Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. (Psalms 34:12, 13)
Dear Father,
I have witnessed what happens in relationships when truthfulness is not present. Friendships, marriages, families are destroyed. Truth telling is a habit as is lie telling. One lie and the next one is easier. One lie and another to cover the first.
I pray two things today. First that during their years of growing up they witness and recognize for what it is a pattern of untruthfullness in another person and that they see the destruction it causes for that person and the hurt it causes for everyone around them. Secondly that they internalize that image and commit for themselves that they will live a life of truthfulness, honesty and integrity.
Amen
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Fear The Lord - Psalm 34:11
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord . (Psalms 34:11)
Dear Lord,
I pray that these children learn:
1. To grasp the awesomeness of your power that was able to create the universe and all that is in it.
2. To grasp the awesomeness of your intellect that despite the vastness of your creation, you are still able to have a direct relationship with each person.
3. To grasp the awesomeness of your wisdom that you are able to discern what is best for an entire creation.
4. To grasp the totality of your holiness which demands perfection from all that approach you.
5. To grasp the terrifying reality of any attempt by us to stand in your presence in our imperfection.
6. To grasp the awesomeness if your love that you, in your Son, gave yourself to purify us so that we can not only stand in your presence, but draw close in loving relationship.
7. To grasp that for those you love, you will discipline when we wander away from you and your ways.
8. To grasp that some day you will make all things new and that they will be a part of that new creation.
9. To grasp the reality that in the process of new creation, those who ignored your love and your sacrifice in Jesus will be destroyed.
I pray that these little ones never take lightly the truth of your judgment, but that they also come to fully understand the confidence they can have in your continual forgiveness and salvation by faith in your Son, regardless of their continuing human failures. That thereby they feel secure in your arms of grace and mercy while at the same time have a healthy fear of your discipline and the consequences of rejecting your salvation.
Amen
Dear Lord,
I pray that these children learn:
1. To grasp the awesomeness of your power that was able to create the universe and all that is in it.
2. To grasp the awesomeness of your intellect that despite the vastness of your creation, you are still able to have a direct relationship with each person.
3. To grasp the awesomeness of your wisdom that you are able to discern what is best for an entire creation.
4. To grasp the totality of your holiness which demands perfection from all that approach you.
5. To grasp the terrifying reality of any attempt by us to stand in your presence in our imperfection.
6. To grasp the awesomeness if your love that you, in your Son, gave yourself to purify us so that we can not only stand in your presence, but draw close in loving relationship.
7. To grasp that for those you love, you will discipline when we wander away from you and your ways.
8. To grasp that some day you will make all things new and that they will be a part of that new creation.
9. To grasp the reality that in the process of new creation, those who ignored your love and your sacrifice in Jesus will be destroyed.
I pray that these little ones never take lightly the truth of your judgment, but that they also come to fully understand the confidence they can have in your continual forgiveness and salvation by faith in your Son, regardless of their continuing human failures. That thereby they feel secure in your arms of grace and mercy while at the same time have a healthy fear of your discipline and the consequences of rejecting your salvation.
Amen
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Lions Grow Weak Psalm 34:10
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalms 34:10)
Dear Father,
These children will see others around them appear to succeed who do not follow after you, who reject your ways and who mistreat people. They appear to be strong and powerful. They have friends and they gang up and bully those around them like a pride of lions. They will see this not only in school but they will see adults behave this way in a more socially acceptable manner. These children will wonder whether you are still there, whether you care, whether you will do anything and whether it is worthwhile to follow after you. I pray that you help them to see that you are patient even with the bullies. That you usually meet out your justice slowly, allowing people many opportunities to change their ways. But help them also to know that just as the powerful lion grows hungry and is never fully satisfied, so are they who oppress others. They are still empty inside as only you can fill the heart completely. That just as the seemingly invincible lion grows older and the younger lion challenges and wins, so will the bully secumb to a stronger bully. And just as the deposed lion is attacked and destroyed by his stronger foe, so will the bully be destroyed, if not in this life, at death capping the end of a meaningless life and ultimately destroyed by your righteous judgment.
But show them that you fill completely. You fill even when they are being oppressed. Help them know that as your children, there is never a younger stronger rival to challenge them. They are secure in ther status and that even when they grow physically weak and old, by your Spirit, they are still mighty warriors for you until the day they leave this life.
Amen
Dear Father,
These children will see others around them appear to succeed who do not follow after you, who reject your ways and who mistreat people. They appear to be strong and powerful. They have friends and they gang up and bully those around them like a pride of lions. They will see this not only in school but they will see adults behave this way in a more socially acceptable manner. These children will wonder whether you are still there, whether you care, whether you will do anything and whether it is worthwhile to follow after you. I pray that you help them to see that you are patient even with the bullies. That you usually meet out your justice slowly, allowing people many opportunities to change their ways. But help them also to know that just as the powerful lion grows hungry and is never fully satisfied, so are they who oppress others. They are still empty inside as only you can fill the heart completely. That just as the seemingly invincible lion grows older and the younger lion challenges and wins, so will the bully secumb to a stronger bully. And just as the deposed lion is attacked and destroyed by his stronger foe, so will the bully be destroyed, if not in this life, at death capping the end of a meaningless life and ultimately destroyed by your righteous judgment.
But show them that you fill completely. You fill even when they are being oppressed. Help them know that as your children, there is never a younger stronger rival to challenge them. They are secure in ther status and that even when they grow physically weak and old, by your Spirit, they are still mighty warriors for you until the day they leave this life.
Amen
Saturday, February 23, 2013
The Lord Provides Psalm 34:9
Fear the Lord , you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. (Psalms 34:9)
Dear Father,
These children will likely see times when they are not sure how they will make it through a challenge facing them in their life. I pray that they will come to trust in your power to deliver them and provide what they need in every circumstance to help see them through their obstacles. Help them to build that trust in their youth by showing them clear examples of your deliverance. And in dark days in which they cry out to you, fulfill your promise of provision and delivery.
Amen
Dear Father,
These children will likely see times when they are not sure how they will make it through a challenge facing them in their life. I pray that they will come to trust in your power to deliver them and provide what they need in every circumstance to help see them through their obstacles. Help them to build that trust in their youth by showing them clear examples of your deliverance. And in dark days in which they cry out to you, fulfill your promise of provision and delivery.
Amen
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Taste of the Lord's goodness Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (Psalms 34:8 NIV)
Dear Father,
The world lures us with enticement of false goodness. As the fruit in the garden, it appears good and pleasing and satisfying. It appears to give us knowledge, wisdom, importance. But it is truly a lure and as the fish in the lake swallow the lure to their demise, so we too are taken down the path of destruction when we take the evil one's lure.
I pray that these little ones will taste your goodness so that they understand the real thing to distinguish it from the artificial lure. This verse tells us to try you out, to take you for a test drive to see what you will do. I pray that these little ones will do that. That they will taste of you and your goodness and by that they will know what true goodness is. As they taste you and thereby begin to trust you, I pray that they fully take refuge in you, that they fully place their trust in you as the supplier of true goodness.
Amen
Dear Father,
The world lures us with enticement of false goodness. As the fruit in the garden, it appears good and pleasing and satisfying. It appears to give us knowledge, wisdom, importance. But it is truly a lure and as the fish in the lake swallow the lure to their demise, so we too are taken down the path of destruction when we take the evil one's lure.
I pray that these little ones will taste your goodness so that they understand the real thing to distinguish it from the artificial lure. This verse tells us to try you out, to take you for a test drive to see what you will do. I pray that these little ones will do that. That they will taste of you and your goodness and by that they will know what true goodness is. As they taste you and thereby begin to trust you, I pray that they fully take refuge in you, that they fully place their trust in you as the supplier of true goodness.
Amen
Monday, February 18, 2013
The Angel of The Lord Encamps around His People - Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. (Psalms 34:7).
Dear Father,
We see the word "fear" and we think of being afraid of some kind of tyrant. However, we know from the totality of scripture that our "fear" should be a sense of awe at your power and respect for the fact that you do punish sin. But we also know that it all changes for us when you give us your Spirit to indwell us. By His presence we are adopted children, loved by you in a very close and intimate way. We should never, though, lose the "fear" of the power and righteousness of you.
I pray that these children grow to understand your power and your righteous nature and never take their forgiveness and redemption for granted, but also to understand the deep love you have for them. By that knowledge, I pray they seek refuge in you and your power against the forces of evil who will be against them as they attempt to live for you. As they make their feeble efforts to follow you, encamp your angels around them as a strong defense. Give them a vision and understanding of the spiritual war that surrounds them. With that understanding I pray that they draw closer to you and your protection, but at the same time please go before them as they enter the battle with courage. Though I pray for their protection, I ask more that they be mighty warriors in the battle for men's souls and that your angels encamp around them and their fellow warriors in the battle.
Amen
Dear Father,
We see the word "fear" and we think of being afraid of some kind of tyrant. However, we know from the totality of scripture that our "fear" should be a sense of awe at your power and respect for the fact that you do punish sin. But we also know that it all changes for us when you give us your Spirit to indwell us. By His presence we are adopted children, loved by you in a very close and intimate way. We should never, though, lose the "fear" of the power and righteousness of you.
I pray that these children grow to understand your power and your righteous nature and never take their forgiveness and redemption for granted, but also to understand the deep love you have for them. By that knowledge, I pray they seek refuge in you and your power against the forces of evil who will be against them as they attempt to live for you. As they make their feeble efforts to follow you, encamp your angels around them as a strong defense. Give them a vision and understanding of the spiritual war that surrounds them. With that understanding I pray that they draw closer to you and your protection, but at the same time please go before them as they enter the battle with courage. Though I pray for their protection, I ask more that they be mighty warriors in the battle for men's souls and that your angels encamp around them and their fellow warriors in the battle.
Amen
Friday, February 15, 2013
Financial Stress Psalm 34:6
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. (Psalms 34:6)
Dear Lord,
As these children grow up and face the real world, they will encounter financial difficulty and stress. They will have times when making ends meet will seem impossible. They will wonder how they are going to make it. Add that to the normal stress of marriage and raising children and that stress can be debilitating. It can destroy marriages and relationships. It can destroy faith.
I firmly believe that a Christian who walks in faith and in community will be given his daily bread while in this life and will ultimately be saved of all his troubles in eternal life with you. I pray that these children will learn to walk by faith. Faith in your promises, desiring only their daily bread, realizing that to have more than that is a blessing from you and trusting that you will provide for them today and that tomorrow is in your hands. By that I pray that they are spared the trauma of worry, rather that they are able to live in joy in the midst of daily trials. Lift up their heads to see your face and your assurances. Protect their budding trust from the attack of the evil one, while you build their faith as they begin to look to you.
Amen
Dear Lord,
As these children grow up and face the real world, they will encounter financial difficulty and stress. They will have times when making ends meet will seem impossible. They will wonder how they are going to make it. Add that to the normal stress of marriage and raising children and that stress can be debilitating. It can destroy marriages and relationships. It can destroy faith.
I firmly believe that a Christian who walks in faith and in community will be given his daily bread while in this life and will ultimately be saved of all his troubles in eternal life with you. I pray that these children will learn to walk by faith. Faith in your promises, desiring only their daily bread, realizing that to have more than that is a blessing from you and trusting that you will provide for them today and that tomorrow is in your hands. By that I pray that they are spared the trauma of worry, rather that they are able to live in joy in the midst of daily trials. Lift up their heads to see your face and your assurances. Protect their budding trust from the attack of the evil one, while you build their faith as they begin to look to you.
Amen
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Confident Faces - Psalm 34:5
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalms 34:5)
Dear Father,
I pray that these children hold their heads high in confidence. Not arrogance, but confidence that you are with them in their walk. Confidence that their lives mean something because of you and your plan for them. Confidence that they are loved by you. Confidence that Jesus has paid the price for their shortcomings and failures such that they stand before you as victors. Confidence that with the Gospel, they hold the most valuable possession there is and that they can give it away many times over and yet still possess it themselves. Confidence that by the power of your Spirit living within them, they can change the world - one person at a time. Confidence that by giving their lives to you, they will gain life to the full. And confidence that in living life for you they will never be put to shame.
Amen
Dear Father,
I pray that these children hold their heads high in confidence. Not arrogance, but confidence that you are with them in their walk. Confidence that their lives mean something because of you and your plan for them. Confidence that they are loved by you. Confidence that Jesus has paid the price for their shortcomings and failures such that they stand before you as victors. Confidence that with the Gospel, they hold the most valuable possession there is and that they can give it away many times over and yet still possess it themselves. Confidence that by the power of your Spirit living within them, they can change the world - one person at a time. Confidence that by giving their lives to you, they will gain life to the full. And confidence that in living life for you they will never be put to shame.
Amen
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Delivery from Fears Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord , and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalms 34:4)
Dear Father,
These children have and will experience fear and anxiety. This will not stop when they become adults. As you know, as fallen people, we fear because we turn our trust from you. No matter how strong our faith may be, fear will be there with us. This is not the fear that you placed in us as a natural protection system when faced with danger. That is not weakness, rather that is our natural design much like our immmune system.
The fear that is part of our fallen nature is the conscious decision to worry and fret. Try as we might, we fall into this sin of faithlessness over and over. But the thought of you being able and willing to deliver us from our fearfulness is extraordinary. While we are in the midst of offending you by our disbelief, you can rescue us from that disbelief. "Lord I believe, help me in my unbelief". The compassion you show toward our fallenness is not at all logical and shows the depth of your love for us.
If only we will seek you.
Lord, I pray that these little ones will seek you in the midst of their fears. They will be unable to overcome their fears just by trying harder not to be afraid. But as they seek you in their weakness, show your compassion on them by delivering them from their fears, not necessarily delivering them from the circumstances causing their fears, but by strengthening their faith.
Amen
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Let the Afflicted Hear and Rejoice - Psalm 34:1-3
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord ; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. (Psalms 34:1-3 NIV84)
Dear Father,
There will be times when these children will be afflicted emotionally and physically as they pass through this life. The truth of this Psalm is that the solution to healing in the midst of our affliction is to praise you from the depths of our souls. Even when things look hopeless, praise is the balm of our healing. Even as the final affliction takes us from this life to your presence, praise paves our path.
I pray that these children grow to understand the power in praise of you. The connection to you, the source of ultimate healing, that praise forges. When they are tempted to withdraw within their affliction, spur their hearts with your Spirit to bring them to full bodied praise of all that you are. And by that, show them your presence and your power.
Amen
A Fortress of Salvation - Psalm 28
Dear Father,
To you we call, O Lord our Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to these children. For if you remain silent, they will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear their cries for mercy as they call to you for help, as they lift up their hands toward your Most Holy Place. Praise be to you , for you have heard our cries for mercy for us and for these children. You are their strength and their shield; I pray that their hearts trust in you, and are helped. May their hearts leap for joy and give thanks to you in song. You are the strength of your people, a fortress of salvation for us. Save these children and bless them; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Amen
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