but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
To the one who makes all things new, Lord of Lords and King of Kings,
May these children put their hope in you and only in you. May they quickly learn that all other "gods" will fail them and will leave them weary. Sometimes they will become weary in their service to you, but you will not leave them that way - because you are faithful and you keep your promises. You will renew their strength. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. They will soar on wings like eagles. Praise be your name from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen
Monday, July 1, 2013
How Deep
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Dear Jesus,
May your Spirit within these children give them power to grasp how deep is the love of your Son. When I think of deep I think of limitless. There is no bottom to the reservoir of your love and the love of your Son. But I also think of depth being how far is the reach of the love of Christ. He reaches down into our deepest caverns of sin and pulls us out, out of the depths He rescues us. There is no depth to which we can fall that He cannot reach us. Jesus, help these children to learn that they are never beyond your reach. There is no pit into which they can fall that you cannot find them and lift them out. If they are drowning in the depths of the sea, you can pull them out. May they always look up when they are falling to see your hand reaching for them, and may their hands grasp your grip of grace.
Amen
Dear Jesus,
May your Spirit within these children give them power to grasp how deep is the love of your Son. When I think of deep I think of limitless. There is no bottom to the reservoir of your love and the love of your Son. But I also think of depth being how far is the reach of the love of Christ. He reaches down into our deepest caverns of sin and pulls us out, out of the depths He rescues us. There is no depth to which we can fall that He cannot reach us. Jesus, help these children to learn that they are never beyond your reach. There is no pit into which they can fall that you cannot find them and lift them out. If they are drowning in the depths of the sea, you can pull them out. May they always look up when they are falling to see your hand reaching for them, and may their hands grasp your grip of grace.
Amen
How High
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Dear Father,
May your Spirit within these children give them power to grasp how high is the love of your Son. When I think of height, I think of the heavens and that your love reaches the heavens, brought to the heavens as your Son, who bought us with His blood, ascended to your right hand. May these children realize that your Son was and is God and that he gave up his equality with you to come to earth to be a helpless baby, to grow up suffering the ailments of the human body and to be crucified in that body. May they then believe the resurrection and that He now has returned again to His former glory. Pure love became flesh. And now that love sits by your side, covering us with his grace.
Amen
Dear Father,
May your Spirit within these children give them power to grasp how high is the love of your Son. When I think of height, I think of the heavens and that your love reaches the heavens, brought to the heavens as your Son, who bought us with His blood, ascended to your right hand. May these children realize that your Son was and is God and that he gave up his equality with you to come to earth to be a helpless baby, to grow up suffering the ailments of the human body and to be crucified in that body. May they then believe the resurrection and that He now has returned again to His former glory. Pure love became flesh. And now that love sits by your side, covering us with his grace.
Amen
How Long
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Dear Father,
May your Spirit within these children give them power to grasp how long is the love of your Son. When I think about length, I think about patience - that your love never ends, it never gives up. May these children understand that, even if they may leave you for a period of time or may fail you over and over again, your love is still there. It does not stop and you stand always ready to embrace them when they turn back to you. Help them to deeply understand this and to never reach a point when they think you do not love them or want them back. In fact, you are not only ready to take them back, as the good shepherd, you pursue them to restore them to their rightful place in your flock, at your table. Even if there comes a time when these children might feel like giving up on themselves, help them know that you will never give up on them.
Amen
Dear Father,
May your Spirit within these children give them power to grasp how long is the love of your Son. When I think about length, I think about patience - that your love never ends, it never gives up. May these children understand that, even if they may leave you for a period of time or may fail you over and over again, your love is still there. It does not stop and you stand always ready to embrace them when they turn back to you. Help them to deeply understand this and to never reach a point when they think you do not love them or want them back. In fact, you are not only ready to take them back, as the good shepherd, you pursue them to restore them to their rightful place in your flock, at your table. Even if there comes a time when these children might feel like giving up on themselves, help them know that you will never give up on them.
Amen
How Wide
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Dear Father,
May your Spirit within these children give them power to grasp how wide is the love of your Son. When I think of width, I think of the grace that we have through the blood of your Son by which we are accepted by you despite our sin and our failures. Help these children to grasp the awesomeness of the incarnation - what your Son gave up to enter this world, and the shame that he bore on the cross - the creator of the universe subjected to ridicule by His creation. All of this to give them the mercy and grace by which they are made righteous because of your Son's perfection and righteousness . May this truth sink into them as your Spirit enables them to understand on deeper and deeper levels. And may they know that this gift was and is a gift of deep love for them as individuals - as you know each of their names and Jesus gave his life for each one of them.
Amen
Dear Father,
May your Spirit within these children give them power to grasp how wide is the love of your Son. When I think of width, I think of the grace that we have through the blood of your Son by which we are accepted by you despite our sin and our failures. Help these children to grasp the awesomeness of the incarnation - what your Son gave up to enter this world, and the shame that he bore on the cross - the creator of the universe subjected to ridicule by His creation. All of this to give them the mercy and grace by which they are made righteous because of your Son's perfection and righteousness . May this truth sink into them as your Spirit enables them to understand on deeper and deeper levels. And may they know that this gift was and is a gift of deep love for them as individuals - as you know each of their names and Jesus gave his life for each one of them.
Amen
Run the Race
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1,2)
Dear Jesus,
May these children fix their eyes on you, on your example, on your righteousness, on your faithfulness, on your courage in the face of adversity, and on your glory. May they take great courage in your victory over death as they enter the race set before them. May they understand that the race is a marathon, not a sprint, and that they must pace themselves to go the distance. May they learn that races are easier to run the lighter the load as they throw off the weight of materialism. May they know that they have a cloud of witnesses, some here today, some having already gone home to you, who are cheering them on. Give them extra endurance, when they hit "the wall", to press on through to the finish line to receive a crown of glory from your hand, your smile upon them as they hear you say "well run!".
Amen
Dear Jesus,
May these children fix their eyes on you, on your example, on your righteousness, on your faithfulness, on your courage in the face of adversity, and on your glory. May they take great courage in your victory over death as they enter the race set before them. May they understand that the race is a marathon, not a sprint, and that they must pace themselves to go the distance. May they learn that races are easier to run the lighter the load as they throw off the weight of materialism. May they know that they have a cloud of witnesses, some here today, some having already gone home to you, who are cheering them on. Give them extra endurance, when they hit "the wall", to press on through to the finish line to receive a crown of glory from your hand, your smile upon them as they hear you say "well run!".
Amen
Don't Shrink Back
And,
“But my righteous one will live by faith.
And I take no pleasure
in the one who shrinks back.”
And I take no pleasure
in the one who shrinks back.”
But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. (Hebrews 10:38,39)
Almighty God,
I have spoken in many of my prayers for these children on the subject to courage. I do so because it is clear that is what you expect of us. You forgive many things but you have no tolerance for cowardice. These children will fail in many ways during their lives. They will try to serve you and will sometimes fail. They will succumb to temptation and sin, but you forgive. But the one thing I pray they are never guilty of is cowardice in service to you. May they be ever bold and courageous, never shrinking back in fear. May they readily join in the charge against the gates of hell, fully equipped in your armor and following your lead, never backing down.
Amen
Almighty God,
I have spoken in many of my prayers for these children on the subject to courage. I do so because it is clear that is what you expect of us. You forgive many things but you have no tolerance for cowardice. These children will fail in many ways during their lives. They will try to serve you and will sometimes fail. They will succumb to temptation and sin, but you forgive. But the one thing I pray they are never guilty of is cowardice in service to you. May they be ever bold and courageous, never shrinking back in fear. May they readily join in the charge against the gates of hell, fully equipped in your armor and following your lead, never backing down.
Amen
Do Not Give Up Meeting Together
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24,25)
Loving Father,
Lead these children to understand the true purpose of Christians coming together. Help them to understand that it is not to "worship" as Christianity has come to believe as you tell us that true worship is a sacrificial life. Rather, we come together to encourage each other and to spur each other on to good works. May this knowledge help these children to avoid the consumer mentality many have adopted when the "worship service" does not "edify" them. In fact, what the Hebrew writer is telling us is a bit like John Kennedy's inaugural address: ask not what your worship service can do for you, but ask what you can do to encourage other Christians in their walk.
Before these children set out for the church building, may they seriously consider specific individuals that need their encouragement and spurring on. May they seek these individuals out and see their purpose in coming to the assembly to provide that encouragement. And may there be others who will likewise seek out these children to encourage them. With that mindset, may the realize that missing the assembly is not just failing to punch their time clock, but it is missing an opportunity to spur on another fellow servant who may be struggling, encouragement that may make the difference in whether that servant continues on in their walk.
Amen
Loving Father,
Lead these children to understand the true purpose of Christians coming together. Help them to understand that it is not to "worship" as Christianity has come to believe as you tell us that true worship is a sacrificial life. Rather, we come together to encourage each other and to spur each other on to good works. May this knowledge help these children to avoid the consumer mentality many have adopted when the "worship service" does not "edify" them. In fact, what the Hebrew writer is telling us is a bit like John Kennedy's inaugural address: ask not what your worship service can do for you, but ask what you can do to encourage other Christians in their walk.
Before these children set out for the church building, may they seriously consider specific individuals that need their encouragement and spurring on. May they seek these individuals out and see their purpose in coming to the assembly to provide that encouragement. And may there be others who will likewise seek out these children to encourage them. With that mindset, may the realize that missing the assembly is not just failing to punch their time clock, but it is missing an opportunity to spur on another fellow servant who may be struggling, encouragement that may make the difference in whether that servant continues on in their walk.
Amen
The Word of God
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Dear Father,
Give these children a clear understanding of the power of your word. May they understand that the reading of your word is not just an intellectual exercise, but that your transforming power is unleashed within them as your Spirit does His work. May they realize that time in the word is time that you work on them and that time away from the word is a time of weakness and spiritual deterioration.
The battle against evil is ever present and the power of the forces against them are formidable. Help them to see that weakness from a disconnection from your word will leave them vulnerable to spiritual attack and defeat. Attempting to live without the word and prayer is like trying to operate a battery powered appliance without recharging the battery on a regular basis - it might appear fine for a while until the battery begins to die. Draw them to your word and give them a thirst that can only be quenched by it.
Amen
Dear Father,
Give these children a clear understanding of the power of your word. May they understand that the reading of your word is not just an intellectual exercise, but that your transforming power is unleashed within them as your Spirit does His work. May they realize that time in the word is time that you work on them and that time away from the word is a time of weakness and spiritual deterioration.
The battle against evil is ever present and the power of the forces against them are formidable. Help them to see that weakness from a disconnection from your word will leave them vulnerable to spiritual attack and defeat. Attempting to live without the word and prayer is like trying to operate a battery powered appliance without recharging the battery on a regular basis - it might appear fine for a while until the battery begins to die. Draw them to your word and give them a thirst that can only be quenched by it.
Amen
Nothing is Hidden From God
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13)
All Knowing Father,
When we are not behaving ourselves, we tend to not want to think about you or approach you. In our strange way, we somehow think you are not there, not with us in the place we are not supposed to be doing what we should not be doing. By the Spirit within them, give these children a strong sense of your presence, even when they are not behaving. May that sense of your presence have a convicting effect such that they never feel comfortable with ungodly behavior or speech. May their sense, though, be of a present Father who cares for them and whose Spirit is in anguish at the harm they are causing themselves and others, a present God who wants to reclaim them and take them under his wings, a Father who runs to the prodigal to embrace upon his return. And may they run to you.
Amen
All Knowing Father,
When we are not behaving ourselves, we tend to not want to think about you or approach you. In our strange way, we somehow think you are not there, not with us in the place we are not supposed to be doing what we should not be doing. By the Spirit within them, give these children a strong sense of your presence, even when they are not behaving. May that sense of your presence have a convicting effect such that they never feel comfortable with ungodly behavior or speech. May their sense, though, be of a present Father who cares for them and whose Spirit is in anguish at the harm they are causing themselves and others, a present God who wants to reclaim them and take them under his wings, a Father who runs to the prodigal to embrace upon his return. And may they run to you.
Amen
Your Legacy of Faith - A Cloud of Witnesses
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (II Timothy 1:5)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. (Hebrews 12:1)
Dear Father,
I thank you that these children have believing parents and grandparents to influence them. I pray that we are effective in that influence and use wise words to bring them along in their faith. Give us the focus, the energy and the courage to live out godly examples for them. I am thankful for the believing ancestors they have who are already with you, for the influence they had on us who are now attempting to pass on that legacy. They are indeed a great cloud of witnesses.
May these children look to the legacy of faith they have received and determine that they, too, will endeavor to pass it on to the next generation. Give them a burning desire to hold fast to your teachings and avoid stumbling so that their example will be one that future generations can look to and follow. Help them to understand that the chain of faith can easily be broken when one link falls away - that much is depending on them, generation upon generation to come is depending on these children to hold to their faith and finish the course. Give them the strength, wisdom, courage and determination to do so.
Amen
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. (Hebrews 12:1)
Dear Father,
I thank you that these children have believing parents and grandparents to influence them. I pray that we are effective in that influence and use wise words to bring them along in their faith. Give us the focus, the energy and the courage to live out godly examples for them. I am thankful for the believing ancestors they have who are already with you, for the influence they had on us who are now attempting to pass on that legacy. They are indeed a great cloud of witnesses.
May these children look to the legacy of faith they have received and determine that they, too, will endeavor to pass it on to the next generation. Give them a burning desire to hold fast to your teachings and avoid stumbling so that their example will be one that future generations can look to and follow. Help them to understand that the chain of faith can easily be broken when one link falls away - that much is depending on them, generation upon generation to come is depending on these children to hold to their faith and finish the course. Give them the strength, wisdom, courage and determination to do so.
Amen
An Empty Cup
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (II Timothy 4:6-8)
Dear Father,
Coaches tell their teams to "leave it all on the field" and by that they mean that they should expend every last drop of energy and strength in the game - they should have nothing left in them when the game is over. Such is how our Christian life should be.
I pray these children choose to be an empty cup, everything poured out, nothing left behind, when they reach the end of their lives. And because we never know when that day will come, I pray they end each day as an empty cup, having given everything for your glory. That, of course, does not mean that there is no time for leisure and refreshing, but even that should be for a goal - to influence their friends and families for the sake of the gospel and to replenish strength to re-enter the battle. In our society, this is not a popular way to look at life. We are expected to live life for enjoyment, not sacrifice. But your Son told us that it is only in sacrifice, in losing our lives, that we gain life, both true life in this life and eternal life with you. May these children strive to be an empty cup - but as they strive to do so, refill their cups so that they run over.
Amen
Dear Father,
Coaches tell their teams to "leave it all on the field" and by that they mean that they should expend every last drop of energy and strength in the game - they should have nothing left in them when the game is over. Such is how our Christian life should be.
I pray these children choose to be an empty cup, everything poured out, nothing left behind, when they reach the end of their lives. And because we never know when that day will come, I pray they end each day as an empty cup, having given everything for your glory. That, of course, does not mean that there is no time for leisure and refreshing, but even that should be for a goal - to influence their friends and families for the sake of the gospel and to replenish strength to re-enter the battle. In our society, this is not a popular way to look at life. We are expected to live life for enjoyment, not sacrifice. But your Son told us that it is only in sacrifice, in losing our lives, that we gain life, both true life in this life and eternal life with you. May these children strive to be an empty cup - but as they strive to do so, refill their cups so that they run over.
Amen
Preach the Word!
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (II Timothy 4:1,2)
Dear Father,
You may call some of these children to full time ministry and I pray that those called will answer. But I also pray that you instill in the others that "preaching the word" does not require a Sunday morning pulpit. Help them to see that their lives are a sermon with the world around them reading every line. May they prepare themselves for life so that their lives preach in season and out of season - when they are strong - when the force of your Spirit in their lives is contagious to those around them and when they are weak - when they suffer hardship and heartache and their faithfulness and the evidence of your comfort speaks to those around them. May their words and their example both rebuke, as those living as they should not live will feel remorse at their behavior as they see the godly lives of these children, and encourage, as they carry others along on their Christian walk. Let their lives preach loud and true.
Amen
Dear Father,
You may call some of these children to full time ministry and I pray that those called will answer. But I also pray that you instill in the others that "preaching the word" does not require a Sunday morning pulpit. Help them to see that their lives are a sermon with the world around them reading every line. May they prepare themselves for life so that their lives preach in season and out of season - when they are strong - when the force of your Spirit in their lives is contagious to those around them and when they are weak - when they suffer hardship and heartache and their faithfulness and the evidence of your comfort speaks to those around them. May their words and their example both rebuke, as those living as they should not live will feel remorse at their behavior as they see the godly lives of these children, and encourage, as they carry others along on their Christian walk. Let their lives preach loud and true.
Amen
Terrible Times
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (II Timothy 3:1-5)
Dear Father,
There is much handwringing today by Christians concerned by how they think our country is crumbling into immorality. But the truth is that immorality has always been pervasive throughout this fallen world and our country has been no exception. There were no "good ol' days" when people were pure and righteous. Immorality took different forms and some occurred more in secret. One cannot look at the immorality of slavery, child labor, abuse of workers, the breaking of treaties with the native Americans and the stealing of their land and conclude that somehow our nation was more moral in its past. We had a form of godliness, but we denied its truth and its power.
Paul's concern was not society at large, but immorality in the church. And the immorality he warns of is not sexual immorality, rather it is the immorality of unloving behavior. People who may attend church, but everything else about their behavior is despicable. May these children fully comprehend their responsibility, not to campaign against immorality in our society, rather it is to stand firm against those who would use the cover of Christianity to use and abuse others. Give them the courage to stand against this and defend those being mistreated by fellow Christians and give others the courage to stand with them so that they do not stand alone.
Amen
Dear Father,
There is much handwringing today by Christians concerned by how they think our country is crumbling into immorality. But the truth is that immorality has always been pervasive throughout this fallen world and our country has been no exception. There were no "good ol' days" when people were pure and righteous. Immorality took different forms and some occurred more in secret. One cannot look at the immorality of slavery, child labor, abuse of workers, the breaking of treaties with the native Americans and the stealing of their land and conclude that somehow our nation was more moral in its past. We had a form of godliness, but we denied its truth and its power.
Paul's concern was not society at large, but immorality in the church. And the immorality he warns of is not sexual immorality, rather it is the immorality of unloving behavior. People who may attend church, but everything else about their behavior is despicable. May these children fully comprehend their responsibility, not to campaign against immorality in our society, rather it is to stand firm against those who would use the cover of Christianity to use and abuse others. Give them the courage to stand against this and defend those being mistreated by fellow Christians and give others the courage to stand with them so that they do not stand alone.
Amen
Don't Get Distracted
No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (I Timothy 2:4-7)
Dear Father,
It is easy in life to be distracted by all of the activities we have. Certainly we have no choice but to work for a living and you want us to spend time with our families and some time in recreation to refresh ourselves. The mistake is when we look at those activities as somehow separate from Kingdom work. We look at work at church or mission work or benevolence work as Kingdom work and we look at our jobs and our leisure activities as not Kingdom work. It is only when we realize that all of life is Kingdom work that we are able to stay focused on our purpose and mission in this life.
May these children never fall into the trap of compartmentalizing their lives. Show them the opportunities for good that exist all around them in every breath they take, opportunities to be a witness to the world of your transforming power in our lives, opportunities to speak comfort to those who are struggling, opportunities to lead spiritually family members, fellow Christians and those not yet believers, and opportunities to glorify you and your boundless love for a broken creation. Keep these children focused on the totality of life being ministry, service and offering as your raise them up to be your lights shining in the darkness. May these children reflect on these principles as you give them insight.
Amen
Dear Father,
It is easy in life to be distracted by all of the activities we have. Certainly we have no choice but to work for a living and you want us to spend time with our families and some time in recreation to refresh ourselves. The mistake is when we look at those activities as somehow separate from Kingdom work. We look at work at church or mission work or benevolence work as Kingdom work and we look at our jobs and our leisure activities as not Kingdom work. It is only when we realize that all of life is Kingdom work that we are able to stay focused on our purpose and mission in this life.
May these children never fall into the trap of compartmentalizing their lives. Show them the opportunities for good that exist all around them in every breath they take, opportunities to be a witness to the world of your transforming power in our lives, opportunities to speak comfort to those who are struggling, opportunities to lead spiritually family members, fellow Christians and those not yet believers, and opportunities to glorify you and your boundless love for a broken creation. Keep these children focused on the totality of life being ministry, service and offering as your raise them up to be your lights shining in the darkness. May these children reflect on these principles as you give them insight.
Amen
Do Not Be Argumentative
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, (II Timothy 2:24,25)
Dear Father,
Though I pray these children value truth, your truth, I ask that they take this teaching to heart. It is difficult for a discussion of truth not to become a contest of egos. Discussion of such matters can quickly devolve into a contest to be won or lost. It is so very difficult to avoid this outcome. I pray that you give these children that special wisdom to choose words and approaches to conversations about truth that lead to honest and open dialogue about important matters, which avoid putting the other person on the defensive. May that wisdom also give them the talent, when they are being attacked for their views, to lower the temperature and bring the conversation back to reasoned discussion.
This does not mean that they water down or compromise truth, but that they have the ability to engage in these discussions so that they own conclusions about truth can be rightfully tested and honed and so that truth is learned by all to your glory. No winners, no losers, just truth.
Amen
Dear Father,
Though I pray these children value truth, your truth, I ask that they take this teaching to heart. It is difficult for a discussion of truth not to become a contest of egos. Discussion of such matters can quickly devolve into a contest to be won or lost. It is so very difficult to avoid this outcome. I pray that you give these children that special wisdom to choose words and approaches to conversations about truth that lead to honest and open dialogue about important matters, which avoid putting the other person on the defensive. May that wisdom also give them the talent, when they are being attacked for their views, to lower the temperature and bring the conversation back to reasoned discussion.
This does not mean that they water down or compromise truth, but that they have the ability to engage in these discussions so that they own conclusions about truth can be rightfully tested and honed and so that truth is learned by all to your glory. No winners, no losers, just truth.
Amen
Supporting God's Servants
May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. (II Timothy 1:16-18)
Dear Father,
I pray these children will be of the pattern of Onesiphorus. It is our tendency to stand back and criticize your servants when their performance doesn't suit us. Show these children that what you, rather, want from them is to be those who encourage those who are devoting their lives to ministry, particularly when those servants are under persecution. May they search for wounded servants in the dungeon of the heart during their dark days and minister to them with the salve of your love shown through them. And by the efforts of these children, I pray you will restore the soul and heart of these discouraged servants and put them back on the battlefield and into the field of souls.
Amen
Dear Father,
I pray these children will be of the pattern of Onesiphorus. It is our tendency to stand back and criticize your servants when their performance doesn't suit us. Show these children that what you, rather, want from them is to be those who encourage those who are devoting their lives to ministry, particularly when those servants are under persecution. May they search for wounded servants in the dungeon of the heart during their dark days and minister to them with the salve of your love shown through them. And by the efforts of these children, I pray you will restore the soul and heart of these discouraged servants and put them back on the battlefield and into the field of souls.
Amen
Keep It Simple - Don't Argue Over Words
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(II Timothy 2:14,23)
Father of wisdom,
I pray these children develop the ability to avoid being pulled into petty religious arguments. Guide them into understanding that the New Testament is not a replacement for the Law of Moses and was never intended to be analyzed with a fine tooth comb, arguing over every detail. Such behavior has led to heartbreaking division within the body of your Son.
You want unity. Your Son wants unity. Your Spirit wants unity. Unity will never happen so long as we choose to argue over words. Help these children to understand that the principles of following your Son were intended to be simple. Believe that He is your Son, that he lived, was crucified and rose again, that he ascended to heaven and is at your right hand and that he rose again, that believers in him are to be baptized into him and that from there we are to attempt to love others as He has loved us. All the rest is just noise. Help them to understand this and be a force for unity in the church of your Son.
Amen
Father of wisdom,
I pray these children develop the ability to avoid being pulled into petty religious arguments. Guide them into understanding that the New Testament is not a replacement for the Law of Moses and was never intended to be analyzed with a fine tooth comb, arguing over every detail. Such behavior has led to heartbreaking division within the body of your Son.
You want unity. Your Son wants unity. Your Spirit wants unity. Unity will never happen so long as we choose to argue over words. Help these children to understand that the principles of following your Son were intended to be simple. Believe that He is your Son, that he lived, was crucified and rose again, that he ascended to heaven and is at your right hand and that he rose again, that believers in him are to be baptized into him and that from there we are to attempt to love others as He has loved us. All the rest is just noise. Help them to understand this and be a force for unity in the church of your Son.
Amen
Flee The Evil Desires of Youth
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (II Timothy 2:22)
Dear Father,
The temptations of youth as hard. Peers encourage to "try" things. Maintaining sexual purity when the hormones are flowing at fever pitch is extremely difficult. In Paul's instructions to Timothy, though, he wisely tells Timothy that one cannot simply focus on the negative - don't do this or don't do that - rather it is critical to focus on the positives.
I pray these children focus on what they wish to do - pursuing righteousness, increasing their knowledge and faith in you, loving and ministering to people and working to secure peace - peace in their community, in their church and in the world. And by that focus, Lord, help them to push temptations to the side so that they do not have so strong a pull. May they understand the importance not to simply say "no" to temptation, but to flee - to run. Give them your strength in this, because the human will is simply not sufficient.
Amen
Dear Father,
The temptations of youth as hard. Peers encourage to "try" things. Maintaining sexual purity when the hormones are flowing at fever pitch is extremely difficult. In Paul's instructions to Timothy, though, he wisely tells Timothy that one cannot simply focus on the negative - don't do this or don't do that - rather it is critical to focus on the positives.
I pray these children focus on what they wish to do - pursuing righteousness, increasing their knowledge and faith in you, loving and ministering to people and working to secure peace - peace in their community, in their church and in the world. And by that focus, Lord, help them to push temptations to the side so that they do not have so strong a pull. May they understand the importance not to simply say "no" to temptation, but to flee - to run. Give them your strength in this, because the human will is simply not sufficient.
Amen
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