Saturday, February 7, 2009

Mt 15:7-8

"And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay longer over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" ~ Matthew 15:7-8 (ESV)

Father, you are a God of justice, and one day you will enact your justice throughout the earth. But, you are also a God of patience. You were patient with the Israelites, from the beginning. And you are patient with people still today. I pray that during this time, while there is still time, you will change peoples' hearts and let them hear Jesus calling them. Change their hearts and let them know of your greatness and love. And I pray that I and others who have been adopted as your children will not lose heart or grow weary of waiting for our reward and justification. Give us the strength and spirit to use this time wisely for your glory. I pray that I will be among the faithful because you have made me persevere to the end. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Missions Monday

Father, you are a missionary God. You are not only the supreme ruler, and not only master, but you are the loving father who made a way for helpless, rebellious people to be reconciled to you. And you did this for your glory and renown. Let all the earth praise your name.

Father, I ask that you bless the ministry of T, the new worker in Slovakia. Give him courage to risk for your name. Open the hearts and ears of those who hear of you through him and his fellow workers. Use T and other believers in Slovakia to change the world around them.

I pray for M and her coworkers in Asia. Give them boldness to speak of your love. Open doors for them to spread your good news. Work in the hearts of those people who have surrendered to you through M's ministry, and use those new believers to reach their families and friends. Make your glory spread through Asia. Keep M and her coworkers healthy and satisfied in you.

I pray for Ionel and the other workers in Romania. Give them words to speak as they reach out to the people around them.

I pray for the Martinez's in South America. Bless their work and grow their churches through your Spirit.

And I pray that you would help me be a missionary in my world.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

reformation

"‘O Lord God, you have only begun to show your
servant your greatness and your mighty hand.
For what god is there in heaven or on earth who
can do such works and mighty acts as yours?"
~ Dt. 3:24, ESV

Father, you truly are great and wondrous. You created the entire universe--its vast reaches and unfathomable expanse--by your own will. And you created every single human, including me. And you did all this for the glory of your name.

And you sustain everything by your power, according to your will, for your glory. May all creation praise you and tell of your magnificence.

Teach me your word. Give me a heart to know you and live for you. Let my passion in life be to bring you glory and enjoy you forever.

And let my passion for you overflow in front of others. Let me be a witness for you. Make me a city on a hill; make me live so that people see you working through me and give you glory. Bring me opportunities to share your good news, and give me the words to speak when those opportunities appear to me.

Bless my church family; unite our hearts together as the body of Christ. Let us experience the fullness of your Spirit, and use us to present your glory and grace to our community and throughout the world. Teach us your word and give us hearts to love your truth.

Teach me to use my career for your glory. Teach me to work for you and not for worldly purposes.

I ask these things confidently by the name of Jesus, my high priest and advocate before you. Amen.

Saturday, January 3, 2009