Father, Your Word tells us to do everything without complaining and arguing so that we may become blameless and pure in a crooked and depraved generation. Instead of spreading negativity from our words and actions we are to shine like stars in the universe so that the divine light of Christ may be evident in the way we interact with our peers. Would You raise us above the fray of life as we determine to have an attitude of gratefulness and praise to Him who doeth all things well! Amen.

Jesus, as I exchange places with Peter today I hear the same question, “Do you truly love me more than these?” As I contemplate what “these” things are in my life I want my love and devotion for You to exceed anyone or anything that I value in this life. In searching my heart this day I lay before You anything that would conflict or compete with Your supreme control of my life. I yield my affections to You, my Lord and Master. In loving You more than these my primary allegiance is to You and the Kingdom of God. May my actions be a reflection of my words, I pray. Amen.

Father, our faith rests in the finished work of Jesus at Calvary. Because of His tremendous sacrifice our sins are forgiven and a place is reserved for us in heaven. We also find rest from our unending troubles in this life as we respond to Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Help us to look to You for needed strength and an overcoming spirit as we daily encounter challenges and ongoing burdens. Our burdens are lifted at Calvary for that is where Jesus bore not only our sins but also our sorrows. Praise be to You, our Father in heaven, who daily bears our burdens. Amen.

Father, as the state of the family declines year by year it also brings down our country. Many politicians, community leaders and individuals cry out, “Pour more money into education and community programs.” Others wring their hands and wonder what can be done to improve our neighborhood, city and country. Though the answers are found in Your Holy Word these same people ridicule and reject that which is of spiritual origin so the troubles continue and even escalate during times of crisis. Father, we need a heaven sent revival that will reveal who You are to those who know You not and revive those of us who do. Help those who are childrearing not to become discouraged but to persevere in bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

Father, the Word directs us not to get drunk on wine, but to be filled instead with the Spirit, speaking to ourselves in songs, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts toward You. You use these songs to teach us about Your truths, remind us of Your promises, comfort us in our grief, and refresh us in our spirit. No voice that is weak, hoarse, off-tempo, or out of pitch is rejected by You when we offer what we have with glad and sincere hearts. Help us not to be intimidated by those who have musical giftings, for our “joyful noise” can be a glorious symphony of praise when blended with thankful hearts to You through our musical worship. Amen.

Father, we know there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. That’s why we cannot choose a man based law that stands in contrast to the Bible, for it will lead us to a spiritual death and we will ultimately spend eternity apart from You and all the untold blessings You have prepared for us in heaven. For those of us who hold to the traditional view of marriage as described and defined from the very beginning, help us not to cave in to cleverly invented arguments or allow the law of man to supersede the law of God in such a grave matter. We want to recognize, honor, celebrate and preserve marriages in general as designed by You, our Creator God. And we also do all that we can, in keeping with our own marital vows, to love, honor and cherish our spouse and preserve our marriage. Through Christ we come to You in prayer. Amen.

Father, as we confess our sins we thank You that You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Help us to be honest enough to admit our sin, welcome Your cleansing, and invite the Holy Spirit to help us courageously deal with personal consequences from our sinful defiance. You are a gracious Father who does not cast us down in our failures, but You uphold us with Your gracious and loving hand. Amen.

Father, often the days converge into another and before we know it another year has passed. Help us to be keenly aware of each new day and the opportunity it holds for us to be engaged in our Father’s business. We want to daily turn to Your holy Word for wisdom so that we will present to You a heart full of godly wisdom and a life fully surrendered to You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Father, You sustain me by speaking peace to my heart even in the midst of troubling circumstances. Your unsurpassed peace cannot be defined by the absence of conflict but by the assurance that You will come alongside me in the midst of my conflict and make a roadway for me in the wilderness of my suffering. When I seek You I can be assured that You will hear me and deliver me from all my fears. Thank You for Your sustaining presence that lifts me from my slumber and helps me to trust You for another day. Amen.

Father, we consider the great honor granted Uzziah when he was crowned king at a young age. Due to the influence of Zechariah, he was taught in the ways of the Lord. You blessed, prospered, and honored him as he implemented godly principles and followed the commands of Scripture. But, much to his demise and that of the people he served, he took his eyes off Your truths and pride led to his downfall. Indulging pride entered his heart and its tentacles spread to his head giving him an inflated sense of self-importance which began the downward spiral. We’ve seen it many times when Christian leaders take their eyes off the Master they are serving and begin to think more highly of themselves than they ought. When pride creeps into our thoughts, help us to recognize it. Perhaps it will be a Scripture, a messenger sent from God, or a consequence resulting from our pride that will get our attention and get us back on track to recognize that all gifts, skills, knowledge and abilities come from You, not within ourselves. Keep us submitted to Your will and walking in Your ways all the days of our lives, in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.