O Lord, how often do I make my own plan, instead of seeking Yours, or going along with the one You started me out on? How many blessings have I missed, because I went my own way?
The Reubenites and Gadites saw with their eyes, that the land they were on was good enough for them; and asked for it rather than waiting for the land You had promised to all the tribes. In their view, what they were seeing was good enough, and it was given to them. I wonder if they prayed about that decision? Or how they sought wisdom on the matter? Or if they were just tired of being on the move and wanted to stop and settle?
Down the road it caused misunderstanding and cost lives.
It was not Your plan, but You allowed it.
When Jesus taught and healed in the town of Capernaum in Galilee, the people searched Him out and tried to keep Him from leaving. Who wouldn’t want to hang on to a miracle worker? Healer? Gifted teacher? But the will of the people did not line up with Your divine purposes.
It was not Your plan, and You did not allow it.
Jesus was not a fisherman. But He got into a fisherman’s boat. He instructed the men to put out into deep water and let down the nets at a time and place that made no sense by fishermen’s wisdom. The men did, acting in obedience to Your sovereignty.
When they obeyed and went along with Your plan, they were blessed to overflowing! They had to call a backup boat, and even then, the boats filled to almost sinking with fish!
It was Your plan, and although it made no sense by human wisdom, it brought overabundant blessing!
Dear Father, I want that overabundant blessing in my life! I desire to align myself with Your will and Your purpose. I lay down my wish to “do it my way” or according to my own wisdom, in favor of Your revelation and Your blessing.
In these troubling times, so many plans are falling apart. So many people are suffering and their lives are in distress as the peace and the health of the world are in question. We cannot see the future to make plans according to our “wisdom” any longer.
Help us lean into You! Hear Your instruction clearly. Embolden us to act with godly wisdom. Keep us on the path of Your plan. And let us receive Your blessing with gratitude and thanksgiving! Amen
Lord Jesus, we know very little about Your childhood from the scriptures. We do know that You were remarkable. From Your eighth day, we know that “He grew and became strong, was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him.” 
Your greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” That is a mouthful!
Holy Father, may I be like those You called to follow You as disciples. May I be willing to leave my family, my occupation to go with You wherever You lead me, leaving behind the security I would lean on in place of You.
Thank You Father, that You have promised to “instruct me and teach me in the way I should go.” Help me be a good student of Your instruction. Give me the ability to hear You above all the other voices: anger, fear, temptation, discouragement, stress.
Jacob wrestled with You one night. He held on till daybreak, and You blessed him. In Your blessing, he became part of the promise You gave to Abram: to make him father of a great nation, make his name great, and bless all the earth through him.
Arise Lord and protect me from those who malign me and take unfair advantage. Protect me from the deceit of the world, the flesh, and the evil one. “O Lord, You keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.”
Father, thank You for showing real life examples that teach me how to make choices.
I completely acknowledge You as Creator of the Universe and all that is in it. You alone possess the Sovereignty and Authority and Power to rule over and be Lord over all.
Make us like trees planted by streams of water, which yield fruit in season. Show us Your perfect will for our lives and Your timing so we will produce fruit that will honor and glorify You and Your name.
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; 
Father, You showed Amos two punishments, judgments for Israel and then said “This will not happen.” You relented, yielded, turned away from those judgments in favor of another.
When challenges and difficulties come to me, remind me to come to You.
O Father, I pray that America will return to You. “[Our] sins have been [our] downfall! Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” 
“Your divine power has given [me] everything [I] need for a godly life…” “You have given [me] Your very great and precious promises…” 
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are Yours. You change times and seasons; You depose kings and raise up others. You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. You reveal deep and hidden things; You know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with You. I thank and praise You…” 
Within it is found the verse that lies in the very center of Scripture – halfway between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21.
Father, James says Abraham’s “faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”
Father, give me Your perspective on these events and circumstances when they happen. Let my first thoughts be to come to You to ask for what I need.
Father, Paul encourages us to “…live at peace with all men and be holy…”. Allow “no bitter root to grow up.” And to make moral decisions now because the consequences later may be too much to bear.
In addition to spiritual idolatry that took their worship away from You, they treated each other with greed and deceit. They were shameless in their lusts and immorality. These are the things I must put to death in my own flesh. Because You gave me a new life in saving me from the penalty of my sin, I seek to live that life in You.
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
There are many followings today, many belief systems that are portrayed in the media as right and credible. Do not let me be misled by these false, socially acceptable representations. You have taught me the truth. And I have aligned myself with You by faith, by public profession, by baptism and by the way I choose to live.
“Admonish and teach me with all wisdom.” Caution me when I am in danger of going the wrong way, or have taken a wrong turn. Show me from Your perspective, how to make decisions that will lead me in the way that will honor You. Don’t let any experience be wasted, but help me learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of others.
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will
Thank You Father that You are my God. Thank You that You know what is best for me and that You are willing to communicate that to me.
Father, You have described those who do not follow You and those who do. Unfortunately, I sometimes display the characteristics of both.
Just like with my earthly parents, my position as Your child will never change. I may move far away from them, or be upset with them, or they with me. So the quality of our relationship may have its ups and downs. And the closeness of our interactions may fluctuate, but my position as their child remains the same.
First they “rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah.” These were the softly running streams of Northern Israel that brought water to provide abundant harvests of grain, but represented the provision You afforded them as a blessing. Yet the people were not satisfied with what You supplied.
They sought other gods. So You brought against them “mighty floodwaters of the River – the king of Assyria with all his pomp…to overflow all its channels, run over all its banks and sweep onto Judah, swirling over it, passing through it and reaching up to the neck.”
He has written: “sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth…” 
Father, I do desire to have Your wisdom. So I will heed the words Solomon wrote.
Father, what great knowledge Solomon amassed! 
“You are the maker of the Bear and Orion (northern constellations), the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. You perform wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”
If David took such care to prepare the work of his son, why didn’t Solomon do the same with his son Rehoboam?
Lord, David, who was known as a “man after God’s own heart” ordered a census to be taken of the Israelites. The implication here is that he wanted to know how many fighting men he had available. It seems like a reasonable thing to do to the logical mind. But what the scripture says is that “satan incited David to take a census of Israel.”
Father, David inquired of You through the prophet Nathan. Back then people did not have all of Your Word for wisdom and direction. And the Torah, the part of the Word they did have, was only known to the Priests. So, since You spoke through the prophets, that’s where David went to know Your will.
My flesh wars with me, tempting me into sin. The world around me seeks to draw me into its ungodly values. The evil one desires my destruction.
Father, here are three examples of people You told specifically what to do. The ones who disobeyed You, paid a terrible price.
Father, help me be more like Solomon. When You told him “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.” He was not quick with a Christmas list of desired material possessions. Even before You granted him wisdom beyond all human possibility, he answered wisely.
David spoke a wonderful charge to his son, Solomon. It is also my prayer:
Father in heaven, as You did for David, would You do for me and my family? Would You “protect us and hand over to us the forces that come against us.”
O Father, how many times have I behaved like the Israelites here, and asked for something so I could be like everyone else? Instead of trusting Your will and the plan You had for me, I settled for what You allowed because I asked for it.
Father, this reminds me that although satan seems to have power on this earth, his power is temporary and limited.
Father, like the Israelites, we have put You to the test. Even as Believers, we have rebelled against You. We pick and choose how we obey You, discounting some things claiming they were written for another time. Or that the meaning was different so long ago. We have not kept Your statutes and have become disloyal and faithless.
Holy Father, may I be like those You called to follow You as disciples. May I be willing to leave my family, my occupation to go with You wherever You lead me, leaving behind the security I would lean on in place of You.
Thank You Father, that You have promised to “instruct me and teach me in the way I should go.” Help me be a good student of Your instruction. Give me the ability to hear You above all the other voices: anger, fear, temptation, discouragement, stress.
Father, thank You for showing real life examples that teach me how to make choices.
I completely acknowledge You as Creator of the Universe and all that is in it. You alone possess the Sovereignty and Authority and Power to rule over and be Lord over all.
Make us like trees planted by streams of water, which yield fruit in season. Show us Your perfect will for our lives and Your timing so we will produce fruit that will honor and glorify You and Your name.
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; 
Father, You showed Amos two punishments, judgments for Israel and then said “This will not happen.” You relented, yielded, turned away from those judgments in favor of another.
When challenges and difficulties come to me, remind me to come to You.
O Father, I pray that America will return to You. “[Our] sins have been [our] downfall! Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” 
Thank You Father, that I have all that I need:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are Yours. You change times and seasons; You depose kings and raise up others. You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. You reveal deep and hidden things; You know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with You. I thank and praise You…” 
Within it is found the verse that lies in the very center of Scripture – halfway between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21.
Father, James says Abraham’s “faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”
Father, give me Your perspective on these events and circumstances when they happen. Let my first thoughts be to come to You to ask for what I need.
Father, Paul encourages us to “…live at peace with all men and be holy…”. Allow “no bitter root to grow up.” And to make moral decisions now because the consequences later may be too much to bear.
In addition to spiritual idolatry that took their worship away from You, they treated each other with greed and deceit. They were shameless in their lusts and immorality. These are the things I must put to death in my own flesh. Because You gave me a new life in saving me from the penalty of my sin, I seek to live that life in You.
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
There are many followings today, many belief systems that are portrayed in the media as right and credible. Do not let me be misled by these false, socially acceptable representations. You have taught me the truth. And I have aligned myself with You by faith, by public profession, by baptism and by the way I choose to live. 
“Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear…Should you not fear me, declares the Lord? Should you not tremble in my presence? ”
Thank You Father that You are my God. Thank You that You know what is best for me and that You are willing to communicate that to me.
Just like with my earthly parents, my position as Your child will never change. I may move far away from them, or be upset with them, or they with me. So the quality of our relationship may have its ups and downs. And the closeness of our interactions may fluctuate, but my position as their child remains the same.
First they “rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah.” These were the softly running streams of Northern Israel that brought water to provide abundant harvests of grain, but represented the provision You afforded them as a blessing. Yet the people were not satisfied with what You supplied.
They sought other gods. So You brought against them “mighty floodwaters of the River – the king of Assyria with all his pomp…to overflow all its channels, run over all its banks and sweep onto Judah, swirling over it, passing through it and reaching up to the neck.” The Assyrian Empire was centered on the Tigris and Euphrates, two of the largest and mightiest rivers. The Assyrians would spill over into Israel and flood up to their necks. Not the kind of water that was useful for life, but a devastating, destructive flood.
He has written: “sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth…” 
Father, I do desire to have Your wisdom. So I will heed the words Solomon wrote.
Father, what great knowledge Solomon amassed!
“You are the maker of the Bear and Orion (northern constellations), the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. You perform wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”
Lord, I think of how far Rehoboam fell from the standards of his father, Solomon and grandfather, David. It is so sad that all the faith and wisdom died with the very next generation! 
Lord, David, who was known as a “man after God’s own heart” ordered that a census be taken of the Israelites. The implication here is that he wanted to know how many fighting men he had available. It seems like a reasonable thing to do to the logical mind. But what the scripture says is that “satan incited David to take a census of Israel.”
Father, David inquired of You through the prophet Nathan. Back then people did not have all of Your Word for wisdom and direction. And the Torah, the part of the Word they did have, was only known to the Priests. So, since You spoke through the prophets, that’s where David went to know Your will.
My flesh wars with me, tempting me into sin. The world around me seeks to draw me into its ungodly values. The evil one desires my destruction.
Father, here are three examples of people You told specifically what to do. The ones who disobeyed You, paid a terrible price. 
Father in heaven, as You did for David, would You do for me and my family? Would You “protect us and hand over to us the forces that come against us.”
Wisdom, prophecy, life and death. All are in Your hands.
O Father, how many times have I behaved like the Israelites here, and asked for something so I could be like everyone else? Instead of trusting Your will and the plan You had for me, I settled for what You allowed because I asked for it.
Lord Jesus, we know very little about Your childhood from the scriptures. We do know that You were remarkable. From Your eighth day, we know that “He grew and became strong, was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him.” 
Heavenly Father, it amazes me that even in Your presence here on earth, with all the wisdom You shared in Your teachings, all the authority You spoke with, all the healings and miracles You performed, people didn’t recognize and acknowledge who You were.
Holy Father, may I be like those You called to follow You as disciples. May I be willing to leave my family, my occupation to go with You wherever You lead me, leaving behind the security I would lean on in place of You.
Jacob wrestled with You one night. He held on till daybreak, and You blessed him. In Your blessing, he became part of the promise You gave to Abram: to make him father of a great nation, make his name great, and bless all the earth through him.
Oh God my Father, I too, sometimes have days where I feel like the Psalmist David who writes this prayer for help in trouble. He sings his troubles to You O Lord, as he writes this to his chief musician.
Arise Lord and protect me from those who malign me and take unfair advantage. Protect me from the deceit of the world, the flesh, and the evil one. “O Lord, You keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.”
I completely acknowledge You as Creator of the Universe and all that is in it. You alone possess the Sovereignty and Authority and Power to rule over and be Lord over all.
“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: 
Daily Bible Prayer