Opening PrayerLoving heavenly Father we come to you this hour asking for your blessing and help as we are gathered together. We pray for guidance in the matters at hand and ask that you would clearly show us how to conduct our work with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm. Give us the desire to find ways to excel in our work. Help us to work together and encourage each other to excellence. We ask that we would challenge each other to reach higher and farther to be the best we can be. We ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Closing PrayerHeavenly Father as we come to the end of our time together we thank you for what has been accomplished here today. May the matters discussed serve as a catalyst to move us forward and cause us to advance and see growth in all areas of our lives. May we leave here recognizing You are the God of all wisdom and You are willing to lead us forward. This we pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen

Benediction Prayer

Therefore, may the blessing of the LORD be upon you, and may you know the joy of putting his name upon others. For indeed, blessed are those who walk in the light of God's face.

A Morning Prayer

"Dear Lord, I give you my hands to do Your work; I give You my feet to go Your way; I give You my eyes to see as You see; I give You my tongue to speak Your words; I give You my mind that You may think in me; I give You my spirit that You may pray in me. Above all, I give You my heart that You may love in me - love the Father and love all humankind. I give You my whole self, Lord, that You may grow in me, so that it is You who lives, works and prays in me. Amen."

A Prayer of Personal Renewal (When you are unsure of where you will spend eternity)

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen

Please Make Me New!

Heavenly Father, Thou hast made me, be pleased to new-make me. I am thy work, complete me; I am thy harp, tune me; I am thy child, teach me.

A Prayer for When You Need Wisdom and Direction

Father God, there are so many decisions to make and I don’t seem to know what is the best for now or for the future. You said if we lack wisdom, all we need to do is ask you. I really need you to pour wisdom into my mind today. Thank you!

A Prayer for Success

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." So God granted him what he requested. I Chronicles 4:10 NKJV

A Prayer for When You are Weak or Ill

Father, I am feeling lousy today. I ache all over and feel very weak. You said that your grace was sufficient for me. Please strengthen me. Give me joy inspite of how I feel physically. Amen

A Prayer for the Young Women of the World

Father God, thank you for all the young women in the world. Give them dreams that are bigger than themselves--so they will have to trust you to make their dream come true. Give them a will and heart to be all you created them to be. Help them to work hard and be successful.

Enable them to be generous to those who are less fortunate. Give them hearts full of love and compassion.

Give them the strength to say "no" to activities that they would later be remorseful about--that they would do what is right for them and for the world around them. Help them to be kind to others.

Protect them from people who would harm them physically, emotionally and mentally.

Let them know that allowing You to direct their way is the smartest thing they can do. In Jesus wonderful and powerful name. Amen

A Prayer for Others

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones. And all for Your love's sake. Amen

In God's Will

Lord Jesus, keep me in Your will. Don't let me go mad by poking about outside it.

A Prayer about Commitment

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. For it is your business, not mine. You will know every shade of my suffering; You will care for me with your perfect fatherhood.

A Prayer - When You are Fearful

Father God, I am feeling fearful today. Life seems to be uncertain and out of control. I recall that the Bible tells me “Perfect love casts out fear”. You alone are Perfect Love, so would you please cast out the fear I feel and replace it with confidence in your sufficiency.

Psalm 121 tells me that you never slumber or sleep, so I will trust you to take care of me - moment by moment, day by day. In Jesus name. Amen

A Prayer of Confession

Forgive us, Lord . . . for the things we have done that make us feel uncomfortable in Your presence. All the front that we polish so carefully for men to see does not decieve You. For you know every thought that has left its shadow on our memory. You have marked every motive that curdled something sweet within us.

We acknowledge--with bitterness and true repentance--that cross and selfish thoughts have entered our minds; we acknowledge that we have permitted our minds to wander through unclean and forbidden ways; we have toyed with that which we knew was not for us; we have desired that which we should not have.

We acknowledge that often we have decieved ourselves where our plain duty lay.

We confess before You that our ears are often deaf to the whisper of Thy call, our eyes often blind to the signs of your guidance,

Make us willing to be changed, even though it requires surgery of the soul and the therapy of disipline.

Make our hearts warm and soft, that we may receive now the blessing of Your forgiveness, the benedicition of Your "Depart in peace . . and sin no more." Amen

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

For health and strength and daily food,We praise your name, O God. Amen

A Prayer before Meals

Bless us oh Lord and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, through thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord...Amen

A Prayer for When You Need more Faith

“Teach me to treat all that comes to me with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will govern all. Amen.”

A Prayer When You Want to be Reflecting Christ

Lord, make my life A window for Your light to shine through and a mirror to reflect Your love to all I meet. Amen.

Make Me an Instrument

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.”

A Prayer for our Children and Grandchildren

Lord, I am so glad that you know each of our children and grandchildren by name. Thank you for sending a whole hedge of angels around each child. Thank you for protecting them all today. Father, would you please turn their minds and hearts toward You and pleasing you. Thank you!

A Prayer When You Feel like You have Failed.

Dear God, The little plans I tried to carry through Have failed. I will not sorrow. I'll pause a little while, Dear God, And try, again, tomorrow.

A Prayer for Conflict Resolution

Dear God, when your son Jesus died and rose from the dead, He broke down walls of hostility. Father, you know the conflict I am having right now. I don't know how to resolve it. You are our Savior. Please save and restore this relationship. Amen

A Prayer for When You are Down-Sizing (Moving)

Lord, I really don’t what to move. I like it here - there are so many memories. I am comfortable here because it is familiar. I know it is to large for me (us) now – to much work, but I have such mixed feelings. I don’t like the thought of all the changes.

I am so glad you never change. You are and always will be a constant in my life. Help me to remember that when I am packing and unpacking. Amen.

Graduation Prayer

Father,I have knowledge, so will You show me now,

How to use it wisely and find a way somehow

To make the world I live in a little better place,

And make life with its problems a little bit easier to face.Grant me faith and courage and put purpose in my days,

And show me how to serve Thee in effective ways.So my education, my knowledge and my skill

May find their true fulfillment as I learn to do Thy will.And may I ever be aware in everything I do,

That knowledge comes from learning, and wisdom comes from You.Amen.

Prayer of Commitment to Marriage

Heavenly Father, thank you that you love each of us and want us to experience wholeness and hope in our lives. You see when we fail to live according to your ideals and instead find ourselves in a broken relationship. Help us to be willing to accept our own responsibility in this and be willing to ask for forgiveness and to extend forgiveness. May we never retaliate when we feel wronged, but help us to make choices that would show that we have made a commitment of love which we will keep. May we never take this commitment lightly but choose to work at our marriage. May we also realize that sometimes renewal of relationships takes time. May each of us determine to demonstrate patience, kindness and love in how we interact with each other. We ask this in the name of our loving Lord. Amen.

Prayer for a Pastor

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of leadership you have given to our pastor. It is a holy calling. It's a calling to watch over himself and the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made him overseer. The church has been bought with the blood of your son, on the cross. The responsibility you have given to our pastor is awesome. He too is tempted and tried by the enemy. He has many responsibilities be it in his family or in the community and so it is our prayer that he would be kept from the evil one and that you would empower him to live a godly life, so that out of his fullness he would share the message of the gospel boldly. Help our pastor this week as he searches the Word and Your will for the congregation. Will you grant him the health and strength he needs to share your message in humility and with clarity. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Prayer for a Pastor's Wife

Dear Father in heaven, I thank you for my pastor's wife. I thank you she loves you and serves you so faithfully. I pray very specially for her today. I pray You will help her cope

with all the unexpected things that come into her day. Help her to accept the interruptions as opportunities to serve. Help her to support her husband and learn to go with the flow of his full life. Help her to manage her household well. Just fill her with yourself today. Help her to allow your Holy Spirit to have full control of her life and may she take strength from you as she meditates on You and Your Word. Give her a hug today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

A Prayer to Put on the Whole Armor of God

Heavenly Father, I praise and worship you because you are God. I am honored to be your servant and I take my stand today against the devil and his schemes against me, my family and my ministry. Father, as I take up each piece of the armor, please secure it in place on me.

I take up the shield of faith and extend it over myself. It extinguishes all the fiery darts of the evil one.

I put on the helmet of salvation, which protects my mind from the enemy's attacks. I have the mind of Christ.

I put on the breastplate of righteousness, which covers my body with the righteousness of God. In Christ, every foothold of evil has been washed away and I am clothed in righteousness!

I gird my loins with the belt of truth. Your word, O God, is truth. Father, sanctify me according to your word and remind me through the Holy Spirit of the truth that destroys the lies of sin.

I shod my feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. I have peace with God through the blood of Jesus. I have favor with God and with man. I walk in my inheritance as an adopted son of God and have authority over evil in Jesus' name.

I will use the Sword of the Spirit by speaking the Word of God as it applies to whatever situation I may face today. Father, please remind me of your Word via the Holy Spirit.

I will continue to pray in the Spirit throughout the day, and intercede for all Christians as the Holy Spirit prompts me. I believe that the Holy Spirit is interceding on my behalf according to my prayers.

Thank you, Father, for the whole armor of God. Please surround me with your hedge of protection as I move forward on the spiritual battlefield today. I praise and worship you now and forever, Amen."

A Prayer for a Dream

Father, Once I had such big dreams, so much anticipation of the fufture. Now no shimmering horizon beckons me: my days are lack-lustre I see so little of lasting value in the daily round. Where is your plan for my life?

You have told us that without vision, we perish. So, Father in heaven, knowing that I can ask You to deposit in my mind and heart that particular dream, the special vision You have for my life.

And along with the dream, will You give me whatever graces, parience, and stamina it takes to see the dream through to fruition? I sense that may involve adventrues I have not bargained for.

But I want to trust You

enough to follow even if you lead along new paths.

I admit to liking some of my ruts.

But I know that habit patterns

that seem cozy nests from the inside,

from Your vantage point

may be prison cells.

Lord,

if you break down

any prisons of mine

before I can see the stars and catch the vision,

then, Lord, begin the process now.

In joyous expectation.

Amen.

A PRAYER OF THANKS

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to earth as a baby so many years ago. Thank you that He paid the punishment for my sins by dying on the cross. And thank you that He rose again to prove that death was truly defeated. I place my trust in You to be my Savior. Guide me through the dark times of my and give me courage to live for You. Amen

Lord Jesus,

Please forgive me for being so grumpy as I trudge through the never-ending taks set before me this holiday season...

My to-do list seems to keep growing with shopping, church services, and family gatherings---

and I'm running short of time!

Restore the joy of Christmas to my heart . . .

and help me to relax each day and make time for

YOU--

my one true Source of Joy.

A Prayer for Christmas Morning

The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and good will.Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wisemen.Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world…Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.Deliver us from evil, by the blessing that Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,And the Christmas evening bring us to our bed with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.Amen

Wedding Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come to you asking your blessing and favor on (bride's name & groom's name). We pray for patience, tolerance and understanding as they begin to adjust to wedded life. May theirs be a home where there is much joy, laughter, support and an atmosphere of acceptance and safety. We pray that they will always respect each other and may both of them enjoy the freedom to become all that you want them to be individually and as a family unit. Grant them courage to choose God's instructions in a world that often abandons these. May their trust in you increase. May their home be filled with your peace. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Intercessory Prayer

“Be alert and always keep on praying” (Ephesians 6:18b).

What is intercessory prayer? Dietrich Bonhoffer describes it as

“(a) way of loving others when God’s Spirit moves within us causing us to want to pray for others and giving us thoughts (ways) to do it.”

I had an opportunity to experience intercessory prayer in the life of one of my neighbors. Vera, my neighbor, was dying of cancer. I visited her often, bringing books and baking. I wanted to be an encouragement to her and the family. I also prayed for her salvation. There was nothing in their lifestyle that indicated they were Christians.

Because I knew she was dying, I was especially concerned about Vera’s eternal destiny. I asked my Bible study group to pray for her and also to pray that I would be able to share the gospel with her. There were times when I was determined to share the gospel with her, but then her husband would hover so close - I felt like he was afraid I would get “religious.” I prayed for an open door.

One night I awoke with great concern for Vera. I got on my knees beside the bed and interceded for her. The next morning I knew that I had to visit her again. Vera was in the hospital. This particular morning she was alone and very weak. It was difficult understanding what she was saying.

I asked her if I could read the Bible to her and she nodded “yes.” I read Psalm 23 and asked her lovingly if she was ready to meet God. Then she told me that the night before - when the Lord woke me up to intercede for her - the devil and God had been in the hospital room. She said that there was a fight for her soul and that Jesus had won.

When Vera told me that, I knew why the Lord had prompted me to pray for her. God cared about Vera enough to wake me up and to put an urgency in my heart to pray for her. He gave me the obedience to get out of bed and pray. That’s intercession - praying for others. Are you alert and listening to God’s still small voice when He prompts you to pray for someone?

Father God, give us ears to hear Your promptings to intercede and the will to obey. Amen.

Birthday Prayer

Father in heaven we come to you today thanking you for (insert name). We are glad that you have brought us together and allowed us to know (insert name). On this day we ask for your special blessing and a day filled with hope, joy and optimism. We pray that this coming year might be one that will bring personal success and fulfillment and accomplishment for (insert name). Father we know that you delight in blessing your children and so we ask for this. May we all be grateful for your goodness. This we ask in the name of our loving Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Neighbourhood Prayer Walks

Our Father who art in heaven. . .

"Lord, You are a Father to us, Your people. But we want every person in this block to know You as Father, too. We speak Your comfort and peace to them. We want them to know that the God of

the Bible is a God of love and the only genuine source of everything they long for now and in eternity."

Hallowed be thy name. . . "Lord, we are here to represent Your kingdom in the midst of darkness. We want Your presence to come to this block in a special way and never leave here. We claim this territory as a part of Your Kingdom and declare, "Every place the soles of our feet tread upon belongs to You." We

want You, Lord, to come back to planet Earth and reclaim all of it, because You made it and because it is also our inheritance in Christ. And we want everyone on this block to share in that

inheritance, because they too are made in the image of God and are precious in His sight!"

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. . .

"Lord Jesus, we want You to come back to this earth. We pray that everyone on this block would come to know Your will for their lives and obey that will. We pray they would repent and seek

Your will without fear of compromise and that they would rejoice in their obedience, because it glorifies You."

Give us this day our daily bread. . ."Lord, people on this block worry about not having enough food or clothing or shelter. We pray

they all learn that You are ready and willing to supply all of their physical, emotional and spiritual needs daily, if they would look to You. We pray that they would turn from dishonest or

criminal acts inspired by fear and insecurity, and that they would turn to You for their confidence and security."

And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. . . .

"Lord, teach these precious people about Your forgiveness for them and Your requirements of their forgiveness towards others. Father, these people need to know about Your wonderful Grace

and forgiveness in Christ, so that the burdens of guilt they bear can be lifted and that their forgiveness will then relieve the burdens of others. Lord, teach them about forgiveness as a

stepping stone into unimaginable freedom and blessings."

And lead us not into temptation. . . ."Lord, many of these people are in agonizing difficulties due to mistakes, sins and the traps of Satan. We are asking You to show them the way out of these problems and into Your freedom. Relieve them of all bondage, and feed them in the liberty of Your pasture. Deliver them from

despair and fill them with Your hope."

But deliver us from the evil one. . . .

"Father, bring these special people to a knowledge of the spiritual source of pain and suffering - to realize there is a devil and that he, not other people, is their enemy - so they will stop blaming and fighting each other. Give them an awareness of the spiritual realm and its impact on their daily lives. Grant them a sense of the spiritual battle we are all engaged in. And teach them that Jesus has already won the victory!"

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen...

"Again, Lord, we pray that You would be glorified in this particular block and in the city as a whole. We ask that all the people would learn to praise You spontaneously because they really know who You are - as the true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and that the Scriptures are Your priceless revelation of Yourself to the world and to each individual person. We want these people taken out of the darkness and put into Your wonderful kingdom of light so that together we may worship You in unity and love forever. The chief end of humankind is to glorify You and to enjoy You forever, and we ask that this entire city and the whole world would come to realize this ultimate purpose for their existence. Thy kingdom come - here, beginning today!"

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, NKLV)

Daily Prayers

"A Prayer For The Home”

Father, we as parents want to help build a Christ-centered home: with the teaching of Your Holy Word as our golden text for living. Help us to instill love for acquiring knowledge and imparting wisdom. May we be living examples of committed believers demonstrating those character qualities that bring glory and honor to You. Because You have given us so much You now require us to give much in return. May our home be a place that stimulates creativity that offers opportunity for the study of music, of books, of hobbies where ideas can be shared and questions safely discussed. May Christ’s presence permeate our conversation and synchronize our hearts.

Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home

is more often taken notice of when we’re required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.

"Friends”

Father, help me to be like a refreshing cup of cold water on a hot summer’s day to the friends You’ve given me. May I contribute encouragement, comfort, wisdom, accountability, and loyalty to our friendship. Help me to reserve judgment and faithfully pray for my friends as we walk together heart to heart and hand in hand. Amen.

“On Fire For God’

Father, we are grateful for the fire of Your Spirit that ignites us to be strong in our faith, wise in our understanding, and obedient in our service to You. May we be eager to listen to Your Spirit’s promptings as we fulfill our duties this day. Amen

“In His Time”

Father, You’re a compassionate, all-powerful, on-time God. No need in our life is overlooked, overwhelming, or overly difficult for You to meet. You use the good, the bad, and the complex matters that we sort through daily to test our faith and grow our endurance. These challenges that are continually before us compel us to look to the Scriptures for spiritual understanding and sustaining power. I will trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation, in the midst of the wait. My heart seeks after You, my Lord and my God, for You have cared for me all the days of my life and You will continue to do so, for You promise to never leave me nor forsake me. Amen.

"Bearing Burdens”

Father, as ambassadors of Your heavenly Kingdom, we want to be keenly sensitive to those whose difficulties seem overwhelming. Some of our brothers and sisters are weighed down with troubling circumstances that might overtake them if not for those of us who take them by the arm and pull them up out of the quicksand of discouragement that ultimately sinks them further to depression or despair. As we walk heart to heart and hand in hand with our family of believers we also weep with them in their sorrows and rejoice with them in their victories. Would You lay upon my heart today two individuals, a believer and an unbeliever, and love their souls through me. Help me to do my part to strengthen my brother or sister in their faith journey. Reveal to me a way that I can show genuine concern for the unbeliever, through my caring words or in a loving deed, who needs to see the love of Christ represented in human form. In the blessed name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

“A Prayer For Protection”

Father, there are many foes standing ready to attack. The enemy’s ammunition is relentless coming from every direction but I am thoroughly protected by Your impenetrable shield that completely surrounds me. Fear misguides, but faith guides me into an enduring trust in Your

unfailing love. You are My shelter from the stormy blast of Satan’s weaponry. You lift my head as I am encouraged in You today and my hope is secured in my future eternal home. Amen.

A Prayer about Nature and God's Creation

A Prayer about Nature and God's Creation

Loving Father and Creator of all we come to you today deeply grateful for your creation. As we look around us we are amazed at the greatness and majesty of all that you have made. Nature around us speaks of your greatness - the vast expanse of the sky, the mountains, trees, lakes and streams speak of your great design. You have given us such beauty in the colors of the rainbow, the beauty of flowers and fields. Words cannot adequately express the magnificence of all you have created. We join in praise with the writer of the psalms when he says, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth." May we show our love and reverence to you, our Lord, by caring for all that you have created. We humbly give you praise and thanks. Amen

Soldiers’ Psalm

Psalm 91 is called the Soldiers’ Psalm. We are told that in World War I, the soldiers of the 91st Brigade recited the 91 Psalm daily. This brigade engaged in three of the war’s bloodiest battles. Other units suffered up to 90% casualties, but the 91st Brigade did not suffer a single combat-related death. God is willing and able to keep His words of covenant promise. Plead God’s 91 shield daily. Confidently claim His rest, refuge, safety, covering, faithfulness, freedom from fear, angelic watchers, deliverance, and protection.

Prayer is the War. God’s Word is the Weapon.

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a] 2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Heavenly Father, Help us remember

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Working for God on earth doesn't pay much.....but His retirement plan is out of this world.

Prayers of Mercy

"…but God, being rich in mercy…" (Ephesians 2:4).

Not long ago, I was looking through my library and noticed a book I had read several years ago. It was a compilation of the best writings of Catherine Marshall. I decided to re-read some of

them and God used one of the articles to teach me about "mercy" prayers.

Often we forget that God's love is unlimited. When we notice weaknesses in the lives of the people we live or work with, we can become impatient. We wonder why they don't apply the Biblical truths that would surely help them live more consistently. We pray for them (maybe) but seldom do we remember God's mercy and grace.

After reading Catherine Marshall's book, I began to pray "mercy" prayers. Just a simple prayer like, "Lord, have mercy on ________." Many times we don't even know how to pray, we just know something is not right. But God, who knows all things, knows exactly what the situation is. When we pray, "Lord have mercy," He will intervene and answer our prayer in the best possible way.

For years I prayed for two wonderful, little girls who were not being raised in the ways of the Lord. Many nights, I would pray, "Lord have mercy on those two little girls, they didn't ask to be brought into the world."

One week, things began to change - God had mercy on them. Today, through amazing circumstances, their mother is following Jesus, they are living in a stable environment and the girls are lavished with love. God cares and loves more than I could possibly imagine. And the girls love Jesus.

I encourage you to begin praying "mercy" prayers when you notice problems in people's lives - it so much better than being judgmental or critical.

Lord Jesus, You are loving and Your mercy endures forever. Even though our own love is often so shallow, when we intercede for Your mercy on the lives you bring across our path, You will answer. Thank You so much! Amen.

Jesus and Prayer

INTRODUCTION

Some years ago, I read a book in which the author mentioned doing a study on Jesus and prayer. I thought to myself, "I’ve never done that. If I am a follower of Christ, I should know what He says about prayer." So for the next five months, I read and reread the gospels to discover for myself the prayer life of Jesus and what He says about prayer.

The following is the outline of what I learned. This is a Bible study on JESUS AND PRAYER taken from the books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Jesus Invites Us to Communicate with Him

A. Jesus says, "Come" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Remember when you were a child in elementary school and there was that certain someone you really wanted to be friends with. Then one day they said to you, "Come, sit with me." And you thought, "They like me!" Likewise, Jesus our friend invites us to come and sit with him.

Jesus says, "Listen" (Luke 10:38-42).

"Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue; God’s voice is its most essential part. Listening to God’s voice is the secret of the assurance that He will listen to mine."-Andrew Murray

"It is only when we know that we are powerless that we are prepared to listen to Jesus Christ and to do what He says."

B. We should come as children.

I watch my grandchildren and their relationship with my daughters and sons-in-law. The children love to be with their parents. They are totally dependent upon their parents for their needs. They have no inhibitions about asking for anything they want or need. When their parents are away for a while, they are overjoyed to see them again. They trust them, have complete confidence in them – and are not afraid of them.

Matthew 18:3 (Luke 18:15-17; Mark 10:15).

"A child is never shy before his mother, and a child of God is conscious of his worthiness, namely, his entire dependence."

C. Jesus is eager to listen and answer our requests.

Matthew 7:7-11

John 16:24b

Luke 18:7&8

In Christ’s teaching on prayer, our Lord never once referred to unanswered prayer. My four year old granddaughter, Tabitha, prayed one night, "Dear God, please give us a good day tomorrow so Grandpa and I don’t have to fish in the rain." The next morning, as soon as she was awake, she ran to the door, to see if God had answered her prayer. In our "adult" praying, we should be just as eager to see if He has answered our prayers.

D. House of Prayer?

Matthew 21:13, (Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46)

You are the temple of God. Are you known as a person who prays? As a temple of God, are you declaring His praises?

1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 (1 Peter 2:5 and 9).

The Prayer Habits of Jesus

"We can be tired, weary and emotionally distraught, but after spending time alone with God, we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power and strength." -Charles Stanley

A. Personal Prayer.

Alone with the Father.Mark 1:35Mark 6:46

His reason for spending time with the Father was to discover God’s will for His life.Why do you pray?John 8:26b,28 and 29

B. Public Prayer.

He publicly thanked God for food.Mark 8:6,7 (John 6:11, 23; Mark 14:22)

Do you thank God for your food when you are in a restaurant?

He prayed publicly for the benefit of the people, that they would believe God. John 11:41-43

C. In a Small Group.

Luke 11:1 and Luke 9:18

Initiating prayer in a small group (family, friends etc) provides opportunities to teach them how to pray. Vonette Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ International, says she learned to pray in a group of college and career people. Their prayers and God’s answers to their prayers, stimulated her to want to know God in a deeper way.

D. He prayed for his disciples.

The greatest gift we can give to others is our prayers.

Luke 22:32John 17John 14:16

When we pray for others the same qualities that Jesus prayed for, we know we’re praying in the will of God.

E. He prayed for unbelievers.

Luke 23:34

F. He has power over sickness, death, weather and demons.

Mark 1:23-27Mark 1:40-42Mark 4:36-40Mark 5:35-42

"Learn to worship God as the God who does wonders, who wishes to prove in you that He can do something supernatural and divine."

Jesus’ Posture During Prayer

In my study of the gospels, I didn’t find one reference where Jesus folded His hands or bowed His head when He prayed. He had open and free communication with the Father. Most of the time he looked up, not down.

A. Looking toward heaven.

Matthew 14:19John 11:41

B. Sitting.

Mathew 26:26

C. Prostrate (lying face downwards).

Matthew 26:39

D. On the cross (when in deepest agony).

Matthew 27:46

E. Hands raised in a blessing

Luke 24:51

Do you practice using various positions when you pray? Wherever you are, lift up your eyes to God. There is no need to be in a specific place to pray, such as a church. Pray wherever you are.

Jesus Commands Us To Pray …

"The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is pray. It is not the only thing; but it is the chief thing. The great people of earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer, nor those who say they believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray." S

A. That we won’t yield to temptation.

We are told to pray that we won’t yield to temptation, but it is evident that prayer helps us not to fall into temptation. Mark 14:38 (Luke 22:40,46).

"God will never tell us to do something that gratifies the flesh."

B. That during the end time, our flight would not occur on the Sabbath or winter, and that we might escape.

Luke 21:36 (Matthew 24:20; Mark 13:18, 19).

C. For God’s Kingdom to come.

"Of course, God’s will must be the primary object of our prayers… and we must recognize prayer as an instrument of God’s will. Therefore, we pray that God’s will may be done throughout the world… and in intercessory prayer we bring people… from around the world… into the presence of God."

Matthew 6:10a

D. For God’s will on earth.

Matthew 6:10b

E. For our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11

F. For forgiveness of our sins.

Matthew 6:12

G. Guidance away from temptation; deliverance from the evil one.

Matthew 6:13

H. Laborers for the harvest.

Matthew 9: 37,38 (Luke 10:2).

"Pursuing prayer is prayer on a mission. It is diligent, fervent, constant, persevering, determined and convinced."

Jesus Taught His Disciples to Pray by…

A. Recognizing where God is and who He is.

Matthew 6:9

"If Bible Christianity is to survive the present world upheaval, we shall need to have a fresh revelation of the greatness and the beauty of Jesus … He alone can raise our cold hearts to rapture and restore again the art of true worship."-A.W. Tozer.

B. Yielding their personal wills to God’s; right heart attitude.

Matthew 6:10

C. Our daily needs.

Mathew 6:11

D. Focus on our attitude toward others.

Paul Billheimer in his book, Don’t Waste Your Sorrows, suggests the measure we are able to forgive those who wrong us is an indication to what extent agape love is being developed in us.

Matthew 6:12

E. Recognition of God’s power over the evil one.

"God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world, the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil…"

Jesus’ Principles of Prayer

"The point to remember is that all our circumstances are in the hands of God. The purpose of prayer is to reveal the presence of God, equally present at all times and in every condition."

A. Have faith in God.

Mark 11:22-24

"It matters little what form of prayer we adopt… or how many words we use. What matters is the faith which lays hold on God, knowing that He knows our needs before we even ask Him. That is what gives Christian prayer its boundless confidence and its joyous certainty."

B. Ask and keep asking.

Luke 11:9-10.

C. Ask in Jesus’ name.

The company or organization you work for gives you status; your husband/wife gives you

acceptability; your family gives you credibility. But only Jesus’ name gives you access to the Father.

John 14:13, 14John 16:23b

D. Abide (remain) in Jesus.

John 15:7

E. Bear fruit.

John 15:16

"Prayer, for Jesus Christ, formed the brackets in which He accomplished His earthly work. It fortified Him with wisdom and power before action occurred, and it renewed, refreshed, and revived Him when His human strength was exhausted. On the front end He prayed for fruit, in the middle He bore fruit, and afterwards, He thanked God for fruit."

F. Be Godly and do His will.

John 9:31

G. Forgive.

Mark 11:25

H. He judges hypocrites, but listens to a humble heart.

Luke 20:46,47Luke 18:10-14Matthew 6:5-7.

CONCLUSION

What did you learn from this study on JESUS AND PRAYER?a.

b.

c.

How will your prayer life change as the result of this study?a.

b.

c.

God bless you as prayer becomes an ever increasing priority in your life.

Do You Pray Every Day?

“If we are faithless (do not believe and are untrue to Him), He remains true (faithful to His Word and righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:14).

Two little girls were playing dress up in their Gramma’s attic. They were playing pretend church. The younger girl asked the other, “Jane, do you pray every day?” The knowledgeable older child answered, “No, of course not. Some days I don’t need anything.”

We laugh because we realize that prayer is much more than asking for our needs. But how often do we go a whole day or at least part of a day without even greeting or acknowledging our Master.

This negligence hit home to me when we were in Nigeria years ago. We had two wonderful weeks of ministry. We would have to pray many times a day because there were so many obstacles and God answered our prayers over and over again. We experienced so many miracles.

Then it was time to go home. Early in the morning we headed for the airport. After the usual waiting period and checking and rechecking of our documents, we finally boarded and had an uneventful trip to Lagos. We would be spending the day there before flying home.

It was almost noon when we checked into the hotel at Lagos and as I was standing in the hotel lobby waiting for my husband when I realized with consternation that I had not even greeted my Lord yet. Silently I talked to Him, apologized for my neglect. Thankful that even though I had ignored Him, He was still with me and was waiting for me.

Later, I wondered how long we would tag along with a friend or relative if that person would not even acknowledge our presence or talk to us?

How often do you talk to God?

Lord Jesus, I am so thankful that You are always faithful to us, that You are never rude, You never ignore us or neglect us. I pray that Your Spirit would develop a longing within us for Your companionship so that we would communicate with You moment by moment and that we would treat You like we want to be treated. Amen.

Praying With Confidence

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

How do you pray with confidence? How do you know if God will answer your prayers? Four key words answer this question:

AbideAbiding is the key to successful praying. In John 15:7, Jesus states,

“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.”

Colossians 3:16 says,

“Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you.”

Abiding means you want to stay as close to Christ as possible.

Ask

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7-8,

“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it shall be opened.”

We can ask God for anything and He listens - He will answer. Ask specifically!

Someone has said when we get to heaven we’ll find a lot of unopened gift packages with our name on them because we did not claim them through prayer.

BelieveIn Matthew 21:22 we read,

“Everything you ask in prayer, believing you shall receive.”

Faith, which is an attitude of believing, pleases God. With Him, all things are possible. Remind yourself of this verse when you pray.

ReceiveIf you are abiding in Christ and you have asked and believe, get ready to receive the answer. In other words, when you pray for rain, carry an umbrella. John 16:24 says,

“Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”

Remember these four words to pray with confidence:

abide,

ask

believe

receive

Father, teach us to pray with confidence. To abide in Jesus, to ask, to believe You will answer our prayers and to be ready to receive Your answers. Amen.

Asking Specifically

“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him. And then helping you do what He wants” (Philippians 2:13)

The day I found this promise in the Bible I was very excited. I was beginning to understand that I didn’t have to change myself. God would change me and this verse confirmed it. He would even help me want to change. Being a determined person, I could be a problem if Christ wasn’t in control of my life, but God would work in me to change me. What freedom that spiritual principle brought to my life.

The Holy Spirit was beginning to convict me about being grumpy in the morning. For years I had rationalized that I was just born that way. I had inherited this temperament from my father and grandmother. I wasn’t a morning person. I didn’t want to speak to anyone until after 10:00 am and preferred that no one spoke to me.

The Holy Spirit showed me that His power was not limited to after 10:00 in the morning, and that I was having a negative influence on our four school-aged children and Marvin every morning. So I claimed the promise in Philippians 2:23 and prayed something like this,

“God you are the God of flesh. All things are possible with You. Please change me into a cheerful person in the morning.”

Within three months, my husband Marvin noticed the difference in me. He said,

“I sure appreciate your being cheerful in the morning.”

I realized that praying specifically really works.

I still don’t bounce out of bed in the morning like my husband does. I like to wake up slowly. But when I begin to wake up, before I get out of bed, I focus on the Lord and ask Him to control and direct my life. What a difference praying specifically has made in my life.

Father, thank You for giving us Your Word and the Holy Spirit who opens our mind to understand it and empowers us to change. Help us to remember to ask specifically. Amen

Conversational Prayer

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20)

Having been the Director of the Canadian Prayer Alert for nineteen years and having worked with many churches and prayer organizations, I have made some interesting observations. It seems that most denominations and Christian organizations have developed their own prayer culture - one in which they feel comfortable praying.

Sometimes we become so familiar with how we pray that we become insensitive to new members in the group who may never have prayed aloud before. Or maybe you yourself don’t feel comfortable praying aloud in prayer groups.

Do you avoid praying aloud in public or in prayer groups? Have you been part of a prayer group where one person dominated the prayer time and didn’t let anyone else pray? You wanted to pray aloud but because you didn’t want to be rude, you ended up praying silently?

Have you been in a prayer group where someone used the time to pray/preach to someone in the group? Have you wanted to pray aloud, but didn’t think your prayers were acceptable to the group because you are a new Christian?

I suppose we have all experienced one or more of these scenarios. Remember that the purpose of your prayer time is to communicate with God. It should never be viewed as a ritual or as a time to “preach” to one another.

Conversational prayer is a group of people who talk to God in the same way they talk to a friend. Members use everyday conversational language. If you are the leader of the group, encourage all the people in the group (especially a group unfamiliar with group prayer) to feel free to pray sentence prayers, expressing only a brief thought in one or two sentences.

Here are some ways to pray conversationally:

Leader Introduce TopicsIntroduce a prayer topic or request, one at a time. The group will then pray about this topic or request. Then the leader will introduce another topic or request.

Shared Prayer RequestsAllow the group to share prayer requests. As a prayer request is offered you could ask another member to be responsible to pray for that request during the prayer time. This ensures that each person’s request will be prayed for by at least one other person.

Pray Through ScriptureThis method allows the group to use one or more passages of Scripture as a prayer guide. You can choose any passage that you feel will be appropriate. Here are some examples:Choose a Psalm of praise such as Psalm 103, Psalm 145 or Psalm 150.

Pray for WorkersRecognize the problem of the labor shortage in the spiritual harvest. (Matthew 9:37-38; Romans 10:13-15)

Use HymnsSing a hymn prayerfully and then use the words of the hymn to guide the prayer time.

Use the Attributes of GodSelect one or more attributes of God and spend the time meditating on those attributes and praising Him for His attributes. Share answers to prayer and spend the time thanking God for the answers and His faithfulness.

Father, help us to teach new Christians and older, shy Christians how to pray in small groups. Amen

How to Lead Conversational Prayer

The Purpose of Prayer

Group prayer was a characteristic of the early Christians. We read in Acts 12:12 that Peter went to the house of Mary where many were gathered for prayer. Earlier in Acts, we read that the disciples

“went up to the upper room, where they were staying.... These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women” (Acts 1:13–14).

Old Testament characters also participated in group prayer. For example, 2 Chronicles 6:13–42 records Solomon praying as all Israel gathered around.

Remember that the purpose of your prayer time is to communicate with God. It should never be viewed as a ritual or as a time to “preach” to one another.

Conversational Prayer

During a time of conversational prayer, the group members talk to God the same way they would talk to a friend who is in the room with them. Members should use everyday conversational language. Encourage the group (especially a group unfamiliar with group prayer) to feel free to pray sentence prayers, expressing only a brief thought in six words or so. They don’t have to pray long, elaborate prayers. Everyone is free to pray, or not to pray, as the Spirit directs. Don’t be concerned about silence - allow God to speak to you and the other individuals in the group during times of silence.

Ways to Lead Conversational PrayerSeveral different ways of leading conversational prayer are discussed below. You could choose one of these methods to guide you prayer time or use several to provide variety.

Leader-Introduced TopicsIntroduce a prayer topic or request, one at a time. The group will then pray about this topic or request. When finished, the leader will introduce another topic or request. Both the number and types of topics introduced may vary. It is always helpful to designate a specific person to close each time. This helps insure that the prayer time will not bog down when everyone has had the opportunity to pray if they so desire.

Some Possible Topics for Prayer:

Thanksgiving. Thank God for: His love, His forgiveness, the beautiful day, ways He is working in different lives, etc.

Thank God for something that has happened in your life in the past 24 hours.

“Please help... “ (yourself or someone else).

Thank God for how He will meet those desires and requests.

Shared Prayer RequestsAllow the group to share prayer requests.

As a prayer request is offered, you could ask another member to be responsible to pray for that request during the prayer time. This ensures that each person’s request will be prayed for by at least one other person.

You might want to have group members record on a sheet of paper each request as it is given. They could then refer to the list during the group prayer time as well as throughout the week as a reminder to continue to pray for one another.

You could allow group members to volunteer to pray for requests without assigning them or writing them down. The group would then rely on their memories during the prayer time.

You may wish to pray for each request as soon as it is given, before the next request is shared.

Pray Through ScriptureThis method allows the group to use one or more passages of scripture as a prayer guide. You can choose any passage that you feel will be appropriate. Here are some examples:

Choose a Psalm of praise, such as Psalm 103, Psalm 145 or Psalm 150.

Teach the group to pray using the following procedure:

The first person reads a phrase or an entire verse aloud, pausing to pray a simple prayer as inspired by the scripture and led by the Lord.

Other members of the group join in audibly or silently agree.

The next person reads a different verse, pausing to pray aloud as he is impressed by the Lord.

Continue the same way around the group.

Use the “ACTS” AcrosticYou can simply describe the format below or you could also explore the concept at length through one or more Bible studies on each word. The format goes like this:

AdorationDefinition: Worshipping and praising God, exalting Him in your heart and your mind and with your words.

Some ideas:

Praise and Pray through a Psalm

Sing

Use a list of God’s attributes to praise Him for who He is.

Take time to adore God, praising Him for His attributes such as His loving-kindness, His holiness, His compassion, His majesty, etc.

ConfessionDefinition: Agreeing with God concerning any sins He brings to mind in order to restore fellowship with Him. (Note: Always pray silently during personal confession.)

Confession can follow the following steps:

Review 1 John 1:5–9.

As you spend time adoring God, He will bring to mind what you need to confess.

Allow time for confession (let God speak to each person about any

unconfessed sin).

ThanksgivingDefinition: Giving thanks to God for who He is, what He has done, what He will continue to do in your life and what He is doing in the ministry; a prayer expressing gratitude.

Look at verses such as:

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20, Psalm 108:3, Psalm 50:23.

Then, spend time in thanksgiving.

SupplicationDefinition: Imploring God by means of a petition or an entreaty.

Read: Philippians 4:6–7; Psalm 116:1–2.

Lead the group in supplication by praying aloud.

Be Creative!The above is not a formula or something set in concrete. You can switch the elements around, eliminate some of them or do something completely different. ACTS is a place to start and to spur ideas. Prayer should never be boring or monotonous - try to make it a fun time where those who come leave feeling refreshed and renewed. Use scripture often during the prayer meeting.

Use the “PRAY” Acrostic This may be developed in the same way as ACTS.

PraiseRepentAsk for someone elseYour own needs

Pray for the fulfillment of the Great Commission,using scripture. Win people to Christ through prayer.

Pray that God will prepare individuals’ hearts to understand and respond to the gospel (John 6:44).

Pray that God will motivate believers to share the gospel with the unbelievers (Matthew 9:37–38; Colossians 4:3).

Recognize that Satan has blinded and captivated the unbeliever, and acknowledge (claim) Christ’s victory over him (Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 4:3–4, 2 Timothy 2:25–26; 1 John 3:8).

Persist in these prayers (Daniel 10:12–13a; Luke 18:1–8).

Build People in Christ Through Prayer

Thank God for them (Philippians 1:3).

Pray for deliverance from evil (unprincipled) companions (2 Thessalonians 3:2).

Pray that they will walk worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:10).

Pray for wisdom and revelation in knowledge of Christ (Ephesians 1:17)

Pray for them to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner person (Ephesians 3:16).

Pray for their unity in the Spirit with other believers (John 17:23).

Pray that their love may abound and that they may approve the things that are excellent (Philippians 1:9,10).

Pray for boldness and opportunities to present the gospel to others (Colossians 4:3, Ephesians 6:19,20).

Pray that they may be completely mature and be fully assured in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12)

"Persist in these prayers" (Ephesians 6:18).

Send People for Christ Through Prayer

Recognize the problem of the labor shortage in the spiritual harvest (Matthew 9:37–8; Romans 10:13-15).

Make a list of candidates to be sent by the Lord (Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 9:37–38) and pray persistently for them.

Pray that laborers will be thrust forth into specific communities and countries.

Claim the fulfillment of the Great Commission in your area and the world, according to His command and promise (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 John 5:14–15).

Mobilize and teach others to pray for laborers (2 Timothy 2:2).

To help expand the group’s world vision, pray for specific country, overseas mission group, or overseas Christian workers. (Your group may want to “adopt” a country to pray for regularly.)

Use Hymns

Sing a hymn prayerfully, and afterwards, use the words of the hymn to guide the prayer time.

Use the Attributes of GodSelect one or more attributes of God and spend the time meditating on those attributes and praising Him for His attributes. Share answers to prayer and spend the time thanking God for the answers and His faithfulness.

Call to Prayer

“I urge you, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 1:2)

A few months before Dr. Bill Bright went home to be with the Lord, Marvin and I talked with him by phone. The doctor had given him only months to live because of a deteriorating lung condition. Even though he was bedridden and on oxygen all the time, he was rejoicing in the Lord and still was working on 15 projects.

He told us how God spoke to him in a dream. In the dream, God showed him the growing number of bedridden and/or handicapped seniors who could be using this last season of their lives for the most powerful ministry of all - intercession. They could be interceding for their families, their church, their country and the world. God asked him to share this dream with all bedridden and handicapped seniors.

My brother Frank became totally handicapped as the result of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Near the end of his life he could only communicate by blinking his eyes. But as he grew physically weaker, he became spiritually stronger and his ministry became intercession.

“God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil….” - EM Bounds

Would you help Bill Bright fulfill the dream God gave him by recruiting seniors to intercede for the world?

Father, the Bible says that “first of all” we are to pray. I ask that You would raise up millions of seniors who, in their retirement years, would make intercession their ministry. Amen