Father, who is the very defintion of love,
You know that my love is imperfect, but imperfect as it is, help me to show that love to all of my loved ones so that they always know and never doubt that they are loved. But more importantly than feeling my love, I pray that they fully know, sense and feel your love. That they may know "how wide and long and high and deep" is your love "and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that they may be filled to the measure with all" your fullness. (Eph 3:18-19) May they come to understand that "perfect love drives out fear" (I John 4:18) , that being filled with your love they have nothing to fear, because they will know that they are fully loved children of yours, accepted by you just as they are. Therefore there is nothing for them to fear because they are yours and they are loved by you. Because you love them you will care for them and lead them at all times, through the hard times of life and even through the valley of the shadow of death. Show them in a very real and tangible way your presence. Not only help them all to know that you are there and that you love them, but that they feel your protecting arms around them as your love is "poured out into their hearts through the Holy Spirit." (Rom 5:5)
Amen
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
The Beginning
Lord,
I have little to offer to those who follow after me save my example and my prayers. But before I can pray for them, I must pray for myself. You know me and all that I am and am not. You know that I am sinful and flawed. You know that I am susceptible to falling into temptation just as is any man. I pray that you give me strength and courage to choose your ways so that in all things I can be an example of a godly man as I spend my remaining days in this world, however long that may be. Though I know you would forgive me if I fell, the consequences of a failed example would be damaging indeed. Lead me not into temptation and protect me from the evil one. As a poet wrote almost a thousand years ago, "Oh make me thine forever, and if I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for thee." You know my path and you what is ahead. If ever I am about to fall, Lord take me home.
Amen
I have little to offer to those who follow after me save my example and my prayers. But before I can pray for them, I must pray for myself. You know me and all that I am and am not. You know that I am sinful and flawed. You know that I am susceptible to falling into temptation just as is any man. I pray that you give me strength and courage to choose your ways so that in all things I can be an example of a godly man as I spend my remaining days in this world, however long that may be. Though I know you would forgive me if I fell, the consequences of a failed example would be damaging indeed. Lead me not into temptation and protect me from the evil one. As a poet wrote almost a thousand years ago, "Oh make me thine forever, and if I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for thee." You know my path and you what is ahead. If ever I am about to fall, Lord take me home.
Amen
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