Father, though many of us have sung “This Little light of Mine” since we were small children we’ve often done the opposite of what we’ve sung. We’ve shined our light when it’s safe to do so where others are accepting of who we are as we walk in step with You. But we’ve also “hidden it under a basket” in settings where it was an unwelcome sight. If we are true followers of Christ we will not waver by concealing our light since the “Light of Life” dwells within us. Your indwelling light shows us the way in this land infiltrated with darkness. We choose to walk in the light of Christ which enables us to recognize and overcome the evil tactics of the prince of darkness. Amen.

Father, it comes very naturally to encourage and instruct others in Your teachings. But it is far more difficult to bring loving rebuke and correction to one who has chosen to live in disobedience to Your commands. Help me to go forth as one pure in heart, humble in spirit, and earnest in prayer when I am commissioned to be Your messenger of life-giving rebuke. It wasn’t Nathan who went after David, but it was You who sent Nathan, which served as the beginning of David’s spiritual restoration. When the messenger is pure in motive and obedient to the Spirit’s prompting, and the message is received in the right spirit, then correction will take place, just as it did with David. Though I cannot be assured of the desired results help me to find blessing in having been obedient to Your Spirit’s leading. When I am the recipient of a rebuke may I respond in humility and receive the correction as though it were delivered personally from You and respond accordingly. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Father, we thank You that in Jesus we’ve found an enduring Friend for all eternity; One who laid down His life that we might be raised to newness of life. There’s no friend on earth that can provide the constant companionship we experience with Christ through prayer, the Scriptures, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit that resides in our hearts; in the good times and the bad, during the testings and temptations common to all. There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one, no not even one. Thank You for this wondrous gift we celebrate of Jesus coming to earth in the flesh to dwell among us and to show us the more excellent way. Amen.

Father, I separate myself from the distracting desires and destructive deeds that pull me back into the world where Satan rules with his power of darkness. No longer do I seek after that which gratifies only the flesh, but I find lasting satisfaction in that which feeds my soul and guides me all the days of my life. There is absolutely nothing of worth here on earth that equals the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ which also includes the bonus of eternity in heaven. Amen.

Father, I pray that You will guard my heart so that I am not lured into reckless desires that originate from worldly thinking and godless behavior. I know, in my heart, that these worldly desires lead to ruin and destruction as they gradually lead me to abandon godly principles and holy living. May godless trends and philosophies be evident to me as I reject the enemy’s plan to gradually dull my senses to what is falsely called knowledge and the enlightenment of our age. May I always pursue righteousness through a vibrant faith in You, through Christ Jesus, my Lord and my Master regardless of the consequences. Amen.