 All the Christian virtues are locked up in the word “prayer.” (Charles Spurgeon)
This Week’s Scripture
Adoration Psalm 17:6-7 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Amazing Grace (verse 1) Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see. (John Newton) Take time now to offer God your praise and worship. Confession You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. (Psalm 17:3) Heavenly Father, for unguarded moments and sins of impulse; for anger and uncharitableness; for impatience and thoughtlessness which have wounded others; Lord have mercy upon me. For resentment under rebuke and the pride which hardens me against the truth; for slackness in self-discipline and complacency in unworthy habits; Lord have mercy upon me. In my waywardness and self –sufficiency; and in my utter need and helplessness; Lord have mercy upon me. Amen. (The Book of Worship for Church and Home) As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Thanksgiving Gracious God, Sovereign Provider of all our needs, I give you thanks for being mindful of even me. You are the God of great compassion. You see our illnesses, suffering, and pain and you heal us. You see our problems and struggles and you lead us. You see how we hunger and thirst and you meet our every need, both physically and spiritually. More than that, O Lord, you teach us to have the same compassion as you. You call us to trust you as we seek to meet the needs of others. I confess that all too often Father, I am a person of little faith. Fill me with your Spirit that I may have eyes to see those you love and have compassion for. And give me that same love and compassion, that upon seeing those in need, I may trust you, even as I seek to heal, lead, and minister to others as you have done. Please let me do this for your glory and the blessing of others. Thank you Lord, for the privilege of serving you. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on Matthew 14:13-21) Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life. Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
Christianity demands a level of caring that transcends human inclinations. (Erwin Lutzer)
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 The Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 46
120. Question: Why has Christ commanded us to address God as Our Father? Answer: To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer that childlike reverence and trust toward God which should be basic to our prayer: God has become our Father through Christ and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in faith than our fathers would refuse us earthly things.[1] [1] Matt. 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13. 121. Question: Why the words "in heaven"? Answer: These words teach us not to think of God's heavenly majesty as something earthly, [1] and to expect everything for body and soul from his almighty power.[2] [1] Jer. 23:23-24; Acts 17:24-25 [2] Matt. 6:25-34; Rom. 8:31-32  CLICK HERE to listen to this week's "weekly reset" on the Walking Points Podcast, or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. There's always extra content on the audio version that I pray will bless you. As artists give themselves to their models, and poets to their classical pursuits, so must we addict ourselves to prayer. (C.H. Spurgeon)
This Week’s Scripture · Genesis 29:15-28 · Psalm 105:1-11 · Romans 8:26-39 · Matthew 13:31-52 Adoration Psalm 105:1-2 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! It Is Well with My Soul (verse 1) When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. (Horatio Spafford) Take time now to offer God your praise and worship. Confession 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32) O Lord God of the salvation of thy servants, merciful, gracious, and long-suffering, who… willeth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live: Forgive now, O Lord, this thy servant; grant him the assurance of repentance, pardon and remission of his sins, and absolve him from all his offences, voluntary and involuntary; reconcile him and unite him to thy holy church through Jesus Christ our Lord, with whom be power and glory ascribed unto thee, now and for ever, even unto ages of ages. Amen. (Traditional, Eastern Orthodox) As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Thanksgiving Loving Spirit of God, I thank you that you help me in my weakness. I don’t always know how to pray as I ought. And so, in your overflowing graciousness, you intercede for me with groanings too deep for words. Merciful Father, I praise you for taking the worst about me and the worst things that happen to me and redeeming them for your purposes. You don’t call all things good, but are able to take all things and work them together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose. Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for dying for me, being raised from the dead for me, and even now, interceding for me. Truly, there is nothing in all creation that can separate me from your love. In your name I humbly thank you and pray. Amen. (based on Romans 8:26-35) Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life. Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself) · Give me greater love for those who are hard to love. · Help me to be compassionate and kind to those in need, even when it’s inconvenient. · Pour out upon me your courage and boldness to love those who do not know you and to share with them your Gospel, in word and deed. · Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned · Other needs Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others) · My family · My family and friends who do not have a saving relationship with Christ · For those in my other spheres of influence who do not know Christ · For evangelists around our city, country, and world who risk much in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are lost · Other needs There are two things to do about the gospel – believe it and behave it. (Susanna Wesley)  The Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 45
116. Question: Why is prayer necessary for Christians? Answer: Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us.[1] Moreover, God will give His grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask Him for these gifts and thank Him for them.[2] [1] Ps. 50:14, 15; 116:12-19; I Thess. 5:16-18. [2] Matt. 7:7, 8; Luke 11:9-13. 117. Question: What belongs to a prayer which pleases God and is heard by Him? Answer: First, we must from the heart call upon the one true God only, who has revealed Himself in His Word, for all that He has commanded us to pray.[1] Second, we must thoroughly know our need and misery, so that we may humble ourselves before God.[2] Third, we must rest on this firm foundation that, although we do not deserve it, God will certainly hear our prayer for the sake of Christ our Lord, as He has promised us in His Word.[3] [1] Ps. 145:18-20; John 4:22-24; Rom. 8:26, 27; James 1:5; I John 5:14, 15; Rev. 19:10. [2] II Chron. 7:14; 20:12; Ps. 2:11; 34:18; 62:8; Is. 66:2; Rev. 4. [3] Dan. 9:17-19; Matt. 7:8; John 14:13, 14; 16:23; Rom. 10:13; James 1:6. 118. Question: What has God commanded us to ask of Him? Answer: All the things we need for body and soul,[1] as included in the prayer which Christ our Lord Himself taught us. [1] Matt. 6:33; James 1:17. 119. Question: What is the Lord's prayer? Answer: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.[1] [1] Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4.  CLICK HERE to listen to this week's "weekly reset" on the Walking Points Podcast, or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. There's always extra content on the audio version that I pray will bless you. You shall find this to be God’s usual course: not to give his children the taste of his delights till they begin to sweat in seeking after them. (Richard Baxter)
This Week’s Scripture
Adoration Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Victory in Jesus (verse 1) I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory, how he gave his life on Calvary to save a wretch like me; I heard about his groaning, of his precious blood’s atoning, then I repented of my sins and won the victory. O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever! He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood; he loved me ere I knew him, and all my love is due him; he plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood (Eugene Bartlett) Take time now to offer God your praise and worship. Confession Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24) Thou whose mercy is without measure, whose goodness never fails, grant us the forgiveness of what is past, and a perfect repentance of all our sins; that for the time to come we may with a pure spirit do thy will, O God, walking humbly with thee and charitably with all men. In Christ we pray. Amen. (The Book of Worship for Church and Home) As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Thanksgiving Heirs with Christ - Sons and daughters of God - Adopted into the family of God through the work of the Lord Jesus - Led by his Spirit - The reality that as we suffer with Christ we will also be glorified with him. Gracious God, this is too much to comprehend. The joy that wells up in our hearts as we consider all of this, for even a second, is beyond measure. Thank you for your goodness in not turning away from us, but bringing us to yourself, that we might not only know you but also be your children, redeemed by your love. Help us, therefore, by the power of your Spirit, to not lead lives of fear and sinfulness. Instead, enable us to live lives marked by ever-increasing righteousness, so that the world will see us and give you glory in heaven. In your most holy name we pray. Amen. (based on Romans 8:12-17) Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life. Supplication (Petition – prayers for yourself)
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God. (John Stott)  When we become too glib in prayer, we are most surely talking to ourselves. (A.W. Tozer)
This Week’s Scripture · Genesis 25:19-34 · Psalm 25 · Romans 8:1-11 · Matthew 13:1-23 Adoration Psalm 25:1-2 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Blessed Assurance (verse 1) Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. (Fanny J. Crosby) Take time now to offer God your praise and worship. Confession Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord! (Psalm 25:7) Righteous God, save me from myself, from the artifices and deceits of sin, from the treachery of my perverse nature, from denying thy charge against my offenses, from a life of continual rebellion against thee, from wrong principles, views, and ends; for I know that all my thoughts, affections, desires and pursuits are alienated from thee. For Christ’s sake I pray. Amen. (The Valley of Vision) As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Thanksgiving Life-giving Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I praise you for your gospel. When I reflect on the Psalm and prayer of confession I just prayed, I can only rejoice that there is now no condemnation for me, for I am in Christ Jesus. I have been set free from the law of sin and death by the law of the Spirit of life. By sending your very own Son to walk in perfect righteousness for my sake and to take upon himself my sinful nature, I have been redeemed by his life and death and restored into a right standing with you. Remind me daily, dearest God, that this was not of my doing but due to your grace alone. In the name of my Great Redeemer I pray. Amen. (based on Romans 8:1-4) Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life. Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself) · Help me to grow in wisdom and become who you created and redeemed me to be. · Renew my mind and enable me to cultivate a godly perspective and attitude regarding the various spheres and circumstances of my life. · Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned · Other needs Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others) · My family, immediate and extended · Those struggling with sin, illness, or difficulties in their workplace · Other needs Christ as God is the fatherland where we are going. Christ as man is the way by which we go. (St. Augustine)  CLICK HERE to listen to this week's "weekly reset" on the Walking Points Podcast, or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. There's always extra content on the audio version that I pray will bless you. When our requests are such as honor God, we may ask as largely as we will. The more daring the request, the more glory accrues to God when the answer comes. (A.W. Tozer)
This Week’s Scripture
Adoration Psalm 72:18-19 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. 19 Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! My Hope Is Built (verse 1) My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. (Edward Mote) Take time now to offer God your praise and worship. Confession 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:22-25a) Blot out, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, our past transgression; forgive our negligence and ignorance; help us to amend our mistakes and to repair our misunderstandings; and so uplift our hearts in new love and dedication, that we may be unburdened from the grief and shame of past faithlessness, and go forth to serve Thee with renewed courage and devotion; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Author unknown) As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Thanksgiving God of compassion, so often I am restless, stressed, and without peace in this world. Like Martha, I often find myself worried about a great many things. Yet I know this is not your desire for me. Moreover, you have provided for me all the resources of heaven to give me far better that that. That’s why I am so grateful for the words of my Lord Jesus who told me to come to him for he will give me rest. He commands me, even today, to take his yoke and learn from him, for he is gentle and lowly in heart and in him will my soul find rest, here and for all eternity. I praise you, O God, for his easy yoke and light burden. Please teach and enable me to live in them this day and everyday throughout the rest of my life. Amen. (based on Matthew 11:28-30) Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life. Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
All men desire peace, but very few desire those things that make for peace. (Thomas A Kempis) |
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Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: (Proverbs 23:19)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
(Matthew 7:13-14) 
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