Dear Father,
I have seen how addiction of all kinds has destroyed lives and families. I pray that these children see and understand the consequences of addiction. I pray that they understand that no one sets out with the intent of being an addict. That they see that substance addiction begins with "trying something". That sexual addiction begins with clicking on an Internet page. Give them the wisdom to recognize the risk and the will to resist. I our society, particularly in the area of sexual addiction, it will take all the strength you will give them to avoid the trap. Through your Spirit, empower them to rise above the mire to walk on your paths.
Amen
Monday, May 28, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sinful Nature - Jealousy and Envy. Galatians 5:20-21
Dear Father,
I know that the root of jealousy and envy is a feeling that our identity comes from what we own, where we live, what we drive, the position we hold, boyfriend/girlfriend, popularity, husband/wife, children or any other "possessions". It is easy to fall into that trap when we look around instead of looking up. I have been there in my life. I thank you that you have gradually taught me otherwise, though I'm not completely cured.
I pray that you save these children from that path. I pray early on in their lives that they see clearly that the only identity that has any substance or any meaning is the identity that we find in you. It is the only identity that endures, the only one that will not let us down regardless of the circumstances.
Help these children to be able to have clear examples of the emptiness and uncertainty that comes from possession/position identity. Help them to have maturity beyond their years to understand what they see so that they seek you and only you for their identity.
Amen
I know that the root of jealousy and envy is a feeling that our identity comes from what we own, where we live, what we drive, the position we hold, boyfriend/girlfriend, popularity, husband/wife, children or any other "possessions". It is easy to fall into that trap when we look around instead of looking up. I have been there in my life. I thank you that you have gradually taught me otherwise, though I'm not completely cured.
I pray that you save these children from that path. I pray early on in their lives that they see clearly that the only identity that has any substance or any meaning is the identity that we find in you. It is the only identity that endures, the only one that will not let us down regardless of the circumstances.
Help these children to be able to have clear examples of the emptiness and uncertainty that comes from possession/position identity. Help them to have maturity beyond their years to understand what they see so that they seek you and only you for their identity.
Amen
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Sinful Nature - Discord, Dissensions, Factions. Galatians 5:20
Father,
We know from the prayer of Jesus and from many other scripture references how important unity is to you. Lord Jesus, you want your church to be one just as you are one with the Father. You also want married people to be one. I know people who just seem to stir up controversy and division. They do that in the workplace, in the church and in the home. I believe that is the kind of person Paul was talking about in this verse. I pray that you deliver these children from becoming that kind of person. That you will bring positive influences into their lives of people who build up rather than tear down, people who bring peace rather than create controversy and people who show love as the unifying force in all aspects of their life. May these children follow these examples.
Certainly there are times when we must speak out in ways that will create controversy. When people are being mistreated and oppressed, you want us to speak out. When your teachings are being distorted and people are being led astray, you want us to speak out. Though I pray that these children have the courage to speak out in those times, I also pray that they will exercise sound judgment in deciding to speak out. That they ensure that the wrong they intend to right is truly a wrong and not just a matter of opinion. That they be able to determine, even when there is a wrong, whether the severity of the wrong merits the forcefulness of their planned action - that is, that they have the wisdom to know whether the cure will kill the patient. Much judgment and courage is necessary for all of this and I pray that you fill them with both the courage to act when needed to right a wrong, but also the judgment to know what action is appropriate with the view of maintaining unity if at all possible.
Amen
We know from the prayer of Jesus and from many other scripture references how important unity is to you. Lord Jesus, you want your church to be one just as you are one with the Father. You also want married people to be one. I know people who just seem to stir up controversy and division. They do that in the workplace, in the church and in the home. I believe that is the kind of person Paul was talking about in this verse. I pray that you deliver these children from becoming that kind of person. That you will bring positive influences into their lives of people who build up rather than tear down, people who bring peace rather than create controversy and people who show love as the unifying force in all aspects of their life. May these children follow these examples.
Certainly there are times when we must speak out in ways that will create controversy. When people are being mistreated and oppressed, you want us to speak out. When your teachings are being distorted and people are being led astray, you want us to speak out. Though I pray that these children have the courage to speak out in those times, I also pray that they will exercise sound judgment in deciding to speak out. That they ensure that the wrong they intend to right is truly a wrong and not just a matter of opinion. That they be able to determine, even when there is a wrong, whether the severity of the wrong merits the forcefulness of their planned action - that is, that they have the wisdom to know whether the cure will kill the patient. Much judgment and courage is necessary for all of this and I pray that you fill them with both the courage to act when needed to right a wrong, but also the judgment to know what action is appropriate with the view of maintaining unity if at all possible.
Amen
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Sinful Nature - Hatred. Galatians 5:20
Father of Forgiveness and Mercy,
Your teachings throughout your word are clear. We have been forgiven, therefore we must forgive. We have been shown mercy, therefore we must be merciful, we have been given grace, therefore we must show grace. But my observation of true hate is that it rises above the level of mere unforgivness. It seems to become an obsession, an addiction. Whether it is hatred toward an ethnic group or hatred toward another culture, or hatred toward another faith or hatred toward people who hold another political view or hatred toward those who hold another view of morality, the person holding such hatred becomes absorbed in it. It dominates their thinking and it becomes the epicenter of a behavior that spreads out to general intolerance of any who are different or think differently. And the hatred is personal toward an individual or groups of individuals.
I pray that these children understand that you do hate behavior, but you do not hate people. There is behavior that we should hate, but our emotion should never carry over to the individuals involved in that behavior. And even in hating behavior, because we are not you and we do not have the ability to so clearly distinguish between behavior and people, we need to be sparing in behavior we choose to hate. Too easily can we cross that boundary and begin hating those who practice the behavior.
While these children hate oppression and defend the oppressed, may they also have pity on the oppressor for what lays in store for them at your judgment if they do not repent. May they understand that those in other cultures (but for the leaders) are rarely in control of their surroundings and are merely following leadership and the teaching they have received - and even the leaders are products of their own upbringing. May they understand that political views are not so black and white as to merit hatred.
I pray that these children err on the side of mercy, compassion and understanding, that they hate behavior, not people, and that they even hate behavior sparingly.
Amen
Your teachings throughout your word are clear. We have been forgiven, therefore we must forgive. We have been shown mercy, therefore we must be merciful, we have been given grace, therefore we must show grace. But my observation of true hate is that it rises above the level of mere unforgivness. It seems to become an obsession, an addiction. Whether it is hatred toward an ethnic group or hatred toward another culture, or hatred toward another faith or hatred toward people who hold another political view or hatred toward those who hold another view of morality, the person holding such hatred becomes absorbed in it. It dominates their thinking and it becomes the epicenter of a behavior that spreads out to general intolerance of any who are different or think differently. And the hatred is personal toward an individual or groups of individuals.
I pray that these children understand that you do hate behavior, but you do not hate people. There is behavior that we should hate, but our emotion should never carry over to the individuals involved in that behavior. And even in hating behavior, because we are not you and we do not have the ability to so clearly distinguish between behavior and people, we need to be sparing in behavior we choose to hate. Too easily can we cross that boundary and begin hating those who practice the behavior.
While these children hate oppression and defend the oppressed, may they also have pity on the oppressor for what lays in store for them at your judgment if they do not repent. May they understand that those in other cultures (but for the leaders) are rarely in control of their surroundings and are merely following leadership and the teaching they have received - and even the leaders are products of their own upbringing. May they understand that political views are not so black and white as to merit hatred.
I pray that these children err on the side of mercy, compassion and understanding, that they hate behavior, not people, and that they even hate behavior sparingly.
Amen
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Sinful Nature - Witchcraft. Galatians 5:20
Dear Father,
Obviously I pray that these children not be drawn into the Occult. It has an allure that can draw young people who are looking for something new and exciting. I pray that they do not fall into that trap. But, just like idolatry is not confined to creating and worshipping godlike figures, neither is witchcraft confined to the actual practice of witchcraft. Whereas idolatry involves crafting a god that we design and can control, witchcraft involves trying to be god. When we try to control our surroundings or control people, we are attempting to control this world to our ends. That is the substance of witchcraft - using and controlling the things of the world (including people) to meet our selfish needs. It involves manipulation, exerting power and placing others under our thumb.
I pray that these children never try to take on your job. That they never try to be in control of those around them. That they allow you to be in control and that they see their role as tending your creation for your glory.
Amen
Obviously I pray that these children not be drawn into the Occult. It has an allure that can draw young people who are looking for something new and exciting. I pray that they do not fall into that trap. But, just like idolatry is not confined to creating and worshipping godlike figures, neither is witchcraft confined to the actual practice of witchcraft. Whereas idolatry involves crafting a god that we design and can control, witchcraft involves trying to be god. When we try to control our surroundings or control people, we are attempting to control this world to our ends. That is the substance of witchcraft - using and controlling the things of the world (including people) to meet our selfish needs. It involves manipulation, exerting power and placing others under our thumb.
I pray that these children never try to take on your job. That they never try to be in control of those around them. That they allow you to be in control and that they see their role as tending your creation for your glory.
Amen
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Sinful Nature - Idolatry - Galatians 5:20
Dear Father,
I pray that these children quickly come to understand idolatry in all its forms. Whether it is money, or power, or position, or popularity, or a boyfriend/girlfriend, or a sports hero, or a church leader, or success, or accomplishment, or victory over others, or security, help them to see anything that can be worshipped in place of you. Show them the feet of clay all of these idols have - that they can never give true security or happiness. Help them to quickly learn that the only person or thing that can truly be relied upon is you.
Amen
I pray that these children quickly come to understand idolatry in all its forms. Whether it is money, or power, or position, or popularity, or a boyfriend/girlfriend, or a sports hero, or a church leader, or success, or accomplishment, or victory over others, or security, help them to see anything that can be worshipped in place of you. Show them the feet of clay all of these idols have - that they can never give true security or happiness. Help them to quickly learn that the only person or thing that can truly be relied upon is you.
Amen
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sinful Nature - Debauchery. Galatians 5:19
Dear Father,
It is every young person's temptation to walk on the partying side in high school and college. I pray that these children are able to avoid that temptation, but more importantly help them to see and observe that behavior that might seem fun or cool in high school and college, becomes ugly and destructive as adults. Help them to notice the families that are blown apart by drugs and alcohol, children who are left motherless and fatherless. Help them to see the ugly side of "partying" and thereby to keep their distance. Help them to learn that alcoholics and drug addicts did not start out intending to be so, but drifted into that condition gradually. Give them the ability to see these truths play out in the world and that they have wisdom and discernment beyond their years about such things.
Amen
It is every young person's temptation to walk on the partying side in high school and college. I pray that these children are able to avoid that temptation, but more importantly help them to see and observe that behavior that might seem fun or cool in high school and college, becomes ugly and destructive as adults. Help them to notice the families that are blown apart by drugs and alcohol, children who are left motherless and fatherless. Help them to see the ugly side of "partying" and thereby to keep their distance. Help them to learn that alcoholics and drug addicts did not start out intending to be so, but drifted into that condition gradually. Give them the ability to see these truths play out in the world and that they have wisdom and discernment beyond their years about such things.
Amen
Sunday, May 13, 2012
A new one on the way!
Dearest Father of Mercies,
You bless my life in so many ways. I thank you for soon adding another little one to those who call me grandad. I do not deserve these kind of blessings, but I thank you so much for them. I pray that you be with KH, that she and the baby will continue to be healthy and that the delivery be without mishap. Subside KH's morning sickness so that she can continue her activities. I pray that you add even greater wisdom to LH and KH so that they can discern the parenting techniques that will be best for this child and his or her differences from Geo and ISH. I pray for Geo and ISH as big brothers, that they will be Godly influences on this new little one. I also pray as LH and KH continue to seek a child to adopt, that you will guide this path in your wisdom.
Amen
You bless my life in so many ways. I thank you for soon adding another little one to those who call me grandad. I do not deserve these kind of blessings, but I thank you so much for them. I pray that you be with KH, that she and the baby will continue to be healthy and that the delivery be without mishap. Subside KH's morning sickness so that she can continue her activities. I pray that you add even greater wisdom to LH and KH so that they can discern the parenting techniques that will be best for this child and his or her differences from Geo and ISH. I pray for Geo and ISH as big brothers, that they will be Godly influences on this new little one. I also pray as LH and KH continue to seek a child to adopt, that you will guide this path in your wisdom.
Amen
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Sinful Nature - Impurity - Galatians 5:19
Father,
I pray that these children come quickly to understand that immorality is much more than sexual activity outside of marriage. May they understand that sexual impurity includes what they watch on television, what they look at on the Internet, what movies they watch, what jokes they laugh at and what music they listen to. I pray that they understand that what
Jesus meant when he said "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness." (Luke 11:34)
May they understand that it is impossible for things they listen to and things they watch not to affect them. They will receive counsel, even from "church friends" to compromise in this area, to watch things that "aren't that bad". Give them the strength of conviction and wisdom beyond their years to turn from that counsel, recognizing the negative impact of the cumulative effect of "impure eyes" and, instead to be an influence for purity with those around them.
Amen
I pray that these children come quickly to understand that immorality is much more than sexual activity outside of marriage. May they understand that sexual impurity includes what they watch on television, what they look at on the Internet, what movies they watch, what jokes they laugh at and what music they listen to. I pray that they understand that what
Jesus meant when he said "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness." (Luke 11:34)
May they understand that it is impossible for things they listen to and things they watch not to affect them. They will receive counsel, even from "church friends" to compromise in this area, to watch things that "aren't that bad". Give them the strength of conviction and wisdom beyond their years to turn from that counsel, recognizing the negative impact of the cumulative effect of "impure eyes" and, instead to be an influence for purity with those around them.
Amen
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Sinful nature - immorality Galatians 5:19
Father,
As I prayed from Psalm 1 about avoiding the counsel and the ways of evil people, I am reminded of just how difficult that prayer is to put into practice. Evil counsel is everywhere, in peers, in teachers and professors, in the media in all forms. That counsel tells these children that sexual immorality is not only ok, but actual to be admired. It is considered odd, if not just wrong for a single person in their 20's to be a virgin. How do these children combat and turn from such counsel? Certainly the old song by Isaac Watts gains more meaning to me as I see the world as it is becoming - "How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?" he then answers with the simple, truthful, and yet difficult answer "Thy word the choicest rules impart to keep the conscience clean". Psalm 119 says it this way - "How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word. (Psalm 119:9)
I pray that these children take seriously your word and your formula for a meaningful life. That they value themselves and their bodies and your word enough that they are willing to be unusual, to go against the crowd and keep themselves sexually pure. That they do save themselves for their future mate so that the two of them can share themselves in the way of joy that you intended.
Amen
As I prayed from Psalm 1 about avoiding the counsel and the ways of evil people, I am reminded of just how difficult that prayer is to put into practice. Evil counsel is everywhere, in peers, in teachers and professors, in the media in all forms. That counsel tells these children that sexual immorality is not only ok, but actual to be admired. It is considered odd, if not just wrong for a single person in their 20's to be a virgin. How do these children combat and turn from such counsel? Certainly the old song by Isaac Watts gains more meaning to me as I see the world as it is becoming - "How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?" he then answers with the simple, truthful, and yet difficult answer "Thy word the choicest rules impart to keep the conscience clean". Psalm 119 says it this way - "How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word. (Psalm 119:9)
I pray that these children take seriously your word and your formula for a meaningful life. That they value themselves and their bodies and your word enough that they are willing to be unusual, to go against the crowd and keep themselves sexually pure. That they do save themselves for their future mate so that the two of them can share themselves in the way of joy that you intended.
Amen
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Blessed is the one who does not listen to bad counsel - Psalm 1
Dear Father,
I pray that these children are not drawn to bad influence. That they recognize evil influence and understand that the end result is disaster. I pray that as they turn from bad counsel, that you will bless them for that choice so that they learn that there are blessings in choosing your ways. May they instead come to delight in your word such that they think about it all the time as they seek to follow you. And by that, they will become like a tree planted by the water that yields fruit in its season and whose leaves do not wither. And whatever they do prospers.
May they see and fully understand the destruction that comes to those who choose evil ways so that they will fully comprehend the end result of those choices.
I pray that you watch over them as they seek righteousness.
Amen
I pray that these children are not drawn to bad influence. That they recognize evil influence and understand that the end result is disaster. I pray that as they turn from bad counsel, that you will bless them for that choice so that they learn that there are blessings in choosing your ways. May they instead come to delight in your word such that they think about it all the time as they seek to follow you. And by that, they will become like a tree planted by the water that yields fruit in its season and whose leaves do not wither. And whatever they do prospers.
May they see and fully understand the destruction that comes to those who choose evil ways so that they will fully comprehend the end result of those choices.
I pray that you watch over them as they seek righteousness.
Amen
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Happy Birthday KMA!
Dear Father,
Today we celebrate the birth of KMA. Thank you for her and for her life. I pray that she continues to grow up into a strong woman of God. Guide her life such that she sees what it is you want her to be and that you grow in her a desire to follow that vision. Bring strong positive Christian influences into her life, both adults and peers and silence those who would have negative influence on her. Give TH and JH great wisdom as they raise her on a day to day basis. Increase her sphere of influence so that generations may be brought closer to you.
Amen
Today we celebrate the birth of KMA. Thank you for her and for her life. I pray that she continues to grow up into a strong woman of God. Guide her life such that she sees what it is you want her to be and that you grow in her a desire to follow that vision. Bring strong positive Christian influences into her life, both adults and peers and silence those who would have negative influence on her. Give TH and JH great wisdom as they raise her on a day to day basis. Increase her sphere of influence so that generations may be brought closer to you.
Amen
Friday, May 4, 2012
God Will Meet All Your Needs - Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
The Lord Who Provides,
I confess that it is easy to slide into worry about money. And I see people around me in the church who struggle financially. But as much as some of them struggle, they are never without basic needs. Though I certainly cannot know all situations in the world, your word I believe promises that, for the Christian, you will, in some way provide for our basic needs - in some cases through the generosity of other Christians.
I pray that these children come to trust in you to provide their needs so that they do not fret over such things. Certainly they should do their part in providing by being willing to seek work and to work, but may they not worry about what will actually happen in that regard. That is not easy, and they will need to learn that trust and reliance. I pray that you guide them in this way. Help them to see all the times you have provided for them so that they can build that trust. Help them see you act in other people's lives as an example.
And through that learning, I pray that they develop a calm and peaceful heart.
Amen
The Lord Who Provides,
I confess that it is easy to slide into worry about money. And I see people around me in the church who struggle financially. But as much as some of them struggle, they are never without basic needs. Though I certainly cannot know all situations in the world, your word I believe promises that, for the Christian, you will, in some way provide for our basic needs - in some cases through the generosity of other Christians.
I pray that these children come to trust in you to provide their needs so that they do not fret over such things. Certainly they should do their part in providing by being willing to seek work and to work, but may they not worry about what will actually happen in that regard. That is not easy, and they will need to learn that trust and reliance. I pray that you guide them in this way. Help them to see all the times you have provided for them so that they can build that trust. Help them see you act in other people's lives as an example.
And through that learning, I pray that they develop a calm and peaceful heart.
Amen
Thursday, May 3, 2012
I Can Do All Things - Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Dear Father,
There will many obstacles that these children will face. Many of them will appear insurmountable. Sometimes they will think they have failed. But here Paul expresses the Secret - the secret of contentment. That secret is the knowledge that no matter the circumstances, if we allow you to be master of our lives, you will work powerfully through us to accomplish great things. Some of those great things we may never know about because we are separated from the ultimate outcome by space and time. But regardless, we can always know that we are never useless when we are in your hands.
I pray that these children never dispair. That they never conclude that their lives do not matter. Rather I pray that they will always know and be confident and content in the truth that their lives are never wasted in your service. That you take feeble efforts and achieve powerful results. That your strength is always magnified through our weakness.
Amen
Dear Father,
There will many obstacles that these children will face. Many of them will appear insurmountable. Sometimes they will think they have failed. But here Paul expresses the Secret - the secret of contentment. That secret is the knowledge that no matter the circumstances, if we allow you to be master of our lives, you will work powerfully through us to accomplish great things. Some of those great things we may never know about because we are separated from the ultimate outcome by space and time. But regardless, we can always know that we are never useless when we are in your hands.
I pray that these children never dispair. That they never conclude that their lives do not matter. Rather I pray that they will always know and be confident and content in the truth that their lives are never wasted in your service. That you take feeble efforts and achieve powerful results. That your strength is always magnified through our weakness.
Amen
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Welcome to the World OFH!!
Dear Father,
Thank you for bringing another precious one into the world who will call me Grandad. I pray that you will keep her healthy and allow her to grow physically and mentally. I pray for TH and JH as they raise her that you will give them great wisdom and patience. Be with her big sisters that they will be strong godly examples to her. Protect her with your mighty angels, shield her from the evil one. Grow into a powerful woman of God.
Amen
Thank you for bringing another precious one into the world who will call me Grandad. I pray that you will keep her healthy and allow her to grow physically and mentally. I pray for TH and JH as they raise her that you will give them great wisdom and patience. Be with her big sisters that they will be strong godly examples to her. Protect her with your mighty angels, shield her from the evil one. Grow into a powerful woman of God.
Amen
The Secret of Being Content
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Dear Father,
I pray that you help these children and the ones raising them to learn the secret - the secret of being satisfied with what they have. Your servant Paul said that it was a secret that he has to learn. From experience I know that it does not come naturally. Give them experiences early in their lives in which they learn that things do not bring happiness nor do they bring genuine respect from others. By this they may learn that possessions can be enjoyed as gifts from you, but as no more or no less than that.
May they then learn that true contentment comes from being in your presence.
Amen
Dear Father,
I pray that you help these children and the ones raising them to learn the secret - the secret of being satisfied with what they have. Your servant Paul said that it was a secret that he has to learn. From experience I know that it does not come naturally. Give them experiences early in their lives in which they learn that things do not bring happiness nor do they bring genuine respect from others. By this they may learn that possessions can be enjoyed as gifts from you, but as no more or no less than that.
May they then learn that true contentment comes from being in your presence.
Amen
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