Daily Prayer: March 2018

SCATTERED

Matthew 26:31 (NLT)

³¹On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

Matthew 26:55-56 (NLT)

⁵⁵Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. ⁵⁶But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Father it would be so easy to condemn the disciples for their lack of courage and commitment. And even though they had been warned of their impending danger and their desertion of Jesus, how could they have imagined such chaos and upheaval in the garden where they often prayed with Jesus.

Father, in the echoing of their words I can hear my voice: “I will not betray you and I will not abandon you.” But, the brutal reality of my own frailty and vulnerability belie such lofty thoughts. Thankfully Father, your word reminds us: “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. ¹³The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT)

Thank you Father that in your grace and mercy you forgave them, restored them and commissioned them to a worldwide mission of sharing the gospel message, He is risen! And thank you Father for the wonderful legacy of Your faithfulness they have passed on to us. Failure is not final and Your faithfulness never fails.

In the strong name of Jesus our risen Lord, Amen.

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Love Shines at Calvary

My Father,

Thank You for the cross, Lord.

Enlarge my heart, warm my affections,
open my lips,
supply words that proclaim ‘Love Lustres at Calvary.’
There grace removes my burdens
and heaps them on thy Son,
made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;
There the sword of thy justice smote the man,
thy fellow;
There thy infinite attributes were magnified,
and infinite atonement was made;
There infinite punishment was due,
and infinite punishment was endured.

Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,
cast off that I might be brought in,
trodden down as an enemy
that I might be welcomed as a friend,
surrendered to hell’s worst
that I might attain heaven’s best,
stripped that I might be clothed,
wounded that I might be healed,
athirst that I might drink,
tormented that I might be comforted,
made a shame that I might inherit glory,
entered darkness that I might have eternal light.

My Savior wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
groaned that I might have endless song,
endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem,
bowed his head that I might uplift mine,
experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,
closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclothed brightness,
expired that I might forever live.

O Father, who spared not thine own Son
that thou mightest spare me,
All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished;
Help me to adore thee by lips and life.
O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise,
my every step buoyant with delight,
as I see my enemies crushed,
Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed,
sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood,
hell’s gates closed, heaven’s portal open.
Go forth, O conquering God, and show me
the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort and save.

~ Love Lustres at Calvary, in The Valley of Vision

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Maundy Thursday Prayer

Blessed are you, Lord God.

The basin and the towel are signs to us of your Son’s servanthood.

You have made us partakers of Christ and of one another.

As we go forth, give us grace

to count others more important than ourselves,
to love our enemies,
to make peace.

Send the Spirit of truth to keep alive in us
what Jesus taught and did,

that our words may carry his good news, and
that our lives may bear the shape of the cross

of the One who lives and reigns with You
and with the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.

Amen.

— from A Footwashing Liturgy by Reggie M. Kidd

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just trust

Father, today, give us a spirit of TRUST. Give us a spirit of believing that You are who You say You are. Help us to turn over our fear and our worry and our stress. No matter what the situation. No matter what the problem is. No matter how big or how small. Help us to see that You will be with us always.....

Amen

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A Prayer for Holy Week

Father,

In this week where we observe the last moments your Son walked this earth, help us to slow down.

Help us to reflect.

Help us to see the holiness of Your Son.

With gratitude, we cry, "Save us!" knowing we are deep in our sin. But have hope because of the choice Your Son made...

...to not only die in our place, but to walk this earth and show us a new way.

A way of hope and not despair.

A way of peace with you and not war with you.

A way of love and not apathy.

A way of grace and not legalism.

A way of reconciliation, not rebellion.

A way of forgiveness.

Father, we humbly sit at Your feet and acknowledge that final atonement of Your Son means that we can be with You.

This is the way of Jesus. A way of holiness. A way of peace with You.

Amen

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PALM SUNDAY

"Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna in the highest!"

O God, whose dearly beloved Son was greeted by the crowd on Olivet with hallelujahs, but who in that same week was mocked as he went lonely to the Cross, forbid that our welcome to him should be words alone. Help us, we beg you, to keep the road open for him into our hearts; and let him find there not another crucifixion, but love and loyalty in which his kingdom may be established evermore. Amen. ~ Walter Russell Bowie (1882-1969)

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Hosanna

Matthew 21:7-9 (NIV)

⁷They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. ⁸ A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!"

Father, the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, was at this point in his life, an astonishingly exciting and optimistic moment. Hope rang out in the hosannas that came joyfully in the shouts of the people. It was a red letter day. And though I know Lord that the darkest day was near, and the hosannas will seem lost in the despair of the disciples, yet the truth of hope would triumph.

What a trilogy: "Hosanna to the Son of David!" “Crucify Him!” “He is Risen!” Such momentous events in such a short period of time, all foretold by the Old Testament Scriptures. Thank you Father for the Hosanna that celebrates salvation. Thank you Father for the crucifixion that paid for salvation. And thank you Father for the resurrection that assures salvation.

Thank you Father for Holy Week and for the mystery and majesty that it so wonderfully reveals.

In the name of Jesus our living hope, Amen.

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God's Love

Lord, I praise Your name. You are almighty and far above all things. Your presence and love in my life is greater than anything I fear. I know my faith in You and in Your Word will conquer all insecurity. With Your help, I will not dwell on my problems. Instead, I will praise You for Your goodness. You have blessed me beyond measure. I thank You for loving me. Amen

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To be like Jesus

From the distant past, His eternal love reached into the future. You see, He knew those who would be His one day, and He chose them beforehand to be conformed to the image of His Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of a new family of believers, all brothers and sisters. -Romans 8:29a VOICE

Dear Lord,

It is your will that we become like Jesus.
Help us to cooperate with your Spirit.
Empower us to be kind, compassionate and loving.

When people show us hate, empower us to respond with love.
Teach us what it means to love those who disagree with us.
Enable us to walk the path of love that Jesus walked.

When life is difficult and obstacles are so hard to overcome,
Lift our heads Father that that we might see Jesus.
Take us by the hand dear Spirit and help us to sense you are here.

We ask Lord that our lives would mirror and embody Christ.
Move us with compassion that people might know that you care.
Create a holy boldness in us that we might tell others of you.

We love you Lord and want so much to be like you.

Amen

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a prayer for protection

Father,



We come into your presence today, 

    at your feet and in your great shadow

We cry out,

    “God, you’re our refuge.

           We trust you and you keep us safe!”
We know that you rescue us from hidden traps,
        and shield us from deadly hazards.
Your outstretched arms protect —
         under them we are perfectly safe;
         your arms fend off all harm.
We fear nothing—

   not creatures that prowl through the darkness,
       not disaster that comes at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,

   no harm will ever come to us


Yes, because God’s our refuge,
      Evil can’t get close to us,
harm can’t get through the door.
   He ordered his angels

to guard us at all times.
If we stumble, he will catch us.

 If we hold on to him for dear life,
      He will keep us from all harm.
He will give the best of care
      to those who know and trust him.
Call out to him and he’ll answer, be at our side in bad times;
       He'll rescue us.

Amen

(Adapted from Psalm 91)

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Prayer for the Northeast

Father, we pray for those in the Northeast U.S. who have been hit so hard by the storms of the past few weeks. Please ease the weather so they can dig out and get their lives back to normal. Amen

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EVERLASTING LOVE

Jeremiah 31:3 "The Lord has appeared to us in the past, saying "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."

"If He could grow weary of me, He would have been tired of me long before now. If He had not loved me with a love as deep as hell, and as strong as death, He would have turned from me long ago. Oh joy above all joys, to know that I am His everlasting inheritance, given to Him by His Father e'er the earth was! Everlasting love shall be the pillow for my head this night."
~~Charles Hadden Spurgeon (1834-1892)

Dear Lord, as I read and ponder the words of Charles Spurgeon, my mind cannot truly wrap around the everlasting love you have for me. Truly this is our comfort and our security. No matter how we fail at times, your everlasting love and loving kindness is the rock we hold too, and the pillow we rest our heads on. Thank you that you love does not change as we do, but is the same yesterday, today and forever. I love You. Amen

Amen

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Mercy

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

²² The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. ²³Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Gracious Father, we join in the song that so vividly expresses your mercy:

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassion's, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou for ever will be
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me

Father thank you for the freshness of each day, kissed as the sun rises, with your thoughtful kindness. We may not know all that a new day brings, but we do know it is ushered in with your gracious mercy. As the prophet Micah reminds us: “Who is a God like unto thee…….because he delighteth in mercy.” Micah 7:18 (KJV)

Father we praise you in Jesus name.

Amen

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True Worship

Lord, it is my greatest privilege to exalt You above all and proclaim that You are King of kings and Lord of lords. I praise You for Your Holy Spirit who leads and comforts me. I praise You for Your wisdom and revelation. I praise You for Your peace and joy. Thank You that You are in charge of my life and nothing is too hard for You. Thank You for enabling me to do what I could never do without You. Lord, help me to worship You in ways that are pleasing in Your sight. Amen

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what are we waiting for?

When the Holy Spirit etched this upon Paul’s heart, it was for a purpose. God knew that our spiritual lives would depend upon our understanding this passage.

Pray without ceasing. Pray continuously.

You see, our hearts must be constantly in tune with the Spirit of God. Our hearts and spirits must be in continual communion with our Father. If we are to ever experience true victory in our lives, it will only come by true and passionate prayer.

It’s time for us to draw near to our God. It’s time for us to sit at His Feet. It’s time for our souls to yearn for a continual relationship with the One who hears our prayers and responds to our cries.

Prayer is a necessity in the Christian walk. So, what are we waiting for?

Pray without ceasing....

Amen

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A Prayer for Truth

Holy Father,

We exalt Your glorious and powerful name; the name above all names, the name that makes demons tremble, the name that causes angels to bow down and worship, the name that we cry out to in our suffering. Your compassion for us is always near, and Your love for us never fails.

We come before You today, Father, asking for Your wisdom and discernment in a time when things are often far too muddled and confusing. Father, we long for truth. As challenging as it can be to hear and to know, Your truth is what gives us a solid foundation. Lord God, help us to see the truth. Open our hearts and minds, and enter in to permeate the power of the truth of Your Word to us! For Your truth is power, Your truth guides and protects, and Your truth is what we need to stand strong and stand sure.

We thank You for continuing to shape and form us into You image. Father, guide our steps so that we may bring You glory and honor. Help us to shine the light of Your truth into the dark places of this world.

Amen

To all, life Thou givest - to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish - but naught changeth Thee.
(from Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise written by Walters Chalmers Smith)

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Prayer for the Grace to Die Daily

Grant, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continually mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him; and that through the grave and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection; for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Book of Common Prayer

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WORDS FROM THE CROSS

With Good Friday and Easter coming, I wanted to share three words spoken by our Lord from the cross.

FORGIVENESS ~ "But Jesus was saying, 'Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing'". Luke 23:34

REDEMPTION ~ "And He said to him, 'Truly, I say unto you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise'". Luke 23:43

COMPASSION ~ "When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, 'Woman, behold your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother!' From that hour the disciple took her into his own household." John 19:26-27

Dear Lord Jesus, in Your darkest hour, in You deepest pain and rejection, You gave out forgiveness, redemption and compassion. I know you do that the same today and always because I have experienced your forgiveness, your redemption, and your compassion. May my heart be filled so that I to can share those with others. I love You. Amen.

*The Path of His Passion by Bill Crowder

Amen

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An Example to Follow

Psalm 112:6 (NLT)
“………. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.

Proverbs 10:7 (NLT)
“We have happy memories of the godly……”

Q: My Answer Column

Mr. Graham, how would you like to be remembered?

Answer: Editor’s note: Before his death, Billy Graham approved the following response as his final My Answer column.

“I hope I will be remembered as someone who was faithful—faithful to God, faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and faithful to the calling God gave me not only as an evangelist, but as a husband, father and friend. I’m sure I’ve failed in many ways, but I take comfort in Christ’s promise of forgiveness, and I take comfort also in God’s ability to take even our most imperfect efforts and use them for His glory.”

Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful ………Come and share your master's happiness!'

Thank you Father for all of your faithful servants, godly men and women, who with great faithfulness and endurance completed their call and mission to which you sent them. They along with Billy Graham have set a wonderful example of dedication and devotion to you. Of them all it may truly be said: They “fought the good fight, finished the race, and remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

Father, by your grace, strength and for your glory, may we fight the good fight, finish the race and complete our journey remaining faithful to you. And thank you Father for the precious memories we have those who preceded us. In Jesus name. Amen.

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Holy Spirit Power

Dear Father, I thank You that You are my Abba and have given Your Holy Spirit to me. I thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit and I'm asking that You would help me be more aware of Your power rather than my weakness. You are a big and mighty God and I receive Your strength. Forgive me for making You too small in my life sometimes. Thank You that You are demonstrating Your power in me each day. Your Word says be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. I will praise You with my whole heart and sing praise to Your name. What a powerful Name it is and what powerful promises have been given to us who believe in Jesus' name, Amen

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Safety in Snow

Lord we pray for those who are traveling or working in snowstorms today.

For those clearing the roads we ask for grace.
For those in emergency vehicles we petition for wisdom.
For those traveling we intercede for safe journeys.
For all who have to be outside we pray for warmth.

Whereever snow is falling we request that all will feel You present with them.

Amen

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created to worship

Lord God,

We exalt Your name above all names, knowing that Your power is great and mighty!

We come before You today with the words of Jesus in our hearts, "You shall worship the Lord Your God and him only shall you serve." (Matthew 4:10) We confess that we have many idols in our hearts, when we know that we are to only worship You. We confess that the ways of the world draw us in, but Your one desire is for us to be drawn to You.

Help us in our worship, O Lord. Help us to remove all that worship above You so that You hold the only place in our hearts that long to worship. For God, YOU ARE GOOD. You are worthy of praise. May we bow down at Your feet, acknowledging who You are. Reign in our hearts, Lord God.

Amen

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Almighty God,

you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves:

Keep us both outwardly in our bodies
and inwardly in our souls,
that we may be defended from all adversities
which may happen to the body,
and from all evil thoughts
which may assault and hurt the soul;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

Book of Common Prayer

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YOUR FIRE AND HAMMER

Jeremiah 23:29 "Is not my Word like fire", declares the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?"

Your Word is like fire, O Lord. Take my doubts and delusions and make them like straw that is consumed in the flame of Your Truth. Where my heart is hard, make Your Word a hammer to shatter my self-will and resistance. Lord, soften my heart and purify me. I love You. Amen.

JAmen

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Heaven

Jennifer Slattery JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com

“Imagine a place free of pain, sorrow, sickness, and sin. Imagine having nothing to fear—not rejection, failure, loss, or death. Imagine experiencing perfect relational intimacy with God and others. No more hiding, isolating, misunderstandings, or misinterpretations. Nothing but love and unity—the deep community our hearts long for. In heaven, with all of our deepest needs met and unhindered, constant access to our Savior, we’ll discover—and live in—the true source of joy, Jesus Christ, and the pleasures He grants will be eternal.”

Billy Graham: (In My Answer Column)

“By the time you read this, I will be in heaven, and as I write this I’m looking forward with great anticipation to the day when I will be in God’s presence forever. I’m convinced that heaven is far more glorious than anything we can possibly imagine right now, and I look forward not only to its wonder and peace, but also to the joy of being reunited with those who have gone there before me, especially my dear wife, Ruth. The Bible says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

But I won’t be in heaven because I’ve preached to large crowds or because I’ve tried to live a good life. I’ll be in heaven for one reason: Many years ago I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to make our forgiveness possible and rose again from the dead to give us eternal life. Do you know you will go to heaven when you die? You can, by committing your life to Jesus Christ today."

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

John 14:1-3 (NLT)
¹ “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. ²There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessed assurance and the glorious hope of heaven. And thank you for making it all possible through faith in your Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

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Our Helper

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba Father!” GALATIANS 4: 6

Abba, thank you for sending a helper to direct my steps. You know everything and will guide me in your will. Help me to know your will. Keep me on the path you have set for me. Give me the desire to stay true to that path, and forgive me for the times I have already strayed from you. Be with my friends and family who are at a crossroads and don’t know what to do next. May your spirit guide them and make the best decision clear. Thank you for caring about the details of my life, for not believing any request is too small. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Max Lucado Pocket Prayers

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to be completely filled

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." -Romans 15:13 NLT

For those who despair, give them hope,
For those who mourn, fill them with joy.
For all who are struggling, bless them with peace.

Help us dear Lord to trust you with a trust that causes
life to overflow from our innermost being.

Amen

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