A Daily Prayer

Father, Your vast wisdom is given to those who seek godly wisdom and Your knowledge to the discerning believer.  You are the bright light that comes bursting forth when darkness seeks to blind the godly.  All foes are rendered powerless in Your presence.  Thank You for the marvelous standing we have as Your children.

Father, because we are visually stimulated by that which surrounds us it is easy to become discouraged by what we see. Yet we choose to live by faith, not by sight.  We want to rise above life’s visible circumstances to scenes invisible here on earth but made known to us through Scripture.  Regardless of our limited perspective or the personal cost we persevere in our trials and hardships so that we will gain an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Father, we confess that in the process of being molded and fashioned into Your likeness we are often unyielding and struggle in the process of becoming more like You.  At various times You place people in our lives that stretch and challenge us, which produces endurance and forbearance. Thank You for also placing people in our lives who model godly character and who courageously speak words of direction and loving correction when we most need it.  Help us to graciously receive these messengers and promptly respond to the message they bring when it is supported by Scripture and spoken from a wise and loving heart.  Give us courage to “speak the truth in love.”  Amen.

Father, we have seen throughout Biblical and modern history that Your people perish due to lack of knowledge.  The treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Your heart.  So we can be confident that when we seek the heart of our Father we are also increasing in spiritual knowledge that comes from our loving relationship with You. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, our Helper, whom You sent to teach us and to bring to remembrance all things that You have taught us through Scripture.  Your knowledge will preserve us through the fiery trials of this life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Father, much like Barnabas the Encourager, we want to be uplifting to our brothers and sisters, our family members, and others we see from day to day. There are those who’ve left us with stinging reminders of their hurtful words often accompanied by painful actions. Gratefully, there are others who have brought us strength and encouragement through their words of affirmation, hope, challenge, and helpful instruction.  They remained supportive of us when others gave up. Help us to be numbered among the encouragers as we live in these perilous days where confusion abounds and deceitfulness is rampant.  May we encourage others not only by our words but also by our steady, consistent, Christian walk.  In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Father, it is because of Your great compassion and the sacrificial death of Jesus that we receive our heavenly citizenship.  We’re so thankful for our heavenly citizenship where we will one day experience all the special privileges that await us there.  Help us not to be so tied to our earthly citizenship that we crave the pleasures and merits of this world above the future eternal inheritance promised to Your faithful followers.  Amen.