Nov 14 Help me run the race

Father, I love Your Words in today’s Scriptures!  And I pray them back to You.

From Hebrews:  “Therefore…let [me] throw off everything that hinders [me] and the sin that so easily entangles [me], and let [me] run with perseverance the race [You] marked out for [me].  Let [me] fix [my] eyes on You, the Author and Perfecter of [my] faith…”  

Father, point out to me anything that is a hindrance to my being obedient to You; so I follow the course You have laid out for me. 

I know You give me choices.  There are many things I could do, many ways to spend the energy You give me that would serve You and be a blessing to others.  But I also believe that when I am able to use the talents and spiritual gifts You have given specifically to me, I will experience more growth and more fruitfulness. 

In that role I believe I will have more perseverance, more joy, and more success than if I go off on my own.  So I will fix my eyes on You, look to You for direction.  Open my eyes to see You, and all You have to show me.

From Psalm 112: I pray that “[my husband and my sons] will be blessed as men who fear the Lord, who find great delight in Your commands.  [May their] children be mighty in the land.  [Would You place] wealth and riches in [their] houses and [let their] righteousness endure forever.

 Even in darkness, let light dawn [for them].  [Let them] be gracious and compassionate and righteous men.  Let good come to [them when they are] generous… and conduct their affairs with justice.  [Father, let them] never be shaken from their faith.” 

“[Lord, let them] have no fear of bad news; [but let their] hearts be steadfast, trusting in You.  [Whatever comes, let them] have no fear; and in the end, look in triumph on their foes.  [Let them] scatter abroad their gifts to the poor.  [Let their] righteousness endure, and lift [them] high in honor.” 

Father, if they are not as described here yet, bring them to this place.  Draw them to You.  Teach them.  Let them know Your voice and feel Your love.

Lord, for them and myself, bring people and circumstances into our lives that will make us stronger, better, more obedient followers.  Use others as iron to sharpen us to be useful tools in Your mighty hands.  Thank You.  Amen

Hebrews 12:1-3; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 27:17

July 11 Make Might Men

Father, I pray that my sons would be Mighty Men.  Like those men You brought to surround and support David, let my sons be able and capable.  Let them know what is right and not be afraid to stand up and fight for it.

I don’t mean I want them to be killers of men as David’s Mighty Men had to be, but to be of strong character.  All the verses in today’s scriptures contain wisdom for those who would be open to learn.

Father, let my sons have open eyes, ears and hearts to learn from You and Your Word.  Show them truth in their lives, and do not let them be swayed or misled by the lies and deceit of the world or the evil one.

Like David’s Mighty Men, let them see Your hand at work in the world, and join You in it.  Let them have the skills they need to be victorious in today’s battles.  Today’s battles are not against the Philistines, but against greed, lust, envy, entitlement, spiritual strongholds, social pressures, political agendas and those who would derail them from Your purpose for their lives.  Father, let them know the truth that will combat these lies and set them free.

Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah about the condition of the Israelites.  Lord, let my sons be the opposite.  So when they hear Your Word, let them understand it, as they see You at work, let them perceive how to work with You.  Do not let their hearts become calloused, their ears deaf, or their eyes blind.  But let them be open to You and understand with their hearts, and turn to You for healing.

Along with the psalmist, let them “praise You, O Lord, with all their hearts.  Let them tell of Your wonders and be glad to rejoice in You.  Let them sing praise to Your name.  Turn their enemies back and cause them to stumble and perish.”   Uphold my sons, Lord.  Teach them that You judge righteously.

As the Proverbs teach, Lord, “let their walk be blameless.  Do not let them become fools with perverse lips.  Do not let them be hasty and miss the way, or have zeal without knowledge.  Do not let them rage against You.  Help them learn from mistakes, so they will not ruin their lives with folly.”  All these things will make them mighty men of the Lord.  They will know You and trust in You, for You have never forsaken those who seek You.

I would desire to be all these things as well, Lord; to have these character traits, and be mighty in my faith.  Let me be a good role model to my children and all those around me.  Thank You, for doing more than I can even ask or imagine.  Amen

I Chronicles 11:10-12:18; Acts 28: 25-27; Psalm 9:1-12;

June 26 You are my God

“Praise be to You Lord!  You are my Rock.  You train my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

And I am in a battle Lord.  A battle between good and evil rages in my country, my society, and even in myself.  Help me stand firm for godly values amidst the onslaught of evil influences that elevate greed, selfishness, lust, envy, pride, laziness, murder, and all sorts of immorality.

“You are my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer.  My shield, in whom I take refuge…Part the heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke.  Send forth lightening and scatter the enemies; shoot Your arrows and rout them. 

“Reach down Your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.”

Father, You never promised I would not have to face difficulties, but You have promised to always be with me.  You have said “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you…” 

Help me take hold of Your hand and stand strong against the rushing waters the enemy sends to sweep me off my feet.  Let me see through the veil of lies and deceit the enemy would use against me.

And in that deliverance,

My sons “will be like well-nurtured plants.”   As plants need water, light and soil, let them grow strong and walk in the light of the “Son.”  Let them be watered by the Holy Spirit to revive and refresh them.

Give them a rich faith to nourish and feed them so they will produce fruit in season as a fruitful vine in Your care.  Father, prune them to increase their fruitfulness so their lives will bring honor and glory to You.

And “my daughters will be like pillars:” strong and straight, beautiful, to adorn a palace, of resilient character to stand for and display godly values.

Father, in rescuing me, You have “filled my barns with every kind of provision.”  You know what I need to meet the coming challenges You allow into my life.  Meet those needs in a way that I know without a doubt that You have done it.

Prepare me to face challenges in faith and strength of character so I will be a strong witness for You.  Meet my physical and economic needs.  Bless my household out of Your abundant provision.   Show me how to share with others from the bounty You provide for me.

You have my thanks and my praise.  “I will sing a new song to You.”  You are my God.  And I am blessed.  Amen

Psalm 144:1-15; Isaiah 43:1-2

Song I am not afraid

Nov 14 Help me run the race

Father, I love Your Words in today’s Scriptures!  And I pray them back to You.

From Hebrews:  “Therefore…let [me] throw off everything that hinders [me] and the sin that so easily entangles [me], and let [me] run with perseverance the race [You] marked out for [me].  Let [me] fix [my] eyes on You, the Author and Perfecter of [my] faith…”

Father, point out to me anything that is a hindrance to my being obedient to You; so I follow the course You have laid out for me.

I know You give me choices.  There are many things I could do, many ways to spend the energy You give me that would serve You and be a blessing to others.  But I also believe that when I am able to use the talents and spiritual gifts You have given specifically to me, I will experience more growth and more fruitfulness.

In that role I believe I will have more perseverance, more joy, and more success than if I go off on my own.  So I will fix my eyes on You, look to You for direction.  Open my eyes to see You, and all You have to show me.

From Psalm 112: I pray that “[my husband and my sons] will be blessed as men who fear the Lord, who find great delight in Your commands.  [May their] children be mighty in the land.  [Would You place] wealth and riches in [their] houses and [let their] righteousness endure forever.

 Even in darkness, let light dawn [for them].  [Let them] be gracious and compassionate and righteous men.  Let good come to [them when they are] generous… and conduct their affairs with justice.  [Father, let them] never be shaken from their faith.” 

“[Lord, let them] have no fear of bad news; [but let their] hearts be steadfast, trusting in You.  [Whatever comes, let them] have no fear; and in the end, look in triumph on their foes.  [Let them] scatter abroad their gifts to the poor.  [Let their] righteousness endure, and lift [them] high in honor.”

Father, if they are not as described here yet, bring them to this place.  Draw them to You.  Teach them.  Let them know Your voice and feel Your love.

Lord, for them and myself, bring people and circumstances into our lives that will make us stronger, better, more obedient followers.  Use others as iron to sharpen us to be useful tools in Your mighty hands.  Thank You.  Amen

Hebrews 12:1-3; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 27:17

July 11 Make Mighty Men

Father, I pray that my sons would be Mighty Men.  Like those men You brought to surround and support David, let my sons be able and capable.  Let them know what is right and not be afraid to stand up and fight for it.

I don’t mean I want them to be killers of men as David’s Mighty Men had to be, but to be of strong character.  All the verses in today’s scriptures contain wisdom for those who would be open to learn.

Father, let my sons have open eyes, ears and hearts to learn from You and Your Word.  Show them truth in their lives, and do not let them be swayed or misled by the lies and deceit of the world or the evil one.

Like David’s Mighty Men, let them see Your hand at work in the world, and join You in it.  Let them have the skills they need to be victorious in today’s battles.  Today’s battles are not against the Philistines, but against greed, lust, envy, entitlement, spiritual strongholds, social pressures, political agendas and those who would derail them from Your purpose for their lives.  Father, let them know the truth that will combat these lies and set them free.

Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah about the condition of the Israelites.  Lord, let my sons be the opposite.  So when they hear Your Word, let them understand it, as they see You at work, let them perceive how to work with You.  Do not let their hearts become calloused, their ears deaf, or their eyes blind.  But let them be open to You and understand with their hearts, and turn to You for healing.

Along with the psalmist, let them “praise You, O Lord, with all their hearts.  Let them tell of Your wonders and be glad to rejoice in You.  Let them sing praise to Your name.  Turn their enemies back and cause them to stumble and perish.”   Uphold my sons, Lord.  Teach them that You judge righteously.

As the Proverbs teach, Lord, “let their walk be blameless.  Do not let them become fools with perverse lips.  Do not let them be hasty and miss the way, or have zeal without knowledge.  Do not let them rage against You.  Help them learn from mistakes, so they will not ruin their lives with folly.”  All these things will make them mighty men of the Lord.  They will know You and trust in You, for You have never forsaken those who seek You.

I would desire to be all these things as well, Lord; to have these character traits, and be mighty in my faith.  Let me be a good role model to my children and all those around me.  Thank You, for doing more than I can even ask or imagine.  Amen

I Chronicles 11:10-12:18; Acts 28: 25-27; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3

July 7 Hear my morning prayer

Father, like You acted in Paul’s life, would You orchestrate my circumstances to allow for opportunities to bring You glory, and would You fill my mouth with the words to say as I give testimony to Your greatness.

Although Paul’s situation of being in prison did not change, You allowed a greater and greater audience for Your truth to be spoken.

There are situations in my life that I would prefer be changed so I don’t have to deal with the hardships they bring and the worry they cause.  But I am willing to accept whatever conditions You allow, knowing that You are with me, and will defend me, and will use them to Your glory.

Thank You Lord, that this “morning You heard my voice.  As I laid my requests before You,” I know You were listening and are able to act in even the most complicated of circumstances.  I was able to get up and go on with my day, knowing and trusting that You are in control as I “wait in expectation.”

“Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness…make straight my way before me.  I take refuge in You, so let me be glad; let me ever sing for joy.  Spread Your protection over me, and all who who love Your name and rejoice in You…Surround me with Your favor as with a shield.”

If my husband or sons or I have offended each another, let us be soft-hearted towards one another.  Rather than being like fortified cities, where entry is barred, let them open their gates to each other and welcome each other in brotherly love.  Bless them Lord, and surround them also, with Your favor.  Amen

Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 18:19

June 26 You are my God

“Praise be to You Lord!  You are my Rock.  You train my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

And I am in a battle Lord.  A battle between good and evil rages in my country, my society, and even in myself.  Help me stand firm for godly values amidst the onslaught of evil influences that elevate greed, selfishness, lust, envy, pride, laziness, murder, and all sorts of immorality.

“You are my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer.  My shield, in whom I take refuge…Part the heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke.  Send forth lightening and scatter the enemies; shoot Your arrows and rout them. 

“Reach down Your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.”

Father, You never promised I would not have to face difficulties, but You have promised to always be with me.  You have said “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you…” 

Help me take hold of Your hand and stand strong against the rushing waters the enemy sends to sweep me off my feet.  Let me see through the veil of lies and deceit the enemy would use against me.

And in that deliverance,

My sons “will be like well-nurtured plants.”   As plants need water, light and soil, let them grow strong and walk in the light of the “Son.”  Let them be watered by the Holy Spirit to revive and refresh them.

Give them a rich faith to nourish and feed them so they will produce fruit in season as a fruitful vine in Your care.  Father, prune them to increase their fruitfulness so their lives will bring honor and glory to You.

And “my daughters will be like pillars:” strong and straight, beautiful, to adorn a palace, of resilient character to stand for and display godly values.

Father, in rescuing me, You have “filled my barns with every kind of provision.”  You know what I need to meet the coming challenges You allow into my life.  Meet those needs in a way that I know without a doubt that You have done it.

Prepare me to face challenges in faith and strength of character so I will be a strong witness for You.  Meet my physical and economic needs.  Bless my household out of Your abundant provision.   Show me how to share with others from the bounty You provide for me.

You have my thanks and my praise.  “I will sing a new song to You.”  You are my God.  And I am blessed.  Amen

Psalm 144:1-15; Isaiah 43:1-2

Nov 14 Help me run the race

Father, I love Your Words in today’s Scriptures!  And I pray them back to You.

From Hebrews:  “Therefore…let [me] throw off everything that hinders [me] and the sin that so easily entangles [me], and let [me] run with perseverance the race [You] marked out for [me].  Let [me] fix [my] eyes on You, the Author and Perfecter of [my] faith…”

Father, point out to me anything that is a hindrance to my being obedient to You; so I follow the course You have laid out for me.

I know You give me choices.  There are many things I could do, many ways to spend the energy You give me that would serve You and be a blessing to others.  But I also believe that when I am able to use the talents and spiritual gifts You have given specifically to me, I will experience more growth and more fruitfulness.

In that role I believe I will have more perseverance, more joy, and more success than if I go off on my own.  So I will fix my eyes on You, look to You for direction.  Open my eyes to see You, and all You have to show me.

From Psalm 112: I pray that “[my husband and my sons] will be blessed as men who fear the Lord, who find great delight in Your commands.  [May their] children be mighty in the land.  [Would You place] wealth and riches in [their] houses and [let their] righteousness endure forever.

 Even in darkness, let light dawn [for them].  [Let them] be gracious and compassionate and righteous men.  Let good come to [them when they are] generous… and conduct their affairs with justice.  [Father, let them] never be shaken from their faith.” 

“[Lord, let them] have no fear of bad news; [but let their] hearts be steadfast, trusting in You.  [Whatever comes, let them] have no fear; and in the end, look in triumph on their foes.  [Let them] scatter abroad their gifts to the poor.  [Let their] righteousness endure, and lift [them] high in honor.”

Father, if they are not as described here yet, bring them to this place.  Draw them to You.  Teach them.  Let them know Your voice and feel Your love.

Lord, for them and myself, bring people and circumstances into our lives that will make us stronger, better, more obedient followers.  Use others as iron to sharpen us to be useful tools in Your mighty hands.  Thank You.  Amen

Hebrews 12:1-3; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 27:17

July 11 Make Mighty Men

Father, I pray that my sons would be Mighty Men.  Like those men You brought to surround and support David, let my sons be able and capable.  Let them know what is right and not be afraid to stand up and fight for it.

I don’t mean I want them to be killers of men as David’s Mighty Men had to be, but to be of strong character.  All the verses in today’s scriptures contain wisdom for those who would be open to learn.

Father, let my sons have open eyes, ears and hearts to learn from You and Your Word.  Show them truth in their lives, and do not let them be swayed or misled by the lies and deceit of the world or the evil one.

Like David’s Mighty Men, let them see Your hand at work in the world, and join You in it.  Let them have the skills they need to be victorious in today’s battles.  Today’s battles are not against the Philistines, but against greed, lust, envy, entitlement, spiritual strongholds, social pressures, political agendas and those who would derail them from Your purpose for their lives.  Father, let them know the truth that will combat these lies and set them free.

Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah about the condition of the Israelites.  Lord, let my sons be the opposite.  So when they hear Your Word, let them understand it, as they see You at work, let them perceive how to work with You.  Do not let their hearts become calloused, their ears deaf, or their eyes blind.  But let them be open to You and understand with their hearts, and turn to You for healing.

Along with the psalmist, let them “praise You, O Lord, with all their hearts.  Let them tell of Your wonders and be glad to rejoice in You.  Let them sing praise to Your name.  Turn their enemies back and cause them to stumble and perish.”   Uphold my sons, Lord.  Teach them that You judge righteously.

As the Proverbs teach, Lord, “let their walk be blameless.  Do not let them become fools with perverse lips.  Do not let them be hasty and miss the way, or have zeal without knowledge.  Do not let them rage against You.  Help them learn from mistakes, so they will not ruin their lives with folly.”  All these things will make them mighty men of the Lord.  They will know You and trust in You, for You have never forsaken those who seek You.

I would desire to be all these things as well, Lord; to have these character traits, and be mighty in my faith.  Let me be a good role model to my children and all those around me.  Thank You, for doing more than I can even ask or imagine.  Amen

I Chronicles 11:10-12:18; Acts 28: 25-27; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3

July 7 Hear my morning prayer

Father, like You acted in Paul’s life, would You orchestrate my circumstances to allow for opportunities to bring You glory, and would You fill my mouth with the words to say as I give testimony to Your greatness.

Although Paul’s situation of being in prison did not change, You allowed a greater and greater audience for Your truth to be spoken.

There are situations in my life that I would prefer be changed so I don’t have to deal with the hardships they bring and the worry they cause.  But I am willing to accept whatever conditions You allow, knowing that You are with me, and will defend me, and will use them to Your glory.

Thank You Lord, that this “morning You heard my voice.  As I laid my requests before You,” I know You were listening and are able to act in even the most complicated of circumstances.  I was able to get up and go on with my day, knowing and trusting that You are in control as I “wait in expectation.”

“Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness…make straight my way before me.  I take refuge in You, so let me be glad; let me ever sing for joy.  Spread Your protection over me, and all who who love Your name and rejoice in You…Surround me with Your favor as with a shield.”

If my husband or sons or I have offended each another, let us be soft-hearted towards one another.  Rather than being like fortified cities, where entry is barred, let them open their gates to each other and welcome each other in brotherly love.  Bless them Lord, and surround them also, with Your favor.  Amen

Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 18:19

June 26 You are my God

“Praise be to You Lord!  You are my Rock.  You train my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

And I am in a battle Lord.  A battle between good and evil rages in my country, my society, and even in myself.  Help me stand firm for godly values amidst the onslaught of evil influences that elevate greed, selfishness, lust, envy, pride, laziness, murder, and all sorts of immorality.

“You are my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer.  My shield, in whom I take refuge…Part the heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke.  Send forth lightening and scatter the enemies; shoot Your arrows and rout them.   

“Reach down Your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.”

Father, You never promised I would not have to face difficulties, but You have promised to always be with me.  You have said “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you…” 

Help me take hold of Your hand and stand strong against the rushing waters the enemy sends to sweep me off my feet.  Let me see through the veil of lies and deceit the enemy would use against me.

Make my sons “like well-nurtured plants.”   As plants need water, light and soil, let them grow strong and walk in the light of the “Son.”   Let them be watered by the Holy Spirit to revive and refresh them.  Give them a rich faith to nourish and feed them so they will produce fruit in season as a fruitful vine in Your care.

Father, prune them to increase their fruitfulness so their lives will bring honor and glory to You.    And make “my daughters like pillars:” strong and straight, beautiful to adorn a palace, of resilient character to stand for and display godly values.

Father, in rescuing me, You have “filled my barns with every kind of provision.”  You know what I need to meet the coming challenges You allow into my life.  Meet those needs in a way that I know without a doubt that You have done it.

Prepare me to face challenges in faith and strength of character so I will be a strong witness for You.  Meet my physical and economic needs.  Bless my household out of Your abundant provision.   Show me how to share with others from the bounty You provide for me.

You have my thanks and my praise.  “I will sing a new song to You.”  You are my God.  And I am blessed.  Amen

Psalm 144:1-15; Isaiah 43:1-2

Jul 11 Sons Mighty Men

Father, I pray that my sons would be Mighty Men.  Like those men You brought to surround and support David, let my sons be able and capable.  Let them know what is right and not be afraid to stand up and fight for it.

I don’t mean I want them to be killers of men as David’s Mighty Men had to be, but to be of strong character.  All the verses in today’s scriptures contain wisdom for those who would be open to learn.  Father, let my sons have open eyes, ears and hearts to learn from You and Your Word.  Show them truth in their lives, and do not let them be swayed or misled by the lies and deceit of the world or the evil one.

Like David’s Mighty Men, let them see Your hand at work in the world, and join You in it.  Let them have the skills they need to be victorious in today’s battles.  Today’s battles are not against the Philistines, but against greed, lust, envy, entitlement, spiritual strongholds, social pressures, political agendas and those who would derail them from Your purpose for their lives.  Father, let them know the truth that will combat these lies and set them free.

Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah about the condition of the Israelites.  Lord, let my sons be the opposite.  So when they hear Your Word, let them understand it, as they see You at work, let them perceive how to work with You.  Do not let their hearts become calloused, their ears deaf, or their eyes blind.  But let them be open to You and understand with their hearts, and turn to You for healing.

Along with the psalmist, let them “praise You, O Lord, with all their hearts.  Let them tell of Your wonders and be glad to rejoice in You.  Let them sing praise to Your name.  Turn their enemies back and cause them to stumble and perish.”   Uphold my sons, Lord.  Teach them that You judge righteously.

As the Proverbs teach, Lord, “let their walk be blameless.  Do not let them become fools with perverse lips.  Do not let them be hasty and miss the way, or have zeal without knowledge.  Do not let them rage against You.  Help them learn from mistakes, so they will not ruin their lives with folly.”  All these things will make them mighty men of the Lord.  They will know You and trust in You, for You have never forsaken those who seek You.

I would desire to be all these things as well, Lord; to have these character traits, and be mighty in my faith.  Let me be a good role model to my children and all those around me.  Thank You, for doing more than I can even ask or imagine.  Amen

I Chronicles 11:10-12:18; Acts 28: 25-27; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3

Jun 26 You are my God

“Praise be to You Lord!  You are my Rock.  You train my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

And I am in a battle Lord.  A battle between good and evil rages in my country, my society, and even in myself.  Help me stand firm for godly values amidst the onslaught of evil influences that elevate greed, selfishness, lust, envy, pride, laziness, murder, and all sorts of immorality.

“You are my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer.  My shield, in whom I take refuge…Part the heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke.  Send forth lightening and scatter the enemies; shoot Your arrows and rout them.   

“Reach down Your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.”

Father, You never promised I would not have to face difficulties, but You have promised to always be with me.  You have said “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you…”  Help me take hold of Your hand and stand strong against the rushing waters the enemy sends to sweep me off my feet.  Let me see through the veil of lies and deceit the enemy would use against me.

Make my sons “like well-nurtured plants.”   As plants need water, light and soil, let them grow strong and walk in the light of the “Son.”   Let them be watered by the Holy Spirit to revive and refresh them.  Give them a rich faith to nourish and feed them so they will produce fruit in season as a fruitful vine in Your care.

Father, prune them to increase their fruitfulness so their lives will bring honor and glory to You.    And make “my daughters like pillars:” strong and straight, beautiful to adorn a palace, of resilient character to stand for and display godly values.

Father, in rescuing me, You have “filled my barns with every kind of provision.”  You know what I need to meet the coming challenges You allow into my life.  Meet those needs in a way that I know without a doubt that You have done it.

Prepare me to face challenges in faith and strength of character so I will be a strong witness for You.  Meet my physical and economic needs.  Bless my household out of Your abundant provision.   Show me how to share with others from the bounty You provide for me.

You have my thanks and my praise.  “I will sing a new song to You.”  You are my God.  And I am blessed.  Amen

Psalm 144:1-15; Isaiah 43:1-2

July 16 Robed in Righteousness

Thank You Father for giving me a righteousness I could never earn on my own. You know human tendencies and have proclaimed “There is no one righteous, not even one.” David even wrote in a song: “the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men”. When You gave the Law You knew no one could ever live up to that standard. What it did was make people aware of their sin, pointing them to their need for a Savior.

“But now a righteousness from God, apart from the Law, has been made known. The Law and the Prophets testify to it. This righteousness from God comes from faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”   The Savior that was needed is a gift from You. So thanks to You, I have the righteousness that will allow me to live and be with You forever.

David knew this righteousness, even in his sin. And he knew You would keep Your promise to him. He had dreams for his son, as I have for mine, and prayed for Solomon. I join him in asking that my sons “will be [men] of peace and rest…that You would be with them and give them success…may You give [them] discretion and understanding…[may they] be strong and courageous and not afraid or discouraged.”

Father, I thank You for Your righteousness. Apart from You I have nothing. I am nothing.   You protect me and keep me safe. No matter the circumstance, my faith and my trust are in You.   Amen

I Chronicles 22:1-13; Romans 3:9-26; Psalm 12:1

June 26 You are my God

“Praise be to You Lord! You are my Rock. You train my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” And I am in a battle Lord. A battle between good and evil rages in my country, my society, and even in myself. Help me stand firm for godly values amidst the onslaught of evil influences that elevate greed, selfishness, lust, envy, pride, laziness, murder, and all sorts of immorality.

“You are my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. My shield, in whom I take refuge…Part the heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightening and scatter the enemies; shoot Your arrows and rout them. Reach down Your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful.”  

Father, You never promised I would not have to face difficulties, but You have promised to always be with me. You have said “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you…”. Help me take hold of Your hand and stand strong against the rushing waters the enemy sends to sweep me off my feet. Let me see through the veil of lies and deceit the enemy would use against me.

Make my sons “like well-nurtured plants”.   As plants need water, light and soil, let them grow strong and walk in the light of the “Son”.   Let them be watered by the Holy Spirit to revive and refresh them with Living Water. Give them a rich faith to nourish and feed them so they will produce fruit in season as a fruitful vine in Your care. Father, prune them to increase their fruitfulness so their lives bring honor and glory to You.   Make “my daughters like pillars”: strong and straight, beautiful to adorn a palace, of resilient character to stand for and display godly values.

Father, in rescuing me, You have “filled my barns with every kind of provision.” You know what I need to meet the coming challenges You allow into my life. Meet those needs in a way that I know without a doubt that You have done it.

Prepare me to face challenges in faith and strength of character so I will be a strong witness for You. Meet my physical and economic needs. Bless my household out of Your abundant provision.   Show me how to share with others from the bounty You provide for me.

You have my thanks and my praise. “I will sing a new song to You.” You are my God. And I am blessed. Amen

Psalm 144:1-15; Isaiah 43:1-13

Sept 16 God’s plan for all of us is the best plan for each of us

Father, what an amazing plan You set out before Abraham so long ago. He believed You even at a time when there was no evidence to show Your plan was working. You have truly kept Your promise to him in blessing the whole world through him and his offspring. For through his descendants came salvation on the cross. And we who believe are all the seed of Abraham, and the children of promise.

Father, I belong to You as much as Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim and Judah. And just as Your promises to Abraham were true, so are Your promises to me. You will “aid me against the enemy”.   With You I will “gain the victory and You will trample down my enemies.”

Lord, You kept Your word across hundreds, thousands of years. But just like Abraham had to wait till Your timing was right, help me wait on Your perfect timing in my life as well.

I desire to see all my enemies thwarted and in defeat immediately. I would rather see my children and loved ones freed from the lies and deceit of the evil one right now. I long to see their lives and mine free from the influences of the world and the flesh, living in total victory over all that is not godly.   But I also know that You know better than I what is best for all of us. Help me rest, content in Your time table, ready to rejoice at each and every victory.

Father, fulfill Your plan for my sons.  Make my sons’ hearts of wise. Do not let them be misled by the ‘wisdom of the world’ or the philosophies of men, or the frailties of the flesh. But let them see through the falseness that masquerades as truth in the world today. Then my heart will be glad, and I “will rejoice when their lips speak what is right”.

I know that You, who have kept Your plan in place since the creation of the world, are faithful and able to accomplish all You have promised. Thank You. Amen

Galatians 3:6-9; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16