Dear Praying Friends, As we look to the end of summer 2023, let’s keep praying Kingdom prayers. I know that we all fight discouragement as the news rarely contains anything positive. But remember that the GOOD NEWS is that Jesus IS LORD! This month our theme will be SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as WE SURRENDER ALL! The word “surrender” may seem a bit intimidating but remember that in God’s Kingdom, the way down is the way up! (1 Peter 5:6) Let’s humble ourselves in prayer and keep pressing on! Blessings~Gina
Tuesday, August 1, 2023: Read 2 Timothy 1:7
Prayer Pointer: As Christians, we are to submit to the will of God, that which pleases Him, and pursue truth and righteousness above all else. In this pursuit, we may also cast our distress upon God as we trust in Him in complete surrender. ~From Bible Study Tools
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, as I submit to You, I thank You for giving me Your Spirit of power, love, and sound judgment. You know that sometimes I have been afraid to say that I surrender because that seems like a weak place to be. But I know You as a good Father who wants what is best for me. Help all of my brothers and sisters around the world to submit to Your leading today. Help us to cast all our cares on You, knowing that You care for us. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: What does the word “surrender” mean to you? Does it have a positive or negative connotation?
As you have time: Listen to John Piper: Am I Completely Surrendered to Christ? (12.5 minutes)
Wednesday, August 2, 2023: Read Galatians 2:20 (CSB)
Prayer Pointer: If we are in any real sense joined to Christ, the power of His death makes us dead to self and sin and the world. ~MacLaren Exposition Of Holy Scripture
Prayer “Starter”: This prayer is an adaptation of one found at Knowing Jesus:
Thank You, Father, for Your indwelling Holy Spirit Who was sent to lead and guide me and all believers through this earthly life, and Who lives in me. Teach me to listen to His voice and recognize His promptings. I pray that more and more, Your will, not mine be done until I can say with Paul, “the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: Put Galatians 2:20 into your own words.
As you have time: Worship Song for Today/Galatians 2:20 (with lyrics)
Thursday, August 3, 2023: Read Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
Prayer Pointer: Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the kingdom. ~Charles H. Spurgeon
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, remind me and my Christian brothers and sisters today and everyday that our contentment is not found in the things of this world. Help us to say with Paul, “…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I am sorry for the places where we have looked to other people, circumstances, material possessions to be the well of our contentment. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: Can you give any example where perhaps you were recently, or any time you can remember, not content? What caused this?
As you have time: Listen to Max Lucado: Contentment (1 minute)
Friday, August 4, 2023: Read Romans 15:1-6 (NIV)
Prayer Pointer: Our God is a God of patience. We are often in such a hurry and God often seems to work too slowly for us. Often the purposes of God seem to be delayed but they always are fulfilled. God’s delays are not His denials, and He has a loving purpose in every delay. ~Blue Letter Bible
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, help me to use the strength that You have given me to serve my Christian brothers and sisters and even those who are outside the Church. I’m sorry for any where I’ve had a “holier than thou” attitude and that I’ve looked down on others. Help me to walk in humble servitude towards others, seeking to help elevate them to higher places with You. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: Is there a place where you can support a weaker brother or sister with your strength in the Lord?
As you have time: Worship Song for Today: May the Peace of God
Saturday & Sunday, August 5 & 6, 2023: Read Romans 12:2 NIV
Use this weekend to “catch up” on prayer posts if you desire. Ask the Lord help you to physically rest and to be revived in Him. I hope you will meet with other believers in fellowship, study and prayer in a Bible-teaching church this weekend.
Think/Journal/Apply: Where has the Lord been working in your life this past week?
Check back next week for more Bible and prayer prompts!
Keep praying and believing!
Rhythms of Grace 