Father, I am so grateful for the many passages in Scripture that provide strength and reassurance in our moments of weakness and doubt. I’m doubly grateful for brothers and sisters in our present day and those in the historic record who took hold of these truths and modeled for us what it is to live a victorious life in the midst of the daily uncertainties of this world. Our inner person is renewed with each passing day as we loosen our grip in that which passes away and take hold of that which never passes away till we reach the blessed, promised land. Amen.

Father, since we live in a sin-filled world we’re bound to experience the consequences of our own sins and the sins of others. There is tremendous consolation when we hold onto the promise that these pain-filled consequences will come to an end and not follow us to the promised land. Much of what we go through is a testing of our faith and we know that faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted. May this testing shape our attitudes so that we glorify You no matter what we experience in this life, for some of the greatest living sermons that show people the way to eternal life and righteous living, is when we’re put to the test and we shine forth like gold. Many will not pick up a Bible to learn of Your eternal principles but they will observe our actions and attitudes. Keep us faithful no matter the cost or pain. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, You want us to be on the look-out for our enemy’s activity and beware of his approach in the daily temptations he brings to our mind. The narrative might have changed a great deal, had the disciples been on their guard in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus warned them to pray rather than sleep through the night. We find ourselves much like them because we often ignore the warnings or become nonchalant, thinking we’ve heard them all our lives. Yet Your warnings and promises in Scripture are like a strong tower for the soul. You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Your words are truth and all Your promises will be fulfilled in time. You are a strong tower and we who are righteous run to You and find safety through Christ Jesus our Lord. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

Father, our faith and joy do not depend upon Your answering our prayers the way we may desire, but rather the marvelous work that You have done and are doing in our lives. You’ve forgiven us our sins and You’ve placed our names in the Lamb’s book of life. We want to be joyful in You and the ongoing work You are doing in the spiritual realm, invisible to the eyes of others, but very much alive in our spirit. As we allow You to do Your inner work the outflowing fruit in our lives will reveal the changes You make within us. We thank You in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Father, You’ve called us to live holy lives set apart for Your intended purpose. By doing so we can more clearly distinguish light from darkness and will keep the forces of evil distant, not allowing them to overtake our heart’s affections. We pray not only for ourselves, but also for our loved ones who are presently in bondage to sin. They do not live apart from the mindset of the world but rather seek the world’s approval, seeing Your commands as out-of-date, no longer pertinent, or as some like to say, on “the wrong side of history”. Your timeless ancient book, with its precepts, commands and promises is our roadmap as we make our pilgrimage here below. May we not be distracted or stray by partaking of that which will woo us into a life of sin. In Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, You are our spiritual covering as we carry out our duties on this day, for Your eyes are on the righteous. In our interaction with others, in our work responsibilities, our daily commute and family duties there are numerous temptations that seek our allegiance which would make us vacillate in our devotion to You. You know our areas of weakness where we’re vulnerable to the enemy and You desire to strengthen and uphold us, keeping our hearts fully committed to You. Thank You for assuring us that we are never out of Your view nor away from Your loving care. Not only are we within Your view, but we are within Your hearing range for Your ears are attentive to our prayers. Through Christ our Lord we give praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

Father in heaven, we ask You to help us apply Your teachings to our lives so that our foundation will be unshakable and storm-proof when the howling winds and surging rains beat against us. The foundation of this world is temporal and growing more and more decadent, so we choose instead to build our lives on the eternal foundation of Your Holy Word, as You teach us all throughout Scripture. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, You speak to us through the prophet Isaiah, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.“ Though this passage is somewhat general we know that You deal with the specifics in our lives as we encounter personal difficulties and quandaries. How comforting it is to know that You are alive forevermore and not only go before us, but You walk alongside us in our times of pain, confusion, loss, and when we’re uncertain what direction You want us to take. Ever-faithful and ever-loving God, we praise You for Your presence in our lives. It is through Jesus that we come to You in prayer. Amen.

Father, we thank You for sending Jesus who came as God in the flesh, revealing to us Your character and personhood. You created all things and sustain them by Your powerful hand. That includes us, Your human creation. All that You created You also test. The plant life has tests of stress and endurance in the harsh elements and we, Your human creation, must endure the tests of endurance common to the flesh; whether it is relational, physical, spiritual, emotional or financial. We will endure these tests and turn them into a testimony as we rely on You, for “You will accomplish what concerns me; for You are my sustainer”. You existed before anything else and You hold all creation together. We are immensely grateful. Amen

Father, we’re tempted way too often to behave badly, in big ways and little ways. Grant us a firm resolve to do good whatever the cost. Above all, remind us through Your Holy Spirit, that we choose to do good because it pleases You. May the fulfillment of pleasing You be of much greater importance than pleasing or impressing those among us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.