Father, I pray that You would wash me so that I will be whiter than snow. Hide Your face from my sins which are great and dishonor You so much that I can’t bear for You to look upon them. Blot out all my iniquity. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth that will enable me to declare Your praise. It isn’t the burnt offering that You delight in but the sacrifice of my broken spirit; it is a broken and contrite heart that You desire in me. As I come to You in humility and brokenness of spirit You restore to me the joy of Your salvation much like the new fallen snow that covers the earth. Thank You for being merciful and forgiving. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Father, as believers, we are put to the test daily regarding our adherence to the Scriptures that teach right from wrong, truth from error. Included are numerous examples of those who represent both camps. We have the golden opportunity to learn lessons from those who were obedient to Your laws and from those who chose to disregard them. Help us to remember that disobedience, disregard, or dilution of the Scriptures will weaken us and eventually harden our hearts to spiritual truths. We choose either to be shaped by the world or by the Word. Our will and desires cannot be shaped by both. We choose this day to be Your obedient servant no matter the consequences, for Your blessing is more to be desired than the applause of the world. Amen.

Father, we want to be a shining light to the nations, bring a word of hope to the peoples of this earth so that the whole world will know there’s salvation in Your name, there’s awe in Your supernatural deeds and there is eternity to be gained in exchange for a temporal world. We don’t want to take for granted Your awesome deeds recorded in Scriptures or things done for us in the past. Would you do it again, Lord! Reveal Your power anew and make it known in our time, we pray. Amen.

Father, in this age of competition and egocentricity help us to resist the mindset of the world. We’re tempted to focus on big numbers, large budgets, expensive buildings, newest resources, impressive staff and other worldly comparisons of those who share in this calling to minister to our lost and dying world. When our focus is narrowed to imitating or competing with other ministry groups we lose sight of the One to whom we are honoring and our priorities become misaligned. We want to thank You for the scores of people and ministries that are making a tremendous spiritual impact for Your Kingdom, the vast majority of whom are unheralded and unseen. As Your followers, move us beyond pettiness, jealousy, and possessiveness to appreciate and affirm those who might have a different way of presenting the Gospel as long as it is in accordance with the Scripture. Help us to support and pray for one another as we carry forth the light of God’s Word. You have called each one of us to lift up Your name and You will draw people to Yourself. As we seek You above all else You will be our daily guide and out of our hearts will flow abundant springs of living water that will not run dry even in a drought stricken land. Amen.

Father, as I stand at the crossroads of decision where I am pulled in many directions, I direct my attention to the well-worn path marked out by faithful followers of God throughout the centuries – the faithful ones who remained true to Your ancient law whose hearts did not betray the One True God. With godly determination I earnestly desire to follow in the steps of the Master that leads me to find rest for my soul on earth and secures a heavenly home where my soul no longer grows weary or disheartened. By Your grace I move forward in Jesus’ name. Amen.