Father, Your Word tells us that Jesus suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we might also suffer indignity and injustice just as the disciples did, many of them giving their lives for the Gospel. But when we consider all that You have set before us; redemption, forgiveness, a clear conscience, a pure heart, a satisfied mind, virtuous gifts that increase over a lifetime, unconditional love, grace beyond measure and a home prepared for me in heaven, things suffered in this life pale in comparison. May the lives we live, the words we speak, and the love we generously pour out to others “amaze” those who see it so that they might declare, “We recognize them as having been with Jesus.” In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, how blessed we are to view glimpses of beauty and awe on this side of heaven. But with great anticipation we await the glorious day when we will behold the ultimate view; Jesus in all His glory. This world with all its troubles and disappointments will vanish from our memory as we behold a new heaven and a new earth. Contemplating that ultimate view diminishes our heartaches and burdens of this life. Keep us keeping on as we journey below so that we will ultimately reach our eternal resting place. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.

Father, we desire to be a grateful people. We want to be mindful of our blessings and express thanksgiving regularly for that which we do not deserve but receive regularly because of Your merciful Spirit toward us. It is far too easy to observe ingratitude in others and be blind to its presence in our own lives. When we’re tempted to grumble prompt in us a grateful response instead, so that we will bear the fruit of thankfulness which brings about contentment, peace and joy. In the name of Jesus we pray these things. Amen.

Father, we read of Your supernatural workings throughout the Bible and we’ve witnessed it over the years as we’ve seen miracles of Your healing and saving power in the lives of others. We’ve also experienced it personally as You’ve saved us from our sins and set us on an eternal journey of giving praise and thanksgiving to You for all Your wondrous works. When we lose sight of Your miraculous deeds in the daily grind of life and in the circumstances that baffle or discourage us help us to remember that You are a God of the impossible, nothing is too complex or broken that You cannot fix. You delight in us as we put our hope in Your unfailing love and miraculous power. We give thanks to You through Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

Father, we thank You for the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit that enabled the writers of Scripture to record that which would show us the way to You through Your Son, Jesus. The words of Scripture not only show us the way to salvation but guide us in our life’s journey. May Your Words be impressed upon our hearts as we give regular attention to them through reading and memorizing the Scriptures, participating in Bible Studies, listening to godly leaders expound Your Word, teaching them to our children. We don’t want a casual attitude about Your Holy Word, but rather we want to be earnest students of Your Word contending always for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints. Amen.

Father, we lift our cup to You for a fresh filling of Your Holy Spirit that refreshes, invigorates, encourages, convicts and guides us into all truths. We want to be vigilant in our spiritual walk, never sighing at old truths but making them the unchanging foundation on which we build newly understood truths and personal experiences in which You reveal Yourself to us. We will continue to grow up in our salvation as we partake of all that You have provided for our spiritual needs. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Father, like the seven churches in Revelation, we too have strengths and weaknesses, in which we receive Your commendation and need Your correction. We want to be so yielded to Christ that we live for Him and are willing to die for Him. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are currently facing all kinds of torment, suffering, and loss as they stand firm in the faith. We pray that the Good News of Christ is reaching even more due to the persecuted church just as it has throughout the centuries. Those who work the hardest to dispense with the Gospel are now exposed to it through the bold witness of those being imprisoned and persecuted. Bibles, freedom, and personal rights may be withheld, but no ungodly official is able to quench Your Spirit that is very much alive in the hearts of those being persecuted for their faith. The Word of God concealed in their hearts gives them power from on high to overpower the authority of sinful man. Encourage our brothers and sisters as they endure for the sake of Christ. Prompt us by Your Holy Spirit to be faithful in prayer for them, that they will be released from their oppressors, and that their oppressors will come to faith. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, as we humbly receive the Word planted in us through Your Spirit we put off the old self. Help us to get rid of anything that stimulates our old way of thinking. Help us to reject that which is detrimental to our spiritual growth and to embrace that which saves us from the evil that is so prevalent in our world. Keep our hearts soft so that we are quick to confess and repent of that which dishonors You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Father, we pray for those graduating from high school or college this year. What a tremendous and long-range accomplishment this is in their lives. We ask that You would empower our graduates with great foresight, godly wisdom, daily discipline, and a sense of purpose as they enter a new season of their lives. May their hearts be fully consecrated to You as they use their natural giftings and learned skills in the marketplace. Though much about their future is not yet revealed, You have given absolute direction about their personal spiritual walk. No matter what field of study or where they locate geographically may they listen intently to Your command: “This is the way; walk in it.” No matter what season of life, help us to never forsake the unchanging, fundamental truths we learn from steadfastly walking in Your way. We joyfully acknowledge that it is the best way and we thank You for it in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Father, help me to keep the godly perspective presented in Your Word regarding sinfulness and righteousness. There is no true sophistication in sinful behavior, for it is abhorrent and unacceptable in Your sight and destructive to the human heart. Though the world might dress it up, classify it with a new trendy name, sin is still sin and it brings about disastrous consequences. May my heart’s desires be drawn to righteousness. I want those things which are true, honest, lovely, and praiseworthy to occupy my thoughts and be visible in my interaction with others. I seek the wisdom imparted through the inspirational writing of Your holy Word. May it always be the filter I use to screen the wisdom of this age with the wisdom that comes from the God of the ages.