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Post by Cindy on Feb 12, 2016 7:40:33 GMT -5
I've been reading and praying Spurgeon’s Sunday morning prayers as well as prayers by a number of others. Some are just so wonderful that I've wanted to share them, and so decided to start a "prayer of the day". I hope you enjoy these prayers as much as I have. They take me right to the Father's throne and I love to begin my day with them. Some are quite long, but others are very short, so please don't think they're all long just because the first few in this thread are.
RISEN WITH CHRIST
“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.”—Col. 3:1, 2.
OUR Father, we dare call Thee by that blessed name, for we feel the spirit of children. We have an earnest love to Thee, and an implicit trust in Thee; and we desire in all things to be obedient to Thy will, and to seek Thine honour. All our dependence is placed on Thee, since the day when Thou didst teach us to believe in Jesus Christ: and now, Thou art all in all to us, Thou art our fulness, and we lose ourselves and find ourselves completely in Thee.
We would come to Thee this morning by the way which Thou hast appointed; and enabled by the Spirit whom Thou hast given, we would speak with Thee. Father, we are always grieving if more or less we offend against Thy holy mind; and we grieve ourselves, to think that we should grieve Thee. Our innermost desire is to be absolutely perfect. Oh, how we wish we were! We hate every false way, and every sin; and we desire, with all the power of our mind, to be delivered from the dominion of any sin, and to be led into the blessed freedom of complete obedience to God.
Thou knowest, Lord, for Thou searchest the heart and Thou triest the reins of the children of men—Thou knowest we can truly say, unless indeed we be under a very deep delusion, that we do wish to promote Thy glory among the sons of men; and that we count nothing to be riches, but that which makes us rich towards God; nothing to be health, but that which is sanity before the most High—holiness in Thy sight; and we reckon nothing to be pure, but what Thou hast cleansed; and nothing to be good, but that upon which Thy blessing rests. Yet Lord, though it be so, though our mind has been by Thy Spirit set towards holiness, there is a death within us; the old nature which strives against our life, and the members of the body, often join with the corrupt nature within, to lead us astray. We swing towards holiness, and then we seem like the pendulum, to swing the other way. We are wretched, because of this, and we cry out to Thee to deliver us. Oh that Thou wouldst deliver us!
We do thank Thee, that Jesus gives us the victory; but we long to have that victory in ourselves more constantly realised—more perfectly enjoyed. We would lie in the very dust before Thee because of sin; and yet, at the same time, rejoice in the great Sin-bearer, that the sin is not imputed to us, that it is put away by His precious blood, that we are accepted in the Beloved. But even this does not content us; we are crying after the work of the Holy Ghost within, till Satan shall be bruised under our feet, and sin shall be utterly destroyed.
Lord, Thou knowest the groanings of our heart; our prayers cannot express them: but we bless Thee that there is One who maketh intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered, who is with us, and dwelleth in us, and is promised to be with us for ever. We shall overcome, we shall win the victory, we shall rise superior to depression of spirit, we shall overcome the doubts, and fears, and tribulations of our inward heart—we shall overcome, for Christ doth lead the way and victory lies in His cross; and we are sure of it, and therefore would we begin to sing the hymn of victory even now, saying—“thanks be unto God who causeth us always to triumph in every place, by Jesus Christ His Son.”
At this time, we would entreat Thee to visit us with Thy salvation. Lord we all want renewing, refreshing, reviving; but there are some of Thy people that sink very low, by reason of physical infirmity and mental suffering; they lie in the very dust. But Lord, when our soul cleaveth to the dust, Thou canst still quicken us, according to Thy word; and we ask Thee to make this a red-letter day in our experience. May we renew our youth: may the love of our espousals come back to us: may the joy of our first days be restored: may the childlike faith of the first steps we ever took towards Christ, be given to us now; and may we learn to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
O Lord our God, we do beseech Thee look upon the faint hearted and such as are swooning through affliction. Bring again from Bashan, yea bring up Thy people from the depths of the sea. Take away our mourning and give us music: remove our sackcloth and give us beauty: take away our sighs and fill our mouths with songs; and let this be a radiant day of gladness, and a time of feasting from the Bridegroom’s own hand; and may our own spirits rejoice in Him, with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
At this time also, great Father, wilt Thou visit this church with Thy great favour; and as Thou hast abounded toward us these many years in blessing, so give us now some new token, some fresh visitation for good. Lord Thou hast not always given summer weather to the field of nature, but spring comes on and summer returns. Oh give us summer weather as a church. May there be a great revival of religion in all the members, and especially in the minds of such as are growing cold or indifferent to holy things. Wherever there is any laxity of life, any slight holding of precious truth; wherever the world is creeping in with its corroding influences; wherever there is anything of sin, which our eye sees not, but which Thine eye detects, be pleased to put it away. Fill the whole church with unity, with love, with life, with power.
We thank Thee, for the many that are coming in among us fresh from the world. God be thanked for new converts; may they be like fresh blood in the veins of the church, keeping her alive and keeping her active; and may the spirit of the Lord come down upon pastors, and elders and deacons; Sunday School teachers and workers and sufferers; and let the whole church be quickened. Yea, and not this church only, but all the little hills of Zion, do Thou water with showers from on high. Let the country churches receive a blessed visitation. Let all the churches in foreign lands also be visited by the self-same Comforter; and may there come to Thy church in these dark and dreary days, bright shining after the rain. May the time of the singing of birds come, and the voice of the turtle be heard in our land!
And oh, whilst Thou art doing this, look on sinners! Oh look on sinners! When Thou blessest Thy people, Thou dost make them blessings. When the church is vigorous, when the people praise Thee, then shall the earth yield her increase, then shall all the nations praise Thee too; for the joy of Zion is the joy of the whole earth. When the Lord maketh glad His people then He maketh the earth sit still and rest, or even if it rages, yet still there is a time of salvation, a time of the ingathering of the hidden ones, and Christ’s name is glorious. But Lord there is a great tumult in the world just now: we pray Thee overrule it for Thy glory. Grant that the best ends of progress, of truth and righteousness may be subserved; and may it be seen still, that the Lord reigneth. Even though the people should riot and rebel against the truth, yet do Thou advance Thy cause; even by disaster and defeat, if so it must be, or by success and prosperity. Let Thy kingdom come, good Lord; let Thy kingdom come and let Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and our hearts shall sing with the angel choir, and be glad with all the ransomed before the throne, because God is glorified. This is our soul’s grandest object, that Jesus’ name be lifted high, and His throne be set up among the people, to the praise of the glory of His grace. And now unto the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, be glory, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
SERMON: No. 1530. (March 28, 1880.)
SCRIPTURE: Col. 1:8–23, 3:1–15. HYMNS: 306, 319, 873.
Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The Pastor in Prayer
Father, our Father, we rejoice that you have filled us with the spirit of thankfulness and praise; that although you know us utterly and completely, you still love us and welcome us into the joy of your presence; that though we often leave the path and wander off on our own, you are still there with arms of love and mercy to welcome us home.
We thank you that we do not have to go in search of you, because you are the God who comes looking for us; that you call us to be friends of Jesus and the sons and daughters of your love.
We thank you for your extravagant love that goes on forgiving again and again; that every time we look at the cross of Christ we know that though there are times when we sink very low, your Son, as a sign of your love, sank even lower.
We are filled with gratitude that he is the sign of the lengths to which you are prepared to go to deal with our sin, to heal our wounds, and to restore our hope.
Heal us, Father, and bring us home.
For Christ’s sake. Amen.
Clowes, D. (2007). Let us pray: 120 prayers for all occasions.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 13, 2016 11:35:48 GMT -5
THE FOOT-WASHING
“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things unto his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that, he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”—John 13:3–5.
O JEHOVAH, our God, Thou lovest Thy people! Thou hast placed all the saints in the hand of Jesus; and Thou hast given Jesus to be to them a Leader, a Commander, and a Husband; and we know that Thou delightest to hear us cry on the behalf of Thy church; for Thou carest for Him, and Thou art ready to grant to Him according to the covenant provisions which Thou hast laid up in store for Christ Jesus. Therefore would we begin this morning’s prayer, by entreating Thee to behold and visit the vine, and the vineyard which Thy right hand hath planted. Look upon those whom Thou hast chosen from before the foundation of the world, whom Christ hath redeemed with blood, whose hearts He has won and holds, and who are His own, though they be in the world.
Holy Father, keep Thy people we beseech Thee, for Jesus’ sake: though they are in the world let them not be of it; but may there be a marked distinction between them and the rest of mankind. Even as their Lord was “holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners,” so may it be with believers in Christ. May they follow Him; and may they not know the voice of strangers, but come out from the rest, that they may follow Him without the camp.
We cry to Thee this morning, for the preservation of Thy church in the world, and especially for her purity. Oh Father, keep us, we beseech Thee, with all keeping, that the Evil One touch us not. We shall be tempted, but let him not prevail against us. In a thousand ways he will lay snares for our feet, but, oh, deliver us as a bird from the snare of the fowler. May the snare be broken that we may escape.
Let not the church suffer dishonour at any time; but may her garments be always white. Let not such as come in among her, that are not of her, utterly despoil her. Oh Christ, as Thou didst groan concerning Judas, so may Thy children cry to Thee concerning any that have fallen aside into crooked ways, lest the cause of Christ in the earth should be dishonoured. Oh God, cover we beseech Thee, with Thy feathers, all the people of Christ; and keep Thy church, even until He shall come who, having loved His own that were in the world, loveth them even to the end.
We would, each one of us, ask this morning that we may be washed as to our feet: we trust Thou hast bathed us once for all in the sin-removing fountain. Thou hast also washed us in the waters of regeneration, and given us the renewing of our minds through Jesus Christ. But oh, for daily cleansing! Dost Thou see any fault in us?—oh, we know that Thou dost—wash us that we may be clean. Are we deficient in any virtue? Oh, supply it, that we may exhibit a perfect character, to the glory of Him who hast made us anew in Christ Jesus. Or, is there something that would be good, carried to excess? Be pleased to modify it, lest one virtue should slaughter another, and we should not be the image of Christ completely. Oh Lord and Master, Thou who didst wash Thy disciples’ feet of old, still be very patient toward us, very condescending towards our provoking faults, and go on with us, we pray Thee, till Thy great work shall be completed, and we shall be brethren of the First-born, like unto Him.
Gracious Master, we wish to conquer self in every respect; we desire to live for the glory of God and the good of our fellow men. We would have it true of us as of our Master, “He saved others, Himself He cannot save.” Wilt Thou enable us, especially, to overcome the body with all its affections and lusts; may the flesh be kept under; let no appetite of any kind, of the grosser sort, prevail against our manhood, lest we be dishonoured and unclean. And let not, even, the most refined power of the natural mind, be permitted to come so forward, as to mar the dominion of the Spirit of God within us.
Oh help us not to be so easily moved, even by pain: may we have much patience; and let not the prospect of death ever cause us any fear; but may the Spirit get the mastery of the body. We know nothing can hurt the true man—the inner, new born, cannot be smitten; nor is it to die: it is wholly incorruptible, and liveth and abideth for ever in the life that is in Christ Jesus.
Oh for a complete conquest of self: especially render us insensible to praise, lest we be too sensitive to censure. Let us reckon that to have the approbation of God, and of our own conscience, is quite enough; and may we be content, gracious God, to hear the cavillings of unreasonable men; yea, and to hear the misrepresentations of our own brethren. Those that we love, if they love not us, yet may we love them none the less; and if by mistake they misjudge us, let us have no hard feelings towards them: and God grant we may never misjudge one another. Doth not our Judge stand at the door!
Oh keep us, like little children who do not know, but expect to know hereafter, and are content to believe things which they do not understand. Lord keep us humble, dependent, yet serenely joyful. May we be calm and quiet, even as a weaned child; yet may we be earnest and active.
Oh Saviour, make us like Thyself; we wish not so much to do, as to be. If Thou wilt make us to be right, we shall do right. We have often to put a constraint upon ourselves to be right; but oh, that we were like Thee, Jesus, so that we had but to act out ourselves to act out perfect holiness. We shall never rest till this is the case, till Thou hast made us to be inwardly holy; and then words and actions must be holy as a matter of course.
Now, here we are, Lord, and we belong to Thee. We caught at that word as we read it—“Having loved His own.” Oh, it is because we are Thine own, that we have hope. Thou wilt make us worthy of Thee. Thy possession of us is our hope of perfection. Thou dost wash our feet because we are Thine own. Oh how sweet is the mercy which first took us to its heart, and made us all its own, and now continues to deal tenderly with us that, being Christ’s own, we may have that of Christ within us which all may see, and which proves us to be the Lord’s.
Now, this morning, we would bring before Thee all Thy saints, and ask Thee to attend to their trials and troubles. Some we know here, are afflicted in person; others are afflicted in their dear friends; some are afflicted in their temporal estate, and are brought into sore distress. Lord, we do not know the trials of all Thy people, but Thou dost; for Thou art the Head, and the pains of all the members are centred in Thee. Help all Thy people even to the end.
Now, we pray Thee to grant us the Sabbath blessing, which we have already sought; and let it come upon all the churches of our beloved country. May the Lord revive true and undefiled religion here, and in all the other lands where Christ is known and preached: and let the day come when heathendom shall become converted, when the crescent of Mohammed shall wane into eternal night, and when she that sitteth on the Seven Hills, and exalteth herself in the place of God, shall be cast down to sink like a millstone in the flood. Let the blessed gospel of the Eternal God prevail: let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Oh, that we may live to see that day!
The Lord bless our country: have pity upon it, in all its present afflicted condition.Oh, let the people see Thy hand, and understand why it is laid upon them, that they may turn from wrong-doing, and seek righteousness and follow peace. The Lord hear us as, in secret, we often cry to Thee on behalf of our beloved land: the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon it yet again, for Jesus’sake. Amen
SERMON: No. 1499. (October 12, 1879.)
SCRIPTURE: John 13:1–17. HYMNS: 186, 262, 263.
Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The Pastor in Prayer
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Post by Cindy on Feb 14, 2016 10:56:59 GMT -5
THE SENTENCE OF DEATH IN OURSELVES
“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.”—2 Cor. 1:9.
OUR Father, blessed be Thy name for ever and ever. Oh that we praised Thee more! We must confess we never bless Thee as we ought, and our life is far too full of murmuring, or at the best too full of self-seeking, for even in prayer we may do this; and there is too little of lauding, and adoring, and praising, and magnifying, and singing the high praises of Jehovah.
Oh God, wilt Thou teach us to begin the music of heaven! Grant us grace to have many rehearsals of the eternal Hallelujah. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.” Grant us grace that we may not bring Thee blessings, merely because Thou dost feed us, and clothe us, and because we receive so many mercies at Thy hand; but may we learn to praise Thee even when Thou dost put us under the rod, and when the heart is heavy, and when mercies seem but scant. Oh, that when the flocks are cut off from the stall, and there is no harvest, we may nevertheless rejoice in God.
Oh Lord, teach us this very morning the art of praise. Let our soul take fire, and like a censer full of frankincense, may our whole nature send forth a delicious perfume of praiseful gratitude unto the ever blessed One, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Oh Lord, our chief desire this morning before Thee is to be right with Thee. Oh make us right with Thee, great Father. There are some in Thy presence who are not right with Thee at all; Thy countenance they cannot behold, and Thou canst not accept their offering; for it is true of them, as of Cain, “sin lieth at the door.” Oh God roll every sin away; but we know they must first feel the burden of it, they must come to Thee and confess it, they must accept the great Substitute and rest in Jesus. And our prayer shall be, Father, if our sin be not forgiven, we would put our head into Thy bosom and sob out, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son.” Grant the kiss of forgiveness to each of Thy children this morning, and may we feel that Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness; and in the joy of this, may we feel peace with Thee.
But Lord, many of us have been forgiven, years ago. We have walked with Thee now, with holy joy and confidence, some of us for a quarter of a century, and others for more; yet Lord there may be something between us and Thee even now, and if there be, “shew me wherefore Thou contendest with me.” If Thou seest in Thy servants any wrong thing encouraged, any evil desire cherished; if there be anything that we delight in that Thou dost not delight in; if we have any habit which grieves Thee; if in anything we vex Thy Holy Spirit—our Father, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; and then point out to us the trespass, and teach our feet to keep the ways of Thy commandments, and to trespass no more; for our heart is right towards Thy statutes and we desire holiness.
Oh we desire perfection. We know what it is to make a conscience of our every thought. We have looked upon every act of our lives, and desired that in all things we might be conformed to Thy will; and Thou knowest this makes us walk very tenderly at times, and with much brokenness of spirit before Thee, because the more we look into our lives, the more we see to lament; and in proportion as Thou dost make us holy, in that very proportion do we spy out our unholiness, and find nests of sin where we never dreamt that the loathsome things had been. Father, cleanse us from secret faults. Purge us! Thou hast purged us with hyssop once, and we are clean; now wash us with water, even as Thou, blessed Jesus, didst wash Thy disciples’ feet, and make us clean every whit, that we may be Thy priests and kings, sanctified wholly; and make us a people zealous of good works.
Bless, Lord, this your church, and let nothing spring up in this church that would grieve Thy Holy Spirit. We know that there are some among us that walk not after Thy commandments, some that grow cold, some that are negligent in prayer, some that add nothing to the strength of Thy service. But Lord, is it not so with all the churches? Oh, wilt Thou not still continue to look upon the faithful, and to make them yet more faithful; and to look upon the wandering, and the backsliding, and to restore them, lest they be an occasion of grief unto Thee, as Achan was who had hidden away the goodly Babylonish garment, and the wedge of gold in his tent. If Thou hast prospered any among us who may have grown rich, and have forgotten the God who gave them everything; or if Thou hast brought any into poverty, and in their poverty they have not acted as they should; or if Thou hast left any brother to his own heart, and he has found out that he is a fool; if any of us have grieved Thee; oh, lay not this sin to the charge of Thy church, and lay it not to the charge of the offender either, but let a sweet forgiveness be bestowed, let a restoration be granted by Thy Spirit, and let the church be right with God. Oh, how we pray for this!
Lord, Thou hast not taken away Thy blessing from us. We do rejoice in this: every day dost Thou aid us, and this month Thou hast sent us perhaps more than ever—glory be to Thy name! And Thou dost provide for all the work of the church, and send prosperity to it in every part and quarter of it; and therefore do we fear and tremble, because of all the goodness which Thou dost make to pass before us; and our heart is jealous with a godly jealousy, lest in anything we should vex the Spirit of God. Oh Lord, grant us to be holy, grant us to be accepted in the Beloved, and Thou shalt have all the praise.
Now we have but one other prayer; and that is, if we are right with Thee, help us to be right in all the transactions of daily life. Help us to be right with regard to Thy providential dealings with us. Lord, give much patience to those that are tried. Give a holy resignation both to the sick and to the bereaved, and to such as are brought into poverty. Be very gracious to Thy dear children, that they may never dishonour Thee when they are in affliction.
And wilt Thou keep Thy people right with regard to the world? Oh, that the witness that we bear might be an unstained one. Oh, grant to us to be a light in the world, that we may never cast darkness instead of light over the minds of men. Help us to live out Christ’s life. Oh Lord, help us to be so consumed with zeal, that it may eat us up; and may we be so full of love, that those who are round about us may know, that if we write a harsh letter, or say a strong word, love alone dictates it. May we in everything be Christly, Godly; for God is love. Conquer our tempers; subdue our passions; rule us in body, soul, and spirit. Make us so to live that, when death shall close our life on earth, heaven itself shall be but a continuance of the same life, because even now we have the beginnings of heaven in the earnest of the Spirit.
And now, Lord, bless Thy universal church, and grant to it mercy and favour. Gather together Thine elect from under all heaven. Let the company of the faithful be accomplished, and the universal reign of Christ established.
Bless our own dear country and our rulers do Thou guide, uphold, sustain and direct. Let them be guilty of no folly; but the Lord teach our senators wisdom.
And may it please Thee, Lord, to bless other countries too; especially those lands which love our common Christ, and speak our mother tongue; and, indeed, all the nations where Jesus Christ is known, do Thou visit with a revival. And heathen, and Mohammedan, and Popish lands; Oh, let the light break in upon their midnight, let the day dawn and Christ be glorified.
What more can we ask: we ask all in His dear name, dear to us and dear to Thee, Oh our Father: and unto the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, be glory everlasting. Amen.
SERMON: No. 1536. (May 2, 1880.)
SCRIPTURE: 2 Cor. 1. HYMNS: 125, 624, 741.
Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The Pastor in Prayer
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Post by Cindy on Feb 15, 2016 8:04:11 GMT -5
God’s Special Possession
Father, we thank you not simply for making us but for giving us life, for the sheer joy of being alive, for the pleasure of real friendship, and for the opportunities to enjoy your wonderful creation.
We praise you that because of your hand in our creation we can find renewal and satisfaction and a sense of completeness not only in the world around us but also in the love with which you have filled our lives.
We thank you not only for making us but for making us your special people.
You have done this not because we are worthy but because we must bear a special responsibility.
Thank you for giving us a world to care for, for surrounding us with people whose needs are our opportunities to show your love and kindness, for helping us to see even the times of difficulty as opportunities to rediscover your strength and power.
We praise you for the faith with which you have filled our lives, for the growing certainty that you will never fail us, for your peace, love, and mercy, which are the things that really matter.
Thank you for Jesus Christ, through whom we are made your special possession. Amen.
Clowes, D. (2007). Let us pray: 120 prayers for all occasions.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 15, 2016 9:33:53 GMT -5
INTERCESSION FOR ONE ANOTHER
“Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way.”—1 Sam. 12:23.
GOD of Israel, God of Jesus Christ, our God for ever and ever; help us now by the sacred Spirit, to approach Thee aright, with deepest reverence, but not with servile fear; with holiest boldness, but not with presumption. Oh teach us as children to speak to the Father, and yet, as creatures to bow before our Maker.
Our Father, we would first ask Thee whether Thou hast ought against us as Thy children. Have we been asking somewhat of Thee amiss, and hast Thou given us that which we have sought? We are not conscious of it, but it may be so; and now we are brought, as an answer to our presumptuous prayers, into a more difficult position than the one we occupied before. It may be that some creature comfort is nearer to us than our God. We had better have been without it, and have dwelt in God, and have found our joy in Him. But now, Lord, in these perilous circumstances, give us grace that we may not turn away from Thee. If our position now be not such as Thou wouldst have allotted to us, had we been wiser, yet, nevertheless, grant that we may be taught to behave ourselves aright, even now, lest the mercies Thou hast given should become a cause of stumbling, and the obtaining of our heart’s desire should become a temptation to us.
Rather, this morning, do we feel inclined to bless Thee for the many occasions in which Thou hast not answered our prayer; for Thou hast said that we did ask amiss, and therefore we could not have; and we desire to register this prayer with Thee, that whensoever we do ask amiss Thou wouldst in great wisdom and love be pleased to refuse us. O Lord, if we at any time press our suit, without a sufficiency of resignation, do not regard us we pray Thee; and though we cry unto Thee day and night, concerning anything, yet, if Thou seest that herein we err, regard not the voice of our cry we pray Thee. It is our heart’s desire in our coolest moments, that this prayer might stand on record as long as we live,—“Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”
But, oh Lord, in looking back, we are obliged to remember with the greatest gratitude, the many occasions in which Thou hast heard our cry. We have been brought into deep distress, and our heart has sunk within us, and then have we cried to Thee, and Thou hast never refused to hear us. The prayers of our lusts Thou hast rejected, but the prayers of our necessities Thou hast granted; not one good thing hath failed of all that Thou hast promised. Thou hast given us exceedingly abundantly above what we asked, or even thought; for there was a day when our present condition would have been regarded as much too high for us ever to reach; and, in looking back, we are surprised that those who did lie among the pots of Egypt, should now sit every man under his vine and fig tree; that those who wandered in the wilderness, in a solitary way, should now find a city to dwell in; that we who were prodigals in rags, should now be children in the Father’s bosom; that we who were companions of swine, should now be made heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
Oh, what encouragement we have to pray to such a prayer-hearing God, who far exceeds the requests of His children! Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever; our inmost heart is saying, Amen, blessed be His name! If it were only for answered prayer, or even for some unanswered prayers, we would continue to praise and bless Thee as long as we have any being.
And now, Lord, listen to the voice of Thy children’s cry this morning. Wherever there is a sincere heart seeking for greater holiness, answer Thou that request; or, wherever there is a broken spirit seeking for reconciliation with Thyself, be pleased to answer it now. Thou knowest where there is prayer, though it be unuttered, and even the lips do not move. Oh, hear the publican who dares not lift his eyes to heaven; hear him while he cries, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” Hear such as seem to themselves to be appointed unto death. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before Thee. Oh, that Thou wouldst grant peace and rest to every troubled spirit within this house; ay, and to all such all over the world, who now desire to turn their faces to the cross, and to see God in Christ Jesus reconciling them unto Himself.
O Lord, if there are any of Thy servants exercised about the cases of others, we would thank Thee for them. Raise up in the church many intercessors, who shall plead for the prosperity of Zion, and give Thee no rest till Thou establish her, and make her a joy in the land.
There are some of us that cried to Thee about our country. Thou knowest how in secret, we groaned and sighed over evil times; and Thou hast begun to hear us already, for which we desire to praise and bless Thy name. But we would not cease to pray for this land, that Thou wouldst roll away from it all its sin—that Thou wouldst deliver it from the curse of drunkenness, from infidelity, from popery, from ritualism, from rationalism, and every form of evil; and that this land might become a holy land. O Lord, bring the multitudes of the working men to listen to the gospel. Break in, we pray Thee, upon their stolid indifference; for how many there are of them who have not yet risen from their beds this morning, who have not thought of coming up to any place of worship—Lord give them a love to Thy house, a desire to hear Thy gospel.
And then, wilt Thou look upon the poor rich who, so many of them, know nothing about Thee, and are worshipping their own wealth. The Lord grant that the many, for whom there is no special gospel service, but who are wrapped up in self-righteousness, might be brought to hear the gospel of Jesus, that they also, as well as the poor, might come to Christ. God bless this land with more of gospel light; with more of gospel life and love. Thou wilt hear us, O Lord!
Then would we pray for our children, that they might be saved. Some of us can no longer pray for our children’s conversion: our prayers are heard already; but there are others who have children who vex them, and grieve their hearts. O God, save sons and daughters of godly people. Let them not have to sigh over their children as Eli did, and as Samuel did; and may they see their sons and daughters become the children of the living God.
We would pray for our servants, for our neighbours, for our kinsfolk of near or far degree, that all might be brought to Jesus. Do Thou this, O God, of Thine infinite mercy!
And as we are now making intercession; we would, according to Thy word, pray for all as are in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives. We pray for all nations also. O Lord bless and remember the lands that sit in darkness; and let them see a great light; and may missionary enterprise be abundantly successful.
And let the favoured nations, where our God is known, especially this land, and the land across the mighty ocean, that love the same Saviour and speak the same tongue, be always favoured with the divine presence, and with abundant prosperity and blessing. O Lord, Thou hast chosen this our race, and favoured it and multiplied it on the face of the earth; and whereas with its staff it crossed this Jordan, it hath now become two great nations.
Lord, be pleased to bless the whole of this race, and those absorbed into it; and then all other races; that in us may be fulfilled the blessing of Abraham—“I will bless you, and ye shall be a blessing.”
And now, Father, glorify Thy Son! In scattering pardon through His precious blood, glorify Thy Son! In sending forth the eternal Spirit to convince men, and bring them to His feet, Father, glorify Thy Son! In enriching Thy saints with gifts and graces, and building them up into His image, Father, glorify Thy Son! In the gathering together of the whole company of His elect, and in the hastening of His kingdom, and His coming, Father, glorify Thy Son! Beyond this prayer we cannot go. Glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee; and unto Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The Pastor in Prayer.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 16, 2016 12:11:08 GMT -5
The Promise of Forgiveness
Father, we thank you for being ready to forgive us whenever we turn to you and honestly acknowledge your power and our own need.
We praise you for the joy of knowing that no matter who we are or what we have done or failed to do, we can experience the joy of forgiveness and beginning again.
Father, we thank you for the fellowship of your church, the community of those who have confessed their sin and are receiving your promise of life made whole.
Thank you for those who share your love with us and for those who demonstrate the reality of Jesus’ love in all they say and do, for those whose offer of forgiveness has set us free to begin again and has been a sign to us of your love, which is always reaching out to us in Christ.
We bring our thanks in the name of Christ, the true source of all thankfulness. Amen.
Clowes, D. (2007). Let us pray: 120 prayers for all occasions.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 17, 2016 8:26:21 GMT -5
Father, I desire Your way over “my way.” Transform my thinking so godly actions will follow. I ask for a transformed life, & for the work of the Spirit in my life, flooding all the dark places within me with Your light. I want to be more and more like Jesus, Father. Lord, thank You for the faith You've given me & for helping me grow through our time together in Your Word every day. Help me to not only know Your truth, but to live it.
Please help me to know more and more by experience what it is to worship You in spirit and truth. Please Transform my prayer life into what You want it to be. Enable me to always pray as Your Spirit leads me, & to keep on praying as long as I should. Teach me to be a strong & unshakable intercessor so I can accomplish Your will. Thank You for the privilege of working with You.
Father, please remove any misconceptions I may have about You or Your Word & teach me the Truth from Your Word. Please always Guide me in Your Truth to what You would have me learn each day & grow me up to spiritual maturity. Prepare me, Lord. Make me faithful in the little things as well as the big ones. Help me to daily apply the truth of Your Word to my life. Equip me for service so that when opportunities arise, I’ll be ready, Thank you Lord!
Lord, You are the beginning, the end, and the very essence of love in me. Open my eyes to see others as You see them & help me love them as You do.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 18, 2016 7:42:04 GMT -5
AN EVENING PRAYER
“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.”—Heb. 11:6.
OUR Father, our faith is in Thee; our expectation is from Thee; our love goeth out towards Thee: we believe Thee; we accept every word of Thy sacred revelation as being eternal verity and immutable truth. Sometimes we are troubled to know whether the promises are for us—whether we really have a share in covenant blessings; but we thank Thee that Thou hast helped many of us to hold a trial in the court of conscience, and since our heart condemns us not we have confidence towards God. Let this be the portion of all Thy children. May we come away from doubting and fearing and hesitating, and may we believe. Oh, for the faith which trusts the bare promise of God! Let us not be asking for signs and wonders, and withholding faith because these are not given to us; but whatsoever we find in Thy word, may we believe it to be sure truth, and hang our souls upon it. Above all things, give us grace to trust in Jesus, in the full atonement made, and the utmost ransom paid. “He is all my salvation and all my desire:” may we each one be able to say this of Him, who “of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.”
“Thou, O Christ, art all we want;
More than all in Thee we find.”
Oh, let us never mistrust Thee, Thou blessed Son of God. May we have no doubt about Thy Father’s love—no suspicion as to the love of the Spirit; but may we joy in God by Jesus Christ, through whom also we have received the atonement. May we come to anchor, and, casting anchor in the port of peace, may we never be troubled again about that question, but be able to say “My Father,” with an unfaltering lip. The Lord grant, that we may all of us have not only faith in Christ, but full assurance of faith, whereby we shall trust, for the present and for the future, everything in those dear hands that were nailed to the cross for us. Help Thy children to perform an act of faith to-night, by leaving all their troubles apart and coming close to their Lord. He has sweat great drops for us, and now Thou biddest Thine own children to cease therefrom, even as of old Thou badest the priests to wear no garment that caused sweat, because they were to find rest in Thy service, and peace in the performance of their holy duties. Even so, may Thy people do.
O Lord God, even while we have been reading that chapter, of which some are so much afraid, we have felt that we could well trust Thee with a boundless sovereignty, and we do. Thou art so good, so kind, so just, so holy, that no mistake is possible to Thee. Thou art the fountain and source of all law: what Thou commandest, it is ours to obey. We have heard the thunder of that sentence, “Nay, but O man, who art thou that repliest against God?”; and in meekness of heart and lowliness of spirit, we bow before the infinite glory of Thy majesty, and it is to us the most joyful of all songs, “The Lord reigneth: let the earth rejoice. Let the multitudes of the isles be glad thereof.”
Lord, we yield up to Thy sovereignty all that we are, and all that we have. Do as Thou wilt with us. Whenever our wishes grow into willings, and our willings become obtrusive fault-findings with Thy providence; have mercy upon Thy servants in this thing, and take away from us the evil heart of unbelief that dares to question Thee. Be this the finale of our every prayer, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt;” and be this the great pleading of our heart every day, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” O Thou who art God, we have heard Thee say, “Be still and know that I am God;” and what a silence hast Thou made in our heart, where else there had been murmuring and complaint, when we have understood “The Lord hath done it.” Aaron held his peace when he knew this; and so would we. Nay, we would do more. We would speak out of our griefs and our down-castings, and say, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him; for the Lord is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. Blessed be His name.”
And now, our Father, hear the pleadings of Thy children, as we thus bow before Thee and yield everything to Thy parental will. Now bless Thy children. Sanctify us, Lord, spirit, soul, and body. Cleanse us even as with hyssop. Cleanse us in our inward parts, and make us to know wisdom in the secret places of our spirit.
And, Lord, wilt Thou also help such of Thy children as are very sorely burdened. When Thou layest on a burden, give strength equal to it; and if the burden should press heavier and heavier, hold the everlasting arms yet more consciously underneath us. Remember some present who have lately been bereaved. They lately had the sentence of death in themselves, by reason of sore disease of body. Help, strengthen, comfort, deliver. The widow and the fatherless are always Thy care. Look, most tender and compassionate Lord, upon all such as are in any trouble of mind, or body, or estate; and let the rich comforts of the Comforter Himself be dispensed to them.
And, Lord, wilt Thou keep those that are not troubled. Let them rejoice with trembling. Wilt Thou preserve us all from any of the intoxication that comes of prosperity; and when our heart is glad, if it be not with the high joy that comes of God, let us always look to Thee to sober us in such moments. The Lord lead us safely on to His eternal kingdom. We will not ask whether the road will be rough or smooth. We leave that with Thee; only bring us to behold the face of Him we love. If Thou wilt give us bread to eat and raiment to put on, and bring us to our Father’s house in peace, it is all we ask below. Whatsoever Thy will ordains, only do bring us to our Father’s house in peace. Grant us this.
Father, one other prayer: it is that Thou wouldest bless those that do not know Thee. We pray Thee, that we may have in our own hearts much of the heaviness that Paul knew, when we think of the many ungodly ones, especially of those that are of our own kith and kin, such as have heard the gospel from their very childhood, in whose father’s house there was a prophet’s chamber, whose mother died with the name of Jesus on her lips, whose father, grown grey with age, is on the road to glory, and they are still unconverted. Oh, bring them in! Dear Father, there are many of us praying now from the bottom of our hearts, that all our children may be Thy children, and that all related to us may be of the family of Christ. Then, Lord, we thank Thee for that blessed word, “The promise is unto you, and to your children;” but Thou didst not stop there, for Thou hast said, “and to them that are afar off, even to as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Lord, bring in the far-off ones. Save poor fallen women: save the equally fallen men.
Oh God, have mercy upon heathen lands; upon Popish countries; upon those that sit in the Mohammedan moon-darkness. The Lord be pleased to let His light shine over all the sons of men, and accomplish the number of His redeemed; to the praise of the glory of His grace wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. And to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be glory, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The Pastor in Prayer
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Post by Cindy on Feb 22, 2016 11:51:30 GMT -5
Lord, I pray that You would guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior. I want to learn how to put my hope in You all day, every day. Please help me stop searching for fulfillment in anything or anyone but You. My soul thirsts for You; my body longs for You in this dry and weary land where there is no water. Satisfy me each morning with Your unfailing love so I can sing for joy all the days of my life. I want to be rooted and established in Your love.
I want to have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is. I want to know this love that surpasses knowledge that I may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God. Thank You that Your love never fails, even when I do. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You and praise You as long as I live. In Your name I will lift up my hands, Amen.
Swope, R. (2011). A confident heart.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 23, 2016 14:26:39 GMT -5
Lord, thank You that in Christ I’m chosen, holy, and dearly loved. Whenever someone rejects me, heal my hurting heart with the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me. When I’m tempted to find my significance and security apart from You, help me resist Satan’s lies and temptations and stand firm in my faith. When insecurity threatens to take me captive, I will remember that Christ set me free, and not allow myself to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Holy Spirit, remind me every day that such confidence as this is mine through Christ—not that I am competent in myself to claim anything for myself, but competence comes from Him. I have been given fullness in Christ, who is the Head over every power and authority. Help me become mature in my faith so I may attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ! In Jesus’ powerful name I pray, Amen.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 26, 2016 15:01:59 GMT -5
A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to You, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly Yours, utterly dedicated to You; and then use us, we pray, as You will, and always to Your glory and the welfare of Your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer
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Post by Cindy on Feb 29, 2016 12:01:53 GMT -5
O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You created my inmost being and knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful and I am one of them. Help me to stop comparing myself with others so I can become the person You created me to be. I’m one of Your masterpieces, created anew in Christ Jesus so I can do the good things You planned for me long ago. Remind me that You promise to fulfill Your purpose for me and that You will not abandon the works of Your hands.
I surrender my personality, heart’s desires, abilities, spiritual gifts, and experiences to Your purposes. I delight myself in You, Lord, trusting You to shape the desires of my heart to match Yours. I want to seek and serve Jesus in all I do, for in Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Swope, R. (2011). A confident heart.
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Post by Brother Mark on Mar 1, 2016 5:51:50 GMT -5
Amen. Thanks .
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Post by Cindy on Mar 1, 2016 11:26:36 GMT -5
Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer
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Post by Cindy on Mar 1, 2016 11:29:00 GMT -5
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who sets the solitary in families: We commend to thy continual care the homes in which thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so kindle fervent love among us all, that we may evermore be kindly affectioned one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer
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Post by Cindy on Mar 1, 2016 12:04:43 GMT -5
There are so many wonderful prayers in the bible, so I thought I'd also share some scriptures that I like to pray:
Teach us your way, O LORD, so we will walk in your truth; give us each an undivided heart, that we may fear your name. & teach us each the fear of the Lord. (Psalm 86:11)
May You turn our hearts to You, to walk in all Your ways & obey You from this time on. I pray you'd give us all a heart of love and passion for You and Your Word; & a great, overwhelming desire & longing for an ever closer more intimate relationship with you, & a craving for your word that can't be denied. I ask that you would prevent us from ever putting anything or anyone ahead of You in our lives, including ourselves. I pray That You would keep those desires growing stronger in each of our hearts, minds & spirits, every day, for the rest of our lives. (1 Kings 8:58-61)
I pray that our love may abound more & more in knowledge & depth of insight, so that we may be able to discern what is best & may be pure & blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory & praise of Your Name. (Philippians 1:9–11)
I pray that You will make us worthy of Your calling that we may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by Your power. (2 Thes 1:11)
Please rid our hearts & minds of any attitudes of bitterness, rage, anger, malice, deceit, hatred, unforgiveness, pride, jealousy, selfishness, self pity, self-righteousness, self centeredness, grudges, conceit; & idolatry & fill our hearts instead with Your love, forgiveness & humility. Help us to always view others as more important than ourselves, even when they've hurt us. Help us to remember that no matter what we do or say, we're doing it for & to You. (Eph 4:31; Mark 7:21–22; Gal 5:19–21; 2 Tim 3:2–5; Phil 2:3; Rom 12:10; Matthew 25:37–46)
Where there is sin blocking us, reveal it, & break its hold over our lives.
I pray that you would create in each of us a new clean, soft & undivided heart that's open to Your Truth & put a new obedient, right spirit within each of us. (Ezekiel 11:19; psalm 51:10; Luke 24:45; Acts 16:14 )
Help us to discipline ourselves for godliness & manage our time according to Your Will. (1 Timothy 4:7; Eph. 5:16; Psalm 31:15)
Grant us boldness to tell others about the gospel & to always speak the Truth with love, & to never compromise Your truth. Grant us the words & wisdom to speak so that no one will be able to resist or contradict us. I pray that we may be active in sharing our faith, & bring glory to You. (Acts 4:29; Ephesians 6:19; Titus 1:9; Ephesians 4:15)
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Post by Cindy on Mar 11, 2016 12:10:09 GMT -5
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. When concerns consume me, remind me that You are with me, holding me by my right hand and guiding me with Your counsel. Though my flesh and my heart may fail, You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Help me turn my burdens over to You, knowing that You will take care of me.
Because You are my shepherd, I shall not be in want. You promise that when I dwell in the shelter of the Most High, I can rest in the shadow of the Almighty. You are my refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, and with Your right hand You save me. Thank You for making known to me the path of life and filling me with joy and peace in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
See Psalm 139:23–24; Psalm 73:23–26; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 23:1; Psalm 91:1–2; Psalm 138:7; Psalm 16:11.
Swope, R. (2011). A confident heart.
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Post by Cindy on Mar 14, 2016 11:42:36 GMT -5
Lord, thank You that in Christ I am a chosen woman, a royal priest, a holy daughter, a woman belonging to God. Thank You that I may declare the praises of Him who called me out of darkness into His wonderful light. Jesus, You are the light of the world! You promise that when I follow You, I will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. I want to follow You with all my heart and in each of my thoughts. Take me beyond the shadows of my doubts and teach me how to rely on the power of Your promises.
When doubt overshadows my thoughts, help me shift my focus back to You, remembering that the mind fixed on the flesh is death, but the mind fixed on the Spirit is life and peace. Thank You Lord, my God, that You go with me, to fight for me against my enemies of insecurity and inadequacy and give me victory. In all these things, I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
1 Peter 2:9; John 8:12; 1:7–8; Romans 8:6; Deuteronomy 20:4; Romans 8:37.
Swope, R. (2011). A confident heart.
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Post by Cindy on Mar 18, 2016 6:35:39 GMT -5
Father, we praise you that no matter the depth of our sin, your love can reach down and lift us up; no matter the hurt and pain we feel, your love holds us and heals us; no matter how far we wander from you and your will for our lives, your love still reaches out to find us and bring us home.
We praise you that your love far exceeds our guilt, that though, in Christ’s death on the cross, you have made clear the enormity of our sin, you accept us as we are.
You never allow us to become satisfied with the lives we live and the things we say and do, but you are always seeking to lift us up and make us new and make us whole.
We praise you most for your utter determination that we should be free—free to choose, free to live, free to praise, and free to serve.
We praise you for the freedom that comes to us in Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Clowes, D. (2007). Let us pray: 120 prayers for all occasions.
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Post by Brother Mark on Mar 20, 2016 14:45:09 GMT -5
Amen.
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Post by bystillwaters on Mar 24, 2016 8:45:35 GMT -5
Amen.
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Post by Cindy on Mar 24, 2016 12:09:52 GMT -5
Help me see the big picture, Father. Keep my focus on Your sovereign purpose of molding me into Christ’s image. Let every circumstance press me toward You. Enter His gates
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Post by Brother Mark on Apr 23, 2016 23:12:55 GMT -5
Amen
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Post by Cindy on Apr 28, 2016 11:36:15 GMT -5
A Prayer for Blessings from God’s Word
O Lord, my God! I thank Thee for Thy precious Word, the divine glass of all unseen and eternal realities. I thank Thee that I have in it the image of Thy Son, who is Thy image, and also, O wonderful grace! my image. I thank Thee that as I gaze on Him I may also see what I can be.
O my Father! teach me rightly to understand what a blessing Thy Word can bring me. To Thy Son, when here on earth, it was the manifestation of Thy will, the communication of Thy life and strength, the fellowship with Thyself. In the acceptance and the surrender to Thy Word He was able to fulfill all Thy counsel. May Thy Word be all this to me too.
Make it to me, each day afresh through the unction of the Holy Spirit, the Word proceeding from the mouth of God, the voice of Thy living presence speaking to me. May I feel with each word of Thine that it is God coming to impart to me somewhat of His own life.
Teach me to keep it hidden in my heart as a divine seed, which in its own time will spring up and reproduce in me in divine reality the very life that was hid in it, the very thing which I at first only saw in it as a thought. Teach me above all, O my God, to find in it Him who is its center and substance, Himself the Eternal Word. Finding Him, and myself in Him, as my Head and Exemplar, I shall learn like Him to count Thy Word my food and my life.
I ask this, O my God, in the name of our blessed Christ Jesus. Amen.
Heritage of great evangelical teaching : Featuring the best of Martin Luther, John Wesley, Dwight L. Moody, C.H. Spurgeon and others.
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Post by Cindy on May 11, 2016 10:34:55 GMT -5
Letting Go of The Past
Father, I realize my helplessness in saving myself, and I glory in what Christ Jesus has done for me. I let go - put aside all past sources of my confidence - counting them worth less than nothing, in order that I may experience Christ and become one with Him. Lord, I have received Your Son, and he has given me the authority, power, privilege and right to become Your child. I unfold my past and put into proper perspective those things that are behind. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. I trust in You, Lord, with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge You, and You will make my paths straight.
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. So whatever it takes, I will be one who lives in the fresh newness of life of those who are alive from the dead. I don't mean to say that I am perfect. I haven't learned all I should, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Regardless of my past I look forward to what lies ahead. I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which You are calling me up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for me. In His Name I pray. Amen.
John 1:12
Psalm 32:5
Gal 2:20
Prov 3:5-6
Phil 3:7-9
Phil 3:10-11
Phil 3:12-14
Rom 6:4
Prayers That Avail Much
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Post by Cindy on May 20, 2016 9:38:19 GMT -5
Forgiveness:
O God, give me a heart of forgiveness, so that I may commune with You in the fullness of fellowship and joy and not experience the chastening that comes when You don’t forgive me because I won’t forgive a brother or sister in Christ. May I remember that for everyone who sins against me I have sinned multiplied times against You, and You have always forgiven me. At no time has any of my sin caused me to forfeit my eternal life; therefore, no one else’s sin should cause them to forfeit my love and my mercy toward them. Amen.
MacArthur, J. (1998). The pillars of Christian character: The basic essentials of a living faith
Being the Lord's hands and feet:
Father, show me one broken heart, and I will do my best to go to it in the name of Jesus. Help me, Lord. I’m not very good at this. I need Your tender Spirit to flow through my words and life. I claim Your promise in Psalm 34:18 that I will find You there. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Underwood, E. (2012). When god breaks your heart: Choosing hope in the midst of faith-shattering
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Post by Cindy on May 20, 2016 9:48:48 GMT -5
Grief:
Lord Jesus, my grief is unspeakable; the pain never goes away day or night. I can’t sleep. It seems I watch the clock tick away the minutes all night long. I have no appetite, no interest in food. The tastiest meal is tasteless in my mouth. All the color has gone out of my world, leaving it bleak and barren. Worst of all are the tormenting questions. Why did this happen? Why didn’t You answer our prayers? Where are You when I need You?
Yet even in the darkest night I cling to You. I trust Your love and wisdom even when I cannot understand Your ways. In my heart of hearts, I know You are too wise to ever make a mistake and too loving to ever cause one of Your own needless pain. When I weep, I choose to believe that You are weeping with me. Knowing that You share my grief gives me comfort even if it doesn’t take away the pain. The promise of Your presence and the hope of eternal life give me the strength to go on. With Your help I truly believe that my mourning will one day be turned into dancing, and until that happens, I will trust You. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.
Another prayer for those who are grieving:
Lord Jesus, I love You, but I’m really angry right now. I don’t want to feel this way, but I can’t seem to help myself. The doctors did everything they could, but in the end they were powerless. I did everything I was capable of doing and still my beloved died. Had I done any less I would have never been able to forgive myself. You are the only one who did nothing, or so it seems to me. You have the power of life and death and yet You did not intervene. You could have healed her but You didn’t. You could have prevented the accident but You didn’t. All of us, who have such limited power, did everything we could, but it feels like You, who have all power, did nothing at all. I’m trying to understand why You didn’t do anything, but right now I can’t.
Hurt and anger are making me bitter, killing the relationship we once shared. I want to punish You, yet even in my anger I know You are my only hope. With one hand I push You away while with the other hand I cling to You with all my might. With a trembling faith I lift my hurt to You, trusting that You will take it from me. Replace my anger with acceptance, I pray, and my hurt with hope. I ask not for understanding, for I know I will never understand why things happened the way they did, but for trust. Give me unconditional trust that I may rest in You no matter how grievous my loss. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.
Still Another prayer for those who are grieving:
Lord Jesus, I want to thank You for never leaving me alone in my grief. Without the strength of Your presence I don’t think I could have made it. Now that my terrible pain is easing a little, I realize that You were with me even when I was sure You were nowhere to be found. I want to thank You for allowing me to vent, to honestly express my feelings, even the ones I know I shouldn’t have had. Thank You for being patient with me, for giving me time to work through my feelings. Today is a “good” day and for that I give You thanks. A day like this makes me believe that there may even be life after my beloved’s death; no matter how much I miss her or how deeply I grieve. I give You praise this day and every day. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.
Still Another prayer for those who are grieving:
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life! You have conquered death, hell, and the grave. You have prepared an eternal abode for Your own and already my beloved is with You. Her suffering is over. You have wiped the last tear from her eye, and she is more alive than she has ever been. Although my loneliness is unspeakable, I would not bring her back for anything. As much as I love her, I know You love her more. As happy as she was with me, I know she is even happier being with You. I take strength from Your abiding presence and comfort from Your promise of eternal life. One day my beloved and I will be together with You forever. Life without end! May Your name be glorified now and forever. Amen.
Exley, R., & Exly, R. (2013). When you lose someone you love: Comfort for those who grieve.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383 
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Post by fearnot on May 20, 2016 9:58:56 GMT -5
Amen and Amen
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Post by Cindy on May 21, 2016 9:02:35 GMT -5
Lord Jesus, I have heard You calling my name and know that You care for me. Please use my tragedy to bring glory to Your name, to bring glory to the Father. If You will tell me what it is You want me to believe, I will. I claim Your promise to my broken heart, “If you believe, you will see the glory of God.” (John 11:40)
I want to quote a short portion of this book that's just before this prayer so you'll have a better idea of what he's talking about. (by the way, this book is really good and I highly recommend it!)
I wonder if you have made the connection yet between your personal and specific need to believe and the glory God will bring from your broken heart.
For Martha, it was trusting Jesus enough to let them take away the stone.
For our dear friend Peggy Campbell, it is trusting Jesus enough to move on without the love of her life, her courageous Jon.
For me, it is trusting Jesus enough to serve Him amid the weakness of a chronic disease.
I don’t know what it is for you because I don’t know what is breaking your heart.
Maybe He’s asking you to believe that your marriage still has hope … after the betrayal.
Maybe He’s asking you to believe that He can still use you … after the failure.
Maybe He’s asking you to believe that you can still go to church … after you’ve been hurt.
Maybe He’s asking you to believe that He is still speaking to your child … after she ran away.
Or maybe He’s asking you to believe what I believe—that every day is still a day to serve Him … after the diagnosis.
With every word I have written in this book I have begged God that you would listen to what His Son is saying to your broken heart: “If you believe, you will see the glory of God.”
As you read these words, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. With tears in His eyes He whispers in His Father’s ear, “This is hard for him. This breaks her heart.”
In the same way I can’t know what He’s asking you to believe, I have no idea how you will see God’s glory. I only know that if you believe, you will see it. I hope you will trust Him enough to pray this simple prayer of the brokenhearted:
Friend, don’t let your broken heart define your life. God has so much more for you. Every tomorrow can be a day of glory … if you believe.
Underwood, E. (2012). When god breaks your heart: Choosing hope in the midst of faith-shattering circumstances.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 21, 2019 10:12:05 GMT -5
I love to pray God's Word back to Him, and thought I'd share a very special prayer I love to pray for myself and all my loved ones. Perhaps some of you may want to use it, or use portions of it. I have included where the scriptures are from at the end of each passage. (Sorry, some of my formatting shows up here as all caps.)
Father, I know it's Your will that all be saved, so I again ask You to radically save each of my loved ones that aren't yet saved, and that You bring those that are already saved into an even closer relationship with you. I'm praying for my husband, myself, each of my children & their spouses, and each of my grandchildren:
“Father, MAY YOU MAKE OUR LOVE INCREASE & OVERFLOW FOR EACH OTHER & FOR EVERYONE ELSE. May You strengthen our hearts so that we will be blameless and holy in your presence when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” (1 Thes 3:12–13)
“Lord, may You count us each worthy of Your calling, and by Your power may You fulfill every good purpose of ours and every act prompted by our faith. I pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in us, and us each in Him, according to Your grace and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thes 1:11–12)
“I ask Lord that You fill us with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And I pray this in order that we may live a life worthy of You and may please You in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might so that we may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to You, our Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. ” (Col 1:9–12)
“I ask that You, our glorious Father, may give us each the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know You better. I pray also that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may each know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of Your mighty strength,” “which You exerted in Christ when You raised him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly realms,”(Eph 1:17–20)
“For this reason I kneel before You, our Father, from whom Your whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of Your glorious riches You may strengthen us each with power through Your Spirit in our inner beings, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And I pray that we each, BEING ROOTED & ESTABLISHED IN LOVE, MAY HAVE THE POWER TOGETHER WITH ALL THE SAINTS, TO GRASP HOW WIDE & LONG & HIGH & DEEP IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST, & TO KNOW THIS LOVE THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE—THAT WE MAY EACH BE FILLED TO THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD (Eph 3:14–19)
“I ask that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may each be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, FILLED WITH THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT COMES THROUGH JESUS CHIRST —TO THE GLORY & PRAISE OF GOD. (Phil 1:9–11)
“ You are able to make all grace abound to us, so that in all things at all times, having all that we need, we will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor 9:8)
“ Lord please rescue us from every evil attack & bring us each safely to
Your heavenly kingdom. To You be glory for ever & ever. Amen.” (2 Tim 4:18)
I ask that, by your Holy Spirit, we may be equipped & empowered to make known the love of God & the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to all those you bring into our life & to our families. Help us to better express Your love to those around us Lord. Spirit of God, please fill us & use us, help us to be humble; help us to be peacemakers & help us to glorify Jesus in all we say & do today, (Eph 6:13) doing it all in love. (1 Cor 16:14).
(Some of this next portion I put in my own words, but it's all scriptural, and some I borrowed portions of prayers I read elsewhere that were also scriptural.)
I also ask that You would prevent any root of bitterness from taking hold in any of our hearts, minds or spirits. If it already exists, then I ask that You would demolish it and remove it completely, replacing it with Your love and forgiveness. Soften our hearts and don't allow Satan to get a hold on us through hurt feelings, anger, hate, or bitterness. Please Lord, heal hearts that have been damaged by hurt feelings, anger, hate, or bitterness. Remind us that You've given us the ministry of reconciliation and that we must live that reconciliation in our own lives. “May You direct our hearts into Your love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thes 3:5)
I pray that You would cause us to remember what Your Word says. May divine truths about sin, righteousness, and judgment be written on our hearts. May revealed truths concerning the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit never be forgotten by us. May we know the virtue and necessity of the atoning blood of our Lord, the power of His resurrection, and the glory of His second coming. May the doctrines of grace be engraved upon our minds as with a pen of iron and written upon our hearts as with the point of a diamond, never to be erased. May we show much fruit for You in our lives even now!
I pray that You will allow none of us to run into the world and fall into the evils of sin and then return with broken bones to the Good Shepherd. I plead with You that we may be kept by Your rich grace from the paths of the destroyer and grow up in the fold of Christ, first as lambs of His flock and then as sheep of His hand. I ask that we will recognize the evil of sin and have great reverence for Your Word.
Lord, I know that some are already in danger of falling away. I beg You, & plead with You with all my heart, please, keep them through Your grace from the paths of the destroyer. Rescue them even now, and bring them back to the very middle of the straight and narrow road to the Kingdom of Heaven. Not to the edge of that road, but to the middle so they're safe from temptation and the enemy of our souls. Send forth Your Word and rescue them; show them the Truth about the lies they've heard. Make them leaders instead of followers, and cause them to lead others to You.
I ask that we may all know and believe in You and Your Word, more and more; that You would grant us each great faith in You, and a great love for Your Word. I pray that You would grant us each a great hunger and thirst for You and Your Word. That we would each read Your Word every single day. That You would open our minds & soften our hearts so we will understand Your Word and that You would help us apply it to our lives. I pray that we would hear clearly when You speak, just as Samuel did as a child in the temple. I dedicate each of my children and grandchildren to You Lord and pray they will inherit the promises, so they will be called by mighty grace and received into the divine family!
Lord, please, guard our minds and hearts and keep us far from Satan's lies, and the secular worldview. Grant us each a biblical worldview. Please, cast down any wrong thinking that's keeping any of us from surrendering all to You. Prevent the worlds philosophies from corrupting our thoughts. Shield us from our own self centeredness, selfishness, sin nature; & from our own confused & corrupted emotions & thinking. Protect us from the corrupt world view & keep the Truth of Your Word in our minds & hearts as You did for Noah & his family. I ask that You would especially guard our minds from fear of rejection, and strengthen us so we can be leaders and fearlessly speak the truth in love, telling others about You and the love You have for them. Help us to lean on You and rely on Your strength, knowing that because You're with us, we needn't fear anyone or anything.
Protect us from the evil plans & desires of others; from unhealthy or dangerous situations & relationships, & from anyone or anything that would try to pull us into the darkness of sin. Let nothing come into our hearts or habits that would threaten our walk with You in any way. Prevent anything that's not Your Truth from having any purchase in our minds, hearts or spirits. Cause it to go in one ear & out the other; but cause Your Truth to stick & stay in our minds, hearts & spirits. Please grant us all discernment so we won't be tricked or deceived by false teachers, friends, our peers, co workers, Satan, the world or our flesh. Guard our hearts & minds for us Lord & teach each of us all we need to know so that we can also guard our hearts & minds as You tell us to do.
Give us each a mind–set of faith. Focus our attention on the eternal—Your truth, Your plan for our lives. Turn our attention from the philosophies of this world, & establish our minds firmly on Your principles. (Col 3:2.) “Turn our hearts toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn our eyes away from worthless things; preserve our lifes according to your word.” (Psalm 119:36–37)
Father, Please remove any misconceptions we may have about You or what Your Word teaches & teach us the Truth from Your Word. Please always Guide us in Your Truth to what You would have us learn each day & grow us each up to spiritual maturity. Help us to daily apply the truth of Your Word to our lives. Fill us with your spirit & equip us for service to do Your Will. Please Lord, Sanctify us daily by Your Truth, Your Word is Truth. Grant each of us a constant overwhelming desire that can't be denied, to know You & Your Word better & to have an ever closer, deeper & more personal relationship with You. Thank You Father.
“Now to You who are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within us, to You be glory in the church & in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever & ever! Amen.” (Eph 3:20–21) I ask all this is the mighty name of my savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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