A Scripture and a Prayer: “Lord, Heal Us”

“Thus says the Lord, ‘I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you’” (2 Kings 20:5)

Prayer:

Lord, help us to realize that You have given us what we need to do for Your healing to take place, but it hinges upon our obedience to You and Your word. You said, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) So, it begins with all of us. We must humbly come before you in prayer, seeking Your presence in our lives and in our nation, all the while confessing and repenting of our sins, that is, turning away from our wicked ways. Then Your promise is that You will hear us, forgive us, and heal our land. Therefore, Lord, help us to keep our focus completely upon You, and help us to follow Your paths, Your ways, and no longer our own. And this we ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN

Scripture and a Prayer: “No Fear”

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

Prayer:

Lord, You are everything we need, therefore we will not fear the darkness of night. You are the light of life, and thus the light of our lives. Therefore, when the dark clouds of despair and depression threaten to block the light of Your love, we will run to You, for You are our strength and shield, our strong fortress in whom the enemy cannot penetrate. We also run to Your word, for it is a lamp for our feet and a light onto our path so that we will not stumble and fall. Strengthen us, Lord, with the Holy Spirit, because we cannot live effectively in and through our power, as You have said, “Not my might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” And so, may the light of Your love, and the power of the Holy Spirit be ours today. And this I ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN

Scripture and a Prayer: “Being A Living Example”

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Prayer:

Lord, while we may no longer be young, I pray we can be a living example of You and of Your love, grace, and mercy in everything we say and in all that we do. Throughout this life we have had many trials, troubles, and difficulties. And You have seen us and have comforted us through them all so that we can comfort others with this same comfort. But, to do this, we must realize that living this life isn’t about us and what we want, it is all about You and what You want. Therefore, Lord, help us be those living examples of You in all that I say and do. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “God Gives His Peace”

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for this wonderful promise of Your peace being extended to us, always and in every circumstance. It is a different peace than what is extended to us by this world, which is more of a pseudo peace, that is, it doesn’t last, and it can never satisfy. Only You, Lord Jesus can bring such peace as You said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” And the reason for our assurance of this peace is that You are always with us, that You will never leave or forsake us, even to the end of this age. Help us therefore live in this peace so that we can help others in the battles they face in this life. And this I ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “A Great Light”

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2)

Prayer:

Lord, what a beautiful promise You have extended to this world and to a people lost and wandering around blinded by the darkness of evil and sin. I want to thank you, Father, from the bottom of my heart, for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be that great light to light our way and the way of others. Thank you, Lord, that through the gift of Jesus, and the death He died, that we now have the glorious gospel of Your grace and mercy, that the darkness of this world can never quench. Therefore, help us to be the light You have called us to be and share the great light of Your love to all those who by faith come to believe in Jesus. AMEN

Scripture and a Prayer: “Being Renewed”

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Prayer:

Lord, the older we get the more these bodies are going downhill. What was once tight and firm is now a little less tight, and a lot less firm. But this is the way of all human life. Yet, in the Spirit, it is exactly opposite. Proverbs 20:29 says, “The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” As we grow older, help me to grow wiser, and to be an encouragement to the generations that are coming behind us. And in the process, may we grow ever closer to You until that day when we are in Your presence. Thank you for Your renewing love that comes our way every day. AMEN

Scripture and a Prayer: “Comforted and Comforting”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Prayer:

Lord, we really can’t thank you enough for how You comfort us when everything around us is spinning out of control and there’s no rhyme or reason. But You came and gave us peace, a peace that passes all understanding through Your Son, Jesus Christ. But such comfort and peace were not given so that we can keep it to ourselves, but to share it with others who are going through it as well. Therefore, Lord, please give us the strength and courage to share Your wonderful peace with others, telling them how they in like manner need to come to Jesus. May we always remember Your blessing that when we minister to others of Your love, comfort, and peace, that You minister it back unto us. AMEN

Scripture and a Prayer: “Holy Spirit Led”

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, help us to walk in Your ways. Guide us in the right ways so that we do not move in the direction of our own will and ways, which can lead us to follow our flesh and not You. Lead us in the way of truth and help us to no longer lean upon our own understanding. Help us to tear down the strongholds that the enemy, Satan, has placed in our lives, and then build within us God’s kingdom plans and purposes. Because this I know, that when we allow You to lead and guide, then we’ll be less inclined to take our own ways which lead to error and disappointment. And this I ask in Jesus’s name.

A Scripture and a Prayer: “Where Wisdom Begins”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” (Psalm 111:10)

Prayer:

Lord, while the word fear means to hold You in high esteem, that is, where we are in awe of You, it also carries the meaning of being afraid, but not of You, but rather of Your judgement against sin. And so, Lord, may we truly fear You, and marvel at Your love for us, a love so great that You sent Your Son, Jesus, so that we can live before You without fearing the coming judgment, because in Jesus, our sins have now been forgiven. Therefore, Lord, help us gain the wisdom and understanding needed to live a life before You in true humility, wonder, and awe. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “A Highway of Holiness”

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way.” (Isaiah 35:8)

Prayer:

Lord, You have set a way, a high way, a way that is visible and unmistakable, a way that cannot be missed, and it is a way of holiness and righteousness. And such a way can only be found in You, for You are holy, and have called us to be the same, that is separated from all that is evil, and a way that is lived for You. Therefore, it isn’t a way of religious rules and regulations, but rather is a way that begins and ends in and through a relationship with You. Therefore, forgive me of my sin and help me turn away from it an unto You, and that is because on this road of holiness, there can be no peace with indwelling sin. And this I ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “God Our Refuge”

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9)

Prayer:

Lord, You truly are a refuge that when we are oppressed and in distress we can run to You and as our refuge to find safety in these troublous times. And Lord, as we traverse through this world filled with sorrows and troubles, as we traverse through this Valley of Baca, that is, this valley of tears, will You fulfill Your promise and turn our tears into springs of living waters and give us weary travelers life and refreshment. Thank you once again for Your wonderful care and help, and may we always give You thanks with a grateful heart. And this I ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “Come Lord Jesus”

“O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come…Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 11:17; 22:20)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as we see what is going on in our world today, and how the signs of the times are lining up for Your return, may we be like those five virgins who were ready with their lamps filled with oil, which represents the oil of the Holy Spirit. Help us to be ever faithful in our watch and not become tired and slumber as the timing of Your return is soon. Help us to see beyond our sight and into Your eternity that You have prepared. You said, prior to Your ascension into Heaven that You were going to prepare a place for us, and therefore we are to except and greatly anticipate Your return, so that You can take us to be where You are. What a great promise, therefore, come, and come quickly Lord Jesus. AMEN

Scripture and a Prayer: “It’s All For God”

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Prayer:

Lord, it’s not about what I do; rather it’s about You to whom we are doing it for. Therefore, may the words of our mouths, the meditations of our hearts, and in whatever we do, let it be for You and for Your glory. And Lord, if there is anything that is preventing our living our lives fully in and for You, please bring it out so that we can both confess and repent, and then turn our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits back towards You and away from our own desires and lusts. Help us Lord to always keep our eyes focused upon You and off the world and help keep our hearts soft and pliable to Your will. Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of Your Son, Jesus, and it is in His name that I ask. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “God’s Grace in Affliction”

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Prayer:

Lord, You say that all things work together, both the good and the bad, for our good, and now, here You are saying that the afflictions we suffer though are not as serious as we think. And that’s because You are working them out within us into something more lasting that will end in glory as we enter into Your eternity in heaven once this life filled with afflictions is finished. But this isn’t just for our eternal life in heaven, but it is what You supply us with now, and that is Your grace and mercy in our afflictions, in our time of need. Your promise is that can boldly come before Your throne of grace to receive both Your mercy and grace in our time of need. Help us, therefore, Lord to remember this precious promise and remind us always that the veil has been rent and that we now have direct access to You in and by Your grace. And this I ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “Heavenly Wisdom”

“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)

Prayer:

Lord, seeing what is happening in this world, we need less of it and more of You. Instead, we need the wisdom from above, Your wisdom, the wisdom of heaven and not the wisdom of this world, which You point out is mainly filled with jealousy and selfishness. Give to us Your wisdom, wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive to Your will and way and that is full of grace and mercy. And help us to think upon what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, commendable, and whatever is excellent and worthy of praise. And this we ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “God Hears and Delivers”

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful promise that our prayers are not just hitting the ceiling and falling back unheard and unanswered. Instead, You hear our prayers because You are close to the broken hearted and those who are crushed in spirit. You, Lord, are faithful and Your mercies are new every single day. And so, may we give You all praise and glory because You don’t turn away when we cry out to You, and that You indeed will answer. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “God For All Times”

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8)

Prayer:

Lord, I love when You tell us there is a time for everything, but even more, there isn’t any time that You are not there, and that You will not leave us or forsake us. But also, that no matter what may come against us, and no matter how awful and horrible it may be, Your promise is that nothing will separate us from Your love, and that You will make it beautiful in its time (Romans 8:35; Ecclesiastes 3:11). But even more, that You will work it all out for our good. And so, we can sing along with those before Your throne in heaven, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Therefore, be glorified in our midst through our praise and worship of You. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “God’s Will For Our Deliverance”

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3-5)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for delivering us from the power of Satan, but also from the power of sin and death over our lives through Your sacrificial death upon the cross and resurrection from the dead. And what I love about this is that not only are we saved, and heaven bound, but even more, that this is the Father’s will for His creation, that is, for you and me. Your will is for our deliverance, and this was Your plan all along, even from the beginning when sin entered humanity’s DNA through Adam and Eve. And it has been You’re your desire from the beginning to deliver us even while we were yet sinners and thus Your enemy. Truly, there is no greater love than this. Thank you, Jesus, for loving us and taking our place upon the cross and delivering us from the power of sin and death so that we can have eternal life with You. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “Don’t Shame the Name”

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

Prayer:

Lord, Your Ten Commandments are not just to be placed upon a wall or monument to be read and “hopefully,” admired, but they are to be kept. And while they are clear cut and known by most, it is this third commandment that seems to have been put to the side for many. It’s sad how we use Your name in vain, and this isn’t just using it in a curse word, or as a part of our slang, but it is in how we live our lives. We say we’re Christians, we say we know You but don’t act in a way that shows that we believe. Therefore, Lord, help us not use Your name in vain, that is, in a way that brings dishonor to You and the wonderful grace and mercy You have extended. Help us to remember this third commandment in how we deal with and in front of others. And this I ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN

A Scripture and a Prayer: “Where’s Your Treasure?”

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Prayer:

Lord, how easy it is to search and store up earthly treasures, only to find them useless with nothing to show for our lives in the end. Instead, help us Lord to search and store up for ourselves heavenly treasure that will last into all eternity. Jesus, You said to seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness, then all these things will be added. To do so, help transform us into Your image and likeness so that we can glorify You in all that we say and do, from our thoughts, the words that we speak, and what we do in this life. Help us to fight the good fight of faith, and no longer be tempted to seek that which is not of You, and instead seek to do your will, and follow You ways so that at the end we’ll hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of Your Lord.” AMEN