Prayer: Slipshod Bits

When times are difficult, you become a bit slipshod in your relationship with me, a bit distant. Watch the slipshod bits...

Ah, Lord God, it is true. I have been distant with You. Forgive me, Lord. In the midst of trying times, let endurance have its full effect so that I will be mature, complete, lacking in nothing.

When life seems hard and troubles crowd in, then very definitely look for causes of thankfulness.

May I, O God Almighty, learn to praise You no matter the circumstance, knowing You are sovereign, You are in control, You will see me through to the other side.

Hear, O Daughter, consider and incline your ear, I Myself will go down with You and I will also bring you up again.

Ah, Lord God, I want to be known as a follower of You. I want to be covered with the dust of my rabbi as we walk this road together. When I see the storm approaching, remind my heart that You are there, even in the midst of the storm and You will see me through.

(James 1.4; Psalm 45.10; Luke 9.23-25)

Prayer: A Listening Ear

Pay attention to how you listen, my child.

Grant a listening ear in good times, as well as in confusing times. May I bend my ear toward You so that I may hear Your heavenly Voice above the din of the world.

Incline not only your ear, but open your eyes. Can you believe, even when you cannot see?

I see that You have always given provisions for my journey. May I continue to trust You on the Way.

Come to Me, so I can give you not just the good, but the best.

Create, O God, a remembrance of Your steadfast love to which I may hold fast in times of difficulty.

Hear the Word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patience. Pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given.

Prayer: Interpreting the Mysteries of Life

Learn to interpret the mysteries of life in the light of your knowledge of Me. Unless you can look the darkest, blackest fact full in the face without damaging My character, you do not yet know Me.

O send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me, O God, to a more intimate knowledge of You.

Leave all to Me, both the choice of ways and the Guidance in the Way. Appreciation and joy often come from contrary experience.

Ah, Lord God, lead me out of the Valley of Achor, this Valley of Trouble. Lead me through Your Door of Hope. Only speak the word, Lord, and let my child be healed.

Believe and go in peace, my child.

(Psalm 43.3; Daniel 6.3; Luke 7.50)

Prayer: Sufficient Attention to the Present

You do not pay sufficient attention to the immediate present.

Lord God, be merciful to me now in this moment. I acknowledge You as Sovereign, O God. May I be present and see You in all.

Come into My Presence.

My soul thirsts for You, O my God; for You alone are the Living Lord. I have been disquieted and cast down. I put my hope in You.

All your past, your present, your future are in my hands.

O Lord, all my ways belong to You.

You may weep for a time, but I will restore laughter to you.

You, O God, are great and greatly to be praised. I will sing of Your love forever.

(Genesis 43.14; Psalm 42.2,5; Daniel 5.23; Luke 6.21; Luke 6.38)

Prayer: Come, Walk with Me

Obedience is the key to gaining spiritual knowledge.

Lord Jesus, may I learn to walk with You.

Think of a time when a loving child walked with you and in that little child you found joy and cheer and comfort in its simplicity, its love, its trust. So, too, my child, is it in your power to comfort and bring joy to My heart as you walk with Me.

How I long to thrill Your heart, O God. Bring to remembrance those times past of walking with You, feeling Your power and comfort and joy.

Cast down that which you hold in your hands and come, walk with Me.

May I be willing to withdraw from the distractions of the day and choose instead to walk with You, My Sovereign, My Beloved, My God.

John 7.17; Leviticus 26.12; Genesis 42.9; Luke 6.16)

Prayer: Heart Matters

Forbearance and forgiveness; these are heart matters. Remember to forgive as Christ forgave you.

Forgive me, Lord, for holding onto heart hurts.

Let nothing that others do alter your treatment of them. Forgive and forget. Love and laugh.

May I treat others with the same love and consideration that You show to me.

Let Christ be the supreme authority in matters of the heart.

I have not hidden Your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness from the great congregation.

Be led by My Spirit.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, He sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of the sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

Prayer: Controller of Your Days

Is My Holy Spirit having His way with you?

O Holy Spirit, have Your way with me.

I am your Lord, Controller of your day, your present, your future. Leave all plans to Me. Only act as I bid you. You have entered now on the God-guided life.

Lovingly I pray to You, O God, give me Yourself for You are enough. On You I wait, O Lord. My time is in Your hands.

I alone change times and seasons. Focus your mind, body and activity on engaging with Me.

(Proverbs 16.9; Psalm 39.7; Daniel 2.21)

Prayer: The Favor of God

Jesus Christ came to give you a new heredity. Remember, right-being is more important than right-doing.

Lord Jesus, actuate my motives, my dreams, the inner recess of my heart and mind, with Your very life.

My Presence will go with you and will give you rest.

Lord God, be with me as you were with Joseph, David, Daniel, and Mary. May I find favor in Your sight, my Lord and my God.

Peace, My child, My favor rests upon you.

Glory to God in the highest and peace to those whom He favors!

(Genesis 39.2-4; Psalm 38.15; Daniel 1.9,17; Luke 2.14)

Prayer: One Marvelous Secret

The one marvelous secret of a holy life is to let the perfection of Christ manifest itself in your mortal flesh.

May I learn to draw from Jesus the holiness that is manifested in Him.

Now set yourself to this task: allow nothing to disturb your peace with Me.

Forgive me for allowing the world and its worries and distractions in, for giving entrance to fears and despondency.

Let nothing offend you.

I commit my way to You; I trust in You to act. Make firm my steps and bring delight on the Way.

I will make your vindication shine like the light.

The Mighty One has done great things for me! By Your tender mercy You have let Your dawn break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

(Psalm 119.65; Psalm 37.6, 23; Genesis 38.26, 30; Luke 1.25, 49, 78-79)

Prayer: Stone of Resistance

My will for you is this: sanctification.

I confess that there are things deep within me that tug with resentment at this thing called sanctification.

Simply abide in Me, and I will abide in you. A wonderful future is before you, a future of unlimited power to bless others.

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds...for with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

Look to Me. Abide in Me. Allow Me to abide in you.

I trust in You, O Lord. Roll the stone of resistance from this heart of mine. Let Your healing waters flow into the river of my soul. My heart, O Lord, trusts in You.

(I Thessalonians 4.3; John 15.4; Genesis 37.15; Psalm 35.5,9; Susanna 35; Mark 16)

Prayer: Follow Unreservedly

Christ comes to make you what He teaches you should be. He will put in you the disposition that ruled His own life.

O Lord, may I find springs in the wilderness. May the life of Christ well up within me.

When trouble comes, think of all you have to be thankful for -- praise, praise, praise. Praise is the way to move mountains of difficulty.

My tongue shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your praise all day long.

Sing hymns and bless My name.

Blessed are You, O Lord God of our ancestors and worthy of praise; and glorious is Your Name forever! For You are just in all You have done; all Your works are true and Your ways right, and all Your judgments are true...May we unreservedly follow You, for no shame shall come to those who trust in You; we fear You and seek Your Presence.

(Psalm 138.1; Psalm 35.28; Prayer of Azariah 1-6, 17-18)

Prayer: Drowsy Discipleship

Wait upon Me. Walk and do not faint.

On You, O Lord, I do wait. May I walk with You and be ever changed by Your Presence.

Walk with Me in this way: act only under Divine control, strengthened by Divine power.

May I wait upon You; ever quiet before You, resting in the simplicity that is in Christ.

Simplicity is the key; simply listen and obey.

I praise You, O Faithful One, for You have been with me wherever I have gone. I praise You, O Lord, for You have heard my cry.

Keep awake, ever alert, ever listening. Your spirit is willing, but your flesh is weak. Pray that you may not come into a time of trial.

Abba, Father, for You all things are possible. Keep me from a drowsy discipleship.

(Isaiah 40.31; 2 Corinthians 11.3; Genesis 35.3; Mark 14. 36,38)

Prayer: Heart & Soul

Follow in all things My Guidance.

You, O Lord, are my Shepherd. I shall want for nothing.

Seek Me and I will answer you. I will deliver you from all your fears.

I look to You, Lord God. Make my face radiant with Your glory. Lord God Almighty, I cry to you to deliver me from all my troubles.

I send my angels to encamp around you and to delier you. O taste and see that I am good. Happy are those who take refuge in Me.

Draw near, O God, draw near. My heart is broken and my spirit is crushed.

You may be afflicted, but only for a moment. I will once again shower My mercy upon you.

I turn to You with all my heart and soul. I bless You, O Lord of Righteousness. I exalt You, O King of Ages.

Look to Me. I am very near; see, I am standing at the very gate.

(Psalm 23.1; Psalm 34.4-8, 18; Tobit 13.5-6; Mark 13.29)

Prayer: Only One Master of the Human Heart

See yourself as those around you see you, not as you wish to be. Walk humbly with Me.

May I extend to others the same favor You have lavished upon me, my Lord. When others look upon my face, may they see You.

Truly My eye is upon those who fear Me; upon those who hope in My steadfast love.

My soul waits for You, O God. You are my help and shield. I trust in Your holy Name. You alone make my heart glad! May Your steadfast love be upon me, O Lord, even as I place my hope in You.

There is only one Master of the human heart and it is not religion, but Jesus Christ. Do not be slow to acknowledge Him in all you do.

As I go about my day, I will acknowledge You and all that You have done for me. I will bless Your name and sing praise to You, O Lord.

When you wrestle with doubt and fear, do not be afraid. Peace be with you and your house. Bless my name forevermore.

You, O Lord, are One. May I learn to love You with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength. Bless the Lord, O my soul; all that is within me bless Your holy name.

(Genesis 33.10; Psalm 33.18,20-22; Tobit 12.6; Mark 12.30)

Prayer: Why So Fearful?

You are indeed passing through a storm; however, I am with you, so why are you fearful? Peace and quiet will come.

I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness You have shown to Your servant.

Go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. . .steadfast love surrounds those who trust in Me.

I realize more and more that You prepare the Way before me; I trust You with my future.

Have faith in Me, My child.

(Matthew 8.26; Genesis 32.10; Psalm 32.8,10; Tobit 11.3; Mark 11)

Prayer: Let Your Heart Take Courage

Know Me. Trust Me. Dwell in My Love. Laugh and trust.

May my mind be filled with the knowledge that nothing happens in any particular unless Your will is behind it; therefore I can rest in perfect confidence that all is in Your hand.

I am King over all.

I trust in You, O Lord; You are my God. My times are in Your hands.

Be strong and let your heart take courage, you who wait upon the Lord.

Fill my heart with happiness and joy, and my mouth with praise, for You are King over all and You have made my journey a success.

Take heart, get up, I am calling you.

(Genesis 31.5; Psalm 31.14,24; Tobit 10.13; Mark 10.49)

Prayer: Step On & Up Firmly

What are you doing to bring my Redemption into actual manifestation in other lives?

O Lord, I confess my attempts are weak and feeble at best.

I am calling you to higher ground. Step on and up firmly, confidently.

May I no longer be a stumbling block. May I clearly manifest Your Redemptive Love and Grace to all around me.

Follow Me. . . Cry to Me for help and be healed.

O Lord, My God, I believe; help Thou my unbelief! You, O Lord, have turned my mourning into dancing; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. May I ever praise You and not be silent!

(Psalm 30.2, 11-12; Mark 9.24)

Prayer: All Things In Thee to See

Do you realize it is My honor that is at stake as you go out into the world?

May I be more concerned about Your honor than I am my own, O Lord.

See My hand in all things. . .

Teach me, My God and King, all things in Thee to see, and what I do in anything, to do it all for Thee.

See My hand in all the happenings and keepings of the day.

Blessed are You, O Lord. How often am I shown Your love and power and mercy, but I miss it altogether? Forgive me, O Lord, for lack of vision.

Remember. . .

Ah, Lord God, I do remember and call to mind all the times You have worked miracles on my behalf, or on behalf of those for whom I have prayed. Great are You, Lord God Almighty.

Look intently, let yourself see everything clearly. Look and call to remembrance.

O Lord, may I lose my life for Your sake and for the sake of the gospel. Grant, I pray, clear vision.

(Tobit 8.16; Mark 8.12, 18, 25, 34-37)

Prayer: An Expectant Attitude of Faith

Can you get the expectant attitude of faith? Not waiting for the next evil to befall you, but awaiting with a child's joyful trust the next good in store?

May my life be steadily faced toward You, O God. May no one else be of any account whatsoever as I trust in You.

Know that I am with You and will keep you wherever you go. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

To you, O Lord, I call; my Rock, do not refuse to hear me, for if You are silent to me, I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to You for help, as I lift up my hands toward Your most holy sanctuary.

Take courage, my daughter; the Lord of heaven grant you favor in place of your sorrow. Take courage, my daughter.

Blessed by the Lord, for He has heard the sound of my pleadings. The Lord is my strength and shield; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults and with my song I give thanks to Him.

Remember, it is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within the human heart that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right Spirit within me.

May this be so not only for me, but for all future generations. Amen and amen.

(Genesis 28.15; Psalm 28; Tobit 7.15; Mark 7.20-21)

Prayer: Come Away to a Deserted Place

Wait. . .

Lord God, I wait before You. . .

Come away to a deserted place all by yourself. Rest awhile. . .

I rest in the confident hope that You started this work in me, and You will be faithful to complete it.

I will complete it. Do not strain, do not row against the tide.

I rest at Your behest.

Rest, be strong and let your heart take courage. Wait, I say, upon the Lord. I have planned things before the foundation of the world. My plan will prevail. Rest in that truth.

(Philippians 1.6; Psalm 27.14; Tobit 6.17; Mark 6.31)

Prayer: A Real Presence in All

Do you know Me? Am I a real Presence in all your circumstances?

O Lord, I would know You sixty seconds of every minute; a Living, bright Reality in my life.

Imagine a bodyguard of My servitors in the unseen waiting to assist, to guide, to bring to pass all You desire in Me.

May I recognize Your Presence in whatever form along the way.

Know that I will be with you to bless you.

My foot stands on level ground.

Take courage, the time is near for blessing and healing.

My courage comes from You.

Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for You. Go in peace. Be healed!

Genesis 26.3,29; Psalm 26.12; Tobit 3.10; Mark 5.19,34)

Prayer: The Wonder of Guardianship

Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me for You are the God of my salvation, for You I wait all day long. . .

My Guardianship is so wonderful. Trust me with all. Expect not one miracle, but many.

At all times I will bless You. I ask that You make my way, and the ways of those whom I love, straight and prosperous.

Remember when I said to the disciples, 'Let us cross over to the other side'? Come with me to the place where you know all things are in My control, all things are in My care.

May I truly listen and hear what You say. May I come to know Your words are faithful and true -- no matter the appearance of outward circumstances, all are safe in Your hand.

Listen once again as I say, 'Peace! Be still!'

In Your calm, O Lord, do I rest -- safe once more in Your Everlasting arms.

(Psalm 25.4-5; Tobit 4.9; Mark 4.24)

Prayer: Wholeheartedly Mindful

For one who knows me as you do, as Friend and Savior, as Father -- for that one to doubt My purpose and saving power, and tender love is wrong indeed. . .

O Lord, I put my trust in You and rejoice. You, O Lord, defend me and all future generations. Fill me with Your love, joy, peace and praise.

Know that I have blessed you in all things.

You have not forsaken Your steadfast love and faithfulness toward me. You have led me on the way I have traveled.

Know that I have sent my angel before you to make your way successful.

O Lord, before I finish speaking the prayer in my heart, You provide the answer.

The earth is Mine and all that is in it; the world and those who live in it.

Grant eyes to see, a mind to comprehend, and lips to praise Your mysterious workings. May I be wholeheartedly mindful of You, Almighty God.

(Psalm 5.11; Genesis 24.1,17; Psalm 24.1; Tobit 2.2)

Prayer: A Stranger & Alien Here Below

Choose this day whom you will serve.

I choose You, O Lord. You only will I serve.

More and more you will be brought out of the certainty that others will understand the steps you are taking.

Guide me with Your eye, O Great Jehovah. Bring about Your set purpose from before the foundation of the earth. I bring all my desires into oneness with Your will. I am a stranger and an alien living in this world below.

I am your Shepherd. I will fill all your wants. Your sins are forgiven you.

(Joshua 24.5; Genesis 23.4; Psalm 23.1; Tobit 2.6; Mark 2.5)

Prayer: Live the Noble Life

Strait is the gate and narrow is the way.

Grant, I pray, the discipline to live the noble life of a disciple of Jesus in actual things.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Realize that your prayers are being most wonderfully answered.

You, O Lord, will provide. . .

Commit your cause to Me; let Me deliver.

Grant, O Lord, strength to go on.

Let us go on together; let me rescue the one in whom I delight.

(Matthew 7.14; 1 Peter 4.12; Genesis 22.14; Psalm 22.8; Mark 1.38

Prayer: The Parched Ground

The parched ground shall become a pool.

O Lord, fill my parched soul and spirit with Your Living Water.

Your vision will be so -- have patience.

O Lord, You are my Glorious Source, my Supply.

I will grant you your heart's desire. I will not withhold the request of your lips.

The sins I have committed are more in number than the sand of the sea; my transgressions are multiplied, O Lord; they are multiplied! I am not worthy to look up and see the height of heaven because of my iniquities. I am weighted down with many an iron fetter. . . You, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, and in me you will manifest Your goodness; for, unworthy as I am, You will save me according to Your great mercy, and I will praise You continually all the days of my life.

(Isaiah 35.7; Psalm 21.2; Prayer of Manasseh 9-10, 13-15)

Prayer: The Greatest Factor

Commit your way to Me; trust in Me and I will bring it to pass.

May You be the greatest factor in all my calculations.

I am with you always -- controlling, blessing, helping. Trust in Me, the Captain of your Salvation.

May I not hesitate. May I not linger. May I quickly choose to steadily go on with You, O Lord.

I grant you your heart's desire. I fulfill all the plans that I have in mind for you.

It is You, O Lord, whom I worship. You are great and greatly to be praised!

(Psalm 37.5; Genesis 19.16; Psalm 20.4; Letter of Jeremiah 6.6)

Prayer: Fret Not

Fret not thyself. . .

O Lord God, forgive me for getting "out at at elbows" mentally and spiritually.

Fretting springs from a determination to have your own way.

Your will, Your way, O Lord, do I seek. Do not pass by Your servant.

In all things seek simplicity. Is anything too hard for Me?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction.

(Genesis 18.3,13; Psalm 19.14; Baruch 5.1,5-6)

Prayer: Open Your Eyes to My Holiness

Keep awake. . .

Open my eyes, O Lord.

Remember the effect on Isaiah when seeing My holiness.

O Lord, I am undone. . .

Only in the fullness of spiritual things can the heartsick, the faint, the weary be satisfied, healed and restored.

Teach me, O God, to walk with You.

I am making an everlasting covenant with you and with your offspring.

Reach down from on high and draw us out of the mighty waters. Your way, O God, is perfect.

My promises prove true. I am a shield for all who take refuge in Me.

I put my home in You, the Everlasting Savior. My joy comes from the Holy One.

I sent you out with sorrow and weeping, but I will bring you back with joy and gladness.

(Genesis 17.1; Psalm 18.16.30; Baruch 4.22-23; Matthew 25.13)

Prayer: Blaze & Glow with Devotion

Become as little children -- full of joy in life, every ready to laugh, uncritical, having no fear, friendly and loving towards all.

May a be a little child of Your Kingdom.

Be filled with My Spirit.

May Your Holy Spirit take my nerves, my whole personality, and make me blaze and glow with devotion to Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Remember from whence you have come and where you are going.

Ah, Lord God, I put my hand in Yours and gladly walk with You. Fill my heart with remembrances of You. Fill my mouth with Your praises.

Let not your heart grow cold.

Place the fear of You within my heart so I will constantly call upon Your Name.

(Psalm 17.2; Baruch 3.1-7; Matthew 24.12,39)

Prayer: As a Hen Gathers Her Chicks

Most Holy God, I give up my right to myself. Let Your recreating forces begin to work in my heart and life, and in my children. You, O Lord, are my chosen portion and cup. You hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. Thank You for Your generosity.

O Lord, look down from Your holy dwelling and consider me and my descendants. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see. Grant us hearts that obey and ears that hear; fill our mouths with praise for You. Turn us from our stubbornness and from being stiff-necked. Increase us, O Lord, so that we are no longer diminished. May we learn to bless even as we are blessed. Draw us to Your side; gather us to Yourself as a hen gathers her chicks. May we be radically changed by the nearness of Your loving heartbeat. Amen (Genesis 15.6; Psalm 16.5-6; Baruch 2.16-17, 31-34; Matthew 22)