A Prayer about Walking in the Spirit

by | Aug 5, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Gospel living

A Prayer about Walking in the Spirit

Holy Spirit,

Help. 

In our sinful nature, 

we all limp along, our natural motion 

twisted by the “desires of the flesh,” 

things like “idolatry…strife…fits of anger…envy…drunkenness….” (Galatians 5:18-21).

Thanks be to God, 

he has not only saved us from our sin 

through Jesus Christ, 

he has sent you, 

his empowering Spirit, 

to work in us, 

to alter our desires, 

to align our heart’s movement with his. 

Not only do you lead us in this new way of walking, 

in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,” 

you actually, to switch up the metaphor, 

grow this fruit in us.

Today, may we run in your joy and hope and energy, 

spilling your juicy fruit everywhere as we go.

Amen.

Read Galatians 5:16-25. 

A Prayer about Stewarding Creation

by | Jul 31, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Theology

A Prayer about Stewarding Creation

Creator God,

I confess, I’m not always keen on all of your creation. 

When I work out in my pool and find frogs or salamanders or spiders, 

my first instinct is to avoid them or get rid of them. 

But your Word reminds me,

“the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof….” (Psalm 24:1) 

Everything in heaven and earth belongs to you, 

for you planned it, designed it, and created it. 

True, creation is not what it was in the beginning, 

before Adam and Eve procured the one fruit 

you had not permitted them to partake of.

Now, “the whole creation has been longing together 

in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22). 

Until the day Jesus comes to fully restore all of your created beauty, 

make us good stewards of your earth. 

Make us rescuers of floundering salamanders and floating spiders, 

helpers of honeybees and hummingbirds, 

caretakers of forestlands and rivers and oceans, 

for all of these things declare your glory (Psalm 19:1). 

In Jesus’ renewing name. Amen. 

Read Genesis 1:1-31; Romans 8:18-24.

A Prayer about Overflowing Blessings

by | Jul 30, 2021 | Daily Prayer

A Prayer about Overflowing Blessings

[Friends, this is the third and last in a series of praying through Psalm 23. Do you enjoy this way of praying through the Bible?]

Heavenly Father,

You prepare a feast for us 

in the presence of our enemies.

You tend to us by anointing our head with oil (Psalm 23:5).

[Name ways the Lord has tended to you 

and fed you richly when you have been in trial or turmoil].

Our cups overflow with blessings. 

Surely your goodness and unfailing love 

will pursue us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:5-6). 

[Name ways you have seen God’s blessings, 

goodness, and unfailing love every single day this week].

We will live in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

[Describe the security and hope of knowing 

that you are living in the Lord’s house forever, 

and no one can make you leave].

In the name of Jesus, our richest blessing,

Amen. 

Read Psalm 23.

A Prayer about Walking through Dark Valleys

by | Jul 29, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Suffering

A Prayer about Walking through Dark Valleys

Lord, our Good Shepherd,

As we walk through dark valleys, 

valleys that feel like death, 

valleys that lead to death,

[Name some valleys you are currently walking through or have walked through]

We will not be afraid,

[Name any fears you have felt]

For you are close beside us.

[Name how you have known God’s presence with you]

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

[Name the protection from harm and the comfort in grief and pain you have known].

In the name of our comforting Shepherd, Jesus, we pray.

Amen. 

Read Psalm 23.

A Prayer about Our Shepherd’s Care

by | Jul 28, 2021 | Daily Prayer

A Prayer about Our Shepherd’s Care

[Note: Often the best prayers come straight from Scripture. 

Over the next three days, I am taking the simple language of the NLT translation of Psalm 23 and making it into a personal prayer. Please join me].

Lord,

You are our shepherd; 

I have all that I need.

[Name some of the needs he has provided].

You let me rest in green meadows;

You lead me beside peaceful streams.

You renew my strength.

[Name ways he is inviting you to rest and strengthening you; confess ways you resist resting].

You guide me along right paths, 

bringing honor to your name.

[Name ways he is guiding you and bringing honor to his name].

In the name of our Saving Shepherd.

Amen.

Read Psalm 23. 

A Prayer about Seeing My Own Sin and God’s Grace

by | Jul 27, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Theology

A Prayer about Seeing My Own Sin and God’s Grace

Merciful Lord,

It’s impossible to read the list of sins 

describing people who don’t “see fit to acknowledge God,” 

and not see ourselves somewhere in it—

have I ever gossiped, 

speaking ill of people behind their backs? 

Have I ever been boastful and haughty, 

thinking I know the right thing to do 

about raising children, 

protecting from disease, 

or even teaching Bible study? 

Was I ever disobedient to my parents as a teenager? 

Have I ever wanted to possess what someone else has? 

Have I ever not only done these things 

but given approval to others who do them (Romans 1:32)? If so, I deserve to die for my sins (Romans 1:32).

I have, and I do.

And yet. 

By your mercy, 

through your undeserved grace, 

you have turned my heart toward Jesus 

as my only hope for salvation. 

Although I will continue to struggle 

with some of these sins 

until the day you take me home, 

“There is therefore now no condemnation 

for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Lord, help us to take stock of our sins. 

Forgive us when we judge others’ sins 

more harshly than our own. 

Open our hearts to our one true hope for salvation. 

And empower us to fight the battle 

against besetting sin 

through the might of your sanctifying Spirit. 

In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Read Romans 1:18-32; Romans 7:7-8:1.