A Prayer about Calming and Quieting Our Souls

by | Nov 18, 2021 | Daily Prayer

A Prayer about Calming and Quieting Our Souls

Trustworthy Father,

How we all need 

the calm and quiet 

David speaks of. 

May our hearts not be “lifted up”—

that is, may we not be proud know-it-alls, 

May we not “occupy ourselves with things 

too great and marvelous”—

that is, may we not spend our energy 

trying to figure out things 

you haven’t chosen to reveal to us (Psalm 131:1). 

Instead, may our souls be quiet and calm, 

just like a baby full up on mother’s milk, 

just like a baby nestled in her mother’s arms. 

As we rest in you like a weaned child, 

we will discover what it truly means 

to “hope in the Lord 

from this time forth and forevermore” (Psalm 131: 3).

In Jesus’ peace-giving name. Amen. 

Read Psalm 131.

A Prayer about the Best Builder

by | Nov 17, 2021 | Daily Prayer

A Prayer about the Best Builder

Faithful Architect,

Ground us in this reality 

like bricks in a cement foundation. 

So often, we invest time and money and energy 

into building our dreams, 

whether work or families or relationships, 

placing the blocks one on top of the other. 

Nothing wrong with working hard and dreaming big, 

but when we forget that you are 

the architect, contractor, builder, and interior designer, 

we might as well be one-year-olds 

fumbling around 

with our twelve-year-old sister’s skyscraper Lego set. 

Thank you for not only building your house in us 

on the firm foundation of Jesus our Savior and Lord, 

but for watching over it and protecting it. 

We praise you and thank you 

as the great architect and builder of our lives. 

In Jesus’ grounding name we pray. Amen.

Read Psalm 127. 

Want to read more about living in the “already” and “not yet”? I’ve begun two new newsletters on Substack, one on living in hope in the already and not yet, and the other on aging, caregiving, and the end of life. Please check them both out!

A Prayer about Getting Dressed for the Week

by | Nov 15, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Theology

A Prayer about Getting Dressed for the Week

Righteous Lord,

Every day we should consider 

how we dress for action, but as we start the week,

it’s especially helpful to remember our calling 

as Christ our King’s ambassadors, 

as ministers of reconciliation, 

and dress accordingly (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).

Keeping in mind that we are already 

clothed in Christ’s righteousness, 

may we discard any vestiges 

of “bitterness, rage, anger, 

harsh words, slander, and evil behavior” (Ephesians 4:31).

Instead, may we “be kind to each other, 

tender hearted, forgiving one another, 

just as God through Christ” forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).

As we make your appeal, may we make you appealing 

to all those who do not know your mercy and grace. 

By your Spirit, remind us moment by moment 

of our glorious calling and clothing in Christ.

In his transforming name. Amen. 

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. 

A Prayer about the Joyous Noise of Worship

by | Nov 14, 2021 | Daily Prayer

A Prayer about the Joyous Noise of Worship

Lord God,

All over the cosmos this morning, 

not only people but your very creation 

will be making joyful noises, singing your praise:

According to Psalm 98, 

it might be appropriate to begin our worship services 

with a grand parade—

a loud marching band with trumpets and kazoos and clashing cymbals 

whipping up joyful noises before our King, the Lord (Psalm 98:6). 

The sea would chime in with its roaring; 

the rivers would clap their hands; 

the hills would sing for joy together, 

to celebrate the good news that you are the King of the cosmos, 

that you are judging the world with righteousness, 

and that you have made known your salvation (Psalm 98:7-9; Psalm 98:2).

Even people like me who can’t carry a tune in a bucket 

get to join in with our noisy joy! 

Thank you for this joyous worship, 

and that we get to be a part of it 

because of Christ our risen Lord!

Amen

Read Psalm 98.

Want to read more about thanking God while we live in the “already” and “not yet”? I’ve begun two new newsletters on Substack, one on living in hope in the already and not yet, and the other on aging, caregiving, and the end of life. Please check them both out!

A Prayer about Marriage and Intimacy

by | Nov 12, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Marriage

A Prayer about Marriage and Intimacy

Lord Jesus,

As we anticipate the full intimacy 

we will know with you and the Father and the Spirit

 in the day of the new heavens and the new earth, 

we pray for marriages. 

You created marriage to provide 

a tiny peephole of a glimpse 

into the intimacy you have designed us for. 

In this fallen world, marriage, 

even between two redeemed sinners, 

cannot fully image that oneness you intended. 

And yet, one day, you promise 

that every single person will “dwell with you forever,” 

and “see you face to face” (Revelation 21: 4; 22:4). 

In that day, there will be no need for marriage, 

because the intimacy you designed us for will be perfect. 

Until that day comes, 

bless those who are married 

with a love that relates without shame or contempt. 

Until that day comes, 

bless those who are single and long to be married 

with community that gives them 

a foretaste of the intimacy 

they will one day know eternally. 

In your perfectly loving name we pray. Amen. 

Read Revelation 21:1-5.