Giver Of Good Gifts

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.  They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.

—Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (NIV)

Gracious God,

May I always remain thankful and content throughout the seasons of my life and find my true joy in knowing You—because You truly are all that I need.

Let me always rejoice over the good things that You have placed in my life—whether much or little—in acknowledgement that every good gift comes from You.

Help me be grateful for the chance to enjoy what wealth and possessions I have, while they are entrusted to me, and graciously accept my lot in life and the work You have given me to do—knowing I am not promised tomorrow.

Keep me far from anxious thoughts about the uncertainty of the days of my life by filling my heart with gladness, as I keep my eyes on You—the giver of life.

May I always remain thankful and content throughout the seasons of my life and find my true joy in knowing You—because You truly are all that I need.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Understanding The Answers That You Have Already Given

I told you my plans, and you answered.
    Now teach me your decrees.

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
    and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

—Psalm 119:26-27 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

You know everything, but always take the time to listen to what I have to say, anyway.  Now help me to listen, as You teach me Your commands and reveal to me the full depth of their meaning.

All of my plans and ideas, all of my needs and desires, all of my grumbling and complaining, all of my expressions and confessions, all of my challenges and questions—you have heard them all with patient compassion and tender mercy for me.

Through Your Word and out of Your unfailing love, You have already answered every word I have ever spoken—before it was even formed in my mouth.

Now, teach me Your Word and help me to understand Your commandments, so I might know their deepest meanings and understand how they demonstrate Your love for me—through the protection and provision they provide for me, when I  follow carefully after them.

Then I will set aside my own plans and quiet the thoughts that overrun my mind—seeking only to see, understand and meditate on the wondrous works of Your hands, which surround me in every circumstance within which I may find myself.

You know everything, but always take the time to listen to what I have to say, anyway.  Now help me to listen, as You teach me Your commands and reveal to me the full depth of their meaning.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Honoring Marriage

Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage.  God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

—Hebrews 13:4 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Help me to bring honor to the institution of biblical marriage—as a witness to others of Your love for all of us—always giving my wife the honor she is due, by staying true to my vows to her and my commitments to You.

Keep me faithful to her in every way—by helping me always to keep my thoughts, motives and actions pure and honorable.

Help me to demonstrate my love for her by following Your example of love for me.   

Help me to pray for her, provide for her, protect her and hold her close at all times with compassion, mercy and grace—willingly and freely giving my life for her.

May our marriage be a witness to the world of Your intentions for this wondrous institution, so others may know the beauty of Your plan.

Help me to bring honor to the institution of biblical marriage—as a witness to others of Your love for all of us—always giving my wife the honor she is due, by staying true to my vows to her and my commitments to You.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.