Category: purpose in life

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.”
– Matthew 12:18 NIV

Matthew is quoting a prophecy from Isaiah 42, applying it to Jesus in a time of rising conflict. In spite of the conflict, Jesus refuses to stop ministering even though he is under intense scrutiny and faced fierce opposition. Instead, he takes his closest followers and teaches them his will and shares his healing grace with those who are in need. With God’s approval and the power of the Holy Spirit upon him, he cares for the broken in the face of hostility and shares grace in the face of criticism. Through kindness, compassion, integrity, and passion, Jesus accomplishes what only Immanuel can do — he brings God’s grace and social justice to all nations — and he does it even under unfair scrutiny because the Father has empowered him through the Holy Spirit!

Father, we confess that we sometimes give in to fear. We fear aging and illness. We fear the crazy swings in the economy. We fear the legal opposition to practicing our faith openly in our schools, at work, or online. We confess that when we fear these things, we forget that you are still at work in our world and in us. Give us courage and tenderness through the work of your Spirit within us so that we will minister as Jesus did, including in times of opposition and hardship. In Jesus’ name, we request this grace. Amen.

When the foundations
are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”
Psalm 11:3

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today
to ask Your forgiveness
and to seek Your direction and guidance.

We know Your Word says,
“Woe to those who call evil good,”
but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium
and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor
and called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness
and called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn
and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists
and called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline
our children and called it
building self-esteem.

We have abused power
and called it politics.

We have coveted our
neighbor’s possessions
and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air
with profanity and pornography
and called it freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored
values of our forefathers
and called it enlightenment.

​With the Lord’s help,
may this prayer sweep over our nation
and wholeheartedly become
our desire so that we
once again can be called
“One nation under God!”

Search us, Oh God,
and know our hearts today;
cleanse us from sin
and Set us free.
Amen!

Prayer written by Billy Graham
July 2016

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 NIV

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.

Father 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.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
– 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

The reward of delayed gratification! If there were ever a verse that did NOT match the whims of our “modern” society, this would have to be it! Prepare… be self-controlled… focus your hopes on the future… none of those is an advertising slogan, but they all are the sustaining truths of the great souls who have gone before us!

Eternal God, please help me have the patience and faithfulness to let you fully form in me the character and the wisdom that my world so much lacks and I so much need. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breast-piece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD.
– Exodus 28:29 (NIV)

In a symbolic way, the Priest had all the people of Israel “on his heart when he entered the Holy place.” Jesus, our ultimate Priest, had our sins on his back and our forgiveness on his heart when he went to the Cross for us! The physical act of sanctification that is offered through Christ is a timeless act of grace for all people past, present, and future who seek salvation in Christ. We do not find the Holy place of God at any particular physical location nor through any human leader in the church… we find Him in our hearts.

Worthy and Holy Lamb of God, I know you love me because of the great price you paid to redeem me from my sins. Thank you for having me on your heart despite my sometimes rebellious and unfaithful ways. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles.
Isaiah 42:6  NIV

God chose the Israelites to be his special nation. This wasn’t because they were better or brighter than other nations. No, God chose them because of his love for Abraham and so he could bless all nations of the earth through his chosen people. The covenant for the world comes through the blessing of God’s amazing love. Jesus is the light of the world and we are able to enjoy the grace of heaven because of this promise.

Father, I know you have blessed me with your salvation because of your great mercy, grace, and kindness. In turn, please empower me as I try to share your great blessings with others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
John 15:13

In honor of our fallen soldiers on this Memorial Day.
Our fallen soldiers and heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice. They’ve laid down their lives so that we may enjoy the freedom they fought to secure for us. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers, not just on Memorial Day, but everyday. We pray that they have found eternal rest and peace in the hands of God.

For those who have sacrificed their lives so that we may be free.
We remember you, we honor you, we love you and we humbly thank you for your service. A simple “thank you” is not enough for all that you’ve endured. We pray that you live on through the loving memories shared by your family and loved ones. We pray that the strife, battles and wounds of war be calmed for eternity in God’s loving grace. May you find rest at last and know that those left behind cherish your spirit, honor your commitment, send their love and will never forget your sacrifice.

For those who mourn the loss of a loved one.
We pray that you feel the peace of God’s love and comfort in your grief. You too have made the ultimate sacrifice. May you keep the memory of your loved one alive through sharing the story of their bravery with all who will listen. We pray that God may give you strength to cope with daily challenges in the absence of your loved ones.

For those who are waiting for a loved one to return home.
Let God’s nurturing love sustain you as you wait for the safe return of your loved one. We pray that God is their constant companion and shield of protection, providing strength during battle and refuge during troubled times. We hope and pray that God guides them home safely.

For those who have survived and come home to us.
We can’t imagine what you’ve been through. We will not forget the sacrifices you’ve made and we owe you our greatest gratitude and absolute respect for your courage and bravery. We pray that you feel tranquility and comfort in your return home. We pray that you may experience peace of mind, healing of body and faith in your protection and care.

For all who endeavor to nourish world peace.
We pray that all people learn to work together for peace, harmony and justice. May we all overcome hatred and learn to live in peace with good will toward all. We pray that all people hold dearly to belief in the sacredness of life and human rights.

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.
– Acts 20:24 (NIV)

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 (NIV)

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. He is the master planner of every detail in creation. From the largest galaxies to the smallest of particles, everything is perfection. While many of us are big dreamers and planners, only God can accomplish the marvelous works that he alone can make!

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.