Steadfast Love!

 

 

O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
    for you, O God, are my refuge,
    the God who shows me unfailing love. 

 

—Psalm 59:17 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

Loving and Gracious God,

 

May I always sing praise to You, so all might know that You are my Strength and my Refuge—the God who shows me unfailing love.

 

I will sing praise to You for being my Strength. You are the power within me, the Holy Spirit by whom I am equipped and sustained for every good work that You have planned for me to accomplish in Christ.

 

I will sing praise to You for being my Refuge.  You are that safe haven against the evil of this life, where I find peace, protection, and provision for my every need under the shelter of Your Presence with me.

 

I will sing praise to You for Your unfailing love. You pour out Your unfailing loving-kindness, mercy, and grace over me, so that I can love others with the love of Christ.

 

May I always sing praise to You, so all may know that You are my Strength and my Refuge—the God who shows me unfailing love.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

You Keep Track!

 

 

 

 

You keep track of all my sorrows. 

    You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

    You have recorded each one in your book.

 

 —Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

Compassionate LORD GOD,

 

Down all the paths of sorrow, where my wanderings sometimes lead, remind me that you see each tear, and know my every need.

 

When I find myself in a place of great sorrow—when I start to waver between faith and fear—comfort me with the certainty that You see me, You completely understand what I am feeling, and You are right there with me to carry me through my sadness and bring me back to that place of joy.

 

You know the end of every problem and trouble that I face before it even comes, but still You feel the hurt of every pain that I suffer along the way. Nothing that happens to me goes unnoticed, unrecorded or unremembered by You—for You are lovingly compassionate and just. You are my God and my Defender.

 

Quiet my heart and soothe my restless emotions, so I can live in the peaceful assurance that You intimately know and care about every detail of my life and are actively working for good through everything that happens, as You draw me closer to You.

 

Down all the paths of sorrow, where my wanderings sometimes lead, remind me that you see each tear, and know my every need.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Waiting for You!

 

 

But I am deaf to all their threats.
    I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.

I choose to hear nothing,
    and I make no reply.

For I am waiting for you, O LORD.
    You must answer for me, O Lord my God.

—Psalm 38:13-15 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

O Lord my God,

 

When I feel threatened by others, when I feel offended, or I am falsely accused, keep me from being provoked into sin. Help me keep control of my mind, will, and emotions, as I wait in faith for You to answer for me.

 

Make me as if I were deaf to all the threats of others, as You remind me who I am in Christ. For I am Your dearly loved child, whom You have carefully and uniquely crafted according to Your perfect plans and purposes for me. You hold my life in Your hands.

 

By Your mercy and grace, let my mouth remain closed and my heart remain at peace—as if I cannot speak at all—until Your words fill my mouth with truth and grace, and love requires that they be spoken.

 

Help me to choose not to hear their unjustified attacks against me. For I know that their accusations are not about me but come from the brokenness of their own hearts—that their words are born out of their own hurts and not out of their hatred for me.

 

Never allow me to reply from my own understanding, but rather help me wait for You. For I trust You to answer and set all things right, according to Your perfect timing and purpose—as I remain surrendered and submitted to Your will for my life.

 

When I feel threatened by others, when I feel offended, or I am falsely accused, keep me from being provoked into sin. Help me keep control of my mind, will, and emotions, as I wait in faith for You to answer for me.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

True and Trustworthy

 

For the word of the LORD holds true,
    and we can trust everything he does.

He loves whatever is just and good;
    the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth.

 

—Psalm 33:4-5 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

Faithful LORD,

 

In a world filled with uncertainty and lies, may we find rest in knowing that every word You have ever spoken to us holds true and we can trust everything that You do. Let us find our comfort and peace in You, for You love what is just and good and Your unfailing love fills the earth.

 

In a world of radical change and chaos, may we always look to You as the ever-true, all-knowing, never-changing, ever-constant, always-trustworthy, Almighty God of all creation—remembering that Your Word always reflects Your character perfectly, as it goes forth in power to accomplish Your purposes.

 

In a world of people who demand everything their way, help us submit to the working of Your Spirit within us so that the character of Christ would be established in our lives, in order that we would bring You glory, honor and praise. 

 

In a world that deals so harshly and cruelly with us, let us remember that You deal with us according to the unfailing loving-kindness that You pour out over us and that You always have our best interests at heart.

 

In a world filled with uncertainty and lies, may we find rest in knowing that every word You have ever spoken to us holds true and we can trust everything that You do. Let us find our comfort and peace in You, for You love what is just and good and Your unfailing love fills the earth.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

All Will Be Well

 

 

Tell the godly that all will be well for them.
    They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned!
But the wicked are doomed,
    for they will get exactly what they deserve.

 

—Isaiah 3:10-11 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

Holy and Just, yet Merciful and Gracious, LORD GOD,

 

Thank You for being the God who sees His children and promises that all will be well for them—who promises that they will enjoy rich rewards for their godly actions.

 

Thank You that Your words—delivered through the prophet, Isaiah, to the people of Israel—remain true for Your children today.  Even though judgment may fall on this land—because we as a people have turned our backs on You—You will not forget the remnant of Your children who have remained faithful.

 

Neither will You allow any wicked person, intent on doing evil, to escape being held to account for that evil—but You will repay them according to their evil deeds, in order that justice would prevail.

 

Therefore, as Your children, help us to stand against the injustice of all things evil.  But let us also pray that the hearts of the wicked would be changed—that they would turn from their evil ways, surrender themselves to the lordship of Christ, and be saved, so they would escape eternal judgment. 

 

Thank You for being the God who sees His children and promises that all will be well for them—who promises that they will enjoy rich rewards for their godly actions.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The Love of Christ!

 

Jesus wept.

 

—John 11:35 (NASB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compassionate Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your deep, deep love of humanity which You expressed to us in the tears that You shed.

 

Thank You for loving me enough to come to earth and take on the flesh and blood and the mind and emotions of a man, to experience all the tests and trials and grief and pain that I face—and so much more—so I would know that You know how I feel.

 

Thank You that there is healing from my hurts and pains in the tears that You designed for me to shed—that it’s okay to cry—and that in crying I should cry out to You, the only One who can help me live an overcoming life of peace and victory.

 

Thank You for Your example of loving compassion and how it reminds me of my obligation to open my heart that I might be overwhelmed by Your Spirit with compassion for all those around me—for life in this world is not easy, especially for those who do not know You.

Thank You for Your deep, deep love of humanity which You expressed to us in the tears that You shed.

 

In Your Matchless Name, Jesus, Amen.

My Light, My Salvation

 

 

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
    so why should I be afraid?
The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
    so why should I tremble?

 

—Psalm 27:1 (NLT)

 

 

 

LORD God Almighty,

 

You are my light and my salvation!  You are the One who protects me from danger—my fortress and my refuge from all harm.  So, I have no reason to be afraid—no reason to tremble.

 

You are the light that shines within me!  You are that unfaltering light that dispels all the darkness—that never-failing light against which evil cannot stand.  So, let Your light shine in me, and through me, and help me to see it shining all around me, as You keep me in perfect peace and illuminate every step I take with You.

 

You are my salvation!  You are the One who, through Christ, has saved me from my sin and blessed me with eternal life in You—the One who has made me peculiar, by calling me to come away from the ways of this world, so I can live in ongoing fellowship with You forever.

 

You are my fortress and my refuge!  You are the One, the All-Powerful God, who keeps me safe in every way:  my Defender—when I am falsely accused; my Protector—from the forces of evil that would seek to destroy me; my Provider—who gives me all that I need to accomplish Your will for me; and my Peace—standing firm and unmoved in the midst of every storm.

You are my light and my salvation!  You are the One who protects me from danger—my fortress and my refuge from all harm.  So, I have no reason to be afraid—no reason to tremble.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Show Mercy, Receive Mercy

 

 

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free.  There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

 

—James 2:12-13 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

Just and Merciful God,

 

May all my thoughts, words and actions be the evidence that I truly understand the depths of the mercy You have offered me—for I know I will receive mercy according to my willing obedience to extend that same mercy to others.

 

Help me remember that the same law that sets me free—that moral law that sets all obedient followers of Christ free from the bondage of sin—is the law by which I will be judged.

 

For while I have been saved by grace through faith, the evidence of my having received that salvation is my obedience to Christ—which is the path upon which perfect freedom is found—and my ability to extend mercy to others, is a proof that I am walking out that salvation which the Gospel of Christ has provided.

 

Let the mercy that You have poured over me be reflected in me, to all those around me, through my obedience to Christ’s command to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. For therein lies the power to love my neighbor as myself.

 

May all my thoughts, words and actions be the evidence that I truly understand the depths of the mercy You have offered me—for I know I will receive mercy according to my willing obedience to extend that same mercy to others.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

The Peace That Comes From Christ

 

 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

 

—Colossians 3:15 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Help me to live in the peace that comes when I allow Christ to rule my heart.  And let me be forever thankful.

 

Though the storms of life in this fallen world rage all around me and the cold winds of change blow against me, You have given me the amazing privilege of allowing Your peace—the peace that comes from Christ—to rule and reign in me.

 

It is not a peace that anyone or anything in this world could ever give, but it is a peace that transcends all circumstances or situations I may face, and is a measure of my faith—a direct reflection of whether I truly believe You, and the promises I find in Your Word.

 

Only as I allow Your peace to live in my heart, can I live at peace with others in the body of Christ and do my part to bring unity within the church, so that, together, we can be a beacon of hope to a lost and dying world.

 

So, let my heart become so saturated with the peace of Christ that it flows from me, bringing peace to all those around me—so that You might be glorified in my life.

Help me to live in the peace that comes when I allow Christ to rule my heart.  And let me be forever thankful.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

My Salvation!

 

 

 

O LORD, God of my salvation,
    I cry out day and night before you.

Let my prayer come before you;
    incline your ear to my cry!

 

—Psalm 88:1-2 (ESV)

 

 

 

 

 

LORD God of my salvation,

 

Help me to truly believe that You watch and listen for anyone who will seek You with their whole heart!

 

Move on me by Your Spirit to cry out to You day and night as I face the struggles of this life—reminding me that all my help comes from You, for You alone are my salvation.

 

Assure me with the truth that my prayers do come rising before You—reaching all the way into Your Holy Presence.

 

May You always incline Your ear to the voice of my cries, hear the pleading of my heart, and answer me in love—according to Your perfect will and purpose for me.

 

Help me to truly believe that You watch and listen for anyone who will seek You with their whole heart!

 

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Show True Humility

 

 

 

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.  They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. 
—Titus 3:1-2 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help me to take seriously my responsibility to submit to the government and its officers—as long as doing so does not violate Your commands.

 

Your Word commands me to be obedient—especially to Your Word and Your Spirit—and to be ready to do that which is good.

 

Your Word commands me to never slander anyone and to avoid quarreling—to speak only truth, with grace, in love.

 

Your Word commands me to be gentle with others, and to show true humility to everyone—not thinking more highly of myself than I ought to but living within the truth of who I am in Christ—with the knowledge that any good in me comes from You.

 

Help me to take seriously my responsibility to submit to the government and its officers—as long as doing so does not violate Your commands.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

What is Good

 

 

No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.

 

—Micah 6:8 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

Heavenly Father,

Help me to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You, today.

 

Thank You, for showing me Your character and Your will through Your Word—so that, out of my own personal experience with the goodness I see demonstrated in You, I am able to understand what is good.

 

Help me live out my life with an overflowing gratefulness for the gifts of Your unrelenting and unfailing love, Your ultimate sacrifice for my redemption, and the fullness of my salvation.

 

Let that heart of gratefulness govern my thoughts, words, and actions—so I might always respond by doing what is right and just in Your sight.

 

Help me to live my life in service to You and to others—in demonstration of the love and mercy that has been poured out on me.

 

And help me to walk with You—living for You and drawing my very essence from You—with a humble spirit that is void of pride.

 

Help me to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You, today.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Good Plans, Great Hope!

 

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

 

—Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

Dear LORD,

 

Thank You that I can trust that Your plans for me are for my good and extend throughout eternity, as evidence of Your love for me—and that I can live in perfect peace because of this hope!

 

Interwoven among all the things that have ever happened, the things that are happening now, and anything that has yet to happen, is that marvelous plan for my individual life that was authored by You.

 

Limited by my humanness, I do not fully understand where I have been, where I am now, or where I am going.  I do not even fully know my own heart and I am uncertain of my own mind, at times.

  

But there is no uncertainty within You.  You know everything—past, present and future—and have designed a plan to bring me good and not disaster, to give me a future with You and with that, great hope, as I put my trust in You.

 

Thank You that I have no reason to fear anything that may have happened in the past, nor the things that are happening around me now, nor anything that may happen to me next—because the plan You have for me is a plan to use it all to greatly benefit me and not to cause me harm.

 

And though trouble may come to me—because I live in a fallen world full of evil—You will always be working in every circumstance I find myself, to carry me through it in peace and bring good out of it for me.

 

Thank You that I can trust that Your plans for me are for my good and extend throughout eternity, as evidence of Your love for me—and that I can live in perfect peace because of this hope!

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.