Dear Praying friends, As we “pray on”, the news in this realm doesn’t get any better. But remember that the news of this world doesn’t have the final say! Jesus IS LORD! I recently had a troubling dream where a man, obviously influenced by demons, broke in to where I was. I didn’t recognize the location but I felt threatened in the dream. He kept saying, “You need to stop doing what you are doing!” In the dream, I kept resisting him and even called for human help by having someone call “911.” But that availed nothing because the police didn’t show up. I kept resisting and the man finally left. I believe the enemy is trying hard to stop the move of the Holy Spirit worldwide. Let’s take time this week to pray for ourselves and our brothers and sisters everywhere to be strong and courageous. Let’s keep praying: SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SURRENDER ALL! As an FYI, I am reaching out to others to write prayer posts and I will note that on the days that the “guest” writers share. ~Blessings, Gina
Monday, August 7, 2023: Read 1 John 3:1-3
Special thanks to the guest writer for today’s post: Jason Ricks, Emmaus Road Community Church, Laramie, WY
Prayer Pointer: The world at large is experiencing an identity crisis; however, as followers of Jesus, we can know exactly who we are in Him. We are God’s children! We are His beloved sons and daughters, and He promises that nothing will ever be able to separate us from His love. If we will truly embrace our new identity in Christ, then we can be at peace, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God our Creator and Loving Father.
Prayer “Starter”: Father, thank you for the great love you have given me by sending your Son as the atoning sacrifice for my sins, that I might be adopted as your beloved child. Please forgive me for all the time and energy I’ve spent trying to prove my worth and significance to myself and to others. I pray for the grace to rest in my new identity in Christ and to enjoy the peace and joy that comes as the Holy Spirit continues to pour Your love into my heart. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: How does knowing that I’m the beloved child of God change the way I approach my life (relationships, work, temptations, etc.)?
As you have time: Find some quiet space to slowly pray The Beloved Prayer by Arthur LeClair
Sit relaxed and at ease. Have confidence that God’s love will show itself in some way. For the first ten minutes, without fuss, say the following words slowly and fervently:
Jesus, You are the Beloved.
Repeat the words as necessary. Let your heart fill with nonverbal praise and thanksgiving. Let distractions float by, even when they press upon you. After a while the distractions will seem less and less urgent as you let them go. Simply be with Jesus in this precious moment.
Then, gently and without fanfare, move on to the next ten minutes. Paul reminds us in Romans 9:25 that we too are destined to become the Beloved. Another color is added to the beauty of this scene:
Jesus, I am the Beloved.
Let your core-being soak up God’s favor. At first, this shift might seem jarring. But rest in the depth of prayer and let this truth settle in.
Then go on to the next ten minutes. I used to imagine that this part would be a distraction, but I have found it to be a rich and holy connection with others.
Jesus, we (all) are the Beloved.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023: Read Matthew 16:24-27
Prayer pointer: God always has and always will look for men and women who say to Him, ‘I trust you so much, I’m all in. I want your way not mine. I am willing to live by faith!’ ~Chip Ingram
Prayer “Starter”: This comes from Heartlight.org: Holy God, you are worthy of my life. Of all the competing voices vying for my time, attention, and money, you alone have shown a sacrificial love to redeem me. I trust your truth for my guide. As I seek to surrender to your will, please empower me to live with courage and conviction in a world which often hates and ridicules you. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: What are some of the distractions that are vying for your time, attention, or money? How can you bring those to the Lord more fully today?
As you have time: Read some related scripture: John 12:23-26, Revelation 12:10-11, Revelation 2:11
Wednesday, August 9, 2023: Read Hebrews 10:22-23
Prayer Pointer: Drawing near is not moving from one place to another. It is a directing of the heart into the presence of God who is as distant as the holy of holies in heaven, and yet as near as the door of faith. He is commanding us to come. To approach him. To draw near to him. ~John Piper
Prayer “Starter”: This is an adaptation with modern English of a prayer found in The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions:
O GOD OF MY DELIGHT, Your throne of grace is the pleasure ground of my soul. Here I obtain mercy in time of need, here see the smile of Your reconciled face, here joy pleads the Name of Jesus, here I sharpen the sword of the Spirit, anoint the shield of faith, put on the helmet of salvation, gather manna from Your Word, am strengthened for each conflict, nerved for the upward race, empowered to conquer every foe. Help me to come to Christ as the fountainhead of descending blessings, as a wide open flood-gate of mercy. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: How near do I draw to God? Is He calling me closer? What keeps me from coming boldly and confidently?
As you have time: Worship song for today: Before the Throne of God Above
Thursday, August 10, 2023: Read 1 Peter 5:6-10
Prayer Pointer: If we humble not ourselves under God’s grace, he will humble us under his judgments. Those who patiently submit to him, he exalts in due time; if his hand be mighty to depress, it is also mighty to exalt. ~Clarke’s Commentary
Prayer “Starter”: This is from a prayer by Chuck Swindoll. Be sure to let it soak in and to add your prayers in response:
Teach us in these tender days the value of genuine humility—of a self-forgetful life. We ask this so that we might become for You messengers whose message makes sense because our lives are like Your Son’s life—the One who is gentle and humble of heart. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: This question causes us to “dive deep.” It comes from the Tozer Seminary blog. How does my humility compare to the Son’s humility in coming to earth?
As you have time: Read 12 Ways to Humble Yourself from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Friday, August 11, 2023: Read John 15:1-7
Prayer Pointer: Jesus chose the figure of a vine for several reasons. The lowliness of a vine demonstrates His humility. It also pictures a close, permanent, vital union between the vine and branches. It is symbolic of belonging, because branches belong entirely to the vine; if branches are to live and bear fruit, they must completely depend on the vine for nourishment, support, strength, and vitality. ~Grace to You
Prayer “Starter”: Lord, help me and help my Christian brothers and sisters worldwide to stay connected to You as our “vine.” Forgive us of any self-sufficiency and remind us moment by moment that we are to depend upon You for strength, wisdom and courage. Thank You for never leaving us alone! As we surrender, help us to experience more of the “Christ-life” that indwells us by the Holy Spirit. (add your own prayers). SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SURRENDER ALL!
Think/Journal/Apply: Do you abide in Christ? What steps can you take to help you obey Jesus by abiding in Him?
As You Have Time: Worship Song for today: Abide with Me-Matt Redman
Saturday & Sunday, August 12 & 13, 2023
Take some time this weekend for Sabbath, hopefully gathering with other believers for prayer, worship, fellowship. Consider doing a review of your week, going on a “God-hunt” to find the places where God has spoken and moved.
Think/Journal/Apply: Consider writing down a few things that you are grateful for from your “God-hunt.” Enjoy being with Him and don’t stress!
We’ll be back next week with more Bible and prayer prompts!
Rhythms of Grace 