions are made based on the highest bid price I saw God today staring at the prison walls Wondering why so many could not hear His call Praying for the prisoners and the victims that they'd hurt Praying for their healing and for many to convert Crying for so many who have gone astray Hoping that their hearts will find the Savior's way I saw God today sitting in some church pews Listening for the preacher to tell of His good news Concern came upon the Savior's face As He watched for the Holy Spirit to enter this place There was no mention of a hell beyond this world He was saddened to think that some had never heard I saw God today and He was crying for our future Praying that there is a way for the damages to be sutured Praying that His people will let their voice be heard Praying that our children will be prepared to teach His word I saw God today and He wants Christians everywhere To stand up for Him, our relationship to repair BROKEN VESSEL I'm just an earthen vessel But not one formed by hands of men. I've been filled with God's own treasure He adds time and time again. I know I must be broken So I'll just give my heart to Him. Clay that's in the Masters hand A place to store His sweet perfume. But not until this vessel's broken Can I pour out His life to them. Those for whom my Saviour died Then He'll fill me once again. TIME OF TEARS It's the times that cause the tears to flow That I remember most. In the solemn sweet reflection Moments spent with HEAVEN'S HOST. Oh to hear Him Whisper You are mine and I am yours. Lifts the heavy burden Of seeming never ending chores. How can I explain to someone Who perhaps has never known? About the shameless sacred longing To spend time with Him alone. My desire just to linger In His Timeless warm embrace. Look into His endless eyes While frozen in His secret place. It's these times that I most treasure But now I have to go. Filled with love thats beyond measure I just have to tell them so. MY CROSS A pathway unto victory An open door to life. Not my will, but Thine be done An end to all my strife. The striking realization, That cuts me like a knife. Christ binds me with His cords of love. Then fills my soul with light. MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES I find myself wanting to do the will of God In all of life's undertakings and every road I trod I prayed Dear Lord, I want to hear your voice How am I to know if I'm making the right choice A voice deep within my heart said you must read my Word To think that you would find my will without it would really be absurd Next you must pray and listen for my direction Make time to be alone with me and for personal reflection If there is sin in your life causing conflict between you and me Then take the steps to make it right and my path you will see There are times I will lead you by the circumstances in your life It may be in the good times or times of struggle and strife For help, seek Godly counsel, but be careful with whom you speak Make sure that person truly walks with me and truth is what they seek Listen to your conscience if it's been purified through me Listen for my voice; I'll send my directions to thee Be aware when your spirit becomes restless and out of kilter Drop to your knees and pray for my messages to filter Remember that a walk of faith comes one step at a time Finding my will may come with rocky hills to climb Don't let the things of this world hinder your pursuit for truth Read the old testament if you want lots of proof That following God's plan for you will make your life complete For then God's light will shine through you for everyone you meet THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING There is a law we all should heed As we live each day on this earth. You will find it mighty indeed But please understand it first. It is a law that is universal, Immense in its application. You can be blessed by its daily rehearsal Or doomed by its sure rotation. The facts of this law you've already met; It's the source of both joy and weeping. What you sow is what you will get, It's the Law of Sowing and Reaping. In what circumstances will this law work? It applies in all that you do. Unkind words and deeds you shirk Will surely come back to you You will reap if you sow, A fact that stands without doubt. The nature of the seed that is sown Is reproduced in the sprout. You will reap what you sow. Think clearly about that fact. If heartache and sorrow you would forgo, Be careful of how you act. If love and respect is what you desire, Then that is what you give out. Choose to encourage and inspire In whatever you speak about. Whatever you sow, you will get more. In addition, then multiplication. Blessings or curses are in store Unhindered by limitation. We shall reap if we do not lose heart So keep on doing what's right. Pursue what is good and do your part Keeping this law in sight. OUR REFUGE I've found even when I fail, There's a place where I can live. The city of God's refuge, The comfort that He gives. A place of peace and quiet, Where my weary soul can rest. Hold on tightly to His hand, And lay my head upon His breast. Hear the Heartbeat of the Master, While HE whispers in my ear, How the work of God is finished, There's no need for me to fear. The wines poured out, The bread is broken, Come now, sit a while and sup. Take the bread, then give to others, Deeply drink, then pass the cup. A WORK OF HIS DESIGN God wants to paint a picture So wounded hearts can see, That our lives are the canvas, The brushes, you and me. He wants to write a book of hope, And illustrate each page, With flowering fields meandering streams, And laurel trimmed with sage. A blend of joy and laughter, Some sorrow lined with pain, Lazy fun filled summer days, Of thunderstorms and rain. A multicolored tapestry, That's sewn with Calvary's love, Trimmed with gold and silver lace' That comes from Heaven above. GOD THE MOVER It must be faith that moves my mountain because nothing else could, Though other steps were taken, still the troublesome mountain stood. They only brought disappointment instead of the help that was needed, Continuing to loom before me til I almost felt that I'd been defeated. This mountain was my dilemma, thinking I could handle it on my own, Yet in only a matter of time, instead of being solved, it had grown. This is when foolish pride began to hide the truths stored in my heart, Those pointing to The Mover of mountains Who could give me a new start. Pride blinded my eyes and blocked my mind to this truth I knew was there, Those promises God had made me whenever I put my life into His care. Saying He'd never leave or forsake me and move those mountains I faced, That His plans would never fail, unlike those I'd so recklessly chased. Then eventually The Light came on and I realized the mistakes I'd made, That was when I decided to turn to God and on Him, my burden I laid. My faith in Him is continually growing and my situation is improving, Although it's not completely gone today, God has my mountain moving. COMFORT Jesus sees the tears we shed, The burdens that we bear. We simply need to come to Him, He'll vanquish every care. Within His everlasting arms, We'll find our comfort there. As He imparts the love and grace, That you and I can share. Replacing fears with joyful tears, Now praise and worship fill the air! HIS DWELLING PLACE What once was red as scarlet, He's now made white as snow. I walk upon the water. Though the raging tempest blow. Safe within God's Sanctuary, Beneath the shadow of his wings. Far above the worlds distractions, And the care of earthly things. Before His seat of mercy, Boldly to His throne of grace. All my sins have been forgiven, Now I see Him face to face. Midst eternal hallelujahs, Nail scarred hands and feet embrace. Then bow in humble adoration, I have found His dwelling place. DEALING TRULY IS GOD'S DELIGHT God's Holy Word admonishes liars. Someone said, "Liars will be friers!" Well, lying may not send you to Hell, But lying might just send you to jail. Fibs and big lies are degrees among Many ways to describe a lying tongue. "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord." Lying may cause you to lose your reward. To deal truly is our God's delight. Be honest, above-board; do what's right. Lie to cover a lie; that's how it goes. Lie to people, but the truth, God knows. Please do not lie on your income tax. Don't tell a lie to cover up the facts. Lying will get you in trouble with God. Lie and wait for the chastening rod. A JESUS PERSON A Jesus person must surely be In a loving heart for all to see Though never meant to hurt or hide But in His mercy they will abide. A Jesus Person must surely be Transparently sweet and simply free Sometimes wounded in a sorrow Openly forgiving into tomorrow A Jesus person I pray will be Inside the friend who once loved me I GIVE MY ALL God, I thank you for the trials you've sent my way For they have made me the person I am today My life has not been a cushy ride And every step of the way, you were by my side You never gave up on me when I tried things my way Didn't shut me out when I forgot to pray Every difficult situation that I've endured Through them your amazing love for me was assured Every tear that fell from my eyes You wiped away until they were dry Every second that I was feeling despair My burdens you took and you did share Every minute I've ever spent angry with you You turned the other cheek and saw me through What can I do for you to ever repay The love for me you so freely display I have no gifts to match your endless grace The suffering you have endured for the human race All I can give is my life and service to you Please use me in whatever way you need to I humbly give my all to you my Lord For your glory I pray that you will help me to soar! HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE If your Bible is dusty, And your faith is rusty, And your life is full of discord, If your prayer life, you forsook, Then get back to the Book, And confess your sins to the Lord. To forgive, God is just, But to confess, you must, So fall on your knees in prayer. He'll forgive your sin And cleanse you within, And your burdens, He will bear. Do not wear a frown, With your spirits down And mope in depression and strife. Go to Jesus, the Light And get your heart right. You can have victory in your life. NEVER TO BE FORSAKEN I am His child; He is my maker Unending love He has for me, Never to be forsaken I am human; of the flesh Saint and sinner doth not mesh I became a believer in the Son Now my old life I do shun My maker sent Jesus to die for my sin Sent the Holy Spirit to live within Born again to live for my king Forevermore to the Savior I'll cling I am His child; He is my maker Unending love He has for me Never to be forsaken THE BEAST LEARNS A BEAUTIFUL TRUTH Nebuchadnezzar was a mighty king. Glory to himself, he wanted to bring. He was proud of his kingdom so great. To him, the true God did not rate. He had a dream he couldn't comprehend. To him, God had a message to send. He considered Daniel to be on his team, So he let Daniel interpret the dream. Daniel told him what the dream meant. From his kingdom, the king would be sent To live in the field and become a beast. Upon the grass, this beast would feast. He became a beast and grew long claws. He chomped green grass within his jaws. His hair grew like feathers on his skin. He was driven away from family and kin. The day came when his reasoning returned. He became humble; a lesson he learned. Nebuchadnezzar saw a beautiful truth then. God is mightier than a kingdom of men. I KNOW YOUR PAIN I had a broken heart also, When I hung upon the cross, And now my heart goes out to you, as you suffer in your loss. I parted with the One I loved, as I hung upon that tree, Separated by the price of sin, He could not look on Me. The empty loneliness of loss is something that I have known, I know your heart, the pain it feels, You can barely carry on. Why don't you let me help you, your painful cross to bear, I know all about it dear child, you see, I was there. I'll walk with you in the sunshine, I'll walk with you in the rain. No matter where you go on earth, You just have to call my Name. I'll hold you up and give you strength, When it's hard to carry on, When at last this life is over, I will lead you safely home. THE EYE OF THE STORM The storm has blown fiercely around me The thunder claps loud and severe. The skies so black and so threatening Makes me wonder, will it ever clear? My heart is so heavy with sorrow My tears, like salt drops are warm. Even though my world seems to crumble I am safe in the "eye of the storm". The 'eye' is the hand of my Father, Safe and secure I'll always be No matter how fierce the storm rages More safe I could ever never be. So friend, if your storm clouds are threatening And you're wondering what you can do. Take refuge in Jesus, the Master Let Him calm the raging seas for you. PSALM 139:1-10-THE GREATNESS OF GOD O Lord, You know all about me; With You there is no surprise. My daily plans and activities Are known before I arise. I am surrounded by your care, Hemmed in before and behind. What a tremendous love affair You have with all mankind. There is no place that I could go Where You would not be there too. A glorious comfort it is to know That You will carry me through. When trials of darkness blot out my faith, They are not dark to You. For there is nothing that can displace The comfort You imbue. I am a miracle of Your creation Placed in my mother's womb, A member of a new generation Ordained and prepared by You. My frame was not hidden when I was made; Your eyes saw all I could be. All my days You clearly ordained So I could come to Thee. I am amazed You think about me, Millions of times each day. O that everyone could read Or hear these words I say. I cannot comprehend this love Bestowed on fallen creation. I praise You for leaving heaven above To purchase my salvation. IT WASN'T THE NAILS It wasn't the nails that kept Jesus on the cross, It wasn't the scourging or the thorns. It wasn't the agony of Calvary's hill, Or the weight of the cross that was borne. It wasn't the taunts or the shame that He bore, No, it wasn't any of these things. It was Jesus doing his Father's will, Dying, Salvation to bring. It was Love beyond all understanding, It was Grace offered to all mankind. It was Hope such as the world could never give, It was Peace, which the world never could find. For He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, And He bought, with each step that He trod, Redemption full and free to everyone. Jesus Christ, this precious Gift of God. PSALM 51-A PSALM OF REPENTANCE Here is a Psalm that means much to me. It is David repenting of sin. With his sentiment I agree; I have harbored sin within. My sins, O God, are always before me; From them I cannot depart. Only You can set me free From the wickedness in my heart. I am a sinner from conception; I don't do righteousness well. I was headed for a warm reception With sinners condemned to hell. O cleanse me, Lord; wash me with soap, Make me whiter than snow. In You I place my trust and hope. To You alone I go. Create in me a heart that's pure. This is my prayer; please hear it. Grant me salvation free and sure; Empower me by Your Spirit. I will tell others—sinners too About salvation's joy. Open my lips to declare Your praise, My total being employ. No amount of good works or deeds Can bring salvation to man. A broken spirit always precedes Your glorious victory plan. Thank you, Lord, for breaking me So joy and peace You could bring. Now I declare victoriously: "God loves broken things." If you are broken and wounded today, Call to God above. He will hear you when you pray And cover you with His love. PSALM 46-GOD WILL PROTECT HIS OWN God is our refuge and our strength. We're safe in His mighty hands. The safest place in all the world Is the center of His best plan. Earthquakes may shake and mountains fall; Sea waves may roil with foam, But God will hear our every call And take us safely home. God is a river of peace, my friends. He will keep His city secure. Though armies surround it at the end, Their hour of destruction is near. The nations are in disarray; The Son of God is descending. The evil armies He will slay, For the reign of evil is ending. Jesus comes in glory and splendor Followed by the redeemed. He comes as Israel's strong defender, The Messiah of their dreams. He will make wars to cease that day And reign for a thousand years. Peace and justice will come to stay No need for swords and spears. Be still, you saints. Your God is here. Exalt Him and give Him praise. Now is the time for all to draw near, To serve Him all of your days. Our Lord Jesus is coming soon. Receive Him before it's too late. Confess to Him your vain soul's ruin; Accept His redemption so great. PAUL'S CONVERSION Gamaliel taught well educated, Believers of the Way I hated. A faithful man an Israelite, What they taught could not be right. And so to the city of the Damascenes, With letters warning of those foul fiends. To capture for high priestly court, Be stoned, or their false faith abort. With that cities walls in sight, I fell from horse, a blinding light. A voice spoke out; I could not see. 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you Lord'? I questioning cried, Then totally broken as the voice replied. 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting'. Aghast to think what I'd been refuting. Taken into the city, now blind and in fear, Suddenly in a vision, these words I did hear. Ananias would come my sight be restored. This was fulfilled as I now here record. Entered the house put hands on my head, These are the words Ananias then said, "See again brother, be Spirit filled too At your request we will now baptize you." For several days citizens minds in a fog, As I preach of Christ in their synagogue. Some became angry at what I had taught, Planning together, my death they now sort. Then aware of their plot, I needed to flee, My fellow believers they lowered me. In a large basket via a hole in the wall, Thus, I escaped from their murderous call. My life's been transformed, to all I now say, Jesus is Lord; He's the Life, Truth and Way. PSALM 42-LONGING, REMEMBERING, TRUSTING Longing... "Like a deer desperate for a cool stream So I'm desperate for you. Longing for you, O God, is my theme I hardly know what to do. Here I am far away from home Remembering the festival times. Tears now flow as I pour out my soul. O what sorrow is mine! 'Stop, my soul. Put your hope in God. Know that you still will praise. Though it is Jordan's soil you trod, You must rise from this sad malaise.' Remembering... I remember your mighty power, The roar of the mighty sea. I call out from my night time tower, 'Have you forgotten me?' I spend each day in sadness alone; My bones are feeling the pain. My enemies taunt me as I moan, But You, O Lord, sustain. Trusting... Okay my soul, stop this reflection. Trust in God above. There is coming a resurrection For those who know His love. Yes, I will place my trust in the Lord, For you are my Savior true. With heaven in sight, a glorious reward, I'll trust You to see me through." DEEP When I walk on shallow ground Beneath me solidness is found But stepping out to the unknown I feel lost and all alone. Shallow ground is safe I think Until my heart begins to sink My faith has failed me once again When in shallowness I trusted men. Fearing God at last I see The depth of love comes to me Not to understand His way Yet I hear Him speak this day. My grace is all you'll ever need But still my questions always plead Are you really there I say? My shallow heart begins to pray. He prays too then He will weep Comforts me in my fitful sleep Whispers softly, "You are mine to keep" Then walks where deep calls unto deep. In my dreams I float away Beyond the solidness I sway My soul warms to His touch He loves me oh so very much. No longer walking on shallow ground For God is present all around I am truly His to keep The moment I walked unto the deep. Psalm 42:7 "Deep calls unto deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and billows have gone over me." THE COST Did I do something wrong? She burdens herself this way Asking the question constantly A heartbreak that rules her day. No longer a child abandoned But grown and quite mature Still she wonders, why, why? The loss is so hard to endure. "Was it my fault," she says "No it was surely not," I say Who could know the answer? Why a loved one walks away. God, You know it hurts When a life brings a lie And a heart suddenly closes Impossible not to question why? When those we love hurt us Not caring to even explain The loss of the living bears A confusing, unimaginable pain. Did I do something wrong? Oh Lord to You, I cry That I could never harm a soul Far better that I should die. I would rather live and lose And love the one I lost Than to suffer another person My prayer-no matter the cost. PSALM 37-THE HERITAGE OF THE RIGHTEOUS Don't let the success of the evil man Take away your peace and joy, For there is nothing one can possess That will not be destroyed. The believer shall trust in the Lord alone; It is He who has determined your place. This shall become your blessing zone As you surrender and seek His face. Commit your future and all your dreams To the Lord who observes in love. Your life will radiate like a beam As bright as the sun above. Be still and patient, pray for God's will; Don't faint when evil succeeds, For there is an awful eternal bill Coming due for all wicked deeds. Control your anger; turn away from wrath, Submit to God's best plan. The wicked now walk their chosen path, But you will inherit the land. It won't be long and the end will come; The wicked will not be found. To God's judgment they will succumb, But you will wear heaven's crown. Do you desire the Lord's salvation And acknowledge your selfish sin? Heaven will be your destination If you place your trust in Him. PSALM 32-THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS "Blessed am I. My sins are forgiven; My spirit has peace and rest. Before I repented I was driven By sins that were unconfessed. When I kept silent my health declined; I groaned on my couch each day, But when I confessed these sins of mine You washed my misery away. Yes, I have learned to confess my sin, For then my spirit can rest. By Your grace I'm cleansed within; My transgressions fully addressed Let all who are godly call on high While You can still be found, For when the mighty waters rise You guide to higher ground." God to David: "I will instruct you and teach you, My son In the way you ought to go. Each day to Me you must come To learn what you need to know. Do not be like the horse or mule That refuses to be controlled. Must I place a bridle on you To lead you where you must go? Many woes will come from above To all who resist my will. For all who surrender to Me in love Peace and joy I instill. Rejoice in the Lord My chosen ones. Seek to be upright in heart. Your eternal life has just begun So why don't you play it smart?" WHO AM I NOW? Who am I, you may wonder, you may ask I used to be a shadow living behind a mask A mask with many colorful faces That gives me thousands of rainbow hiding places I lived with high walls round about Keeping me in, locking them out Seeking in vain for the perfect refuge But found my fears frighteningly huge I was lost and miserable Hope was just beyond the impossible But when I met my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ He answered all my whys and paid my sin's great price He was the comfort and refuge to my tired soul He took my broken heart and made me whole For He bid me pardon and gave the sweetest sacrifice He loved me so much that for my sins He died Now who am I, you may ask? To serve and glorify is my lifelong task With all my being, shall I give praise For I am a sinner saved by His grace PSALM 27-THE LORD IS MY SALVATION The Lord on high is my salvation. Of whom shall I be afraid? He helps me defeat demonic schemes whenever an attempt is made. When my enemies come to attack, they will stumble and fall. Because the Lord is my guide and strength, I shall not fear at all. There is one thing I ask of the Lord, the thing I desire the most. It's not a desire for riches or fame or something grandiose. I love to be in the presence of God when I worship in His house. Living continually with my Lord is the hope I espouse. To live in His presence is safety for me and glorious peace of mind. No better fortress or hiding place would I ever be able to find. I will draw near to God on high with songs of joy and praise. This is the way I choose to live all my remaining days. So here is my prayer as I call out to God: 'Lead me in paths of light;' My enemy seeks to ravage me in numerous spiritual fights. Don't let me fall for Satan's plan or succumb to his devious ploy, For Lucifer lives his evil desire: to kill and steal and destroy. The devil accuses of sin and faults—some I've never committed, Then I quote the scripture to him, for that is the weapon permitted. I tell him he is a liar now and has been from the beginning. I tell how Jesus saved my soul and remind him he is not winning. Yes, I'm confident God will prevail in all the trials of life. I can conquer fear and doubt; get victory o'er sin and strife. I will wait patiently for the Lord enduring the devil's assaults, For by the blood of Christ applied I stand without blame or fault. This is the standing you will have if you place your trust in Christ. You must remember you cannot be saved by your deeds or might. If man could earn it, he would boast. That's not a desirable station. Confess your sin; trust in His grace. He will make you a new creation. PSALM 23-THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD The Lord is my shepherd, my needs are all met. I have plenty to eat; by the cool stream I rest. The pasture He chooses is lush with green grass Because of His presence the wild beasts must pass. The food that He gives yields strength and health. He guards from the wolves who come by stealth. The streams by the pasture so gently flow I drink all I need while the cool breezes blow. The paths we walk are those which are good. The words He speaks are all understood. Sometimes we tread in the shadow of death, But I need not fear or hold my breath. I know the enemy would tear me apart, But the Shepherd's strong staff will make him depart. The Savior is near, no danger can win. I know I am safe because I'm with Him. The Shepherd has said there is heaven ahead. He's planning a banquet for those He has led. There at God's table I will be seated. No enemies there, for they are defeated. We will be served by angelic creation. Along with dear saints from Old Testament nations. Goodness, love, and mercy are mine Not just for this day but for all time. The Savior is waiting for you to wake up He wants you to drink from His loving cup. He offers salvation so full and so free, So heed this good word from Psalm 23. PSALM 22-A MESSIANIC PROPHECY This is a Psalm of despair and joy, A Psalm that is doubly fulfilled. It's about David they hoped to destroy And Jesus when He was killed. "My God, My God, where are You? Can't you hear my pleas and groaning? I call out for help all the day through, Yet you fail to hear my moaning. Our Fathers cried and they were delivered. They trusted and were not ashamed. I call out to You, the deliverance-giver, But no miracle can I claim. I feel like a worm and not a man, Scorned and despised by all. 'You preached to others of God's great plan. Why doesn't He hear you call?' I am surrounded by evil beasts That long to tear me apart. As I suffer with pain's increase I am aware of my failing heart. My hands have been pierced and my feet. I've been nailed to this rugged cross. Here I hang near Golgotha Street To win back what mankind lost. O My God, deliver my soul. I know you will hear my plea. I will praise you, for this I know: You have regard for me. Those who seek You find satisfaction. In You they place their hope. They are assured of divine reaction In a timely definitive scope." King David was spared and ruled from his throne. He was delivered from every plight. All o'er the world He became known As a king both fierce and upright. Jesus died there upon the tree; Then was placed in the tomb. But He rose again for you and me To save us from sin and doom. HIS CHILDREN OF THE MORNING BRIGHT Ye children of the evening light, Bend a humble knee. O come before His throne, the King; Speak to Majesty. We cast thy flesh into the night, No shelter from the storm; Our gifts are scattered o'er the earth, Neglected and forlorn. Our children of the darkest night, Peace is gone from thee. And when thy paws shall scratch our door We sleep so silently. Amidst the fool is fog and mist, Clouded thoughts abound. Less you be damned like all the rest, Pray for wisdom's sound. His Children of the morning bright, Grace has smiled today; Adopted by your King on high, Thank Him now and pray. PSALM 19-GOD IS CALLING OUT OF YOU The heavens declare the glory of God, All creation His marvelous mind. They testify of His boundless power; His intention so loving and kind. The vastness of the universe Speaks loud to all who will hear That there is a God to love or curse Calling for all to draw near. Consider the sunrise in the East And watch it go down in the West. Nothing can hide from its radiant heat As it journeys to evening's rest. The wisdom of our divine Creator Is perfect reviving the soul. No one can love in any way greater Than He would make you whole. The commandments of the Lord are clear Giving us wisdom each day. Each of them act as a lighted mirror Revealing how grace is His way. His Law reveals the sins of my heart; Shows me the faults I must face, For my sin has kept us apart But the answer is His great grace. Cleanse me, O Lord, from all my sin Transform my corrupt condition. Remove the evil that lives within; I trust You for sin's remission. I know these words and heart meditation Are acceptable in Your sight, For You have removed sin's dark condemnation And given me peace in the night. PSALM 16-A PSALM OF HOPE AND JOY Hear my prayer today, O Lord I place my trust in You. By your grace I am restored. Each morning I start anew. I remember the day I said, "You are my Lord and Savior." How I long for heaven ahead With all who seek your favor. Many there are who turn away To gods of wood or stone. Their sorrow will multiply on the Day When they stand before You alone. You have granted blessings to me. I live in a pleasant place. My life is like a fruitful tree Growing in peace and grace. I bless the Lord and trust His Word; I seek Him at night when I rest. I long for the day His shout will be heard And I rise to the life that is best. If I should die before You return My spirit will fly to You. I have no fear of the lake that burns Or the judgment that will ensue. In Your presence is fullness of joy Devoid of all earthly leaven. Eternal fellowship to enjoy In the glory of God's great heaven. WIDOW WOMAN'S FAITH There was a widow woman in days of old Filled with sorrows and full of woes Her husband left her with much debt And many days in which to fret Her sons were to become slaves to pay off the loans She became distraught and felt so alone Elisha was a great prophet of God He helped many people down troubled roads they trod The sorrowful woman went to him for advice He told her "do exactly as I say to earn the price" Collect all that you can find of empty jars of clay And fill them full of olive oil for your debts to pay The woman and her sons did as they were told Miraculously, there was enough oil for them to reach their goal Now, this is a story of a widow woman's faith And how any kind of burdens God can take If only you will trust Him to guide you in His way He will give you the peace and comfort for which you pray And just as the widow woman who was full of faith in her Lord above God can fill your empty jars with His grace and unconditional love. Story taken from 2 Kings 4:1-7 (KJV) SUMMIT We followed Him up the mountain to pray When all that He is began to burst through. His glorious majesty on display, The splendor within Him steadily grew. His face soon became as bright as the sun. His clothes white as lightning flashing at night And as we beheld the Radiant One, We woke from our slumber into His light. Moses appeared, representing the law And Elijah came for the prophets too. While they conversed we looked on in awe, Fearfully wondering what we should do. Peter unknowingly shouted out loud, "Let us build shelters for each of you three!" Yet while he was speaking, there came a cloud Overshadowing us with brilliancy. God's heavenly presence fell upon us, Approving the one the scriptures spoke of, As everything came together in Jesus; The Lamb to be slain through unselfish love. Six days before, He predicted His death, Yet all that He told us remained concealed. But then as we tried to gather our breath, The promise of God was clearly revealed. "This is my chosen and dearly loved Son," God's voice softly thundered into our ears, "Listen to Him!" He said and was done, While Jesus remained to calm our fears. Oh the scriptures foretold within their scrolls, The glorious servant of suffering Who was beaten and killed to save our souls And arise from the grave as Christ our King! The law and prophets reflected God's light As His presence swiftly surrounded us, But the glory of God stood in our sight And the culmination was marvelous! I Kings 19 FISHERS OF MEN FOR JESUS Some guys were casting nets into the sea When Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee. Simon and Brother Andrew fished by trade. Today life-changing decisions were made. Jesus said to them, "Come after Me; I will make you fishers of men, you see." It was a great decision, not just a whim. They forsook their nets and followed Him. When Jesus went a little ways thence, He observed two more busy fishing gents. They were James, the son of Zebedee And his brother John in a ship on the sea. Jesus called them both straightway. They left their nets to go His way. Jesus' first disciples, these men became. Their lives would nevermore be the same. Jesus also wants us to be fishers of men. We can witness to strangers and even kin. We can tell others of salvation's plan, So let's spread the Gospel wherever we can. PSALM 15-HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR HEAVEN? Lord, who can live in heaven with you, Dwell on your holy hill? Is there something I must do To experience Your goodwill? "He whose walk is blameless," You say; "Who speaks the truth from his heart." But sin is present every day; To keep God and me apart. We're supposed to do our neighbor no wrong And cast no slur on others, But I have days when I can't get along With my saintly mother. Were supposed to honor those who fear God; Be true to the oaths we swear, Be generous to those who need our help; Treat everyone right and square. By now it should be as plain as day We're unable to live in these truths. We've feasted at sin's appealing buffet From the earliest days of our youth. The Bible shares the words so true Of man's eternal condition. It tells us exactly what to do To defeat our sin disposition. Jesus came to die on the cross To pay the price of our sin. Perfection endured this terrible loss To draw us near to Him When we place our trust in Christ Knowing His Word is true, His death becomes our sacrifice We're cleansed from sin and renewed. That's when His Spirit comes within To be our teacher and guide. As we listen and learn from Him Sin habits begin to subside. So here's the truth I want you to learn God paid the price of your sin. Your salvation cannot be earned. You must be transformed within. This may seem too simple for you As though you only coast, But if we could earn salvation true, Our pride would make us boast. The righteous standing we have in Christ Comes not from deeds we've done. No, we are judged holy in God's sight Because of God's only Son. Jesus died that you may receive Salvation's invitation. So tell Him today that you believe And seal your reservation. GET UP AND GO TO WORK You can't make a living lying in bed, So get up and work, you sleepy head! You can take a vacation now and then, But vacationing daily may be a sin. Get up and work and earn your food. Living off others is really rude. Eight hours of sleep is all you need. Go to work; you have a mouth to feed. One can understand if you're really ill, And you cannot work until you heal, But lying in bed when you can work Shows you're trying a duty to shirk. Take your vitamins and maybe you will Feel less tired and with energy fill. Unless you're retired, from sleep arise. It is God's way, the way that is wise. JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS Jumping to conclusions, what an exercise! In every situation, we should analyze Every side of an issue before we decide, Because we may support the wrong side. Answering a matter before hearing it Could cause us too hastily to commit To make a decision that could be wrong, So think on the matter sufficiently long. Bad decisions can bring folly and shame. They could give us a very bad name. Make sure you hear the matter through Before you decide just what to do. Just do not jump to conclusions at all. Hear all sides before making your call. Answering wrongly could be a disaster, Whether we're a layman or a dear pastor. ARE WE AT EASE IN ZION? Are we at ease in Zion When unrighteousness doth reign? Let us be up and doing In a world that seems insane! One Christian cannot conquer The evil which abounds. The whole body of Christ can blow Trumpets with certain sounds! Let's take up the mighty sword, Which is God's Holy Word And proclaim salvation's message Wherever it can be heard! Let us defeat God's enemies With many Scripture verses, And let us defeat the Devil With all his many curses. Remember always to pray For wisdom from the Lord. Follow the Spirit's leading. Meet with saints in one accord. Do not let much confusion Scatter your mighty forces. Always put Jesus Christ first And follow the right courses. We are on a battleground, O Saint, not a playing field. We must rally around our Savior, And to His will, we'll yield. Let's support the missionaries Who go to foreign stations To carry the Gospel of Jesus To all tongues and nations. PSALM 14-THE FOOL Who is the man who says there's no God? The Bible calls him a fool. In arrogant pride he lives on this sod Believing God's Word is untrue. His heart is corrupt, his deeds are vile; His ideals are empty gas. With vain philosophy he beguiles The sycophants in his class. The Lord looks down from heaven on high Observing the human race. He searches vainly for all who are wise, Who desire to seek His face. He finds not one, for all turned away To a state of spiritual demise. There's no longing to learn or pray, For they're tuned to the Father of Lies. These sons of Satan never learn. They devour the poor like bread. Someday the truth they blithely spurn Will fill them with fear and dread. But the Lord is the refuge to the poor; It's a truth in which to rejoice. Believers will go to heaven for sure At the sound of the trump and His voice. How I long for the day of salvation When all that was lost is restored; Receiving heaven's glorification And living with Christ our Lord. I'm going to live in heaven some day. I hope you will be there too. Seek the Lord, His teachings weigh; Don't play the part of a fool. PSALM 10-O GOD, HEAR AND ACT Why, O Lord, are you far away When the wicked act so cruel? Don't you know what the wicked say? They say the believer's a fool! The wicked brazenly hunts down the poor And brags about all his success. He doesn't believe judgment is sure; Considers God even less. His mouth is full of cursing and lies. He murders the innocent man. Like a lion he springs in surprise On the victims of his plan. He has no fear of God above As though He had no eyes. He has no thoughts of brotherly love Nor cares if his victims die. He says, "Nothing bad will happen to me; Heartache is for the meek. I reach out and take what I see. I always get what I seek." Lord, when will you act to right this wrong? You can see the trouble they cause. Rise to show yourself just and strong Against those who break your laws? Break the arms of these evil doers; Chase them till all are destroyed. You should become the feared pursuer Till they lose all the comforts enjoyed. This I know about You, O Lord. Of this I am more than sure. You will bring hope to those oppressed And relief to those who are poor. PSALM 8-HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME O Lord, our Lord, to whom we belong, How majestic is your name. O Lord, our Lord, your creation longs To give you praise and acclaim. Lord, your glory is clearly revealed In the heavens above. We, who by your grace are sealed, Enjoy your peace and love. Even the praise of child or babe Produces glorious might. Even their simplest praises made Enhance the spiritual fight. When I consider the heavens above, The stars and moons that blink; When I perceive your labor of love, This is what I think: "What is man that you care so much? Why would you love him so? You made him ruler o'er all he can touch And gave him total control. The flocks and herds you've given to him, The birds of the air and the fish that swim. All the plants that grow in the field To man is submitted; to man they yield. Lower than your angels who serve But greater than all that remains; With wisdom and power undeserved, He rules o'er the earthly domain. There is nothing more to say, Nor greater thoughts to proclaim. It is our joy to shout each day, 'How Majestic is Your Name!'" JOB 39-Pinions and Plumage Do you know when the wild goats are birthing? Have you seen the faun born of the deer? Do you have any skill to know when they fulfill? Do you know when their time's finally here? They will crouch down when bearing their offspring; only then will their birth pangs adjourn. Then the ones who survive will grow stronger and thrive; when they leave, they will never return. Tell me, who gave the wild ass its freedom; loosed the rope and allowed it to roam? For I've given it land that is nothing but sand, making salt flats and wasteland its home. And it scoffs at the noise in the village; drivers’ shouts never reaching its ears. Through the mountains, the ass roams in search of green grass, then moves on when its food disappears. Will the wild ox consent to your service? Will it stay for the night in your stall? Will it furrow a length if you harness its strength? Will it harrow your valleys at all? Can you count and rely on such power? Will you leave it to manage your chores? Will your trust be in vain lest it gathers your grain and then brings it to your threshing floors? Now the wings of the ostrich wave proudly, but compared with the stork's -- there's no match! For her eggs can be found there on top of the ground, keeping warm in the dust till they hatch. That the eggs might be crushed is forgotten; or be trampled by some wild beast. Her young's treatment infers that they're not really hers; that she labored for naught in the least. For God did not endow her with wisdom, neither gave her a share of good sense. But the contest is done once she gets up to run, and she laughs at the horseman's expense. Have you given the horse strength and vigor; or the mane flowing down from his head? Will he take off in fright like a grasshopper might? His proud snorting strikes terror and dread! He paws fiercely the ground in the valley; and he charges hard into the fray. And he laughs, unafraid, and is never dismayed; from the sword, he does not turn away. And against him, the arrows will rattle, as will javelin, lance and the spear. He cannot stand around but devours the ground at the blast of the horn in his ear. He defiantly snorts at the trumpet; breathes the battle's scent into his mouth. Is it by your insight that the hawk soars in flight, as it stretches its wings to the south? Does the eagle mount up at your bidding; building nests in the crags of the sky? It elects to abide on the steep mountainside on the cliffs in its fortress on high. And from there, for its prey it keeps searching; keeping watch with its eyes on the ground. And its young make a feast on the blood of a beast; near the slain, it will surely be found. PSALM 5-HEAR MY PLEA, O LORD Please give ear to my words, O Lord. Consider my meditation. I come in the morning to be restored In humble consecration. Give heed unto my voice today; I lay my heart before You. I come early to sing and pray, To worship and implore You You take no pleasure in wicked sin Nor boastful, pride-filled man; Those who harbor lies within, Or deceitful, murderous plans. But I will come before you, Lord; Your mercy I receive, A wondrous undeserved reward Because my heart believes. My enemies are counterfeit frauds; Their tongues speak vain deceit. What they say you won't applaud; It's foulness they repeat. Let all who put their trust in You Rejoice and sing their praise, Their heart-felt worship proven true By the character they display. Surely, Lord, the righteous are blessed; You surround them like a shield. I pray their love will find express In this ripened harvest field. DELIVERANCE Failure is uniquely personal If one lives long enough You will feel its heartache And it can be pretty rough. Justice may disguise itself As just becomes unjust Then failures often follow Bringing pain and loss of trust. Nothing will ever break a heart I pray you'll never know The grief that inevitably comes When a child decides to let go. But justice belongs to Him His promise from years ago No matter how long it takes I believe and know it is so. Oh, do not plead for justice Unceasingly give it away Then wait on your Father And receive this gift someday. Deliverance from a sorrow When He rescues you will see Deliverance from the Savior He has come to set us free. Freedom fills the emptiness With a gift that is so immense The hand of God reaches out A soul quivers with deliverance. WORTH IT As I walked, I spoke to You Animals scurried all around me Then suddenly she stepped out This beautiful deer I see. And only for that moment She stood so very still I held my breath and watched her As my eyes began to fill. Only God could make this creature Her eyes darted everywhere Standing in awe of her perfection She knew that I was there. In my head a psalm appeared A perfect time to find The deer pants for the water And I played it in my mind. Then gracefully she bolted As if she ran to You I pictured the stream flowing Knowing what the deer would do. Lowering her head in elegance The water is fresh and cold A thirst is satisfied again As the psalm begins to unfold. As the deer pants for the water I thirst inside my soul Drinking in everlasting life You complete me, make me whole. Oh, let me see her one more time For the deer has become the story And the striking beauty of her life To show the world Your Glory. PSALM 3-A CRY FOR HELP 2 Samuel records the true account of David's traitorous son. Absalom stole his father's throne and the king was on the run. Through the night the king did pray and God became his shield Keeping enemy troops at bay as they tramped through lane and field. David cried out to his Lord, "How many are my foes! Absalom's army is in pursuit to deliver the final blow. Many who see me on this road believe that I will die, But I will place my trust in God who governs from on high. You are a shield around me, Lord, the lifter of my soul. I look to heaven for your help. There's nowhere else to go. I lift my voice and cry to God, 'O Lord, do not be still.' I know my God will answer me from His holy hill. The peace of God then floods my soul. I sleep in quiet rest. When I awake I am at peace aware that He has blessed. I will not fear the tens of thousands sent to slaughter me. His protective care and concern is the safest place to be. I feel a surge of confidence. I shout for all to hear it. 'Arise O Lord; strike them down by the power of Your Spirit. Punch my enemies hard in their face; break their teeth if you must. Triumph over ungodly foes whose intentions are unjust.' Listen people, hear my words, 'Salvation belongs to the Lord.' He will deliver from all attacks; protect from the enemy sword. His blessings rest upon His people, those who trust in His name. So lift your voice and shout to the Lord, His glory to proclaim." PSALM 2-KING OF THE WORLD Wicked Kings all over the world Rage at the thought of God. They plot together with insults hurled Hating His iron rod. "Let's break the yoke, throw off the chains Imposed by the Lord and His Son." They craftily plan and anticipate gain Believing the battle is won. The One who rules in heaven laughs. He scoffs at their futile schemes. All of their plans both present and past Can't stop Him from seating His king. When Jesus died on the cruel cross. He defeated the power of sin. Perfection was buried but evil still lost; For He died and then rose again. The Son of God came forth from the tomb; Declared to the world that He lived. Resurrected from death's dark room, The throne of the world became His. "Ask and I'll give you all the nations. It's your inheritance, Son. Rule o'er the kingdoms of all creation. The eternal battle is won." Someday soon the Lord will ascend To the throne as King from above. Rebels and fools will go to their end As He reigns in justice and love. There is action to take today As you read this Psalm so true. Confess your sins as you kneel and pray. Tell Him that you'll serve Him too. PSALM 1-THE MAN WHO IS BLESSED I know a man, who is truly blessed, Whose life is free of turmoil and stress. He doesn't hang with the wrong kind of friends, For his sinful ways have come to an end. His life is now guided by God's sure Word. He's soaking in scripture, his heart is stirred. He's like a tree with a strong tap root— Well-watered, not withered; producing good fruit. He finds his delight in his Living Lord Who paid the sin ransom he couldn't afford. He lives in peace above condemnation Forgiven, redeemed by the God of Creation. Along with the righteous the wicked abound. Rejecting the message the Gospel sounds. They're like the chaff, the empty husk, Blown far from the stream along with the dust. They have no fruit to present to the Master; They're marching toward eternal disaster. They cruise to old age from days of youth Believing the lie, rejecting the truth. God cares for all whose ways are right. They're ever before Him day and night. The righteous soul the Lord will cherish, But all who reject Him are destined to perish. The plan of salvation is spiritual birth, Pardon for sin and purpose on earth. The scripture declares that when we believe Our sins are forgiven; new life we receive. This life we now live will come to an end. The life that's eternal will then begin. So what will it be for you, dear friend, Heaven with Him or hell that won't end? RED LETTERS The words sealed inside With a kiss straight from heaven Its message will forever reside As red letters lie like blood on the page The verses within have severed lies An edge sharper than any blade Parables shall open many eyes As red letters lie like blood on the page The accounts of many lives past Their deeds done but not forgotten Truthful tales that will forever last As red letters lie like blood on the page And then there was He The ultimate sacrifice Who gave His life for me As red letters lie like blood on the page SITTING IN MY ROOM As I sit here in my room, I wonder what to write Just waiting for ideas, but none seem to be right I'm waiting on the Lord to deliver me a speech But all I seem to get is a lesson I should teach I asked myself what message does the Lord want me to give? He responded with a note that said this is how to live Wake up in the morning and get on your knees and pray Ask Me what I want of you and listen to what I say The voice inside that your hear, you know it will be mine Listen, be obedient and things will turn out fine Thank me for the gospel of my one and only son For the blood He shed at Cavalry, the battle has been won Be joyful in your day, no matter where you go Whatever you say or do, don't forget I know I want your love so dearly, I cry out every day Come to me, oh come to me, this is what I say Your days on earth are numbered, you only have a few My Son He came to save you, and yes He was a Jew Mary was His Mother and Joseph was his Dad The birth that night in the stable, made much of the world glad My one and only Son, wasn't sent to earth in vain He was sent here for a reason, to relieve the world of pain DELIGHT THYSELF IN THE LORD Do you delight in pleasure, riches, and such, Or maybe a cell phone with a soft touch? Do you delight in a computer and internet, Or do you worship your favorite pet? Christian, God should be number one. For us, God gave Jesus, His only Son To come to earth to die on a cruel cross For all our sins, He suffered loss. Delight thyself in the Lord, my friend. Stand on God's Word and never bend. Put God first in your life each day. Read God's Word often and always pray. For God, a willing servant, let's be. God bountifully blesses you and me. Let us never from God's Word depart. He'll give you the desires of your heart. LITTLE THAT A RIGHTEOUS MAN HATH Some wicked men may have it all, Owning factories, stores, or a mall. What I have is better; this I know, For God's Holy Word tells me so. I have no riches on earth, you see. Wealth makes you no better than me. My name is not in rich men's wills, But my Father owns cattle on many hills. My Father is God; for Him I will live. My tithes and offerings to Him I give. My Father always supplies my needs, As He directs my path wherever He leads. I have riches laid up in Heaven above. I have put God first, and Him I love. I want to serve God the rest of my life, So keep your riches along with the strife. Not all rich people are wicked, you know, But many exist on this earth here below. If you're a rich saint, may God bless you. I'm sure you tithe on your riches too. NOAH FOUND GRACE Yes, we live in the age of grace. God's grace abounds; that's true, But in the Old Testament we can trace Abounding grace through and through. "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." As Noah served the Lord year after year, He preached repentance, seeking no reward, But those evil people refused to hear. God told Noah, "Go build a big ark, And build this ark in a certain way. Rains will come; the sky will grow dark. Yes, there will be a big flood one day." Noah obeyed the instructions God said. He built that ark so big and great. Aboard came the animals as God led And also Noah's dear family of eight. Waters then flooded the earth so great, Raining forty days and forty nights. Noah was right, but it was too late. Lost sinners met their watery plights. Lost sinners, repent before it's too late. You do not know when you will die. Salvation's door may close; don't wait. Call on the Lord while He is nigh. WATCHING OUR WORDS Words in a child's song I heard one day Were "be careful little mouth what you say." These words are so scriptural and true. We need to be careful what we say and do. In our speech, let's be humble and meek, For we'll give account for idle words we speak. By our words, we can be justified, you see, And words may very well condemn you and me. Words we say can go to many hearing ears, Causing bright smiles or maybe bitter tears. We can hurt someone by the words we say, So be careful and speak in a very kind way. Sometimes saying nothing can be very wise. Words may condemn us in others' ears and eyes. Our words may make us look like a fool, So sometimes silence makes us seem cool. Strive to please Jesus in all you say and do, And to God and to your fellow men be true. Let the Holy Spirit lead you day by day. Let Him guide you in all you do and say. JEREMIAH-HEAR THE WORLD OF THE LORD Jeremiah stood in the temple yard to tell the people their fate. This is the message given by God the prophet was called to state: "If you do not listen carefully; decide to do what is right, Jerusalem will become like Shiloh when it suffered its plight." (Shiloh was honored to be the place where the people met their Lord. The tabernacle was located there; the Ark of the Covenant stored. But when Israel strayed away from God and lost the ark in war, Shiloh became a desolate city, a place to be shunned and ignored.) When the officials heard this word they seized the prophet and said, "This man prophesies against us. We think he deserves to be dead." Jeremiah then repeated God's Word: "Reform and change your ways. God may soften the coming judgment but only if you obey." Uriah and Micah also gave a confirming Word of correction. The people decided the word was true and lifted their disaffection. Once again the prophet was spared protected by God's mighty hand, But there were additional words from God to proclaim throughout the land. There came a day when Jeremiah strapped a yoke upon his neck. He warned Zedekiah of many false prophets and their lying effects. "Bow to the yoke of bondage I sent; serve Nebuchadnezzar the king, But if you resist and follow false prophets, you will lose everything." But false Hananiah took the yoke that Jeremiah had fashioned. He smashed the yoke into the ground swinging with might and passion. "Within two years," this prophet said, "this foreign yoke will be broken. Hear me now as I speak to you, for this is a word well spoken." Jeremiah responded in this way: "Hananiah that's a good try. Sadly you have persuaded these people to follow a bald-faced lie. I have another word from God that everyone needs to hear: God is about to remove you from earth. Your death will come this year." Hananiah passed in the seventh month just as the prophet had said. It's a reminder to follow the Word and not the thoughts of your head. The Bible is our source of truth as we seek out God's direction. Modern day prophets will surely fail, but His Word is utter perfection. JEREMIAH-THE COMING JUDGEMENT Jeremiah became a prophet of God to speak to His unfaithful bride. He called to the city imploring the folks to lay down their sin and pride. This people, delivered by their great God, had now abandoned Him. They daily lived on the precipice of time, for judgment follows sin. Thus says the Lord to Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground. If you continue to sow among thorns, your troubles will only compound. Circumcise your hearts, O men, for my wrath will burn like fire. Because of the weight of sin in the land, your time is about to expire. Sound the trumpet! Raise the flag. Run to the stronghold of Zion. From the north will come a destroyer, a fierce and mighty lion. Put on the sackcloth, lament and wail, for judgment is at hand; The righteous anger of the Lord will soon destroy the land. The lion will come like a scorching wind with chariots and swift horses. Your armies will not prevail against him who leads his powerful forces. The purpose of the wind from the north is not to winnow or cleanse; I will use this blistering wind to bring judgment to wicked men." The prophet walked throughout the city and listened at her squares. He was searching for one honest person who treated the people fair. Jeremiah was told, "Find one honest person, and I will forgive this city." Alas, the prophet could find not one. Such conduct receives no pity. "Why should I forgive this people for whom I supplied all needs? These are the people who gave themselves to sin and idolatry. Like lusty stallions each went his own way seeking his neighbor's wife. Why should they now be so surprised to experience the pruner's knife?" "O house of Israel," declares the Lord, "I am bringing a distant nation. They will devour your flocks and herds; bring pain and separation. They will take your sons and daughters back to their foreign lands, But even then you won't repent and follow My guiding hand." O People of God, it was true for them and it's true for us today. Today is the day of our salvation. Today is the day we should pray. Let us confess our need for him and trust Him for salvation. Help us live our remaining days in fruitful appreciation. America is walking in peril by abandoning her God above. She is departing from faith in the One our founding fathers loved. Walking in sin down the same ugly path, her judgment is at hand. Lord, help us all be bold Jeremiahs willing to share Your plan. JEREMIAH-GOD IS CALLING OUT TO YOU Jeremiah heard the voice of God and felt the pain in His heart As He remembered Judah's love at the journey's start. All Israel was His holy bride sealed at Sinai's pact, Protected by His mighty arm from Satan's evil attack. "What fault did your father's find in me? In what way did I fail? Why did they follow worthless gods powerless to prevail? The people forgot the way I led with a strong and loving hand To deliver them from slavery to a prosperous, fruitful land. I gave you a land of milk and honey which you promptly defiled Falling in love with idolatry like a headstrong child. The priests and scholars did not speak; the leaders didn't care; The prophets prophesy by Baal today. A word of truth is rare. My people committed two terrible sins: The first is rejecting Me. I see them practice their harlotry under every spreading tree. They have rejected Living Water that cannot assuage their thirst. They have abandoned their Redeemer following idols first." "O Judah, you are a wild donkey in her time of heat Sniffing the winds to find the stallion she desires to meet. You say unto a statue of stone, 'You are god who gave me birth.' How foolish it is to follow a god made from the stones of earth." Young lions trampled your cities to dust. Where have your gods been? When the men of Egypt burned your towns, where were your gods then? You look to the sky and fervently proclaim, 'He is not angry with me.' How foolish it is to deny your guilt. The evidence is plain to see." You are Israel's faithless sister. You failed to learn from her sin. You pretend to come back to me, but you are faithless within. I'm calling now to Israel too dispersed through Assyria's land. Return to Me. I am your husband. Come and take my hand." In the same way that God called to Judah and to Israel too, So He continues to call out today…calling out for you. He is not willing that any should perish. He wants to save your soul. There is no other fountain to cleanse. Only He can make you whole. Will you listen? Will you respond? Will you come to Him today? Time is short. The end is coming. It's time to kneel and pray. God is waiting to make you His child. He wants to forgive all sin. Come to Him in faith and surrender. He will cleanse you within. JEREMIAH-THE CALL OF JEREMIAH After Josiah came four worthless kings as the time of captivity drew near. Jeremiah was called as a prophet supreme, but the message they would not hear. Read God's Word and consider it well; the message is given for all, For we will miss the purpose of life if we fail to heed God's call. Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, was raised in a righteous home. His father was a priest who served when Josiah was on the throne. In the thirteenth year of Josiah's reign, Jeremiah heard the call. The record reveals the challenging task he faced as he gave his all. "Before I formed you in the womb I determined to make you mine. I set you apart and gave you to Judah for this particular time. I, your God, have made you a prophet and put your bones on fire, For the people you serve have lost their way and are led by evil liars." "O God in heaven, why should I speak? To them I'm a tender youth." "Just go where I send you, say what you hear; proclaim the triumphant truth. I've set you over nations and kings to root out and pull down. You are called to refute the lies of those who will wear the crown. A king from the North is coming soon to capture the holy city. Because of Judah's idolatry, I will turn from compassion and pity. Prepare yourself, arise and go; proclaim the truths you have heard. Do not be dismayed when they resist, for they will not heed the word." "They will fight but will not prevail against you," says the Lord. The king, the priests, and the princes will fail to resist the coming horde. Judgment will come for the idolatry practiced throughout this land Where people worship gods of wood fashioned by their own hand." So what is the message for us today? What can we learn from this? What should we grasp as we kneel to pray? It's meaning we must not miss. We love our computers, our high def TV's, the technology of the land. Could these be considered the gods we love fashioned by our hands? Lovers of pleasure and not of God, enslaved by money and greed— Isn't this a message of truth that people today should heed? Let us not practice foolish delusion like the people of Judah embraced, For soon the day of accounting will come when we meet Him face to face. DAVID AND BATHSHEBA Great was the passion in David the king that drove him to do this dastardly thing. Uriah the Hittite had now been slain so that David his new conquest could gain. The King of Israel was free to do Those things that he had always wanted too So Bathsheba became his new wife and he was enjoying his kingly life Time passed by and David had forgotten his deeds so shameful and so rotten But God remembered and saw everything And sent Nathan the prophet to see the king Nathan stood before king David now and began to explain to David how a rich man, poor man and little ewe lamb became entangled in a dangerous game. The rich man took everything and killed the ewe And there was nothing the poor man could do. David the shepherd king ranted and raved He thought that the rich man was so depraved. Saying “As sure as the Lord lives he should die,” “Tell me who he is.” Was the king’s reply “YOU ARE THE MAN, “ Nathan the prophet said Filling the king with foreboding and dread. He who’d killed lions and a giant man was slain by this beautiful woman. Her pure loveliness had captured his soul and now he had to face sins awful toll. But he schemed and contrived and planned. Gave no thought to the fact that he’d be damned when he told the captain of his great army, “Send Uriah her husband home to me” Hoping Uriah would bed with his wife thus saving him from his trouble and strife. But Uriah, being a man of valour had slept outside and not with Bathsheba. So David sent Uriah back to the battle front carrying his own royal death warrant “Put him in the thick of the battle, ” it said “And leave him all alone until he’s dead!” Let us continue the erotic tale of David the king and the alpha male. So full of testosterone and desire he wanted to take her into his boudoir. Bathsheba, wife of Uriah was her name And they both began this dangerous game. Following desires and not common sense they made love ignoring the consequence. When night was over and their passion spent Bathsheba had a bath and home she went Then some time later I’m sorry to say That she was now in the family way. She wrote telling David the news so bad Saying “I am with child and You’re the dad! ” David did not like hearing of his shame So he planned and schemed to avoid the blame Upon the palace roof he walked around for his poor restless soul no sleep had found. But then those eyes of his all red and sore could not believe the lovely sight they saw. For there across the rooftops he could see a woman as naked as she could be. He had to pinch himself to make sure that it was no apparition that he saw. Then his testosterone levels just soared as with lust and passion his body roared. This was how the awful saga began of the murder of an innocent man. 2 KINGS-THE JOSIAH PLAN The greatest king Judah had known was beloved King Hezekiah. But now we come to special young man whose name was King Josiah. In between was an evil one who reigned for fifty-five years. Though he was Hezekiah's son, he was evil beyond his peers. Manasseh repented in later years and tried to change his nation, But the evil he had performed altered its spiritual station. His son Amon, who became king, abandoned the way of the Lord. Two years later he was destroyed by his servant's sword. The people installed Josiah as king when he was but eight years old. From his advisors wisdom would spring more precious than silver or gold. Josiah's leadership and reforms are chronicled in three stages. The blessed actions he performed are recorded in these pages. The first stage happened from age eight with guidance from his advisors. As they taught him respect for God, he was enabled to rule wiser. His leadership grew at age sixteen when his faith became his own. He did not turn from right to left, nor did he from godliness roam. Stage two began when he was twenty and nothing within him faltered. He decided to cleanse the nation removing false gods and altars. Jerusalem first and throughout the land his resolve the people saw, But nothing compares to the fateful day they found the Book of the Law. Stage three begins at age twenty-six when he ordered the temple cleansed. Hilkiah found the Book of the Law, missing from way back when. Josiah consulted Huldah the Prophetess to assuage his spiritual thirst. "Because of their sin," the prophetess said, "the land will surely be cursed." Now God was pleased with Josiah the king; gave him a word from the Lord: "Before judgment falls on everything, you will go to your heavenly reward." Josiah called a sacred assembly to hear the words from the scroll. The people heard how sin condemns with power to destroy their soul. The land was put to a further purge with idol objects defiled. The people saw the truth about sin and how its power beguiles. The power of sin is present today in our land and across the sea. It is to Jesus the Savior we pray for salvation to set us free. Josiah reigned for thirty-one years; brought blessings to his nation. He was successful because he feared the God of all creation. You can walk with the Lord today discerning this world's demise: Turn to Jesus; walk in His ways. "Look up! Your redemption is nigh." 2 KINGS-WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE? Many kings in the North and South were very wicked men. They fought each other and enemies without over and over again. Thirteen ruled as kings in the North until Elisha died; About that time Uzziah became the king of the southern tribe. Uzziah is known to be Azariah; both names describe the man. He did right in the sight of God but missed a part of His plan. In the fifty-two years of his legendary reign he saw a lot of faces, But he failed to completely remove the idolatry of the high places. Jotham was Uzziah's son who became a righteous king. He rebuilt the gates on the temple wall among many other things. Jotham conquered the Ammonites; received tribute from many places, But like his father he failed to destroy the idolatry of the high places. After Jotham Ahaz was king. Of evil he never tired. He sacrificed his infant sons through Molech's awful fire. Defeated in war he surrendered the treasure belonging to the Lord. Such wickedness extracts a price that no one can afford. But after Ahaz came a king who loved God with all his heart. He trusted the Lord in heaven above His wisdom to impart. Hezekiah became the greatest king to rule from Judah's throne. His courage, faith, and integrity, we should seek to make our own. Uzziah, Jotham and Hezekiah—three of Judah's best leaders. Each left a legacy of righteousness admired by Bible readers. We too will leave a legacy from this time we have on earth, So consider the brevity of this life and leave a legacy of worth. We cannot change our history past, but there is time still left, Time to refocus our life on God; to encourage, love and bless. We can live with eternity in view remembering heaven above, Infusing the way we talk and live with the power of Christ's love. STAND FIRM To be strong in God's power, To stand and rise above. You must put on His full armor, And bind yourself up in His love. Place and tighten to your waist, His truth and know all the facts. For you can't fool the evil one, He sees right through the cracks. Stand and put on the breastplate, Of His justice without shame. For the hosts of the darkness, Trembles at the sound of His name. Stand and put on faith's shield, Guard what you believe. For the wicked one will destroy, But Christ will free and relieve. Stand and put on the helmet, Of the Salvation you have found. For when you wrestle with Satan, You won't be tied and bound. Stand and take up your sword, Let His Word pierce to the heart. For then you will be prepared, To fight off each fiery dart. To be strong in God's power, To stand and overcome. Pray for perseverance and decide, To Satan you won't succumb. 2 KINGS-THE BAD, THE GOOD, THE UGLY You've heard the adage, "Like father, like son." This passage tells of the opposite one. Ahab's daughter, Athaliah by name, Was very good at the power game. She married Joram, Jehoshaphat's son, But eight years later his time was done. Her son, Ahaziah, became the king But his reign was simply a one-year fling. Athaliah, desiring the throne, Killed her grandsons to make it her own. Murderous, selfish, scheming and rash, She killed them all except for Joash. The hand of God was upon the lad, The only descendant of his dad, Hidden away in the House of the Lord Until the day his throne was restored. Enter Jehoiada, the faithful priest Who fiercely opposed Athaliah that beast. Joash was crowned at the temple hill; Athaliah captured and quickly killed. For forty years Joash was king Bringing reform to everything. The altars of Baal were all torn down; Idolatry banned in Jerusalem town. As long as Jehoiada was an advisor Joash kept ruling wiser and wiser. The temple was completely restored With monies given to the Lord. Jehoiada lived to one hundred thirty, But after he died it wasn't pretty. Joash stopped listening to the priest Failing badly to say the least. He killed Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, And lost a war that he should have won. All of this happened you can see Because of his end-life apostasy. Though Joash began well, in the end he failed; His spiritual heritage sadly derailed. Stay true to God, to whom you belong, Walk humbly before Him and finish strong. 2 KINGS-JEZEBEL AND THE END OF THE ROAD There were many insolent kings who dismissed the Lord's intentions— Kings from both the North and South too numerous here to mention. But we can remember Ahab and wife, a godless king and queen. Ahab had died and now it was time for Jezzie to leave the scene. Jezebel dwelt secure in the palace; her son had assumed the throne. But up in heaven the day and time of Jezebel's judgment was known. Elijah had set the record straight with solemn words of candor. The one God chose to seal her fate was Jehu, the army commander. A prophet was sent to this chosen one to make this message known: God had removed Jezebel's son and given Jehu the throne. The entire house of Ahab rebelled just as Elijah had said. Jehu would send all of them down to the realm of the dead. Now Jehu was a man of action known to drive quite fast. His chariot left a cloud of dust as he went racing past. Joram the King went out to greet him arriving at Naboth's land. There the son of Ahab died by an arrow from Jehu's hand. Jehu said to Bidkar his captain, "Leave him on Naboth's land. I refuse to bury the body of such a disgraceful man. Naboth died in treachery; his blood was spilled for this lot. Ahab's family now will pay for Jezebel's evil plot." Jezebel learned of her son's death and knew her time was up. Long and deep had been her drink from Satan's evil cup. She painted her face and dressed as a queen hoping for domination, But Jehu stormed upon the scene not fearing intimidation. He called out to the servants above who stood at Jezebel's side. "If you agree then give her a shove right through this window wide." They picked her up and threw her down—it's a story gruesome to tell. Suffice it say on that very day, Jezebel went to hell. Seventy sons of Ahab died because of their parent's sin. This is not the family arrangement anyone should be in. You'll find no advantage for royalty when it comes to Judgment Day. God will reveal your evil thoughts and every word you say. But there is a Savior who died for you; the price of sin He paid. When you place your trust in Him, you need not be afraid. He will give you a spiritual birth; renew your spirit within, So choose to receive new life on earth and live forever with Him. 2 KINGS-A LESSON FROM ANCIENT HISTORY Israel agreed to live by the Law and always do what was best, But once again they abandoned God and now were starving to death. Ben Hadad, the king from Syria, surrounded Samaria town. The capital city of Israel was about to come crashing down. Joram, the King of Israel, was married to Jezebel's daughter. It was her devotion to the Baals that led the people to slaughter. What good is it to cry out to God with such a divided heart? God has demanded all of us. He won't settle for just a part. Elisha had told him not to surrender, to wait for God's intervention. Joram was angry accusing the Lord of deliberate inattention. Elisha's life was about to end with the removal of his head, But right on time Israel would find deliverance was just ahead. Four starving lepers huddled together outside the city gates. "We might as well surrender ourselves, for certain death awaits." They arose at twilight and walked forth towards the Syrian camp. There was nary a person there, not even a lighted lamp. There in the camp was food and drink along with the Syrian horses. God had provided for the town from the most unlikely of sources. The people went out and plundered the tents gathering the corn and flour. The famine broke and the city was spared from Satan's evil power. There are observations in this text appropriate for our land. Consider the misery that prevailed following the wisdom of man. The prophets warned again and again, but the people would not hear Until the blessings they enjoyed began to disappear. If only the king and people too had knelt with bended knee Confessing their sin and turning their back on wicked idolatry, They would have avoided the horror brought to their family and friends. Oh what a price sin extracts before it comes to an end! We have been blessed in America. What a land to live in! But now we are about to spend ourselves into complete oblivion. It is time for the church to wake up today and pray for our moral ills. It's time for congress to tighten its belt and decide to pay its bills. We are in a substantial mess in need of help from above. The answers are found in the Word of God our nation used to love. America needs a spiritual renewal to sweep across the land. Wake up and pray, O saints of God, for judgment is at hand! 2 KINGS-CAPTURED BY GREED Naaman was a Syrian legend but not the hero here. The hero is a servant girl who loved her Lord so dear. She was captured in a raid and cared for Naaman's wife. This is all scripture reveals about her former life. Naaman was a mighty warrior, a general in the land, Fighting a tough opponent who had the upper hand. He had beaten previous combatants employing ferocity, But Naaman couldn't foil the attack of dreaded leprosy. This little maiden said one day, "I have a word for you. There is a prophet in Israel who will tell you what to do. If the master will seek his face the leprosy will fade; The God of Israel is able to heal the people He has made." Naaman decided to take the advice, her wisdom to explore. With silver, gold, and precious gifts he arrived at Elisha's door. He thought the prophet would cry aloud in a voice to make one quiver, But Elisha simple directed him to bathe in the Jordan River. The general's pride of life was irked at this bland instruction. He thought his position and prestige should warrant a greater production. He fell into a fit of rage with words that could not be written, But a wise servant counseled him to accept the prophet's prescription. Once, then twice, and still a third into the Jordan he dipped. Nothing substantial had yet occurred, but he kept himself tight lipped. Four, then five, and finally six, he dipped his way to seven. When he came up from his seventh plunge, he saw his gift from heaven. His flesh once foul and eaten away was now completely restored. He returned to Elisha acknowledging God, attempting to give a reward. Elisha refused, for God did the deed, and he would accept no gain. That's when greed captured Gehazi to his eternal shame. After telling Naaman a lie, the servant received a prize. The silver, gold, and quality clothes were appealing to his eyes. He hid the money deep in his house, then stood before his master Only to learn that greed and deceit bring with them pain and disaster. Elisha said, "My dear Gehazi. Did you think I wouldn't know? Behold your skin has now become leprous, diseased and white as snow. It will cling to you and descendents down through the generations. You will learn to rue the day you yielded to temptation." Gehazi's sin we must not forget; his actions never repeat. Unchecked greed will only beget a life of lies and deceit. Be like Elisha devoted to God, make Him your very first choice. Then when the Day of Judgment arrives, you will surely rejoice. 2 KINGS-THE MIRACLES OF ELISHA Elisha served Jehovah God in the power He had bestowed. He was a true prophet of the Lord as the miracles showed. Usually in kindness miracles flowed but occasionally in times austere, God would humble the proud and profane, those without love or fear. Jericho was a city well planned but it lacked an important thing. It suffered from infertile land because of the bitter spring. Elisha threw some salt in the spring and then proclaimed it healed. From that day the water flowed forth and the ground began to yield. Elisha travelled on Bethel's road, for that is what God had said. Several dozen unruly youths ridiculed his bald head. These young men were undisciplined. They had no respect or fear. They came to mock the prophet of God whom they did not revere. Elisha discerned the devil's spirit possessing these young men. They were offending the Spirit of God time and time again. He turned around and pronounced a curse in the name of the Lord. Two bears emerged and mauled the men imparting their just reward. One of the widows in the land was unable to pay her bills. The creditors threatened to take her sons, her commitment to fulfill. All she had was a little oil. It wasn't enough to pay, But God was about to meet her need in a dramatic way. Elisha told her to borrow pots and then to fill each one. She poured enough to pay her bills before the oil was done. Little is much when God is in it. He can make it overflow. Our Lord knows no earthly limits like those we see below. In the sleepy town of Shunem just south of the Great Sea Lived a noble woman of God as barren as can be. She and her husband, quite elderly, gave Elisha a place to stay. The prophet inquired how God could bless her as he knelt to pray. Elisha learned she wanted a child but her husband was quite old. The prophet told her a miracle would very soon unfold. The woman conceived and bore a son at the appointed time. O the joys of God's provision under His care sublime! There is still more to this account. Sadly the young child died. In faith the woman believed that God would set his death aside. Elisha stretched out upon the boy until his flesh was warmed. Seven times the child sneezed as his dead body was transformed. There are more miracles herein recorded that Elisha performed. By the mighty hand of God lives were touched and transformed. It is a reminder of the great power resident in God's nature. Surrender your life to Him, dear friend; become a divine partaker. 2 KINGS-THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The time had arrived for Elijah to go and meet his God this day. To Elisha he said, "I'm leaving now. Here is where you stay." Elisha responded, "As the Lord lives, I will not leave you alone. I want to go with you all the way until you are taken home." Elijah rolled his mantle tight; struck the Jordan with a great sound. The waters stood both left and right; they traveled on dry ground. Once they were over Elijah asked, "Can I bless you? Let me hear it?" "I want to receive a double portion of the Holy Spirit." "You have asked a difficult thing. Here is how you will know it. If you see me when I depart, you can be sure our God will bestow it." A glorious chariot suddenly appeared standing there between them. Elisha would never forget that sight, for clearly he had seen them. As history records Elisha received an anointing of spiritual power. The Spirit of God rested on him bringing forth guidance each hour. Elisha went on to serve the Lord; he was known throughout the land. Many were the miraculous deeds manifest at his command. In former days the Spirit rested on those whom God showed favor, But now He lives within our hearts, a gift from our Lord and Savior. Knowing God worked in glorious wonder when on a few He would fall, Consider the potential in the Lord's church with His Spirit living in all. The Bible promises spiritual power when the Spirit comes into you." He enables you not to cower when the devil seeks to consume you. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom and strength to fight the good fight each day. He will guide your mind and heart as you kneel before God to pray. Just as Elijah fought the good fight and passed the mantle on, God has given us the might to fight through the night till dawn. The Spirit of God will never leave us; His presence will ever be there Enabling us to win the lost as we travel to heaven so fair. 1 KINGS-THE DEATH OF AHAB In the last chapter Ahab was humbled in sackcloth and with fasting. However the record will now reveal his repentance was not long-lasting. When Jehoshaphat came for a visit one day, they spoke of their enemies. They decided a treaty to fight together may be their remedy. Jehoshaphat sought a prophetic word that God would approve the attack, So Ahab called for his 400 prophets, who were really 400 quacks. The prophets told the assembled kings: "They're given into your hands." Jehoshaphat said, "Hold everything. Is there a prophet of God in the land?" "Yes, there is one I hate to hear. Micaiah is his name. Every time when he comes near, his prophecies are the same. Micaiah was summoned with these words, "Give a good word to the king." The prophet responded by telling him, "What the Lord says I will bring." The room was hushed as he spoke that day to people ranked low and high. He said to Ahab, "The day you go forth is surely the day you will die." False Zedekiah stepped ahead and struck him on the face. Micaiah said, "You will soon be running hard to find a hiding place." When Ahab finally went up to war, he dressed as a soldier plain. He was sure on Jehoshaphat, the Syrian arrows would rain. But when an archer raised his bow and released without aim or plan, The arrow found a chink in the armor mortally wounding the man. Ahab retreated and watched the battle in his chariot propped. The blood flowed down inside his armor until his heart just stopped. After his death the chariot was rinsed with the water flowing red. The dogs of Samaria lapped up his blood just as the prophet had said. Ahab thought he could outsmart God. What a foolish man! If you think we Christians are odd, what is your back up plan? What if you're wrong and we are right about the gospel we tell. It would mean that we are in heaven, but you are consigned to hell. I am not writing arrogant words but with a humble plea. That sin exists is beyond dispute. About that all agree. Thousands of years of history record many of man's fresh starts, But only one man has ever changed the nature of our hearts. This is the message the Bible shares, which Jesus came to effect: God will change our wicked hearts when His gift we accept. He will transform our life on earth; give peace at the end of our days. We will be raised to eternal life to the glory of His praise. 1 KINGS-THE MESSAGE OF NABOTH'S VINEYARD There is a reason why this account is placed in God's Holy book. Because it reveals evil unleashed, we should take a careful look. First we see Naboth, a devout Jew, who was faithful to the Law. Then Ahab and his malevolent queen, both with character flaws. Naboth carefully tended his vineyard located next to the King. Ahab thought, "What a bountiful garden this plot of ground would bring." "Naboth," he said, "I want your ground. I'll give you another field." But such a transaction would violate the Law so Naboth would not yield. Ahab knew that Naboth was right, but he didn't care at all. It was no concern to him if he violated the law. He went home and lay on his bed, pouting like a child. He told his story to Jezebel and it really go her riled. Jezebel abused her office and plotted with those in power. They proclaimed a public fast to meet at a certain hour. When Naboth arrived they said to him, "We have a charge to bring. These men here will testify that you have cursed God and the king." Thus poor Naboth was falsely accused by those who had hardly known him. Having been charged with blasphemy, the people were led to stone him. This is how Ahab obtained the land and prepared it for his use, But God in heaven saw their lie and moved to reveal the truth. Elijah the prophet came to the king who had gone to take possession. He said, "God has seen your pouting heart and Jezebel's evil aggression. Remember what happened to the heirs of Jeroboam and Baasha too? God has pronounced the very same judgment on Jezebel and you." Ahab and Jezebel clearly stand for the destruction of evil unleashed. As long as the devil has a clear hand, his evil will never cease. Only the Spirit in the church has restrained him until this hour. Oh what horror the world will face when the devil consolidates power! The Bible tells us there is a time when peace on earth will end. Jesus will come to get his church; to heaven the saints will ascend. The Spirit's power resident within will no longer restrain sin's flood. Now is the time to accept your salvation won by the Savior's blood. Look to the Lord, believe Him in faith; trust Him for saving grace. Do not think the goodness of man is sufficient to embrace. You are a sinner as all of us are. None of us deserve salvation. The Lord is coming and you are lost, so end your procrastination. AT THE ALTAR At the altar is where Jesus is waiting He is tugging at your heart so no more hesitating He wants you to come, kneel at his feet To forgive all your sins, make your life complete It is the Holy Spirit that draws you to the altar He will guide you by the hand so you do not falter There is no one in this church who is here without a cause The Lord's been whispering in your ear, I know you heard his calls He calls you in the late night hour with the sweetest voice All to give eternal life to you and make your heart rejoice He knows you are a sinner, He's seen your wicked ways He still loves and wants to spare you from the wrath of judgment day He knows you want to change your life before you come to him Jesus says you must enter the water before you learn to swim Not even the greatest of the prophets changed their life alone It's done by calling on Jesus name and mercy from the throne Who but God can change the way the Jordan River flows Or with a word can change the direction that the north wind blows The Holy Trinity says that trying to save your soul without us three Is like trying to take a butter knife to chop down the great oak tree Jesus is telling me to tell the lost you're running out of time The harvest, I'm making ready, cause I'll return at the drop of a dime After I take my children who kept the path with all eyes on me There will be trials and tribulation, Oh the horrors this world will see Jesus is still at the altar, his eyes are filled with tears Hoping that you will make that walk, for you is why he's here FACE-OFF WITH A GIANT Goliath: I'm ready for a major battle, and they have sent me this play toy. I was looking forward to a challenge, but I'm facing a mere boy. What can they possibly be thinking, sending in a boy like you? Don't they know one of your size, I can trample with one shoe? David: What are you thinking, giant, as I fondle this stone? You are probably convinced that I am acting alone. But there is actually One who is standing beside me. A formidable adversary who you simply cannot see. He is my moral support, and He steadies my hand. And He knows the exact spot where my stone must land. You can't know the awesome power of this entity you face, Who will cut you down to my size, and leave your memory in disgrace. For He is the God of everything, and He is also mine. The hand that holds this stone will be guided by the divine. As my stone finds its target, you succumb without a sound. And the earth beneath you trembles, as your body hits the ground. I had the element of surprise, as you simply could not see, the invisible enemy you were fighting was actually God, instead of me. TAKEN CAPTIVE BY FALSE PROPHECIES Elijah and the prophets of old warned of idolatry. The epic battle on Mount Carmel was a strike against heresy. The people departed from the truth following the lie each day. The deceptive power of false teaching is still a problem today. The church contended from early days for truth to reign supreme. The Fathers sought to protect the flock from Satan's evil schemes. The battle has raged throughout the years, the scriptures sounding alarm, For the devil fuels a relentless intent to bring us sorrow and harm. There is a heresy heartily proclaimed by third century teacher Arius. He claimed our Lord was a lesser God, an erroneous teaching nefarious. He taught the Father created Christ and called Him his only Son. Early heroes disputed this lie until the battle was won. Another heresy alive today claims man can become a god. You listen to the living prophet while walking on this sod. If you work hard, give of your goods, become a priest that's true, When you die your name will be called and you will be a god too. The first of these heresies described herein is still alive today. Millions are held in its strong grip following a false pathway. Its adherents emphasize works to show Jehovah their fitness To enter into Paradise Earth as a loyal Jehovah's Witness. The second lie with teaching so odd is also a cult like the first. Though its men strive to be gods, its doctrine is false and cursed. The scripture proclaims there is one God. It affirms there is no other. True salvation cannot be earned by calling a Mormon your brother. Many are trapped in false systems today who need to be set free. Somehow they must hear the truth and see it in you and me. When they place their trust in Christ, their life is never the same. So let us continue to declare God's Word and glorify His name. Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 1 KINGS-ELIJAH'S BATTLE WITH FEAR After the events on Carmel that day when all the false prophets were slain, Elijah got on his face before God and asked Him to send the rain. The sky grew black with heavy clouds; rain fell from a heavenly fountain. Elijah ran faster than Ahab's chariot racing down the mountain. Now Ahab was a mouse of a king married to a very strong queen. He told how her priests had died and all that he had seen. Jezebel was hostile, filled with fury. She sent a message to Eli: "I'm coming for you, you miserable prophet. This time tomorrow you die." Elijah was frightened and ran for his life. Into the wilderness he went. He came to a tree and stopped to pray, his energy and confidence spent. "Oh God," he said, "I've had enough. Please just let me die? I'm no better than all before me. Oh God hear my cry." He lay down and fell asleep, was awakened by a strange touch. The angel of the Lord was there to feed him just enough. Then he awoke a second time, was strengthened for the flight. He continued his way to Mount Horeb forty days and forty nights. When he arrived at the Mount of God, he took shelter in a cave. He knew he should not have run away afraid of an early grave. He had forgotten the power of God as though He could not save. Alone he lay, wallowing in pity, making excuses that day. "I have been zealous for you, O God. There's no one to serve but me." God whispered back, "No, Elijah. Here's a fact I want you to see: There's seven thousand in the land who have not bowed to Baal. Got up, go forth and gather Elisha to walk with you on the trail." This was not the end of Elijah. It's an important fact to know. God is the God of the second chance. Through our failures we can grow. Elisha grew in wisdom and power, a worthy successor and friend. When God swooped down with a fiery chariot, he saw Elijah ascend. Here is a truth we should not forget. Let's hold it dear to our heart. God, who calls us to each task, will be with us when trouble starts. When trials come we must be strong fulfilling the whole of our mission. We must rely on His great power when faced with opposition. Whatever years and ministry is left, I have but one main goal: To serve the Lord with all my heart, His name and greatness extol. Whatever stage of life you're in, it's time to make a fresh start. Admit the failures of your past. Give God the whole of your heart. 1 KINGS-GOD'S POWER ON DISPLAY Elijah said to Ahab the King, "These false prophets pollute the land. So gather them now 450 to 1; let's see who'll be left to stand." So Ahab sent word for all to assemble to give the gods a test. The people gathered at Mount Carmel to see which god was best. Elijah the prophet addressed the crowd, "It's time to make up your mind. It's time to stop this wavering dance; I propose we ask for a sign. Let each side slay a bull on the altar, but their god will light the fire. In the process we shall prove one to be real and the other a liar." The prophets of Baal brought their bull; put it down before the crowd. They placed the carcass on the wood praying long and loud. They danced and cried from morning to noon, their fear beginning to haunt them. Knowing their god was a devilish fake, Elijah began to taunt them. "What's wrong with Baal? Why doesn't he answer? I hear you wail and weep. I think you need to shout much louder. Perhaps he's still asleep." They slashed their limbs and cut themselves; their blood did freely flow. Throughout the day they prophesied, but Baal did not show. Elijah rebuilt the altar of God; laid the bull on the wood. The water outpoured was done to be sure no one misunderstood. He said, "Fetch four barrels, water it thrice until it fills the trench. If God be God there is nothing on earth His fire cannot quench." Then he stepped back, raised his hands and cried out to the Lord, "O Show the people you are God; true worship to restore." With a thunderous clap and a brilliant flash, fire fell before their eyes. All was consumed; the water lapped up; the ground before him was dry. All of Israel fell on their face, His glory they proclaimed. The God of Elijah won the day, their allegiance was reclaimed. The evil prophets of Jezebel were judged at God's command. Once again His glorious name was honored throughout the land. Is there a prophet from Jezebel alive in your heart today? Will Jesus find idolatry that you have allowed to stay? When Jesus comes will you rejoice or will you silently quake? In this life you make your choice. What decision will you make? 1 KINGS-GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS CHILDREN Ahab did more to provoke the Lord than all the kings before him. Worshiping Baal and Asherah is a form of spiritual whoredom. When wickedness rules, judgment follows. That's why Elijah proclaimed, "As the Lord God of Israel lives, there will be no dew or rain." When Elijah prophesied judgment for sin, it really made Jezebel mad. He knew if Ahab caught up with him, their intentions were only bad. But God said to Elijah, "I've got a plan: head to the Kerith Ravine. There you will find a cool bubbly brook in a place where you'll be unseen." So Elijah rested by the brook. He was fed both morning and night. The ravens brought him bread and meat while he stayed out of sight. After a while the brook dried up. God said it was time to go. "Go to the village of Zarephath to the home of a poor widow. Elijah must have wondered why God sent him to someone poor. It was hard enough to live. How would this help him endure? He found the widow in the town and asked for a drink and bread. She said, "We're eating a final meal today and then we will be dead." The God of Israel intervened and spoke through the Prophet Eli. "Do what he says, the flour will last, and the oil will not run dry." The widow obeyed the Lord's command; there was food for them every day. Through copious provision of flour and oil, His faithfulness He displayed. Now lest you fear a future unknown, I want you to relax. God is faithful to His own; put away that panic attack. If you follow Him today; commit to the truths in His book, He will lead you down the path to a cool and hidden brook. Each test you face is a step of faith, a time to learn to trust. You will make it by God's grace, for He is kind and just. Don't gauge God's love by difficult times experienced here on earth. When He died upon the cross, Christ demonstrated your worth. So place your trust in God above; consider Elijah's example. You will experience His great love, receive His provision ample. It isn't a case where God hears none but just a chosen few. If you've received Him as your Lord, you are included too. 1 KINGS-SIX WICKED KINGS OF THE NORTH The details of the Bible account now shift to the kings of the North. We see Nadab, the second king, whose reign was very short. He was supplanted as the king after two short years. At Baasha's hand all his descendants totally disappeared. Baasha reigned for twenty-four years as wicked as those before him. Because he walked in terrible sin it was impossible to ignore him. God told Jehu, the faithful prophet, that he should condemn the king. Thus it happened in spite of his might that Baasha lost everything. After Baasha, Elah was crowned. He liked to indulge in liquor. The depth of his father's terrible sin only brought judgment quicker. Zimri, one of his trusted commanders, went in and struck him down. Just as Jehu's prophecy said, he left none of the family around. Zimri took control of the court obtaining the throne by deception. When all of Israel heard the report he received a cool reception. Omri, now the commander of troops, went after the treasonous liar. Zimri defiantly burned the king's house and died in the terrible fire. What followed next was war within by supporters of two main guys. Half of the people supported Tibni to Omri's great surprise. This meant war for six long years with the nation clearly divided. Eventually Omri did prevail and on the throne he resided. Omri reigned for twelve more years. He was a competent fellow, But when it came to idolatry, he was clearly a mellow fellow. He lived in sin as the kings before him with idols of every kind Provoking the Lord to anger by his acceptance of all the shrines. Finally Omri slept with his fathers and if you think he was bad, The throne was passed for twenty-two years to his son, Ahab. Ahab was married to a wife whose name was Jezebel. The depravity of this woman's heart is too terrible to tell. We can see that Israel failed in just about every respect. But due to the wickedness of their kings, there was little to expect. Nadab, Baasha, Elah and Zimri, Omri and Ahab too. Turned the northern nation of Israel into a godless zoo. Righteousness exalts a nation but sin brings certain disgrace. Israel needed to bend her knee, repent, and seek God's face. We should remember this Bible account and soberly take it to heart, For righteous behavior will hold us together but sin will tear us apart. GARY'S ORCHIDS Gary was a tall teenager, But he had the mind of a child. He loved everyone in his church In a manner so meek and mild. Gary took up an interesting hobby. He learned to grow orchids well. He gave many orchids to others, And to the florist, some he'd sell. He brought orchids to his church. He gave them to girls and ladies too. He would gave an orchid and say, "Jesus loves me, and He loves you." One Sunday Gary dropped his orchids As he was walking across the street. When he stopped to pick them up, A car knocked him right off his feet. Sadly, Gary was fatally injured, And he went up to heaven that day. He was sorely missed at church, Much more than words could say. The teenagers in Gary's church Tried to think of something to do To honor the memory of Gary, So they learned to grow orchids too. They gave orchids away at church And put orchids on Gary's grave too, Along with a plaque which read, "Jesus loves me, and he loves you." 1 KINGS-THREE SOUTHERN KINGS We have observed the Northern king whose life was a poor example. Now we will see the Southern king whose record is more than ample. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, reigned for seventeen years. He departed from the truths his grandfather David held dear. The nation did evil during his reign stirring God's jealousy. Judah embraced without horror or shame all forms of idolatry. With sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill you see, The prostitutes plied their evil trade under each spreading tree. It should not come as a total shock that idolatrous sin condemns. That is why there was an attack upon Jerusalem. The king of Egypt stripped the temple of its shields of gold. Over and over we see in scripture just how this pattern unfolds. Additional deeds of Rehoboam are found in other books, But the failure of his life remind of sin's strong hook. After his death Abijah, his son, ascended to Judah's throne. He continued in the same ways that he had always known. All through the years of Rehoboam and also Abijah his son, There was war with the northern kingdom never decisively won. Abijah died within three years as Jeroboam celebrated twenty. Then when Asa became the king, the changes were strong and plenty. We pause to share an interesting fact, one to appreciate: Judah experienced nineteen kings and the good ones numbered eight. Four of these kings brought strong reform and God's will was done. Asa, the great, great grandson of David, was the very first one. None of the evil shrines were spared including his own grandmother's, For Asa was devoted to the true God, unlike all the others. In the second year of Asa's rule, Jeroboam expired. God brought Asa safely through the challenges that transpired. In his lifetime of serving God, he reigned for forty-one years. Judah enjoyed a period of rest defeating attacks and fears. God exalts a righteous nation; the wicked will surely fall. Blessed are those who honor God, who choose to give Him their all. I pray our nation will not repeat the mistakes of the kings above. Let us pray for a modern-day Asa and serve our Lord with love. Let us forsake the pathway of sin and walk the path that is right. Let us serve our Lord each day with heart and soul and might. 1 KINGS-SIN HAS CONSEQUENCES After the prophet came to the North to share the Word of the Lord, Jeroboam continued in sin; God's warning was sadly ignored. The king appointed many priests who were evil with no worth. Now his throne would be removed from the face of the earth. About that time his son became ill and the King said to his queen. "Go to Shiloh and speak with Ahijah, the one who announced me as king. Take some gifts and disguise yourself so he won't know who you are." (The fact that he thought he could fool the Lord is really quite bazaar). Ahijah was old and his sight was gone but he knew the voice of God. So it was that he was informed about the elaborate façade. When she arrived he called her by name and told her to listen well, For he had received a word from God and had a message to tell. "Remind the king I raised him up and gave to him this nation. I tore it from the family of David and invited him to salvation. He has committed more evil sin than all the kings before him. This is why I declare today how deeply I abhor him. The kingdom is given to someone else. There will be no monopolization. His male heirs will surely die with others of his relation. Their bodies will fall to be eaten by dogs, a feast for the birds of the air. The evil he brought to My people has led them to sin and despair. I declare these words are true for the moment you reach the city, Your little boy will surely die and the people will mourn in pity. You can consider his death a gift, for I've found in him some good. None of the others followed God or chose to live as they should." Sure enough it happened that day just as the prophet said. As soon as the queen entered the city her precious son fell dead. In the book of Chronicles we learn of Jeroboam's reign, But here are some truths for us to apply throughout our life campaign. First we remember who we serve and live for Him each day. We give attention to His Word to keep from going astray. When we hear a word of rebuke we listen with all of our heart. We determine to put God first; from His precepts never depart. Jeroboam failed his call because he lived by the flesh. If we fail give God our all, there's nothing important left. Wise is the man who serves our Lord in truth and total devotion, For unto him God has reserved a glorious eternal promotion. MORE LOVELY Hush now, my complaining heart, and behold There is a love that is not meant for you. It is a love that can't be bought or sold; A love undeceiving, and always true. It is ageless, and full of holy grace. It is timeless, and will forever live To breathe its breath beyond this worldly place. It is the love we all must seek to give. Love is not something that can be contained In the nets, and the trappings of earthly pride. For how can it grow when it is detained, Or selfishly locked in chambers inside? Hush now my heart, unbar your doors today, Love is more lovely when given away! 1 KING-OBEDIENCE AND SUCCESS INTERTWINED Jeroboam, the Northern King, led his people astray. He introduced idolatry to keep his leadership in play. He built altars for sacrifice and encouraged the people to use them. He was hoping they would forget the temple in Jerusalem. The king was guilty of terrible sin against God's first command. He thought too little of the One who gave him his throne and land. He loved the trappings of royalty with his orders always obeyed. He threw off God who was good and true, invited the devil to stay. A young prophet came to Bethel to speak to all the false priests. "On these altars," he proclaimed, "the lives of the priests would cease. A son will be born to David's house; Josiah will be his name. He will judge these false priests rebuking you for your shame." When Jeroboam heard these words, he was angry to say the least. He reached out to take hold of him, but his hand was suddenly diseased. He asked the young prophet quickly to pray that God would heal his hand. When it happened the king decided he would detain the man. When the invitation came forth, the young man answered in haste. "I would not stay for half of your kingdom. God tells me to leave this place." God had instructed not to linger but to leave by a different road. I imagine he headed south back to his home abode. But now we see a peculiar twist, one that is quite a surprise. He stopped for a time under an oak, a time to reflect and apprise. An older prophet found him there, invited him home to rest. When he accepted his invitation, he totally failed the test. When the young prophet left after lunch, a lion met and killed him. The donkey and lion stood side by side at the scene so still and grim. The older prophet summed it up: "He defied the Lord's command." Sadly he failed to fulfill the mission in the manner it was planned. Now here is a truth for all today who call on the name of the Lord. To prevail, you must obey. No details can be ignored. Fuzzy thinking and fleshly desire clouded his spiritual mind. Don't ever forget obedience and success are perfectly intertwined. 1 KINGS-THE KINGDOM IS SPLIT Because of sin in Solomon's life God called for his attention. Pagan wives and idolatry signaled sin's ascension. Solomon needed to turn around, restore his communion with God, He needed to heed God's Holy Word as his life-measuring rod. One of the enemies God raised up was an official named Jeroboam. You will see his prominence in more of these scripture poems. He would be given ten of the tribes because of Solomon's sin, But God preserved Solomon's son with two tribes given to him. There was a prophet, Ahijah by name, who was wearing a brand new robe. The fact that he tore it into twelve pieces was a sight to behold. He said to Jeroboam that day, "Of the twelve tribes God gives you ten, He will give you the Northern Kingdom and you will be king to them." Remembering the promise made to David, God kept the southern tribes. Rehoboam would be enthroned to lead them and to guide. Jeroboam received God's word to rule as his heart desired. The books of Kings and Chronicles tell us what then transpired. There is much more about Solomon's reign we will see in a later book, But here in the record of 1 Kings we get a summary-type look. When Solomon died the throne was split just as the prophet proclaimed. The Biblical record now reports on each of the kingdom reigns. Rehoboam was a fool who ignored his father's advisors. He listened to counsel from his peers whom he deemed much wiser. Treating his subjects with contempt he sought to conscript more slaves. When they rose up and killed the slave leader, Rehoboam ran away. Jeroboam emerged from hiding to lead the tribes of the north. The Scriptures tell of both the kingdoms switching back and forth. First it tells about the king who led the Southern tribes. Then it will tell about the North and the idolatry it prescribed. Jeroboam failed in faith afraid his kingdom would fall Because the temple in the South wasn't available to all. He erected golden calves in the cities of Bethel and Dan. That was the beginning of idolatry practiced throughout the land. God desired to bless the new king. He wanted him to succeed, But even from the very beginning Jeroboam failed to heed. Here is a lesson for all today, which produces a better fate: We must remember to trust our Lord and live a life of faith. THE MEANING OF LOVE What would make a perfect King, Give up His life for me? To accept the whip and ridicule, Then lay upon that tree. Why would a mighty Ruler, Give up His Kingdom of gold? Why would He put on a pauper's cloth, And leave behind His linen robe? He knew I would be a sinner, And follow the king of the air. He knew that I would learn about Him, And yet live like I didn't care. So why did this King called Jesus, Agree to His Father's will? Why did He come and suffer so much, His death, my cup to fill? Why did my Savior humble Himself, And leave the Heavens above? He came to save my unworthy soul, I guess that's the true meaning of Love. 1 KINGS-THE MIDDLE YEARS OF SOLOMON'S REIGN Solomon did well the first twenty years walking close to God. He spent thirteen building his palace moving rock and sod. Seven more he toiled on the temple building a holy place. These twenty years he followed the Lord always seeking His face. When the temple was completed the elders were summoned to town. The priests brought the ark into the temple where they put it down. When the ark was carefully placed, God's cloud of glory descended. His presence so filled the Holy Place, their ministry was suspended. Sheep and cattle were sacrificed—more than one could count— Each a type of the Lord Jesus Christ who would some day die on this mount. Solomon knelt before the altar his hands raised high in the air. There he thanked the Lord above for His faithfulness and His care. For fourteen days the people rejoiced in the temple dedication. It symbolized the presence of God among His special nation. They blessed the king and headed home joyful and glad in heart. They knew the temple would unify and keep them from growing apart. Shortly thereafter in chapter nine, God came a second time. He spoke of His consuming desire to bless the king sublime. If Solomon continued to walk before Him with integrity of heart, His throne would be established forever; God's presence would never depart. There also came a word of warning about Solomon's life each day. The blessings would remain so long as in His presence he stayed. If he or his sons should turn away another God to serve, He would reject this holy temple and give them what they deserve. I wish I could tell you that all went well but that would corrupt the account, For Solomon's many pagan wives brought idolatry to the mount. Even thought the Queen of Sheba was amazed by his wise rule, Solomon failed to walk with God and played the part of the fool. God gave Solomon opposition seeking to get his attention. Still today trials may come to remind us of our redemption. God did not save us to watch us sin and throw our life away. We must hide His word within and seek His face each day. So let us not fail as Solomon did departing from God's best. Let us stay true and faithful to Him, passing every test. Let us equip our children now with a sense of right and wrong. Let us center our life on Christ and strive to finish strong. WITH GREATEST JOY Through my glasses, through the blinds, I see life of every kind. I see dogs, a squirrel too, see some trees, but flowers few. Through His grace, when I so blind, God saw me - and knew my mind - gave His Word and gave His truths, gave His Son, so I could choose. Choose a life that few have seen - few have known, yet so serene. A life for all, each girl and boy - a life of love with greatest joy. So baptize body, head to feet - live a life that's true, complete. Complete with faith in God's own Son, complete in peace, forever 'one'. 1 KINGS-THE EARLY DAYS OF SOLOMON'S REIGN There was intrigue around Solomon's throne. Nothing could be truer. With wisdom that was not his own, he dispatched the evil doers. Adonijah, who sought to be king, and Joab, the shameful traitor, Knew exactly what treachery would bring; were sent to face their Creator. Abiathar, who abandoned David while serving as a priest, Was exiled to another land and from the priesthood released. Shimei, who reviled David, was told never to leave his town. But when he decided to disobey, he was caught and quickly struck down. After the kingdom was totally stable with no more opponents there Solomon worshipped with sacrifice and sought the Lord in prayer. God appeared to him one night; speaking through a dream Suggesting that the king request the desires his God could bring. In gratitude the king responded asking to be wise. He didn't ask for silver or gold or any earthly prize. He desired to rule the land with an upright, compassionate heart This is why he was richly blessed, with distinction set apart. An example of the wisdom God gave involved a little child. A dispute arose between two women, neither meek nor mild. Each had a baby but one of them died, which caused the switcheroo. There was a need for the king to decide just what each one should do. The king told a servant to hold high the baby both women adored. Then he stunningly gave the command to divide it in half with a sword. One of the women shouted out, "Stop! Give it to the other." Her heartfelt plea without a doubt revealed she was the mother. Over and over the wisdom God gave was discovered in each situation. The hand of God was clearly revealed in his daily administration. Because the king requested from God wisdom and grace to rule, He was given along with wisdom riches and honor too. We too can serve our Lord with grace displayed in the course of our life. We can shine in our dark time by the absence of sin and strife. Jesus said, "Let your light shine so God will be shown to be great." O what joy and fulfillment we find as we journey to heaven's gates. 1 KINGS-THE FINAL DRAMA BEFORE DAVID'S DEATH Incredible drama you will see in David's very last days. He was hovering at death's door, weakness upon him preyed. The king was unable to be warmed with blankets piled high. The physicians remembered an old wives tale they desired to try. They prescribed a beautiful virgin to care for the ailing king. By lying in bed close to him warmth to his body would spring. Abishag, a lovely girl, was found by searching the nation. She became David's concubine but with no sexual relations. At the same time while David was weak, others desired the throne. Adonijah, Absalom's younger brother, sought to make it his own. He was able to gather support from two of the king's closest men. He hosted a feast of fattened calves as he brought his plan to an end. Now Nathan, the faithful prophet of God, spoke to Solomon's mother. He told her about the celebration with all the other brothers. Nathan knew it was God's intention for Solomon to be king. David needed to act right now and take control of this thing. Bathsheba went to see the king and Nathan shortly thereafter. They told of Adonijah's fling and advised that he must act faster. The king told Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, "Put Solomon on my mule. Blow the trumpet, tell the people, King Solomon is to rule." Zadok anointed the new King, proclaimed him as David's successor. He alone was David's choice to be the throne's possessor. Adonijah's guests were alarmed. Their courage clearly faltered. Adonijah ran to the temple and clung to the horns of the altar. Adnonijah told Solomon's men, "I'm afraid the king will slay me." Solomon said, "Live a good life and I promise not to repay thee." The rebel bowed before the king acknowledging Solomon's throne. Then the king said this to him, "It's time for you to go home." Once again our God was faithful to bring His plans to fruition. If we listen to His voice, He will help us complete our mission. Here is what I hope to do, the burden for which I long: To center my life on God's dear plan finishing true and strong. 2 SAMUEL-THE CLOSING CHAPTERS OF DAVID'S LIFE Forty years David reigned as Israel's greatest king. Though he was a man of war, he would also compose and sing. Many of the Psalms we enjoy were written by his hand. Everything that David did, he did on a scale grand. After the death of Absalom, the Bible records much more. Continuing battles with Philistines and their giants four. Ishi-benob, a son of the giant, had David out on a limb, But Abishai (a BISH a eye), David's friend, came to rescue him. After that the Israelite Army refused to let the king fight. What good is it to have an army but lose their guiding light? David no longer was in the front lines to battle man to man, But he was active in giving direction for the battle plans. There was another battle at Gab with the giant Saph. Sibbecai (SIB uh kie) sent this terrible foe down his ancestor's path. Then there was a third big man, another Goliath by name. Elhanan stepped up to the fight and the results were just the same. Finally giant number four was located over in Gath. Having six fingers and six toes helped him with his math. He insulted Israel's God with dreams of impressing others, But he was killed by Jonathan, the son of David's brother. The Bible tells of mighty men with details we must convey. Josheb-Basshebeth killed eight hundred a single day. Eleazor, one of the three, in battle would not retreat. His hand was frozen to the sword and the Philistines suffered defeat. There are many more to list but space does not permit. One brave soldier killed a lion deep in a snowy pit. Read your Bible and be impressed about their faithful service. No wonder the enemies of the king were understandably nervous. David had a lapse of judgment about which there is consensus He disappointed God above when he chose to commission a census. The reason for this sinful deed was David's human pride, Cause believers don't trust in human hands but in the Lord abide. 2 SAMUEL-ABSALOM'S FOLLY David was Israel's greatest king but an abject failure as dad. His tepid reception of Absalom turned into something bad. Absalom, completely embittered, began to subvert the king Inciting the people with suggestions a leadership change could bring. The people thought he was terrific due to the attention shown, But Absalom was using them as a tool to gain the throne. After four years he proceeded with his plan's execution. From the nearby town of Hebron, he announced the revolution. David then heard how the king's son had won the citizen's hearts. In order to spare the city of God, he rose up to depart. Six hundred of his faithful men decided to go with the king. Other than these loyal folks, Absalom controlled everything. Can you imagine the deep despair as David was facing death Only to learn he was further betrayed by his servant Mephibosheth? Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the heir to the Northern throne Thought his kingdom he might regain if David was overthrown. Ahithophel, David's counselor, took the side of the son. He advised him to proceed with sin that should have been shunned. He endeavored to speak as an oracle in the way his words would ring. He suggested 12,000 go forth with a mission to kill the king. But once again God drew near to counter the devil's plan Hushai's wise words stopped this scheme even before it began. This was the end of Ahithophel; he was put on the shelf. Having lost his special place, he went home and hanged himself. David escaped and organized his army of faithful men. They went forth to the battle in the woods of Ephraim. The commanders insisted that David remain, so he was left behind, But David gave them all these words: "Treat my son, Absalom, kind." We all know how God prevailed and all that happened there. As Absalom attempted to flee, he was caught in a tree by his hair. Joab, the commander of the army, hated the young upstart. Taking three spears he personally plunged them into Absalom's heart. The revolution was quenched that day with the battle decisively won. The kingdom was spared; David restored, but oh how he grieved for his son. Here is a lesson for all to heed about how we should raise our sons. We must take time to meet their needs, especially when they are young. Here is my counsel to young dads: "Do the important things." Your actions now will influence what the future will bring. Love your sons, teach them truth, guide them in all their ways. God will honor the faithful dad with joy in his older days. 2 SAMUEL-FATHERS, CORRECT YOUR SONS David had a number of wives and from them many sons, But the favorite with all the people was his son, Absalom. Impeccable manners, pleasing appearance, and his streaming long hair Were three of the reasons he was most loved of all of David's heirs. Absalom's sister, Tamar by name, was beautiful beyond compare. Whenever she was out in public, all the young men were there. One of those smitten with young love was Amnon, her half brother. He was so in love with Tamar, he would have no other. Actually his problem was lust but that will soon be seen. Because his feelings went unchecked he acted out a scheme. He said he was ill and sent for Tamar to be his caring nurse. When she refused his immoral request, he committed an act perverse. After he raped her in disgrace, his soul was flooded with shame. The guilt was written all over his face. There was no one else to blame. What he had done was a terrible thing forbidden by the Law. The pampered, spoiled son of David revealed his character flaw. He stole her virginity, refused her in marriage, and cruelly sent her away. Absalom, who loved his sister, plotted his death from that day. Two long years Absalom waited to effect his bitter plan. Then he had his retaliation and slaughtered the sinful young man. Absalom then fled to find refuge with his mother's dad. Three years later his heart mended, the king was no longer mad. He missed Amnon but knew his act was a terrible sin. He secretly longed for Absalom to return to his home and kin. When Absalom actually did return the king refused to meet. (He was afraid such an event would be viewed as weak). It took two years and motivation to come before the king, But when he bowed before his father, David forgave the thing. I can think of several conclusions, all of them packed with truth. David had far too many wives to properly raise their youth. Having been raised in the privileged class with everything to them handed, David's sons did not respect the values the Law commanded. Tamar was an innocent victim of a young man's lust. A Godly Father must teach his sons integrity and trust. If you see your children sin but look the other way, Just remember this, my friend: some innocent Tamar will pay. A TAUNT SONG AGAINST HIM You can slander His name You can throw a stone Stick up for the things That you condone You can call wrong right And declare right wrong You can point your finger In taunting song But no matter how you put it Doesn't matter what you do The God you mock Died for you You can laugh at me And the things I write You can shut the door Turn of the Light Relax a while In your easy chair Recite your beliefs To yourself in prayer You can tell yourself What you want to hear But wherever you are The Lord is near In your taunt song against Him Do you say His name in vain? Join the crowd of those around you Jumping on the same old train Do you shake your fists towards Heaven? Do you dance in the dark? When the floods begins to rise Are you going to miss the ark? You can say what you want Choose the song you want to sing You can sit on any throne But who's really the King? When the rubber meets the road And you take your last breath Who will you cry out to? At the moment of your death Be careful my friend When you mock and sing your song For many a foolish man In his right became dead wrong... Habakuk 2:6 Will not all of these take up a taunt song against Him, even mocking and insinuations against Him! 2 SAMUEL-DAVID THE GREAT REPENTER David sinned against the Lord when he satisfied selfish lust. Now he had to live with the fact that he had broken trust. Adultery, murder, and cover-up—sin heaped upon sin. Uriah died, the mourners cried, and David withered within. "When I kept silent," he later wrote, "I felt my bones grow old." His severed communion with his God brought emptiness to his soul. God in mercy desired to forgive and restore his peace and joy, But first there must be a public disclosure of David's private ploy. Nathan the Prophet came to the king and told him a story true. David responded by telling him what the offender should do. Nathan boldly addressed the king, "Receive this if you can, For God has revealed everything. Truly you are that man." The Lord is gracious but also just. There is a penalty for man's sin. Never again will life go on with things as they once had been. David had stolen another man's wife. Many had lost their lives. There was a day yet ahead when another would take his wives. When confronted by Nathan's words, the king was quick to repent. He didn't invent a story absurd, but to the Lord he went. David lay prostrate on his face with prayers and heartfelt cries. He refused to leave that place til the newborn lived or died. It all happened as Nathan proclaimed; the babe went to heaven above. Another child, Solomon by name, was given and greatly loved. Fellowship with God was restored and David continued to grow, But soon sin's fruit would be underscored when the winds of adversity blow. We should learn from David's sin and employ its application. Sin brings sorrow deep within and outward contamination. Most have regrets about our youth with all the things done wrong, But let us embrace this record of truth and determine to finish strong. A broken and contrite heart O God, You will not despise. I offer You my broken spirit to fashion and revise. Take my mind, my soul, my strength. Use them in Your employ To bring peace and hope for all and never to destroy. THE OLD MAN IN THE CHAIR There once was a man Some considered a square Who sat by the window In an easy chair He gazed at the sky In a solemn stare Any passers-by Were in for a scare His hair stood straight out Almost had its own flair His spectacles were cracked Each and every pair Some said he was eccentric Some sort of an heir But, go up to his door? Well, no one would dare A sign in his yard BOLD in letters, BEWARE His house was in shambles In need of repair The shutters, barely hanging And creaky, each stair In his yard stood a tree Barren branches, one pear All the weeds in the county You guessed it, right there Tile steps up the walkway Were scattered, each square He was lonely, this man Though none were aware One day a small toddler Hugging a bear Was chasing a balloon That he got from the fair It floated in the breeze And I think you know where Right up to the window Old man in the chair At first the man squinted For a sighting was rare He never saw a soul For no one would dare Come up to his window Near his home, anywhere But there stood a child There he was, yes, right there The next thing that happened Well, none could prepare The child wrote a message With a fresh puff of air With his fingers on the window And a child's loving care The child drew a heart Near the old man's glare A single little tear Plopped down on his chair And what happened next? Well, nothing could compare The little boy bolted Straight up the stair He put his arms around The old man in the chair His heart filled with warmth Sort of medium-rare God knows what we need When the devil lays a snare He wasn't so abnormal The old man in the chair There are plenty of hurting people With weeds everywhere God's eyes search the earth And He's fully aware He sees each broken heart And He hears every prayer... 2 SAMUEL-A SAD CHAPTER IN DAVID'S LIFE When springtime came and it was time for war, David sent Joab to battle. He attacked Ammon to even the score and take possession of all the chattel. I don't know why David stayed home instead of leading the charge, But while he remained in the palace alone, his kingdom was badly marred. On the eve of a stifling hot day, he went to the roof for relief. He happened to see a woman bathing, beautiful beyond belief. David should have turned away to deal with affairs of state But when he took that second look, he sadly sealed his fate. When it became known that she was pregnant, David sent for her spouse. Uriah, ever the faithful soldier, refused to enter his house. The king was caught in the web of sin. There was nothing left to try. He sent Uriah back to the battle with orders to let him die. This is a story, sad but true, of how a believer can sin. David knew the right thing to do but temptation was able to win. Not only did temptation conceive, Bathsheba conceived too. Oh what pain so many received because the king was untrue! Can you imagine his state of mind? He was miserable to the hilt. Outwardly he seemed just fine but his heart was filled with guilt. "My sin was always before me," he wrote in Psalm 51. Though sin may bring temporal pleasure, its effects have just begun. There is more to this description, but here is one lesson true: The way to avoid sin's affliction is to find something else to do. Many a person has trials to face, whose life is an uphill climb Because he journeyed to the wrong place and stayed there too long a time. David repented and that is good but the cost of sin was great. When we allow transgression to rule, misery and pain we create. The very best thing that you can do is to turn away from sin. Call unto God, renew your vows. Be cleansed and healed within. 2 SAMUEL-LORD, SEND US LEADERS LIKE DAVID David lived in his new house, but the ark was in a tent. To build a temple to honor the Lord was his initial intent. The God of heaven spoke to Nathan with kind words for the king. "I will establish your throne forever. Great blessings I will bring." "I chose you from your humble beginnings watching over sheep, Anointed you to lead my people; kept you through trials deep. I have given you fame and fortune equal to men of renown. Your son will build a temple for me. He too will wear the crown." David went in before the Lord humbled by these words. He praised Jehovah for choosing Israel to be His people preferred. Only God could choose a nation, perform such awesome deeds. It should be clear to all the world that God is God indeed. David defeated all of his enemies just as God had said. With each war the nation was strengthened and their oppressors dead. But David was more than a man of war. He had a heart of compassion. He demonstrated by his example that mercy was not out of fashion. The king did not focus on pleasing self; he looked to the family of Saul. Because of his love for Jonathan, he desired to bless them all. He soon learned of Jonathan's son whose name was Mephibosheth. Quickly he brought this crippled man into his palace to bless. All of his land was now restored with servants to plant the crops. No longer was this man abhorred; the blessings would never stop. David was a remarkable leader whose motives were strong and pure. His were the values regularly found in those who are spiritually mature. David was a man of war but also a man of prayer. He unashamedly worshipped his Lord occasionally exhibiting flair. This man so bold and confident, the killer of giants and kings, Often wrote songs of praise to God that he would play and sing. How great is the need for leaders like him to lead the church today— Men who instruct and skillfully clear the fog of confusion away. Lord, fill our pulpits with leaders strong like David for his nation. Enable them to pass truth on and challenge the next generation. 2 SAMUEL-A SOLEMN MESSAGE ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE After Ishbosheth had died, David united the tribes. He became king at their request, not by intrigue or bribes. Fifteen years after Samuel's anointing, David was king of Judah. Then after seven additional years he became Israel's ruler. Forty years he sat on the throne as Israel's greatest king. A warrior, musician, a statesman too—he was all of these things. He moved his throne from Hebron to Zion nevermore to roam. Then he set out to reclaim the ark and prepare for it a home. In the course of building the kingdom he was often at war. Their enemies attacked again and again just as they had before. But David listened to his God, received instructions clear. That is why the Philistines are no longer here. When he brought the ark back home, he overlooked instruction. Because he ignored the protocol, it brought about death and destruction. The ark was loaded on a cart pulled by oxen stout. When the oxen stumbled on the road, the ark began to fall out. Uzzah, the son of Abinadab, reached out to prevent its fall. His motives were good but his action was a violation of the Law. The ark was constructed skillfully; attached were rings with holes. The Levites alone were to transport the ark by inserting wooden poles. There is a lesson we all must learn about God's relation to man. We don't approach our holy God by human will and plan. He is Creator and sovereign Lord, gracious in every respect, But if you choose to ignore His will, your efforts He will reject. God had given a strong command about how to transport the ark. David failed to obey His plan with consequence chilling and stark. It is important every day to acknowledge God on His throne. Remember that the Bible says, "You are not your own." When you placed your trust in Christ as Lord and Savior Supreme, You weren't set free from judgment by law to become a libertine. Yes, God freed us from slavery to sin when He paid the greatest price, But we are free to become a slave to the righteousness of Christ. 2 SAMUEL-DAVID ASCENDS TO THE THRONE When Saul and Jonathan died in battle, David mourned for them. His heart was pure; his love was true; his grief was genuine. Though Saul abandoned obedience to follow fleshly ways, David respected God's anointed until the very last day. Our Lord sent David back to Judah, to dwell in Hebron town. His faithful men and families came to live in the cities around. Shortly thereafter the house of Judah anointed him as king. Fifteen years had flown by since Samuel's first anointing. The ten northern tribes of Israel installed Ishbosheth, Sauls's son. God would yet unite the nation, but His work was not yet done. For seven years and six full months, David led the Southern nation. The Bible records many events til he reached his ultimate station. There was conflict and much division resulting in frequent war. David's army usually won, the strength of his kingdom soared. Ishbosheth, the Northern King was really quite a fool. When he falsely accused his general, Abner changed the rules. Abner, the Northern chief of staff, was about to unite the two nations. He would deliver the tribes of the north in an act of dedication. But as fate would have it, Abner died. Joab killed him to get even. Joab was a great fighting man, but he wasn't a man to believe in. Meanwhile in the Northern kingdom, Ishbosheth lost control. Two of Abner's well-known captains played a prominent role. Rechab and Baanah entered his bedroom, killed him and cut off his head Then they brought it to King David to prove that he was dead. But David was an honest man. He didn't reward a traitor. The king had proven time and again that he was a treachery hater. Instead of being rewarded these captains experienced death. Ironically they woke up in hell along with Ishbosheth. I appreciate the integrity David brought to his throne. Let us applaud his honesty and adopt it as our own. David had his failures too. He wasn't a perfect guy. But let us remember well, dear friend, neither are you or I. 1 SAMUEL-CHARACTER ON DISPLAY David endured intense persecution at the hand of Saul. He had no palace in which to dwell safely behind the wall. David lived in the hills and deserts deep in the wilderness. Though times were hard it truly was the key to his future success. Adversity is a better teacher than success can ever be. Adversity reveals character for all the world to see. David could have called for Saul to meet him in a fight, But to kill the Lord's anointed simply wasn't right. There was an occasion when David hid deep inside a cave. Saul turned aside to relieve himself with no one there to save. David sneaked up very close, cut the corner of Saul's robe. As he left, David called out, "O King Saul, behold." Holding the tassel cut from the robe, David said to Saul. "If indeed I wanted to kill you, nothing could stop me at all. Why do you listen to those who despise me, for I seek not your throne? All I want is peace between us and a place to call my home." There was yet a second occasion when Saul was sound asleep. David enlisted a courageous friend, sneaked into their camp quite deep. As they stood o'er Saul's tired body, Abishai sought to spear him, But David said, "He's the Lord's anointed. Let us respect and fear him." After retreating David called out holding high Saul's spear. "O my Lord, why do you chase me? I could have killed you here." Once again in selfless example, he put character on display. Everyone saw that this was a man who was worthy to obey. David expressed total respect for the one appointed to lead. He would not hurt him in any way just so he could succeed. Oh how great is his example. What grace and humility! He is a lesson in leadership for all of us to see. God has many He could use with talent and vision galore. Though these are sterling qualities, a leader needs much more. Just as Jesus loved His church, laid down His life for her, So He desires believers today to demonstrate character. 1 SAMUEL-PREPARATION FOR THE THRONE The Bible records the trials of David hunted by the king. When he awoke, he never knew what each new day would bring. Jonathan helped him flee the king and stay one step ahead. By the faithfulness of God, he defeated fear and dread. Though he was hunted like a dog, David kept his head. Many others came to him desiring to be led. David made them mighty men whose valor became known. These many issues daily faced prepared him for the throne. From the Cave of Adullum, which he shared with loyal men, David cried unto the Lord time and time again. From the depths of dark despair up to a time of praise, David yielded to the Lord, fought off his deep malaise. Saul went on a killing spree, murdering Israel's priests. The king was losing lucidity with evil on the increase. The spirit of darkness ruled him; he was slowly losing his mind. His life became a symbol of the failure of mankind. We are reminded by this account of the terrible danger of sin. A jealous, bitter, murderous spirit changes us within. When we focus on self alone; live by the order of Saul, We become most miserable, perhaps a danger to all. But David is an illustration of God's grace and love. He remained steady and stable because of God above. With each new challenge that he faced, he called unto the Lord. He received strength and grace each day for his spirit to be restored. So here is a truth God has revealed for all of us to see: Living in communion with Him is the only way to be. We have no strength on our own because of sin's cruel sting, But when we rely upon God above, we can do everything. 1 SAMUEL-THE TERRIBLE COST OF JEALOUSY After Goliath, David was in...admired and honored by all. Saul took David into his home to serve at his beck and call. Jonathan, the son of Saul, made David, his best friend. Ambition, fame, and pride of life he was able to transcend. Saul set David over the men who fought in Israel's wars. Never did he anticipate the trouble that was in store. It was a simple innocent song that started all the pain When Israeli women danced and sang a troublesome refrain. The song gave praise to Saul and David, Israel's famous men. But for every opponent Saul had killed, David had slain ten. King Saul did not appreciate the musical critique. He succumbed to paranoia, for his ego now was tweaked. Because of his sin and jealousy, the king wished David dead, But David acted wisely and stayed one step ahead. But then one night with Saul morose, Dave was summoned to play. Saul attempted to kill him, but David got away. Thus began a time of peril filled with great dismay. These were days of testing as David learned how to pray. His Psalms record the deepest feelings David freely expressed Pouring out the pain and pressure from the constant stress. Jealousy is an ugly thing. It always brings heartache and pain. In the end the loss is great and nothing at all is gained. If you allow your mind and spirit to travel down this road, You will lose God's precious peace as did Saul of old. So learn from Saul and forsake this sin, for it will surely kill you. Satan seeks to sell these lies and he will surely bill you. If you yield to his foul plan, the actions you embrace Will cause pain for others and bring you much disgrace. 1 SAMUEL-SLAYING THE GIANT Now the Philistines had a fighting man six cubits and a span. If you stop to figure it out, he was nearly a ten foot man. His armor alone weighed 125, the point of his spear fifteen; Israel sent out to face this man, a boy of about sixteen. Goliath shouted day after day a challenge to come and fight. Israel's soldiers trembled in dismay afraid of losing their life. Young David came to visit the camp, heard him time after time. Finally he asked, "Who is this man, this evil Philistine?" David shamed the soldiers that day including his older brothers. They suggested he go back home to his sheep, his dad and mother. When David saw that all were afraid, he decided to volunteer. "I will fight this giant for you. God will deliver us here." Saul told David, "You are a youth and he is a man of war." But David, who fought both lion and bear, was not afraid anymore. "I will not face him all alone. Our God will grant me power. Send me forth and you will see, the giant will fall this hour." David took his trusty sling and picked up five smooth stones. He walked out to face the giant, but he didn't go alone. Many wonder, "Why five stones? Did he expect to encounter others?" We don't know but remember this: Goliath had four brothers. The giant roared, "Am I a dog that you send a child with a stick? Come a little closer, boy. I'll make you food for the birds in a bit." "You depend on shield and spear along with your great sword, But I have come to strike you down, for I come in the name of the Lord." David ran to meet the giant swinging the sling with his hand. He struck the Philistine in the head just as he had planned. The Philistine fell totally stunned but he was not yet dead. David killed him with his sword and then cut off his head. Is there a giant in your life mocking day after day? Do you tremble or live in strife engulfed by fear and dismay? Remember, my friend, to whom you belong. Trust in the Savior true. Empowered by His love so strong, there's nothing you cannot do. Turn to Christ. Tell Him your trouble. Turn yourself over to Him. He will deliver you from the trials that seem so terribly grim. Just as David trusted God to give him strength and power, So our Lord will minister to you in your darkest hour. 1 SAMUEL-EARLY LESSONS FROM THE PALACE The Spirit of God departed from Saul leaving him to his sin. Because of the emptiness of his life an evil spirit came in. The torment of his soul was intense causing all joy to cease. Only when David played his harp could he experience peace. God was the author of the event that brought David to the King. He learned much from all he saw as he would play and sing. David could see the anguish of Saul deep in his tormented soul. He wisely continued to yield to God giving Him full control. What can we learn from this short account? Is there a lesson here? Without God's Spirit as troubles mount, we lose all hope and cheer. When we tell God to take a hike; that we want full control, Our arrogance leads to emptiness, a void within our soul. We were created to be filled and led by God's Holy Spirit. The trouble with this message is so many will not hear it. Our fallen nature rises strong insisting on its way. Soon we're held captive by fallen flesh much to our dismay. Perhaps you are a child of God but living far from His ways. You have no joy or peace within knowing how far you strayed. Remember how the faithful shepherd left the ninety-nine To journey into the wilderness the poor lost lamb to find. Jesus is that shepherd now. You are precious to Him. When he died upon the cross, He paid the price of your sin. If you continue to wander away all peace and joy will leave. The Shepherd is calling to those astray with love too great to believe. Only a fool resists such grace refusing to walk with Him. Only a fool continues to live captive to self and sin. In the Bible the Psalmist wrote, "The fool says there is no God." To profess Christ but live in the world is confusingly odd. You would be wise to check your condition, to make your salvation sure. You should have as your ambition to grow in the Lord mature. You will find the longings of sin will gradually slip away. The Spirit will give you peace within as you walk with Him every day. 1 SAMUEL-LEADERSHIP IS NOT GOOD LOOKS David Anointed as Future King 1 Samuel 16 "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." The Lord said to Samuel, "It's time to stop grieving. I have an assignment for you. Though Saul is rejected, I'll soon be revealing A king whose devotion is true. Go down to Jesse in Bethlehem town. Take a young heifer with you. Have all the sons of Jesse around; I'll show you the one I choose." Jesse presented his first-born son. What a tremendous start! But God said to Sam, "He's not the one. He doesn't have the right heart. You must be careful not to assume A leader by his appearance. The one who rules from the throne room Will be known for godly adherence. Throughout the day the candidates progressed, Seven strong sons passed through. But none of them completely possessed The virtues the king must imbue. Samuel asked, "Are all the sons here? Does there remain one or two? None of the seven who have appeared Is the one that our God will use." "There is yet one who is far away Frankly, he's still a youth. He likes to sing to the Lord in praise, He's also a lover of truth." When David arrived from the fields that day, The youngest of Jesse's eight sons, Samuel anointed; then knelt to pray, For he was the chosen one. Just remember this, dear friend. It's wisdom God would impart: God is in charge from beginning to end Choosing the one with His heart. THAT ONE WAY FLIGHT I once read a story in the Bible 'twas told How Jesus came down to earth in the days of old He walked throughout the land just to preach and to teach And I know that some day I will sit at His feet I've got my reservations for a one-way flight I'll be riding on a cloud some day or some night Jesus bought my ticket So I would not miss it I've got my reservations for that one-way flight I'll have a mansion prepared o'er in Gloryland Or maybe a small cottage on the golden strand I'll be moving to my new home in Heav'n above And it's all been made possible through Jesus' love I've got my reservations for a one-way flight I'll be riding on a cloud some day or some night Jesus bought my ticket So I would not miss it I've got my reservations for that one-way flight If you want to go with me, well you know you can Jesus Christ paid the price for each and every man Don't worry about packing when it's time to go Have your soul ready when you hear the trumpet blow I've got my reservations for a one-way flight I'll be riding on a cloud some day or some night Jesus bought my ticket So I would not miss it I've got my reservations for that one-way flight 1 SAMUEL-THE OBEDIENCE ZONE The focus of this Bible account is character failure in Saul. Obedience cannot be ignored just cause you're handsome and tall. God gave Saul a specific command, but he chose to disobey. Saul decided to change God's plan and carry it out his way. The Word of the Lord then came to Samuel expressing deep regret, For Saul had turned away from God; clearly He was upset. Samuel heart was deeply stricken; he cried to the Lord all night. The tall young king of Israel had lost the spiritual fight. Upon his arrival Saul greeted the sage pretending all was well. Samuel replied, "Shut your mouth; I have a message to tell: 'When you were little in your own eyes, God raised you up as king. But since you've chosen to disobey, you have lost everything.'" "You have rejected the Lord your God; now He is rejecting you. He has chosen another king who will do what God wants him to." Saul was shaken and grabbed Sam's robe, clinging until it tore, But Samuel said, "It's over Saul. You ignored the Word of the Lord." Samuel refused to visit Saul until the day of his death. He mourned for Saul as he thought of all the king would now forfeit. Jonathon, his honorable son, would never inherit the throne. This judgment came because Saul chose to leave the obedience zone. When we choose to disobey God, heartache and pain come along. This is why we treasure His word learning what's right and wrong. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft; stubbornness is evil too. These are but two of the fleshly fruits that each of us must subdue. God has a plan to bless your life, to bring fulfillment as well. He has prepared a heaven to gain too glorious even to tell. Live your life each day for God with thoughts of your heavenly home. Make the decision to live your life in the obedience zone. THE SECRET THINGS BELONG TO GOD We study God's Word more and more, And we learn more than we knew before. To others a message we don't want to send, "Some things in the Bible I don't comprehend." Then we study commentaries so we can see If we can get the answers from a P.H.D. We find at times men just make a guess On difficult issues we understand less. Maybe God keeps certain things sealed Until we get to Heaven to be revealed. You know the secret things belong to Him Until someday, He may then reveal them. God makes clear the things we should know. Certain doctrines His Word doth clearly show. He gives us commands to obey in His Book. His commands are clear; just take a look. 1 SAMUEL-JONATHAN A PROFILE OF COURAGE AND FAITH The Bible tells us facts obscure to remind us of God's great power. Oft He came to Israel's aid in their darkest hour. Israel had few weapons of war, no swords of sharpened steel. Facing the Philistines so ill-equipped was short on public appeal. But in the face of all these facts, we read about Saul's pure son. Jonathan knew if God attacked, the battle would surely be won. He looked across the deep defile to see the Philistine camp. He felt a desire to go and fight; his faith and courage were amped. He climbed the cliff on hands and knees along with his armor-bearer. Together they fought twenty men creating a scene of terror. There was an earthquake during the fight; the Philistines ran in retreat. This was the first of many more battles Israel had to repeat. Why did God use the son of Saul to lead the fight that day? Is it because he had a heart to trust God and obey? While Saul was sitting under a tree surrounded by 600 men, Jonathon was busy killing their foes with the help of a loyal friend. Jonathan was a man of courage, an example of trusting faith. He believed God would keep His word to give His people their place. We could learn from his example in our Christian walk: That we need to engage in battle, not just talk the talk. So let's do more about the conditions in the world today. Let's care for the lonely, give to the poor; take more time to pray. Let's tell about Jesus across the land in every city and town With Gospel light assaulting the darkness tearing its gateway down. God alone can save our nation and restore our spiritual health. Surely we see there is no hope in amassing material wealth. Wealth and possessions do not fulfill. Their promises are fleeting. Let us remember that future day when Jesus we will be meeting. How about you? Are you courageous? Are you a person of faith? Have you experienced God's salvation given to us by grace? Have you engaged yourself in battle? Are you serving our Lord? Have you fixed your heart on the day you receive your eternal reward? 1 SAMUEL-SAUL'S CHARACTER FLAWS REVEALED In the first year of his reign Saul clashed with the Ammonites. God gave him a decisive victory, for what he did was right. Thus Saul created a standing army to defend the growing nation. He kept two thousand by His side, the rest with Jonathan stationed. Nobody knows if the Philistines provoked it, but Jonathan went on the attack. Saul called for the men to gather together in case the Philistines react. Three thousand chariots (two in each cart), six thousand riding abreast Combined that day with innumerable soldiers to put Israel to the test. All of Israel saw imminent danger. They trembled in fear and despair. Some of them hid in caves and rocks while others got out of there. Saul was waiting to worship and pray at the prophet's appointed time, But Samuel was delayed that day and Saul committed a crime. Instead of waiting for the priest he disobeyed God's law. He offered the sacrifice by himself plainly before them all. Samuel arrived shortly thereafter, admonished Saul quite strong. "You will now forfeit your legacy, for what you have done is wrong." There is a lesson for all to learn as we travel the Christian road. To trust our God in faith and obedience is the loyalty owed. If we would see the power of God move in impossible ways, Then it is faith and obedience that must be on display. Saul and Jonathan were ill-equipped to face the Philistine might. But God desired to rescue them in the midst of their terrible plight. God cares that much for us as well; He knows each challenging task. He calls His children to knock on His door and never cease to ask. So take the lesson you see in this passage. Burn it deep in your heart. God has promised to watch and keep you; His presence will never depart. Don't pattern your life after the order of Saul, for his life was a disaster. Following Saul earns a premature trip to an unrewarded hereafter. 1 SAMUEL-SAUL'S CORONATION When it was time for Saul's coronation, Samuel had something to say. "I want a public examination Of all my conduct and ways." "Is there someone I have cheated? Have I ever taken a bribe? Now is the time for you to repeat it. Step forth my sin to describe." Upon hearing their aging prophet They affirmed his integrity. Samuel told them God would not stop it But clearly He was displeased. "Today you have chosen what you desire— A king to rule from your throne. You threw off the Lord your God To ask for a leader unknown. God has allowed you to have your way. He will be faithful and true. If you will fear Him and obey He will be gracious to you. Now even though it is early summer, A time when there is no rain, God will give you thunder and lightning His faithfulness to proclaim." Just then the sky lit up with lightning Loud thunder rolled through the land. The people were terribly frightened By the power of God's mighty hand. Samuel gave them a word of comfort Telling them he would pray. He said, "Serve the Lord with all your heart And in His presence stay. Sadly we know the rest of the story, How far they drifted from Him. We should do better in giving Him glory, For we have the Spirit within. THE GLORY OF EASTER This is the day of the Lord's resurrection What a wonderful day indeed! Jesus our Lord in sinless perfection Paid for my sinful deeds. Jesus Christ, so pure within, The Author of all creation, Enclosed Himself in human skin Providing a path to salvation. He spoke the Word of Truth to all As He shared the eternal plan. Man was condemned by Adam's fall, Lost before life began. He showed how the sacrifice past With blood sprinkled by man's hand Was a symbol wholly surpassed By His death as our Passover lamb. Satan knew the capacity of man; Just how God's presence could thrill him. He knew that Jesus was God's plan. He was sure he needed to kill him. We all know the terrible truth: Perfection was rejected. Beaten and mocked by men uncouth, He was nailed to a cross erected. But Jesus altered our destiny As he hung there on the cross. What Satan thought was victory Became his eternal loss. Jesus died and the people wept As they placed him in the grave. But death soon learned He couldn't be kept; He came forth from the tomb to save. Jesus told us He would die And arise on the third day. This is a very strong reason why You should trust Him as Savior today. Each of us choose heaven or hell To be our eternal abode. To sin's dark plans you must say "farewell" And choose the upward road. IT IS THY SIGNATURE Send Thy Wind! Thy Storm! My course, do retrace; Dash my vessel upon Thy Rock of Grace. Set this sailor's wondering spirit free; Rescue my soul from the drowning debris. My body came to being from the dust of ground; Your breath's where eternal value is found. Flesh is chained by the lengths of night and day, While the soul resists the earth's decay. Fools seek beauty, wealth, and worldly lust; Th'wise see truth and possess a righteous trust. Although all's in one and seem adjacent, Some last for'er, others a mere moment. Pluck mine eyes, better blind than sin I see; Scathe my flesh, or such pleasures vain shall be. Break my bones, force this haughty beast to kneel, Lest I cuff myself to death's Iron Wheel. Measure their worth, the scale is secure. The soul to cherish, tis' Thy signature. 1 SAMUEL-SAUL CHOSEN TO BE KING OF ISRAEL Now when our journey last left off, Israel desired a king. Samuel dutifully told the folks, it wouldn't be a good thing. But the people refused to obey, accepting no will but their own. They insisted that Samuel install a king upon the throne. Samuel records in chapter nine the account of a man named Saul. He was a choice and handsome man and also pleasingly tall. He fit the profile of worldly wisdom. Certainly he was eye candy. With his stature and natural good looks, the people thought he was dandy Saul and a servant were searching the land for a herd of donkeys lost. They decided to inquire of Samuel hoping to avert the loss. God told the prophet Saul was coming and told him what he should do. When he arrived Samuel announced, "The one to be king is you." Samuel anointed Saul with oil; said, "You have been chosen by God." Then he told him several things that at the time seemed odd. "When you leave you will meet men with goats and bread and wine. You will also meet prophets and prophesy. These are God's sure sign." When Saul left Samuel, the signs came to pass; God clearly did his part. Saul was able to prophesy, for God had transformed his heart. Then Samuel called the tribes together to formally present their king. He explained the behavior of royalty and wrote down everything. Saul went back to his home town surrounded by valiant men. Knowing that the king would be challenged, God had spoken to them. Little is known about his reign in those earliest days, But this we see in the very next chapter: trouble is on its way. We know many facts about Saul and most of them are bad. We will soon see his lifetime pursuits compile a record quite sad. It's so important to follow the Lord in word, and deed, and song. Don't be like Saul who started well but failed to finish strong. MULTIPLICATION 'Hi young man, do you have any bread?' Andrew the disciple, to me came and said. 'Yes, I've five loaves and two little fish.' He cried out 'Lord, take a look at this.' They took the food right out of my hands, Seemingly no concern for my hunger pangs. They then requested we sit on the grass, After a prayer my food they did pass. I didn't quite hear, the prayer Jesus said, Or whatever happened to my fish and bread. But after serving five thousand or more, Twelve baskets of bread they picked off the floor. And when I got home, I told mom and dad, About the wonderful day that I'd just had. I believe now my mission, is to tell all I can, Of Jesus the Prophet, this wonderful man. 1 SAMUEL-THE PEOPLE WANT A KING Samuel was a faithful judge who walked with God each day. But sadly his unworthy sons could not receive such praise. When it came to godliness they didn't bring a thing, So the people said to him, 'Appoint for us a king." Samuel's heart was broken as he experienced this rejection. He had been faithful to the task of giving spiritual direction. But God told Samuel, "Don't feel bad, it's Me they've cast aside. They desire to copy the world and let their devotion slide. Samuel returned to the elders of Israel and this is what he said: "If you choose to follow this path, there will be changes ahead. You will lose your sons and daughters, which ought to make you nervous. He will tell you how he needs them in his government service. He will take your mules and horses and your finest fields. You will pay unending taxes on all your business yields. With these ever-increasing burdens your conversations will ring With deep regret and songs of lament having consented to rule by a king." Nevertheless the people refused to heed Sam's proclamation. They said, "Give us a king so we can be like all of these other nations." Samuel told the Lord about it wondering what this would bring. The Lord replied, "Heed their voice. Go and find them a king." We gain wisdom as we read this story over and over again, For it reveals the trouble that came and how it all came to an end. So let us take this inside knowledge, apply it to life today. Let us be careful to heed God's voice and in His presence stay. Consider the troubles we now face in the time in which we live. Consider how the middle class is forced to give and give. If only we would seek God more and look to government less. We could avoid the trouble in store and dig our way out of this mess. Let us learn from Israel's sin with all their foolish decisions. Let us consider the Word of God and make some sensible revisions. Let us help each other more rejecting big government plans. For it's not politicians but Jesus alone, who is the Savior of man. 1 SAMUEL-SAMUEL BECOMES JUDGE OF ISRAEL Israel went out to a Philistine fight, was soundly defeated by them. When the day was finally over, they lost four thousand men. That evening in camp the elders said, "We need to bring the ark. Perhaps it will give the soldiers a lift; bring comfort to their heart." When the ark arrived in the camp, it erupted with a great roar. The Philistines began to wonder if they could win the war. But the Philistines rallied and fought with great fear Israel to defeat. Thirty thousand died that day and Israel's despair was complete. Among the casualties of the war was the loss of their precious ark. Hophni and Phineas died that day, their lives having missed the mark. A messenger brought a report to Eli whose heart was filled with dread. Poor Eli fell down and broke his neck. He too was pronounced dead. The ark was taken to Dagan's temple and placed before his face. Sometime that night before the morn, Dagan fell down from his place. There he lay prostrate before the ark appearing as though it was planned. The second time the idol fell down, it removed his head and his hands. The hand of the Lord lay heavy on them. Many were struck with disease. This deadly destruction terrified their hearts, brought them to their knees. The Philistines placed the ark on a cart pulled by unbroken stock. Amazingly they pulled the ark home in a mutually cooperative walk. They finally stopped near Abinadab's house located high on a hill. There it stayed for twenty years til Israel would follow God's will. Finally the people confessed their sin with fasting and prayer in accord. When the Philistines rose to afflict, they were routed before the Lord. From that day on throughout his life, Samuel judged this nation. They regained their cities and towns with all of their population. Samuel travelled across the land to serve as Jehovah's judge. Israel learned that life is better serving the One above. We too are like the Israelites with our many conflicting thoughts. Too often we live for money or pride instead of how we ought. The Scripture is given for every believer. O how its wisdom we need! Help us O Lord to apply its direction and treasure its truth to heed. 1 SAMUEL-SAMUEL HEARS THE VOICE OF GOD Samuel served God in the tent of meeting from the time he was just a boy. Seldom did Israel hear from God; there was no one He could employ. Eli had failed to be a strong leader, his sons were vile indeed. Israel had no faithful shepherd. The Lord was exceedingly grieved. Samuel was resting in the temple as he cared for the burning lamp. Twas the wee hours of early morn before the light's dawning advance. He heard a clear voice call out his name and ran to say "I am here." But Eli told the young servant of God, "I didn't call you near." Twice more this happened and twice he responded. Eli perceived the truth: God had set this young man apart and was calling him as a youth. Eli told him how to respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit. So Samuel resolved to calmly react the next time he was able to hear it. Sure enough, the Lord called again and Samuel said, "I am here." What God revealed about Eli and sons chilled his soul with fear. When Samuel revealed judgment was coming for both of Eli's sons, Eli, not at all surprised, said "May the Lord's will be done." The Lord blessed Samuel as he grew up. All of his words were right. Soon all of Israel became aware that he was God's guiding light. So from a hurting mother's prayer and a life as a lonely child, God created a leader of men to save a nation beguiled. Maybe your childhood was less than stellar, filled with sorrow and pain. When limited to the wisdom of man, such facts are hard to explain. But God often heals a wounded heart and sets it free to love That He might use it to impart grace that comes from heaven above. So open the wounds of your painful past; reveal the sorrows too. Give them over to God above; allow Him to heal you. Then tell the world that God heals hurts; live out His gracious plan. God will use your transformed life to bring hope to a wounded man. 1 SAMUEL-THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL Elkanah was a Levite man who lived in the Ephraim hills. His wife Hannah loved the Lord, but she felt so unfulfilled. Hannah in her outward way appeared so meek and mild, But deep within her spirit, she yearned to bear a child. Elkanah had a second wife whose womb was fruitfully open. She taunted Hannah with her smirk and cutting words ill-spoken. Hannah grieved and promised God, as she knelt at the house of the LORD, To give her son to lifetime service if her prayers were not ignored. God, of course, heard all of her prayers. The delay was not a rebuke. He answers prayer exactly on time. Not one of them is a fluke. Eli the priest observed her prayer; learned of her earnest petition. He told her spirit to be at rest and prepare for a coming addition. It wasn't long before she conceived and gave birth to a special son. She gave him the name of Samuel,* for by prayer the battle was won. She treasured each moment with her child preparing to keep her word Knowing it was because of God's grace that his birth occurred. When he was weaned she took little Sam along with a sacrifice. She taught him how to worship and gave other important advice. Next she took him to the priest presenting Samuel so fair; Then she knelt before the Lord and poured out her heart in prayer. Elkanah and Hannah returned to their home but left little Sam behind. He learned how to minister to the Lord. He was truly "one of a kind." Hannah's heart ached but she was true to the promise she had begun. God then gave two beautiful daughters and three additional sons. Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with God and men. With Godly character instilled in him, the next phase could begin. Eli was old and his sons were wicked. God heard the nation's cry. Samuel soon would be the high priest; Hophni and Phinehas would die. Perhaps you have waited many long years for an answer to your prayer. You've been praying earnestly wondering if He is there. Let the example of Hannah remind you that nothing is wrong. "For the race is not always to the swift or the battle to the strong." ** * Samuel means "heard of God" **Ecclesiastes 9:11 RUTH AND THE KINSMAN REDEEMER Naomi and husband, Elimelech, experienced a famine severe. They left Bethlehem, moved to Moab, and stayed there many a year. They had two sons who married girls of Moabite descent. When all three husbands suddenly died, all hope and joy was spent. Naomi decided it would be best to go back to Bethlehem. She told her daughters they should stay and find good Moabite men. Orpah left and returned to her home to live with her folks for a while, But Ruth decided to stay with Naomi and share her every trial. Naomi told Ruth to call her "Mara," for her sorrow was great. The joy of life had now turned bitter with heartache on her plate. Together they travelled to Bethlehem where they were warmly received, But how they would support themselves, they had not yet perceived. Boaz was Naomi's relative from her husband's side. Because he cared about the poor, gleaners were not denied. Ruth's love for Naomi and faithfulness created a strong appeal, So Boaz managed harvest conditions to keep Ruth in his fields. Regarding Boaz Naomi observed strong character in his life. She saw that he had interest in Ruth as a prospective wife. She explained the Kinsman Redeemer, told Ruth just what to do. As a kinsman, he could redeem her if he would follow through. Ruth obeyed her mother-in-law and carried out her suggestion. Boaz responded to Ruth's request and acted with discretion. First he had to open the door to a relative closer than he. Once again he demonstrates his life of integrity. Boaz went into the city and gathered the elders round. Then he called the other kinsman to hear the proposal sound. Naomi had a piece of land for redemption at a fair price. Included in the redemption process, Ruth would become his wife. The responsibility of the redeemer is to preserve the family name. The nearest redeemer wanted the land, but the duty he would not claim. This left Boaz free to redeem the property for the clan. He joyfully took Ruth to be his wife and gave her Mahlon's land. Jesus is our Kinsman Redeemer. He paid the debt we owe. He has received us as His bride because He loves us so. Just as Boaz honored Ruth and showered her with love, So the Lord in glorious truth will take us to heaven above. I AM HERE Something moved me Eyelids flutter to see Thoughts not yet clear God is here. Night to light eclipse Holy breath on my lips A gift, another day Father God, I pray. Sweet glorious morn Warmth now born Eyes open to the sight He speaks, "write." He thought it good So, write I would A sigh, Oh dear His Word, I hear. "I am here" to write Precious in His sight Never, ever fear But, draw near. Simply imagine this Feel the morning Kiss To us a Son, the Lamb Touched by: "I AM." John 8:58 SAMSON AND DELILAH When Sampson saw Delilah that day, feelings of love swept through him. But she attempted to lead him astray so the Philistines could subdue him. "Tell me the secrets of your great strength. How can you be restrained?" "Tie me with some brand new rope" Samson quickly proclaimed. So Delilah tied him with new rope tight just as Samson had said. But just when his capture was in sight he snapped them off like thread. When this trick failed she tried again but clearly she was failing, She pestered him for days on end with constant nagging and wailing. One day when she once again pled, he told her about his long hair. "If you were to shave my head, my strength would no longer be there." Delilah kissed him and stroked his face til he fell asleep in her lap. The barber sneaked in and cut off his hair while he was taking a nap. When he awoke he heard her shout, "The Philistines are here." He arose, stretched out his arms; suddenly experienced fear. His strength, once great, had abandoned him and to his sad surprise, The Philistine army captured him and cruelly gouged out his eyes. So there he was working in prison pushing the grinding stone. His dignity and freedom was gone, his life no longer his own. Day after day he plodded along, his head bowed in silent prayer. No one saw he was growing strong or noticed his flowing hair. There came a day for a pagan assembly, a time to celebrate. They brought Samson into the temple laughing at his fate. He stumbled through the pagan shrine until he found the main pillar. Crying to God, he pulled it down; it became a Philistine killer. Samson also died that day as the temple came tumbling down. But the God of Israel heard him pray, made him a man of renown. Samson killed many with feats of strength before he went astray. But never had the Philistines suffered as they did on that day. Samson was a mighty man, but given to many vices. He fell victim to Satan's plan and to his evil devices. We can avoid the devil's schemes, overcome his evil charmers If we stay close to our Lord supreme and put on our spiritual armor. SAMSON DEFEATS THE PHILISTINES Have you noticed in your life experience how some are born for trouble? They march through life mowing down others leaving a pile of rubble. Samson was that kind of a man. He was not perfect by far. How is it that God could use someone whose behavior was so bizarre? You must remember that God is above all the wisdom of man. He alone is aware of the truth, of the sins over many life spans. He often used an imperfect man to bring justice to wicked nations. He used Sampson to set Israel free from Philistine domination. We already know how it all began when his wife betrayed her spouse. She placed others above her marriage, so Samson left the house. A few months later he came with a gift to spend some time with his wife. That's when he learned she belonged to another creating additional strife. It is true that he was betrayed, but he had left in an angry fit. Her father thought he rejected his bride convinced that he had split. As a result to avoid the dishonor, he gave her to Samson's best man. That failure in their communication is where the trouble began. Samson, enraged, wanted revenge; saw their fields of flowing wheat. He tied 300 foxes two by two with a torch behind their rear feet. Then he released them into the fields, the vineyards, and olive trees. The wheat and all the Philistine crops were completely destroyed with ease. Someone told the Philistines why Samson expressed such ire. They went up to the Timnite home and killed them all with fire. That only served to stir him more. From the hills he came bounding down. He slaughtered many Philistines stacking them on the ground. The men of Israel woke up one morn with Philistines camped in the valley. They said, "Go get Samson, bring him back, or today will be your finale." They went to Samson and made a promise to take him down there alive. Samson was willing to face the Philistines, sure that he would survive. The Philistines shouted as he came down and the Spirit came upon him. He broke the ropes, grabbed a club and began a task quite grim. He flailed the jaw bone of an ass and killed a thousand men. The Philistines who came against him were defeated once again. Many prefer not to hear this story wishing God would leave it out. It's so much easier to give God glory when we read about men devout. But Samson was a real man with all of his anger and sin. God used him to deliver judgment on those who had sinned against Him. Yet to come is a terrible day when men stand at the Great White Throne. They will be judged for their Christ-rejection and claim their sin as their own. Here is the way to avoid this judgment: accept God's salvation plan. Give all of your life to the Savior's love and reject the wisdom of man. JUDGES-THE BIRTH AND RISE OF SAMSON Over and over we see in the scripture Israel's rise and fall. For a season they honored God, but then their service would stall. All too often the next generation failed to walk in the path. They found themselves in subjugation, the object of God's just wrath. In one of those times under Philistine rule, a barren woman cried. She had desired to conceive from the day she became a bride. Then one day her LORD appeared and said she would bear a son. "This boy shall be a Nazirite, for he is a chosen one." A second time the LORD appeared to help them understand. He told of the special rules for their son in the manner God had planned. So she gave birth to a little boy and raised him as God had said. Little could they imagine the trauma that lay ahead. The young man grew and he was blessed. The Spirit began to stir him. He wanted a certain Philistine girl; naught could be said to deter him. On their way to acquire the bride, a young lion fiercely attacked. By the Spirit, he tore it apart before there was time to react. After the arrangements had been made, Samson went back to marry. He saw the carcass of the dead lion he hadn't bothered to bury. He saw that bees had used the carcass to store their delicious honey. As he stopped to enjoy the treat, he thought of a riddle quite funny. He said to the men at the wedding feast, "I have a riddle for you. If you can guess it, you'll get a prize, but if you do not, I do." When they agreed he said to them, "Here it is plain and complete: 'Out of the eater comes something to eat, out of the strong, something sweet.'" Three days came and they could not answer, so they threatened his bride, "If you don't get him to reveal the answer your father and mother will die." Samson's bride railed on him employing her wifely charm. Then having told her he lost the bet, bringing financial harm. Samson said to his Philistine cheaters, "I don't play second fiddle. If you had not plowed with my heifer, you wouldn't have solved my riddle." So angry was he that he left his bride and returned to his father's house. The bride was given to his best man and she became his spouse. Clearly we see as we read this account there was plenty of fault all around. Samson's new friends were embarrassed, for he made them look like clowns. The Philistine men were clearly at fault for threatening the bridal parents. His wife was wrong to deceive her husband. She should have been transparent. So here is a lesson for all to learn concerning friendly relations. Relationships built on lies and deceit result in complications. Honesty and love go hand in hand producing much peace and joy. Many a friendship can be saved when these virtues we employ. WHY DO i STILL DOUBT? Before I took my first wee breath You numbered every day The hour of life, the hour of death You wrote each 'come what may' You know my every rise and fall Perceive my every thought You are familiar with all The works my hands have wrought Before a word slips off my tongue Already Lord, You know it You saw my body, still unformed Yet saw fit to allow it You knew my foolishness and pride Yet wove me far above For You knew I could not hide From everlasting love No darkness is too dark for You No dungeon is too deep No one escapes Your tender view As loving guard You keep All my days were written down Before one came about The author of them, Heaven's Own Lord, why do I still doubt? THE GLORY LIGHT Saul of Tarsus started to Damascus To see the high priest to get letters. He wanted to arrest more Christians And bring them to Jerusalem in fetters. Suddenly a light from Heaven above Shone brightly about him all around. "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me," He heard after he fell to the ground. "Who art Thou, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus. Thou persecuted Me. It's hard for you to kick against the pricks." Then Saul was led, for he could not see. "What will Thou have me to do, Lord?" Saul asked Jesus, the Savior so dear. "Just arise and go to the city, Saul. What you shall do will be made clear." Saul became an apostle of Christ. His name was changed from Saul. He became a preacher of the Gospel, And his name was changed to Paul. A glory light shining from Heaven May not shine down on me or you, But just as Jesus came to save Paul, He came to seek and save us too. THE LEAST OF THESE The King in all His glory, Has a place for His sheep. He has prepared us a kingdom; Those who His commandments keep. When I, the King, was hungry, You gave Me food to eat. When I was oh so thirsty, My need of drink you did meet. When I was but a stranger, You gave Me a place to stay. When I came to you naked, You clothed Me well that day. When I was on My sick bed, You dropped by and visited Me. When I was in a prison cell, You came by faithfully. The righteous will then ask, When did we these to the King? He will answer in all His love About this very thing. When you have done all this To one of the least of these, You have done it unto Me; For this, you did Me please. JUDGES-LESSONS IN FAITH FROM GIDEON Gideon obeyed the Lord's command and destroyed the altar to Baal. It raised quite a ruckus in his town, for many thought he had failed. Gideon learned about leadership: it's not all joy and affection. Many times the leader is faced with criticism and rejection. It wasn't too long after that the Amalekites invaded. When the Spirit came on him, Gideon was persuaded. He blew the trumpet long and loud announcing the situation Imploring all the fighting men to come and save the nation. Gideon lay a fleece on the ground for a sign of hope. He requested the ground to be dry but the wool to be soaked. When he arrived in the morning, the wool was soaking wet. But that one miracle was not enough to help him cease to fret. So Gideon did it once again but reversed the way he asked. "This is how," Gideon said, "I'll know to pursue this task." Well you guessed it. It happened again, only in reverse. Gideon now knew these foreign invaders surely would be cursed. The second test Gideon endured was how his army was numbered. God reduced them from thirty-two thousand down to only three hundred. He said, "I am going to deliver you—these invaders are toast, But I have to do it with very few men or your army will boast." Gideon and Purah spied on their camp and as unlikely as it seems, He heard a soldier tell another about his unusual dream. "I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into our camp. I have been thinking about it all day wondering what it meant." To Gideon's surprise the enemy combatant gave an interpretation. He told his friend that his dream was about their situation. "We are camped here in Israel's valley. This is their rightful land. This dream means that God has given us into Gideon's hand." Well my friends, you know the story, for he was exactly right. Gideon and his band of three hundred surrounded them at night. They blew their trumpets and smashed their lamps creating quite an allusion. Scared out of their minds, the Midianites fought each other in the confusion. God may ask you to do a big thing, something impossible to do. That's because He wants all to know, it didn't come from you. God spends a lifetime growing your faith that you might prevail, For you serve a mighty God, the One who never fails. JUDGES-GIDEON, THE RELUCTANT PROPHET Israel had peace for forty years and then she fell away. The people forgot their former estate and failed to watch and pray. So once again they were oppressed hiding in clefts and caves. But our loving Lord in response to their prayer, devised a plan to save. God sent a prophet to remind them of the God they rejected Pointing out the Amorite gods which they had wholly accepted. This is why they found themselves ravaged by neighboring Midian. Deliverance, however, was soon to come by the hand of Gideon. The Angel of the Lord came down, called Gideon a mighty man. Gideon replied, "Why O Lord, do we suffer under Midian's hand?" The Lord replied, "It's time, my friend. Go deliver the nation." Gideon said, "I can't do that. I'm a man of lowly station." The Glory of all Heaven said to him, "Surely God is with you. Just as Egypt fell before, so Midian will fall too." Gideon hurried to prepare a goat, placed food upon a rock. The Angel touched it with his rod and fire surrounded the pot. That same night a message came from the Savior of his soul. "Destroy your father's altar to Baal, cut down the Asherah pole; Then build an altar to the LORD, and offer your father's bull." (In doing this the Lord would establish Gideon's appointed role.) Gideon did as he was told and made the sacrifice. But fearing what the people might think, he did it in the night. Sure enough calamity arose creating an angry cry. There were even demands from some that Gideon should die. As you know there is more to the story, which we will soon review. We must remember to give God the glory and do what He tells us to do. There will be times in your earthly life when you are under the gun. Just remember when trouble's in sight, you belong to God's Son. Nothing can happen that God does not know; He allowed this trial to come. Stand back and trust; let your faith grow. The victory will soon be won. Though you can't see it with earthly eyes, everything is in its place, For Jesus, who is your defense attorney, never loses a case. JUDGES-DEBORAH THE PROPHETESS Over and over Israel failed in their walk with the Lord. With Godly leaders they would prevail as the scriptures record. First it was Othniel followed by Ehud; Shamgar came a bit later. But after them, they fell away and sinned against their Creator. Because of their sin Israel suffered for more than twenty years. When they finally cried to the Lord, their prayers were sweet to hear. Deborah the Prophetess summoned Barak and told him about God's plan. "Go engage Sisera in a fight. God's given him into your hands." Barak remembered the 900 chariots Sisera had to show. He said to Deborah, "You come along. That's my condition to go." She said, "If you're afraid, I will go too, for Sisera is sure to fall; But when our people remember this day, it's a woman they will recall." Barak led his army that day to a victory God had ordained. Their opponents were thrown into disarray till not a man remained. Now Sisera fled to Jael's tent searching a place to hide. Jael offered to help the man and covered him up inside. Exhausted from the battle that day, he slept as though he were dead. Jael took a stake in her hand and held it just over his head. With a mighty swing of her arm, she drove the tent stake through. Just like his men on the field of battle, Sisera had to die too. Just at that time Barak came by chasing this general who fled. Jael told him to look inside, for there lay Sisera dead. Israel was delivered yet again by the One who was their defender. When we think of this glorious day, these women we remember. It takes courage to follow the Lord. We must be strong and mature. There will be challenges along the way, times we may be unsure. But God has given His Holy Spirit to be our Teacher and Guide. It is He who shows us the way and every need provides. You can trust God as you walk this day. Place your hope in Him. Read the Scripture, take time to pray; heed the small voice within. There is no task that God will give in which you must yield to fear, For the One who lives within is always and ever near. UP FROM THE GRAVE Down on His knees, in the garden He prayed, "Not My will, but Thine; the ransom be paid." Up on the cross, He shed His blood and cried, "It is finished." He bowed His head and died. Down in the tomb, three days and nights also three, As Jonah was in the whale, so in the earth Christ would be. Up from the grave, He arose the third day; Victory over death; the price He did pay. Down on the earth, He was seen of men and women; For all who saw Him, knew He had arose again. Up in Heaven, sitting at God's right hand, Making intercession for us, Jesus did as God planned. Matthew 26-28 JUDGES-THE GREAT VALUE OF LEADERSHIP Joshua's generation served their God until they all died out. But their children who followed them sadly were not devout. The truths their fathers had fought to preserve were tossed away like trash. Their many afflictions were well deserved and all their hopes were dashed. God left some nations to test this group so they could learn to fight. There were five kings of the Philistines along with some Canaanites. Israel married their pagan daughters, had sons to till the sod. It wasn't long before they began to worship their false gods. Because they accepted so much evil in the eyes of the Lord, He gave them up to a pagan king with the sin they adored. Eight years they endured cruel oppression with suffering so unreal. God was busy preparing their hearts to follow his servant, Othniel. For forty years Othniel led and Israel learned to obey. But as soon as he was dead and gone, they quickly fell away. Once again the cycle occurred. You can see it plain as mud. So God raised up a fearless leader, a man by the name of Ehud. Ehud was a left-handed man whose specialty was the knife. He went to King Eglon with a gift that appeared to be very nice. Now Eglon was exceedingly fat and as he arose from the chair, Ehud stuck him so very deep, the sword was covered in there. Now Ehud locked the doors to the room and headed out for his home. The servants mistakenly thought their king was on the bathroom throne. Ehud escaped and rallied the troops, told them to fight for their life. When it was over they were in charge led by the man with the knife. These are two of the many judges sent to help Israel survive. God sends leaders still today to keep our faith alive. We place our hope not on the man but on the God who leads. His leaders, who faithfully proclaim God's Word, help his flock succeed. Have you thanked your man of God for the leadership he provides? Does he faithfully point to the Word to be the standard and guide? In times like these when there is a famine with regard to God's Word, Be thankful if you belong to a church where the gospel is clearly heard. JUDGES-FINISH THE JOB It took Israel seven or eight years before they experienced rest. They gratefully sent the Eastern tribes home, back to the land they possessed. Joshua by now was growing old and soon he would experience death. In an all-tribe assembly he retold about how they began this quest. All of Israel affirmed their pledge to follow God that day. They would forsake the heathen gods and continue on the way. So after this meeting Joshua died at the age of one hundred ten. He was faithful to fulfill his call just as Moses had been. Even though they conquered more and more, not all the country was won. They must continue to fight this war until all the work had been done. The question was placed before the Lord, "Who should go up and fight?" The Lord replied, "Send Judah forth to conquer the Canaanites." Together with the Simeonites, they won by the grace of the Lord. They captured the king, cut off his thumbs; he could no longer hold a sword. They also cut off his two big toes. It was hard to stand upright. Minus these four appendages, this king had fought his last fight. Over and over we see this account as the Israelites steadily advanced. As they believed and trusted God their skills were greatly enhanced. Remember Caleb, that grand old man? He advanced to Hebron by faith. Because of his courage and trust in God, even the giants were chased. * But Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher—all of these tribes failed. When faced with fierce resistance, they didn't completely prevail. Some of the enemy became their slaves but failed to leave the land. Oh that Israel had driven them out according to God's clear plan! What can we learn from the Word of God as we study their failed deeds? We see clearly how trouble comes when instruction we fail to heed. Whatever the task to which you are called, press on and see it through. Be strong like Caleb, trust in the Lord; be blessed in all that you do. JOSHUA-INTERVENTION FROM ABOVE Many have heard about the war on the day the sun stood still. The Amorites sought to even the score with Gibeon in mind to kill. The Gibeonites had come to Israel and by guile a treaty made. When this became known to Amorite kings, all of them felt betrayed. These five kings surrounded the city causing a spirit of fear. The Gibeonites called upon Joshua to bring his army near. With a forced march in one long night, the army quickly arrived. The Amorites were not prepared, confused by the sudden surprise. Joshua's army fought that day and gained the upper hand. He prayed for God the sun to stay so they could conquer the land. The Lord above heard his cry and halted the sun and moon. Giant hailstones fell from the sky destroying the Amorite platoons. Ever since that day of war, the world has known this story. Miracles are kept in store for those who give God the glory. What are you doing for the King? Are you fulfilling your call? You may ask God for anything when you're giving your all. So where are you in the fight today? Do you need intervention? If you have spiritual giants to slay, give this thoughtful attention: The battle in which you are now engaged is observed by One unseen, And as His banner of truth is raised, our Lord will intervene. You may not need the sun to stop or hail to fall from the sky, But every soldier engaged in war is depending on God on high. When you give Him your full attention and serve with undying love, You will receive divine intervention that comes from heaven above. JOSHUA-DON'T FORGET TO CONSULT YOUR GOD When Achan was stoned, God forgave and Israel was back on track. Ai was then quickly dispatched as they followed His plan of attack. When all the kings west of the Jordan heard about their success, They joined their armies to make war, ready to fight to the death. The Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites and more joined the coalition, But some crafty men of Gibeon planned a strategic mission. They dressed themselves in dirty old clothes often patched and mended. Their goal was to resemble a weary band on a journey nearly ended. They loaded their donkeys with moldy bread. They seemed a pitiful band. Upon their arrival they announced, "We've come from a far away land. Our bread was warm, our wineskins new, but now they are old and cracked." Israel's leaders believed the ruse; they should have been checking the facts. These men of Gibeon proposed a treaty bound by solemn oath. They would never fight each other, for that would be bad for both. This entreaty made good sense, for peace would be the reward; The men of Israel discussed it at length but forgot to ask the Lord. Three days after the deal was struck, all Israel learned the truth. Because they failed to seek the Lord, they were deceived by sleuth. The people grumbled against the leaders, their emotions deeply provoked. The elders said, "We gave our word. The treaty cannot be revoked." Joshua summoned the Gibeonites; spoke with a voice strong and terse. "You placed yourselves in our hands, so now you're under a curse. Because of the word we gave by oath you shall surely not die, But now and forever you will cut wood and carry our water supply." Here is the lesson so clearly shown: a decision in haste is not wise, For when the details are fully known, it becomes loathsome to our eyes. So don't forget to consult your God in all the plans you make, For if you take time to seek His face, you'll live with fewer mistakes. JOSHUA-SIN IN THE CAMP The first battle was over and all were at rest; the people were filled with joy. God had triumphed on their behalf and Jericho was destroyed. Perhaps they thought there would be no test everywhere they went, But trouble loomed that very first day and it dwelt in Achan's tent. Now Jericho was "devoted to God", which meant all was given to Him. But Achan saw some silver and gold and took it on a whim. He hid God's treasure in his tent, buried it deep in the ground. But having disobeyed the Lord, the consequence was profound. Joshua sent forth three thousand men to attack a nearby town. To their surprise they were defeated with 36 soldiers down. This little town, Ai by name, chased the army of God. Joshua got down before the Lord, placed his face in the sod. As he lay there imploring God he cried out as he shook his head. "Why, O God, did you bring us here if only to be killed dead?" The Canaanites will hear about this, and for what it's worth, They will take heart with this news and wipe us off the earth." God told Joshua, "Stand up like a man. There's something you need to know. You have a case of sin in the camp and that sin has got to go. Consecrate the people of God, for tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow when you assemble the tribes, the guilty one will pay." In order to find the evil doer, God gave Joshua a plan. He called the people first by tribe and then by tribal clan. Through this process God revealed; there could be no faking. Thus the guilt was finally sealed upon the family of Achan. You all know the story of how he died and all his family with him. Imagine the tears as grandparents cried because of this evil sin. Don't ever think your selfish deeds have no effect on others. O what pain and sorrow is felt by grieving fathers and mothers. Come to the Lord while there is time. Come on bended knee. Forsake your sin, make the right choice. Ask Him to set you free. Receive the balm of Gilead, which brings healing to your soul. No longer will you cry or be sad, for Jesus will make you whole. THE FALL OF JERICHO As Joshua drew near to Jericho, He saw a man with a sword. Drawing near he asked the man, "Which one of us are you for?" "Neither for you nor Jericho, do I fight this war; I am here in supreme command of the army of the Lord." In that moment Joshua awoke to a flash of divine insight. It would be the Lord above who would lead this fight. Joshua fell down before the Lord; then he heard this sound: "Remove your shoes, O man of God, for this is holy ground." "I am giving you Jericho with all of its fighting men, But I will do it in a way that never before has been. March around the city each day with priests sounding the horns. The seventh day march seven times. You won't be weary or worn." The first six days that's what they did beating a path in the ground. They marched daily, eerily silent, never uttering a sound. The people of Jericho must have wondered what it was all about: Six days of silence; then on the seventh, they heard a mighty shout. What they heard was Israel's band, crying as loud as can be. "Now is the time by the Lord's hand, we take this wicked city." The walls collapsed; Israel rushed in, destroyed the city that day. Rahab and family were found within and rescued without delay. They burned the city to the ground. Nothing would be preserved. For centuries Jericho hated God; their punishment was deserved. This mighty victory came that day by the power of God's hand. The fear of Joshua, led by God, spread throughout the land. There is a lesson in this account that everyone should learn. The truth of God we must embrace and evil must be spurned. Don't be a fool who lives and dies, then suffers his just fate. The door of salvation is open wide; don't wait until it's too late.* JOSHUA-CROSSING THE JORDAN The spies, who had stayed in Rahab's house, Escaped to the hills, which were near. They knew the Lord was sending them forth, For Jericho trembled in fear. Three days it took to inform the clans How each tribe would do its part. God had given a careful plan To follow before they start. The priests set forth carrying the ark, Their mission to complete. As soon as the water touched their feet, The Jordan piled up in a heap. The priests walked out into the middle And there they stood on dry ground As Israel passed tribe by tribe Heading for Jericho town. Each of the tribes had chosen one man To carry a rock from the river. That night in camp they arranged the rocks As a remembrance that God had delivered. "The day may come when your children ask, 'Why are these rocks piled here?' Tell them how God heaped up the waters And we crossed without burden or fear." God did this for Israel way back then, But He also did it for you. The rocks were a sign for all to come Of His love and provision true. You need never fear the Lord's provision. It comes one day at a time.* Just bow your head in humble petition; Continue the upward climb. * See Matthew 6:25-34 JOSHUA-THE SALVATION OF RAHAB Joshua secretly sent some spies to check out Jericho. They decided the house of Rahab was the place to go. Someone saw them; told the king, "The spies are at Rahab's place." But Rahab hid them on the roof in order to keep them safe. Somehow Rahab knew the truth, decided to give a hand. She was convinced that God had given Israel all this land. When the king's servants first arrived to check out her abode, She told them her guests had already left and headed down the road. The king's servants searched the roads to bring them back to town, But up on the roof and under the straw the spies were laying down. Rahab told them all of Canaan was living in terror and fear. "We've been worried a very long time and now we see you're here." "We have heard how you crossed the Sea walking on dry land. And how the pursuing army was destroyed at God's command. Across the river in those battles, your armies destroyed the kings. Our people have no courage left. We know we've lost everything." Rahab asked for a special sign that her family would be spared. "We will spare you," said the men, "if you're properly prepared." So Rahab hung the scarlet cord in her window that day. That was the sign to Israel that they were above the fray. The scarlet cord of redemption is found throughout the Word. It isn't by coincidence that this theme occurred; For when we finally apprehend we're captive to sin's flood, We understand the scarlet ribbon pointed to Jesus' blood. So here we see the love of God freely given to all Rahab was a Gentile, yet she clearly heard the call. Perhaps you thought only the Jew was favored all the time: Remember both David and our Lord came from Rahab's line. The scarlet cord of redemption is our hope today. By faith we're loosed from Satan's grip and come to God to stay. Salvation is given to all who ask, no matter the depth of sin, For the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord transforms us from within JOSHUA-PREPARE FOR BATTLE Imagine the morning Joshua woke up knowing Moses was dead. He heard these words from God above as he served as Israel's new head. "Arise, take Israel across the river into the Promised Land. As far as you can see or walk has been given as I've planned. To conquer the land you will battle; I'll be with you every day. Take courage and possess this land, for here is where you stay. Here's some advice to help you succeed: 'Revere the Book of the Law. Do not turn to the left or right, but meditate on it all.' Be sure you follow all the truths Moses has written down. Then your work shall prosper; your success shall be renowned." So Joshua sent forth his high commanders into the camp to say, "Prepare to invade the Promised Land. We cross over in just three days." Joshua said to Reuben and Gad and half of Manasseh's tribe: "Your land is here east of the Jordan and this is where you'll reside. Now as we cross to conquer the nations by God's glorious might, I expect your strong and able men to join us in the fight. Your wives and children remain behind, but you shall go to war. Bring your weapons and a strong heart, for fighting is in store." The men responded, "This we will do. You just give the order. We are willing and ready indeed to cross over the Jordan border." And so we conclude Joshua One knowing the tribes are ready. We see how Joshua obeyed the Lord remaining calm and steady. The warfare continues to this day in a spiritual sense, We employ prayer and God's strong Word to break down evil's defense. Just as Joshua was strong and courageous, so we must be each day. These very same words that God gave him are given to us today. Whatever your battle, whatever your fight, God is at your side. Let His Word encourage your heart and its light* to be your guide. * Psalm 119:105 NUMBERS-FAREWELL TO MOSES Moses climbed the hills to Mount Pisgah across from Jericho. There he saw the land of Judah where Israel soon would go. This is the land the Lord had promised first to Abraham. Israel would soon go in to possess it by the power of God's hand. Moses spent his final hours in the presence of God on high. Then they journeyed to a valley where Moses lay down to die. It wasn't a man that buried Moses on that final day, For God especially loved this one who followed Him all the way. For thirty days the people mourned as they camped upon the plains. They remembered how he delivered them from slavery's evil chains. Now they would turn to Joshua, the leader God had anointed, But there's never been a prophet like Moses, the leader God appointed. I hope to live for many more years, but this one goal I seek: To use the years that may remain to accomplish a faithful streak. If we become a winner in life, it's not about earthly goals. It's all about how we serve the One who lovingly saved our soul. Lord, I know that I'm not Moses, nor could I ever be, But oh how great is my desire to serve You faithfully. I ask You now to anoint my life, to make me fruitful for Thee. Help me become all you envisioned the day You created me. MESSIAH KING What lies beneath an ancient stream? There rests a view no longer seen. What is the love between the nails? Drawn further than which sin impales. Furrowed in a blood stained brow, Upholds the weary stricken now. It flows from wounds pierced with pain, A healing power that does sustain. 'Tis Naught! A vacant tomb remains! Never again to death restrain! From above to the sky rescind Until Christ shall appear again. Captured as one a pristine bride His church will rapture to His side. In one voice we will all implore, Upon His mighty wings we'll soar. Hands raised in worship we will sing, Jesus Christ, the Messiah King! NUMBERS-THE FINAL DUTIES OF MOSES Israel had come to the Promised Land; Indeed they were on the border. For forty years Moses had led Providing stability and order. God told Moses to climb the mountain, Survey the Promised Land. Then be gathered to his people Just as the Father had planned. Moses appealed to the Lord To appoint a person to lead, For Israel must have a guiding shepherd In order for them to succeed. God chose Joshua, the son of Nun, A man who was full of the Spirit. Moses was to authorize him Announcing so all could hear it. Joshua was called before the assembly, Eleazor was at his side. Moses then laid hands on him; His appointment could not be denied. From this day forth and through the years, Joshua would lead the nation. His orders were to possess the land Guiding this new generation. Before Moses left to climb the mountain, God dealt with Midian and Baalam, For Baalam had tried to curse the tribes But his sorcery clearly failed him. One thousand soldiers from each of the tribes Entered the field of battle. On that day they killed five kings, Captured the people and cattle. That was the day that Baalam died, The man who had heard God's voice. Because of his love for money and sin He failed to make the right choice. How about you, my dear friend. Have you carefully considered your fate? You need to heed God's loving call And make your pathway straight. YOU ARE EVERYTHING I wish I was all these things That you think me to be I wish I was everything God desires and hopes for me. A lonely corner in my heart That holds a silent plea Where God wants to enter, but There is no room, you see. For I had not surrendered It seemed a small desire To read the worldly diction Till it burned into a fire. I wish I was all these things All these things and more Then I escaped one last sin Through God's exit door. Dark trailed behind in words He will always light the way. Words that lost their godliness God cleaned my house today. Oh my literary life it seems Had caught me by surprise So comfortable I had become That I believed the devil's lies. But you can be everything For you are what you read I wish I was all these things But my God is all I need. NUMBERS-THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF IDOLATRY When Israel was camped on Moab's plains Temptation was very great. Satan combined religion and sex Enticing fools to their fate. The allure of sex with Moabite women Drew the hearts of Israeli men. If God had allowed such sin to continue Redemption would never have been. The offending men were identified And sentenced to immediate death. Throngs of people wept in remorse As they flocked to the Meeting Tent. But in the midst of this public repentance We see a defiant fact. An Israeli man took a Midianite woman To continue this immoral act. Phineas, the noble grandson of Aaron, Plunged into the tent without fear. In righteous zeal he killed the offenders Piercing them with his spear. This final action satisfied God, But the plague had already come. Judgment for sin killed many of them— Twenty-four thousand was the sum. When something matters more than God, We call it idolatry by name. When His people practice such, They do so to their shame. God has called us a holy nation, A people set apart. We are not to allow anything else To take first place in our heart. Houses, land, cars or money— They're not the objects of our love. Our faithful, loyal, supreme devotion Is reserved for our Lord above. NUMBERS-balaam's ADDITIONAL PROPHECIES Balak sought a curse on Jacob, but God spoke only blessing. It became very clear to him his plan was not progressing. He thought perhaps a change of location would the project suffice, So he took Baalam to Mt. Pisgah with another great sacrifice. Now Balaam showed his spiritual failure by going along with this scheme. Though he should have walked away, his money love was extreme. He walked a distance from Balak's altar and listened to hear God speak. Then he returned to the king and said, "Here is the word you seek." "God is not like a man who lies and always needs to repent. When He says, 'This I will do,' He does just as He meant. Now here is a nation that you hate and you have tried to curse it, But God's love will never abate; there's no way to reverse it. No sorcery or divination against this people will stand, For they are led and guided by Jehovah's mighty hand. Like a lion it has arisen and invading like a flood, It will devour the men of Moab licking up their blood." Balaak decided to try once more, for his future was looking grim. When Baalam gazed from atop Mt. Peor, the Spirit visited him. He saw a vision as he bowed down, his eyes remaining open, But he didn't receive the condemning curse for which Balaak was hoping. "How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob. How lovely are your homes! The waters flow through wondrous gardens in this land you own. Like a lion fierce in battle, Israel crushes her foes. Blessed are those who bless her, but to those who curse her, woe" Balak was filled with raging wrath commanding Balaam to leave. The future of Moab was not good. This he clearly perceived. Balaam gave but one more word telling what he had seen. God had given Israel this land. They inherited everything. After this word Balaam went home but do not make him a saint. A true believer Balaam was not. He loved money without restraint. Three times he accompanied Balak the King to utter a vicious curse. He was willing to harm God's people if it would fill his purse. Soon we will see in another chapter that Balaam suffers his fate. Even with all that he had experienced, he never put his life straight. Let us reject the way of Baalam and conquer the love of money. Let us faithfully follow our Lord to the Land of Milk and Honey. NUMBERS-THE FIRST ORACLE OF balaam Balak traveled to meet this one who would deliver Israel's curse. He wanted God's people to be killed or some other effect perverse. Baalam said to the worried king, "I'm here in response to your plea But please remember this one thing: I say only what God gives me." Balak took him to Baal's altars and there they sacrificed. Seven bulls and seven rams paid the ultimate price. Then Balaam left for a tall, bare hill seeking the Lord to meet. Afterwards he reported to Balak the words he heard God speak. "Balak, you showed me Israel's tribes, asked for a curse upon them, But I cannot curse what God has not cursed, nor can my words condemn. You wanted me to proclaim their doom, to curse your problem away, But judging by His blessing on them, they have come to stay. I see them from the mountain top and I watch them from high hills. From all other nations set apart; their devotion gives me chills. More numerous than a cloud of dust, I view them camped below. I cannot utter a curse unjust. These are the facts I know. A compelling thought came to me as I listened to their God speak. I should bow on bended knee. His favor I should seek. I know there is yet a day to come when I take my dying breath. I want to die like Israel does—with hope—at the time of death." "Now Balak you say, 'What have you done? I paid for an evil curse.' But I can say only what God has said when on the hill we conversed. God is greater than either of us. He is the One in charge. Israel's God is awesome in scope. I hold Him in highest regard. " That was just the opening act. There was more to come. Balak desperately tried again to avoid his future glum. This is a reminder to all of us, an important fact to tell. The God of Israel is in charge. Only He can save from hell. Have you given your life to Him? Have you responded to His call? Have you placed your trust in Christ, decided to give Him your all? Open the Bible; read John 3:16. Respond to this wonderful verse. You will receive eternal life and death can no longer curse. NUMBERS-THE WAY OF balaam As Israel continued their northward march, they came to Moab's land. The Moabites carried heavy hearts fearing the Lord's mighty hand. Balak, their king, was sick with dread anticipating the worst. He sought to hire a diviner to destroy Israel with a curse. The elders of Moab came to Balaam, the appropriate fee in hand, Saying "Curse this nation of Israel; send them back to the desert sand." But God told Balaam, "Don't listen to them. Israel is blessed by Me." Balaam sent them back to Moab rejecting the sorcerer's fee. But Balak sent more delegates, all greater than the first. They promised Balaam fame and honor along with a very fat purse. God came to Balaam later that night and said he could go with the rest. Would Balaam decide to do what is right? Would he pass this spiritual test? In the morning he saddled his donkey and rode with the Moabite princes. The fame and fortune promised to him was all that it took to convince him. Wanting Balaam to make the right choice, a great angel blocked his path. When the donkey would not move, Balaam beat it with his staff. Finally the donkey spoke aloud, "Why have you struck me these three times?" An angry Balaam then replied, "Killing a donkey is no crime." Just then the LORD opened his eyes to the angel with drawn sword. An astonished Balaam fell on his face at the revelation of the LORD.* Now here is a point you must not miss: Balaam already knew God's mind. If he regarded integrity of heart, he would leave this business behind. But Balaam played this game in his mind desiring their riches to glean. The Bible clearly defines this for us in 2 Peter 2:15. The way of Balaam is the love of money found when character is weak. They speak "smooth words" to "itching ears" as fame and fortune they seek. ** The Scripture warns of many false teachers who twist the truth for gain. Those who follow the way of Balaam do so to their shame. The gospel is not a "feel good" story featuring rags to riches. Neither is it a formula to confess away your glitches. Many false prophets have already come from Smith to Prophetess Eddy. But if you follow them, dear friend, at life's end you will not be ready. NUMBERS-THE SIN SOLUTION There to the north was the Promised Land, A land of milk and honey. The time to possess it was near at hand, But the challenges still were many. Israel desired to pass through Edom Avoiding all their towns. But their request Edom refused, So they had to go clear around. Another long march created strife As resentment began to build. Israel longed for an easier life, And their desires were unfulfilled. Amidst the toil and the grime The people lost their head. Accusing their God one more time; Reviling His daily bread. The anger of the LORD was stirred; He sent serpents among the tribes. Everywhere that this occurred Many from Israel died. The people then acknowledged their sin Entreating Moses to pray. God compassionately listened to him And gave him the words to say. Moses cast a bronze of the snake And placed it upon a pole. Those who were bitten, their lives at stake, Looked up to be made whole. Perhaps you wonder what this means When they suffered such terrible loss. It reminds us of another scene When sinners looked up at the cross. The cross of Jesus lifted up Is a beacon of hope you see, For Jesus accepted the suffering cup Winning redemption for you and me. MAKE HIS NAME KNOWN Share the word of the Lord The vicar said one day Stand up and tell each other What He does for us each day The congregation looked around All seemed too shy and meek Some dipped their heads and others prayed For someone else to speak Then a little girl stood on her pew And turned to face the crowd Upon her face the sweetest smile Her voice so clear and loud I know Jesus she proudly said He's my friend you see He was sent by his Father, God To die for you and me I have a book of his stories I read it every night He helped the poor, the weak and ill Took wrong and made it right He had many friends who helped Him Everyone loved Him so He made the world a better place All this I'm sure you know But one day a friend betrayed Him Then our Lord died on a cross Those who loved Him dearly Grieved for their dear loss Then He rose right back to life He showed us death can't win God sent Him here just for us To die for all our sin I just love to talk about Him I tell everyone I meet About the man named Jesus Who faced death but did defeat I thank Him daily for what He did Said this little girl of seven I cannot wait to hug him tight When I meet with Him in heaven The church sat amazed at what they heard At how a child so small Could share the name of Jesus So proudly said to all If this child so young could tell them Of this great story that she knew Today would be the day that they, Would share that same word too. WHAT IF? A VALENTINE THOUGHT This is the day we celebrate love With flowers, cards and gifts. But if it were not for God above, Your life would be full of "what ifs." What if you hadn't gone to a church Where you heard the gospel preached? You may have conducted a life-time search And possibly never been reached. What if your parents weren't believers Who told you about the Savior? You would never have been a receiver Of the One who guides our behavior. What if you hadn't lived in this land Where there's freedom to assemble? You could have lived in tyranny Where citizens fear and tremble. What if Jesus hadn't died To pay the price of your sin? Even though you tried and tried, You couldn't be changed within. What if God was about getting even Instead of consuming love? There would be no grace to believe in, No salvation from above. O how I love my valentine! She made my life complete. But without the Spirit as my guide, It would be filled with sin and defeat. So as you think about Valentine's Day With its message of enduring love, Please remember how Jesus paid For your sins with His cleansing blood. NUMBERS-THE SIN OF MOSES This is the account of Moses' fall. It demonstrates God is impartial to all, For God does not have a favored few; His law applied to Moses too. Israel had come to the Desert of Zin. There was no water; patience was thin. Once again the people complained With cruel accusations unrestrained. Moses got down upon his face Petitioning the Lord for wisdom and grace. The Glory of the Lord appeared With guidance from the One they revered. "Take your staff and gather the tribes. All glory to God you shall ascribe. To the rock you shall plainly speak And I will do something quite unique." So Moses gathered the rest of them, But his temper got the best of him. Instead of speaking to just the rock He spoke of himself and struck the rock. The water flowed and the needs were met, But Jehovah God was extremely upset. They had acted in self-glorification As if they could perform this manifestation. Because they failed to honor God's Name But took for themselves the glory and fame, They would not enter the Promised Land With the nation God led by His mighty hand. So let us never, ever forget There is a price for the sin we regret. Though Moses besought Him over and over, God said, "Moses, be still. I'll listen no more." Let us learn well this lesson clear: No matter how things may appear, It is not to our credit that things get done. All glory goes to the Three in One. NUMBERS-DON'T FAIL TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND The Lord said to Moses, "Spy out the land. Tell each tribe to send their best man. Check out the mountains and southern plains, See how the cities and towns are arranged. Examine the land where the crops take root, Bring back some samples of their fruit. See if the peoples are many or few, For this is the land I've given to you. They spied out the cities on the south, Put luscious grapes into their mouth, Brought to Moses pomegranates and figs That startled the crowd, they were so big. They reported to leaders of each tribe Of cities and blessings too rich to describe. But "The people are many and very strong, Ten of us think to attack would be wrong." Then Caleb stood before these men; Tried to talk some sense to them. "Let us go up and take this land. We're able to do it by God's mighty hand." But the ten replied, "Can't you see, The people there are bigger than we. We saw great giants in the land Who could easily kill our very best man. The people moaned and complained all night, We can't go up there and win the fight." Then they cried in one accord, "Did God bring us here to die by the sword?" God told Moses, "Stand back if you please, For I'm going to smite them with disease." And if it were not for their leader's plea, They would have become desert debris. There is a truth here for all to accept. God's plan and purpose we must not reject. At death we may go to eternal rest, but On earth we'll wander the wilderness. So if you're traveling "Nowhere Road," You've got to forsake your rebellious mode. You need to reach up to take His hand And march into the Promised Land. EXODUS-HOW TO FOLLOW THE LORD It's not easy leading a people who always seemed to complain. This was the task Moses endured as He led them through desert plains. They complained when water was short and again when they needed meat. In every need our God supplied in a variety of miraculous feats. After the events of the golden calf, Moses pitched a tent. When it was time to meet with God that was where he went. He placed the tent outside of camp to remind them of their sin. They would stand and watch their leader until he entered in. When Moses went to meet with God, a holy cloud descended. It would hover over the tent until the meeting was ended. All of Israel could clearly see that God, who extended His grace, Revealed His will only to Moses when He met with him face to face. They came to see how God was leading by watching the cloud each day. If it lifted they would leave, but if it remained they stayed. Through the days of wondering it became a familiar sight: Above them lay the cloud by day and the pillar of fire at night. The remaining chapters chronicle how they built their worship tent. The tabernacle was portable, carried wherever they went. The Sons of Aaron were appointed to be the priestly class. The Levites cared for the tabernacle with all its many tasks. That takes us to the end of the book and soon there will be a test, For it is time to enter the land God charged them to possess. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses records these events. We'll see if they are men of faith or whining malcontents. All God's people have journeys of faith with trials that make us shiver. Like Israel then we see now a Jericho across the river. We are aware God's chosen people trembled at Canaan's might, Let us, therefore, remember this truth: we walk by faith not sight. Whatever you're facing God is there. Place your trust in Him. He is the answer to all your needs. To doubt Him is to sin. So let us remember Joshua and Caleb, who gave both heart and hand. With faith in the God who meets all our needs, let us possess the land. SIN IN THE CAMP Moses went up to the mountains to receive the tablets of stone. He was away for forty days as he met with God alone. There's not space sufficient here to tell the entire story, But there upon the mountain, God revealed His glory. From chapters 25 to 30, we see the tabernacle blueprint. By the power of the Spirit the craftsmen would know how to do it. Now Moses was gone many days and Israel thought he was dead. Naturally they wondered aloud how they would now be led. When confronted with this problem, Aaron gave bad advice. He thought perhaps a golden calf would be very nice. All the people gave him gold from their wives' ear rings. Then the craftsmen went to work creating this calf-like thing. They built an altar before the calf and declared a new feast day. They sacrificed offerings, drank some wine and then rose up to play. God looked down and saw them stray from His instructed path. He told Moses to stand aside as He poured out righteous wrath. Moses pleaded with God that day to stay His mighty hand Reminding the Lord of His promises to the patriarch, Abraham. God was pleased with his desire to pray and intercede; He held back His righteous fire responding to Moses' plea. When Moses came down and saw the calf and all the people dancing, He saw Egypt's wicked past as he observed their sensual prancing. Aaron saw his fiery eyes and said, "The people made me do it. I just took the gold they gave and into the fire I threw it." By this time the camp was wild, the people out of control. Moses called for the Levites to form a police patrol. With intent to stop this sin, their swords strapped to their side, They struck all who would not relent until three thousand died. When there is sin in the camp, there is also death and destruction The light is dim in the spiritual lamp when we fail to heed instruction. Then when Satan's work is done, many hearts will break. Oh how foolish is the one who listens to that snake! Have you allowed sin in your camp and now you feel its pain? Do you feel overwhelmed with guilt experiencing the awful shame? There is a way to win over sin and regain the Father's favor. Forsake your sin, be cleansed within; draw close to your loving Savior. EXODUS-THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Three months after leaving Egypt's land All Israel gathered at God's command. He came that day amidst thunder and lightning In a cloud on the mountain—very frightening. The tribes were instructed to wait below As Moses learned what they needed to know. So there they stood in fear and awe As Moses received God's special law. 'You shall have no other gods; No worshipping wood or rocks or sod. I made the earth and all you see. There is no other God but Me. You shall not craft an image or form Of imaginary gods unable to perform. If you would like to experience grace Don't let idolatry invade My space. Here's a third thought true and plain: You shall not take My name in vain. Observe a fourth truth to be blessed: Remember the Sabbath day of rest. Honor your father and your mother; Revere them as you do no other. If a long life you expect, Show your parents proper respect. You are forbidden to take a life, Commit adultery with another's wife, Steal the fruit of another man's labor; Bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house, Nor desire your neighbor's spouse. Around this conduct I've placed these borders Creating a culture of peace and order." The Ten Commandments stand above time Providing a life of peace sublime. These laws from scripture we import To define justice for our courts. If you desire a life serene Study God's law, learn what it means. Then to experience fullness in life, Give yourself fully to serving Christ EXODUS-THE GOD WHO MEETS YOUR NEEDS Have you thought just how it would be If you were among those who crossed the Red Sea? If you experienced such a miracle of power Wouldn't you praise God as your Strong Tower? Well, that's exactly how Israel felt As they sensed their fear and misery melt. They lifted their voices, a mighty throng, Praising their God with a special song. After their initial, trusting glow, Moses sensed it was time to go. Just three days in the Desert of Sin Betrayed the fear and doubt within. The first test failed was the test of food. Three days of hunger sullied their mood. They grumbled remembering Egypt's meat Accusing their leader of spiritual deceit. Moses questioned what he should do God said, "I will provide manna for you." At dawn they found sweet bread all around And quail at night as the sun went down. So now they had both bread and meat, More than enough for all to eat. For forty years the manna sustained them Until the day they went back to Canaan. Now here is the lesson for all of us. God will provide if we will but trust. Let us adopt the Philippians' creed: "Our God will supply all of our needs." Our walk with God includes such tests, For all must learn His ways are best. He, who has saved you by His grace, Is asking you now to trust Him by faith. There is no need that He doesn't know. There is no gift He cannot bestow. There is no limit to His sweet grace, So press on, dear friend, in your walk of faith. EXODUS-SAFE IN GOD'S MIGHTY HANDS Many times we don't understand why God leads the way He does. Such was the case with Israel as He led them from above. God knew if faced by a Philistine attack, the Israelis would surely fold, So He took them southeast across the desert instead of the Philistine road. When the King heard about their flight, he promptly changed his mind. They didn't have Israel day and night to bear the daily grind. So Pharaoh gathered six hundred chariots and all of his army men. His intention was to recapture the slaves and bring them back again. When Israel saw the army approach, they were seized with terrible fear. They grumbled at Moses with these words: "Why did you bring us here? Didn't we tell you before we left it would be best to remain as slaves? Did you lead us into the wilderness to leave us here in our graves?" The Red Sea lay before them now. There was no place no place to ford. Moses said, "Stand firm my friends. Observe the hand of the Lord." As Moses stretched his hand over the sea, the waters stood up in a pile. Israel walked the path with ease while Pharaoh trailed by miles. When the last person walked the path, the waters fell back as before. The Egyptian army perished there. Not one came alive to the shore. On that day all Israel rejoiced for the deliverance from God above. O that more would heed His voice and trust His unfailing love! Now let's review the events so far from the time that Moses was called. When he saw the treatment of his brothers, his spirit was appalled. In the desert he was transformed into a humble man. Only then could he be used to carry out God's great plan. What about you? Are you humble? Have you learned the flesh is weak? When trials and challenges come to you, is it God's will you seek? If you will trust and then obey, be quick to heed His commands; He will keep you until that Day safe in His mighty hands. ZACH My name is Zach, And on looking back, I wasn't nice to know. Here are the facts, I collected tax, my morals where quite low. They hated me, Understandably, You see, I worked for Rome. With cash I took, Outside the book, I built a lovely home. Curiosity, Made me climb a tree, This healer, was passing through. He stopped nearby, And caught my eye, 'I'm having tea with you.' Oh what a man, This sinner now can, Believe He is Divine. On Him I leant, Saw the need to repent. 'Zacheaus son your mine.' EXODUS-DELIVERANCE THROUGH FAITH AND TRUST Over and over God called Pharaoh to listen and act in obedience. However the selfish Egyptian king did only what was expedient. He wanted Israel to be his slaves, an efficient labor force, Driving them cruelly for personal gain without a shred of remorse. Through nine plagues, Pharaoh resisted; it seemed like a waste of breath. But the tenth would get his attention, for it was the plague of death. Moses warned of terrible pain if this final warning was spurned, But true to his evil character, the Pharaoh would not be turned. Moses called the elders together and told them how to prepare. They were to paint their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so fair. They roasted the meat and ate it that night along with unleavened bread. It symbolized faith and obedience, so none would be struck dead. The angel of death passed through the land and firstborn everywhere died. From every town and village at hand, there arose a thunderous outcry. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and told him that God had won, For one of the victims of judgment that night was Pharaoh's firstborn son. Pharaoh released them immediately with their flocks and all they could hold. True to the Word that God had said, they gave them silver and gold. Now the sojourn of Israel in Egypt's land was four hundred thirty years. Their sure deliverance by God's mighty hand makes His faithfulness clear. So how are your trapped? What gives you grief? What causes great dismay? Financially strapped with no relief? Then get on your knees and pray. The God of Israel is your God too. He knows your pain and loss. He truly desires the best for you and proved it on the cross. Since you know He died for you, which proves how much He cares, Why don't you devote yourself anew, your allegiance to Him declare? Tell the world you trust in God. In Him you place your faith. You will find peace as you walk this sod empowered by love and grace. EXODUS-THE PARADE OF PLAGUES Moses and Aaron told the Pharaoh about the Lord's demand. Miracles, signs and wonders happened at Aaron's command. First there was the Nile situation where water turned blood red. What followed next was a frog invasion—even in their beds. The third in the list of plagues God sent was a flood of terrible lice. For their rejection of the Lord, the Egyptians must pay the price. Though they tried, the magicians failed to perform like Aaron's rod. Therefore they told their angry king: "This is the hand of God." After Pharaoh rejected their plea indifferent to their cry, Aaron again set forth the decree and the Lord sent swarms of flies. Soon flies were gathering everywhere; nothing could stop their notion Except of course where Israel lived—deep in the land of Goshen. After that plague and another rejection, their livestock began to die. All of Egypt suffered judgment falling from on high. Pharaoh's heart, so stubborn and hard, was evil to the core. Because of his lack of regard, his people were stricken with sores. Six plagues had befallen to warn the king but all to no avail, So the seventh plague God would bring was terrible, destructive hail. There rained from heaven hail with fire unleashing awesome destruction. Half of the crops were sacrificed because they rejected instruction. After that the eighth plague came, an invasion of locusts severe. The advisers to the Pharaoh said, "Get Israel out of here." The locusts covered the face of the earth and couldn't be restrained. They ate every herb and leafy tree til no green plant remained. But even this the Pharaoh endured because of his stubborn heart. And so the ninth plague followed sure with Egypt going dark. And so it was for three full days with darkness thick as fog, Yet still the Pharaoh named conditions before they could worship God. When it was time for the final plague, they warned with bated breath. If Pharaoh failed to heed the Lord, the first born would suffer death. Moses spoke to Israel declaring the plague would come like a flood, Instructing God's people to paint their door with sacrificial blood. That's what happened on that day as the angel of death did fly. The firstborn males of man and flock suddenly fell down and died. A mighty moan of pain and sorrow was heard throughout the land. How foolish it is to resist the Lord to follow the ways of man. EXODUS-MOSES AND AARON BEFORE PHARAOH Finally that day arrived when they stood before Egypt's king. They told him about Israel's God explaining everything. Pharaoh was an arrogant fool unwilling to let them go. He scoffed at the very thought of a God who cared about Israel. An angry Pharaoh made life tough for the people making bricks. He took away the straw he supplied to make them strong and thick. The workers scattered throughout the land to obtain the straw and stubble. With hardship increasing they blamed Moses for causing all the trouble. Moses returned to the Lord and said, "I've done all I can. Is there something that I missed when You told me about Your plan?" The Lord replied to Moses then, "Tell them I've heard their cry. All that I promised to Abraham, I will surely supply." In the midst of these brutal trials, God sent them to Pharaoh again. He gave the words to Aaron to speak to the hearts of men. As Aaron spoke he threw down his staff; it turned into a snake, But this the magicians in Pharaoh's court were able to duplicate. Now Satan is never equal to God and clearly that's a fact, For Aaron's rod pursued and ate all the magician's staffs. Next Aaron's rod stretched oer the Nile turning the waters red Followed by frogs that covered the land, even in their beds. Once again the magicians of Pharaoh duplicated the feat, But in all the houses of the land there was no relief. In response to Pharaoh's plea, Moses prayed the frogs would die. A few days later piles of frogs sent stench into the skies. Sadly these miracles didn't prevail in the depths of Pharaoh's soul. His folly is a message for all who live under sin's control. If you respond to the Spirit of Grace by forsaking sin's dark land. You'll be set free from sin's disgrace and kept by His mighty hand. EXODUS-THE JOURNEY OF FAITH Moses drew near the bush on fire and there he received God's call. It wasn't a task he deeply desired, for He didn't feel qualified at all. "Why should Pharaoh listen to me? How can I bring him around?" God said, "Take the rod that's in your hand and throw it on the ground." The rod he tossed became a serpent crawling through weeds and grass. But when he grabbed it by the tail, it changed back into a staff. Then he put his hand in his shirt; drew it back for his eyes to see. Behold his hand was white as snow covered with leprosy. One more time he inserted his hand and pulled it back again. It came forth whole and strong as clean as it ever had been. "Now if they still refuse to listen, pour water upon the land. When the water turns to blood, they'll know it was by My hand." Moses tried mightily to excuse himself from service. He told the Lord, he didn't speak well, especially when nervous." But God would send his brother, Aaron, to speak on his behalf, Told him to go at His command and handed him the staff. So after receiving the blessing of Jethro, they were set to depart. It wasn't exactly a pleasant thing in the depths of Zipporah's heart. When Moses sought to follow the Lord, his son to circumcise, Zipporah called him a bloody spouse as anger flashed in her eyes. Just then an act of grace occurred as to Egypt they drew near. Moses rejoiced and thanked his Lord as Aaron suddenly appeared. Aaron took Moses to Israel's elders; he related to them the story. They saw the signs and worshipped God giving Him the glory. This is how the ministry began with power and wonder indeed. As he continues this journey of faith, God will meet every need. Now if you're walking the road of faith and challenges bring dismay, Persevere in prayer; trust in His grace, and in His presence stay. If in your journey you lose your nerve, just remember this: The God who calls His people to serve will see that they are equipped. There will be folks like Zipporah who will be sure to call you names, But the God of heaven, whom you serve, will ever remain the same. EXODUS-THE CALL OF MINISTRY Forty years he lived in Egypt, a highly accomplished guy. Then forty more in Midian where pride and arrogance died. He may have thought the wilderness was where he would retire, But then one day he saw a bush burning bright with fire. Moses turned aside that day and traveled to see the sight. Something about this burning bush didn't seem quite right. Everyone knows a fire burns until only the ashes remain, But though it burned a considerable time, the bush remained the same. He heard the Lord call out his name as he was drawing near. Moses responded to the flame by saying, "I am here." "Take off your sandals; bare your feet, for this is holy ground. I am the God of Abraham. It's time to turn things around." "My people are slaves in Pharaoh's land and I have heard their cry. I'm sending you to deliver them; you're my chosen guy. The burdens they carry are numerous, too many to even name them, So you will lead them out of Egypt back to the land of Canaan. Now Moses was feeling a bit insecure and needed some affirmation. "Who am I to perform this task and declare such information? And whom will I say is sending me when I say these words to them?" The voice replied, "Tell them this: You're sent by the great 'I Am'." Carry this message to Israel from the God of Abraham: Their cup of misery is more than full, but their God will deliver them. Say unto the King of Egypt, "You must let My people go." Then place your trust in "the Great I Am" signs and wonders to show. Now put yourself in this situation. Wouldn't you be afraid? Wouldn't you rather someone else would lead this grand parade? Are you troubled by fear and doubt because of what you face? Have faith in God to work it out trusting His love and grace. EXODUS-TRANSFORMATION IN THE WILDERNESS Pharaoh's daughter adopted the babe and hired his mom as a nurse. And though he grew up in Pharaoh's home, he was an Israeli first. When young Moses became a man he observed the burdened Israelis. It didn't take long to see first hand the injustice inflicted daily. There was an occasion when Moses saw an Egyptian beating a slave. Looking both ways the prince responded by killing the evil knave. He buried the Egyptian in the sand, turned and walked away. He attempted to calm two countrymen on the very next day. The fighting Hebrews shouted out as he tried to make them stop, "Are you going to kill us too like you made the Egyptian drop?" Moses was startled to hear the remark. He didn't know it was known. A target of Pharaoh's murderous rage, he fled his palatial home. Moses escaped from Pharaoh's wrath and came to a distant land. There at the well some maidens came to water their flock by hand. The local bullies came to the trough and began to chase them away, But Moses put a stop to that and helped them water that day. The daughters of Reuel returned to their father telling him the story. They told how Moses saved their day showering him with glory. The father said, "Go get the man before we sit down to bread." And that is how Moses married his wife and lived in Midian instead. The desert has been a special place when God prepares a servant. From the desert the Baptist came forth with a message strong and fervent. Jesus went to the desert as well defeating Satan's temptation. The desert was where the Apostle Paul received his revelation. Perhaps you feel that you are hidden in a place you would rather not be. You feel your plans have been overridden, a future you do not see. Remember this when you complain of the place where you've been drafted: The desert and wilds of the wilderness is where godliness is crafted. EXODUS-THE BIRTH OF MOSES Israel lived in the land of Goshen and there they were greatly blessed. They grew strong in power and number until they were more than the rest. A new king arose who knew not Joseph, for he had gone to his grave. Alarmed by their growth he strongly proposed that Israel should be their slaves. The taskmasters drove them to produce in construction programs rigorous. Their numbers were strong in spite of abuse, their bodies strong and vigorous. They continued to labor in hardship and pain, working the whole day through; Remaining a threat to the king's domain, for their numbers actually grew. The king told the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, "Here is what you will do. Be present to care for Israelite wives when they ascend to the birthing stool. Now if the child is a little girl, she will go to her mother's breast, But if she gives birth to a little boy, the babe must be put to death." The midwives feared the Lord on high and ignored this invalid command. They acted with faith and integrity in the face of his evil demand. And so it was because they feared God, He provided a household for them. We will see them in heaven someday, saints who were not condemned. When Pharaoh saw his plan would not work, a new decree he gave: In the river the males were thrown, but the females they would save. Such were conditions in the land when a beautiful boy was born. His parents hid him for several months with heavy hearts forlorn. The day finally came when his cry was too loud; the secret would be revealed. His parents made him a homemade ark for the river reeds to conceal. The daughter of Pharaoh came to bathe and she heard the little boy cry. Her heart was filled with love for the babe and decided he must not die. Moses was spared a terrible fate that befell so many others. God intended to use this boy to deliver Israeli brothers. God has a plan for your life too. Like Moses you have a part. So trust in the One who died for you; then serve Him with all your heart. GENESIS-JOSEPH MEETS HIS BROTHERS Joseph was thirty when he took power. He wasted no time in an ivory tower. He immediately began an ambitious plan To store up grain in the seven-year span. The prophesied famine affected all lands. The people came with their sacks in hand. Think how cruel would be their fate If Joseph weren't there to administrate. Israel, the elder who lived up North Called his sons and sent them forth. Because of the danger they were in He held back his youngest, Benjamin. Imagine Joseph's shock and surprise When his brothers appeared before his eyes. Joseph, who knew how God intervenes, Suddenly remembered his childhood dream. He said to the ten, "If you're not spies, Then one will remain till the others arrive." The brothers, convicted by their deed, Had no option except to agree. Their sadness changed to total dismay When later they stopped to camp that day. There among the grain in the pack Each brother found his money sack. Their home life now was in disarray. With famine severe, they couldn't stay, Yet great was their fear about going back Because of the money found in their packs. Finally their father heard their voice Acknowledging there was no other choice He sent double the money and Benjamin Pleading with God to return him again. They came to Joseph deathly afraid Telling the steward a mistake had been made. Joseph was gracious when they arrived He even asked if their dad was alive. Joseph soon saw his younger brother, The other son of Rebecca, their mother. The joy he experienced was so sweet, He ran to his chambers to privately weep. When at last they sat down to eat Five times as much fell at Benjamin's feet. Laughing one joked, "He really likes Ben." The others joined in saying, "Amen." Once more they left with sacks filled up, But in Benjamin's sack was Joseph's cup. They, of course, could not know That Joseph didn't want them to go. At the close of this incident Joseph decided to relent Revealing that he was their brother, The offspring of Jacob and their mother. "Don't be grieved because of your deed, For God brought me here to meet your need. This famine still has five years to go. Go get our father. Here you will grow." Now Pharaoh was pleased to hear the report How Joseph's brothers had come to his court. "Send for your father, bring all that you can; To them I will give the best of our land." Note how God used a terrible decision To become a source of Israel's provision. Now that you've seen what God can do Remember this truth: He loves you too! GENESIS-JOSEPH'S EARLY YEARS Israel had a favorite son; Joseph was his name. With Rebecca as his mom, his treatment wasn't the same. The Patriarch's home life wasn't good. The environment was rife With heartache and wounded spirits leading to family strife. Perhaps it was his billowing grief as he mourned Rebecca's death, But any way you examine it, he treated Joseph the best. No one knows the little things that got his brothers' goat; They couldn't avoid jealousy's sting as they saw his special coat. When Joseph was about seventeen, he put forth quite a claim. He told his brothers about a dream that really fanned the flame. In his dream the other sons before him were bowing down. They found themselves deeply offended and didn't want him around. The second dream revealed three clues: sun, moon, and eleven stars. Carefully now think this through to determine just who they are. The sun was his father, the moon his mom; the sons the eleven stars. Joseph reaped misery for sharing his dream and future time behind bars. His brothers, of course, rejected him and wouldn't consider the claim. In their mind he was arrogant and needed to shoulder the blame. They conspired to do away with him and threw him in the pit. Sold a slave he distinguished himself for efficiency, wisdom and wit. He served the house of Potiphar, the captain of Pharoah's guard, Excelling in such an incredible way, he earned his high regard. Under Joseph, Potiphar's house was blessed from the very first day. Whatever orders Joseph gave, the servants were quick to obey. There is more to learn from this account as we study Joseph's story, For even as his troubles mount, his attitude gives God the glory. Joseph embraced each hardship he faced asking God for might To entrust himself fully to His grace and strength to shine as light. GENESIS-FROM PRISON TO PALACE Joseph remained imprisoned until Pharaoh had a dream. Up from the river came seven fat cows followed by seven lean. The cows all stood on the river bank. Suddenly there was a change. The malnourished cows ate the fat in a dream scene very strange. Then Pharaoh had a second dream with a similar theme highlighted. Seven plump heads of grain came up followed by seven blighted. The seven blighted consumed the plump—in a moment they disappeared. Pharaoh awoke a troubled grump. There was something about it he feared. He called for the wise men of his kingdom and his supreme magicians. They were unable to interpret the dream deficient in spiritual cognition. Then the butler remembered Joseph working in the prison. He said, "I know a man who can interpret dreams with certainty and precision." They brought Joseph from the dungeon, gave him a chance to get clean; Then they brought him before the king so he could interpret the dream. Joseph said, "It's not in me. It's God who interprets these dreams. Tell me now just what you saw so we can learn what it means. The king told Joseph about the cows, how the lean ones ate the fat. He also told him about the grain saying, "How do you interpret that? I shared these dreams with my magicians, but no one could explain. They were unable to grasp these dreams that feature cows and grain." Immediately Joseph had the answer: "The two dreams are but one. There will be seven years to be blessed, then seven of famine will come. This dream did not come to frighten you, nor was it sent to harass. There is a reason you dreamed it twice, for soon it will come to pass." "Here, O King, is what you need; what I think God wants you to do: Appoint a wise and trustworthy man to prepare the kingdom for you. In the seven years of plenty, he shall retain a healthy reserve. Then in the famine years that follow your kingdom will be preserved. The king responded with these words: "There are none as wise as you. I appoint you now over all Egypt, my kingdom and people to rule." Joseph knelt before the king, his duties and authority explained. Thus Joseph was raised to power and glory just as God ordained. Do not believe God loves you less than all His children before. God has a plan for all of us with eternal rewards in store. If you doubt God's love for you because of hardship or malice, Please remember how God raised Joseph from prison to the palace. GENESIS-JOSEPH PROSPERS IN JAIL Now Joseph was a handsome guy who had his life together. One day Potiphar's trophy wife decided she liked him better. Day by day she pestered him to satisfy her desire; When he refused to yield to sin, it raised an unreasonable ire. Shortly thereafter she planned a time when they would be alone. The household servants were away; only Joseph was home. She found young Joseph, clung to his coat, asking him to comply. Joseph left his coat in her hands as he attempted to run outside. We've heard the proverb often shared about a woman scorned. In the mind of this unfaithful wife a devious plan was formed. She called the household men inside and made a false accusation. Joseph was then hauled off to prison without an investigation. Once again Joseph achieved because the Lord was with him. He soon impressed the jail boss with his gift of administration. Faithfully he rose to the task performing his work with pride. That is how he came to know the butler and baker inside. Each of these men once served the king and each was intensely sad. Each needed hope in which to cling, for their situation was bad. While in prison they experienced a dream but had no interpretation. Joseph said he knew the God who would give them clarification. To the butler Joseph said, "It's time for you to cheer up. In three more days you will be back to guarding Pharoah's cup." Now to the baker Joseph said, "Your integrity has been shoddy. There is a plan to remove your head and hang the rest of your body." Sure enough it came to pass and the baker soon was dead. However, the butler was released to resume his duties instead. But though he promised earnestly to see what he could do, Joseph waited days upon end, but he never did come through. Here is a lesson we can learn as we live our life each day. The first thing to do in life's situations is to kneel and pray. Human friends with good intentions often cannot prevail, But we can trust an omnipotent God who never ever fails. GENESIS-THE BLESSING Now it came about when Isaac was old and his eyes were very dim. He called for Esau, his oldest son, to confer the blessing on him. He told him to leave and hunt same game, then fix his favorite meal. After that he would bless his son; his leadership role would be sealed. Rebecca was listening when Isaac spoke, a memory stirred in her mind. She remembered the words of God many years back in time. "The older shall serve the younger," God said, "that's the way it will be." Was there a way to steal the blessing since Isaac could no longer see? She fixed the meal that Isaac liked, had Jacob wear Esau's clothes. She covered his arms and neck with skins so Isaac wouldn't know. She gave the food to the younger son to take to his father's tent. She had accounted for three senses: his taste, his touch, his scent. Jacob took the food to his dad and received his father's blessing. But once again he employed deception, a fact that's quite distressing. Esau came back from a successful hunt to be blessed as the oldest son Only to learn that Jacob's deception could not be undone. When Esau threatened murder, it was heard in his mother's tent. She reminded Isaac of Esau's wives and the evil they represent. They decided to send their son to the house of his mother's dad. To find a wife to marry there, for the prospects in Canaan were bad. Future chapters will disclose what happened where he went. They will reveal the truths he learned and how his time was spent. Through it all we will observe how God worked out His plan. Transforming Jacob, the lifetime deceiver, into a godly man. And when you think of Esau, let me give you the scoop: This is the man who sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. There are many like Esau all over the world today Who do not have a heart for God or care about His way. There are things in this account that bring sorrow to our heart. God was not pleased with Jacob for the way he played his part. Our God never needs deception to bring about His plans, For He is not limited or restrained as is puny man. GENESIS-THE ACCOUNT OF ESAU AND JACOB God's provision continued to flow as Isaac led the clan. The scripture records God's rich blessing resting on this man. Nineteen years of marriage flew by, but Rebecca had not conceived. Isaac cried out in prayer to the Lord who lovingly granted his plea. At first Rebecca did not know she was carrying twins, But even before the two were born, they were fighting within. God revealed a surprising fact that gave her cause to wonder: In the providence of His plan, the older would serve the younger. Sure enough they continued to fight through the long ordeal. Even as Esau emerged from the womb, Jacob was grasping his heel. Esau was born a hairy boy whose complexion was quite red. He became an outdoor guy, but Jacob stayed home instead. Each of the boys had excellent skills preferred by one of their parents. Isaac loved the meat Esau brought for reasons quite apparent. Rebecca discerned Jacob's gifts as he worked among the tents. A strong ambition to rise to the top clearly was Jacob's intent. One day Jacob cooked some stew. It simmered over the fire. Esau returned from hunting game famished and very tired. "Feed me some of your stew tonight. I'm way too tired to cook." But Jacob hatched a devious plan. Then he set the hook. "Sure, I'll feed you here right now, but it will come with a price. I will give this pot of stew if you give me your birthright." Esau said, "I'm gonna die anyway; whatever you want I'll pay." So Jacob coerced him to swear away his birthright on that day. Esau and Jacob's behavior was wrong. They were guilty in God's sight. For little more than a dance and a song, Esau sold his birthright. Having adopted a deficient perspective; he became a spiritual despiser, But Jacob achieved his desired objective as a cunning, cruel conniver. So far their lives are less than stellar, but there is an explanation: God would allow some suffering to establish character formation. God envisions the finished product each time that He sees us Using experiences that come with time to make us more like Jesus. GENESIS-WRESTLING WITH GOD Jacob had more than Laban to fear as he made his way to Canaan. He knew Esau may be near with servants to restrain him. Jacob was more than a little concerned for his family's well being, But he also knew this was the time to stop his history of fleeing. Jacob prayed to His father's God with a spirit that was humble. He didn't try to excuse himself, nor did he whine or grumble. He reminded God of His promises as he came back to this land. Trusting the Lord to go before and guide by His mighty hand. Jacob divided all in his house into separate groups Improving their chances to survive if attacked by Esau's troops. Then he sent an offering ahead with a message of conciliation Hoping Esau would forgive and welcome affiliation. Sending his wives across the brook, he stayed behind to pray. The Son of God came to his camp. They wrestled til break of day. Sometime in that wrestling match Jacob's leg was made lame. It served forever as a reminder of how his spirit was tamed. Jacob was a different guy after the match that night. He became a "Prince with God" somewhere in that fight. No longer would Jacob be a deceiver as he lived upon this sod. He was renamed Israel, which translates "a prince with God." Have you wrestled with the Lord? Have you abandoned His call? Have you daily His voice ignored and failed to give your all? God has wonderful plans for you, plans that will bless your soul. Kneel before Him, surrender your heart; He will make you whole. GENESIS-JACOB'S DISPUTE WITH LABAN After his second contract was done, Jacob desired to leave, But Laban didn't want him to go because of blessings received. He understood God's special grace had made him a prosperous man. He presented a plea for Jacob to stay as a member of his clan. After listening to Laban's appeal, Jacob agreed to stay. He received all the speckled sheep as his allotted pay. Three days away Jacob moved his band of spotted stock, Yet Laban's flock continued to bear young ones covered with spots. Soon God's blessings became apparent by Jacob's growing wealth, But Laban's herds of sheep and goats did not retain their health. Clearly Laban's attitude and that of his sons was turning. It was time to return to the land for which his heart was yearning. After conferring with his wives, Jacob gathered his household— Wives and children, servants and herds, an impressive sight to behold. In obvious haste he journeyed south on the way to Canaan. After three days Laban found out and attempted to detain him. As Laban pursued filled with wrath, God warned him in a dream. So when he finally caught up with them, his anger was not extreme. They spoke their thoughts and united their hearts their animosity to cease. Both parties went their separate ways committed to lasting peace. Once again a strong loving God kept Jacob in His hand. He graciously brought Him back again into the Promised Land. God cares for all just as He did then back in Jacob's day, So place your trust in God, my friend, and in His presence stay. GENESIS-WOMAN TROUBLE Jacob arrived at Laban's home where he was greeted with joy. Laban confirmed for all to hear that he was Rebecca's boy. After he had visited for a month, they decided he should stay. Laban said, "You'll work for me, what should be your pay? Jacob fell in love with Rachael; desired her for his own. He would work to marry her and take her to his home. They agreed on seven years as the appropriate pay. So great was Jacob's love for her, it seemed only a matter of days. After the seven years had passed, it was time for the wedding feast. Never did it occur to him that he could be felled by deceit. Jacob, who embraced deception to steal Esau's birthright, Experienced now the cost of deception on his wedding night. When confronted, Laban explained why he practiced deception: "The younger cannot marry first and receive a favorable reception. So honor Leah as your wife in this week-long celebration, Then I will also give Rebecca to soothe this situation." Jacob labored seven more years and children were born to him, But multiple wives and concubines created conditions grim. There was jealousy all around and many folks were sad; There were children from too many wives calling Jacob dad. If God had planned multiple wives, there would have been multiple Eves. When one sets out to practice deception, deception is what he receives. Until now Jacob was clear from the misery he had sown, But now the seed of his past conniving was harvested in his home. As we read about this man and the lessons that he learned, Let us fully understand that truth is not to be spurned. Let us open the Word of God as wisdom the Spirit imparts; Let us live before the world with humble, devoted hearts. GENESIS-THE LADDER TO HEAVEN Jacob journeyed from Beersheba on the northern path to Haran. I'm sure he wondered what he would find when he arrived at Rebecca's clan. He stopped late after traveling long; his weariness was extreme. He arranged his bed and as he slept, he experienced an awesome dream. He saw a ladder reaching to heaven where angels went up and down. He saw the LORD standing at the top and heard a glorious sound. "I am the God of Abraham. What you see here is your land. I will be with you all of your days. You're safe in My mighty hand." Jacob awoke with a sense of awe and knew he had heard from God. He also knew too much of his life was lived behind a façade. Acknowledging this divine encounter, he poured oil upon the rock, For this was the place God spoke to him, a place to pause and take stock. Jacob gave a name to that place—Bethel—the House of God. Here he began to seek God's face, forsaking the ways of a fraud. "Jehovah will keep me, meet my needs; bring me back to this place, So I must serve Him faithfully, His plans and purpose embrace." Jacob arranged that very rock as a place to remember His Lord. Never would he renounce his God nor His instruction ignore. In his dream he knew he saw heaven with his very own eyes. From that moment on to honor God, he vowed he would give a tithe. In those days when one gave a tithe, it exalted the other as superior. The giver clearly acknowledged the fact that he was the one inferior. That's what happened to Jacob that day, for his life had been selfish for sure, But here at Bethel he began to convey a desire to be made mature. How about you, my respected friend? Is your heart for God undivided? Do you desire to know your God and by His Word be guided? God is able to change our life, so Christ in us can be formed. Like Jacob the crafty selfish deceiver, we too can be transformed. GENESIS-A WIFE FOR ISAAC The years flew by quickly and Isaac grew up; Sarah passed away. It was time for Isaac to take a wife to live with him all his days. Abraham called for a trusted servant to help find Isaac's bride. He would travel to Abraham's people trusting God to provide. The servant left with ten strong camels on the journey to Abraham's clan. His master had said that God would lead in his mission now at hand. He pondered aloud just how he would know the one he was looking for. He was still praying for success as he came to the well at Nahor. The servant asked God to make it clear and erase all lingering doubt. He wanted the girl to be at the well when he arrived from his long route. If she were the one, she would give him a drink with an attitude pure and true. But not only that, there was more: she would water his camels too. Now it came about that a lovely girl—Rebecca was her name— Was present to draw some water at the moment the servant came. The girl was gracious, smart and humble. You could see she was a prize Guaranteed to be attractive to any young man's eyes. Everything happened as he had prayed so he asked for a place to stay. She replied, "You may stay with us. We have plenty today." The servant was thinking, "She may be the one. I hope there is no other." Imagine his joy when he found out her grandpa was Abraham's brother. The Bible tells what happened next as the servant repeated the story. He told them all about Abraham careful to give God the glory. Bethuel said, "We will give Rebecca to you, for this is a God-type thing." The servant then presented the gifts that Abraham told him to bring. Soon they began the long, long journey back to Abraham's land. As they drew near Rebecca saw a wholesome and handsome young man. The servant told her it was Isaac, her groom and Abraham's son. That very day he gave a report of all that the Lord had done. The Bible doesn't relate the account of their wedding feast. It simply says Rebecca was loved and Isaac's joy increased. God's grand plan is nearly complete for Israel's first generation. Thus we can see how Isaac was groomed to lead the fledgling nation. GENESIS-ISAAC'S EARLY YEARS When Abraham reached one hundred years, Sarah gave birth to a boy. They named their baby Isaac because he brought such joy.* Abraham loved his promised son, threw a great feast when weaned, But Ishmael mocked the little boy creating quite a scene. Sarah demanded that Hagar leave even though it seemed unfair. Isaac was the child of promise, the only legitimate heir. Abraham was greatly distressed, for he loved Ishmael too. God assured him this plan was best, for Sarah's words were true. So Abraham rose early next morn and gathered sufficient provision. Then he told Hagar his heart was torn, but this was his decision. Hagar and Ishmael left their tent afraid they were facing death, But God came to Hagar, whose heart was rent, promising Ishmael to bless. From Abraham's sons two nations were born destined to fight and hate. God had promised heirs for them, but they didn't have faith to wait. They decided to solve their problem by taking a second wife. Never could they have imagined centuries of war and strife. As Abraham grew in his walk with God, the Lord kept stretching his faith. He sent him up to Moriah, a sacrifice to make. He saddled the donkey, split the wood, and called his son half-grown. Isaac prefigured the sacrifice that someday would be shown. When they arrived Isaac asked, "Father, where's the lamb?" Abraham said, "God will provide. We've placed it in His hands." Abraham tearfully built the altar, placed upon it his son. He lifted his knife to slay the child and then the deed would be done. Just then the Angel of the LORD, the pre-incarnate Christ Called to him from heaven above, "Stop this sacrifice." Abraham looked and saw a ram entangled by its horns. He foreshadowed the sacrifice of the One with the crown of thorns. Moriah became a special place because of what God had done. It was the place where God foreshadowed the death of his only Son. "Jehovah Jireh" Abraham named it for the God who provides your needs. He always has a ram in the thicket when His will we heed. Now here's the lesson; don't forget it. Its message is strong and true: The Heavenly Father gave His Son as a sacrifice just for you. Jesus, our Lord, who died on the cross with all its agony and pain, Was willing to suffer at such great cost your salvation to gain. TRAINING A CHILD Do others call your dear child a brat? Does he hit the dog and abuse the cat? Train your child in the way he should go, Or later he may bring you sorrow and woe. Training your child right is very smart. From this training, he should not depart. He'll remember his training when he's old. This in the Book of Proverbs, we're told. Yes, sparing the rod can spoil the child. You don't want your child to act wild. To give "tough love" may be what you need To train him to obey and the rules to heed. If you love your child, you'll chasten him too. Correct him and tell him what's right to do. Just train him correctly from the start, So he won't grow up and break your heart. THE LIONS' DEN King Darious signed and it became law. Beware of the rulers. Beware of their flaw. Beware of their rule. Beware of their claw. Beware of their lion. Beware of their jaw. "I tell you Daniel, he is king - you must obey in everything! Behind his seal, he signed in pen! Beware of death in lions' den! "I ask you Daniel, hear the din? They know the house you're living in! Bow down in public now and then! Beware of vicious lions' den! "Oh, tell me Daniel, what's the use? Prayer every day is pure abuse! You pray to God - again, again! Beware, lest thrown in lions' den! "Oh, tell me Daniel, what'd you do? The fault - all yours, you got into! You're not at all like other men! Beware! You're now in lions' den! "Now tell me Daniel, what's God doin' - shutting jaws of every lion? He stopped a feast that should have been! A miracle in lions' den! "Oh, tell me Daniel, could it be - they took you out and now you're free? We're so amazed, we scream 'AMEN!' Beware of God and not the den! "Please show us Daniel, how to pray a humble prayer just like you say. We'll pray sincerely every day and follow God the faithful way!" OFFENDING OTHERS When kings went out to conquer a land, It was very hard for armies to withstand Cities that were fortified and strong. The battle was bloody and very long. When a brother is offended in a big way Over an offensive deed or come what may, It is hard to win him back in good graces When he sees offenders as distrustful faces. The Bible says that it is harder to win An offended brother who's hurting within, Than to win a city that is very strong, Because someone has done him wrong. Try not to offend others in the Lord, And live with Christians in one accord. Try to help others in a nice Godly way. It could be you who needs help one day. JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME "Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, And today and forever." His promises and His mercies Never change, no never! I know His love is everlasting, And Jesus changes not. My heart was stained with sin, But He cleansed every spot. Jesus Christ is my great guide. He is with me whate'er befall. He is my Messiah, my Savior. He is surely my all in all. I am so very joyful and glad That He is my faithful friend, And upon Jesus every hour, I will trust Him and depend. GENESIS-THE SAD RESULT OF LIVING IN sodom The tragedy of his foolish choice has now befallen Lot. Two of his daughters escaped with him, but sadly his wife did not. Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, so he went to a mountain cave. What happened next, I'm sorry to say, was wicked and depraved. Lot's daughters were there in despair, a man they could not meet. The ability to preserve their line was looking very bleak. The older daughter said to her sister, "We must save our line. In order to be successful, we will give our father wine." The oldest gave Lot wine to drink to get him intoxicated. Then she went in to lie with him, a baby they created. The second daughter followed suit in this evil degradation. Both had been taught to overlook truth by Sodom's dissipation. It makes me sad to see our nation accept immoral distinction. Unless we repent and change our ways, we're headed for extinction. TV productions and motion pictures, which encourage illicit sex, Glorify the very behavior God said to reject. There is a reason Lot's poor daughters learned to think this way: They were influenced by their environment each and every day. Everyone wonders just how and when the devil finally got 'em? Sadly, my friend, it all began the day they moved to Sodom. NICODEMUS I always felt quite confident, 'till Jesus came along, That we, the Pharisees, were right, and all the rest were wrong. But Jesus, though a rabbi, has a disconcerting gift For showing the familiar with an unfamiliar drift. At first I was quite certain, as I heard what Jesus said, Unravelling the Torah, that he turned it on its head. Yet every time, some slant of truth that we had buried, grew Alive and relevant -- emerged as though being born anew. I went to him for guidance, could no longer stand the strain. "It isn't just the teaching, Nic, you must be born again!" GENESIS-THE JUDGEMENT OF sodom and gomorrah On the plains below the Dead Sea were cities totally depraved. Up to their ears in immoral sin, their citizens were enslaved. Already once they had been spared when Abram rescued them, But now the patience of Almighty God was coming to an end. Abram thought of his nephew Lot and all his family around. He asked God to judge them not if ten righteous men were found. God is willing to forgive and bless those who repent, But Sodom was worthy of judgment to the fullest extent. When the angels arrived at Sodom, Lot was at the gate. He rose quickly from his seat, invited them to his place. "It's not safe to sleep in the square, let me make you a meal. There's more here than what you see. Listen to my appeal." After dinner the men of the city wanted the guests for sex. Since the men had come to Sodom, what did they expect? The men of Sodom, sin-demented, gathered at Lot's door. God struck them all with blindness so they could see no more. Lot slipped out to his sons-in-law, warned them to leave that night, Sadly their hearts were so corrupt, they failed to see the light. The angels then exhorted them, holding them by the hand, "Wake up, Lot. You must leave now! Flee this wicked land." They were on their way to Zoar when fire and brimstone fell. Sodom and the plains around were changed to a living hell. The angels had told them, "Don't look back! Keep your eyes ahead." Lot's wife turned to view the attack; instantly she was dead. Up in the hills Abraham watched as smoke rose from the plains. The fruitful land was blasted and torn, all its inhabitants slain. How foolish man is to flaunt his sin before a holy God. To claim that he is pure within, maintaining a phony façade. The Lord is coming for His church, a holy spotless bride, A glorious church cleansed within, resisting sin's strong tide. We don't know when that will be-morning, night or noon. So we preach His grace, tell all we see; He's coming very soon. GENESIS-THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT Twelve years after Ishmael was born, to Abram the Lord appeared. The Lord was ready to covenant with him because of his reverent fear. Abram fell on his face before God, the Creator told him His plan. "Because you'll father many nations, your name is now Abraham." * My covenant with you is everlasting beginning with Sarah's son. It will continue to all your descendents in generations to come. Abraham pondered in his heart, "Does he know I'm a hundred years? It seems to me we're both too old for a child to be born here." God told him about the covenant and the sign of circumcision, For he would father a chosen people to live as God envisioned. Abram quickly obeyed his God and circumcised all his men Establishing this sign for every male as each generation began. One day Abram sat in his tent avoiding the noonday heat, The Son of God appeared again His promises to repeat. Sarah hastened to make some bread and Abram prepared a calf; When she heard she would conceive, she couldn't suppress a laugh. The Son of God, in angelic form, understood she felt ignored. He spoke loudly for Sarah to hear, "Is this too hard for the Lord? At the soon-appointed time your hearts will be filled with joy, For Sarah will hold in her loving arms a healthy baby boy. Even though the promise came from Jehovah face to face, It still required Abraham to trust the Lord by faith. The same is true of you and me as we walk this Christian road. We trust the promises in His Word until they are bestowed. GENESIS-HAGAR AND ISHMAEL God promised heirs to Abram on the night of that wonderful vision, But as so often happens to man, he accepted a devilish revision. Instead of resting in God's word displaying patience and trust, Sarai thought she would help the Lord, much to His disgust. She suggested Hagar, her maid, should become Abram's wife, A wretched example of unbelief fraught with peril and strife. In his desire to make her happy, Abram unwisely consented. Because of his failure to trust in God, millions have been tormented. Hagar conceived and Sarai thought a child she could name, But the dynamics of their relationship would never be the same. Hagar grew proud when she conceived, her mistress she despised. Thus Sarai hated the arrogance she saw in Hagar's eyes. Because of Sarai's treatment of her, Hagar ran away. She took the Wilderness Road to Shur walking all the way. God's mighty angel found her there exhausted by the spring, Instructed her to return to Sarai and submit in everything. The Angel shared a Word from God that she would bear a son. He would be a wild man, at war with everyone. Hagar obeyed the angelic instruction, returned to Abram's household. Ishmael came into the world and with him sorrow untold. Everyone has an Ishmael, the sins and misdeeds they've sown. His presence brings strife and misery destroying many homes. We find here a message we should learn, so heed it if you can: Learn to follow the Word of the Lord instead of the wisdom of man. IF MY PEOPLE Is God withholding the rain? Do locusts devour your grain? Does the sun rise high in the sky Baking your fields impossibly dry? Could it be you left your first love? Been focusing on earth instead of above? When we've been running in the wrong race, God sends reminders to seek His face. God calls for the people known by His name To humble themselves and fan the flame By seeking His face, from sin turn away; Trusting His grace as they kneel to pray. Then He will hear them, forgive their sin; Restore their joy and peace again. Perhaps he will move by His mighty hand To bring a new spirit into our land. Do you want to halt our lurch? Experience revival in the church? Preaching is needed for spiritual renewal, But humility and prayer are the crown jewels. GENESIS-ABRAM MEETS MELCHIZEDEK-A TYPE OF CHRIST Though he didn't start the war, Abram fought a key battle, For Lot was captured by invaders along with his wealth and cattle. Abram geared up his fighting men, went hotly in pursuit; Defeated the enemy late one night reclaiming the captured loot. A surprising thing happened to him, one he hadn't expected. He was met and spiritually blessed by priestly king Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the king of Salem, a priest of God most High. Abram felt the presence of God and paid the priest a tithe. Abram gave to Melchizedek Salem's people and possessions. He treated the office with high respect avoiding indiscretion. He took nothing for himself except the food they had eaten, And a portion for his men from the enemy they had beaten. After these things God came to Abram, spoke in a heavenly vision. He said to Abram, "Don't be afraid. I've been with you in your decisions." Abram said, "I don't have an heir. I've been wondering why?" Jehovah took Abram outside, told him to look to the sky. "See all those stars shining above. Count them if you can. That's how many descendants' you'll have in their various clans." Abram chose to believe the Lord, His Deity he confessed. God was pleased with Abram's faith, counted it righteousness. Abram came to know our Lord by a sincere expression of faith. For that is the way we relate to God as we trust in His saving grace. Have you trusted Christ today? With Him you can end your search. For Jesus is both Savior and Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. GENESIS-ABRAM'S EARLY YEARS We see in the land of Haran a man God chose to bless. He called on Abram to up and leave to a place he could only guess. Abram took Sarai and went to Bethel. There he pitched his tent, But a famine in Canaan caused him to think to Egypt he was sent. As he and Sarai drew near to Egypt, we see his failure of faith. Abram feared that he would be killed for Sarai's beauty and grace. He decided right then to call her his sister, a truly foolish sin, For Pharaoh, thinking she was free, desired to take her for him. And so one day some men showed up with a great herd of sheep; "Pharaoh sent these herds for you, and Sarai is his to keep." Sarai was taken to Pharaoh's harem, but before there was time to marry God sent plagues disturbing Pharaoh and suddenly he became wary. "Why did you lie and call her your sister," said Pharaoh so displeased. "Take your wife and all your possessions. I want you now to leave." So Abram left and went back to Bethel. His shame could not be ignored. When he arrived he built an altar and called on the name of the Lord. While there at Bethel Abram prospered as did his nephew Lot. Their two herds took all the land. There wasn't an empty spot. Abram proposed they separate: the mountains or plains toward Sodom. Lot's selfish choice of the plains was bad, for it very nearly got him. So Abram settled in the hills of Canaan and Lot on Sodom's rich plains. Soon we'll see a big problem for Lot, for the men of Sodom were strange. But Abram in the hills of Canaan a wonderful blessing received. His was the land in every direction if he obeyed and believed. How often we too are just like Abram with times of joy and tears. Sometimes we obey and others we fail because of our sin and fears. But God, who is gracious, calls us to Bethel and there we kneel to pray. He reminds us then how much we are loved each and every day. So if you have drifted down to Egypt and walked on sin's false road; If your mind is burdened with guilt and your heart is about to explode; Turn to Bethel, fall on your knees; call on the Lord above. Confess your sin, restore your heart, and bask in your Savior's love. GENESIS-THE TOWER OF BABEL The sons of Noah and their descendents are named in Genesis ten. It chronicles how so many were born as man's new start began. The lifespan then was hundreds of years, so quickly their numbers grew. God had commanded for them to be fruitful so society could renew. Though God had told them to fill the earth, His Word was sadly rejected. Deciding His plan had little worth they failed to obey as expected. Instead of spreading across the land creating the various nations, They decided proudly to build a large city to serve as their central station. God came down, observed their city, and knowing their devious heart, Disbanded this human "one-world" committee making them live apart. Suddenly when they spoke to each other, the other could not understand. Unable to communicate, they had to abandon their plan. With their failure to converse, their vain ambition fell short. They grouped together around their speech for fellowship and support. In this way the people spread to form an important foundation For division of power and boundaries inherent in separate nations. There is a message in this account that those who are wise will heed: When power is placed in a single hand, there is danger indeed. Many today, like the Babel group, endorse a one-world plan. But if you suppose you can out-think God, you're really a silly man. The Tower of Babel will always be a symbol of man's pride. Ignoring God's Word human wisdom becomes his pathway guide. I have learned that following my path often leads to destruction. The greatest insight comes, dear friend, by seeking God's instruction. GENESIS-NOAH AND THE FLOOD By the time Noah was born, the world was filled with evil. Every vile sin one could imagine created social upheaval. Moral pollution ruled man's heart and spread throughout the earth, Wickedness flourished continuously, grew stronger with each new birth. God decided to cleanse the world of man and his sin disposition, But Noah and family would be spared because of their godly condition. God summoned Noah, spoke to his heart; gave him a strong commission Telling him how to build an ark for a very important mission. "450 shall be its length; its width shall be 75 feet. If you make it 45 high, the blueprints you shall meet. Prepare it inside with three strong decks, store up plenty of food, Make sure you build some living space for your loved ones too." Noah listened and obeyed the Lord constructing as commanded. As he built he preached to man with warnings severe and candid. Shortly after the ark was complete, animals came two by two. Noah moved his family in announcing man's time was through. As Noah's family walked the ramp, the worldlings laughed at them And just before the lightening flashed, the Lord God shut them in. Right then upon the seventh day, the rain began to fall, The fountains of the deep broke forth; then water covered all. For forty days and through the nights, the rains continually fell. There was safety inside the ark but outside was living hell. All flesh died that lived on earth, every animal and creeping thing. Even the mountains were submerged, couldn't see a living thing. For forty days and forty nights rain beat upon the boat. They spent one hundred fifty more while in the ark afloat. Finally the day arrived when all could leave the ark. Man and animals came outside to give the world a new start. God blessed Noah and his sons, gave them laws to guide. He promised that water never again would be a world-wide tide. Whenever it rains, we need not fear. This is how we know: God reminds us of His promise in the colors of His rainbow. Centuries later God acted again when He sent another ark. Jesus became the ark of salvation to all who give their heart. Have you entered the ark of safety? Have you trusted Jesus alone? This is how to be forgiven, assured of a heavenly home. GENESIS-CAIN'S WASTED LIFE Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden never to live there again. For all their years they would remember the perfection that once had been. The entrance to the beautiful garden by an angel now was sealed. Adam lived a more difficult life laboring in the field. God was faithful, forgiving their sin; all was not forlorn. They pressed on following Him and soon two sons were born. Both of them chose a vocation, learning to do their part, But when it came to respecting God, Cain had a stubborn heart. Adam was careful to teach his boys about the worship God planned, How it required a sacrifice that foreshadowed salvation's plan. Abel respectfully offered a lamb showing he was devout, Cain resisted what God had said offering grain and sprout. God accepted Abel's gift; Cain's offering was quickly rejected. God warned Cain of sin's intent and said he should not accept it. But Cain allowed his anger to boil; with evil he was filled. In senseless rage he struck his brother; that's how Abel was killed. Later when God confronted Cain, he responded with lying pout. God said to him, "Why do you lie? Your brother's blood cries out! You can no longer till this soil. Abundance is changed to dearth. You shall become a vagabond wandering across the earth."" The Lord God put a seal on Cain so he would not be killed. His was a life now lived in vain, miserable, unfulfilled. Instead of showing honor to God, he chose to fight and yell. His choices led to persistent sin on the road that leads to hell. What is learned from this passage today? What should be our reaction? Don't let anger lead you astray; be godly in all your actions. The spirit of Cain is the sin of rebellion, a type of sin's strong leaven, But if you surrender your all to Christ, you'll live with Him in heaven. I wish I could state I have not failed, that love was ever my anchor. But truthfully friends, too many times I lifted my voice in rancor. If this is descriptive of you my friend (I suspect it is likely true), Turn for forgiveness to Jesus our Lord, the One who died for you. You cannot change the sins of the past, but you don't have to live like Cain. Follow the Lord with all your heart, through Christ the flesh restrain. Fill your heart with God's cleansing Word; your life will be transformed. Live your remaining days on earth as one who is spiritually formed. GENESIS-THE ENTRANCE OF SIN INTO THE WORLD Adam and Eve lived in the Garden where all was peaceful and bright. All of creation reflected God's splendor. It was a beautiful sight. In the Garden were two special trees: the first was the Tree of Life. The fruit of the tree gave health and strength to the very first man and wife. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was also there to see. Of it God said, "You shall not eat" and they were quick to agree. Bountiful fruits and vegetables grew from ground and bush and tree They simply had to make their choice from ample variety. Now the serpent was a cunning foe hating the God of Creation. He, who had failed to usurp the Most High, was filled with raging frustration. He wanted this Garden for his own; looked around with jealous eyes. His devious strategy suggested to Eve that God was a God of lies. He came to Eve with voice so smooth suggesting forbidden fruit. Yes, evil lurked to devour Eve and deception was its root. He said to her, "Go ahead and try it. I promise you will not die. God doesn't want you to be like Him. What He told you is a lie."" Eve examined the appealing fruit deciding to partake. She took the fruit to Adam exclaiming, "Look what I just ate! It's delicious. You should try it. I think you'll enjoy the taste." So Adam also ate the fruit and sealed mankind's fate. Instantly the man and wife knew something drastic had transpired. Physically and spiritually naked, their innocence had expired. They sewed leaves to cover themselves and tried to hide away But sin cannot be hidden from God when man has gone astray. All of us know the story's end, the result of sin's dark stain. Eve would give birth amidst great pain and Adam would toil in vain. We've learned the product of sin's grand deed destroys the perfection of life, Steals the good God desired for us, and brings us sadness and strife. But hidden within the serpent's rebuke is hope for man's sad estate. There would be a Savior to come, the sin problem to abate. This first reference to our Lord and to His salvation plan Is the beginning of hope restored for fallen, sinful man. What about you? Do you understand? Have you placed your trust in Christ? His death on the cross was God's clear plan to fully pay sin's price. It's not our good works but His death that counts; in Him salvation is found. No sin is too great for His grace to surmount, for you to be heaven bound. GENESIS-THE ACCOUNT OF CREATION In the beginning our awesome God created the heavens and earth. No animal life had yet been made, nothing had given birth. First God said, "Let there be light" and the darkness flew away. The darkness God defined as night and the light He defined as day. Then He created the heavenly expanse giving it shape and form Commanding the waters to leave the land making that the norm. So on the first day God made light; on the second He made land. He was pleased with what He formed by the Word of His command. On day three He spoke the word; vegetation covered the earth. Grass and trees and herbs appeared with seeds ensuring new birth. On day four the LORD created the sun, the stars, and moon. When the moon passed through the sky, day would be coming soon. On day five the seas were filled with an abundance of living creatures. Even today we're still amazed at their various forms and features. With infinite wisdom He created the birds that fly throughout the sky Telling them to find their mate, be fruitful and multiply. On day six animals were formed all across the land. Then they watched as God took dirt and fashioned the first man. This first man ruled creation and though created from sod, He was destined for special relation, made in the image of God. All this took place in the first six days. The angels were impressed. Thus God formed a pattern to stay: the seventh day is for rest. This truth has stood through all the years giving us health and peace, For as we worship the Lord we revere, worry and stress are released. One final Gift God gave to man: He brought to Adam his Eve, A beautiful helpmate created for him; precious beyond belief. Did you notice that Eve was made from a rib in Adam's side? There Jesus suffered a wound as well that we may become His bride. What a plan! What a purpose! What a glorious deed! First God created and then He died in order to meet our need. Surely He is worthy of the praise we freely give. Let us therefore proclaim His name by the manner in which we live. GENESIS-THE ORIGIN OF MAN "In the beginning God created," is a truth man placed on trial. Considering the Bible to be outdated, he lives in confusing denial. The scholars with all their silly schemes have left him so befuddled, He now believes his origin began in a slimy primeval puddle. Once an amoeba, then a frog, man made it to monkey status, Must not have been many leopards around, for certainly they would've had us. From monkey status we evolved in various forms and stages. The theory of evolution asserts it took a billion ages. Many there are who believe this lie, which came by the devil's hand. He wants you to reject your God on high and ignore His saving plan. Since all truth begins with God and all of creation is His, One must place their trust in Him believing that He is. Reasons to believe are many, but let me share just two: He has given convincing truths to show His Word is true. The first truth I want to cite is the argument from design. Consider how the earth revolves around the sun on time. If we circled the sun today just one degree too close, This planet where we live and play would look like burned up toast. But if the orbits were farther out even by one degree, This frozen planet would be devoid of animal, plant or tree. Another reason to believe is the uniqueness of the Bible, For God recorded prophecies proven to be reliable. As time passed they were fulfilled, not one was torn asunder, A record so astonishing it ought to make you wonder. Where else do you find such evidence? Not in the writings of Homer, Nor in the words of Nostradamus; some of his were boners. Only in scripture can you find predictions that pass the test Proving that His words of truth rise far above the rest. I pray you carefully ponder the curious origin of man; I think it's clear for all to see God carried out His plan. He's Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer supreme, Forgiver, Restorer, Caregiver extreme. This loving God who created you in your mother's womb Has an eternal purpose beyond the grave or tomb. He calls you now to walk with Him trusting in His care, He longs for you to live with Him in glory beyond compare. YOU CANNOT EARN SALVATION You can't work your way to heaven, Friend, Not even if you try your ways to mend. Salvation is a God's gift; you can't earn it. This is a Bible truth; we need to learn it. If we could earn salvation, many may boast, "I'm headed to Heaven; I've worked the most," But we all must trust the blood Jesus shed. He paid it all. Yes, He died in our stead. You can work a lifetime in a monastery hidden And never commit the sins that are forbidden, But if you don't come to God through His Son, Then it's as if the works were never done. Yes Friend, salvation is absolutely free, But it cost our Savior; He died on a tree. He shed His blood to wash away our sin. Accept Him today, and have peace within. THE END OF PAIN When the cares of my heart are many, when I'm bogged down with constant fear I look to Jesus for consolation and His love, brings my spirit cheer. When the worries of my soul are many, when they take their burning grip on me I look to God's Word for consolation and His everlasting mercy, is all I can see. When the anxieties of my mind are many, when they take from me my peace I look to the Holy Spirit for consolation and His calm, brings my thoughts release. When the woes of the world get to me, when they dredge up the worst of mankind I look to the throne up in Heaven and trust that in all things...He's designed. When His Kingdom appears on earth, when Jesus comes to rule and to reign I know He will dry every tearful sting and put an end, to all of the hurt and pain! WISDOM FROM SOLOMON The older I get the more I see The wisdom God's truths provide for me. So here's a few samples from Solomon's pen. You will find them worth reading again and again. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; Lean not on your own understanding. Invite the Lord His truth to impart; Don't do what the flesh is demanding. Try not to be wise in your own eyes; Fear God and depart from evil. For if you don't learn your flesh to despise It will soon bring you strife and upheaval. Honor the Lord with all your possessions; Give a tithe of what you are earning, For when you gain mastery over greed; It's a pretty good start in your learning. Do not despise the Lord's chastening hand; Never spurn His correction. If you would be a credit to this land, Submit and seek His direction. WORDS OF WISDOM FROM JAMES What is the source of quarrels and fights that plague the human race? Is it not the sin within, a truth we all must face? Everyone has a desire inside to have things go our way. When sin we fail to push aside, our selfishness we display. Oft we pray and do not receive because we ask amiss. Our Father does not receive the prayers that flow from a shopping list. Too often we ask for material things; all forms of earthly treasure, But possessing gold and beautiful bling can never bring lasting pleasure. A true believer belongs to God. It isn't this world we love. Our focus while walking on this sod is fixed on heaven above. Though we live within its system, this world is not our friend. We seek to do the will of God, to live as honorable men. God stands in opposition to those who are given to pride, But freely gives grace unto the humble in whom the Spirit resides. So let us serve our Lord above with motives pure and true; Let us seek to please Him in everything we do. Submit yourselves then fully to God; be all that you can be. Resist the devil by standing firm. Eventually he will flee. Draw near to God, be cleansed from sin; purify your heart. Our glorious God will reign within, His power to impart. Consider God and seek His direction to form a business plan. Seek Him first with true affection before you decide to expand. We have been given these earthly years to successfully serve our Lord. So determine to live with reverent fear; pursue a heavenly reward. To him who knows the right thing to do but decides then not to do it, To him it is an intentional sin and sadness will come through it. So heed these wise words that come from James; hold them in esteem. For this is the way to steer clear of shame defeating the devil's schemes. THE POWER OF THE TONGUE Here is a word to my teacher friends complete with an exhortation. If to this office you would ascend, remember the expectation. Those who are called to teach God's Word will be held to stricter account. All who are careless with research and words will certainly be found out. This is a warning all teachers heed as they prepare their daily thought. Our students suffer when we fail to prepare ourselves as we ought. Things of value for which we reach feature workmanship first-rate So prepare thoroughly when you teach. Leave no room for mistakes. The power of words that flow from our heart bring honor and instruction, But words uncontrolled tear others apart with sorrow, pain and destruction. Even though the tongue is small, the power it generates is great. It's the spark that lights the fire. Calamity and heartache await. The tongue can be used to praise our God or curse the ones He created. Once it is loosed and out of control, it's impossible to sedate it. As water pure and that defiled can't flow from the very same source, So words that heal are canceled out by words that blow others off course. So let us watch our tongue today. Consider God's Word and fear it. Let us submit our unruly heart to the Lordship of God's Spirit. Let us reach up and trust our God to give us the Spirit's power To live today governing our tongue as we walk with Him each hour. FAITH WITHOUT ACTION IS DEAD What good is it, brothers, to claim to have faith when your life reveals no deeds? Just hearing how well that you can talk is not what a lost world needs. Suppose a brother in the Lord is homeless and without clothes. He doesn't need a Bible quiz to see how much he knows. What he needs is love from the church and not some trite confession. He's homeless, hungry, without hope cause He's lost his earthly possessions. So don't show your faith with a spiritual speech but lacking pertinent action. When a person has needs there must be good deeds to elicit satisfaction. Take for example, Abraham, who placed his full trust in God. He chose to believe and walked in faith as he traveled this earthly sod. He didn't sit there in his tent waiting for God to descend. He followed God from Ur to Canaan, was known as God's dear friend. Consider Rahab, a soiled dove, a lady of the night. Whose heart upon meeting Joshua was opened to the light. She made a decision to follow God as her spirit was moved with awe, So she hid Israel's spies upon her rooftop covering them with straw. If Rahab had not acted; if her faith had stayed in her head, The spies upon on the rooftop were just as good as dead. Faith cannot deliver if it's reduced to something you think Anymore than water can help if you fail to take a drink. So show me your faith without your works; by deeds I'll show you mine. Faith acts upon God's promises, the counterfeit asks for a sign. Having received the Spirit of God, who gives us wisdom and power, Let us go forth and act in faith as we serve Him every hour. PRELUDE TO REDEMPTION It was four hundred years since Malachi without a prophetic word, Yet the faithful remnant in Israel remembered what they had heard. They looked with longing for the day their Savior would arrive Praying they would see the Lord before it was time to die. Among the priests was Zacharias who humbly served the Lord Who with his wife, Elizabeth, walked in faith and one accord. Their service to God was honorable, but there was a missing part. For years they yearned to have a child and hold him near their heart. One day at the holy hour to the right of the incense altar An angel appeared, so glorious, Zacharias nearly faltered. The angel said, "Don't be afraid, the Lord has heard your prayer. Elizabeth will soon conceive, an amazing son she will bear." He shall serve with the spirit of Elijah, turn weary hearts to God. Many will heed his message; pass under the Master's rod.* Just as the shepherd guides the sheep with an ever gentle touch, John will proclaim the Messiah, the One who will give so much. Zacharias was astounded. Words of assurance had been so few. He wondered aloud just how he could know the angel's words were true. Gabriel replied, "I wish you had believed me and trusted in God's grace, From this moment on, you will be mute until these things take place." There was more that happened in this interim period of time. They received a visit from Mary, with an encounter quite sublime. The child within Elizabeth leaped in her womb for joy, For he knew the other child in the room was Mary's Savior boy. All of us know the rest of the story, the man that John became. From out of the desert he came forth with a long and flowing mane. He called for the people to forsake their sin while living on this sod; Telling them not to admire him but to behold the Lamb of God.