Daily Prayers - September

[bluidkiti]

September 16

Prayer for the Morning

Father, as I face this new day, let me be aware of the work you have done for me as I slept. I praise you that your loving care never slumbers, but has been with me while I was least aware of it; and that you renew me and the whole world, fresh every day, preparing your plans for me.

I pray that I may seek your will this day, your plan for my life, and carry out your plan in my every action. I lay my hopes and fears on an altar before you, that your Holy Spirit may guide my hopes toward the light of your holiness, and may quiet my fears with the knowledge of your infinite peace, in total confidence that your grace will save me from the evils of this world. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

*****

Prayer for One's Home (by Edgar Guest)

Peace, unto this house, I pray,
Keep terror and despair away;
Shield it from evil and let sin
Never find lodging room within.
May never in these walls be heard
The hateful or accusing word.

Grant that its warm and mellow light
May be to all a beacon bright,
A flaming symbol that shall stir
The beating pulse of him or her
Who finds this door and seems to say,
"Here end the trials of the day."

Hold us together, gentle Lord,
Who sit about this humble board;
May we be spared the cruel fate
Of those whom hatreds separate;
Here let love bind us fast, that we
May know the joys of unity.

Lord, this humble house we'd keep
Sweet with play and calm with sleep.
Help us so that we may give
Beauty to the lives we live.
Let Thy love and let Thy grace
Shine upon our dwelling place.
Amen.

*****

Blessing

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, this day and evermore. Amen.

*****

Prayer for the Nations

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the people of God. God is in our midst and we shall not be moved; God will help us. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. We proclaim that God will be exalted among the nations; He will be exalted in the earth. Amen

Scripture Reading Psalm 46

*****

My Lord, forbid that I should want to live to be known only for power and pride. Help me to strive for that which is helpful and lovely. May I never be restrained from thee, but delight to follow in thy way. Help me to be obedient to thy laws, that I may learn thy truths. Amen.

*****

God our Father, we thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the salt, earth and the running water, for the everlasting hills and the never-resting winds, for trees and the common grass underfoot. We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of the summer fields, and
taste of the autumn fruits, and rejoice in the feel of the snow, and smell the breath of the spring. Grant us hearts that are wide open to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thornbush is aflame with your glory, O God, our Creator. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, my heart is full of worry and fear. Please take these burdens from me and give my heart peace.

*****

Heavenly Father, we thank You for another new day with all its blessings, sweet pleasures and joy. Thank You for Your extended love and grace to everyone through Your son, Jesus. We ask you to reveal Yourself to the many needy victims of the recent floods, fires and other natural disasters; comfort and heal those in need. Lord, as we continue to pray for the nation’s leaders, continue to move them when, how and where You choose for Your glory and for the good of the people. We wait upon You and watch and pray without ceasing. Thank You for loving us.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for all of Your provision for me. I do appreciate Your goodness and love to furnish all my needs each and every day. I am looking to You to guide me in the financial affairs of my life. Lord, I resist greed and materialism, and ask for contentment with the things that I own today. I know that You will bless me more and more as I learn of Your ways and follow You. Help me to be a good steward over my finances, my home and all of the things that You have given to me. I do appreciate the material blessings You have given me, but most of all, I appreciate the spiritual blessings that are mine, which money cannot buy.I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

September 17

For Those in Financial Difficulty

Lord God, I remember and pray for all those suffering severe financial problems; the unemployed, the homeless, the bankrupt, the hungry, and those in desperate fear of such problems; people who are deep in debt, not to be able to pay bills, who are losing or have lost possessions to foreclosure, or who have to watch their dependents go without things they need. I open my my heart to them. I pray that your Holy Spirit will be with them, that they find comfort in utter trust and faith in you, and that their anxieties be alleviated by certainty of your love. And if it is your will, I pray that they can find a way out of their difficulties, into financial stability.

And finally, I pray that I not close my eyes to them; and that I not judge those in pain, however they might have acted; but instead, that I might love them as your have loved me, despite my faults. And if it is your will, that I might do what I can to ease their pain. In the name of Christ, who loved us so perfectly, I pray, Amen.

*****

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, let me think about these things. What I have learned and received, let me do; and the God of peace be with us all. Amen.

*****

Almighty God, help me as I start this day to remember how easy it is to drive the peace from it. May I do my best to keep it, and defy any indolence or disposition, that may make me spoil it. May I lay me down at night in peace and sleep because of the contentment that has filled the hours. Amen.

*****

People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." Mark 7:37, NIV

Lord our God, you fill heaven and earth with your Spirit and allow us to share in your gifts. We thank you for all you have given us, for all you are giving and will give. We are poor and needy; all men are poor and needy in spite of their striving, longing, and seeking. Only you, through your Spirit, can awaken something in us to help us go toward your goal. Keep us from being caught up in what men do. The greatest help for our hearts is what you do, and each of us can tell something about it. Each of us has received help beyond anything we had hoped or thought of. How much you have done for us! How much you are doing for the nations! Yes, we thank you for this present time. Although our lives often seem hopeless and full of sorrow, your powers are still living among men, working for their good and awaking them to new life. The time will surely come when our hearts will be released from their hunger and we can be filled with the life from above, which you give us in Jesus Christ. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, please help me as I face this day. Give me the strength to handle what come my way and give me the wisdom to do the right thing.

[bluidkiti]

September 18

Prayer of Resolve

Blessed Jesus, my Savior and Master, model of all perfection, I resolve — and will try this day with my full heart — to imitate Your example, to be like You: mild, humble, chaste, zealous, charitable, and kind. I will redouble my efforts to see Your image in all those I meet and deal with this day — not only people I like — and to be as helpful to them as I would be to You. I resolve to avoid this day all those sins which I have committed heretofore and which I now sincerely desire to give up forever. Amen.

*****

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made me one with your saints in heaven and on earth. Grant that in my earthly pilgrimage I may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know myself to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. I ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord God, some people are able to say short prayers and see immediate results. However, I must recognize that they have spent considerable time in studying Your Word, in prayer and meditation, and in seeking to know Your will. In other words, they were already "prayed up!" ... When a crisis comes, they know You! They know that they can trust You, and that You are ready to comfort, strengthen, and sustain them in their time of need. They know that You have said, "My strength is made perfect in weakness."* ... Oh Lord, help me to see that I too, need a close relationship with You in my life. I need to spend time with You each day, and learn that You are indeed faithful to Your Word and that I can count on You! Help me, Lord, for You too want to be able to count on me to share Your love with others.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

* (II Cor. 12:9)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

“A Prayer For Bearing The Burdens Of Others”

Father, we take to heart the inspired words of James that direct us to confess our sins to one another and to pray one for another. You bring us together in this journey of faith, those who are weak and those who are strong, that we might encourage our brother or sister and stand with them in prayer. You invite us all to Come, those whose joy is morning sun and those weeping through the night. Come, those who tell of battles won, and those struggling in the fight. For Your perfect love will never change, and Your mercies never cease, but follow us through all our days with Your certain hope of peace. We unite in faith through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

September 19

Prayer for the Morning

Blessed are you, O Lord my God, King of the universe, who removes sleep from my eyes, that I may see the returning light of the your day. I thank you for all that you have done while I was asleep, watching over me and all your children while we slept unaware, and I pray that my thoughts and acts this day may show forth my love and thanks for you and all you have done for me.

Help me through your Holy Spirit, that I may remember what you have taught me in the Bible and it may show forth in my every deed. Let me not wander into the hands of sin, nor into the hands of pride or perversity, nor into the hands of temptation, nor into the hands of shame, but steer my inclinations towards goodness and charity this morning and all the day. In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.

******

May the Passion of Christ be ever in my heart. May your law and your goodness guide my every thought, O Lord. And may the power of your Holy Spirit flow through my words and my actions today, and always. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, when we repeat the prayer that You gave Your disciples, we pray: "Thy will be done." Have I concentrated so long on knowing Your will that I have forgotten that it must "be done?" Often it will only be done when a Christian does it; other times, only if I do it! ... Oh Lord, it is not enough to just know Your will, is it? I must be ready to act on it. I ask that You empower me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may carry out Your will more effectively each day.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

“A Prayer For Being Fruitful As A Christian”

Father, like the Morning Glories we too want to be an example of one who is resourceful, perseveres, is proliferous in reaching others for the cause of Christ, and one who loves others just as Christ loves us. In our love for others, we consider the thousands who are suffering in the midst of the devastating floods in Colorado and earnestly pray that they will find refuge, restoration, and a hope that can only be found in You as their Saviour. May we live in such a way that Your glory is manifested in our lives not just in the morning but all day long. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

*****

You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Exodus 19:4–6

Lord our God and our Father, we thank you for all the light you let shine on earth to gladden our hearts. Your light shows us how to live in your creation with open eyes and open hearts, accepting in a childlike way all the good gifts from your hand. How much good you send to many sorrowful hearts, and how much strengthening to those in weakness, poverty, and sickness! Grant that we may recognize what comes from you, that we are not cast down in spirit but mount up again and again on wings like eagles. May we learn to say at all times, "Through how much need has not our merciful God spread out his wings to protect us!" Amen.

*****

Dear Father, thank you for this day. Please give me the strength to get through the day. Grant me peace when this day is over.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of sweet sleep. I am most grateful to be able to lie down at night and be able to find rest. Lord, help me to be disciplined in all areas of my life and not to over-sleep, nor over-eat. I want to be a good example for You and walk in moderation in all things. Lord, may I never neglect my spiritual duties of prayer and devotion, so that I can be guided in Your ways and avoid the snares of the devil. May my light always shine in this dark world for You. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

September 20

Prayer to Gain and Share Wisdom

Lord, there is so much that I don't know, and I ask you to inspire me with a thirst for knowledge. I pray, too, for wisdom and understanding that I may use my knowledge well. I give thanks for many people I have never met whose knowledge and understanding have been passed on to me. I ask that I may benefit from their work and experience and may contribute, in turn, to the well-being of others. Amen.

*****

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within me all this day; and whatever I do in word or deed, may I do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord Jesus, we sing that old hymn, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," but how do we define "friend?" I once wrote this definition: "A friend is someone who compliments you enough to encourage you, who is honest enough to keep you humble while being tactful enough to make his honesty acceptable, and who is sensitive enough to your feelings to let you know that he loves you." ... The more I grow in my faith and the better I know You, the more I realize that You are that friend! Now, I can define friend in two words - Jesus Christ! ... How well our parents and grandparents knew You when they sang, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Sometimes we only discover this when You are all we have to count on! Thank You for Your loving, caring presence in our lives.

In Your holy name we pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Almighty God, I pray that thou wilt help me to correct my life to-day that I may know a better way to-morrow; and may I be mindful and try to do right. Grant that I may be patient and kind if I may be sick or in need, and always keep uppermost the faith of deliverance and eternal care. Amen.

*****

Inspire me, Lord, so that I may reflect your image and likeness a little more clearly each day. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, help me find peace in joy in a world that often is full of pain and suffering. Help me be a beacon of hope when others are in need. Give me the wisdom to guide them in the right direction.

[bluidkiti]

September 21

Prayer for the Morning

I bless you for the day you have made, Mighty Lord God, and pray that I may spend this day rejoicing in your creation. I pray for your Holy Spirit to fill me with the joy of my salvation, so that your light may shine through me into the world, that your honor and glory may be known to all people.

Remind me of your blessings, I pray, with every tribulation I may face, so that I may act with energy, forgiveness and love, ever mindful of the grace You have shown to me. Through Christ I pray, Amen.

*****

To Lay Our Suffering at Jesus' Feet

Lord Jesus, you call me to live every aspect of my life in your presence, and so I come before you as I am. With the myrrh that the wise men carried I bring, too, the pain and sorrow and suffering that I have experienced. I lay them before you because they are all part of who I am. I ask that good may come from whatever negative things happen to me, knowing that nothing can ever separate me from your love. Amen.

*****

Now to him who by his power within us is able to do far more than we ever dare to ask or imagine — to him be glory in the Church through Jesus Christ for ever and ever, Amen.

*****

My Father in heaven, may I hear thy voice today! May I be quiet as I listen to thee. Above the clamor of the crowd may I hear thee calling me. May I hear thee in my joys and in my sorrows; in my work and in my leisure. May I listen to thee oftener, that I may be familiar with thy ways. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer Of Commitment To Pleasing The Lord”

Father, I once again affirm my commitment to follow You wholeheartedly. I welcome the work of Your Holy Spirit, as He lives in me, to guide me into all truths. May the fruit of my life be evidence to onlookers that I seek to do that which pleases You. In those areas where there are strongholds help me to deny my sinful nature and walk in the power of Your Spirit who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ in whose name I pray. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the ongoing work that You are doing in my life. I do want to cry out as David did for grace and strength to keep Your commandments. May I always love and respect You and Your Word above all else. I know that when I choose to do this, that You will protect me from the enemy and keep me in a place of safety. Lord, cleanse me from every evil thing so that I will become a vessel of honor for Your glory. Purge the "dross" from my life so that I will shine for You as silver and gold. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

*****

Give Us, O Lord, a Steadfast Heart
Thomas Aquinas
Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[bluidkiti]

September 22

Prayer for Purity of Worship

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires are known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you and worthily praise your holy name. Through Christ I pray, Amen.

*****

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted me as a living member of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have blessed me with the grace of forgiveness through the sacrifice He made for me and for all people. Send me now into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*****

Free From Condemnation

Thank You for releasing me from guilt and shame. I am in Christ Jesus, walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, and I am no longer under condemnation. I am blessed; my iniquities are forgiven, and my sins covered. The Lord is not bringing any charge against me. You are not counting my sin against me, and in my spirit is no deceit. Thank You for giving me the grace to accept and forgive myself for I am wonderfully made. In the name of Jesus, You are my Creator. Amen.

Scripture Reading Romans 8:1 (KJV) Romans 4:7-8 (KJV) Psalm 32:1-2 (KJV)

*****

Dear Lord, "I'll never really know that You are all I need, until You are all I have,"* will I? ... Remind me that You are indeed faithful; even in my darkest hour, or in my loneliest moments, I can count on You to sustain me. Help me to know this in my spirit, and in my heart. ... How sincerely I believe this will depend on how closely I have walked with You, won't it? Help me to resolve to spend some quality time with You each day.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

* (from DeVerne Fromke)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Dear Lord, it is so easy to give up. Please give me the wisdom and strength to keep trying.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you, Lord, for all of the wonderful things You have done for me! I do appreciate each and every one of them. Lord, I do want to always remain humble, not only in Your sight, but in the sight of men, as well. May I have the grace to be a servant to others and not to think of myself more highly than anyone else, as every child of God is important in Your sight. Not one of Your children is more important than another. We are all important, because we belong to You. Help us not to glory in that, but rather be humbled by that fact. I ask this in the name of Jesus, who humbled Himself to endure the cross for each of us. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

September 23

Prayer to Have Inner Peace in the Coming Day

Heavenly God, may I have peace within, this day;
May I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be.
May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May I use those gifts that I have received, and pass on the love that has been given to me.
May I be confident knowing I am a child of God.
Let this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. This I pray in Christ's name, Amen. (~ St. Therese of Lisieux)

*****

God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and Spirit of God amidst us, direct our way unto you. Make us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before you, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Amen.

*****

The Father’s Love

Father, I thank You for the great love You have bestowed upon me, that I should be called a child of God! I submit to Your Word that is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. In the name of Jesus I repent and renounce anger, bitterness and depression. In the name of Jesus, I look inside that I might experience Your love that is imparted to me. Amen.

Scripture Reading 1 John 3:1-2 Hebrews 4:12

*****

Dear Lord, sometimes I lose all hope and feel as everything is lost. Please give me hope and wisdom to get through.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, we are grateful that we can call on You for the grace we need when others trespass against us. Help us to maintain a loving attitude when we are faced with ill will. You said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers,' so help me to be one who tries to maintain peace among my acquaintances. Lord, help me to deal with those who are trouble-makers in the proper Biblical manner, so as to see them delivered. I ask You to help me refrain from anger, resentment, and rejection and to deal with them in love and wisdom. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Pressing On”

Father, when we begin our journey with You, we’re uncertain of all that lies ahead. We’re told in Scripture that if we are in Christ old things have passed away, and all things have become new. That’s because we now begin to align our thoughts and actions according to Scripture; we begin to see through the eyes of Christ; and we press on to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus so that we will receive our future eternal reward laid up for us already in heaven. Keep us steady, trusting, and faithful as we press on in the faith. Through Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

September 24

Thanks for the Gifts of This Life
O God, I thank You for this day of life
for eyes to see the sky
for ears to hear the birds
for feet to walk amidst the trees
for hands to pick the flowers from the earth
for a sense of smell to breathe in the sweet
perfumes of nature
for a mind to think about and appreciate
the magic of everyday miracles
for a spirit to swell in joy at Your mighty presence
everywhere.
Amen.
~ Marian Wright Edelman

*****

Now unto him that is able to keep me from falling, and to present me faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

*****

My Lord and my Friend, I pray that my sympathy may be sincere and comforting, and with a glad heart I may bring rejoicing to my friends. May I learn from thee how I may be a permanent friend. Amen.

*****

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:24–25, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, we long to be your children and to grow closer and closer to eternal life with all its goodness and truth. In your love to us your children, bless us as we walk on earth under great stress and temptation. Keep us from going astray, and let what you have placed in our hearts grow toward perfection, to your glory and your honor. May our hearts always know the joy that our struggle and suffering are not in vain, that if we are faithful, we may bring forth the fruit of righteousness. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, please help me understand that everything I do touches someone's life and I can make a difference.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I first want to thank You for the wonderful promises You have given us in the Bible. Lord, I want to be a person who not only speaks the Word of God, but also one who puts those words into actions. Lord, help me to guard my mouth and speak only those things that are edifying that will bless others. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight as I offer praise unto thee. May You be glorified by all that I speak. May I never doubt Your Word and may I rely on it in everything I do. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

September 25

Prayer for the Morning

Heavenly Father, I thank you this morning for all that I have. Even if I have problems with my health, I am alive today. If I have money problems, I will eat today. I have clothes to wear, a roof to protect me, and air to breathe.

Let me never take for granted these gifts of life, oh Lord, but always remember that they come from you; without you, no man could make the sun shine or the tree bear its fruit. I pray to live this day in joy and thankfulness for what I have, remembering always who made me and who keeps me. In the name of Christ I pray, Amen.

*****

Prayer to Treat Others with Courage and Grace

Lord, this day and forever, may I have the courage never to be afraid of anyone. May I have the generosity to bear ill-feeling toward no-one. Lead me to live in such a way as to treat others in the same way as I would like to be treated. Inspire me never to be violent in thought, word or action, and lead me to conquer evil with goodness. Amen.

*****

Saved By Grace

My performance and the opinion of others did not save me. It is by grace that I am saved through faith; and that not of myself: it is the gift of God. Not by works of righteousness, which I have done, but according to Your mercy You saved me, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which You shed on me abundantly through Jesus Christ my Savior; that being justified by grace, I should be made an heir according to the hope of eternal life. Thank You Father-God for Your tender mercies and lovingkindness. Amen.

Scripture Reading Titus 3:5-7 Ephesians 2:8-9

*****

Heavenly Father, may I not confuse my life with rebellion, but through thy guidance find peace. Help me through the perplexities that may keep me from the quietness of today. Keep me in sight of the great plan of life, that I may grow steadfastly toward thee. Amen.

*****

God our Father, we bring before you today those who suffer from chronic illness or disability - those for whom sickness or disability profoundly affects their lives. When they feel diminished, remind them that you call them by name and hold them in the palm of your hand. When they feel fragile and broken, mold them and heal them, that they may more closely resemble the image of Jesus, your Son and our Brother. When they are reminded of different times in the past, lead them to grow in the faith that you love them today, as they are, in the reality of their lives this day. When they feel uncertain about the future, lead them to that perfect love which casts out all fear. When situations remind them - not of what they can do, but of what they cannot do - remind them that “love never fails”, and that, living in your love, they will bear your fruit in plenty. May all of us - whatever our circumstances - never be so taken up with our own concerns that we do not see or respond to the needs of others. May we live with courage the different challenges that each of us faces. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Safe Pasture”

Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.

*****

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more...And he who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:1, 5, RSV

Lord our God, our Father, we look deep into your mighty Word and see the glory of the new world you will create according to your justice and truth. We thank you for giving us this joy on earth in the midst of all our toil and striving. We look deep into your Word. You make all things new. To this hope our lives are directed, to this hope you have called us, and we want to be faithful forever. Praise to your name, for you have already done great things for us children of men! Keep us in your Word. Let many find the light, for in this light they may look to you in simple faith and constancy until the end, when throughout the world we may see your glory and your grace. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, thank you for this day and every day you give. My heart is full of troubles today. Please give me the wisdom to deal with them so I may find peace.

*****

Lord, we pray that Your kingdom come on earth. Change our moral standards to align with Yours. Take the tangled knots of our problems, untie them and make something beautiful from them. Bring about righteousness, peace and truth in our land. Change all our hearts. Bring us to humility and submission to You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

*****

“A Prayer To The King Of Kings”

Jesus, You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I pledge my allegiance to You and desire to bring You glory, honor and praise through my thoughts, my words and my actions today. Keep the message from the song, “There is none like You” as the melody of my heart today. “No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search through all eternity and find there is none like You!” And You are more than enough!

*****

Dear Father, thank you for today and all that you do. I love you Lord with all my heart. Please help me show this love to others as I go about the day.

[bluidkiti]

September 26

Prayer for the Morning

May all I do today begin with you, O Lord. Plant dreams and hopes within my soul and revive my tired spirit: be with me today. Be at my side and walk with me; be my support, that your hand may be seen in every action I take, that your goodness may be in every word I speak, and that your spirit may inhabit my every thought. Make my thoughts, my work, and my very life blessings for your kingdom. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

*****

O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to your fold again. Deal favourably with me according to your good pleasure, until I may dwell in your house all the days of my life, and praise your forever and ever with them that are there. Amen.

*****

In A Time of Trouble

When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, You gave me room; now I’m in trouble again: grace me! Hear me! In my anger I will not sin; when I’m on my bed, I will search my heart and be silent. My trust is in You, Jehovah, my LORD. Let the light of Your face shine upon me. Thank You for filling my heart with great joy. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Amen.

Scripture Reading Psalm 4

*****

O Lord, give me the desire to pray, and teach me to pray as thou wouldst have my needs. Sustain me, that I may overcome my weaknesses, and strengthen me, that I may have thine approval. May I be reverent and unselfish as I come to thee in prayer. Amen.

*****

Acts of Faith

Hebrews 11:20-12:2

Dear Father, my trustworthy God,

Give me faith like Moses, who loved your way more than the treasures of Egypt. Give me faith like the people of the Exodus, who were willing to walk through the sea at your bidding, but keep me from wavering and rebelling as they did. Give me faith like Rahab, who placed her loyalty with you and your people. Give me faith like Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who did mighty works in your name and suffered with patient endurance for your sake.

Dear God, I rejoice to be in the company of your holy people, this cloud of witnesses who lived by faith in you.

May I lay aside every weight of sin and run with perseverance the race that is set before me, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith.

In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Overcomers”

Father, we thank You for Jesus who intercedes for us in our hardships, persecution, dangers, poverty and troubles of all kinds. Amazingly, You develop in us a spirit that not only overcomes our difficulties, but enables us to overwhelmingly conquer the very thing that Satan intends to use in defeating us. The Apostle Paul found that he delighted in weaknesses and hardships because it was in his weakness that he found Your strength to be superior to his own. Your grace was sufficient for him to deal with his hardship. Yours is an overcoming, conquering strength unavailable to us through genetics, medicine, therapy, or mortal man. It comes only through personal unswerving faith in You and perseverance in prayer that we can overwhelmingly (hupernikomen) conquer our foe! Help us never to give up but hang in there as we endure and overcome the enemy’s arsenal. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

*****

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20, RSV

Lord our God, we are your children, who come before you and stand in your presence. Be with us and be our light in all situations of life, in all hardships and grief. Be our light, as you have always been. Reveal your power so that the world may know you as we have come to know you. Give us joyful readiness to persevere until your day comes, for the brightness of your day will shine through all darkness and will end all evil, to the glory of your name. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to know many faithful people. It is certainly refreshing to be acquainted with those who are trustworthy and honest. Lord, also help me to be an example of one who is faithful and steadfast in God. Lord, I do want to walk in integrity, so please remind me when I forget anything that I have promised to someone. Help me not to over-commit, and Lord, not only do I not want to be a liar, but I also do not want to fail in keeping my word in any way. I want people to know that I am honest, faithful and trustworthy. Empower me to do this. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

[bluidkiti]

September 27

Prayer for the Morning

Holy Father, who watches over your children by night and by day; blessed Jesus, my food and my strength; sweet Holy Spirit, the light and guide of my soul; I thank you for this new day and pray that you will watch over me. May my thoughts, my words and actions reflect the Spirit that dwells within me. And may every minute of my life celebrate the gift of grace, earned by the blood of Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.

*****

For the Forgotten

O merciful God, take pity on those souls who live this day alone, without friends or family, forgotten by all. Bring the comfort of your Spirit to them, I pray, and let them know the most blessed company of all. Grant them to find the consolation of friendship in this life, and bring them into the light of your word, so that when they pass from this life, they may find eternal joy. Amen.

*****

For Open Eyes

Lord Jesus, light of the world, open my eyes to notice the magnificence of creation. Open my eyes that I may always value and appreciate all who are part of my life. Open my eyes that I may be quick to notice when people are going through difficulties. Open my eyes so that I share your vision and see truly and deeply, outside of myself. Amen.

*****

Now, oh heavenly Father, I ask to be called as a witness to your love by the love I extend to others; a precursor of your justice by my unfailing commitment to what is right and good; a lamp set on a hill, reflecting the light of Christ in my forgiveness, mercy and compassion; and a harvester of souls through my humble and dedicated servanthood. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

*****

Delivered

Today, I give thanks unto the Father…who has delivered me from the power of darkness, and has translated me into the kingdom of His dear Son. You brought me forth with joy and gladness. I live in the kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Once I was darkness, but now I am shining light in the Lord, and my goal is to live as a child of light in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Reading Col. 1:12-13 Psalm 105:43 Romans 14:17
Ephesians 5:8

*****

Dear Lord Jesus, how can I share all that it means to me to have You as the center of my life? How can I explain the joy and the peace that have come into my life since I have known You? ... God drew me to You,* and I accepted You as my Lord and Savior, but it can all be summed up in seven words -- You love me, and I love You! What a really "forever" meaning these words can have! ... The only way to experience the depth of their significance is to step out in faith, and to live a life of commitment, honesty, trust and forgiveness -- a life of sharing and caring, a life that brings an inner peace and joy! ... When I decided to commit myself to seeking Your will for my life, and then, with Your help, living in obedience to it, then I found that counting my blessings daily was better than counting my "have nots," and that You are indeed adequate to satisfy all of my needs. ... Thank You, Lord, for Your presence in my life; help my daily living to reflect You, as I seek to share You with others.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

* (See John 6:44)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Lord Jesus, you took young children in your arms and blessed them. Many times we find in the Gospel that you touched people and cured them. Place your hands on us today that we may know your healing in our lives. May we live in such a way that we help to bring healing and peace and reconciliation to those who share our lives each day. Amen.

*****

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. Psalm 138:1–2, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for your mercy and for your great goodness and power, revealed to us through the ages and in the present time. We live by your revelation, Lord God Almighty, for you perform wonders on earth and you reign in heaven so that heaven can bless and help us on our earthly pilgrimage. Grant that your loving-kindness and your justice may be revealed through all the world. Come, O Lord our God, bring the light for us who believe in you, and be the light for the whole world. Glory to your name, for you are indeed our Father in heaven and on earth, and you give certainty for our life in time and in eternity. Amen.

*****

Father, We thank you. We praise you for your never ending presence and goodness. How excellent is your name in all the earth. The distractions of Satan have no place in our lives. May praise flow freely and continually from our mouths. We trust that the enemy, the avenger is stilled.

*****

Dear Lord, thank you for this day. I ask that my weaknesses do not lead others to stray. Please give me the wisdom to make the right choices and lead by example.

[bluidkiti]

September 28

Prayer for the Morning

For the bird who sings outside my window,
For the tree that stands outside my door,
For the neighbor who waves and says "good morning",
I give you thanks dear God, for these and more,

Your blessings every morning know no limit,
Yet I often rush by not seeing them, I fear;
Let me take a moment this and every morning, God, I pray,
To remember all of them, and know that you are here.
Amen.

*****

Now the God of patience and consolation grant to me, and to all who pray in the name of Christ, to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That we may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, remind me of what Paul told the Philippian church: "Don't worry over anything whatsoever, tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Jesus Christ."* ... Help me to realize that it is easier to accept You as sovereign and Jesus Christ as Your Son, on faith, than to believe in a "happenstance" universe with no divine Designer whose care and love can be experienced by those who believe! ... Remind me, Lord, lest I forget, that You are indeed trustworthy, and that those who trust in You are forever in Your care.

In the name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

* (Phil. 4:7 -- Phillips translation)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Loving Father, may I remember that from the beginning, all things were created beautiful and were given for love. I pray that I may be willing to be guided to the beautiful things of life and receive from them the delight of thy love. Amen.

*****

Lord, inspire us in every moment before we speak, so that our words to others today may all be positive. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer To The All-Knowing God”

Father, You love us so completely and have a wonderful plan for our lives that is revealed to us through the Scriptures and in our life’s experiences. You know us intimately; you know our thoughts before we even speak a word. To grasp the scope of Your awesome power is more than we can comprehend, but we walk by faith and grow in our knowledge of You as a personal God. You know when we sit and when we rise; You perceive our thoughts from afar. You are greater than our hearts and You know everything. Amen.

*****

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Psalm 107:1–3, NIV

Lord our God and our Father, we thank you for all the blessings you have brought into our lives and for everything we still hope to receive from your goodness. We thank you that through your Spirit you will work more and more in us and in all men, so that we are not held back by any human considerations but can go toward a higher goal. Keep us in your care. In all our special concerns may each of us experience your comfort and help, so that we may rejoice with the praise of your name always in our hearts. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for Your Word and Your faithfulness to keep it. Lord, may I be one who keeps my word also. Father, I also ask You to help me guard what comes out of my mouth. May my words be gracious to others and also words of faith and kindness. Lord, when I am trying to convince someone about You or Your Word, may I be gracious about it, trusting You to break down any defensiveness that they may have. Give me love and patience while I am witnessing and sharing with others who do not know You. I ask this in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, our time on earth is short. Please help me realize that it is not the amount of time, but the quality of the time I spend that counts.

[bluidkiti]

September 29

Prayer of Ambrose of Milan

O Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore you, a heart to delight in you, to follow and to enjoy you, for Christ's sake. Amen.

*****

Prayer of Supplication

Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me, for I am poor and needy. Without you, I have nothing. I pray that this day I will have food, and shelter, and be free of pain and fear. If it is not your will for me to suffer, Lord, I pray that I will not. And above all, cleanse my soul of sin, that I might someday be free of all pain and evil; for, whatever I may bear in this life, I have faith and hope in the life to come, through your goodness and mercy. In Christ's name, I pray, Amen.

*****

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted me as a living member of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have blessed me with the grace of forgiveness through the sacrifice He made for me and for all people. Send me now into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*****

Releasing Cares

In the name of Jesus, I cast all my anxiety on God, my Father, because He cares for me. I am self-controlled and alert. The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I resist him, standing firm in the faith…And the God of all grace, who called me to His eternal glory in Christ, after I have suffered a little while, will Himself restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast. Thank you, Father, in the name that is above all names—JESUS! Amen.

Scripture Reading 1 Peter 5:7-10

*****

Dear Lord, if I am to truly serve You in my daily work, help me to see a need and to fill it. ... Let me seek to know Your will for my life, to set goals, and to assess the consequences of my decisions. ... Remind me that I need to spend time in Your Word and in quiet meditation; only then can I recognize the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Only then can I confidently trust the future to You, as You lead me step by step, one day at a time. ... Thank You, Lord, that when I walk closely with You each day, You are glorified and I am blessed. Help me as I strive to be faithful.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Lord God, keep in me a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at myself. Lead me always to be positive, looking for the best in people and in situations. Each day and in every way may I grow in the love of the Father and the presence of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*****

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:21–22, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, grant us your Spirit so that here on earth we may be united with you in Jesus Christ the Savior. May truth dawn on us with its light, bringing joy no matter what happens to us. May all the pain in our lives be turned into birth pangs of a new life in which we can rejoice as people you have created, people prepared for the struggle on earth, who are called into battle and led to victory. Grant that we may not be blinded by the surrounding darkness. Shed a clear light on the new life that is coming. May we see what has already happened because Jesus Christ came to the earth and remains on earth, and may we see what is still to come through him, the Savior. O God of wonders, keep us aware of the wonders that increasingly surround us, until all the pain on earth is finally overcome and we glorify your love and your great goodness. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, help me be who I am and say what I feel without hurting those around me.

*****

Father, we praise You for this new day, thankful that we’re alive and loved by You! We pray for spiritual refreshment as we sit under the teaching of Your Word and that we’ll receive Your joy and strength for the week ahead. Give them wisdom in the decisions they have to make. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, I ask you to help me be strong. I want to forgive those who have done me wrong and live a life of happiness. I ask for the strength as forgivness can be difficult when hurt feelings start to surface.

[bluidkiti]

September 30

Song of Praise (based on Psalm 8)

O Lord my God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, who am I that you are mindful of me, who are any of us that you should guide and protect us?

Yet you have made us in your image, a little lower than the angels, and crowned us with glory and honor we do not deserve. You have given us dominion over the works of your hands and put the earth beneath our feet; you have given us dominion over the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea. O Lord my God, I praise you for your gifts to me. How majestic is your name in all the earth! Amen.

*****

For a Positive Attitude Today

Lord, as I offer you all that is ordinary and everyday in my life, I ask you to give me the power of your Spirit that I may transform each day by living with a positive attitude, looking for the best in people and situations. Inspire me to live in your presence every day so that I may have a full share of the hope only your Spirit can bring; lead me do the ordinary things of life in an extraordinary way, to your glory. Amen.

*****

To Treat Others as I Would Be Treated

Lord, while I pray for peace and goodwill in our world, I ask you to help me to change my own attitude for the better, so that peace and goodwill may start with the way I behave towards those who have hurt me. Inspire me to be as generous to others as I would like them to be with me. Amen.

*****

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that you direct my way unto you, and make me and all of us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end that we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before you, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, help us to think about Ruth Brown's observation that: "We should resolve to be more understanding of the very young, the old, the weak, and the sick. Sometime in life we will each have been all of these." ... Help us to understand our generational differences. Young people have new ideas, new ways to do things, energy, and enthusiasm to offer. Older people have wisdom, learned from years of trial and error. It is hard for older people to stand by and be ignored, and see the next generation make the same mistakes rather than building on knowledge already gained. ... Help us to learn to respect each other's gifts and achievements. ... If we can't do this, why would anyone want to exercise and take vitamins in order to become healthy "senior citizens?" ... Is this generation's answer abortion, and euthanasia next? Oh Lord, help us each to realize that life is Your precious gift for each of us to live wisely, with Your help and within Your will.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

God our Father, whatever our age, may we always have a thirst for knowledge and understanding, and be ready to learn from all of life’s experiences. Inspire us always with a sense of wonder and a great reverence for life. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer Of Rejoicing”

Father, we enter Your gates with thanksgiving in our heart and Your courts with praise, for You have made this day. You satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Therefore, we will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, for You have seen our affliction. You have known the distress within our soul, and You have made a way of escape through Your powerful presence, Your mighty intervention and through the companionship of Your Holy Spirit. We rejoice gratefully for who You are and all that You do on our behalf. Amen.
Based upon Psalms 100, 90 & 31

*****

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all you have done for me. You do so much and yet I still ask for more. Please forgive me and guide me to be appreciative for what I have and what is truly important.