How can you expect God to speak in that gentle and inward voice which melts the soul when you are making so much noise with your rapid reflections? (Francois Fenelon)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Exodus 1:8-2:10
·         Psalm 124   
·         Romans 12:1-8    
·         Matthew 16:13-20
 
Adoration

Psalm 124:8
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (verse 1)
Love divine all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.
(Charles Wesley)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 


Confession

 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1)

Almighty God, who lookest upon the inward man, forbid us in thy presence the vain endeavor to hide from thee what we have thought and done and truly are. Give us candor to acknowledge freely to thee what must be forever hidden from the knowledge of others, and may no false shame keep us from confessing those sins which no proper shame kept us from committing; 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

Gracious God and Giver all good gifts, I praise you for the gifts of your Spirit that you have given to the Bride of Christ, the Church. You have given us those who prophecy, serve, teach, exhort, contribute, lead, and who do acts of mercy, just to name a few. Father you know how much we need these faithful servants and stewards. None of us alone can minister to the Church, in a comprehensive and meaningful way. We need others who devotedly utilize their gifts and calling. Such dependence is ultimately a picture of our need for you, for we are not sufficient in and of ourselves. I am grateful that you provide for our every need. Please continue to make me a vessel of service to others in your name and for your glory. Amen. (based on Romans 8:3-8)
​
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)

·         Help me to mature in my faith and to increasingly please God by my thoughts, words, and deeds.
·         Particular struggles in various relationships
·         My activities for this day
·         Other needs

 
 
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My Family
·         My local church 
·         My denomination
·         Para-church ministries, particularly Christian education and discipleship  
·         Evangelistic ministries 
·         Other needs

 

Attempt great things for God; expect great things from God. (William Carey)

Careful for nothing, prayerful for everything, thankful for anything. (D.L. Moody)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 45:1-15
·         Psalm 133
·         Romans 11
·         Matthew 15:10-28


Adoration

Romans 11:33, 36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! …36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Have Thine Own Way, Lord (verse 1)
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will
while I am waiting, yielded and still.
(Adelaide A. Pollard)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 


Confession

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”. (Matthew 15:18-20)

Dear Jesus, give me the mind that was in you. Put in my heart that spirit of meekness and humility that you showed as you served the poor and the outcast and as you poured yourself out for others. Keep me this day from seeking the praise and affirmation of people; keep me from longing to be thought of as somebody in terms of wealth, fame, influence, and all the other empty toys of the world. Make it my whole and single desire to be somebody in your eyes. In Christ I pray.  Amen. (John Wesley)

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 tender providence, I praise you for your faithful hand in my life. You sent Joseph ahead of his family to prepare a place for them in Egypt. It cost Joseph many years of pain, suffering, and loneliness, yet he recognized it was your hand guiding and protecting him through it all. He also saw how you were the great Orchestrator who never left him nor forsook him. Similarly, the Lord Jesus went through pain, mockery, alienation, suffering, and death upon the cross for my sake. Yet, he knew it was his purpose and your plan. In and through it he prepared a place for me with you, as Joseph did with his family in Egypt. Indeed, all of my life reveals the fingerprints of your continual care. For your constant love and provision, O Lord, I am grateful. In the name of Christ I pray. Amen. (based on Genesis 45:1-15)

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)

·         Spiritual Warfare
·         Growth in Christlikeness
·         Increasing faithfulness in the spiritual disciplines 
·         My health
·         For my ordinary appointments and activities to become divine appointments and activities. 
·         Other needs

 

 Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My Family 
·         Mercy for those who are poor and hungry  
·         Justice for those who are oppressed and persecuted  
·         Love for those who oppress and persecute others
·         Peace for those in the midst of war, crime, and violence   
·         Other needs

 
 
It is true that we may desire much more. But let us use what we have, and God will give us more.
(Adoniram Judson)

Every Christian needs a half hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour. (St. Francis of Sales)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 37:1-28
·         Psalm 105
·         Romans 10:1-15
·         Matthew 14:22-23

Adoration

Psalm 105:1
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (verse 1)
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care;
in thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
(Dorothy Thrupp)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 
 
Confession

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, truly lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wickedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

God of salvation, I thank you with all that I am for reaching down and redeeming me. Indeed, I am grateful for those you placed throughout my life who brought your good news to me. Because you sent them with the gospel, they were able to faithfully proclaim it. Because they faithfully proclaimed it, I was able to hear it. And because I was able to hear it, through your gracious work, I was able to believe in Christ my Savior and Lord. I pray almighty God that you would use me on behalf of others, just as others served you on my behalf. In the name of the risen Christ I pray. Amen. (based on Romans 10:14-15)

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)

·         My personal mission field
Ø  Help me to identify those people who make up my personal mission field.
Ø  Enable me to begin sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know you.
Ø  Empower me to disciple those who are young in their faith.
Ø  Allow me to encourage those who are struggling in their faith.
Ø  Please give me perseverance in all areas of ministry.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 


Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         For missionaries throughout the world
·         For those seeking to faithfully minister to loved ones at home
·         For those who share the gospel in the inner city
·         For those who bear witness to Christ in places of power
·         Other needs
 
 
 
Be to the world a sign that while we are Christians do not have all the answers, we do know and care about the questions.  (Billy Graham)

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)

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)

We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results. (R.A. Torrey)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 22:1-14
·         Psalm 13
·         Romans 6:12-23
·         Matthew 10:40-42



Adoration

Psalm 13:5-6
But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

And Can It Be that I Should Gain (verse 1)
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou my God, shouldst die for me?
(Charles Wesley)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 


Confession

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. (Romans 6:12-13)

God of mercy, please deliver me from pride and vanity and boasting, from self-assertion and self-seeking, and blindness to the common weal. Deliver me from dislike of criticism and love of popularity, and from unreadiness to do my duty at whatever cost. Deliver me from hastiness of speech and sullenness of temper, from readiness to think the worst of others, and from all unseemly and unworthy conversation. In Christ’s name I ask this.  Amen. (The Book of Worship for Church and Home, 1965)

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

Patient and longsuffering Lord, I confess that sometimes I feel as though you have forgotten about me and the hard times I am going through. It’s as if you have hidden your face from me. Such feelings lead me to sorrow, as though the undesirable circumstances of my life have triumphed over me. And yet Father, I know in my heart of hearts that this is not so, for I have trusted in your steadfast love. You have promised to never leave me nor forsake me and your record throughout my life is perfect. Therefore, I will continue to thank and praise you for the joy of my salvation. You have indeed dealt bountifully with me and I am grateful. Please remind me of your presence and goodness when those same overwhelming feelings begin to sneak up on me again. In the name of the One who has promised to be with me always. Amen. (based on Psalm 13)

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)

·         Spiritual Warfare
·         Growth in Christlikeness
·         Increasing faithfulness in the spiritual disciplines 
·         My health
·         For my ordinary appointments and activities to become divine appointments and activities. 
·         Other needs

 

 Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
​
·         My Family 
·         Mercy for those who are poor and hungry  
·         Justice for those who are oppressed and persecuted  
·         Love for those who oppress and persecute others
·         Peace for those in the midst of war, crime, and violence   
·         Other needs

 

If we love Christ much, surely we shall trust him much. (Thomas Brooks)

We are ill-taught if we look for results only in the earthlies when we pray. A praying saint performs far more havoc among the unseen forces of darkness than we have the slightest notion of.  (Oswald Chambers)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 21:8-21
·         Psalm 86:1-17
·         Romans 6:1-11
·         Matthew 10:24-39

Adoration

Psalm 86:12-13
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me (verse 1)
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.
(Augustus Toplady)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 
 
Confession

For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:10-11)

Lord, so often we would accept your grace and forgiveness yet cling to the life of sin we once knew. Forgive us, Lord, and give us the strength to walk in the paths you would call us to follow and forever leave the ways of sin and destruction behind. Create in us new hearts, Lord, as a witness to your loving grace. In Christ we pray. Amen. (James R. Wilson)

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 God, I thank you for your grace. Not for cheap grace that permits me to continue along in my sin, but your grace, freely given, that both forgives me of sin and makes me pure. I give you praise that I have been buried with my Savior and raised to new life with him, that I might walk in newness of life. It is such glorious good news to know that just as I have died with him I will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. This news also humbles me for I know it is not extended because I deserve it but because you are good and loving. Help me, merciful Father, to know my old sinful self was crucified so that I would no longer be enslaved to sin, but now may live for your glory the rest of my days. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on Romans 6:1-11)

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)

·         My personal mission field
Ø  Help me to identify those people who make up my personal mission field.
Ø  Enable me to begin sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know you.
Ø  Empower me to disciple those who are young in their faith.
Ø  Allow me to encourage those who are struggling in their faith.
Ø  Please give me perseverance in all areas of ministry.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 

Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         For missionaries throughout the world
·         For those seeking to faithfully minister to loved ones at home
·         For those who share the gospel in the inner city
·         For those who bear witness to Christ in places of power
·         Other needs
 
 
 
The glory of the gospel is that when the church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it. (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

To pray well is the better half of study. (Martin Luther)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Genesis 18:1-15
·         Psalm 116:1-19
·         Romans 5:1-8
·         Matthew 9:35 – 10:8

Adoration

Psalm 116:5-7
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
    our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserves the simple;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
    for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed (verse 1)
Alas! And did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die?
Would he devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?
At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light,
and the burden of my heart rolled away;
it was there by faith I received my sight,
and now I am happy all the day.

(Isaac Watts)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 
 
Confession

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)

Can ye doubt, if God is love, if to all his mercies move? Will ye not his word receive? Will ye not his oath believe? See, the suffering God appears! Jesus weeps! Believe his tears! Mingled with his blood they cry, why will you resolve to die? Amen. (Charles Wesley)

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

O Great Redeemer, I give you praise and thanks for your compassion. As the Lord Jesus traveled throughout all the cities and villages, teaching and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, he also healed every disease and affliction. He saw lost, hurting, and helpless people as sheep without a shepherd. And to this day, O Lord, you continue to remind us that the harvest is plentiful, yet laborers are few. Help me, merciful God, to be one who prays earnestly to you for those who are lost. Cause me also to pray that you would send out laborers into your harvest. And just as Jesus called out and sent the twelve, move me to become one who has compassion over those who do not know you. Here I am O Lord, send me to them with that same gospel of the Kingdom. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on Matthew 9:35 – 10:8)

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)

·         Lord, help me to faithfully participate in the life of my congregation and for the sake of my community…
Ø  By my prayers
Ø  By my presence
Ø  By my gifts
Ø  By my service
Ø  By my witness
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 
 
Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         For those who serve in government, at the national, state, and local levels
·         For those who serve in law-enforcement
·         For those who serve in fire and rescue
·         For those who serve in our nation’s military
·         Other needs
 
 
 
God wants worshipers before workers; indeed the only acceptable workers are those who have learned the lost art of worship. (A.W. Tozer)

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

To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world. (Karl Barth)

This Week’s Scripture

·         Acts 2:1-21
·         Psalm 104:24-35
·         1 Corinthians 12:1-13
·         John 7:37-39

Adoration

Psalm 104:31-32
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works,
32 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
    who touches the mountains and they smoke!

Crown Him with Many Crowns (verse 1)
Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.
(Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
 

Confession

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)
Lord, so often we have taken on the stresses and strains of life completely on our own and ignored your gift of prayer and the Holy Spirit. Too often we have even reached our breaking point yet we refuse to seek your will for our lives and your help. Forgive us, Lord, and help us have the strength to submit our wills to yours. In Christ we pray. Amen. (James R. Wilson)

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

Most holy and gracious God, I give you thanks for the gift of your Holy Spirit. It is only by his power giving life to my heart and mind that I am able to say, “Jesus is Lord.” Not only is he the One who has given me new life in Christ, but he has given me gifts by which I am able to serve you and others. Your Spirit equips and empowers me to serve you and others for the common good. Forgive me for those times I have squandered the gifts you have given me, and by your Spirit, enliven me once again to use them for your glory and the good of others. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on 1 Corinthians 12:1-13)

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 knowledge, depth of insight, and understanding of God’s Word.
·         Remind me daily of who I am in Christ. Let me be defined by who God says I am, not the world around me.
·         Guide me into greater understanding and faithfulness of God’s call in my life.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
 
 
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Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)
·         My family
·         My pastor(s), church staff, and missionaries
·         Those wrestling with anger, anxiety, or the overwhelming desire to please people at all costs
·         Other needs
 
 
 
God does not fill with his Holy Spirit those who believe in the fullness of the Spirit, or those who desire him, but those who obey him. (F.B. Meyer)