Prayer: No Intercessors

Ah, Lord God, give Your servant an understanding mind.

We as a nation have become guilty by the blood we have shed. We are defiled by the modern idols we have made of consumerism and entertainment. We have brought our days near, the appointed times of our years has come.

You, O Lord, have made us a reproach to the nations, a mockery to all the countries near and far. Our name is defiled among the nations. We are full of tumult. And, yet, Your people, Your intercessors, are as those who sleep, as those who rest. Rouse us from our torpor. Open our eyes to see the lateness of the hour. Grant an understanding, discerning and wise mind, O God. Fill us with Your compassion and grace.

1 Kings 3.9; Ezekiel 22.4-5; Mark 14.41

Prayer: A Ruin, Ruin, Ruin

I confess that several things have caught my attention these past few days:

• A Port of Newport engineer announcing the price of steel went up 27% last quarter and is expected to go up 20% next quarter.
• A local bread maker announcing that she will no longer sell through retail outlets but only through the farmer's market because the price of wheat is so high.
• Government intervention into Wall Street.
• Zimbabwe's election mess.

Then my readings for today:

Things shall not remain as they are...a ruin, ruin, ruin I will make it...Ezekiel 21.26-27

...and if the Lord had no cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days. Mark 13.20

Lord, have mercy...

Prayer: The Shema Contemplated

To love You with all my heart -- what would that feel like?

To love You with all my soul -- how would that change my perception of the world around me?

To love You with all my mind -- what new thoughts would be entertained?

To love You with all my strength -- what new projects would I choose to pick up?

To love my neighbor as myself -- how would my relationships change?

May I embrace these two greatest commands and change my corner of the world.

Prayer: Something Which Has Cost Me Nothing

Ah, Lord God, You have said that Your House

Shall be called a House of Prayer for all nations

Call every craftsman in whose mind You have put skill

Call everyone whose heart You have stirred up to do this work

Bring together all those who are willing to pay the price

O Lord, how can we offer to You that which has cost us nothing?

Exodus 36.2; 2 Samuel 24.24; Mark 11.17

Prayer: Your Word on My Tongue

O Lord God, stir my heart and move my spirit

Speak to me and through me

Place Your Word on my tongue

I cast away all my transgressions I have committed

Make a new heart and a new spirit within me

I turn and step into Your eternal life

I hear Your Voice and take heart

I get up and come to You

My King and my God

Exodus 35.21; 2 Samuel 23.2; Ezekiel 18.31-32; Mark 10.49

Prayer: You Are My Lamp

May the people among whom I dwell be able to see You work mightily through me

For You are my lamp, O Lord, You light up the darkness around me

Your Way, O Lord, is perfect

Your Word, O Lord, proves true

Be a shield about me; I take refuge in You

Bring low the high tree

Make high the low tree

Dry up the green tree

Make the dry tree flourish

Grant eyes to see Jesus only

Exodus 34.10; 2 Samuel 22.31; Ezekiel 17.24; Mark 9.8

Prayer: Known by Name

O God, thank You for being a personal God
Thank You for knowing me by name
Thank You for remembering Your covenant with me
Establish for me an everlasting covenant
May I stir up my own remembrance
And call You by Name

Exodus 33.17; Ezekiel 16.60; Mark 8.18