Father, we are so grateful for the power of prayer and its positive affect in our lives. Yet we confess that we don’t avail ourselves to Your prescribed means of communication nearly as often as we should. Jesus quoted Scripture when refuting Satan’s temptations in the wilderness experience and He spent time in intense prayer when He needed strength, courage, and faith for the trials that lay ahead. We likewise pray for our brothers and sisters, that their faith in You will mature and that they will remain faithful in times of testing. We pray for ourselves that we will stand firm and remain confident in our Christian faith as we oppose the evil forces in this world. In the name of Jesus we ask these things. Amen.

Father, we know that living in the light of eternity gives us an unending hope that surpasses our journey here below. It takes our spirit to heights that soar beyond the brutish world we live in and motivates us to lay up our treasures in heaven where greed and corruption do not exist. It gives us a deep, settled peace that our loved one who walked with You on earth now worships You in heaven. We anxiously await that wondrous day when we will be joined with our loved ones in giving praise, glory and honor to our everlasting King of Kings around the heavenly throne. Our hearts are encouraged and our spirit is strengthened as we meditate on these wonderful future events. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, as I dwell in Your secure shelter I rest in the shadow of Your wings. You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. You saved me from the evil plot of Satan when You secured for me the eternal plan of salvation. Like a bird who protects its young with the spread of its feathers, You cover me and protect me as You shield me with Your wings blocking the fiery darts of Satan. I will not fear the day nor the night as I am sheltered and protected by You. No evil can harm me for I am resting in Jesus and am safe forevermore. Amen.

Father, we cannot remain neutral but must stand for that which is good or we will fall for that which is evil. Help us, as believers, to cling to that which is good even when it comes at great sacrifice. With the aid of Your Holy Spirit, we will be keenly discerning of the spirits of this age. We look to You alone, for “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, we desire to clothe ourselves in Christ Jesus, whose Spirit resides within our hearts. We pray that our behavior would honor You as we seek to behave decently and live according to the pattern of Holy Scripture, for “we were taught, regarding our former way of life, to put off our old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of our minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Make us like You, Father, as we follow after You in righteousness and holiness. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, we pray that You would make us pliable and yielding to Your touch which can happen only as we open our hearts to You. We want to be like clay in the hand of the Potter and receptive to the Spirit’s working. The process can be painful as impurities are removed and reshaping goes against the grain of our sin nature. But the end result makes us a vessel fitting for Your honor and useful for Your kingdom. We desire to glorify You today as our hearts are open, soft and receptive to Your Spirit. Amen.

Father, from the time we awaken to the time we lie down we declare that You are worthy to be praised! Your name is exalted far above the earth, Your worth much greater than any jewels. Help us not to be people who use the same tongue for cursing and praises. Instead we want to use our tongues for praising You, our Lord and Father, and uplifting those created in Your image. Be glorified in our lives so that we bring praise and glory to You this day and each day. Amen.

Father, we consider the sentiment of the hymnwriter who asked, “Where could I go, oh, where could I go? Seeking a refuge for my soul. Needing a Friend to save me in the end, where could I go but to the Lord?” Father, though You love us so much that You sent Your only Son to die on the cross for our sins we put up a struggle with You instead of surrendering to You. But when we finally do surrender, we find You to be a mighty Refuge from the storms of life, a Savior who redeems us from the sins that held us in Satan’s captivity. Even as we have received Your mercy and forgiveness from sins, we want to see others released from the devil’s stronghold as well. Enable us to be faithful witnesses to the lost. Give us a passion for souls so that Your kingdom will be enlarged and Satan’s domain will decrease. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Father, we are advised by the apostle James to ask for any wisdom we lack, and You will give generously to us that which we ask. So much wisdom is attained by carefully reading, studying, and applying the Scripture. Additional wisdom is granted through the experiences we go through in life and also observing others, their response to critical situations along with their life choices and the results that follow. There are many things we observe and learn as we go through life’s journey. Help us to hold on to that which will profit us, that which will benefit or broaden our understanding. Enable us to reject and dispense of that which is in direct contrast to Your Holy Word so that we are not led astray or misguided by teachings the world deems to be knowledgeable or wise. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, You have called us to a journey of faith where we learn to trust You for all that we have need of, for the present and the future – in our relationships, our health, our earthly provisions and our spiritual needs. Like the songwriter, Louisa Stead, wrote; “I’m so glad I learned to trust You, precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; For I know that You are with me; Will be with me to the end. Jesus, Jesus How I trust You, How I’ve proved You o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, O for grace to trust You more.” Help us to find the sweetness of wholeheartedly trusting in You, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.