Prayer Journal: Week 28

Prayer does not enable us to do a greater work for God. Prayer is a greater work for God.
(Thomas Chalmers)

This Week’s Scripture

·         1 Samuel 16:1-13
·         Psalm 23
·         Ephesians 5:8-14
·         John 9:1-41

Adoration

Psalm 23:1-3a
     The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (verse 1)
All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all.
(Edward Perronet)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 


Confession

Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. (Ephesians 5:8b-13)

Merciful Lord, deliver me from idolatrous love of created things or beings. Keep me from loving anything of this world except in service to my love for you, and only as far as love for you will allow. Above all, my God, deliver me from an idolatrous love of self. I know that you made me to do your will, not mine, and to love myself, as all other created things, only as it serves love for you. 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

My Lord and Shepherd, thank you for providing for all my needs, and even lavishing upon me green pastures and still waters. You have restored my soul and you continue to lead me down the right path for the sake of your glory. For that, dear God, I thank you. I am humbled that even in the valley of the shadow of death, I do not have to fear, for I am under your protection and loving care. In fact, more than that, you offer your good gifts to me even in the midst of trials and tribulations. My cup surely overflows. Thank you, O God, for the abundant life you have given me in this world and for the promise of an eternity in your unveiled presence. In the name of the Shepherd and Lover of my soul I pray. Amen. (based on Psalm 23)

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
·         Peace for those in the midst of war, crime, and violence
·         Other needs
 
 
 
O God, may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord.”
(The United Methodist Book of Worship)