Category: finding peace

Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
– Hebrews 3:13

How serious are we about sin? The Bible reminds us how seriously God views it. The power of sin to entice us, entrap us, and ultimately engulf us in its power can be offset by loving Christian friends who encourage each other daily.

Father God in Heaven, I know sin’s power is deceptive. Help me see those who need my encouragement today, so that together, we can help each other escape sin’s traps. In the name of Jesus, who withstood all of Satan’s tests, I pray. Amen.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
– Colossians 1:9

When we hear of Christians in other places, especially where circumstances and times are difficult, or they are new in the Faith, let’s intentionally and purposefully pray this prayer for them!

Loving Father please bless my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Strengthen those under attack and facing oppression. Mature those new to your family. Enlighten those who are facing doubt and uncertainty. Please bless your people today with peace. In Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen.

An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.
– Proverbs 12:13

Our mouths can sure get us into trouble, can’t they! This is especially true for someone whose heart is tainted by evil. Talk reveals so much about our interior life, and an evil person has a lot to hide! But that brings us to ourselves. What does our talk reveal about us? Does it help us escape trouble or does it reveal festering evil in our souls?

Lord God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pure and holy in your sight. Through your cleansing Spirit, purify my spirit, heart, and body so that I may serve you in honor and righteousness. Strengthen me so that whey I do open my mouth, the words that come out clearly reveal that you are in charge of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
– Psalm 28:9

While most of us are familiar with the very personal declaration about God as shepherd in the 23rd Psalm. This Psalm is a plea for God to actively shepherd all of his people today and into the far distant future. It is also a great reminder of how important it is for us to pray for God’s presence in the lives of his children wherever, and “whenever” they are!

Eternal Father, the great “I AM,” please bless me as I seek to pass on faith to my children. Bless them and their generation, and lead them in your truth so that they may pass on a vibrant and passionate faith to their children. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
–  2 Thessalonians 1:11

Paul prays for God to be active in the lives of these new Christians — to maximize the good they intend to do as well as fully bless every good deed they do out of their commitment of faith. What new Christian do you need to pray this for?

Strong and mighty Father, please bless several new Christians who are on my heart today. Help them recognize your presence in their lives. Please maximize the good in every effort they make and every intention they have to honor you and bless your people. Protect them from the evil one. In Jesus’ name I ask this blessing. Amen.

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
–  Ecclesiastes 7:12

We can try to insure our future through many things. Wisdom, however, is always a better investment than finances because it not only shelters us from our uncertain future, but Godly wisdom can also keep us out of the unnecessary consequences for dumb and ungodly behaviors. Most of all, God’s wisdom teaches us that there’s no solid future without our lives centered on God.

Lord God, I want to be wise in your ways and innocent in the ways of evil. Forgive my foolish and sometimes rebellious behaviors. Lead me with your Spirit in the ways of truth, justice, and righteousness. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
– 1 Thessalonians 1:3

In a world that falls for facades and seems to give more credit for intentions than actions, don’t you find it refreshing that Paul expects that faith, hope, and love will naturally produce certain actions.

Mighty God of deliverance, I want to honor you with a life of observable faith, hope, and love. Please revive and refresh me with your Holy Spirit so that my life will be full of the actions that your grace and character inspire. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.  – Psalm 107:31

I’m not sure I can fully comprehend “unfailing love.” To always do the loving thing, whether it’s discipline or reward, fun or pain, I’m not sure I can fully understand it. But I can tell you this: I am eternally grateful for it! It’s not hard to give thanks for a God like ours!

Thank you Almighty God for revealing yourself as Abba Father! Thank you for loving me so much that you give me what I need, not what I want or deserve! Thank you for the very many kindnesses and loving deeds you have done for me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

How important is grace? Paul said that God’s grace and telling others about that grace were more important than his own life! In fact, sharing God’s grace with others no matter the cost was Paul’s life!

Almighty God, Holy Father, thank you for your lavish grace demonstrated and fully expressed in sending Jesus to die for me. As your child, and in thanks to your sacrificial gift, I pledge to you my life, my love, and my all. Through Jesus. Amen.

O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. – Isaiah 25:1

How did you start your day? Have you taken time to thank God for His faithfullness to provide all of our needs? While there are many things for which we can praise God, one of the most significant is his faithfulness to do what he has planned and promised. While many of us are big dreamers and schemers, only God can accomplish the marvelous plans that he alone can make and His plans are big!

Amazing and awesome God, thank you for planning a world so full of variety and beauty. Thank you for your amazing and wonderful works. Thank you for having a plan of salvation for us even before the creation of the world. Please help me be more diligent and disciplined in the plans I make to honor you and bring you glory. In Jesus’ name I praise you. Amen.