Prayer Journal: Week 39

To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. (Richard Foster)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 1:1-2:4
·         Psalm 8
·         2 Corinthians 13:11-13
·         Matthew 28:16-20

Adoration

Psalm 8:1
O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.

Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast (verse 1)
Come, sinners, to the gospel feast;
let every soul be Jesus’ guest.
Ye need not one be left behind,
for God hath bid all human kind.
(Charles Wesley)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.

Confession

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)

O blessed Lord, who has commanded us to love one another, grant us grace that having received thine underserved bounty, we may love everyone in thee and for thee. We implore thy clemency for all; but especially for the friends whom thy love has given to us. Love thou them, O thou fountain of love, and make them to love thee with all their heart, that they may will, and speak, and do those things only which are pleasing to thee. Amen. (St. Anselm)

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

Heavenly Father, I thank you for giving all authority in heaven and earth to my Lord, Jesus Christ. I praise you that, even two thousand years ago, he had me in mind when he commanded his followers to go into all the world to make disciples. Century and century after century your faithful followers have passed down the faith once delivered to the saints, so that two millennia later, I can give you glory for redeeming me in and through the saving work of your Son. Gracious God, please help me observe all you have commanded and spur me on to love others by declaring to them that same good news of your love, expressed through the person and work of Christ the Lord. Finally, blessed Redeemer, I thank you that you have not left me alone in this world, but have promised to always be with me, even to the end of the age. That is indeed a precious promise and I am grateful for it. In Christ’s name I pray.  Amen. (based on Matthew 28:16-20)

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
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I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need. (Charles Spurgeon)