Daily Prayer
A Prayer about an Upside-Down Kingdom
Almighty King, We live in the Age of Exaltation, especially self-exaltation. We need inversion therapy— we need our ways of thinking and acting to be turned upside-down by the extraordinary news of the gospel. You say, “everyone who exalts himself will be...
A Prayer about True Repentance
Heavenly Father, Sadly, some have stood on street corners screaming at us to repent, so much so that we cringe at the word. And yet, you call us to repent as a bright yellow road sign cautions, “Turn around. Danger ahead.” Repentance always begins with the good...
A Prayer about Denying Ourselves
Lord Jesus, It’s not very popular in our selfie culture to deny ourselves. We’re pretty committed to self-fulfillment, self-esteem, and self-promotion. Only by your marvelous grace and mighty Spirit can we be transformed. We long to follow you as children...
A Prayer about the God Who Rules Everything
Sovereign Lord, We don’t use the word “sovereign” often in everyday American life. Sometimes we forget what it means—you rule! Sometimes we forget that you are a good king, an all-knowing, all-loving, all-seeing king. Such a King can be trusted. You are no dark...
A Prayer about the God Who Hears Our Groans
All-knowing God, We are so grateful that we know that you know our very groanings. When you hear our groanings, whether over grief due to a loved one’s death or the suffering of mental illness or the sorrow over wars and strivings. We who belong to you know ...
A Prayer about the Gift of Children
Gracious Creator, Even this week as I’ve stared in awe at the exquisite design of our newborn grandchild, a profound gift from you… Even as I’ve marveled at this lovely creation you’ve so graciously brought forth through our daughter and son-in-law, I marvel at...
A Prayer about Suffering in the Body
Compassionate Lord, Today we lift up, and we pray our prayers will truly lift up, those who are weighed down with the heavy burden of chronic illness or ongoing suffering in their bodies. Some have chronic pain that no medication can touch, some have seen doctor...
A Prayer about the Temptation to Live by Sight
Lord Jesus, In our study of your temptation in the wilderness, we see how Satan tried the same things with you he tries with us. This time he encouraged you to test God, to demand a sign from God. Oh, Lord, do we ever do this? Do we ever want to live by sight...
A Prayer about the Temptation to Rule the World
Faithful Jesus, As we continue studying your wilderness temptations, we see something we often forget: Satan, is, in one sense, the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31), and yet, of course, he is also, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan shows you all the...
A Prayer about the Temptation to Doubt God’s Love
Lord Jesus, Thank you for enduring temptation for us. You had been led to the wilderness by the Spirit. This forty days of fasting was planned. But that didn’t mean it was easy. You had just heard the voice of your Father saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you...