The Winepress of the Fury of the Wrath of God Almighty (Rev 19:15)

Jesus, the defender of the helpless and one who punishes the oppressor,

Once again our image of you as a passive weakling hinders our true understanding of your nature. We know from your revelation to your servant John, that you are the one who will destroy those who harass and oppress your people. I will never fully understand the existence of evil in the world, but I do know that it exists and that innocent people are hurt by it. The Book of Revelation teaches me that you are not an indifferent observer in those times, but that at the right time you avenge your people.

Though I would like to pray that no injustice ever happens to these children, I know that is simply not real life in this fallen world. Your servants have suffered injustice over the centuries and, of course, you suffered injustice for us.  I pray that when these children suffer injustice in their lives that they will look to you and know that you live, and that you live to defend them and avenge them in the Day of the Lord. That you tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty against those who would render injustice against the children of God.

Amen

He Will Rule Them with an Iron Scepter (Rev 19:15)

Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords,

It strikes me that you are often portrayed as "meek and gentle" in the sense of being "weak and gentle". The authority ascribed to you in the book of Revelation is markedly different than such an image. Certainly you are filled with compassion, but you are also a victorious conquering king who expects obedience from your subjects.

I pray that these children come to understand your majesty and your power. That they come to understand that all things are under your control and under your power. That before you every knee will bow. And by that understanding, they will know that your teachings are not just suggestions, but words of their master and king - words and teachings to be taken seriously as words given by someone before whom someday they will bow. I pray they know your gentleness and your compassion and your love, but that they understand that such love and compassion does not mean that you think lightly of or respond lightly to sin. You are a king who expects loyalty and allegiance - and a commitment to follow your commands.

So I pray that these children will know your love and compassion, but will also have a compelling desire to obey you as their king.

Amen

Rev 19:15

And out of his mouth came a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.

Jesus, King of Glory,

I pray that these children come to understand the power of your word. The power of scripture as in works within them in their lives. I pray that they come to understand that your word is not just words on a page, but the power of the universe that is in their hands.

The reference to sword is mentioned again within your word -

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).

I understand from these words and the words in Revelation 19, that, via the power of God's Holy Spirit, something happens when your word is read and when it is spoken that is more than just an intellectual  exercise - but that your power is unleashed - sufficiently to strike down nations. Such is the reason many of my prayers for them are based on your word.

I pray that these children gain an understanding of that power, and begin to seek your word, to read your word and to make your word a part of their every day lives. That they do not miss this power that is available to them in facing the barriers they will encounter in trying to live a godly life.

Amen

Philippians 2

Jesus,

Paul tells us that our attitude should be like yours. Though you are God, you did not use your power to hold on to your position, but instead you emptied yourself to become a servant and, becoming human, you humbled yourself.

I pray that you help these children to understand the true meaning of Christmas - the example of the incarnation, which is as Paul describes and that these children learn the true meaning of and value of servanthood. That they will understand the power in touching hurting people, one person at a time - just as you did. Increase their joy experienced when they help, give and serve so that it becomes second nature to them to reach out to people. Give them a heart for the oppressed, the struggling, the downcast and the outcast, just as you have. Give them a desire to imitate your humility, a humility founded in strength and restrained power. A humility with full knowledge and understanding of their position as children of the King, and a full knowledge of their true citizenship. And that they too are emptying themselves of their position as royalty in your kingdom, and that they are a continuing incarnation - your hands to touch the hurting, your feet to visit the sick, your arms to embraced the unloved, your shoulders to cry on, your eyes to see what is needed in the lives of others, your mouth to speak encouragement and your ears to listen to the lonely.

Amen

Happy Birthday TyP

(Belated - I'm still getting this blogging discipline down - TyP's birthday was 12/5 - but thankfully prayers do not expire - I now have all of these set up on my recurring calendar with reminders - I am blessed to have my "quiver full" such that I can no longer just keep it all in my head).

Father,

I thank you for Ty. He has been a blessing to my life and is such a kind spirit. I pray that he continues to grow in his knowledge of you and develops a spiritual maturity beyond his years. As the youngest of four boys, growing up can be a challenge always being the youngest. Strengthen his self esteem so that he realizes that being younger, he simply won't be able to do things as well (yet) as the older boys. Let him become at peace with that, and truly understand that his value comes from you, not from measuring up to older boys. Help him to see his value in the world as one who can sense the needs of others and reach out to them.

Help him to be a strong and kind older brother to LGC as she will look to him as her closest in age big brother. May they develop a special bond that lasts a lifetime as she comes to listen to wise counsel from him.

Bring strong and positive influences into his life. Bring righteous peers into his circle of friends and remove those peers who would lead him astray. Put in his heart a desire for what is good, and dull his desire for things that lead to destruction.

Shield him with the armies of heaven.

Amen

Rev 19:13 A Robe Dipped in Blood

Jesus, King of Kings -The Word of God who became flesh and lived among us,

The image of you in a robe dipped in blood tells me that you have experienced the life that we live. You have suffered the weaknesses of our bodies by sickness and pain. You have experienced fatigue. You have experienced rejection. You have experienced loss and sadness. You have experienced facing horribly difficult looming times. You have struggled in prayer. You have prayed for deliverence and been told "no". You have been tempted. Your robe is indeed dipped in blood.

I don't fully understand how the creator of the universe "experiences" things that you already knew. I don't know how that experience somehow makes you, an all knowing God, more sympathetic than you would have been before the experience. But Hebrews 4:15 tells me that because you were tempted in every way just as I have been, you are able to sympathize with my weaknesses.  Your robe is dipped in blood.

Because of that, I pray that you show great compassion to these children as they are growing up. They are and will be immature. They will make some mistakes and poor decisions. I ask that in your great compassion and understanding you spare them to full consequences of their ill advised actions. That you quickly forgive and restore them when they wander. That you hear and sympathize with the pain they experience - both their physical pain, but also the pain of rejection that they will inevitably experience. Give them an extra sense of your presence with them so that they are comforted in those times. Help them to see your example of righteous living in the midst of pain, suffering, rejection and loss. Help them to look to you, a righteous and understanding God, with your robe dipped in blood.

Amen

Rev. 19:12 - Eyes of Blazing Fire

Jesus, King of Glory, Firstborn over all Creation,

You are so often portrayed as a wimp. But the image of eyes of blazing fire tells us that is simply wrong. You have within you the power of the universe, the power that began all that is - all contained within your physical body, and in verse 12, that power being uncontainable - bursting forth through your eyes. 

You are crowned with many crowns - more powerful and more honored than any earthly king or ruler.

Even your name is beyond our understanding or comprehension. There are many names in scripture for you, but verse 12 tells us that those names are only an effort to try to explain you to us. But in truth, we will never full know you or understand you.

But we do know that you fight for us in the spiritual battle that surrounds us - a battle we also cannot fully understand. But we know it is real.

I pray that you unleash your power in the battle for the souls of these children. That you show them your power in ways that they will understand that by following you, there is hope for ultimate victory - that they are on the winning team. Lift their eyes to see that those who are with us are greater and more powerful than those that are with the forces of evil.

Help these children to see and understand your power and your majesty - and to know that such power and majesty is fighting for them.

Amen

Revelation 19:11 The Rider on the White Horse

Jesus, King and Lord of Lords,

The image of you on a white horse impresses me as a symbol of your royalty, your power, your purity and that you are swift and active, ready to wage war against the forces of evil in this world. And your title and name "Faithful and True" tells me that you are always present with us and that you do what you say you are going to do.

I pray that you defend these children as a warrior charging into battle, that you battle he who is bent on their destruction. We know the war is real. That satan and his forces want these children for his own. I pray with everything in my soul that you do not let that happen. That you battle those forces that will try to deceive them and attract them to a life that would lead to destruction. That you battle those forces that will deceive their friends and others around them. That you surround these children with the armies of heaven and show them the way everlasting.

Amen

Psalm 91

God who protects - El Shaddai,

I pray that these little ones will dwell in your shelter, that they rest in your shadow, that they will say of you "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."

Surely you will save them from the fowler's snare and from deadly pestilence. Cover them with your feathers so that they will find refuge under your wings. By your faithfulness be their shield and rampart so that they will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at mid-day.

A thousand my fall at their side, ten thousand on their right hand, but it will not come near them - they will only observe with their eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

I pray that they make their dwelling in you, in you who is my refuge. Then no harm will befall them, no disaster will come near them. Command your angels concerning them to guard all of their ways - angels who will lift up their hands so that they will not strike their feet against a stone - they will tread on the lion and the cobra - trample the great lion and the serpent.

Because of their love for you and your love for them, rescue them and protect them and know their names. As they call upon you, please answer them and be with them in times of trouble - deliver them and honor them with long life. Satisfy their needs, hopes and dreams and show them your salvation.

Amen

A new one coming!

Dear Father,

I thank you that you are bringing a new soul into our lives, another one who will call me Grandad. I pray that you bless TH and JH as they prepare again to become parents to a new daughter. I pray that you bless J with a healthy pregnancy and an uneventful delivery. I pray that this little girl will develop normally and be a fully healthy baby when she is born.

I pray that you give T and J wisdom in raising her and that KMA, ECH and AGH will be good and protective big sisters for her. I pray that you create in her a heart that delights in you and who will bask in your presence. Guide her and mold her into a great woman of faith.

Amen

Psalm 139

Lord,

You know these children, you know them better than we do.

You know when they sit and when they rise, from a distance you know their thoughts.

You know when they go out and when they lie down to rest.

You know all of their ways. Before a word is on their tongues, you know it completely.

You hem them in, behind and in front - you have laid your hand of protection upon them.

Such knowledge is too wonderful to me, beyond my comprehension.

Where can they go from your Spirit, where can the run from your presence?

If they go up to the heavens, you are there. If they make their beds in the depths, you are there.

If they rise on the wings of dawn and settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide them, your right hand will hold them close.

If at some point in their lives they think that you no longer care for them or even see them - if they should say in their despair and loneliness "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

For you created their inmost being, you knitted them together in their mother's womb.I praise you because they are each wonderfully and fearfully made. Search them and know their hearts. Examine them and know when their hearts are anxious. See if there is any offensive way in them, and then lead them in the way everlasting - in the ways of righteousness.

Amen

Psalm 103

Father, creator of the universe,

Instill in these children a strong desire to praise you with all  their inmost being, to praise your holy name. That they will praise you and not forget all the blessings you shower on them: that you forgive all their sins, that you heal their diseases, that you redeem theirs lives from the pit if they wander from you, that you crown them with love and compassion, that you satisfy their desires with good things, that you renew their youth like the eagle's.

Thank you that you will  work righteousness and justice when they are oppressed.
Thank you that you will be compassionate and gracious to them, slow to anger, abounding in love.
Thank you that you will not always accuse or harbor your anger toward them, nor will you treat them as their sins will deserve.

As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is your love for these children. As far as the east is from the west, so you will remove their sins from them. As a father has compassion on his children, so you will have compassion on these children.

You know how they were formed and you remember that they are dust, like grass or the flowers of the field. But from everlasting to everlasting, your love will be with these children.

Praise to you who has established you throne in heaven as your kingdom rules over all.

Amen

Fruit of the Spirit - Self Control

Spirit of God,

As you fill these children with your presence, please grow quickly in them the fruit of self control. It is so difficult when we are young to control the impulses of youth. Hormones are raging and the maturity to fully understand the long term consequences of actions has not fully developed. For that reason, I pray for your transforming power to build within each of them a perception and discernment far beyond their years such that they can see clearly the future and understand the benefits of controlling their impulses and the consequences of failing to do so.

Give them a ready ability to sense when things are going in direction that they need to back away and then give them the courage to actually back away. Give them a strong senses of self value - that they belong to you - and thereby they are able to confidently choose a godly course and not be intimidated or pressured into doing otherwise. Strengthen them with your power in extra measure when they face their strongest temptations.

Give them a firm control of their temper, that they can exhibit a calm and steady spirit to those around them and such that they do not do things in anger that they will later regret. Help them to see through their anger to discern what really matters in the situation. There are times when righteous anger is appropriate, but in those circumstances give them the wisdom to make a measured response.

By them having a steady and calm hand, may they develop a skill in leadership that will allow them to be more effective for good in their lives as they lead others toward righteous ends and toward a righteousness life.

Amen

Happy Birthday LGC

Father,

I thank you for LGC and the joy that she has brought and continues to bring to her family. I'm thankful for a house full of big brothers who love her and will always be there to look out for her. I know that you are already growing within her the seed of faith as her parents are faithfully exposing her to your word. Protect that seed and allow it to grow and flourish. May she be that voice of a child in her home through which you often speak your wisdom. Protect her from the evil one so that she can grow up amidst joy and peace. Raise her up to be a great woman of faith.

Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness

Spirit of God,

As you fill these children with your presence, I pray that you grow in them the fruit of gentleness. It is easy and normal to be gentle with those broken in spirit, but the challenge is in being gentle toward those who create in us natural reaction to respond harshly - those who don't "deserve" gentleness.  This is a great struggle for me - when to respond with gentleness and when is a gentle response enabling bad behavior? Because this is such a difficult thing, I know that godly gentleness can only be a gift from you, oh Holy Spirit. It is only by your power that anyone can possess the balance of gentleness measured against the wisdom of admonition.

There were clearly times when Jesus was not gentle - but it was always with arrogant people, with people who were using their position, power or influence to oppress or attack others. But he was gentle with the struggling sinner. Somewhere in that example is the pattern of godly gentleness. But even in those examples, he would say "and sin no more", showing a pattern of refusing to enable continuing bad behavior.

So for these children, I pray that you will  fill them with the fruit of godly gentleness, seasoned with wisdom that only you can provide. I pray that they far exceed my own level of attainment in this regard.

Amen

Fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness

Spirit of God,

As you fill these children with your presence, I pray that you will grow quickly the fruit of faithfulness.  Through their experiences and by your power, I first pray that you will build the foundation of faithfulness - faith. That they develop a deeply seated belief in your existence, in your presence in their lives, in your care and concern for them, in your loving guidance, and, most importantly, in your reward for a life faithfully lived. It is that belief that your reward is greater than any earthly reward that spurs us to persevere through difficult times - to live faithfully in difficult circumstances, believing earnestly that your reward is far superior to any of life's present difficulty.

I also pray, as I often have, that you fill these children with great courage - essential to living faithfully, as continuing to do the right thing requires not only faith, but courage.

And I pray that you give them great wisdom and perspective - the ability to see what truly leads to a life of significance - being faithful to commitments and promises made. The ability to perceive the things that really matter- the things that have eternal significance.  With that perspective they can overcome and persevere through pain and difficulties.

May they be known as people that keep their promises, who do the right thing no matter how much it hurts and who see all things through to the end.

Amen

Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

Spirit of God,

Scripture tells us that no one does good on their own (Romans 3:12). I have sometimes been confused by that statement since I know of non-believers who do good things. But as I have studied more and as you have taught me more, I have begun to understand that pure goodness is impossible for mankind because pure goodness is doing good for your glory and only for your glory. All other "doing good" is one way or another self centered - either being done for personal gain or so that we can feel good about ourselves. But only you can fully bring us to doing good for your glory - so that our entire lives are worship - glorying you through a life a goodness (Romans 12:1).

I pray that as you grow your fruit of goodness within these children, that you will grow them to the otherwise unnatural state of service for the sake of your glory. I ask this for these children knowing that even at my age I am so far from attaining that level of spirituality. Though I do believe you intend for us to be able to feel good about doing good, true spiritual goodness means that we do not to good for the purpose of feeling good about doing good. I pray that you bring these children to that level of spiritual maturity early in their walk so that they can truly exhibit that kind of goodness.

I pray also that they exhibit goodness in the form of living out goodness in their example and witness to the world. That people will see you in them and that it will be obvious to all that they are filled with your goodness - by their actions, by their speech, by their purity, by the way they treat other people - that they will be a light of goodness shining in the darkness.

Amen

Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness

Spirit of God,

I pray that as you fill these children, you will soften their hearts and give them an understanding of the feelings of others so that they approach people with a heart of kindness. With our human flaws and the flaws of others, it is easy to become calloused and cynical toward others. That callousness causes us the be harsh towards those who frustrate or disappoint us. I pray that you give these children a sensitivity to and an understanding of human frailty and thereby that they are able to be kind to people toward whom it is difficult to show kindness.

May that kindness be tempered with wisdom to know when kindness needs to give way to admonition so that they do not enable behavior that will ultimately cause harm. Balancing kindness with the need to hold people accountable is indeed a challenge, but I pray that you guide them in that path. But in that path, may they always err on the side of mercy and  kindness.

Give them the ability to sense when people need the touch of kindness and give them the wisdom of how best to show that touch. May their actions of kindness have far reaching effects both in space and time.

Amen

Fruit of the Spirit - Patience

Spirit of God,

This subject is a most difficult one. I realize that often patience is taught by having to wait. None-the-less, I pray that as you fill these children, you will produce in them the fruit of patience. Help them to learn that so often you will want them to wait on the Lord. Help them to learn that you often begin to do your work when we have given up trying to be in control. I pray, though, that their patience will not be in vain.

I pray that even though they wait, they will see, over and over again in their lives, the end result of your work and be able to glory in the power of you in their lives.

I pray particularly that you will grow their patience in dealing with their loved ones. With their parents, their step parents, their brothers and sisters, their future spouse and their own children. In all of their relationships, give them a full understanding of the patience you have shown them in forgiving them over and over again. Help them to always have in the front of their minds the sacrifice Jesus made for them, even though neither they nor any of us deserved that sacrifice. Save them from being the ungrateful servant, forgiven a great debt yet unwilling to be patience with and forgive others.

In all that they do, please give them a special grace of patience and understanding.

Amen

Fruit of the Spirit - Peace

Spirit of God,

As you indwell these children, I ask that, out of the fruit of love and joy, you grow within them the fruit of peace. I pray that peace fills them, a peace that surpasses understanding. A peace that allows them to be calm in the midst of storms, a peace that allows them to keep their heads when everyone else is losing theirs, a peace that allows them to think clearly in the midst of chaos, a peace that allows them to be kind when under stress rather than lashing out.

As your peace fills them, I pray that your peace emanates from them to those around them so that they will be a comfort to those who fear, so that they can lead in the midst of trials, so that they can create stability for those whose lives are crumbling, so that they can be that reassuring smile to the troubled.

I thank you for that power that you will exhibit in their lives and the impact that you will have through their peaceful strength.

Amen

Fruit of the Spirit - Joy

Spirit of God,

As you indwell these children when they give their lives to Jesus and clothe themselves in Him, may you grow within them and through them the fruit of joy. May that joy be first inward as they, through study of your word, understand the assurance of their salvation - as they understand that salvation is a gift from the Father through Jesus and secured by your seal, and that it is not a result of their goodness or their works or that they somehow clear some hurdle that gains them salvation, but that it is a free gift and that all you ask of them is that they walk in the light - that they do not abandon their faith - that they continue to live in love toward others (even though imperfectly so). Out of that confidence, may their joy grow as they realize that your power is holding them and that ultimately they will dwell with the Father, Son and Spirit for eternity. As they understand ever more fully that even though they are flawed and imperfect human beings who will make many many mistakes in their lives, they are still being constantly held by your power.

May that fruit of joy then turn outward as they live lives of joy, lives in which their joy is evident and obvious to all, not a joy that is artificial or "plastic", not a joy that is inconsistent with circumstances, because sadness, grieving and joy are not inconsistent. In our human condition we will suffer loss and we will grieve, but underlying that, by your power, is a foundation of joy that you grow within us that allows us to keep coming back to the knowledge that this life is temporary and that the losses we suffer now do not compare to the glorious riches that are in store for these children in the Father's house.

Then I pray that as their joy becomes obvious to those around them through your power, that such joy will become contagious to those around them as their influence expands and through that expanded influence, many will come to know the joy that comes from you.

All praise to the Father, to his Son and to you, oh Holy Spirit, that we can have your power within us to live lives that have such impact in the world around us, in ways beyond anything we could possible achieve on our own.

Amen

Fruit of the Spirit - Love

Spirit of God,

I pray that as these children commit their lives to you, you will indwell them and with your power you will produce in them love -  the kind of love that human kind is unable to exhibit on our own. A kind of love that can only come from your miraculous power. I pray that you produce in them not only the ability to deeply and unselfishly love those given to them to love - family and a future spouse and any children they may have, but that you will also imbue in them the unnatural ability to love the unlovable, to love those the world has discarded as without value. In that, give them keen perception of what is going on inside the unlovable, their history, their hurts and emotional wounds such that they may have an understanding of hurting and troubled people that is deep and give them the wisdom to know how best to reach and impact them. Then give them the strength and courage to act of that wisdom. This will be hard and completely impossible for them to do on their own, impossible but for your indwelling power.

I also pray that you will allow them to live to see the fruit of that fruit - the outcome from the seeds of the love they show.

Amen

Prayers of Paul

Dear Father,

We pray for these children that their love will abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that they will be able to make good decisions about what is best in life so that they will be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:9-11

Father, we ask that you make their love to increase and overflow for each other and for all of your children, just as our love overflows for them. Strengthen their hearts so that they will be blameless and holy in your presence when Jesus comes again.

I Thess. 3:12-13

May you, the God of peace, give them the peace that is beyond understanding, give it to them at all times and in every way.  Always be with them, guarding their hearts and their minds.

II Thess 3: 16 (Philippians 4:7)

May your Love, Father, and the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of your Holy Spirit be with them all.

II Cor. 13:14

Amen

Prayers of Paul - Ephesians

I come before you, Father as it is from you that your whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray for these children that out of your glorious riches that you will make them mighty and strong with power through your Spirit in their inner beings so that Christ may dwell to the fullest in their hearts through faith. That they will be rooted and established in love, that you will give them the power to grasp how Wide and how Long and how High and how Deep is the love of Christ and that they will always be able to experience this love that is beyond comprehension, and that they will be filled up to the brim with your presence in their lives.

Ephesians 3: 14- 19

Now to you who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or even imagine – according to your power that is at work within us to You be the Glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3: 20 -21

Prayers of Paul - Thessalonians

Dear Father,

May you, the God of peace, set these children apart for your service, sanctifying them through and through, that their whole spirit, soul and body will be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Thess. 5:23

I pray that you will count them worthy of your calling, that by your power, you will fulfill your purpose in their lives and you will also grant success for their leaps of faith, for their efforts that are prompted by their faith. That the name of Jesus Christ will be glorified in their lives and that they will also be glorified in Christ according to your Grace and the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

II Thess. 1: 11-12

I ask that you, Father, and your Son, Jesus Christ who have loved us and by your grace have given us eternal encouragement and hope, that you will for these children, encourage their hearts at all times when they need lifting up and strengthen them in every good work that they pursue.

II Thess. 2: 16-17

Amen

Prayers of Paul - Colossians

Dear Father,

I pray that you will fill these children with the knowledge of your will in their lives through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, that they may live a life worthy of Jesus Christ and may please you in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in knowledge of you, being strengthened with all power according to your glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience and may always joyfully thank you, Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of all Christians in the Kingdom of light. Father, rescue them from the dominion of darkness and bring them into the kingdom of your Son, whom you love, and in whom they can have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1: 9-14)

I pray that you will help them to stand firm in ALL of your will, that they will be mature and self confident in their faith. (Colossians 4:12)

Amen

Freedom in Christ

Father,

I pray that you guide this children to avoid the trap of legalism for we know that we are all under grace, not under law, if we have been clothed in your son. (Romans 6:14, Galatians 5:4). I know the temptation is always there to attempt to justify ourselves by how well we keep your rules and how easy it is to condemn ourselves when we don't do well at keeping your rules.  But you want our hearts to be at rest in the knowledge of our salvation - asking only that we love other people as Jesus has loved us (I John 3:18-20). I know that we will fail at such a command, but that is where your grace will complete our imperfection as we strive to love others.

Help these little ones to understand clearly that it is love and mercy you want from them - for them to show love and mercy to each other and to others, rather than trying to follow a set of rules. Please help them to understand that you did provide rules, but not so that we prove ourselves to you by following them, but that they are for our own good in this life - because, to your praise and glory, Jesus already paid the price for our failure at rule-keeping and by that abolished rule-keeping as our way of coming to you. Now these children can come to you by calling on the blood of Jesus given for them - and thereby they can approach your throne with confidence knowing they will receive mercy. (Hebrews 4:16).

Amen

Thanksgiving - I Chronicles 16

Dear Father,

May these children always give thanks to you and call on your name. May they tell of what you have done in their lives. May they sing to you, sing praises to you and tell of the wonderful things you have done. Let them bask in the glory of your name and as their hearts seek you, may they rejoice.

May they always look to you for their strength and seek your face. Bring to their memory the wonders you have done in their lives

You are the Lord their God, your judgments are in all the earth. You remember your promises of salvation to them for a thousand generations. May they sing to you and proclaim your salvation day after day. May they declare your glory and speak of your marvelous deeds, for you are great and are worthy of their praise.

You made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before you. Strength and joy are in your dwelling place. May these children ever ascribe to you glory and strength due your name. May they come before you with an offering and worship of a sacrificial life lived in the splendor of your holiness.

The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.
Let them say among the nations "The Lord reigns!"
Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before you, for you come to judge the earth.

We give thanks to you, oh Lord, for you are good; your love endures forever.

May these children cry out "Save us, our God and Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise."

Praise be to you, God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.

Amen

Psalm 46

Dear Father,

Be their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
By your presence, may they not fear,
Though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the sea.
Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad your dwelling place - the hearts of your followers, as I pray these children will always be.

I pray that you dwell within them, that they will not fall, that you will help them through the darkness of night until the dawn breaks.

Though nations are in uproar and kingdoms fall, you lift your voice and the earth melts and you, the Lord Almighty, will be their fortress in the midst.

Let them see your works, the desolation you bring on the earth against those bent on evil.
Let them see you make wars cease to the ends of the earth as you break the bow and shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire.

Help them learn to be still, and know that you are God. That you are in control, with power over all nations - power over all the earth.

Be with them at all times, oh Lord Almighty. God of Jacob be their fortress.

Amen

Transformation

Oh Spirit of God,

I pray that you will fill these children and make them your dwelling place, and that, as you do so, you will exert your transforming power to the full. (II Cor 3:17-18). As descendants of Adam, they are under the same curse as all of creation and are incapable of becoming the people you want them to be. But by your power, they can be transformed into your likeness so that they, with unveiled faces, can reflect your radiance in a dark world. Because of our fallen state, though that transformation is truly miraculous, it is also sometimes painful. I pray that as your chisel works off their rough edges, you will help them to see that you, the master craftsman, are working in them to create a thing of beauty. Never allow them to be satisfied with their current state and may they always be able to look back to see, admire and appreciate the positive transformational results of your work. By your power may their spiritual light ever increase in brightness.

Amen

Being Merciful

Father,

You have made it clear to us through your word the importance of mercy. You have told us that you desire mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6), you have said that you require of us to love mercy (Micah 6:8)you have told us that we will experience judgment without mercy unless we are merciful (James 2:13) and that our sins will not be forgiven unless we are merciful (Matthew 18:32-35).

I pray for these that you will continually soften their hearts by the experiences in their lives and by what they observe in the world around them. Though I pray they do not live in guilt from the mistakes they will make, I pray that they never forget the magnitude of your forgiveness and mercy shown to them, and by remembering your mercy, they will increasingly be merciful to those around them.

The challenge of mercy is that many who suffer hardship and failure, do so because of poor choices they have made and often continue to make. Help these children, oh Lord, understand that everyone makes poor choices in life and, by your protection and mercy, we may be spared the consequences of those choices, while others are not so spared and that, truly, there but by the grace of God go we.  Help them also to remember that, without the sacrifice of your Son, any poor choice on their part would mean eternal condemnation.

Help them to be people known for their mercy.

Amen

Knowledge and Truth

Father,

In you is all knowledge and truth. Your truth is what makes us free. Your truth is what guides us into your ways and into life that has impact. I pray that these children grow to have a desire to learn, to learn about your word, to learn about your creation, to learn about the product of the creativity that you placed within mankind - poetry, prose, wisdom, art, music, dance. Give them an inquisitive mind, a desire for life-long learning. Do not let them be comfortable where they are today, but that they will feel an everpresent need to continue to develop the intellect with which you blessed them.

Help them, though, maintain a perspective about that knowledge - that having such knowledge is not how they receive their value as human beings and that having such knowledge does not make them more valuable as individuals than those who have less knowledge. In sum, do not let them become conceited, but that they always recognize that you love all individuals equally and that knowledge is only a tool that they gain by which they can bless others.

Place in them a unquenching thirst for your word and your truth. Never let them feel that they know all they need to know about your word or about you. As they learn more about you, help them realize how much they do not know so that they are merciful to those who have differing understandings. In all of this, we pray for that day when we will all have perfect knowledge - a day that will come when we are with you.

Amen

Maturity and Responsibility

Father,

You are the perfect example of faithfulness. You keep your word. You fulfill your commitments and promises. I pray that these little ones, though they are rightfully now immature, will gain in maturity beyond their years. Give them wisdom beyond their years. Teach them to see what needs to be done and give them a desire to do it. Put a strength in their heart that draws them to take care of those for whom they are responsible, even when it is costly to do so. Lift their spirits when they grow weary from carrying the load they are alotted as you show them that you are well pleased with their faithfulness. Let them live to see the fruit of their labor and their steadfastness - the fruit shown as those who follow after them live out their example, and the fruit of gratefulness expressed by those who have benefitted from their godly lives.

Amen

Psalm 119

Lord,

May their cries come before you, oh Lord, Give them understanding according to your word.
May their prayers come before you, oh Lord, and deliver them according to your promises.
May their lips overflow with praise, as you teach them your ways.
May their tongues sing of your word, for all your ways are righteous.
May your hand be ready to help them, as they choose your ways.
May they long for your salvation, and your ways be their delight.
Let them live that they may praise you, and may your ways sustain them.
When they stray like lost sheep - seek after them, for they have not forgotten your ways.

Amen

Materialism

Father,

I pray that you will protect these from the lie that "things" can bring happiness. Teach them from experience and from observing others the emptiness that comes from looking to possessions for fulfillment.  Teach them what Jesus taught, that life does not consist of the abundance of our possessions. But also help them to enjoy what possessions they have, not that the possession itself is the source of joy, but that the joy comes from the knowledge that such possessions are a gift from you, the Father, a gift to your children that you love. May they feel your love in every gift you give - from the gift of life itself, to the small things that we sometimes take for granted.

May they look to you, Lord, as their only source of fulfillment and satisfaction. Fill them up fully with your love as they look to you.

Amen

Psalm 23

Dear Father,

For all of these children and ones who are raising them:

You are their shepherd. May they never lack anything they need.
Make them to lie down in the green pastures of your love.
Let them walk beside the quiet waters of your peace.
When they wander, restore their souls to your flock.
Guide their hearts in the paths of your righteousness for your name's glory.
Even though they walk through the darkest valley, may they fear no evil because you make your presence known to them in very real ways.
Comfort them with your discipline. May your rod and staff return them to your flock as gently as possible, but as firmly as necessary.
Prepare a table for them in the presence of the evil one, so that there will be no doubt they are yours and that he has no claim on them.
Anoint their heads with oil - the anointing of their coronation as sons and daughters of the King.
May their cup overflow with your love, joy, peace, goodness and mercy all of the days of their lives, and when their lives here on earth are ended, may they dwell in your house forever.

Amen

Francis of Assisi

Father,

With all my heart I pray this prayer for PAC, MAC, SCP, KMA, TyP, ECH, GEO, ISH, LGC, AGH and AGM.

Lord make them an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let them sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master,

Grant that they may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love.
Show them that it is in giving that they receive.
It is is forgiving, that they are forgiven.
It is in dying to self, that they truly live.

Amen

Siblings

Father,

Relations between siblings can be a challenge, particularly as our fallen nature comes to the surface. I pray for these children that their relationships with their brothers and sisters and with their step-brothers and step-sisters will be filled more with joy than with heart ache. I pray that those relationships with strengthen them as iron sharpens iron. I pray that their relationship will grow stronger as they grow older so that they can experience the joy of life-long sibling love. May they learn how to be there for each other in times of rejoicing and in times of sorrow. May they strive to be a protector for each other as only siblings can.  May they come together to be a support for their parents as they age. As they have their own children, may their children be able to experience the joy of cousins.

All in all, may they help each other in their journey to be with you for eternity.

Amen

Church

Dear Jesus,

I pray that these children are drawn to your church, imperfect as she is. Show them the value of your family and their value within it. As you fill them with your Spirit, help them to become spiritual "givers", people who give spiritual refreshing and encouragement to those within your body, rather than spiritual "takers", those who rob joy from your followers. Give them perspective when church members do not behave in love, so that they will deeply understand that church is a haven for sinners and the broken, and as such they will always encounter imperfect people, struggling to follow you, but regularly failing in that effort. I pray as they continuously encounter your flawed followers, that their hearts stay soft and compassionate toward your family - save them from becoming hard, calloused and cynical. Let them be a light shining among the struggling and hurting - a strong and gentle spirit on whom people can lean. 

Fill them with your strength and your Spirit so that they have the stamina and wisdom to serve in this way. Help them to always know that in order to serve and minister fellow Christians, they must be present among your people. Help them to quickly learn that attending church is not for the purpose of worship as we often define it, but that it is for the purpose of being there to encourage fellow followers - it is for the purpose of being a spiritual medic, going into the battlefield to help heal and minister to the wounded.

And when these children have their times of hurting, may they look to their Christian brothers and sisters for strength, rather than pulling away in embarrassment.

May they each have great impact for good in your church and in your Kingdom.

Amen

Marriage

Father,

I realize that there is no requirement that these children marry as some are called to be single. If that is any of their callings, I pray that they will embrace their singleness and use it to serve you. But if they choose to marry, I pray that you are now raising up a godly young man or woman for each of them who will be their future spouse. I pray that you help them to understand that they should not look for a husband or a wife to "complete" them, rather that they become a complete person in you and that they come into the marriage already complete. May they take seriously their marriage vows and look to you for strength to hang in there during the hard times. Help them to see the blessing that they can be to your kingdom as a married couple. I pray they live to experience a long marriage and the joy of a life-long love. If they should have children, I pray that you give them wisdom in raising those children to serve you.

Amen

Education

Lord,

I know that a person's value is not dependant on their level of education or achievement. Our value to you is that we are and that we are yours. But this world requires that we provide for ourselves and an education is important in that. And generally an education allows us to realize more of our potential. So I pray that you grant these children a quality educational opportunity. Grant them good schools to attend and teachers who are godly, who care about their students and who are skilled in teaching and motivating students. Protect them from teachers and administrators who are mentally unbalanced or abusive. Give them the ability to focus and concentrate on their studies. Give them a clear picture of the importance of their education. Instill in them the desire to excel. Surround them with peers who care about their studies and their grades. Help them to develop perspective to know the importance of education, but not to become arrogant about the education they achieve.

Amen

Teens

Father,

As PAC has reached the teenage years and MAC, SCP and KMA are fast approaching them, my prayers for them will grow stronger and more intense. I pray that you protect them from the evil one with your mighty angels. Give their parents and step-parents wisdom in guiding them through these years. I pray that you bring peers of godly influence into their lives. I pray that you remove those who would lead them into temptation. I pray that you protect them from the temptations that they will face, from alcohol and drugs, from sexual temptation and from the temptations that come through the internet.

The issues they face and their parents face seem so overwhelming and powerful. There is a feeling of helplessness when facing the forces of evil. But as Elisha said to his servant, you say to us - "Don't be afraid, those who are with us are greater than those who are with them" II Kings 6:16. Open our eyes so that we can see the chariots of fire that are on our side and on the side of these precious children. Help them to see clearly the future, the consequences of poor decisions and the benefit of godly decisions. Show them your glory and power so that they will look to you for their strength instead of looking for peer approval. Give them a clear vision of your purpose for their lives so they chart a path that is in accordance with your will. May they be a light shining in the darkness, a light that draws others to you.

Amen

Health

Dear Father,

We often take for granted the health of these children. Though they have had and continue to have their share of childhood illnesses, when I look around and see what many children are dealing with, I realize how blessed we are that these children have good physical and mental health. For that I thank you so much. I also pray that you continue to grant them good health so that they are able to lead long, healthy and productive lives in your service.  Give insight and extra skill to their medical care providers that they will detect any health issues early enough that any condition can be effectively treated.

Amen

The Home

Lord,

I pray for the marriages of the parents of these children, that they be strong. Give their parents the strength to hang in during the hard times, that they be full of grace and mercy toward their spouse. I pray that your Spirit of Peace will be powerful in their homes and that your mighty angels will surround the homes to protect the families from the evil one's attack. May their parent's commitment to and relationship with you grow ever stronger so that they can be the example of godly living for their children.

Lord, I know that life is hard and that a relationship between two imperfect human beings is complex and often difficult. But I pray that they are allowed to experience the joy and fulfillment of a life-long love, and thereby to model that for their children.

Amen

Wisdom

Father,

I pray for those who are raising these children, that you will give them wisdom. These are difficult times, difficult to raise children to be dedicated Christians. With all the things that can go wrong, all the temptations into which children can fall, all the ways that a life can get off track, it can be simply overwhelming for those who love these children and who are attempting to raise them in your ways. They will and do have difficult decisions to make, how much freedom to allow, how much protection to give, what to do about friends, boyfriends, girlfriends who may not be the best influence. There will be times when they simply don't feel up to the task - not enough wisdom. Walk beside them in these times. Put your arms around them. Draw them close. May they always reach out to you in prayer - prayers for wisdom and guidance - prayers for protection from the evil one. I pray that you grant those prayers for wisdom, guidance and protection, that you fill them full of your wisdom, that you give them insight and discernment so that they can know what is going on in the lives of these kids, that they can know which friends are good influences and which are not.

Since each child is different and each responds differently, give those who are raising them wisdom as to what approaches, what techniques, what forms of discipline and encouragement is most effective for each child. I pray that their relationship with each child will strengthen and, in time as the child matures into adulthood, that they are all blessed for that relationship to transition into one of life-long friendship.

Raising these children is the most noble of responsibilities. Reward them greatly for their work.

Amen

Their Purpose

Father,

I pray for each of these, PAC, MAC, SCP, KMA, TyP, ECH, GEO, ISH, LGC, AGH and AGM. First, thank you for them, for the life and health you have given them and for the joy that is within each of them. Secondly, I pray that you show them each the special purpose you have designed for them - that they will know that design and embrace it. I pray that as they embrace your design for them, that you expand the influence of their lives so that many will be influenced for good and that the eternal destiny of many wll be changed - that many will spend eternity with you because of their influence. Give them the joy that can only come by being a part of your plan. Show them in very special and very specific ways what your plan is for them and that you want their lives to be significant. Help each of us to encourage them in finding your path.

Amen

Be Strong and Courageous

Dear Father,

I pray the each of these children will grow to answer your call to be strong and courageous. You have told your people to "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the  Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). I pray that out of your glorious riches you will strengthen them (make them mighty) through your Holy Spirit in their inner being (Eph 3:16). Teach them that the Christian life was not meant to be easy or safe, but to be bold and courageous. That they are not meant to live an ordinary life, but one that is extraordinary, filled with your power. Help them to see that even if they live what might look like an "ordinary" life, they can still be bold in their faith and courageous in reaching out to the world around them. Give them the courage to speak and live boldly for you, using all the talents you have given them.

Amen

The Great Decision

Father,

There is no more important prayer than this one. I pray that all those who call me grandad will make that most important decision, to choose to call Jesus Lord of their lives. I pray that I live to see each of them make that decision when they clothe themselves in Christ in baptism. I long to celebrate each of those days. In that day I pray that your Spirit will fill each of them with His fullness and give them the strength and power to live out their decision in their daily lives. Bring strong Christian influences into their lives, bring godly friends into their lives. And for those who may try to pull them away from their walk with Jesus, I pray you remove their ungodly influence.

Father, you know that I have no righteousness of my own. But I trust the promise of a righteousness from you through faith in Jesus (Rom 3:21-22) whereby I am justified before you and stand perfect in your eyes - even though I am very far from perfect. By that grace, I am saved and when my time on this earth is done, I know that I will live with you forever. Because I firmly believe that I will be with you, I pray that none of these I am praying for will miss the goal of heaven. I pray that, by their faith in Jesus, each of them will join me there with you. I do not want to miss any of them. Grant me that prayer, oh Lord. Nothing is more important. I will give anything, pay any price not to lose a single one.

Amen

Knowing Love

Father, who is the very defintion of love,

You know that my love is imperfect, but imperfect as it is, help me to show that love to all of my loved ones so that they always know and never doubt that they are loved. But more importantly than feeling my love, I pray that they fully know, sense and feel your love. That they may know "how wide and long and high and deep" is your love "and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that they may be filled to the measure with all" your fullness. (Eph 3:18-19) May they come to understand that "perfect love drives out fear" (I John 4:18) , that being filled with your love they have nothing to fear, because they will know that they are fully loved children of yours, accepted by you just as they are. Therefore there is nothing for them to fear because they are yours and they are loved by you. Because you love them you will care for them and lead them at all times, through the hard times of life and even through the valley of the shadow of death. Show them in a very real and tangible way your presence. Not only help them all to know that you are there and that you love them, but that they feel your protecting arms around them as your love is "poured out into their hearts through the Holy Spirit." (Rom 5:5)

Amen

The Beginning

Lord,

I have little to offer to those who follow after me save my example and my prayers. But before I can pray for them, I must pray for myself. You know me and all that I am and am not. You know that I am sinful and flawed. You know that I am susceptible to falling into temptation just as is any man. I pray that you give me strength and courage to choose your ways so that in all things I can be an example of a godly man as I spend my remaining days in this world, however long that may be. Though I know you would forgive me if I fell, the consequences of a failed example would be damaging indeed. Lead me not into temptation and protect me from the evil one. As a poet wrote almost a thousand years ago, "Oh make me thine forever, and if I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for thee." You know my path and you what is ahead. If ever I am about to fall, Lord take me home.

Amen