A Prayer about Learning to Pray

by | May 5, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Prayer

A Prayer about Learning to Pray

Holy Father,

Thank you for the gift of prayer.

Grow our understanding of the power and richness of prayer.

Thank you for David Powlison’s words 

that remind us of a key feature of prayer we often forget:

“We usually ask God to change events in people’s lives…

But think about the spiritual needs of each of these life situations….”

So, even as we pray,

“Lord, please bless my friend’s business,” 

we can also pray, 

“Lord, please give my friend faith that you will provide for her in this business….”

Even as we pray,

“Lord, please heal my friend from chronic pain,” 

we can also pray, 

“Lord, please sustain my friend’s hope in this hard season….”

Even as we pray,

“Lord, please bring my friend’s daughter back home,” 

we can also pray, 

“Lord, please help my friend forgive her daughter for causing so much pain….”

[Name some prayers of your own following this model….]

Thank you Lord, for the privilege of prayer. 

Please shape us more and more 

into the image of your Son as we learn to pray. 

In Jesus’ praying name. Amen. 

Read Luke 11:1-13.

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A Prayer about Being an Exile on Earth

by | May 3, 2021 | Daily Prayer

A Prayer about Being an Exile on Earth

Author God,

I love how your Word 

reminds us of things we know are true but often forget.

This passage in Hebrews 11, particularly 11-13, 

reminds us of a crucial reality: 

“We are strangers and exiles” on this earth. 

Although the redemption of all things in Christ has begun, 

we await the reign of grace that will be his eternal kingdom. 

When we look at the state of the nation 

or the state of this world and say, 

“This is not the way it’s supposed to be,” 

we remember that this is not our home; 

we are seeking a heavenly homeland (Hebrews 11:16). 

We have the best good news 

that you are “not ashamed to be called our God,” 

that you have prepared a city for us (Hebrews 11:16). 

Until that day comes when we reach our final destination, 

let us live as citizens of that home, 

bringing your shalom by the power of your Spirit 

wherever we walk on this earth. 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Hebrews 11:1-16.

A Prayer about Remembering the Wonders

by | May 2, 2021 | Church, Daily Prayer

A Prayer about Remembering the Wonders

Mighty and Merciful God,

As we gather this Sunday, whether together or apart, 

may we remember your glorious deeds, 

may we remind one another of the wonders 

you have worked in this world and in our lives.

Today, let us each remember one story of grace you have written in our lives—

maybe the way you first broke through our darkness, 

maybe the way you saved our marriage, 

maybe the way you plucked us out of a chaotic situation…

As we remember these stories of grace, 

may we share them often, 

and may our sharing

grow us into a faithful people, 

people who trust you and hope in you 

and look for the day when Christ will return.

In Jesus’ wonder-full name.

Amen

Read Psalm 78:1-8.

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A Prayer about Selflessness

by | May 1, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Gospel living, Spiritual Growth

A Prayer about Selflessness

Humble Lord,

As I listen to Richard Lui’s fascinating book about “selflessness”: 

“What if your path to a more successful, healthy, 

and satisfying life is actually not about you?” (Enough about Me),

I am reminded of just how very selfish I can be. 

If not for your gracious intervention, 

I would make every moment of every day “all about me.” 

Humble us, Lord. 

Help us empty ourselves of our self, 

not because it’s the way to have a more “successful, healthy, and satisfying life,” 

but because it’s your way.

You have called all of your followers to follow you 

in denying ourselves (Luke 9:23),

 to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, 

but in humility count others 

more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

We confess, it is only by your sacrificial blood 

and by your raising us to new life 

that we can live for you and not for ourselves.

In your self-emptying name. Amen.

Read Philippians 2:1-11; Luke 9:23; 2 Corinthians 5:15

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A Prayer Thanking God for Light in Darkness

by | Apr 30, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Suffering

A Prayer Thanking God for Light in Darkness

Merciful Lord,

Thank you for how you come to us all,

Whether we have known the shattering of shalom 

in the split of divorce or divided relationships, 

the confusion and chaos of crisis, 

the loss of peace, hope, and flourishing:

You sent your sunrise to visit us from on high.

You gave light to those who sat in darkness 

and in the shadow of death.

You guided us into the way of peace. 

We thank you for your tender mercy 

expressed in the light of your Son 

who broke through the darkness 

of our sin and sorrow. 

In Jesus’ healing name. Amen. 

Read Luke 1:68-79.

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A Prayer about Spiritual Depression

by | Apr 29, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Suffering

A Prayer about Spiritual Depression

God our Creator,

You formed us and knew us even before we were in our mother’s womb. 

You, better than any counselor, 

understand our emotional and mental struggles. 

When we struggle to put one foot in front of the other in a spiritual desert, 

help us to know that we can cry out to you, 

and you will answer us. 

You have given us true stories of real people 

who struggled as we have. 

Thank you. 

You have given us your Word 

promising that you will make all things new. 

Thank you. 

You give us reminders of your mercy in our everyday lives. 

Thank you. 

In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

Read Psalm 34.

Dear friends, this prayer goes with this week’s blog on spiritual depression. Maybe you know someone who needs this hope today.