Father, we thank you for the diligence and passion of faithful missionaries, pastors, evangelists, song writers and others who are in the trenches of impacting lives destroyed by the devil’s vices. Sometimes we feel our impact on others is so insignificant in comparison to the Billy Grahams but you’ve called us to make a difference in our circle of influence where You strategically placed us. We’re reminded by Scripture today that You will be the One who evaluates our effectiveness. It is not the visible fruit of our labors that determines the validity of our calling, but it is obedience to Your Word that helps us to continue in the work You’ve called us to do. Help us to be faithful!

Father, we read throughout the period of the Judges that the people of Israel endured great heartache and spiritual defeat because each one became his own authority and acted on his own opinions of what was right and wrong. They did not look to You as the final authority; they disregarded Your holy laws and chose to do that which was right in their own eyes. We see this prevailing attitude in our own day. But as believers we acknowledge that our judgment is flawed and our motives are selfish when we do not submit our will to a holy God who knows what is best for His children. We want to obey Your laws and surrender our will as we seek to do what is good and right in Your eyes. This will result in our hearts being strengthened and our lives being blessed as we walk in the ways of Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.

Father, we pray for a spirit of cooperation and eagerness to contribute to the needs of the whole body, so that Your Church is built not just with sweat, bricks, and mortar but with love, care, and teamwork. Therefore we seek to act in cooperation, unity and purpose as we do our part in building each other up in the various natural giftings and learned skills You have given us as we strive for unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. We also want to be on the look-out for opportunities to reach out to those who are not of the household of faith. Through our loving and generous endeavors toward their needs we have more opportunity to share the gospel of Christ with them, helping them not just here and now but reaching them for all eternity. Amen.

Father, the accolades, merits, relationships and physical treasures I’ve accumulated in this life are but rubbish when compared to the all surpassing gift of knowing You, receiving Your forgiveness, and experiencing Your redemptive love. Because I am risen with Christ I want to place my affections on things above rather than things on this earth where I am so easily distracted from that which really matters and draws me closer to Your throne. To know You, Father, is to know unfathomable peace and joy beyond measure. I thank You through Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen.

Father, through the prophet Isaiah’s words, we are reminded that Your Word does not return empty but accomplishes that which You desire. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path. Your Word is divinely inspired and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that we are thoroughly equipped for every good work. We’re grateful for the guidance we receive daily through faithfully reading and applying Scripture to our lives. As we wrestle daily against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places we look to You as our Captain protecting us and guiding us here below as You lead us toward our future eternal fortress in heaven. Keep us faithful till that final promotion. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.