A Prayer about God Doing New Things in 2022

by | Jan 1, 2022 | Daily Prayer, Gospel living

A Prayer about God Doing New Things in 2022

Lord of New Things,

On this New Year’s Day, 

we celebrate all of the new things 

you have already done, 

and all of the new things 

you will one day do 

when Jesus returns.

We thank you for the very new thing 

you did at Christmas over 2000 years ago—

You sent your Son as a weak and weeping infant-king. 

We praise you for the redeeming work 

he has already done in our lives. 

We look forward to the new things 

you have planned to do in us this year.

How will we fulfill our created and re-created purpose 

to enjoy and glorify you this year?

May we not scribble shallow “resolutions” today 

that we will break by next week; 

may we write prayers of purpose, 

seeking your creative power 

to radically transform our lives, 

to make us people 

who love our families, our friends, 

our neighbors, and our enemies. 

May our resolutions be far less 

about what we will do in 2022 

and far more about who we will become.

In Jesus’ transforming name. Amen. 

Read Isaiah 43:1-4, 19-21. 

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A Prayer about Learning to Aim Low

by | Nov 27, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Gospel living

A Prayer about Learning to Aim Low

Lord Jesus,

Everything in our western society tells us to “aim high,” 

but as we learn to revere you, 

we see how low we truly must aim in order to be like you:

You “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, 

but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

You don’t look to your own interests 

but to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). 

And even though you were “in the form of God,” 

you “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” 

but “emptied [yourself], taking the form of a servant, 

being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7).

Not only that, you “humbled [yourself] 

by becoming obedient to the point of death, 

even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). 

And now, you are “highly exalted,” 

and one day every knee will bow before you (Philippians 2:10).

Lord Jesus, as we marvel over your humility and sacrifice for us, 

we become more like you. 

Fill our minds and our hearts today 

with awe at your remarkable submission, 

that we may “go low” 

and spend our lives 

“submitting to one another 

out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).  

In your awe-some name. Amen.

Read Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:1-11. 

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 Our Heavenly Potter

by | Nov 21, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Spiritual Growth

A Prayer about Our Heavenly Potter

Heavenly Potter, 

Let us not miss the beauty and truth 

of the vivid image you gave Jeremiah. 

You showed him your mercy and kindness 

and determination 

to continue to shape your people 

into lovely and purposeful 

instruments of your peace and grace. 

Not only did you form us in the womb 

with beauty and usefulness 

to display your glory (Jeremiah 1:5), 

as we are misshapen by sin, 

you work in us by the power of the Spirit 

to continue to conform us to the image of your Son, 

our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Sometimes it takes being smushed up 

and thrown back on that potter’s wheel again, 

and that doesn’t usually feel good. 

But we can know that in all things, 

you are at work, 

graciously, lovingly, 

tenderly, and firmly 

refashioning our hearts (Romans 8:28). 

And we can look forward to the day 

that we will be like your Son, 

reflecting his radiance 

to you and to the broken world, 

as you created and designed us to do.

In Jesus’ shaping name. Amen. 

Read Jeremiah 18:1-12. 

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 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 Panting for God’s Word

by | Nov 7, 2021 | Bible study, Daily Prayer

A Prayer about Panting for God’s Word

Righteous and Holy God,

We want the words of the Psalmist 

to be true of us: 

we want to long desperately for your commandments 

as dogs drool over their morning meal. 

We want to sing with the Psalmist: 

“Your testimonies are wonderful; 

therefore my soul keeps them” (Psalm 119:129). 

In our hearts, as we read your Word, 

we see your holiness and justice and your mercy and grace. 

And yet, we are often blinded by the darkness of our own sin, 

vision clouded by cataracts of fallen world living. 

Then we are like fools, 

stumbling around in darkness, 

forgetting to ask Alexa to turn on the lights. 

Then we desperately need “the unfolding of your words” 

to give us “light,” 

to “impart understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).  

We sing with the Psalmist, 

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, 

as is your way with those who love your name” (Psalm 119: 132). 

In the name of our merciful Savior we ask. Amen.

Read Psalm 119:129-136.

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 Asking God to Supply Our Needs

by | Nov 2, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Gospel living

A Prayer about Asking God to Supply Our Needs

Father God,

I’ve got several “I need you” songs stuck in my head this morning:

Annie Hawks’ “I Need Thee Every Hour” because indeed I do, 

every hour and every minute, 

and Matt Maher’s line, 

“You’re my one defense, my righteousness, oh how I need you.” 

Today, God, we draw near to you with every need, 

no matter how great or small, 

because you are the God who supplies “every” need 

according to your “riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). 

That should be enough riches to cover it!

[Praying friends, I’ll get us started and let you fill in your own specific needs and add to the ones I mention…]

I need you for strength today…

[after poor sleep last night].

I need you for patience today…

[when that crazy driver turns left in front of me with no warning].

I need you for calm today…

[when….]

I need you for forgiveness today…

[when…]

I need you for wisdom today…

[when…]

I need you for [….]

[when…]

Heavenly Father, as we lay our needs before you, may you provide in a way that we and others see your glory and goodness.

In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Read Philippians 4:1-20.

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!