A Prayer Devotional
By Linda Hostetter
Copyright 12/11 Prayer Stations for The Nations

INTRODUCTION

As we prepare for the holiday season, let’s quiet our lives down to a less than hectic pace and focus on Jesus. I have chosen Luke’s birth narrative with a few verses from Matthew to enhance your quiet time with the Lord. You will see phrases that have been highlighted within these passages. They represent the focal point for each day’s time of study, meditation and prayer.
May God bless your thirty-one days of December as you enter into His presence. It was my privilege to study and provide this devotional prayer book for your use. Know how much the Lord loves you and has you at the center of His heart.

May Christ see you reflecting Him during this beautiful season that celebrates His birth.
With love and thanksgiving,

Linda Hostetter

December 1
Know the Certainty of What You’re Taught

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Luke’s diligence in his research and studies. His desire to clarify the accomplishment of things prophesied in the Old Testament will instruct me as your disciple. To know your Word, to trust in your Word and to live out your Word will prepare me for eternity. As You use me as one of your own, may I be so enveloped by your teaching that the words I speak will be received by a dying world. Unveil apostolic preaching and miraculous testimonies for me so that I will appropriate them as a means of honoring and glorifying You.

As I pray through the birth narrative found in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, open new spiritual vistas for me. Thank You, Jesus, for giving up everything for my salvation. I will never underestimate the extreme sacrifice You suffered for my eternal existence. May my  attitude always be received by others as a Christ follower who gives myself no rest until You establish Jerusalem and make her the praise of the earth. These prayers are lovingly spoken to You. Please work through them for my good and your own purpose.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 2
Upright in the Sight of God

“In the time of Herod, king of Judea, there was a pries named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. Luke 1:5-7

Heavenly Father,

Gratefulness! That’s what I choose to reflect today. Gratefulness as I am able to choose to be upright and blameless in You, Lord. Through your love, I never need to be weighed down with spiritual baggage. You, Lord, carry my load.

As I come to You today, I can see myself looking taller and feeling stronger as I look to You for every answer for every question I have. You provide rest. Thank You for teaching me how to walk uprightly when I am tempted in any way. Holy Spirit, address my thought process and convey godly wisdom-Spirit to spirit-so I will find myself able to walk blamelessly as an extreme makeover for your glory.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 3
Assembled to Pray

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as a priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of the incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.” Luke 1:8-10

Heavenly Father,

Today, I am joyfully praying with millions of assembled worshipers. We are crying out to You. Hear our prayers and deliver us from evil. You know what we need before we ask. As we call upon You, thank You for answering us.

Many of my fellow Christian brothers and sisters are members of the persecuted Church. Deliver mercy and grace to them. Do not allow their lives to be temples of tears. Rather, bless them with peace, love and joy. Send your resurrection power to secure them during their trials and tribulations.

Thank You for allowing us to fill your golden bowl with our petitions and supplications. As I quiet my heart, show me others I need to pray for. Never allow me to quit depending on You for your perfect answers. I am praying, believing and knowing that all is well even though life is difficult.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 4
Your Prayer has Been Heard

“Your prayer has been heard. Than an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.” Luke 1:11-13

Heavenly Father,

The Scriptures presented below teach me the conditions You have established for my prayers to be answered.

Matthew 21:22 If I believe.
I John 5:14 If I ask according to your will.
I John 5:15 If I know that You hear me.
James 5:16 If I confess my sins.
John 16:23,24 If I pray in Jesus’ name.
John 15:7 If I remain in Christ and His words remain in me.
Psalm 145:19 If I fear God.
I John 3:22 If I obey your commands and do what pleases You.

Today, I am asking You to emboss your conditions on my heart so my prayers will be answered. I’m also asking to have a testimony just as Zechariah did. His prayers had been heard and would soon be answered through the birth of John the Baptist.

I, too, am in need of answers to my prayers. I have waited many years for some of them to be answered. Help me, Heavenly Father, to secure myself in humility-recognizing that You know what is best for me. Please give me:

The faith of Abraham
The endurance of Paul
The confession of Peter
The obedience of Samuel
The discipline of Daniel
And lastly,
To fear You through my thoughts, my words and my actions, so that I will ask, and it will be given to me. I will seek and find. I will knock, and the door will be opened to me. I will ask and receive.

Your answer will arrive. I will praise You for it.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 5
To Be a Joy and Delight

“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.” Luke 1:14-15

Heavenly Father,

Am I a joy and delight to You? Show me how to be this. I was created to glorify You and enjoy You forever. As I search myself, may my vision be an unmarred vision focusing truthful attention on who I really am, so that I become worthy of my calling.

This is the day You have made. I will rejoice in it and be glad. Psalm 92:2 instructs me to thank You for your kindness every morning and to thank You for your faithfulness every evening. In addition, I am to sing your praise. As I take these steps leading me into your presence, everlasting joy is upon my head. I will have obtained your joy and gladness. Sorrow and sighing will fly away from me all because I am doing it your way.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 6
Prepared for The Lord

“Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go before the Lord, in the Spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous-to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16-17

Heavenly Father,
My desire is to be prepared for You. You have supplied me with your love. Thank You that I am able to share this precious gift with my brothers and sisters in Christ. May your love in me always rise up to meet the needs of others. I praise You for being my helper.

May I show hospitality to all who enter my home. I am anticipating angels to meet with me as I minister to them as well as them ministering to me. May these angelic hosts be welcomed guests in my home or elsewhere. Thank You for these opportunities.

You have instructed me to remember prisoners as though I have been incarcerated with them. Some of my friends and associates seem to be imprisoned by their own past and present lifestyles. Use me mightily to minister and pray for their critical concerns. May I always greet them with non-critical thoughts.

May all marriage beds be kept undefiled in our family. Bless all marriages. Lord, let me be prepared for You.

Surrounded by decadence, it is tempting to become enticed by the things of this world. Create in me the mind and willpower to be freed from the love of money. Rather, as I walk with You, Jesus, my Helper, whisper in my ear, “Be satisfied with all you have. I will never leave you or forsake you.” What a great promise for me to trust in and rely on. May I always be prepared for You.

I am learning to boldly say:
The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

May I always be prepared for You, and may others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory.

Amen

December 7
Be Sure of This

“Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.” Luke 1:18-19

Heavenly Father,

Zechariah allowed doubt to rob him of his gift of faith. James 1:5-6 teaches me that if I lack wisdom I should ask God and You will give generously to me without fault-finding. But, when I do this, I must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

When I meet with angels or am presented with unconventional circumstances, remove doubt from my mind and help me believe that You are always in control. Please provide me with a great measure of discernment so that my own gullibility will not hinder me. Protect me from anyone who would try to confuse me.

When You send angels my way, let me carefully embrace them with godly love. Help my unbelief. I know that without faith it is impossible to please You. I must believe that you are and that you are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You. (Heb. 11:6)

Mark 9:23 strongly reinforces my belief system by stating that everything is possible for him who believes. I believe. Therefore, everything is possible for me.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 8
Believe My Words

“And now you (Zechariah) will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” Luke 1:20

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, that your Word is living and active. You describe it as sharper than any double edged sword, and that it penetrates so that the soul, spirit, joints and marrow are divided by it. Your Word also judges my thoughts and the attitude of my heart as well as everyone else’s. These descriptions are found in Hebrews 4:12. Never let me forget how powerful they are for my life.

Psalm 119:130 also teaches me that the entrance of your words into my life gives me light. I need your light. I respect your transference of light into my life. In some ways, I am simple and need understanding. The entrance of your words is not only a light-giver, but a lamp placed on my path of life to teach me and correct me in the way of life. (Proverbs 6:23)

May I diligently study the Scriptures so that I can testify about You. (John 5:39) They are able to make me wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Thank You that your words teach me, rebuke me, correct me, train me, and lead me in the way of righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:15-16)

To receive your words blesses my life. May I walk according to your Word.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 9
The Lord has Done This

“Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. The “Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days He has shown His favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” Luke 1:21-25

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being absolutely dependable. Thank You that I am able to embrace my dependence on You for all areas of my life as well as the lives of my loved ones. Thank You for allowing me to rely upon You fully. As I do this, I will present You with a life of faith as your Holy Spirit guides me into sweet surrender to You. When I say surrender it sounds as though I lost. But, not with You, God. When I surrender to You, I win. You have my best interest at heart and I praise You for this truth.

May I learn to depend on You more so I will surrender more. Then, I know my conscious desire to please You will grow me into a much loved follower of Jesus Christ.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

December 10
The Lord is With You

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:26-28

Heavenly Father,

Just as You were with Mary, You are with me.
Psalm 42:11 asks two very significant questions of me. Why are you downcast? Why are you so disturbed? With the news Mary received, she could have had these questions asked of her. However, she heard that the Lord was with her. You, Lord, are with me. My answers to these two significant questions may vary because of the nature and severity of my personal situation, but your answers to these questions for me are absolutely wonderful. You tell me to put my hope in You. You tell me to praise You. Now, my responsibility is to trust in this command. Believing this command is coupled with me doing it.

Forgive me for allowing events, circumstances and individuals to drive me into a downcast position, agitated into a disturbed state of being. May I learn to always hope in You and praise You no matter what the circumstances may be. I’m being honest with You right now. This is not always easy for me. Help me, Lord, to put all of my hope in You.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 11
His Kingdom Will Never End

“Mary was greatly troubled at Gabriel’s words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord god will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:29

Heavenly Father,

You are producing fruit in me. I am growing to do good. You have been preparing me to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. May I mature enough to take such a serious view of things. Let me live up to what You have already attained for me. When I stand before the throne of judgment, may You say that your purpose for me was fulfilled. Do not allow me to abandon the works of your hands. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May I make every effort to add to my faith goodness and to goodness, knowledge so that my journey into eternity and your never ending kingdom will glorify You to the fullest.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 12
Nothing is Impossible With God

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” the angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You will fulfill your purpose for me. Nothing is impossible with You. Because of your great love for me, You, who are rich in mercy, make me alive with Jesus Christ, the Messiah, even though I was dead in my trespasses. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Your love is my motivating force. Your love compels me to obey Jesus’ commandments. Your love charges and recharges my internal will to say, “Yes, Lord. I am choosing to complete your assignments.”

Your love never halts. Don’t allow me to withhold my love even when it’s painful. Instead, grow my gift of love stronger and steadier so that others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory.

Amen

December 13
I Am the Lord’s Servant

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Heavenly Father,

I am your servant. My desire is to serve You successfully. Send your holy rain needed for the seed I sow. May the harvest be rich and plentiful, and may You be satisfied with the crop. But even more importantly, may You be satisfied with my service. I know that You will open the heavens and the storehouse of your bounty so that the work of my hands will prosper and glorify You. What a great opportunity You have given me. May this day be the first that my sights are set to serve You better than I ever have before. I look forward to seeing myself become the best servant you’ve ever had. What a privilege to think this way. May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

December 14
What the Lord has Said Will Be Accomplished

“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town of Judea where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear. But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:39-45

Heavenly Father,

As I live, walking in your gift of faith, being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see, I will understand that what you have told me will be accomplished. Your timing is perfect. Your provision is perfect. Your plan is perfect. May I be like Mary, perfected as were the heroes of the faith. Persecution may come and the storms of life may try to blow me over, but I will be found standing as I wait upon You for your fulfillment in my life. Hold my hand. Walk me through my victories and my struggles. I praise You for them. I will stand with You on that Day, praising You for all You have accomplished in my life.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, amen.

December 15
Mary’s Song: My Spirit Rejoices in God My Savior

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47

Heavenly Father,

Jesus, You are my Savior. You have enlisted me in the Lord’s army. Thank You. You are the Captain of my salvation, seated at the right hand of God, our Father. Your enemies are your footstool. (Heb. 1:13) I must remember that I am the goal of your salvation. May I proclaim your name to everyone I meet as my Savior and the Captain of my salvation.

With my mind fixed on You, I will not drift away from my first love. I will not neglect such a great salvation. Confirmed in You, I am able to testify to your greatness through signs, wonders, miracles and the distribution of gifts from your Holy Spirit according to your will. Your good news touches me, guides me, sustains my faith and helps me to supernaturally walk through each day.

Even though I must endure sufferings, the final result sanctifies me. Praise God, for You have freed me from the yoke of slavery to sin that once bound me.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, amen.

December 16
Mary’s Song: Holy is His Name

“For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name.” Luke 1:48-49

Heavenly Father,

When Isaiah was commissioned in the year that King Uzziah died, he saw You seated on your throne, high and exalted. The train of your robe filled the temple. Above You were Seraphs. Their wings covered their faces. They could not look upon You. But they were calling out to one-another:

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory.”

Today, I am crying out to You: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of Your glory.”

Isaiah said that he was a man of unclean lips and that he lived among a people of unclean lips. He had seen the King, the Lord Almighty. Then one of the Seraphs flew from the altar to him with a live coal in his hand. He touched Isaiah’s mouth with it and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin is atoned for.”

Today, My King, I am asking You to make my lips clean. Now, in your presence bring me to yourself and let me say with the heart of a holy worshiper;

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty,
the whole earth is full of your glory.”

As Isaiah said to the Lord, “Here am I. Send me!”
(Isaiah 6:8), so I say, “Lord, Here I am. Send me!”

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 17
Mary’s Song:His Mercy Extends to Those Who Fear Him

“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:50

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, that You have flooded my heart with your light so that I am able to fear You. Through your revelation to me, my fear of You has been elevated to a loving fear. You are teaching me how great your blessings are because I belong to You. I am now understanding how magnanimous your forgiveness is because I am yours. Please continue to teach me how to apply your wonderful kindness to my life and the lives of everyone I meet. Because I fear You, I am showered by your mercy. Praise God, your mercies are new every morning.

In Psalm 103:17, You teach me, “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” May this verse extend to the thousandth generation in my own family.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

December 18
Mary’s Song: He Has Performed Mighty Deeds

“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm.” Luke 1:51a

Heavenly Father,

As I survey your mighty deeds, it is evident that You are the strongest strong One. Enoch was taken away. He did not have to experience death. Your mighty right arm swept him into your presence. He pleased You. May I be commended by You as one who pleases You.

Noah was sealed into the Ark by your mighty right arm when You closed the door. As a result, he became an heir of righteousness that comes through living by faith. Lord, thank You that You seal me into your Holy Spirit and declare me righteous through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Even though Abraham was a stranger in a foreign country and lived in tents, he was protected by your mighty right arm. He was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder was God.  (Heb. 11:10) I am looking forward to dwelling in your city, New Jerusalem. I know it will only happen for me because of your mighty deeds done by your right arm.

Psalm 121:7-8 promises me:
“The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

When I am in need, Lord, I believe by faith, just as these men did, that You will perform mighty deeds with your arm. Thank You for strengthening me unto my difficulties.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 19
Mary’s Song: He Scatters the Proud

“He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.”
Luke 1:51b

Heavenly Father,

Mary’s song included this very interesting statement. She understood as she sang that You despise the proud.

Proverbs 16:18 teaches me:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty  spirit before a fall.”

Isaiah 5:21 teaches me:
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.”

Proverbs 26:12 teaches me:
“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

Proverbs 21:4 teaches me:
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!”

Proverbs 27:2 teaches me:
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.”

Luke 16:15 teaches me:
He (Jesus) said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.”

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 teaches me:
“But, Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the man who commends himself who is approved, but the man whom the Lord commends.”

Lord, may I not be destroyed by a haughty spirit. May I not be wise in my own eyes and clever in my own sight. May I not be a fool. May I not have a proud heart. May I never take credit, but only praise You. May I not justify my own behavior. May I not be detestable in your sight. May I not boast in myself.

Lord, may I recognize pride for what it is-stinky garbage and the root of all evil. I am choosing to turn my back on pride.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 20
Mary’s Song: He Lifts Up the Humble

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” Luke 1:52

Heavenly Father,

Again Lord, You turned Mary’s song into instruction for me today. She understood how well You lift up the humble. May I learn today from your Word.

James 4:6 teaches me:
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 3:34 teaches me:
“He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.”

Job 22:29 teaches me:
“When men are brought low and you say, Lift them up! Then he will save the downcast.”

Matthew 23:12 teaches me:
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Proverbs 15:33 teaches me:
“The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”

I Peter 5:6 teaches me:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

As I survey and meditate on these Scriptures, I clearly see why Mary sang as she did for the Lord’s birth. You, God, humbled yourself just for me. Oh, what a Mighty God I serve!

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

December 21
Mary’s Song: He Fills the Hungry with Good Things

“He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” Luke 1:53

Heavenly Father,

The celebration of your Son’s birth is quickly approaching. I have been very busy with life. Today, may I turn my attention and affection toward the hungry.

Psalm 102:17 teaches me:
“He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.”

Psalm 69:33 teaches me:
“The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.”

Psalm 113:7 teaches me:
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.”

Psalm 72:12-13 teaches me:
“For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.”

Jeremiah 20:13 teaches me:
“Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.”

These verses demonstrate to me your concern for the needy. May my heart be your heart. If and when I see others in need, use me and my resources to ensure their wellbeing to the best of my ability. I know I am only one person, but You can divide and conquer through me. I am looking forward to this assignment.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 22
Mary’s Song: God Helps Israel

“He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham even as he said to our fathers.”

Heavenly Father,

My attention today is focused on praying Scriptures for your chosen people, Israel. They have been afflicted, but they have not been defeated. I am holding fast to the truth that these people will be found with praise on their lips for your mercy endures forever. May my prayers for this nation be multiplied and blessed one-hundred fold.

Encourage our nation of America to show great compassion as found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 to Israel. Thank You, God, that You are the father of compassion and the God of all comfort. You comfort all troubles so that when Israel is in distress they will be comforted with patient endurance. Jesus, You suffered for your people. Let them place their hope in You. Your hope is firm. Let our brothers and sisters in Israel be informed of your goodness through the work You did at Calvary. May they enter into a spiritual harvest and be protected by your strong right arm.

Isaiah 43:1-3 teaches me:
“But now, this is what the Lord says-he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.”

Lord, You love Israel so much. Guide them into a greater ability to endure and persevere. May they joyfully abide in You and praise You in spite of their circumstances.

Your mercy is great, and You have been long suffering toward them in the past. Supply all they need to obey You and enter into your peace.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

December 23
Righteous

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:18-19

Heavenly Father,

Repentance yields righteousness. Today my prayers will be focused on Scriptures that support this truth.

Ezekiel 18:21-22 teaches me:
“But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live.”

Job 11:14-15 teaches me:
“If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.”

Psalm 34:10 teaches me:
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

Proverbs 10:24 teaches me:
“What the wicked dreads will overtake him; What the righteous desire will be granted.”

Psalm 5:12 teaches me:
“For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; You surround them with your favor as a shield.”

Isaiah 3:10 teaches me:
“Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for They will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.”

These verses are rich to lead me toward your throne, and I am choosing to receive their instruction so that I will be as Joseph, a righteous person in your sight.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 24
Fear Not

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20

Heavenly Father,

You had a plan for Joseph. Your plan was for him to be Mary’s husband. Obviously, Joseph’s cultural roots detoured his thinking. He had chosen not to take Mary as his wife. You sent him a dream, and in that dream the angel reassured him that he should not be afraid to take Mary as his wife.

When You ask me to walk by faith and follow a different course than anyone else, may I be obedient to your instructions. Fear of the unknown or the edicts of my own cultural roots could detour the course You have set for me. Your Word teaches me to turn away from fear. Obviously, since I am your created being, you know all my fears. So, today, as I review your Word, apply courage and confidence to my inner core when, not if, You direct me into an assignment that only I can do with You for your glory.

Psalm 34:4 teaches me:
“I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”

Mark 4:40 teaches me:
“He (Jesus) said to his disciples, Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Isaiah 41:13 teaches me:
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.”

Proverbs 1:33 teaches me:
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Proverbs 3:25-26 teaches me:
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.”

Proverbs 29:25 teaches me:
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”

John 14:27 teaches me:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not
be afraid.”

Joseph took heed of four words spoken to him:
“DO NOT BE AFRAID”
He chose to put away that which was expected of him and did what God commanded him. Lord, may I have the character of Christ to do what You command of me.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 25
Immanuel

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means God with us.” Matthew 1:21-22

Heavenly Father,

Praise be to God! Our Messiah has come. I bow down to You. I sing praises to your Holy Name. I exalt You. Glory to God in the highest. I join with Mary, the mother of Jesus, to proclaim your greatness. My spirit rejoices in You my Savior. You have looked with favor on my humble condition. You are the Mighty One, having done great things for me. Your name is Holy. I fear You, Lord. Your mercy is from generation to generation. You have done a mighty deed with your outstretched arm. Humility, restrain me from pride. Lord, correct the thoughts of my heart so they are piloted by your perfect will. You have toppled kings and exalted the lowly.

Thank You. I am choosing your way rather than man’s. As you satisfy my hunger, I receive your provision. You have shown mercy to Israel; your mega-mercy to the ends of the earth. Just as You spoke to our ancestors, Abraham and his descendants, You speak to me with loving clarity.

I am yours forever and ever because you are my Messiah.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, as I continually magnify your Name.
Amen

December 26
Do What the Lord Commands

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:24-25

Heavenly Father,

Yesterday is over. Thank You for yesterday and my remembrance of how great You are. Today, I have read Matthew 1:24-25. Joseph did what he was supposed to do. He only had a few facts available to him. Yet, he chose obedience. May I be as Joseph was-obedient to your commands.

The Bible richly instructs all of us to become obedient. These instructions are for our good and the betterment of Your Kingdom. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

As I survey these Scriptures, provide me with flexibility and vulnerability to confess where I have been wrong in the past. Make today a fresh start for an obedient walk. Refine me so I will be sure to be near the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 5:19 teaches me:
“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Deuteronomy 6:18 teaches me:
“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers, thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the Lord said.”

Matthew 7:24-25 teaches me:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

John 13:17 teaches me:
“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

James 1:25 teaches me:
“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.”

Matthew 12:50 teaches me:
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Thank You, Lord, for these motivational words of instruction. Ready me and steady me for today’s walk with You.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 27
Unspeakable Joy

“And there were shepherds living out in the field nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid.” I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You, Lord, are with me and You are mighty to save. You take great delight in me. You quiet me with your love. You rejoice over me with singing, for You are the author of joy.

I am choosing to be still enough today to hear You singing over me as You rejoice. To receive your delight while I seek You gives me such pleasure. The loving depth of our relationship quiets my heart even during my most difficult of difficulties.

I am yours. You are mine. Such peace is evident as we share this day. Everywhere I walk, I am inviting You to go with me. Today, I am extending my hand of fellowship to You, asking You to hold mine and save me from any entrapment the evil one has planned. You are with me.

May every person I meet see Jesus in me, the hope of glory. Amen

December 28
Spread the Word

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”Luke 2: 15-18

Heavenly Father,

May I be one who spreads the Word. Again, today, as I read Scripture, You instruct me. Embed these truths into my heart and mind so that others will know your truth.
Never allow me to be lazy or so self-centered that I will hide my lamp under a bushel.
Romans 12:11 teaches me:
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Proverbs 24:30-34 teaches me:
“I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.”

Lord, as I read these verses, I saw a pathetic word-picture of what You abhor in your kingdom. Make my desire your desire. May I never be lacking in zeal. Help me keep my spiritual fervor. Give me judgment. Do not allow me to fall into spiritual ruin. Let me apply all I have learned from this lesson for the fulfillment of your kingdom to come. Give me the unsaved for my inheritance. Show me how I can best serve You so others will be saved.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 29
Treasure Up

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:19-20

Heavenly Father,

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I am treasuring up this wonderful event in my life and the millions of others who have gone before me and will come into your kingdom. Thank You for penning Ephesians 2:47.

As your vessel, I thank You that I possess this precious treasure (the divine light of the gospel). No matter how frail I may be, 2 Corinthians 4:17 encourages me that your grandeur and the exceeding greatness of your power is demonstrated only from You, it does not come from me, but I have the privilege of experiencing it. I treasure this verse.

You chose me to be yours, and I praise You for continually renewing me. Thank You. Even though I am needy, I am not lost, but I am found. You consistently pour your divine love into my innermost brokenness. When I am struggling, You love me. When I am succeeding, You love me. Your love never fails. I treasure all these things.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 30
Transformed by Your Light

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:25

Heavenly Father,

Today I thank You for Jesus. May I press on toward Christ alone and choose to pray, Lord, whatever it takes, make me like You.(Phil. 3:13-14) I know that I must come to the end of myself to experience all of who You are and what You give. The emptier I am, the more space I have to receive your love and supply. (Phil. 4:19) Make me willing to have a teachable spirit so that I am able to be conformed to the divine nature of your Son. (Rom. 12:1-2)

Finally, Lord, may I follow You where You lead me, not knowing where I am being led but having complete confidence in the One who is leading me. (Psalm 23:2-4)

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

December 31
Completed in Worship, Prayer and Fasting

“There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2:36-40
Heavenly Father,

This is the last day of the last month of this year. As I enter into your presence today, let me consider all You have done for me. Thank You for your consuming love for me. You have given me much more than I deserve.

As the New Year approaches in a few hours, may I be found as Anna was, worshiping You, praying and fasting.

You, Lord, are the best. I am looking forward to the changes You will make in me as I succumb to You. Thank You for bringing me through this year. You are the best! May I love You more than I ever imagined or dreamed during this next year.

Truly, Lord, may others see Jesus Christ in me, the only hope of glory.

Amen

St. Giles EPC is very important to God’s heart. As His Bride, He desires us to compliment the work of Christ. He also desires that we pursue Him while walking in the Holy Spirit. Change is constant. God changes us. This process is called sanctification, and it never ends. It also makes us hungry for His Word, His purpose and His presence. Pursuing Him through prayer yields sweet communion and communication. August Apps is simply a vehicle written to allow each of us to lift up various aspects of ministry so that we are corporately releasing them to the throne of God. It is so encouraging to know that Jesus is always interceding for us, and He knows what is best for our church. We are joining ourselves together, unified in vision and purpose, for His will to be our goal.

As you pray, pray believing that God will accomplish that which glorifies Himself, edifies the Body and reaches beyond our borders. This is an exciting period in history as we wait upon Him to answer according to His perfect will.

August’s prayer focus will advance St. Giles’ ministries. If all of us commit to this, we will see unbelievable release from the heavenlies. Perhaps, you have been here for decades, praying to see revival. Perhaps, you are new to this church. Perhaps, you are new to praying. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, God assures you that He is actively listening and answering. Please join with us this month. Know that your time spent in prayer will be immeasurably valued by God and this body of believers. He is waiting to hear from us so that our circle of love will become tighter. God tells us that two are better than one. Together, joined in prayer, spiritual power will ignite St. Giles’ ministries. Deuteronomy 32:30 teaches us that one can chase a thousand and two can put ten thousand to flight. When we pray in agreement, the following is possible.

1-1000
2-10,000
3-100,000
4-1,000,000
5-10,000,000
6-100,000,000
7-1 Billion
10-1Trillion

These numbers should blow your mind. Our corporate prayers are multiplied exponentially if we will “JUST DO IT”!

The following ministries are seeking prayer. This list could be extended. However, it is designed to include ministries within ministries. If you are involved in any of these, you will be able to pray most effectively for God to strengthen their fiber as you reflect on their content.

Aletheia
Missions
Sunday Evening
Young Adults
Christian Education
Mops
Technical
Youth Ministry
Communidad
Nehemiah
Volunteers
Youth Pastor Search
Dance
Pastor
Website
Deacons
Prayer
Women’s
Finance
Small Groups
Worship Planning
Loaves and Fishes
Staff
Worship Team

Thirty-one days of opportunity are ours. Let’s use them wisely at His throne of Grace. August Apps provides you with a daily springboard to spiritually enrich St. Giles and our ministries. Consider every sentence of each day’s prayer as an introduction to enhance further prayer from your heart. If you pray in tongues, use your prayer language every day. Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Pour out your heart to Him as though you are praying for a loved one who is very ill. He reads the heart of the matter. This is not an exercise. Praying is a command from our Commander-in-Chief. He will bless you for your time and service. Remember, your time and service really belong to Him.

1. Thank You, God, that You alone are Our Sovereign. We are looking only to You for wisdom and understanding, choosing to reject our own intellect. We are asking You to lead the ministries of St. Giles. Let us build our goals around your priorities and remember that we exist during this period of history to lead others into your presence. Let us be inspired by You to be ready and able, fit soldiers, desiring victory in Christ Jesus. We are seeking You while You may be found, knowing that You hold all the answers we need for these ministries.

2. Lord, we are asking You to awaken, empower and unify the ministries of St. Giles. Let us walk with You as Enoch did, possessing a spirit of humility, repentance and love. We are asking for a mighty movement of your Spirit to aggressively equip us. We are desirous of being God-anointed, willing to fight the fight, keep the faith and persevere.

3. Lord, as our people pray, let them hear from You. Appoint leaders in each of our ministries. Praise You for those men and women who will lead us because they see their relationship with You as being more important than any other relationship. Thank you that our leaders desire to begin and end their day with You. Thank You that they have been trained up in your Word, and that they are willing to do what You have called them to complete.

4. Lord, bless the men, women, young people and children with servant’s hearts at St. Giles. Show us how to esteem others as greater than ourselves. As we serve, let us be Jesus with skin on!

5. Lord, move mightily in our ministries. Govern righteously and allow the harvest to be rich for your own glory. May all of our ministries be Spirit-driven and Christ-centered. Lord, awaken those who are spiritually asleep in this flock and make us strong in You.

6. God, You are our provider. Please provide mortar so your bricks of your foundation will stand securely placed in the hearts and minds of the people of St. Giles. May our characters be sterling and when we are “sent out”, may we always tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ. Let us learn to make every ministry Christ- centered and salvation- sensitive. We want to see souls saved! Abide in us in such a beautiful way that outsiders coming into this body of believers will want what we have.

7. Lord, allow our people to understand these times and to know what to do. Give us 20/20 spiritual vision. Sharpen our minds so that we have the mind of Christ. Soften our hearts so that room is made in us for the hurting and afflicted. Let us hear from You as You speak into each of our ministries. We understand that You have called us. Let our spirits learn to obey your Holy Spirit.

8. Heavenly Father, your armor is so strong. Thank You that it makes us sure footed as we pursue You and minister to others. Remind us daily to put on the full armor of God so that we are not vulnerable, but we will be found standing. This day we are choosing to wear our helmets of salvation and our breastplates of righteousness. We are holding our shields of faith. Our two-edged swords are drawn and the belts of truth encompass us. We have girded our loins and our feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Thank You, Jesus, that we are wearing You.

9. Lord, our ministries require your favor. We only want to work in the Spirit. When we fall into the flesh, forgive us. Draw us back quickly so that we will receive your good favor rather than failure. We also ask that You honor our efforts and cause us to succumb to your perfect will.

10. Lord, let us always seek You when decisions must be made concerning the ministries of St. Giles. Break up our unplowed ground. We are desirous to sow new seed. May this seed be rooted in You and grow to be strong whether this be in relation to individuals, ministries or ideas.

11. Lord, when we enter a time of testing, don’t let any of us fall away. When temptation tries to rob our ministries, bind the devil. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. May our ministries and the people serving in them shine for You as brightly as the stars in the heavens.

12. Lord, we are asking You to take the seat of honor in each of our ministries. We are inviting the Holy Spirit to come from the north, south, east and west. May our ministries be perfectly balanced according to your perfect will as You direct our path and make it straight. Don’t allow our eyes to wander. We thank You that we will succeed because that’s all your Spirit wants us to do!

13. Lord, thank You that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. You tell us in John 7:6 that anytime is the right time for us. So, the time is now for the ministries of St. Giles to flourish. Hold our hands and lead us into an awesome season of responsible opportunity.

14. Lord, You refresh us. So, as we serve You, we are refreshed by You for we will see You perform mighty miracles. You will set the captives free, and You will deliver those in bondage through our ministries. What a privilege it is to be a part of this great awakening.

15. Lord, let us not be weary in doing good. We will not think, feel or act tired. We will wake up and be what we were created to be for your eternal glory. Our ministries will be joy-filled, dancing in fellowship with the Spirit. Praise will be constantly on our lips as we minister to the body as well as the unsaved.

16. Lord, we thank You that You are directing us as You build a hedge of thorns around us. Your protection, Lord, is ever with us. We walk by faith, not by sight. We will see You bring to pass that which You began in us so that we are a poignant aroma in your presence. Our ministries will flourish and be modeled by others because of the attention to detail You have given.

17. Lord, thank You for the positive results of our ministries. Your Word never fails. Let us always give You one-hundred percent of the glory for our success. Let your truth reign, rain and rule.

18. Lord, St. Giles prizes You above all else as we serve You. We thank You that we are your bride and that our ministries reflect the love of Christ. Let us unselfishly give sacrificially. Sanctify us. Settle us. Retool us. Mature us. Discipline us. Love us more than we ever thought possible. Let us love You more than we ever thought possible.

19. Lord, may each of our ministries create a beautiful chord. When discord tries to enter in to rob us of the song you want written, protect our melody. Let us be in harmony with one another and You. Strengthen each ministry by providing the perfect individual with the perfect bent to complement the work You want completed.

20. When difficult situations arise in an individual’s life, let the perfect ministry be available to be your hands, God. If that ministry is not equipped, Lord, equip them to supernaturally enable the hurting or rejected to overcome their difficulty.

21. Lord, let the people who join ministry teams rely upon You for their strength and success. Allow their character to be refined according to your Word. May they grow spiritually during their season of service.

22. When discouragement tries to rear up his ugly head in any of our ministries, let our people discern and rebuke him immediately in the name of Jesus. Inspire us to encourage. Let those who are under, rise up and be refreshed. May our ministry leaders be undergirded by supportive team members who trust them even when they disagree. Let all important decisions be tabled until prayer and fasting have been applied and discouragement has been defeated.

23. Thank You, Lord, that You shelter our people in your presence. You hide us as we minister in the name of Jesus, so that we are kept safe from accusing tongues. Thank You, that division at St. Giles is not an option. Thank You, Lord, that the men and women of St. Giles are pleased to honor You and walk in your ways. Our people will have victory in Christ.

24. Lord, we praise You, that You are a lamp unto our feet and a light to our pathway. Our ministries are lit by your fire. We are not embers, we are burning brightly. Fan the flame. Let us blaze on so that our torch will be passed on from generation to generation. Grandfather to father, to son, to grandson. Grandmother to mother, to daughter, to granddaughter. What a great heritage You are giving us!

25. Lord, we praise You, that our ministries are upheld by You. Thank You that You carry us just as You did the Israelites in the wilderness. Thank You for your everlasting arms. You are holding us close to yourself as we abide in You, trusting that we will never dash our feet against a stone. We desire to conquer new territories. Slay the giants before we enter in.

26. Lord, as we seek to serve You, let our steps be ordered by You. Give us assurance of how to serve and where to serve. Bless us as they use the gifting You have equipped us with. Thank You that St. Giles has everything it needs to accomplish your purposes.

27. Lord, worthy is the Lamb who was slain before the foundations of the world. To minister in your name, Christ, is such a privilege. Let us never forget why we do what we do. Let us be mindful that we are blessed to serve the living God as we minister in the name of Jesus.

28. Dear Lord, may all of our people understand how valuable they are to the Body of Christ. As each embraces his/her role, excited about how they are able to minister, make them able. Provide miraculous moments as testimonials to your faithfulness.

29. Lord, we yield ourselves to You even when we are stretched beyond our own desires. Walk with us. Work in us. Help us die to self. Give us cheerful hearts with grateful attitudes.

30. Lord, thank You that You make everyday a wonderful day. No matter what our circumstances are, let us be wonderful for You. Let us speak into existence praise when the dark clouds come and praise when the rain falls, praise beyond ourselves. Make us ministers who are God-empowered.

31. Lord, let our ministries have the power of God behind us. Let our ministries have the power of God before us. Let our ministries have the power of God beside us. Let our ministries have the power of God above us. Let our ministries have the power of God beneath us. Let the power of God flow from us. Empower us, O God!

God has standards for leadership and they are revealed through His Word. Here are some Scriptures that we can use as a pattern for prayer. We must allow the Holy Spirit to amplify and expand these prayers by seeking God and searching His Word.

FOR JUST MEN WHO FEAR GOD
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, he that rules over men, must be just, ruling in the fear of the Lord. 2 Sam.23:3

FOR MEN FREE FROM COVETOUSNESS AND IMMORALITY
The king…shall not multiply horses to himself…neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Deut.17:16-17

FOR MEN OF WISDOM WITH TEACHABLE SPIRITS
Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings, be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:10, 11

FOR MEN OF MERCY AND TRUTH
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upheld by mercy. Proverbs 20:28

FOR MEN FREE FROM BRIBERY, CORRUPTION AND FLATTERY
The king by judgment establishes the land, be he that receives gifts overthrows it. Proverbs 29:4 And you shall take no gift, for the gift blinds the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Exodus 23:8

FOR MEN WITH COMPASSION FOR THE POOR
The king that faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever. Proverbs 29:14

KEPT FROM EVIL
I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one. John 17:5

PROTECTED AND UNITED IN LOVE
Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one, as we are one. John 17:11 That they all may be one; as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You, that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that You have sent Me. John 17: 21 May the God of patience and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepts you to the glory of God. Romans 15:5-7

JOYFUL
And now come I to you and these things I speak in the world that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. John 17:3

HOLY: AND PEOPLE OF THE WORD WHO KNOW GOD – CONSECRATED VISIONARIES
Sanctify them through Your truth; Your Word is truth. John 17:17

PEOPLE OF PRAYER WITH LOVING OBEDIENT HEARTS
Jesus said unto them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Luke 22:46

LEADERS OF FAITH AND WISDOM
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that gives to all men liberally and upbraids not and it shall be given him, but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. James 1:5-6; Proverbs 8 * See also Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 6:2-4; 2 Tim. 4: 2, 5, 7; and Titus 2:1, 15

From Lydia Fellowship International Publications

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
“YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME”
The following is a paraphrase of Daniel’s prayer found in the book of Daniel, Chapter nine. It has been edited to apply to our particular use.
Let us confess together:
O Lord, great and awesome God, you keep your covenant and mercy with those who love you, and with those who keep your commandments. We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from your precepts and your judgments. Neither have we heeded your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our leaders, and all the people of the land.
O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day – to the men and women of our nation, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness, which we have committed against You.
O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to some of our leaders, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To you, our Lord our God belongs mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against you. We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in your laws, which you set before us by your servants the prophets.
Yes, we have transgressed your law, and have departed so as not to obey your voice.
Because our nation has not adhered to your First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me”, we have sinned against You. Please tear down the following enemy banners over Your families, Your Church, Your cities, Your schools, Your regions and Your nations.
We confess that we are prideful and selfish, that we place confidence in the flesh, that we are self-pleasing, self-seeking, and self-promoting. Arrogance, conceit, boasting, haughtiness, and sophistication have taken your place in our lives. We seek excess, ease and pleasure, wanting our own way. Please forgive us, Lord.
Let us lift high the Lord our banner (Jehovah-Nissi) to triumph over these sins. Jesus, You are Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). You are the Holy Servant (Acts 4:27). Glory to you, the only wise, all-sovereign God (I Timothy 1:17).
We confess that we would be as god. Forgive us, Lord, for You alone are the Lord (Philippians 2:9-11) You are Jehovah-Elyon, the Lord Most High (Psalm 7:17) You are our Ruler (Numbers 7:17), the Almighty, Omnipotent one who reigns (Revelation 19:6). Glory and honor and praise belong to You alone!
We confess, Lord, that we seek peer approval and that we are people pleasing with a love of man more than a love for God. Please forgive us.
You, Lord, are the head of every man (I Cor. 11:3). Our security rests in Jesus (Deuteronomy 33:12). We are to fear the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-3, Proverbs 14:26) and You are the Judge over all the nations (James 2:12). We humbly yield to You your rightful position.
We confess that Humanism, even Christian Humanism, has infiltrated and polluted your Kingdom. Many do not confess Jesus as Lord and give some display an anti-Christ spirit. Show mercy, O Lord, by forgiving these heinous sins.
We lift on high Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:11), our El Elyon, the Lord Most High (Genesis 14:18), the I Am (Exodus 3:14) and our True God (I Thess 1:9)

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
“YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FOR YOURSELF A CARVED IMANGE – ANY LIKENESS OF ANYTHING THAT IS IN HEAVEN ABOVE, OR THAT IS IN THE EARTH BENEATH, OR THAT IS IN THE WATER UNDER THE EARTH. YOU SHALL NOT BOW DOWN TO THEM NOR SERVE THEM. FOR I, THE LORD YOUR GOD, AM A JEALOUS GOD, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS UPON CHILDREN TO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATIONS OF THOSE WHO HATE ME.”

The following is a paraphrase of Nehemiah’s prayer found in Nehemiah, chapter nine. It has been edited to apply to our particular use. Let us confess together:
Lord, even when they made a molded calf for themselves, and said, “This is your god that brought you up out of Egypt”, and worked great provocations, yet in your manifold mercies You did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day to lead them on the road, nor the pillar of fire by night to show them light, and the way they should go. You also gave your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.
Because our nation has not adhered to your Second Commandment, “You shall not make for yourselves a carved image…” we have sinned against You. Please tear down the following enemy banners over Your families, Your Church, Your cities, Your schools, Your regions, and Your nations. We confess idolatry, the going after of other gods and having placed our hopes on wrong foundations. Forgive us, Lord.
Please place your banner over us for You are the faithful one (Heb.10:23) and the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). You are the same yesterday, today and forever, our Unchanging God (Malachi 3:6). You are our Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord who is there (Deut.31:6).
Forgive us, Lord, for playing church, religiosity, and religious pride. We confess that we often look to our own human goodness and works as a form of godliness without power.
Replace these sins as our Bridegroom because of your true affection toward us (Mt. 25:10). Reveal to us our Father of Glory (Eph. 1:17) as we worship You in spirit and truth on your special day.

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT
“YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAIN, FOR THE LORD WILL NOT HOLD HIM GUILTLESS WHO TAKES HIS NAME IN VAIN.”
The following is a paraphrase of Ezra’s prayer found in Ezra, chapter nine. It has been edited to apply to our particular use.
O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads and our guilt has grown up to the heavens. Since the days of our fathers to this day, we have been very guilty, and for our iniquities our president, our legislators, our religious leaders, and we have been delivered into errant and corrupt thinking, plundered by the evil one.
Grace has been shown to our nation, Lord, leaving us a remnant to escape and to give us a place in your holy place. God, enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage. Do not allow us to be slaves to sin. Do not forsake us in our bondage, but extend mercy to us in sight of all the kings of the world, to revive us, to repair our walk with You, to rebuild the ruins.
O, our God, do not allow us to forsake your commandments, which You commanded by your servants the prophets.
Let us confess together:
Lord, our mouths are unsanctified, filled with profanity, vain babbling, idle words, gossip, slander, course jesting, crude language and sarcasm. Forgive us for speaking a phrase as apparently innocent as “O My God”. We are a people of unclean lips in the midst of a nation of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5).
Let us lift high our King and Lord of Hosts (Isa. 6:5). Let our words reflect the Word of Life (I John 1:1). Cleanse our mouths, Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, our sanctification, so that we may worship You in spirit and truth (I Cor. 1:30). As our Judge (Mt. 12:36) bring us under conviction with changed hearts, minds and mouths.

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
“REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY BY KEEPING IT HOLY. SIX DAYS YOU SHALL LABOR AND DO ALL YOUR WORK, BUT THE SEVENTH DAY IS A SABBATH TO THE LORD YOUR GOD.”
The following is a paraphrase of Nehemiah’s prayer found in Nehemiah, chapter nine. It has been edited to apply to our particular use. Let us confess together:
You came down also on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven and gave them just ordinances and true laws, good statues and commandments. You make known to them your holy Sabbath, and commanded them precepts, statutes and laws. But they and our fathers acted proudly, stiffened their necks, and did not heed your commandments. They refused to obey and wee not mindful of your wonders that you did among them. But they hardened their necks, and in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage.
Let us seek You while You may be found for You are a jealous God (Exodus 34:14) and the Lord of the Sabbath (Mt. 12:8). You are our Sabbath rest for God’s people (Heb 4:9). We praise You for this time set apart and ask that all would honor your fourth commandment.
Slothfulness and a lack of discipline many times keep us from your Sabbath. We are unfaithful and neglect your day of rest. Our inconsistency and lack of perseverance cause us to sin.
Let us lift high and believe in our Sure Foundation (Isa. 28:16), our Chief Cornerstone (Psalm 118:22), our Adonai, Master (John 20:28), our El Elyon, the Lord Most High (Daniel 4:34).
Lord, worldliness and material focus have given us an earthly mindset that in turn makes us friends with the world. Our greed and love of mo0ney serves unrighteous mammon. This is robbing You of your tithes and offerings. Please forgive us.
Let us turn our minds and hearts to our Jehovia-Jireh, our great provider (Genesis 22:14). Let us receive our true riches of Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:19). You, Jesus, alone, are the abundant life, the betrothed, bridegroom and husband. May all of our desires and completion be found through submission to our Lord. You are our satisfaction, security, source, standard, vine, way and word of life (Hebrews 12:2). Glory and honor and praise belong to You alone.
We confess that intellectualism; human reasoning and human effort have taken your place in our lives. We humbly ask that You show mercy and deliver us from these sins. Replace them with your Word (John 1:1), Your Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6), the Mind of Christ (Phil.2:5, Dan 1:4,9), and the Spirit of the Lord (Isa. 11:2).

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER, THAT YOUR DAYS MAY BE LONG UPON THE LAND WHICH THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GIVING YOU.”
Let us confess together:
Lord, You have said that children are a heritage of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is Your reward (Psalm 127:3). You have also told us in Romans, chapter one, that because we have not glorified You as God and have not been thankful, we have become futile in our thoughts. Professing to be wise, we became fools, changing the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man. Therefore, we have been given up to uncleanliness. And because our people in America have not retained You, Lord, in our knowledge, many of our children have debased minds and do those things which are not fitting –being disobedient to their parents-undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful. Lord, You have said in the Psalms that children are a heritage from the Lord and that the fruit of the womb is our reward. You have given us the responsibility of not provoking our children to anger, but rearing them tenderly in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4) and for training our children up in the way they should go (Proverbs). We ask forgiveness for parents who have not acted responsibly and for children who are acting irresponsibly as a result. We also ask your mercy and forgiveness for children who have made sinful choices in spite of their upbringing.
Because our nation has not adhered to Your Fifth Commandment, “Honor your father and mother”, we have sinned against You. Please tear down the following enemy banners over Your families.
We confess that hardness of heart and dullness of hearing has entered into our nation’s parent/child relationships. Coldness, apathy, and indifference toward parents are prevalent. Tolerated sin exists where parents allow their children to speak harshly and usurp your authority in their lives. Please forgive these attitudes, actions, and words. Let us lift high the Lord our banner (Jehovah – Nissi) to triumph over these sins. You are the Quickening Spirit (I Cor. 15:45) who can show our children the error of their mouths and actions toward their parents. You are Jehovah-Rohi, the Lord our Shepherd, who cares for our families, protecting us with Your rod from the evil one, who is able to lead us in paths of righteousness for Your names sake and who specializes in retrieving lost sheep. You are the Wisdom of God (I Cor. 1:24). Please place Your supernatural wisdom in the hearts of our nation’s families.

We confess that lawlessness throughout our society is so very prevalent. This lawlessness begins in the home. Please forgive us. Rebellion between parent and child is so very evident. Please forgive us. Independence and unsubmissiveness pepper our families, Lord. Please forgive us. Turn our children’s hearts back to You, so that they in turn are able to honor their mothers and fathers. Place Your banner of love over every household. You are Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness. Please make right the relationships as You intended.
You have told us in Your precious Word, that we are to declare a thing and it will be established (Job 22:28). So, as it is written, we declare the following:
All of our children are taught of You, Lord, and great is the peace of these children (Isa.54:13)
Thank You that You have poured Your Spirit on our children and Your blessings on these offspring and they are springing up among the grass like willows or poplars by the watercourses (Isa 44:3-5).
These children are growing and becoming strong and the grace of God is upon them (Luke 2:40).
God, You know the thoughts and plans you have for these children: thoughts and plans for their welfare and peace and not for evil, and so we have great hope for their final outcome (Jeremiah 29:11).
Thank You, Lord, for sending angels to be with these children and You are now prospering their way (Genesis 24:40B).
For it is You, God, who is at work within these children, helping them want to obey, then helping them to do what You want (Phil. 2:13).
The parents are training their children in the way they should go and when they are old, they will never leave these teachings (Proverbs 22:6).
Our people fear You, Lord, and delight in your commandments, so our children are mighty on the earth. This generation is blessed (Psalm 112:11-12).
Thank You, Lord, that our children are obeying their parents, for this is the right thing to do. They honor their father and mother, so it is going well wit5h them and they are living long in the earth (Eph.6:1-3).

You have cleansed our hearts and the hearts of our children and our children’s children to love You, Lord, with all our mind and heart and all our being, so we are all alive in You (Deut. 30:6).
You give your angels charge over these children to accompany and defend and preserve them in all their ways (Psalm 91:11).
Each generation is telling their children the glorious things that You do (Ps. 145:4).
We confess and agree that our parents are not nagging and scolding these children, making them angry and resentful; rather, they are bringing them up with the loving discipline You approve of, Lord, with suggestions and Godly advice (Eph. 6:4).
Lord, You have made our homes strong and blessed our children within. You make peace in our boarders and fill us with good healthy food (Ps. 147:13-14).
Thank You, Lord, that You have given our children discretion to preserve them and understanding to keep them, so they are delivered from the way of the evil person who leaves the path of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness (Prov. 2:11-14).

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT
“YOU SHALL NOT MURDER”
Your Word tells us in I John 3:15, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
Lord, we seek forgiveness for this hatred in our hearts that is as murder in Your sight. We repent of all the anger, even envy and jealousy, which leads to violence in our society. Please forgive us of malice and the destruction of those created in Your image.
Lord, You tell us that You hate the hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17). Oh, Lord, we think of the mothers and fathers, the legislators, judges, voters, doctors and nurses who have legalized, orchestrated, participated in and completed abortions across our country. Please, Lord, forgive their sinful ways and our own complacency.
Euthanasia has reared its ugly head, making its way into the hearts and minds of people. It is usurping Your authority over life and death. We seek Your forgiveness, and ask that You replace these deadly sins with life-life abundant in Christ Jesus.
Heavenly Father, we ask You, as the Lord of Life (Romans 8:2) to work in us. You are love and anyone who abides in love abides in You, and you abide in them. Lord, we, Your people, called by Your name, found in this nation are seeking to abide in Your love. Work in us the kind of love that is only in You.
Father, we have friends and family who don’t understand this kind of love. As our friend who sticks closer than a brother (Pv.18:24), our Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who will provide (Gen.22:8), our Great God (Titus 2:14), we beseech You to apply this love to their lives. Allow them to realize Your power through this agape love, and as a result, us them as conduits of this love. Allow Your love to flow across our land. Your will only, Lord.
Help us to always display and live the following attitudes and behaviors from I Cor. 13.
Patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, and covers a multitude of sins.

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
“YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY”
Lord, Your word has much to say about sexual immorality and how You regard it. In Proverbs 30: 30 it is written, “This is the way of an adulterous woman. She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done no wrong.’” Jeremiah 23:10 tells us, “For the land is full of adulterers; for the land mourns because of the curse. The pastures of the wilderness have dried up. Their course also is evil. And might is not right.” James 4:4 admonishes, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” And, Revelation 21:8 warns that the sexually immoral will be among those whose place is in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur.
It is obvious, Lord, that this sin is rampant in the United States today. We confess, Lord, that harlotry has taken up residence here. Lewd and lustful behavior, as witnessed on television, in movies and on the Internet have fed these sinful desires. Please, Lord, destroy the root of these sins and place Your atoning blood over us.
Immorality, pornography, fornication, and adultery have become accepted and common among adults, teens and children. We cry out to You. Change our hearts, Oh Lord. Make them true and faithful like Yours. Purify our lives. Cleanse us from this unrighteousness.
You are the Thrice Holy God (Isaiah 6:3). Make us holy, as You are holy. You are Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, the one who sanctifies (I Cor. 1:30). Holy Spirit, speak to our people’s minds and hearts. Release us from perversion and homosexuality, child abuse and sexual abuse. In the name of Jesus, let all sexual sin cease. You are our Healer (Exodus 15:26). Please heal our land. You are our Cleanser (I John 1:9). Please cleanse our land. You are our New Inheritance (Dt. 10:9). Restore our virginity. Let us be Your pure and spotless bride.

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
“YOU SHALL NOT STEAL”

Coveting the plunder of Jericho, Achan stole silver, a garment and a wedge of gold. This robbery cost him his life along with the lives of his entire household.
Today, we continue to steal from God by not setting aside time to spend with Him. We also rob our God of His tithes and offerings. I Peter 4:15 tells us that none of us are to suffer as murderers, thieves, and evildoers or as busy bodies in other men’s matters.
Lord, forgive us of these trespasses. Remove all temptation from our eyes. Do not allow us to rob You of ourselves. We know better. You created us to glorify You.
We think of those in our nation who are thieves – plundering our stores, homes and innocent citizens. Please forgive this behavior. Our television viewing witnesses thousands of robberies every year. Create in us a desire not to commit ourselves to these programs or to overlook the seriousness and severity of their content.
Father, give our people to desire to spend their time in your presence, praising and worshipping You, loving You, learning of your goodness and mercy. Let us abide in You.
Let us work with all our might and do it in your name, Jesus, giving thanks to You (Ecc. 9:1).
Place your beauty, Lord, upon us and establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17).
Let us live quiet lives, minding our own business and doing our own work, so people who are not Christ trust and respect us and we do not need to depend on others to pay our bills (I Thess. 4:11-12).
Thank You, Jesus, for supplying all of our needs out of your riches in glory (Phil. 4:19).

THE NINTH COMMANDMENT
“YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR”
We don’t have to go any further than recent events to know that “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” is no longer a priority in our nation. But we know it is still a priority with You. We confess that lies and deception have infiltrated our personal relationships. Flattery, exaggeration and half-truths have cause divisions among neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ as well as non-believers. Our vain imaginations and futile thought patterns cause us to rise up against others. Forgive us, Lord.
Let us lift high the Spirit of Truth (Jn. 15:26) to triumph over these sins. You are our God of Truth (Psalm 31:5) and the Amen (Rev.3:14).
Lord, do not allow our lips to speak wickedness, nor our tongues to utter deceit (Job 27:4). Take deceit, cursing and fraud from our mouths (Ps. 10:7). You tell us, Lord, that You will cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things (Ps.12:3). Oh, Lord, forgive us of these iniquities.
From Psalm 15 we learn that those who walk with integrity, work righteousness, and speak truth in their hearts will abide in God’s tabernacle and dwell on His holy hill. These people do not slander with their tongues, nor do they show evil to their neighbors, nor do they take up a reproach against their friends. Please, God, keep our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking deceit (Ps. 34:13). Let our tongues speak of Your righteousness and praise You all day long (Ps. 35:28). Make our tongues speak of your Word for all your commandments are righteous (Ps. 119:172). Deliver our souls, O Lord, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue (Ps. 122:2). You know what we are going to say before we even say it (Ps. 139:4) and we will have to give an account in the day of judgment for every idle word we speak, for by our words we shall be justified, and by our words we shall be condemned (Mt. 12:36-37). Lord, we desire wholesome tongues for they are trees of life (Pv.15:4)
You tell us in Proverbs 21:23 that we will keep our souls from troubles if we keep our mouths and our tongues. Help us, Lord. Set a guard over our mouths and keep watch over the door of our lips (Ps. 141:3).
Lord, we now turn our attention to our neighbors. In Matthew, Mark, Luke, Romans, Galatians, and James, we are told to love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us put away lying and speak every man truth with his neighbor (Eph. 4:25).

THE TENTH COMMANDMENT
“YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE; YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE, NOR HIS MALE SERVANT, NOR HIS FEMALE SERVANT, NOR HIS OX, NOR HIS DONKEY, NOR ANYTHING THAT IS YOUR NIEGHBOR’S”
Lord, we remember King Ahab and his covetous behavior toward Naboth’s vineyard and how the King’s wife, Jezebel, schemed so that Naboth’s loss of life would meet Ahab’s sinful desires. Oh, Lord, the repercussions in both families were devasting. You sent Your prophet, Elijah, to speak to Ahab saying, “Thus says the Lord, ‘In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood, even yours.’ And concerning Jezebel, the Lord also spoke saying, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ I Kings 21:19, 23).”
King David, coveting Uziah the Hittite’s wife, Bathsheba, committed adultery as well as scheming to cause her husband’s demise. God’s anger burned against him for this transgression. Lord, we remember the sins of our forefathers, as well as the covetous sins of this generation. Please forgive us.
God, we know that You detest ungratefulness and complaint against Your provisions. Grumbling and judging lead to coveting that which we should not pursue. When we murmur and criticize, we sin against your Tenth Commandment. Forgive us, Lord.
You are El Shaddai-Our Almighty God (Gen 17:1). Through You we have the Joy of the Lord (Neh. 8:10). You are the Lord our peace (Judges 6:24). You are greater than envy, jealousy, fraud, phonyism, hypocrisy, maintaining an image, and playing a role. Please tear down these enemy strongholds and loose our people from sin in these areas. Instead, please place in us the banner of Your Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3, 9). Refine us and purify us; be our Consuming fire (Malachi 3:3). You are our Plumb line (Amos 7:7), straighten our paths and lead us into Your sanctification. Do not allow this world to take us over. Let us think Your thoughts after You.
Lord, You are our prize and we have inherited You. You are our food, our drink and our highest joy (Ps. 16:5). You are everything we need, our all in all (Col 3:11). Help the people of this nation be free from love of money including greed, avarice, lust and craving for earthly possessions and be satisfied with what they have (Hebrews 13:5).
Because Your Word says so:

We now live by your spirit, Jesus, and we do not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
Since You dwell in us, Lord, we no longer have to set our minds on what our nature desires, but we are able to live according to the Spirit, having our minds set on what the Spirit desires (Rom 13:14).
Jesus, we wrap ourselves up in Your presence, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of our sinful nature (Romans 3:14).
You have given us mighty weapons to pull down strongholds in our minds. Now we have the power to bring every thought to line up with what the Word says is already ours or is God’s will for us (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
Thank You, Lord. Let these truths become a reality in the people of this nation.

OUR TIME OF ADORATION
Let us begin together by adoring our great and mighty God. Quiet yourself. Don’t allow anything to interfere with your time with Him. Put your own agenda to rest. Let this time birth a sweet fragrance between you and your awesome Father, loving Savior and Holy Spirit. Present Him with praise, glory and honor from your mind, heart and lips.
From the following attributes select one or two to meditate upon, thanking God that He is so far removed and yet so present. Read the companion passages from Scripture that enhance your understanding and give praise to Him for His attributes.
OMNISCIENT
Go, You know all. You have perfect knowledge of everything that is past, present and future.
Psalm 139:1-6 “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.”
OMNIPRESENT
God, You are present everywhere, in the entire universe, at all times, in the totality of Your character.
Psalm 139:7-16 “Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall fall on me,’ even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

OMNIPOTENT
God, You possess all power. You are able to bring into being anything that You have decided to do, with or without the use of any means.
Psalm 66:1-7 “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, ‘How awesome are your works! Through the greatness of your power your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to your name.’ Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him. He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves.”
ETERNAL AND HOLY
God, You have no beginning, and You have no end. You are not confined to the finiteness of time, or of man’s reckoning of time. You are, in fact, the cause of time.
God, You are morally excellent, the perfect being. Purity reigns in every aspect of your being.
Psalm 93 “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty, the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; Holiness adorns your house, O Lord, forever.”
SOVEREIGN
God, You are totally, supremely, and preeminently over all of your creation. All people and things are under your control and foreknown plan.
Psalm 95:1-7 “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.”

MERCIFUL
God, You are an actively compassionate being. In your actions You respond in a compassionate way for those of us who have opposed your will in our own pursuit in our own ways. The people praise you, O Lord.
Psalm 67 “God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.”
RIGHTEOUS
God, You are always good. You always do the right thing. You are the absolute. Your actions are always consistent with your character, which is love.
Psalm 119:137-144 “Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright are your judgments. Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful. My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten your words. Your word is very pure; therefore your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is truth. Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet your commandments are my delights. The righteousness of your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live.”
IMMUTABLE
God, You are always the same in your nature, your character and your will. You never change, and You can never be made to change. But, You are the same, and your years will have not end.
Psalm 102:25-27 “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But, You are the same, and Your years will have no end.”

FAITHFUL
God, You are always true to your promises. You will never draw back from your promises of blessing or of judgment. Since You cannot lie, You are totally steadfast to what You have spoken.
Psalm 89:1-8 “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, ‘Mercy shall be built up forever; your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.’ I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: ‘Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations.’ And the heavens will praise your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. For who in the heaven as can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.”
GOOD
God, You give to others in a way, which has no motive and is not limited by what the recipients deserve.
Psalm 106:1-5 “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praise? Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times! Remember me, O Lord, with the favor You have toward your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation, that I may see the benefit of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance.”
TRUTHFUL
God, all that You say is reality. Whether believed by man or not, whether seen as reality or not, if it is spoken by You, it is reality. What every You speak becomes truth.
Psalm 31:1-5 “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in your righteousness. Bow down your ear to me; deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Into You hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.”

LOVING
God, this is the attribute, which caused You to give yourself for others, even to the laying down of your own life. You desire the highest good for others without any thought for yourself. Your love is not based upon the worth, response, or merit of the object being loved.
Psalm 103:1-6 “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquitie4s, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.”
LONGSUFFERING
God, your righteous anger is slow to be kindled against those who fail to listen to your warnings or to obey your instructions. Your eternal longing for the highest good for your creatures holds back your holy justice.
Psalm 86:11-17 “Teach me your way, O Lord; I will walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify your name forevermore. For great is your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. O God, the proud have risen against me, and a mob of violent men have sought my life, and have not set you before them. But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.”

Others
Lord, may You be glorified as You work in, through, with, and for _____________. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Amen.

You
Thank You, Lord, that You are filled with compassion. I know that You will reach out and touch me and make me clean. Mark 1:41

Others
Lord, grant me the grace, the power, and the desire to be persistent in my intercessions for ____________.

You
Thank You, Lord, that even though I may be walking in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against my foe’s anger, and save me with Your right hand. Psalms 138:7

Others
Heavenly Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I thank You for Your mighty work in ___________’s life.

You
Thank You, Lord, that You save Your anointed; You answer me from Your holy heaven with the saving power of Your right hand. Psalms 20:6

Others
It is written, “The anointing breaks the yoke of bondage.” Father, provide an anointing of Your Holy Spirit to break every yoke of bondage in _________’s life.

YOu
Thank You, Lord, that You have made known to me the path of life. You fill me with joy in Your presence and eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Praise the Lord. Psalms 16:11

Others
I pray that ____________will be set completely free from all that now binds him/her.

You
Thank You, Lord, that Your majesty rides forth victoriously on behalf of truth, humility and righteousness. You will continue to display awesome deeds to me. Psalms 45:4

Others
Lord, I ask You to grant _____________ conviction of sin with godly sorrow to repentance.

You
Lord, thank You that You are my God. Thank You that You rule over all the kingdoms of all the nations. Thank You that power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You. II Chronicles 20:6

Others
I claim all of __________’s life united together in obedient love and service to the Lord Jesus Christ.

You
Thank You, Lord, that You have hidden me in a cleft in the rock, and You cover me with Your hand. Exodus 33:22

Others
Hebrews 12:29I pray, Lord Jesus, that You would supernaturally bring all of __________’s thoughts captive to the obedience of the Lord Jesus.

You
Lord, I thank You that You are displaying to me Your greatness and might. You have shown me that You are sovereign in every situation as You do great things with Your strong hand. What God is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works You do? Deuteronomy 3:24

Others
I ask You to bind and cast down all false reasoning and every wrong thought__________ has entertained to his/her destruction.

You
Thank You, Sovereign Lord, that I am Your inheritance. You redeemed me by Your great power and brought me out of my life of sin with a mighty hand. Deuteronomy 9:26

Others
I pray for a hedge of thorns to be bound around _________ and that this hedge will repel all the works of darkness in __________’s life.

You
Lord, let my bow remain steady, my arms stay limber because of Your hand, the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob. You are my Shepherd. You are my Rock. You are the Almighty who blesses me with the blessings of heaven, the blessings of the deep that lie below, and the blessings of the breast and the womb. Genesis 49:24-25

Others
Lord Jesus, I ask You to break through the wounded spirit of this person and grant to him/her healing according to Isaiah 53:5, “And with His stripes, we are healed.

YoOu
”Thank You, Lord, that You will build me up again, and I will worship You with instruments and go out to dance with Joy.Jer. 31:4

Others
Lord, I ask You to command Your light to shine on the darkness in _____________’s life and shine in his/her heart the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.

You
I cry: “Amen, hallelujah!”Revelation 19:4

Others
Lord Jesus, remove all spiritual blindness and deafness from his/her heart.

You
Lord, You will build me up so that I will dance with the joyful. You have ransomed me, and You have redeemed me from those who are stronger than I. I am shouting for joy, and I am rejoicing in the bounty of the Lord. You will turn my mourning into gladness, and You will give me comfort instead of sorrow. You will satisfy me with abundance. Jeremiah 31:11-14

Others
Heavenly Father, I ask You to grant ______________ eyes that are opened, ears that can hear, a heart that understands, and grace to be converted and healed.

You
Thank You, Lord, that You turn my wailing into dancing, and You remove my sack cloth and clothe me with joy. Your joy is my strength. Ps. 30:11 Phil.

Others
Heavenly Father, I ask You to apply all the mighty work of the Lord Jesus Christ directly against all forces of darkness seeking to destroy _________. Lord Jesus, rebuke the enemy.

You
Lord, let me do as the angels do who are around Your throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. Let me fall down on my face before Your throne and worship You. Revelation 7:11

Others
Lord, let destruction come upon the enemy at unawares.

You
Lord, I praise You for You are the great God of all people. I am willing to lift up my hands and bow down and worship You with my face to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6

Others
Lord Jesus, let the powers of wickedness be as chaff before the wind, and let the Angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the Angel of the Lord persecute them.

You
Lord, I devote my heart to You and stretch my hands to You. Job 11:13

Others
Lord Jesus, let the powers of wickedness be turned back and brought to confusion that devise __________’s hurt.

You
God, do not allow me to program or limit You. I desire to trust You, Your timing, Your methods, Your leadership to work in ways beyond anything I could think or plan.
Ephesians 3:20-21

Others
Lord Jesus, let the powers of wickedness be confounded and put to shame that seek after ___________’s soul.

You
Lord, help me to devote myself extraordinarily to prayer until God visits me in an unmistakable way that the only explanation is God. Colossians 4:2; Acts 6:4

Others
I bring the mighty power of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth’s incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and glorification directly against all forces of darkness seeking to destroy ____________.

You
Lord, let me come together with others in corporate worship and intercession at Your throne of grace. Heb. 4:16

Others
Father, I ask You to focus the intercession of the Holy Spirit on ____________ for his/her strengthening and help.

You
God, let my heart be full of urgency for the salvation of the world around me that is lost and dying, and let this travesty break my heart as it does Yours. Ecc. 3:11a,
II Pet. 3:9

Others
It is written, “Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought: but Holy Spirit, You will intercede for others with groanings which

You
” God, teach me to be a joyful, thankful, praising, worshiping person as I respond to Your love. Psalms. 100:4-5, Ephesians. 3:16-19

Others
It is written, “No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent Me draw him.” Heavenly Father, we ask You to draw ___________ out of the bondage in which he/she is now trapped.

You
Lord, help me to obey all promptings, commands, and desires of Jesus by the Spirit. I Samuel 15:22-23

Others
Lord, strip the strong man of his armor in ____________’s life and cancel all contracts he may have over ___________. By the blood of Jesus, cancel and render null and void all commands issued by the powers of darkness in ______’s life. I am asking You to break the will of the enemy in this situation. Bind the god of this age and command him powerless by the blood of the Lamb and declare that he can no longer blind __________ in darkness.

You
Thank You, Lord, that I can submit myself to Your Lordship.I am choosing to live under the Holy Spirit’s control and receive His filling in my life. Ephesians 5:18-19

Others
God, I am asking You to bind Satan and all his powers and works in _______’s life and command them set aside and forbid the enemy to work.

You
Heavenly Father, please grant me a fresh eagerness to be what You want me to be so that You can do what You want to do through me. Break me. Mold me. Conform me to the image of Christ. Mt. 5:6; 2 Cor. 3:18

Others
It is written, “Whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Heavenly Father,
please loose ___________ from the bondage the powers of darkness are putting on him/her by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You
Heavenly Father, I am choosing this day to humble myself before You as I confess my sins, repent, and become quick to hate sin as You hate it. I am choosing this day to forsake it, desiring to be clean, a useable vessel before You. James 4:8-10

Others
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I take authority and ask God to bind all the spirit powers of darkness and the bondage they are putting on ________with chains and fetters of iron. It is written, “Whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.”

You
God, please tune my ears to hear your voice, to be still and wait before You to know your gentlest whisper, and to allow Your Word to speak to me morning by morning. Ps. 46:10; Isa 50:4

Others
I am choosing to pray before Your throne for my loved one __________. Holy Spirit, please guide me with instruction to pray with godly wisdom, power and understanding.

You
God, open my eyes and reveal Yourself in new dimensions of holiness and power, so that I will ask for it, expect it, and You will do it. Isaiah 6:3, 5b,8

Others
I can see that _________ is in bondage to strongholds of the enemy and is blind to his/her true condition. His/her mind has been blinded by the god of this age. He/she is unable to come to you for help.

You
God, stir up holy discontent with things-as-they-are, with business-as-usual, and cause me to deeply desire to go on with You and to see Your glory. Ex. 33:18

JESUS
Thank You, Lord, that You are ABSOLUTE. Among the gods, there is one like You. There are no any works like York works. I come to worship You and Your name. You are so great, and do wondrous things; You Alone are God. Psalms 86:8-10.

Others
Heavenly Father, it is written that we may come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. I am bringing ______ before You and the Lord Jesus Christ, that You would grant him/her mercy and grace in this time of great need.

You
Let me prepare the way of the Lord in my own heart, the highway of holiness, the way of purification, praise, and prayer. Matthew 3:2-3; Isaiah 40:3-5

To read our daily devotions, please click the following link http://stgilesepc.org/category/devotions/

In our study of Galatians this past Sunday morning (Adult Sunday School Class), we studied the sixth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. As we were going over that chapter, the Lord planted a seed from his Word in my heart and mind. It was Gal. 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” It wasn’t the focal passage of the morning, but it was one that the Lord wanted to reveal further to me.

Later that morning, when Sam Nadler was preaching, he made reference to our coming glorification. Wow. At that point, the seed God had planted just an hour and a half earlier came to life, and it’s been “growing” since. Here’s the deal…..there’s a reaping coming, even an ultimate one. We have a hope that will be realized, our glorification. We are going to be glorified! “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (I Thes. 4:16-17).

Let’s face it, life can be tough, even as a believer. Yea, there are good seasons and mountain top experiences, but there are plenty of other times where it’s just plain hard to get through the day. We encounter circumstances daily that, if we let them, can drag us down and make us weary. “Let us not grow weary” wouldn’t be there in Scripture if there wasn’t that tendency in us to grow weary (our Creator knows us well, doesn’t he?).

So for today, tomorrow and the days that follow, here’s to not growing weary. Instead, here’s to being eternally minded and heavenly focused. As “first fruits,” Jesus was resurrected & glorified. He has paved the way. Our turn is coming!

In my travels I have met many wonderful and interesting people. I have learned that God has pre-arranged appointments for me, if I am paying attention. Several years ago, I was traveling in Argentina and some new missionary friends offered to give me a ride on the long commute between the domestic and international airports in Buenos Aires. They needed to take a detour first to the Youth With A Mission missionary base in Buenos Aires, which I was happy to do. On the way in the car, I received a clear impression from the Lord that He had a special appointment for me waiting at the mission base.

At the base, I began looking for that appointment, and I met several young people who had connections with people I knew as far away as Australia, as well as in South America. But after making those connections, I knew I’d not met the Lord’s appointment. It was as though He was saying “not yet–there is someone else I want you to meet.” While waiting for my friends, someone offered me coffee. Sitting nearby there was a young woman of short stature and slight build who spoke English, and we began a conversation. Her English was very good, but her accent didn’t seem to be Spanish, and I asked her where she came from.

Her name was Laura, and I quickly became interested in her story. She had grown up as a child under Ceausescu’s Romania, the communist dictator who ruled Romania during the Cold War. Ceausescu was a monster of a man and imposed unimaginable misery on a whole nation of people during those days. In the 1980’s, I worked a little with an organization that tried to help persecuted Christians and Jews and knew something about the suffering and persecution in that country (Richard Wurmbrand became famous because of his book, “Tortured for Christ” describing 14 years of torture in Ceausescu’s prisons as a Christian). Ceausescu had deliberately starved the nation of food and denied its people heat in its bitterly cold winters so that he could export foodstuffs, clothing and anything of value to enrich his treasuries and glorify himself with delusional projects. Many Romanian couples didn’t want to have children because of the misery of life and the birth rate severely dropped. Laura, like most children in Romania at that time, almost never saw protein, meat or cheese in her young life. Once, a man gave her and her sister lumps of cheese, the first she had ever seen. When she brought it home excited, her parents refused to let them eat it because there were cases of agents in the regime giving poisoned cheese to children to discourage any distribution of food outside the government’s control. It broke her young heart not to eat that cheese and she couldn’t understand why her parents refused it and threw it away.

Later, when she arrived in Argentina at about 20 years old, she told me she had gained more than ten kilos (more than 22 pounds) in a short time. She said her Argentine doctor told her that her weight gain was integral to her bones and internal organs, and the Argentine diet of meat and milk was the perfect antidote for a lifetime of nutritional deprivation. So, Laura and I became good friends that day and in later trips to Argentina, I arranged for her to fly from her base to churches in the northern part of the country where our ministry was based. She spoke perfect, unaccented Spanish and excellent English, and was a wonderful public interpreter for me. The churches I introduced her to in Argentina fell in love with this tiny vision of faith, spiritual might and lone courage. We believe she was the first missionary actually sent out from her country after the end of the Cold War. When in Romania as a teenager, she didn’t know where Argentina was on the map, but believed God was sending her there. As with other missionaries, she had to provide her own support, but she didn’t know anyone in the western world or in South America, and had no means of support. She lived every day in absolute faith for her daily provision and tested the promises of Jesus every day, which was the condition I found her in. God never failed her any day in those years.

Beyond her story itself, something she said to me is the basis of this devotional. During one of her visits to us in northern Argentina, she described to me how she trusted God for her life and her provision although she remained without support from known sources. But she told me, without any trace of pride or irony, that she had become bored with trusting God only for her daily provision, and she wanted a greater challenge to trust God for. In other words, she had become so accustomed to the supernatural daily provision of God, it seemed entirely routine and natural to her. She was not trying to impress and didn’t grasp the magnitude of her statement, but it filled me with awe. I knew what Jesus felt when he said of the Gentile woman, “I have not found faith like this in all of Israel.” He stopped the presses and called time-out to hold the Gentile woman up as an example to his disciples of the woman’s profound faith discovered in an unexpected person.

So I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about Laura of Romania, who believed God to do His work in her when it was not possible for her to find a way to a country of which she had no knowledge, and who trusted God for her daily survival with no visible means and no safety net. And when this became so natural to her as to be routine, she asked God for more to believe and trust Him for.

The last time I saw Laura, she had just finished speaking to a mesmerized Argentine church as my guest. She had to leave the meeting early after speaking that night so she could catch an overnight bus to her base. The people had fallen in love with her and marveled at her, literally surrounding her with prayer and blessing. We wept that night as we prayed together before she left, and through our shared tears she called me “father” and I called her “daughter.” We still communicate maybe once or twice a year by email, as she has moved on to other countries and callings. But I wanted to introduce you to my friend Laura who taught me about living by faith.

God desires to speak to us, though He will often do so in many different ways. When we are in a place of needing to know His will concerning a matter, most of us would say that we would love to hear that still, small voice imparting instruction or direction to our situation. But we may just as easily hear through the illumination of His written word. God may choose to reveal His truth in a number of ways – through dreams, a sermon, a word of knowledge, circumstances, or even by way of an inner “nudge” that we often refer to as His leading. As a child of God, you have experienced Him speaking to you in many different ways. (There’s no secret formula.) But the purpose of His speaking is always the same. He wants to communicate with us because He desires to be in relationship with us.

This is sometimes hard for us to grasp… this idea that the God of the universe wants to have an individual relationship with me. We know that He loves us… John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” But we often see God as so holy and righteous, that He is unapproachable. We need to be reminded again of the truth that the God who gave His only Son to save the world made it much more personal than that. He gave the very best of himself to save YOU, and to save ME. This past Sunday, Scott Wilcher, a well-loved son of this church, brought the morning message. In his sermon, Scott illustrated how Christ didn’t come simply as a bridge over the chasm of sin to bring us to God, but that God actually entered into and became sin for us through the person of Jesus, in order to redeem us to Himself. He didn’t just make a way… He became the way. And He didn’t just do it for everyone else; He did it for me.

Today, as you draw near to Him with praise and thanksgiving, remember that the Father loves you and desires to have fellowship with you… So much so, that He has held nothing back in order to make His love personal… just for you.

As a result, while going through these tragedies and even after they were over, they didn’t question God’s goodness or blame Him for the tragedies. They had also learned not to blame themselves by saying things like, “I didn’t do enough”, or “I should have prayed and fasted more.” They had learned to be willing to live without all the answers. They discovered that if you want the peace that passes understanding, you have to give up your right to understand.

This testimony has encouraged me to spend time praying and meditating on the goodness of God. Jesus said, “No one is good – except God alone” Luke 18:19b. The entire Bible is a testimony to the fact the He is good. “…the goodness of God leads you to repentance” Romans 2:4. “The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made”
Psalm 145:9. “… God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28.

As we study the goodness of God, we began to realize that God is always for us. What a comforting and stabilizing truth. Listen to these excerpts from Romans 8:31-39:

“If God is for us, who can ever be against us? . . . Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one . . . Who then will condemn us? No one . . . Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? . . . No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you are reading this on your computer, I have included a few songs on this theme that you might enjoy worshiping to. Just click on any of the following links:

In Christ Alone:

You Are For Me:

You Are Good:

My prayer for you as we close is that the Holy Spirit will give you a deeper revelation of the goodness of God and the depth and certainty of His love for you. And with that revelation, may He enable you to love others in a deeper way with that same love,

Norm Kaneklides, Elder

During this time of fasting, I hope you have prayed based on fresh revelation received during your times with the Lord. In my previous devotional on fasting (which some of you may not yet have memorized), I mentioned that one of the “whys” of fasting was to achieve a God-honoring purpose. The above passage has been one of my recent requests for St. Giles.

Now, we know that God is omnipresent, i.e., he is present everywhere a once, working as the ultimate multi-tasker (Acts 17:24). He cares for the sparrow and charts the courses of the stars. Second, he is in each believer through the person of the Holy Spirit, a reality that, if grasped, will profoundly affect the way we look at ourselves in the mirror and live our lives in the world (1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 1:13).

But there is another aspect of God’s presence described in Luke 5:17. Sometimes, God manifests his presence for a specific purpose. During those times he works sovereignly to heal the sick, save the lost, and accomplish more in a moment of grace than a lifetime of self-discipline can obtain. When that happens our job is to receive and rejoice.

People at St. Giles need healing. The world at our door needs salvation. We all need greater, deeper, more lasting personal transformation. Let’s ask the Lord to manifest his presence for his glorious purpose.

As we pray and fast this week, let us consider the magnificent promises of God’s Word. It is really quite amazing how broad and far-reaching are God’s promises to answer believing prayer. Let me reiterate – believing prayer is the key. So, as you meditate on these promises, let it cause you to reach out for more in prayer than is humanly possible. Let us be bold enough to pray “God-sized” prayers. May the Holy Spirit lead us into prayers that are asking what is impossible for man so that God will get all the glory as our prayers are answered.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. “ (John 14:12-14)

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8)

“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”  (John 16:23-24)

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’ “ (Luke 18:27)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Mat 7:7-11)

Pray in faith and wait expectantly … and patiently for through faith and patience you will inherit all that has been promised.

Rick Watkins, Elder

On my way to work yesterday morning, the song “In His presence” came to my lips, and in the privacy of my car (one of the few places I feel comfortable singing out loud….smile), I kept singing the lines, “In your presence, all fear is gone, In your presence, is where I belong…..” It’s probably the same for you, but when I enter into His presence, everything changes…..everything. All the cares, the worries, the weight of this world seem like nothing. Nothing else matters, and everything is put into proper perspective. Sunday, in worship with you all, I spent the morning in that awesome place. I don’t live in that place every moment, in fact I find myself often distracted and not dwelling in His presence, and it’s then I feel the weight of daily circumstances and concerns. I’m a little slow to learn, but the Lord is faithful to remind me of His truths & promises. One passage He often reminds me of is Phil. 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” What is your “everything?” I have plenty to “fill” and define that term, maybe you do too. Well, scripture exhorts us to take “the everything” and give it – surrender it to the one who can handle it. Some of it is easy to give over, some of it, well……..not so easy.
Today, enter into His presence. Enter into the holy place, with everything and as you are, and experience our most awesome God, our Father who is greater and bigger than anything and everything we have to bring Him. Enter in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, and experience the incredible peace of God that comes even in the midst of all that is around us. The promise is that we will experience a peace, a peace that even guards our hearts and minds. Can you see it? A peace, set up around our hearts and minds, guarding our hearts & minds from the “everything” that tends to upset/concern/worry us. It doesn’t make sense in the natural. All those cares and concerns, but we walk in peace! Wow! What a place! Let’s enter there today.

Jeff Barhite, Elder

Mark Twain reportedly said, “It’s not what I don’t understand in the Bible that troubles me; it’s what I do.” Fasting is like that. Going without food is something a small child can understand. But why it’s important in the Kingdom of God is profound and mysterious. In this devotional, I’d like to offer several observations about the “why” of fasting. For further reading, you might check out Derek Prince’s book, Changing History through Prayer and Fasting. The title alone of the book is enough to convict me.
First, as the scripture quoted above makes clear, Jesus stated that after his physical departure from earth his followers would fast. In Matt. 6:16 Jesus said, “When you fast . . . .” In this area, Jesus led by example. He fasted 40 days and nights before beginning his ministry. (Matt. 4:2). Thus, the first why of fasting is simple. We do it because Jesus practiced it and commanded it.
Second, there is often a link in scripture between fasting and achieving a God-honoring purpose. Examples include: deliverance and healing (Mk. 9:29), repentance (Joel 2:12-13), Godly favor (Ester 4:16), and setting people apart for ministry (Acts 14:23). If God considers fasting part of the process through which he works in world, who are we to disagree? Better to do it than argue about it.
Third, fasting does something in us besides making our stomachs growl in protest. It takes aim at one of our greatest enemies, what the KJV calls “the flesh” and the NIV labels “the sinful nature.” Fasting declares to our flesh, “You are not my Lord. I belong to Jesus Christ.” During fasting our carnal mind clears; our spiritual ears perk up. By denying ourselves, the truth that “He must increase and I must decrease” comes a bit closer to reality. (Jn. 3:30). Isn’t a greater level of freedom from the sinful nature is a benefit worth missing a plate of spaghetti?
May the Lord, who works on many levels at once, bless you as you walk with him.

The work of the cross of Christ is deep and full, and we have not fully plumbed its depth or understood its reach. It is sufficient for the sins of all of humanity but its work is also personal to you and me. It is multi-dimensional and capable of saving to the uttermost. It fulfills our debt created by our sin, our personal sin. It also has power to reach deep into our psyche, our being, and it has the power, through the Holy Spirit, to heal, and to cover—to cover our shame, and to bring cure to those areas that are hidden from all but Him.

If you are human, you have experienced shame. I know what is inside you because I know what is inside me. You have memories of things of which you are ashamed. The reminder of those things still has the power to stir a sense of shame from which we would quickly turn our eyes. Some memories have the power to haunt a person for a lifetime. Perhaps they arise from things we have done, or things done to us, or failures so deep and painful, it seems beyond the reach of God Himself to remedy. Shame and humiliation have been the fruit of human failure since Adam first hid himself from God when he became aware of his own nakedness.

One day some years ago the Holy Spirit opened the scriptures to me to see something that I had never seen before or heard taught or discussed, maybe because of its delicate nature. I was not looking for it, but I had the definite sense of the leading and the revelation of God on the matter. On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, the Roman soldiers divided Jesus’ outer clothes into four shares, one for each of the soldiers. But His undergarment was woven from one piece and if they divided it, it would have been destroyed. So instead they gambled by using lots to decide who would receive the garment. John 19:23-24.

From this description, we understand that mixed with the excruciating physical agony, and the experience of abandonment and aloneness, Jesus’ suffering included deep humiliation and shame. It is a tenet of our faith that He is both God and man, and he suffered as you and I would have suffered in such unimaginable circumstances. He was a good man, and a modest man in a very modest culture. But we understand from these scriptures that, unlike Adam, Jesus nakedness was not covered by God. Indeed the opposite is true. It is even difficult to write about such a subject, because our impulse is to cover His shame and nakedness because it was so powerfully wrong. We are made to understand here that He experienced a great depth of shame and humiliation even as He hung dying, and bleeding and broken and naked.

Finally, the scripture re-states: “So this is what the soldiers did.” And then adds “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister,” and others. We do not have to extrapolate further.

So what is the application of this to you and me? It is that the humiliation and shame that Jesus experienced belonged to us–to you, to me. The penalty for what you and I have done, and what you and I have experienced, was experienced in full by Him. This means that not only have our sins been forgiven, not only was our death paid, but it is no longer a just result for you to experience the sense of shame that may yet linger. He lived your shame, your humiliation, even as He hung dying and uncovered.

This means that the haunting of shameful memories and deeds, failures so deep that they will not leave, or even shame and humiliation imposed on us by the sins of others, have all been paid. It is not the passage of time that brings such things to nothing, but it is the fact that His righteous suffering also reaches to these places as well. He is the cure. It is the love of God that covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8. He is the one that covers our nakedness. He did not come to condemn and to expose. He came to forgive, to cure and to cover.

In our prayer and fasting devotion last week, we were encouraged by the fact that God desires to speak His truth into your life and shower you with his loving kindness. Today, I would like you to take some time to listen to God speaking directly to you.

Following is a great way to hear God’s voice (based on scripture) that I learned from Ken Helser. This is not just for adults, so if you have children, feel free to have them do this. Remember, in our devotion last week, Samuel was able to hear God even as a child.

When you are ready, find a quiet place and turn off any phones, TV’s, etc., making sure there will be no distractions. Get a notebook, paper, computer, or anything you like to use to take notes. You can even use a tape recorder. A younger child can just use crayons and paper.

1. Click on the following link, close your eyes, and listen to this 5 minute worship song (or just put some worship music on that will help you to tune in to the Lord): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk

2. Now let’s get into the word. Two weeks ago, our devotional reading of Matthew 6:25-32 encouraged us to renounce worry and trust God for everything. This Sunday God spoke to us through Pastor Steve’s vision of train cars going out with coal (worry) and coming in with grain (God’s goodness). Let’s read and meditate on Philippians 4:6-8. Verse 6 was the Kidmo memory verse this week:

“Do not be anxious (don’t worry) about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. — Philippians 4:6-8

3. Now get out your notebook (or whatever you brought to take notes). Think about what is your biggest concern today (something you might spend time worrying about). Just began to talk to the Lord about it and write down what you say to Him. Then ask Him (write that down too) what He would say to you about this.

4. Then stop talking and just listen to what comes to your mind and began writing that down. (If a child is doing this they can just draw a picture of what God shows them). Don’t stop to evaluate it, just write everything you hear.

5. After you have finished, take some time (now or later), to go over what you wrote down and try to discern what God was saying to you. If there is anything that does not sound like God or doesn’t line up with scripture, just erase/delete it.

6. Now, make sure to value what God has spoken to you. If He asked you to do something, choose to obey Him.

I pray God’s richest blessings on you today,
Norm Kaneklides, Elder

We don’t know exactly how old Samuel was at the time, but he was probably an adolescent. It has been said that we have been given two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. Unfortunately, that’s generally not the attitude that precedes us. Too often we approach the Father with the things we need to “tell” him about, as though He doesn’t already know them. It’s true that the Bible exhorts us to bring our burdens before the Lord, but Philippians 4:6 tells us more about the how of presenting our requests to God, rather than simply presenting them. Most of us don’t have any trouble doing the latter. I know I don’t. As we enter into God’s presence in our times of fasting and prayer, let us remember that we come with two ears and one mouth. Whether you are a youth or a mature saint, the Father desires to speak his truth into your life and shower you with his loving kindness. Hear his voice. Know his presence.”
Bob Poole, Elder

I’ll start it off by simply inviting you to read through Matthew 6:16-34. Here’s a simple outline as you read through this:
• 16-18 Instruction from Jesus about true fasting – that it is a matter of both the body and of the heart
• 19-25 It’s a time to walk away from other gods/masters and fully embrace the living God
• 25-32 It’s a time to renounce worry about earthly life and trust God for everything
• 33-34 True fasting is a wholehearted, seeking of the kingdom of God above all else

Matthew 6:16-34 – Fasting
16″When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Treasures in Heaven
19″Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22″The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24″No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Do Not Worry
25″Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28″And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.