“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke" Isaiah 58:6
Dear Father,
It is obvious that our tendency is to lose sight of what is really important to you. We can be very busy being religious, and fail completely to pay attention to what you consider to be important. Isaiah was pointing out that Israel was going through the motions of their religious practices, but were missing the point of their religion.
I pray that these children do not lose their way in this manner. I pray that they develop a deep understanding of the things that are imporant to you. Choosing to be about loosing the chains of injustice and setting the oppressed free will not make them popular with people in power. It is only people holding power in one form or another who can bind people with injustice and oppress them. And when someone attempts to loose the chains and set the oppressed free, they are running up against the oppressors in power.
Thus, my prayer for these children is that you open their eyes to the injustice and oppression around them and give them the courage to confront it. At the same time, give them wisdom as to how to most effectively address these things in a way that is most likely to be successful. Shouting in protest may be appropriate at times, but at other times quietly working behind the scenes may be the best approach. Sometimes it may be best for them to simply support someone else who is fighting the battle.
But, in the end, show them that it is not your will or your desire for them to turn a blind eye to the injustice and oppression around them. Grow in them a heart for defending the defenseless and help them build a platform strength and influence from which to fight the battle.
Amen
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Make Your Calling and Election Sure. II Peter 1:10-11
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10, 11)
Dear Father,
I want these children to understand that it is possible to fall away from your grace. I also want them to understand that it is not easy to do so. What your servant Peter is telling us is that it can happen if we are aiming at nothing. If we, on the other hand, are making some effort to add to our spiritual growth, your Spirit works in us to transform us and give us power to overcome. If we "aim for perfection" (II Corinthians 13:11), we will, of course, never attain it, but aiming for it, in the humility of knowing we will not attain it, will keep us from being pulled away by temptation into a lifestyle that can lead us away from your grace (Galatians 5:21).
And even if we are not so drawn into sin that we are pulled completely from your grace (it cannot be fully said that we "live like this") I pray that these children understand that any time they fall into sin, damage will be done. And that damage will always include damage to those they love, and may include innocent bystanders. Help them to know that all of us fail and sin, but that we can reduce the amount of that failure and the severity of the consequences by possessing "these qualities in increasing measure". Please help them to understand the truth of the old saying "if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time" and instill in them a strong desire to conform to your will.
Amen
Dear Father,
I want these children to understand that it is possible to fall away from your grace. I also want them to understand that it is not easy to do so. What your servant Peter is telling us is that it can happen if we are aiming at nothing. If we, on the other hand, are making some effort to add to our spiritual growth, your Spirit works in us to transform us and give us power to overcome. If we "aim for perfection" (II Corinthians 13:11), we will, of course, never attain it, but aiming for it, in the humility of knowing we will not attain it, will keep us from being pulled away by temptation into a lifestyle that can lead us away from your grace (Galatians 5:21).
And even if we are not so drawn into sin that we are pulled completely from your grace (it cannot be fully said that we "live like this") I pray that these children understand that any time they fall into sin, damage will be done. And that damage will always include damage to those they love, and may include innocent bystanders. Help them to know that all of us fail and sin, but that we can reduce the amount of that failure and the severity of the consequences by possessing "these qualities in increasing measure". Please help them to understand the truth of the old saying "if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time" and instill in them a strong desire to conform to your will.
Amen
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Possess these Qualities in Increasing Measure II Peter 1:8
"For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." II Peter 1:8
Dear Father,
Help these young ones to understand that spiritual growth is a process. Help them to know this for two reasons: first so that they will not become discouraged when they do not display the spiritual maturity that they would want to show - when they fall short of what they would like to accomplish spiritually, when they make mistakes that a more mature person would not make. Help them to understand that this is normal spiritual growth. They will make mistakes and take wrong turns, but may they understand that growth comes by getting back up, turning their direction back to you (repenting) and getting back on their way. Secondly, help them to understand that this process never ends. Whether they are 10 or 20 or 30 or 60 years old, this scripture tells us that we must continue to add these qualities in increasing measure, otherwise we will become ineffective and unproductive.
That is a bit if a mystery to me, but the scripture tells me that the level of maturity and the level of these qualities that I possessed at age 50 are not adequate at age 60. I do not think this is about achieving spiritual accompishment, rather it is about journey.
If we stop moving along our journey, no matter how far we may have already come, we will stagnate and thereby will become ineffective and unproductive. I pray that none of us ever become satisfied with our level of spiritual growth.
Amen
Dear Father,
Help these young ones to understand that spiritual growth is a process. Help them to know this for two reasons: first so that they will not become discouraged when they do not display the spiritual maturity that they would want to show - when they fall short of what they would like to accomplish spiritually, when they make mistakes that a more mature person would not make. Help them to understand that this is normal spiritual growth. They will make mistakes and take wrong turns, but may they understand that growth comes by getting back up, turning their direction back to you (repenting) and getting back on their way. Secondly, help them to understand that this process never ends. Whether they are 10 or 20 or 30 or 60 years old, this scripture tells us that we must continue to add these qualities in increasing measure, otherwise we will become ineffective and unproductive.
That is a bit if a mystery to me, but the scripture tells me that the level of maturity and the level of these qualities that I possessed at age 50 are not adequate at age 60. I do not think this is about achieving spiritual accompishment, rather it is about journey.
If we stop moving along our journey, no matter how far we may have already come, we will stagnate and thereby will become ineffective and unproductive. I pray that none of us ever become satisfied with our level of spiritual growth.
Amen
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Add to your Brotherly Kindness, Love. II Peter 1:7
Father,
These three verses seem to be the building blocks of developing agape love. I Corinthians 13 love. This tells me that without faith in you, true sacrificial love is not fully possible on a sustained basis. Without a desire to do good and be good, agape love does not happen. Without a knowledge of you and your word, we are not able to know and understand what you mean by love. Without the ability to control our own impulses and actions, we will fail in our attempts to show love. Without our ability to follow-through on our promises we cannot fully love. Without showing and reflecting the attributes of your nature, we will show love that is incomplete and distorted. All of that leads us to the ability to show true kindness, but then you take our response to the next level - showing sacrificial love.
I pray that these children grow to understand these building blocks and then to understand that love is not a feeling, but a decision. A decision to show the attributes of love to those you give to them to love. Help them to learn that at an early age so that in this respect, at least, they develop a spiritual maturity far beyond their years. By that, I pray that their marriages are able to be spared some of the trials caused by selfishness as they seek to show agape love to their spouse. As these verses loop back to the beginning, strengthen their faith so that they can endure and keep in perspective the pain that they will invariably endure when they commit to showing selfless love as you keep before them the perfect example of your Son and his sacrifice for them.
Amen
These three verses seem to be the building blocks of developing agape love. I Corinthians 13 love. This tells me that without faith in you, true sacrificial love is not fully possible on a sustained basis. Without a desire to do good and be good, agape love does not happen. Without a knowledge of you and your word, we are not able to know and understand what you mean by love. Without the ability to control our own impulses and actions, we will fail in our attempts to show love. Without our ability to follow-through on our promises we cannot fully love. Without showing and reflecting the attributes of your nature, we will show love that is incomplete and distorted. All of that leads us to the ability to show true kindness, but then you take our response to the next level - showing sacrificial love.
I pray that these children grow to understand these building blocks and then to understand that love is not a feeling, but a decision. A decision to show the attributes of love to those you give to them to love. Help them to learn that at an early age so that in this respect, at least, they develop a spiritual maturity far beyond their years. By that, I pray that their marriages are able to be spared some of the trials caused by selfishness as they seek to show agape love to their spouse. As these verses loop back to the beginning, strengthen their faith so that they can endure and keep in perspective the pain that they will invariably endure when they commit to showing selfless love as you keep before them the perfect example of your Son and his sacrifice for them.
Amen
Friday, February 24, 2012
Add to your Godliness, Brotherly Kindness. II Peter 1:7
Dear Father,
All of the attributes of II Peter 1 up to now have focused on our own self-improvement of our character. But then, as you always do, you turn the discussion to make it clear that everything ultimately comes down to relationship. As your servant Paul says in I Corithians 13, without love, without exhibiting the behavior that builds and sustains relationship, all of our "godly" actions count for nothing. These verses tell us that the foundation of being able to properly build relationship is that we must have a deep faith in you, we must strive to do good and be good, we must have a good knowledge of you, your nature and your teachings, we must have self-control, we must stick to our promises and commitments, and we must strive to exhibit your attributes. But those are, indeed, foundational to being able to show brotherly kindness and love. They are foundational because showing brotherly kindness is unnatural. It is easy when people are likable, but it is hard and unnatural when people of difficult to get along with. Only with the foundation given in verses 5 and 6 can we begin to show the kind of brotherly kindness you have in mind.
I pray that you build in these children a foundation that allows them to show kindness to people who are unlikeable. That will be hard. It is hard for me. But if they are able to do that, they will truly shine like stars and they will be an agent for your peace. Give them the wisdom to choose words that will calm the troubled hearts that underlie the unlikeable behavior. Give them the gift of peace making and the talent to reach out and touch the social lepers. May it be said of them that they love the unlovable.
Amen
All of the attributes of II Peter 1 up to now have focused on our own self-improvement of our character. But then, as you always do, you turn the discussion to make it clear that everything ultimately comes down to relationship. As your servant Paul says in I Corithians 13, without love, without exhibiting the behavior that builds and sustains relationship, all of our "godly" actions count for nothing. These verses tell us that the foundation of being able to properly build relationship is that we must have a deep faith in you, we must strive to do good and be good, we must have a good knowledge of you, your nature and your teachings, we must have self-control, we must stick to our promises and commitments, and we must strive to exhibit your attributes. But those are, indeed, foundational to being able to show brotherly kindness and love. They are foundational because showing brotherly kindness is unnatural. It is easy when people are likable, but it is hard and unnatural when people of difficult to get along with. Only with the foundation given in verses 5 and 6 can we begin to show the kind of brotherly kindness you have in mind.
I pray that you build in these children a foundation that allows them to show kindness to people who are unlikeable. That will be hard. It is hard for me. But if they are able to do that, they will truly shine like stars and they will be an agent for your peace. Give them the wisdom to choose words that will calm the troubled hearts that underlie the unlikeable behavior. Give them the gift of peace making and the talent to reach out and touch the social lepers. May it be said of them that they love the unlovable.
Amen
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Add to your Perseverance, Godliness II Peter 1:6
Dear Father,
I will admit that I do not comprehend godliness. It seems to say that we are trying to be like you. That goal is incomprehensible to me. You and I are not comparable in the least. Even Jesus, your example in human form, is, to say the least, out of my league. To me it is like saying that I need to learn to fly. I can jump off the ground a few inches and flap my arms, but that pretty much makes a joke of it. Such is how I feel with any attempt to be like you. So how to I pray "godliness" for these children when I don't understand it myself?
But I do see attributes of you that we can attempt to emulate. Mercy, compassion, forgiveness, true justice in defending the powerless, anger against oppressors, holiness - these are aspects of you that you show us over and over again in scripture. The last attribute, holiness, is equally difficult. What does it mean to be holy as you are holy?
My prayer for these children is that they seek you and seek your face and that as they seek you, they learn of you. And as they learn of you, please draw them to you and teach them what it means to be holy. Teach them what it means to be merciful and compassionate. Teach them what it means to administer true justice, defending the powerless and confronting the oppressors. And as you teach them this, fan the flame of desire within them to follow after these attributes of yours. Guide them in that path so that they are a beacon of your nature in the world.
Amen
I will admit that I do not comprehend godliness. It seems to say that we are trying to be like you. That goal is incomprehensible to me. You and I are not comparable in the least. Even Jesus, your example in human form, is, to say the least, out of my league. To me it is like saying that I need to learn to fly. I can jump off the ground a few inches and flap my arms, but that pretty much makes a joke of it. Such is how I feel with any attempt to be like you. So how to I pray "godliness" for these children when I don't understand it myself?
But I do see attributes of you that we can attempt to emulate. Mercy, compassion, forgiveness, true justice in defending the powerless, anger against oppressors, holiness - these are aspects of you that you show us over and over again in scripture. The last attribute, holiness, is equally difficult. What does it mean to be holy as you are holy?
My prayer for these children is that they seek you and seek your face and that as they seek you, they learn of you. And as they learn of you, please draw them to you and teach them what it means to be holy. Teach them what it means to be merciful and compassionate. Teach them what it means to administer true justice, defending the powerless and confronting the oppressors. And as you teach them this, fan the flame of desire within them to follow after these attributes of yours. Guide them in that path so that they are a beacon of your nature in the world.
Amen
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Add to your Self-Control, Perseverance II Peter 1:6
Father,
I know that all of the faith, desire to do good, knowledge and self-control matter little if we do not follow-through on our commitments. We, of course, in our human frailty will fall short on follow-through, but your expectation of us is to continue striving and re-committing as a life-long process.
I pray that you fill these children with strength to carry on when they are tired and weary of doing the right thing. Show them your pleasure in their efforts. Give them the blessing of seeing the fruit of their labor. And in those dark times when they see no fruit, give them wisdom and perspective that allows them to look at the long term. Give them cheerleaders and encouragers. Give them examples of people who have kept the course and thereby good things were accomplished. Give them the ability to ignore criticism, but yet the ability to glean from such criticism words of wisdom. Also help them to learn that the only way to avoid criticism is attempt nothing noble.
In all things help them to see that this life is a gift from you to be surrendered to you as they live an extraordinary life. That they will not be on this earth very long and that pouring themselves into noble efforts, regardless of the related hardship is what you intend for them to be about all of their lives.
Amen
I know that all of the faith, desire to do good, knowledge and self-control matter little if we do not follow-through on our commitments. We, of course, in our human frailty will fall short on follow-through, but your expectation of us is to continue striving and re-committing as a life-long process.
I pray that you fill these children with strength to carry on when they are tired and weary of doing the right thing. Show them your pleasure in their efforts. Give them the blessing of seeing the fruit of their labor. And in those dark times when they see no fruit, give them wisdom and perspective that allows them to look at the long term. Give them cheerleaders and encouragers. Give them examples of people who have kept the course and thereby good things were accomplished. Give them the ability to ignore criticism, but yet the ability to glean from such criticism words of wisdom. Also help them to learn that the only way to avoid criticism is attempt nothing noble.
In all things help them to see that this life is a gift from you to be surrendered to you as they live an extraordinary life. That they will not be on this earth very long and that pouring themselves into noble efforts, regardless of the related hardship is what you intend for them to be about all of their lives.
Amen
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Add to your Knowledge, Self-Control. II Peter 1:6
Dear Father,
Faith, a desire to be good, and knowledge are of little value if we are unable to control our impulses. I have seen many good church people who would say and do things that caused great harm to individuals and to the church. They were knowledgeable in scripture and lived a life of "goodness", but within them was an unkind spirit that would speak words that cut and maimed. I have seen "good" church people who had secret indulgences that eventually came out and created disillusionment within those who held them in high esteem.
Father, I earnestly pray that these children rise up as examples of what it means to follow you and that their spheres of influence be expanded greatly. But Lord, keep ever before them the awareness that in such a position, they have the ability to both encourage and wound. Give them an extra measure of self-control over their tongue. Help them to realize the power their words will have when they are in a position of influence and that such power must be closely controlled. Help them also to understand that many will look up to them as examples, and consequently they must be on their guard to distance themselves from temptation. Help them to realize their own human frailty and susceptibility to falling into temptation. Help them to keenly realize the damage that would be done if they fell.
Simply put, Lord, give them the sense and the desire to think before they act and before they speak, such that their lives are blessings to those around them and that they are ambassadors for your Son through whom their lives are given meaning.
Amen
Faith, a desire to be good, and knowledge are of little value if we are unable to control our impulses. I have seen many good church people who would say and do things that caused great harm to individuals and to the church. They were knowledgeable in scripture and lived a life of "goodness", but within them was an unkind spirit that would speak words that cut and maimed. I have seen "good" church people who had secret indulgences that eventually came out and created disillusionment within those who held them in high esteem.
Father, I earnestly pray that these children rise up as examples of what it means to follow you and that their spheres of influence be expanded greatly. But Lord, keep ever before them the awareness that in such a position, they have the ability to both encourage and wound. Give them an extra measure of self-control over their tongue. Help them to realize the power their words will have when they are in a position of influence and that such power must be closely controlled. Help them also to understand that many will look up to them as examples, and consequently they must be on their guard to distance themselves from temptation. Help them to realize their own human frailty and susceptibility to falling into temptation. Help them to keenly realize the damage that would be done if they fell.
Simply put, Lord, give them the sense and the desire to think before they act and before they speak, such that their lives are blessings to those around them and that they are ambassadors for your Son through whom their lives are given meaning.
Amen
Monday, February 20, 2012
Add to your Goodness, Knowledge II Peter 1:5
Dear Father,
We live in a post-modern society that questions the existence of absolute truth. But we believe that you are a Creator of order, not chaos. We easily observe that when mankind (society) takes it upon itself to determine truth, things do not go well. Society in Germany decided it was good to kill Jews. Society in America decided slavery and then segregation was good. History is replete with examples of societies that have determined any number of injustices and atrocities to be "good".
But we believe that your revealed word tells us what is "good", a standard on which we can rely. Following the teachings of your Son and his disciples - truly following them and not distorting them for our own benefit - provides order and prevents chaos. Without knowledge, attempts at goodness are like shooting with eyes closed. However, knowledge without goodness is selfish at best and malicious at worst.
I pray that these children have a heart to desire goodness and that they strive to do good and be good. But I also pray the they fully understand that attempts at goodness without the knowledge of your revealed will is fruitless and likely will do more harm than good. Give them a desire to know your word. Give their parents faithfulness in teaching them your word and living out its truth. And may they all know the most important of truths - the truth of your Son and his sacrifice for us which allows us to come to you with confidence.
Amen
We live in a post-modern society that questions the existence of absolute truth. But we believe that you are a Creator of order, not chaos. We easily observe that when mankind (society) takes it upon itself to determine truth, things do not go well. Society in Germany decided it was good to kill Jews. Society in America decided slavery and then segregation was good. History is replete with examples of societies that have determined any number of injustices and atrocities to be "good".
But we believe that your revealed word tells us what is "good", a standard on which we can rely. Following the teachings of your Son and his disciples - truly following them and not distorting them for our own benefit - provides order and prevents chaos. Without knowledge, attempts at goodness are like shooting with eyes closed. However, knowledge without goodness is selfish at best and malicious at worst.
I pray that these children have a heart to desire goodness and that they strive to do good and be good. But I also pray the they fully understand that attempts at goodness without the knowledge of your revealed will is fruitless and likely will do more harm than good. Give them a desire to know your word. Give their parents faithfulness in teaching them your word and living out its truth. And may they all know the most important of truths - the truth of your Son and his sacrifice for us which allows us to come to you with confidence.
Amen
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Add to your Faith Goodness II Peter 1:5
Dear Father and Your Transforming Spirit Who Lives Within Us:
I pray that you take the seed of faith that is being planted within each of these children and grow that seed into the tree on which birds can nest. (Luke 13:19) Beyond that, though, do not let their hearts be comfortable with mere belief. Through teaching, through example, through your word and by the power of your Spirit, show them that a faith that does not lead to action, is truly a dead faith. (James 2:26) Show them the magnitude of their gift of salvation so that they understand just how much you have given them and let the gratitude that comes from that knowledge and faith motivate them to reach out to others and motivate them to be examples of goodness to others.
Of course they will have their moments and times of failure in this, but may you bring people into their lives who by influence and example, turn them back to the way of goodness and may their hearts ever desire, by the prodding of your Spirit, the path of goodness, always born out of a deep faith and belief in your goodness toward them.
Amen
I pray that you take the seed of faith that is being planted within each of these children and grow that seed into the tree on which birds can nest. (Luke 13:19) Beyond that, though, do not let their hearts be comfortable with mere belief. Through teaching, through example, through your word and by the power of your Spirit, show them that a faith that does not lead to action, is truly a dead faith. (James 2:26) Show them the magnitude of their gift of salvation so that they understand just how much you have given them and let the gratitude that comes from that knowledge and faith motivate them to reach out to others and motivate them to be examples of goodness to others.
Of course they will have their moments and times of failure in this, but may you bring people into their lives who by influence and example, turn them back to the way of goodness and may their hearts ever desire, by the prodding of your Spirit, the path of goodness, always born out of a deep faith and belief in your goodness toward them.
Amen
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Psalm 27
O Lord, YHWH,
You are their light and their salvation. There is no reason for these little ones to fear. Be the stronghold of their lives. There is no one they should fear. When evil advances against them, when those controlled by evil seek to attack them, their adversaries will stumble and fall. Though enemies besiege them, whether enemies embodied in the form of human beings or in the form of fear, in the form of obstacles or in the form of disease, do not let their hearts fear. Though such adversaries break out in war against them, give them a heart of confidence.
I pray that the one thing they desire in life, the one thing they ask of you, the one thing they seek, is to dwell in your house, in your presence, all the days of their lives. To desire and gaze upon your beauty in all of its forms - beauty in the form of your word and your goodness, your beauty in the form of your Son, your beauty in the form of your Spirit, your beauty in the form of your children, even in all of their imperfections, and your beauty in your creation - and to seek you in your dwelling place.
For in the day of trouble you will keep them safe in your dwelling place. Hide them in the shelter of your tabernacle and set them high on a rock out of harm's way. Then their heads will be lifted above their adversaries. In your dwelling place they will shout for joy. They will sing and make music to you.
Hear their voices when they cry out to you. Be merciful and answer them. May their hearts tell them to seek your face. And when they seek your face, do not hide it from them and do not turn them away in frustration. You have already been and I pray you will continue to be their helper. Do not reject or forsake them, O God, our Savior.
Though their father or their mother ever forsakes them, O Lord you will receive them. Teach them your ways, O Lord and lead them in a straight path. Do not forsake them to their adversaries. I am confident of this, that they will see your goodness during their lifetime.
I pray that they will wait on you, that they will be strong and take heart and in all things wait for you.
Amen
You are their light and their salvation. There is no reason for these little ones to fear. Be the stronghold of their lives. There is no one they should fear. When evil advances against them, when those controlled by evil seek to attack them, their adversaries will stumble and fall. Though enemies besiege them, whether enemies embodied in the form of human beings or in the form of fear, in the form of obstacles or in the form of disease, do not let their hearts fear. Though such adversaries break out in war against them, give them a heart of confidence.
I pray that the one thing they desire in life, the one thing they ask of you, the one thing they seek, is to dwell in your house, in your presence, all the days of their lives. To desire and gaze upon your beauty in all of its forms - beauty in the form of your word and your goodness, your beauty in the form of your Son, your beauty in the form of your Spirit, your beauty in the form of your children, even in all of their imperfections, and your beauty in your creation - and to seek you in your dwelling place.
For in the day of trouble you will keep them safe in your dwelling place. Hide them in the shelter of your tabernacle and set them high on a rock out of harm's way. Then their heads will be lifted above their adversaries. In your dwelling place they will shout for joy. They will sing and make music to you.
Hear their voices when they cry out to you. Be merciful and answer them. May their hearts tell them to seek your face. And when they seek your face, do not hide it from them and do not turn them away in frustration. You have already been and I pray you will continue to be their helper. Do not reject or forsake them, O God, our Savior.
Though their father or their mother ever forsakes them, O Lord you will receive them. Teach them your ways, O Lord and lead them in a straight path. Do not forsake them to their adversaries. I am confident of this, that they will see your goodness during their lifetime.
I pray that they will wait on you, that they will be strong and take heart and in all things wait for you.
Amen
Friday, February 10, 2012
True Justice
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.’ (Zechariah 7:9, 10)
Father,
I pray that you place in these little ones, a heart of compassion for those who have no power. That they defend the powerless against oppression. That their hearts are turned to the widow (and in our day, all of the single moms), to the legions of children in our world whose fathers have abandoned them, for the aliens (legal or not) whom our society is so quick to use up and cast out and to the poor. It is not popular to stand up for these. Criticism and persecution comes when a person argues against the angry voices who so easily condemn the bottom of our society. Give them the courage to defend those whom you defend and to whom your Son ministered. Give them strength of will and endurance in their quest to administer true justice - your justice. And you define your justice to be defending the cause of people such as these. You defend their cause even though these people may have made mistakes or contributed to their current condition. You did not ask why the alien was an alien, nor did you ask why the poor were poor. You simpy recognize their powerless condition and have compassion. May these children grow up to follow your example in this.
Amen
Father,
I pray that you place in these little ones, a heart of compassion for those who have no power. That they defend the powerless against oppression. That their hearts are turned to the widow (and in our day, all of the single moms), to the legions of children in our world whose fathers have abandoned them, for the aliens (legal or not) whom our society is so quick to use up and cast out and to the poor. It is not popular to stand up for these. Criticism and persecution comes when a person argues against the angry voices who so easily condemn the bottom of our society. Give them the courage to defend those whom you defend and to whom your Son ministered. Give them strength of will and endurance in their quest to administer true justice - your justice. And you define your justice to be defending the cause of people such as these. You defend their cause even though these people may have made mistakes or contributed to their current condition. You did not ask why the alien was an alien, nor did you ask why the poor were poor. You simpy recognize their powerless condition and have compassion. May these children grow up to follow your example in this.
Amen
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Happy Birthday MAC!
Dear Lord,
Thank you for bringing MAC into our lives. He is such a gentle spirit, even though he is all boy. There is a kindness about him that is evident in how he treats people. Give him a growing desire to know more about you and to follow you. Show him your paths and light his way. Bring good influences into his life and remove those who would draw him off of your path. Give him health and allow him to grow normally. He is and will be a big boy. Allow him to enjoy the things his size will allow, but also help him to understand the responsibility that will come with his size and strength. Give him a close and healthy relationship with his siblings. Give his parents and step parents wisdom in raising him as they point him toward you.
Show him the special purpose for which you have designed him and give him the wisdom to perceive it and the courage to follow after it.
Amen
Thank you for bringing MAC into our lives. He is such a gentle spirit, even though he is all boy. There is a kindness about him that is evident in how he treats people. Give him a growing desire to know more about you and to follow you. Show him your paths and light his way. Bring good influences into his life and remove those who would draw him off of your path. Give him health and allow him to grow normally. He is and will be a big boy. Allow him to enjoy the things his size will allow, but also help him to understand the responsibility that will come with his size and strength. Give him a close and healthy relationship with his siblings. Give his parents and step parents wisdom in raising him as they point him toward you.
Show him the special purpose for which you have designed him and give him the wisdom to perceive it and the courage to follow after it.
Amen
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Full Armor of God - Prayer
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)
Spirit of God,
I pray that through your indwelling power, you mold and transform these children into prayer warriors, people who look to prayer as an act of first resort, having a deep belief in the power of prayer in the spiritual battle that you help them to see vividly is raging around them. Give them frequent evidence that you answer prayers such that their faith is continually strengthened. Help them to understand that prayer is primarily a weapon for spiritual warfare rather that simply a healing tool - as they will see what we all understand to be true, that so long as this fallen world exists, disease and death will continue to be a reality from which none of us will be spared.
Give them a full understanding of the power they hold in prayer against the forces of evil who will come against them and their loved ones and may they learn to wield that weapon with abandon.
Amen
Spirit of God,
I pray that through your indwelling power, you mold and transform these children into prayer warriors, people who look to prayer as an act of first resort, having a deep belief in the power of prayer in the spiritual battle that you help them to see vividly is raging around them. Give them frequent evidence that you answer prayers such that their faith is continually strengthened. Help them to understand that prayer is primarily a weapon for spiritual warfare rather that simply a healing tool - as they will see what we all understand to be true, that so long as this fallen world exists, disease and death will continue to be a reality from which none of us will be spared.
Give them a full understanding of the power they hold in prayer against the forces of evil who will come against them and their loved ones and may they learn to wield that weapon with abandon.
Amen
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The Full Armor of God - the Sword of the Spirit
"and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17
Spirit of God,
I see in this verse that our faith is not only to be defensive, but also to be aggressive and offensive. Storming the forces of darkness that hold the world captive. Jesus said that the gates of hell cannot stand up against the onslaught of his church.
I pray that you will fill these children with the power of your word that you have given to us and that their knowledge of your word will empower them and spur them to march into enemy territory to free captives. I don't know what that looks like for them. It may mean that they themselves march into enemy territory or that they support those who do. But even if they support those who do, help them to see that there are captives all around them whenever they go, people held captive by the lies and deceit of the evil one, without hope, without power, without the true joy that can only come from your indwelling. May your word fill them with wisdom, power and strength to break the chains of darkness.
Amen
Spirit of God,
I see in this verse that our faith is not only to be defensive, but also to be aggressive and offensive. Storming the forces of darkness that hold the world captive. Jesus said that the gates of hell cannot stand up against the onslaught of his church.
I pray that you will fill these children with the power of your word that you have given to us and that their knowledge of your word will empower them and spur them to march into enemy territory to free captives. I don't know what that looks like for them. It may mean that they themselves march into enemy territory or that they support those who do. But even if they support those who do, help them to see that there are captives all around them whenever they go, people held captive by the lies and deceit of the evil one, without hope, without power, without the true joy that can only come from your indwelling. May your word fill them with wisdom, power and strength to break the chains of darkness.
Amen
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The Full Armor of God - the Helmet of Salvation
Take the helmet of salvation. (Ephesians 6:17)
Dear Father,
As I think of why salvation would be described as a helmet, I think of the purpose of the helmet being to prevent head injuries. Of course, in spiritual war we are not talking about physical injury to the head, rather injury to our minds and thought processes. Once again, the surest defense against being deceived by our enemy, against having our judgement impaired by temptation, against having our self image injured by harsh words and by apparent defeat, is the full knowledge of and belief in our salvation. It is that knowledge and belief that gives us the perspective we need to overcome these attacks and obstacles that can "mess with our heads".
Father, instill in these children the understanding of the assurance of their salvation when they have put their trust in you - Trust in you to save them even though they make many mistakes and sin often. Let that knowledge of their salvation in you allow them to keep their heads when attacked by temptation so that their judgement remains good and their decisions wise. May that knowledge allow them to put the put-downs and slights of other people in perspective as they know who they really are and to whom they really belong.
Amen
Dear Father,
As I think of why salvation would be described as a helmet, I think of the purpose of the helmet being to prevent head injuries. Of course, in spiritual war we are not talking about physical injury to the head, rather injury to our minds and thought processes. Once again, the surest defense against being deceived by our enemy, against having our judgement impaired by temptation, against having our self image injured by harsh words and by apparent defeat, is the full knowledge of and belief in our salvation. It is that knowledge and belief that gives us the perspective we need to overcome these attacks and obstacles that can "mess with our heads".
Father, instill in these children the understanding of the assurance of their salvation when they have put their trust in you - Trust in you to save them even though they make many mistakes and sin often. Let that knowledge of their salvation in you allow them to keep their heads when attacked by temptation so that their judgement remains good and their decisions wise. May that knowledge allow them to put the put-downs and slights of other people in perspective as they know who they really are and to whom they really belong.
Amen
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Full Armor of God - the Shield of Faith
"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16)
Father,
This verse reminds me that, in the spiritual battle that is being waged around us, our enemy is aggressive and intentional. He takes aim at your people with weapons that can inflict great damage. Flaming arrows were not intended to simply kill, but rather to be a weapon of mass destruction, destroying homes and entire villages and cities. And such is the intent of our adversary, to use temptation to bring down entire families and communities with the collateral damage that comes when someone falls.
This verse tells us that our belief in you, in the reality of your existence, in the reality of your involvement in our lives and in the reality that we have an eternal existence with you, we are able to shield ourselves from the specifically targeted temptations that our enemy will fire our way. Our constant focus on you and the reality that is you will protect us from the temptation to chase after things that appear to be desirable, but are not reality.
I pray that these children will develop such a protective faith that allows them to see reality and avoid things that are illusory. Open their ears to hear and open their hearts to receive and their minds to understand. May their parents and step parents and the rest of their extended family pattern lives of faith and faithfulness. Show yourself to them as very real. Give them wisdom and perception to see clearly the deception of the evil one.
Amen
Father,
This verse reminds me that, in the spiritual battle that is being waged around us, our enemy is aggressive and intentional. He takes aim at your people with weapons that can inflict great damage. Flaming arrows were not intended to simply kill, but rather to be a weapon of mass destruction, destroying homes and entire villages and cities. And such is the intent of our adversary, to use temptation to bring down entire families and communities with the collateral damage that comes when someone falls.
This verse tells us that our belief in you, in the reality of your existence, in the reality of your involvement in our lives and in the reality that we have an eternal existence with you, we are able to shield ourselves from the specifically targeted temptations that our enemy will fire our way. Our constant focus on you and the reality that is you will protect us from the temptation to chase after things that appear to be desirable, but are not reality.
I pray that these children will develop such a protective faith that allows them to see reality and avoid things that are illusory. Open their ears to hear and open their hearts to receive and their minds to understand. May their parents and step parents and the rest of their extended family pattern lives of faith and faithfulness. Show yourself to them as very real. Give them wisdom and perception to see clearly the deception of the evil one.
Amen
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