A Daily Prayer

Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now.  They store up treasures that don’t transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity.  May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did.  May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation?  And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life.  In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Father, our assurance and hope is in Your protection day and night.  You made the mountains and the hills, the valleys and the streams.  You do not leave us to fend for ourselves, but Your help is constant and ever-sufficient for all our needs.  Our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth, who watches over us both now and forevermore.  Amen.

Father, since we belong to You we want to bless others in Your name.  Help us to love without reserve and give generously of our resources.  We will reap not only a reward in heaven, but we will also enjoy the spiritual fulfillment of being Your hand extended to those in need.

Father, the forest and flowers exclaim,
the mountains and meadows the same,
All earth and heaven proclaim that Jesus is coming again!
Standing before Him at last, our trials and troubles will all be past,
Our crowns at His feet we will cast when our Lord Jesus comes again.
O what a wonderful, glorious day it will be when Jesus comes again.

Today’s prayer is adapted from the beautiful hymn, “Coming Again” by John W. Peterson

Father, our hearts rejoice with resounding thanksgiving, as we consider that You chose us before the world was made so that we could be Your holy people; people without blame before You.  Because of Your love, You chose to make us Your own children through Your Son, Jesus Christ.  We are set free by the blood of His death as You forgive us of our sins.  Your awesome power is seen not only in the vast universe but in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls whose lives are submitted to Your divine authority.  What a magnificent God we serve!

Father, the perfect peace that You grant to the believer comes when our hearts and minds are one with Yours.  Though we cannot avoid the strife around us we can experience wonderful peace in our hearts as we meditate upon Your Holy Word which is the one thing You ask of us.  Full devotion to You makes our spirit steady, trusting, and secure.  You are the unchangeable God in a changeable society, so we hold onto Your steady all powerful Hand in the ups and downs of life.  In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.