The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray (Proverbs 10:8,17)
Dear Father,
I pray that you soften the hearts of these little ones so that they seek out and listen to wise counsel. I also pray that they do not rebuff discipline, but choose to learn from it in ways of wisdom and maturity far beyond their years. By these attitudes and actions I pray that they also show others the way to life.
Amen
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Things Detestable to the Lord - Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Dear Father,
When you say that something is testable to you, we obviously need to listen. We think of all kinds of things that you probably are against and condemn, but in this list you tell us what really makes you angry. And so for these little ones, I pray that they avoid a path that leads them to these kinds of behavior:
I pray that you keep them from arrogance, that you help them to develop a healthy and realistic understanding of their own knowledge, wisdom and abilities - one that neither over values those attributes in themselves, nor undervalues the abilities that you have given them. Give them a compassion for those who may know less than they or may be more limited in intellect such that they are kind and patient with them, rather than arrogant toward them.
I pray that they develop a habit of truth telling, not just by avoiding lying, but also in avoiding half-truths and misrepresentations. Give them a passion for the truth, your truth which gives no room for lies.
I pray that their nature is to protect innocent blood rather than shedding it.
I pray that they dedicate themselves to acting with integrity in all that they do as they seek to act fairly toward all.
I pray that they not only avoid rushing to evil, but that you give them clear discernment such that they clearly identify evil and things that are likely to lead to evil so that they not only avoid these things, but by the power of example and persuasion they save others therefrom.
I pray not only that they avoid telling untruths about others, but that they courageously seek and protect the truth as they speak out to put down false rumors and slander being spread about others.
I pray that these little ones do not develop contentious and divisive personalities, rather that they are known as peacemakers and people who are able to mediate conflict.
By these prayers I pray not only that they avoid things that are detestable to you, but that they walk in ways that please and glorify you as they change the world through your power.
Amen
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Dear Father,
When you say that something is testable to you, we obviously need to listen. We think of all kinds of things that you probably are against and condemn, but in this list you tell us what really makes you angry. And so for these little ones, I pray that they avoid a path that leads them to these kinds of behavior:
I pray that you keep them from arrogance, that you help them to develop a healthy and realistic understanding of their own knowledge, wisdom and abilities - one that neither over values those attributes in themselves, nor undervalues the abilities that you have given them. Give them a compassion for those who may know less than they or may be more limited in intellect such that they are kind and patient with them, rather than arrogant toward them.
I pray that they develop a habit of truth telling, not just by avoiding lying, but also in avoiding half-truths and misrepresentations. Give them a passion for the truth, your truth which gives no room for lies.
I pray that their nature is to protect innocent blood rather than shedding it.
I pray that they dedicate themselves to acting with integrity in all that they do as they seek to act fairly toward all.
I pray that they not only avoid rushing to evil, but that you give them clear discernment such that they clearly identify evil and things that are likely to lead to evil so that they not only avoid these things, but by the power of example and persuasion they save others therefrom.
I pray not only that they avoid telling untruths about others, but that they courageously seek and protect the truth as they speak out to put down false rumors and slander being spread about others.
I pray that these little ones do not develop contentious and divisive personalities, rather that they are known as peacemakers and people who are able to mediate conflict.
By these prayers I pray not only that they avoid things that are detestable to you, but that they walk in ways that please and glorify you as they change the world through your power.
Amen
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Eyes Forward - Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27)
Dear Father,
Scripture tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus and to aim for perfection. You obviously know that we will be unsuccessful with this and that our salvation is not dependent on it. But you do know that having spiritual goals is important to keep us from straying off the path into deep sin. I pray that these little ones develop an overarching spiritual goal for their lives to make a difference in the world for the cause of the Kingdom. I pray that they understand that this is best done one person at a time and that they set as their goal in life to touch as many people as possible with your love. I pray also that they develop specific goals for how best to accomplish their overarching goal - to have a vision of exactly how and where they will choose to have that impact. I pray that it is you that gives each of them that vision, that calling and that you open their hearts to receive your calling. I then pray that they pursue that calling will all of their might, setting their eyes and fixing their gaze on that path, giving careful thought to that path, being steadfast and strong as they walk that path with the strength that you provide them, turning neither to the left nor the right, as you protect them from falling into temptation so that they do not destroy the work you have accomplished through them.
Amen
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27)
Dear Father,
Scripture tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus and to aim for perfection. You obviously know that we will be unsuccessful with this and that our salvation is not dependent on it. But you do know that having spiritual goals is important to keep us from straying off the path into deep sin. I pray that these little ones develop an overarching spiritual goal for their lives to make a difference in the world for the cause of the Kingdom. I pray that they understand that this is best done one person at a time and that they set as their goal in life to touch as many people as possible with your love. I pray also that they develop specific goals for how best to accomplish their overarching goal - to have a vision of exactly how and where they will choose to have that impact. I pray that it is you that gives each of them that vision, that calling and that you open their hearts to receive your calling. I then pray that they pursue that calling will all of their might, setting their eyes and fixing their gaze on that path, giving careful thought to that path, being steadfast and strong as they walk that path with the strength that you provide them, turning neither to the left nor the right, as you protect them from falling into temptation so that they do not destroy the work you have accomplished through them.
Amen
Clean Language - Proverbs 4:24
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.(Proverbs 4:24)
Dear Father,
There is such a temptation to fit in with everyone else and part of that temptation is to use speech that is unholy. Once those words have crossed our lips, it is easier to do it a second time and then to fall into a pattern. Though we are amazingly able to compartmentalize our lives such that we avoid unholy speech in holy settings, using that speech completely destroys our witness in the world. I have always been amazed at how people who cuss and swear are offended when they hear "church people" use that kind of language. We are immediately (and rightfully) branded as hypocrites. I pray that these young ones come to understand that truth early in their lives. That they come to desire to have a strong and positive influence on those around them and come to understand that unholy speech will negate that influence. I pray that they also come to understand that unholy language includes not only swearing, but also includes gossip and derogatory speech toward or about other people. Give them an acute awareness of the effect their language has on the impact of their lives.
Amen
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.(Proverbs 4:24)
Dear Father,
There is such a temptation to fit in with everyone else and part of that temptation is to use speech that is unholy. Once those words have crossed our lips, it is easier to do it a second time and then to fall into a pattern. Though we are amazingly able to compartmentalize our lives such that we avoid unholy speech in holy settings, using that speech completely destroys our witness in the world. I have always been amazed at how people who cuss and swear are offended when they hear "church people" use that kind of language. We are immediately (and rightfully) branded as hypocrites. I pray that these young ones come to understand that truth early in their lives. That they come to desire to have a strong and positive influence on those around them and come to understand that unholy speech will negate that influence. I pray that they also come to understand that unholy language includes not only swearing, but also includes gossip and derogatory speech toward or about other people. Give them an acute awareness of the effect their language has on the impact of their lives.
Amen
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Guard Your Heart - Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)
Dear Father,
It is my great desire that these little ones do good and righteous things in and with their lives, but more than that I pray that they desire deeply to do those things. I pray that it is not simply a matter of duty or fear of getting caught (though those motives may be a safety net at times), rather I pray that they have a deep desire to do what is right in your eyes in order to please you. I pray that their hearts are turned to you and that, though they will fail and make mistakes, their homing device will be the draw of their hearts to yours. Create in them a pure heart O God, one that guides them all the days of their lives.
Amen
for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)
Dear Father,
It is my great desire that these little ones do good and righteous things in and with their lives, but more than that I pray that they desire deeply to do those things. I pray that it is not simply a matter of duty or fear of getting caught (though those motives may be a safety net at times), rather I pray that they have a deep desire to do what is right in your eyes in order to please you. I pray that their hearts are turned to you and that, though they will fail and make mistakes, their homing device will be the draw of their hearts to yours. Create in them a pure heart O God, one that guides them all the days of their lives.
Amen
Do not withhold Good. Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. (Proverbs 3:27)
Dear Father,
I pray that these children develop a mindset to look for opportunities to bless and affirm. That their humility and confidence in their position with you will allow them to praise others for their good work and good attributes so that those around them are encouraged. May they be called Barnabas, sons and daughters of encouragement. By that may the ripple effect of their words and actions of encouragement be great in time and space. By their words of encouragement may they change the world one person at a time.
Amen
Dear Father,
I pray that these children develop a mindset to look for opportunities to bless and affirm. That their humility and confidence in their position with you will allow them to praise others for their good work and good attributes so that those around them are encouraged. May they be called Barnabas, sons and daughters of encouragement. By that may the ripple effect of their words and actions of encouragement be great in time and space. By their words of encouragement may they change the world one person at a time.
Amen
Saturday, March 9, 2013
The Lord's Discipline - Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3:11-12)
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:7-11)
Dear Father,
As I read these words I understand that your punishment is not because you are angry or against us, but because you love us and want the best for us, just as any parent does. I believe that when we are told that we were made in your image, it means that we were made with your emotions. Our feelings toward our children we inherited from you.
I pray, Father, that if these children are heading in a direction away from you, that you will do whatever it takes to get their attention, knowing that the answer to my prayer will mean hardship for them. But I know that my prayer is consistent with your desires. Bring roadblocks into their paths, bring hardship upon them, defeat them in their efforts - anything, absolutely anything to change their path away from destruction. And when they come to their senses and return to you, show them the lovingkindness that you showed proverbially in your Son's story about the lost son, that you and I may celebrate them living in your house eternally.
Amen
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3:11-12)
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:7-11)
Dear Father,
As I read these words I understand that your punishment is not because you are angry or against us, but because you love us and want the best for us, just as any parent does. I believe that when we are told that we were made in your image, it means that we were made with your emotions. Our feelings toward our children we inherited from you.
I pray, Father, that if these children are heading in a direction away from you, that you will do whatever it takes to get their attention, knowing that the answer to my prayer will mean hardship for them. But I know that my prayer is consistent with your desires. Bring roadblocks into their paths, bring hardship upon them, defeat them in their efforts - anything, absolutely anything to change their path away from destruction. And when they come to their senses and return to you, show them the lovingkindness that you showed proverbially in your Son's story about the lost son, that you and I may celebrate them living in your house eternally.
Amen
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