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. 

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.

Perfect Instructions, Trustworthy Decrees

 

The instructions of the LORD are perfect,
    reviving the soul.
The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.

 

— Psalm 19:7 (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

Dear LORD,

 

Thank You for giving me Your Word—that perfect instruction manual for my life! Your Word brings new life to my soul and shows me how even a simple man like me can become wise.

 

Thank You, that Your instructions are perfect and pure—full of only that which is good for me, and designed to equip me in every way, for every good work that You have planned for me.

 

Thank You, that Your instructions revive and renew my mind, will, and emotions, with new strength, so that I can continue to walk in that close, personal relationship with You which brings me life.

 

Thank You, that Your decrees are trustworthy, that Your words represent Your holy will and go forth in Your power. They endure throughout all generations and fulfill their purpose, as I honor them with my life.

 

Thank You that as simple-minded as I am, through Your words I grow in understanding and judgment. They give me insight into Your ways, and even grant me revelation of things that are yet to come. Your words make me wise.

 

Thank You for giving me Your Word—that perfect instruction manual for my life! Your Word brings new life to my soul and shows me how even a simple man like me can become wise.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

This is God's Will for You!

 

 

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

 

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

 

 

 

Good and Gracious Father,

 

Help me always be joyful, never stop praying, and remain thankful in all circumstances—knowing that this is Your will for all of us who belong to Christ Jesus.

 

Beyond any emotions that I may be feeling, may my joy—that deep and abiding happiness that I find only in my close, personal relationship with You—remain constant and unchanged.

 

Regardless of how busy and disordered my day might become, may I continue unceasingly in prayerful conversation with You—the only One who brings order to my chaos and peace to my heart.

 

No matter what circumstances I may find myself in, remind me to remain thankful—to continually express my gratefulness to You, both by my thoughts and with my words—with the assurance that You are working all things for my good.

 

Help me always be joyful, never stop praying, and remain thankful in all circumstances—knowing that this is Your will for all of us who belong to Christ Jesus.

 

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Nothing Hidden, All Naked and Exposed!

 

 

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

 

—Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)

 

 

 

Omniscient God,

 

Thank You for loving me, wanting me, and for continually calling me into a deeper relationship with You—even though You see and know all my imperfections.

 

You have created everything there is and there is not one thing that is hidden from You. You have perfect and absolute knowledge of the smallest detail about every person, everywhere, at all times.

 

You know all of my thoughts, even before they are formed; sense every one of my emotions, before they ever manifest; discern and understand my every motive, better than I ever will myself; hear my every word, even before it is formed in my mouth and crosses my lips; and You see everything I do, before I even begin to do it.

 

And You are the One to whom I am held accountable, so help me to see myself as I truly am—then help me repent of my sin, submit myself to You, and allow You to change me into the person I should be.

 

Help me each day to purpose in my heart to please You in everything that I think, say, and do—just as You are faithful to shower me daily with new mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love.

 

Thank You for loving me, wanting me, and for continually calling me into a deeper relationship with You—even though You see and know all my imperfections.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Follow the Spirit

 

 

If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.  Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

 

—Galatians 5:25-26 (NASB)

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Since I claim to be led by the Spirit, help me humbly submit to the Spirit’s leading in every part of my life, so that my life produces fruit that proves the truth of that leading. 

 

Your Spirit is alive and active in me and has shown me the path to eternal life—and, by that same Spirit, you give me the power to live as I should, in the here and now.

 

So, help me to live every aspect of my life in total harmony with Your Spirit—allowing You to guide my thoughts, emotions, words, and behaviors always—that by faith, my life will produce those things that please You.

 

Let me reflect the Light of Christ that is within me in all my relationships—for Your glory, honor, and praise—as I encourage both my brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are lost and hurting, with Christ-like love and compassion.

 

Help me to find my identity in Christ alone—so there is no room in me for conceit, no need in me to provoke others, no temptation to be envious or jealous—so that I can live my life with courage, integrity, and godly character.

 

Since I claim to be led by the Spirit, help me humbly submit to the Spirit’s leading in every part of my life, so that my life produces fruit that proves the truth of that leading. 

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Collected and Recorded

 

 

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 the Lord to Answer for Me

 

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. 

The Compassionate Love of Jesus

 

 

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.

Perfect and Trustworthy

 

 

The instructions of the LORD are perfect,
    reviving the soul.
The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.

 

— Psalm 19:7 (NLT)

 

Dear LORD,

 

Thank You for giving me Your Word—that perfect instruction manual for my life! Your Word brings new life to my soul and shows me how even a simple man like me can become wise.

 

Thank You, that Your instructions are perfect and pure—full of only that which is good for me, and designed to equip me in every way, for every good work that You have planned for me.

 

Thank You, that Your instructions revive and renew my mind, will, and emotions, with new strength, so that I can continue to walk in that close, personal relationship with You which brings me life.

 

Thank You, that Your decrees are trustworthy, that Your words represent Your holy will and go forth in Your power. They endure throughout all generations and fulfill their purpose, as I honor them with my life.

 

Thank You that as simple-minded as I am, through Your words I grow in understanding and judgment. They give me insight into Your ways, and even grant me revelation of things that are yet to come. Your words make me wise.

 

Thank You for giving me Your Word—that perfect instruction manual for my life! Your Word brings new life to my soul and shows me how even a simple man like me can become wise.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Joyful, Praying, and Thankful

 

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

 

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

 

Good and Gracious Father,

 

Help me always be joyful, never stop praying, and remain thankful in all circumstances—knowing that this is Your will for all of us who belong to Christ Jesus.

 

Beyond any emotions that I may be feeling, may my joy—that deep and abiding happiness that I find only in my close, personal relationship with You—remain constant and unchanged.

 

Regardless of how busy and disordered my day might become, may I continue unceasingly in prayerful conversation with You—the only One who brings order to my chaos and peace to my heart.

 

No matter what circumstances I may find myself in, remind me to remain thankful—to continually express my gratefulness to You, both by my thoughts and with my words—with the assurance that You are working all things for my good.

 

Help me always be joyful, never stop praying, and remain thankful in all circumstances—knowing that this is Your will for all of us who belong to Christ Jesus.

 

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Everything is Naked and Exposed!

 

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

 

—Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)

 

Omniscient God,

 

Thank You for loving me, wanting me, and for continually calling me into a deeper relationship with You—even though You see and know all my imperfections.

 

You have created everything there is and there is not one thing that is hidden from You. You have perfect and absolute knowledge of the smallest detail about every person, everywhere, at all times.

 

You know all of my thoughts, even before they are formed; sense every one of my emotions, before they ever manifest; discern and understand my every motive, better than I ever will myself; hear my every word, even before it is formed in my mouth and crosses my lips; and You see everything I do, before I even begin to do it.

 

And You are the One to whom I am held accountable, so help me to see myself as I truly am—then help me repent of my sin, submit myself to You, and allow You to change me into the person I should be.

 

Help me each day to purpose in my heart to please You in everything that I think, say, and do—just as You are faithful to shower me daily with new mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love.

 

Thank You for loving me, wanting me, and for continually calling me into a deeper relationship with You—even though You see and know all my imperfections.

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Follow the Spirit

 

If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.  Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

 

—Galatians 5:25-26 (NASB)

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Since I claim to be led by the Spirit, help me humbly submit to the Spirit’s leading in every part of my life, so that my life produces fruit that proves the truth of that leading. 

 

Your Spirit is alive and active in me and has shown me the path to eternal life—and, by that same Spirit, you give me the power to live as I should, in the here and now.

 

So, help me to live every aspect of my life in total harmony with Your Spirit—allowing You to guide my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors always—that by faith, my life will produce those things that please You.

 

Let me reflect the Light of Christ that is within me in all my relationships—for Your glory, honor, and praise—as I encourage both my brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are lost and hurting, with Christ-like love and compassion.

 

Help me to find my identity in Christ alone—so there is no room in me for conceit, no need in me to provoke others, no temptation to be envious or jealous—so that I can live my life with courage, integrity, and godly character.

 

Since I claim to be led by the Spirit, help me humbly submit to the Spirit’s leading in every part of my life, so that my life produces fruit that proves the truth of that leading. 

 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Every Tear Collected and Recorded

 

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.