Father, we have crucified our old nature with Christ and therefore it is Christ who lives in us. The life we now live in the flesh we live by faith through Jesus who loves us and gave Himself for us. If we set our affections on things above, we won’t be as disappointed when we can’t find all the answers here below, but when we appear with You in glory grievances here on earth will disappear forever! Praise God forevermore. Amen.

Father, we give You all the glory for You have done great things; things so great they are far beyond the scope, understanding, knowledge or creativity granted to us, Your creation. So we praise You for all that You provide us, all that is ours to hold in our hands, see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and taste with our tongue. But purer and higher and greater than all these wonderful things will be the moment that Christ returns for His children. He will be our wonder, our transport, from our swift sojourn here on earth to our eternal dwelling in the heavens. Keep us faithful till that appointed hour. Amen.

Loving Father, if only we heard “the wages of sin is death” we would be without hope, for none of us can boast that we are without sin. Yet forgiveness is extended to all who bow their knee and confess with their tongue that Jesus Christ is Lord, who live in accordance with Scripture. Yes, the wages of sin is death but Jesus’ death on the cross provides the transitional word, “but” in this Romans 6:23 Scripture. “The wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” No treasure or experience on earth compares with the awesome news that we will spend eternity in heaven because of Your gift provided to us through Jesus. We thank You now and for all eternity. Amen.

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.

Father, You made my heart to be the life-giving source for my physical existence and You also made my heart to be the life-giving source for spiritual existence. Create in me a pure and contrite heart, O God, and establish a steadfast spirit within me. It is only in the power of Your Holy Spirit that I can faithfully guard my heart from the follies of the world. Fill me with the abundance of Your goodness so that it overflows into the lives of others as my conversation and conduct reflect Your presence in my life. Help me, I pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen

Father, any words we speak or analogies we use cannot adequately describe your infinite mighty power. It miraculously reaches beyond the heavens, is visible throughout all the earth, and is resident within our own hearts. It is only in experiencing a personal relationship with you that we begin to tap into the inexhaustible power and might that flows from You, Almighty God. Even as the waves of the ocean are powerful and wash up on shore may You fill our lives to overflowing so that Your mighty presence is visible in our lives and spills out to those around us. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.