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| Welcome
to the Personal Prayers site. Sometimes the words just don't
come easily when we speak to God. We hope the prayers on this
site will inspire you and allow you to pray to God in all
circumstances because He truly does want us to speak with
Him continually. Prayers are arranged by topic and new themes
will be added each month. Check back when the words don't
come easily or when you just need to read comforting thoughts. |
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| Faith |
Take My Hand
Hand in hand, dear God, we will make it through this lonely valley of illness, for I will not be alone. I will feel You in the hands of those who hold mine, who rub my back, wipe my feverish face, count out pills and poitions to ease and heal; in the deft touch of those who bind up and patch my ailing body; in the consoling, uplifting, encirciling hugs and embraces of family and friends.
Already I feel You near and am assured that whereve I am on this path of illness, Your strong hand is there to guide and to hold.
Margaret Anne Huffman (1941-2000)
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Hearing with Hearts of Faith
If the ocean can roar in the shell
I hold to my ear miles from any ocean,
I know that You,
God of time and tide,
can restore me,
stranded as I am
on this barren shore of illness.
Margaret Anne Huffman (1941-2000) |
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Promise
God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and wear us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have no music in them and our hearts are lonely, ande our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, we beseech you; turn our eyes to where the dkies are full of promise.
St. Augustine
(354-430) |
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Prayer in Time of Trouble
God of Peace,
God of All Tranquility,
Be for us Light
in all our darkness.
Be for us Calm
in every storm.
Be for us Stillness
in our turmoil.
Let us rest in You,
as a child in
a mother’s arms;
a nested bird.
And let Your Grace
now rest upon us,
as moonlight rests
upon the water;
as soft rain
falls to rest
on thirsty ground.
Let Your Grace
now rest
like gentle rain
upon us.
Deborah Gordon Cooper |
| Prejudices |
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| Deliver
Us from Jumping to Conclusions
Caution
us Lord, against fearing and hating all who talk and wear
their hair, clothes, manners and skin color "different."
How quickly we jump to conclusions, eager to distance ourselves.
And, even in these cautionary days, help us spot value in
all we meet. For, O God, what opportunities we miss when
we build fences to keep out "strangers" only to
discover we've trapped ourselves behind a wall, too.
Margaret
Anne Huffman (1941-2000)
(Excerpted
from Looking For God in all the Right Places by
June Cotner, ©2004, Loyola Press)
llThis
should provide extra space
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Prayer
of This Imperfect Me
God,
let me see this world of mine
Through thankful eyes,
And see the good in even those
Whose actions I despise,
While in myself I learn to have
Simple humility,
And tolerance for all of those
Who don't agree with me.
Hilda
Lachney Sanderson
(Excerpted
from Looking For God in all the Right Places by
June Cotner, ©2004, Loyola Press)
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| Christmas |
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A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Most Holy & Majestic Father,
There's so much "hype" around Christmas time. I have to admit that I enjoy all the jolly jingle and festive frolic as much as anyone. But, Lord, as I enter into the fast-paced season ahead, help me walk slowly and quietly.
Let me stop and listen to the angels sing of the greatest news ever told! Let my heart, mind and soul join the chorus. "Glory in the Highest!! The Messiah has been born!"
Among all the bright sparkling lights and cheery holiday tunes, let my spirit travel once again toward Bethlehem to honor and worship Jesus, my King! The Prince of Peace, the Lord of Hosts, Mighty Counselor, Son of God, the Lamb. All Your love, mercy and power somehow made flesh in the tiny form of a humble baby born in a manger. Let me worship the only one who is worthy to take our sin away and open the gates of all eternity!
Amen
Used with permission from Mike Atkinson ~ http://www.mikeysfunnies.com/ |
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A Grace for Family and Friends
Dear God,
As we gather on this holy night,
May the blessings of Christmas
Be found in each of our lives
throughout the coming year;
Joy,
in the simple things in life,
Peace,
no matter the situation in which we find ourselves,
Mercy,
for those in need,
and Love,
of family, God and friends
Amen.
~Sylvia A. Lefort Masi
(Excerpted from Christmas Blessings
by June Cotner, ©2002, Warner Faith)
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| Reflections |
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Living
Pages
Let
me leave margins of silence
around the activities of day,
letting You write down there
whatever it is You would say.
Then
looking backward, I find,
no matter how much I revise,
it is in Your footnotes
that the heart of my life lies.
Elizabeth
Searle Lamb
(Excerpted
from Bedside Prayers by June Cotner, ©1997,
HarperSanFrancisco)
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To
Be Still
Focus
my speech
within the light
that all my words
be holy, bright.
Hold
my mind
within your hand
that all my thoughts
be your command
Still
my heart
within your gift
that every choice
be inspired, swift.
Center
my life
within my heart
that every act
reflects your art.
Joanna
M. Weston
(Excerpted
from Bedside Prayers by June Cotner, ©1997,
HarperSanFrancisco)
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| Heaven,
Blow Through Me
Heaven,
blow through me.
Lift me past edges of my life.
Cast me in a clearer light.
Scoop me up trembling, spent.
Certain I have nothing left to give.
Give me comfort, solace,
blood flowing through my heart.
That I breathe Your breath
at last.
Meg
Campbell
(Excerpted
from Bedside Prayers by June Cotner, ©1997,
HarperSanFrancisco)
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| Comfort |
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Lord
of Life
Lord
of Life, guide my hand
Reveal to me thy master plan
Of all things I could do and say
to bring to life thy Will today
Lord
of Life, open my heart
Instruct me in the simple art
of going within this sacred space
to hear your Word, receive your Grace
Lord
of Life, support my soul
when times of tests and pain unfold
Remind me then, I've chosen this:
a way to grow, the road to bliss
Lord
of Life, surround my being
with tender light of timeless healing
So love on every side abounds
from me to others and back around
Lord
of Life, I humbly thank thee
for all the beauty around and in me
Flower, snow, wind and tree
Your blessings are everywhere
endless and free.
Arlene Gay Levine
(Excerpted from Bedside Prayers by June Cotner, ©1997,
HarperSanFrancisco)
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| River
and Sky
Move
our hearts with the calm, Stretch
out my heart with your strength,
smooth flow of your grace. as
you stretch out the sky above the earth.
Let the river of your love Smooth
out any wrinkles of hatred or
run through your souls. resentment.
May
my soul be carried Enlarge
my soul that it may know more fully
by the current of your love, your
truth.
towards the wide, infinite
ocean
of heaven.
Gilbert
of Hoyland
Died C. 1170
(Excerpted
from Bedside Prayers by June Cotner, ©1997,
HarperSanFrancisco)
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| Nighttime |
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A
Petition for the Sleepless
I
kneel before Your throne tonight, My Lord,
on a cushion of contentment
and fully expect a night of restful sleep.
If it please You, Majesty.
I ask a further favor:
That You sustain and solace
those who cannot sleep tonight. Your subjects who:
Are old and wakeful Work
the night shifts
Are worried for a missing child
Groan in pain
Are haunted by their conscience Study
for exams
Keep a sickbed vigil
Mourn a loved one lost
Are cold, hungry, imprisoned
Stumble in the wild woods
and so are unable to sleep like I.
Dispatch swift-flying couriers to help them through
the night
I humbly thank You, My Lord, Your Grace.
Gail
McCoig Blanton
(Excerpted from Bedside Prayers by
June Cotner, ©1997, HarperSanFrancisco)
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| On
Going to Bed
As
my head rests on my pillow
Let my soul rest in your mercy
As
my limbs relax on my mattress
Let my soul relax in your peace.
As
my body finds warmth beneath the blankets
Let my soul find warmth in your love.
As
my mind is filled with dreams,
Let my soul be filled with visions of heaven.
Johann
Freylinghausen
(1670-1739)
(Excerpted from Bedside Prayers
by June Cotner, ©1997, HarperSanFrancisco)
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A
Midnight Conversation with God
God,
why is it
That the only time
I swim back to You
Is when the sharks
Are about to eat me?
I could harbor my soul
In your crystal, clean waters
But instead
I allow the undertow
To carry me far from You
And out into
The black, salty waters
Where danger lurks
With each crashing wave
And where my feet
Never touch the bottom.
Mike
W. Blottenberger
(Excerpted
from Bedside Prayers by June Cotner, ©1997,
HarperSanFrancisco)
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Our
Nation
Decisions
in National Crisis
Father
God, in the name of Jesus I pray that You would direct
the leaders of this nation in times of crisis. Grant
them wisdom and understanding, and help them to respond
quickly and effectively to each situation. May divinely
directed decisions be on their lips, and may they
do that which is right in Your sight. May they follow
Your will to direct our nation in the paths of peace
and safety.
Unite
all response agencies in an organized and harmonious
fashion to bring quick and effective resolve to the
demands of this crisis.
Empower
us as United States citizens to do our part, financially,
physically, emotionally and spiritually to support
all who have been affected by this tragedy.
I
pray that You encourage and strengthen our Nation.
Surround us with Your love and mercy. Bring peace
and comfort to all those who are suffering as a result
of this crisis.
Pray
for Our Nation (Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers,
copyright 1999.)
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| National
Protection
Most
High God, I come to You in the name of Jesus, asking
for divine protection for the people of this nation.
I pray for the safety of every man, woman and child.
Keep us from harms way and provide protection from
plans of destruction that our enemies have plotted.
Stop strategies of destruction that our enemies would
try to evoke.
Give
wisdom, understanding and discernment to those who
provide protection. Help us to be watchful and alert
to signs of wrongdoing.
Provide
insight to national and local authorities on ways
to guard, defend and insure the safety of all American
citizens both at home and abroad. Help us to unite
with government leaders and law enforcement personnel
in making this country a safe place to live, work
and play; allowing Americans to enjoy freedom without
fear.
Pray
for Our Nation (Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers,
copyright 1999.)
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| National
Patriotism
Father,
I pray in Jesus' name that You would restore a social
conscience to our nation.
I
pray that we would again see the value of teaching
our children the virtue of being good citizens-to
not only live for the good of the individual but the
good of others as well.
Dear
Father, I desire to see our nation restored to godly
integrity and excellence, so that our children and
our citizens can be proud of their nation and proud
to be called citizens of it.
In
recognizing our duty to God and our country, keep
us mindful to pray for our nation not only in our
churches and our homes, but also in the quietness
of our daily lives.
Pray
for Our Nation (Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers,
copyright 1999.)
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| The
Congress
Dear
Father, I come to You in the mighty name of Jesus,
thanking You and praising You for our great nation.
I thank You for the plan You gave to our forefathers
by which to govern our nation and for the division
of powers so that our destiny does not rest in the
hands of one person.
In
praying for those in authority, I therefore lift up
our Congress (both the House of Representatives and
the Senate). I pray that, by Your power, our legislative
body would make laws that are just.
Father,
I ask You to give them wisdom to make decisions that
would strengthen and prosper our nation. I desire
that they would make right decisions concerning the
politics, the social welfare and the economics of
our nation.
I
pray that You would cause Congress to be motivated
more by Your hand than by partisian or personal concerns.
Pray
for Our Nation (Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers,
copyright 1999.)
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| In
Time of War
Father,
I come to You in the name of our Lord Jesus, to lift
up in prayer this present military action. Father,
I pray that there might be a quick resolution to this
action and that truth and righteousness would prevail.
May
You guide, bless and protect all those engaged in
this conflict. Heal the physical and spiritual wounds
that may be inflicted. Father, the gospel of the kingdom
must be preached to this nation. I pray that what
Satan has intended and devised to hinder the gospel
You will turn to our good, that the gospel will go
into this nation unimpeded.
Let
all who hear Your Word turn to You for guidance, courage
and hope.
Pray
for Our Nation (Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers,
copyright 1999.)
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| The
Economy
Dear
Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray for
our nation's economy. I know that even more than a
strong military, a strong economy helps keep a nation
powerful.
Father,
I pray that You would raise up people of skill and
wisdom who will affect the ecomomy of our nation.
Give them inspired ideas and a voice with the powers
that be.
Cause
Congress to vote aright in these matters. Give them
foresight so that provision might be made of our nation's
future, not just its present.
Father,
as the people of our nation continue to finance the
preaching of the gospel and help the poor all over
the world, I pray that You would continue to prosper
us more and more.
Pray
for Our Nation (Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers,
copyright 1999.)
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Prayer
for Our Military
Almighty
God,
We commend to your gracious care and keeping
All the men and women in our armed forces at home
and abroad.
Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace;
Strengthen them in their trials and temptations;
Give them courage to face the perils which beset them;
And grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever
they may be;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
USA Chaplain Military Prayer Book
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| The
Families of Our Military
Father,
in the name of the Lord Jesus, I also lift up to You
in prayer the families of our military. I pray that
the gospel will extend to them, that they might know
Him and the power of His resurrection.
Father,
I desire that these families might be a prayer force
for our nation and our military.
May
they know abundance and no lack. May they be well
provided for and well taken care of.
Father,
give them the courage of warriors. May the peace that
passes understanding sustain them in seasons of separation.
Comfort
them with Your Word, that they might have faith to
see their sons, daughters, husbands and wives returned
to them in wholeness and safety.
Pray
for Our Nation (Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers,
copyright 1999.)
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| Prayer
for Crisis
Dear
Lord,
I come before you at this time, knowing you alone,
O God, are the only one I can come to in this moment
of tragedy. You have promised me you would be with
me always. I need you now at this very moment in my
life, in my heart and in my mind. You are my place
of protection and safety. You are my God. I lean on
you and trust in only you. I know that you God were
the One who turned the loss on Good Friday into the
triumph of Easter. It is my prayer that you will make
your presence known to the world in ways I can not
even imagine. Use me to be an example of your faithfulness
to all I come in contact with. Thank you for loving
and caring for me and for being my ever present help
in trouble. I pray this prayer in the strong name
of your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
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Stillness
Dear
Lord, Help me to live this day,
quietly, easily,
To lean upon thy great strength-trust
fully, restfully
To wait for the unfolding of thy will,
patiently, serenely.
To meet others-peacefully, joyously;
To face tomorrow-confidently,
courageously
With Jesus help.
Amen
Author
Unknown
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Serenity
Prayer
God,
Grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I can not change
The courage to change the things I can
And the Wisdom
To know the difference
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A
Prayer by Saint Francis
Lord,
make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred…let me sow love
Where there is injury…pardon
Where there is
doubt…faith
Where
there is despair…hope
Where
there is darkness…light
Where
there is sadness…joy
Divine master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled…as to console
To be understood…as
to understand
To
be loved…as to love
For it is in giving…that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying…that we are born to eternal life
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The
Lord's Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever. Amen.
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A
Response to Jesus
Dear
Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness.
I believe that you died for my sins. I want to turn
my life over to you. I say "Yes" to your
invitation. Please come into my heart and life. I
want to trust you as my Lord and Savior and become
a Christ-follower. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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Difficult
Times
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Prayer
for Protection
Dear
Lord, we all need your protection. My husbands needs
it as he drives to work; I need it in and around the
home (don't they say most accidents occur in the home?);
and the children need it as they go through their
school day. We need physical protection, but we also
need protection from anything that can harm us emotionally
or spiritually.
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You're
the one with the power to protect us from everything
that is harmful. In Jesus' death and resurrection
we have seen you as the great Protector, the one who
is able to protect us from the terrible consequences
of sin.
Thank
you for the confidence this gives me to hand over
into your capable hands myself and my loved ones for
this day. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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Out
of Control
Lord,
I'm frightened. Everything is moving out of my control,
and I have this sick feeling that I'm just not going
to make it.
I
know you love me and that you are in control of my
life, and that all things work together for good to
those who love you. But I still feel awful.
Help
me. Above all, give me your Holy Spirit to give me
your peace-peace to drive out my fears and to calm
and quiet my whole being.
Grant
that, in the future, I'll be able to look back on
this period of my life and see how wonderfully you
were there for me all the time. Until then, keep your
Holy Spirit with me to be my comforter, my guide,
and my strength. May the Spirit also increase my trust
in you-a trust that you are hard at work right now
to help me.
Thank
you, Lord, for your care of me at this time. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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At
a Crossroads
Lord,
I'm at a crossroads in my life and it doesn't feel
good. I don't know which road I'm meant to take. I
don't even know where the roads lead to.
My
role in life has, up till now, been pretty clear-cut.
When I was first married, I had my full-time job;
and then, as the children came, I worked full-time
at home. More lately, I've had my part-time job. But
now, with all the children having left home, and hardly
anything for me to do in the house, my part-time job
isn't satisfying enough.
I
can't go back to my old full-time job: younger, more
qualified people are lining up for that these days.
Please
come and sit with me at my crossroads, Lord; and then
point me in the direction that you have in mind for
me to follow. I know that I can trust you to direct
my life now, just as you have in the past. Help me
to be patient as I wait for your perfect timing in
opening and shutting doors for me. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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Teach
me Forgiveness
Dear
God, you know about this thing that's happened between
my husband and me. It wasn't such a big thing really,
yet I'm so upset over it. He's done the same thing
before. He said then he was sorry, but now he goes
and does it all over again! As your child I know what
I'm supposed to do: forgive him. But how can I forgive
when the hurt is so deep?
"As
far as the east is from the west, so far he removes
our transgressions from us" Psalm
103:12. Is it merely coincidence that this
was part of our Bible reading this evening? Dear God,
it must hurt you every time I sin-every time I violate
your perfection with my wrongdoing. And yet you forgive
me. Over and over again.
I
still don't feel like forgiving my husband. But since
I know how your ready forgiveness of me has brought
healing into my life (and it's healing that we need
now), I do want to forgive him. Empower me now by
your Holy Spirit to do just that. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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Money
Worries
God,
you know how uptight I get at times about our financial
situations. The bills keep coming in. And then, just
when we think we're getting our head above water,
something extra crops up, like repairs to the house
or a trip to the dentist. It's hard not to worry about
whether or not we'll have the money when we need it.
Then
I think of how you provided for the children of Israel
in the desert, and for the thousands of people who
stayed so long listening to Jesus that they got hungry.
You're the same God today. You're still looking after
people-still providing them with what they need, both
materially and spiritually.
Save
me, Lord, from envy of others who appear to be better
off than we are. We are rich in having you as our
God: all the riches of your love for us in Jesus are
ours for the asking and the taking! Thank you for
making us so wealthy.
Remind
me often of your love for us. Help me manage my money
carefully and wisely. And give me peace as I trust
you to care for us. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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Your
Love for Me
Dear
God, I can't help thinking
that you see me as I see my
tatty old cardigan. It's old and
it's out of shape, but it's one
of my favorite pieces of
clothing. It's so comfortable
and warm that I just can't bring myself to throw it
away.
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I'm
old and out of shape, but you're not going to discard
me either. You've declared in more ways than one that
I'm very precious to you.
Thank
you, God, that no matter how much older I get, how
much more misshapen or wrinkled or decrepit I may
become, your love for me will never waver: you'll
never desert me or reject me. At my weakest times
your love is there for me in all its strength. And
always will be.
I
praise such love and I rest in it, knowing it will
take me through into an eternity with you. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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Prayer
for Families
Dear
God, our Father Almighty. We humbly come before
you to acknowledge you as lord and creator of the
universe and giver of all things. In your perfect
wisdom, you created man, woman and child, and bound
us to live together as communities and families.
We
give you thanks for the gift of relationships, the
love of those we are close to and the support of many.
We experience your love through those we interact
with and live with on a daily basis. We are called
to love others as you have first loved us. The joy
love can bring is priceless.
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We
give thanks for the gift of new families. Of those
just married or those that have just received the
gift of a new life through the miracle of birth. Please
strengthen the Christian foundation girding these
young families.
Many
families are struggling through hard times. Please
heal broken relationships that may exist between spouses
or between parents and children or between brothers
and sisters. Restore that love that you set such a
great example for us.
For
those families that have experienced losses, please
fill the void and bring comfort. For those struggling
financially, or with loss of income or employment,
please bring relief. For those that need food or shelter
or medical attention, please provide for their needs.
We
lift up before you single parents. Their challenges
are great and we ask that you complete those households.
For those in their later stages of life, thoughts
of family is often what fills their life. Please help
us to remember our parents in thought and deed.
Please
come and live among each family so that each member
will come to know you. Fill the hearts of each of
us with your saving grace. Help parents to raise their
children in the way of the lord so that they too can
come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
For
those who are single, please help them know your love
and find support through other extended family and
community members. We are all one family in Christ
and give you thanks for that. We long for the day
that as your children we can approach your throne
and sit on your lap as your children.
We
acknowledge you as Lord and savior. We give you the
glory and ask for your grace upon our families and
communities both this day and forever more.
Amen.
Prayer
by John Poole on The National Day of Prayer 2004
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| As
Children Grow Up
Lord
God, help me not to over-identify with my children.
I
love them deeply, but give me the wisdom to know when
to involve myself in their problems and when to stand
back far enough to let them do their own struggling,
so that they can grow as individuals. Keep me from
stunting their growth through an overly strong desire
to protect them from life's hardships; their development
can so easily be smothered and stifled by my well-meaning
love for them.
Let
my love for my children be the sort of love that frees
them to be their own person, and-especially-to be
the person you want them to be. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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| The
Families of Our Military
Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, I also
lift up to You in prayer the families of our military.
I pray that the gospel will extend to them, that they
might know Him and the power of His resurrection.
Father, I desire that these families might be a prayer
force for our nation and our military.
May they know abundance and no lack. May they be well
provided for and well taken care of.
Father, give them the courage of warriors. May the
peace that passes understanding sustain them in seasons
of separation.
Comfort them with Your Word, that they might have
faith to see their sons, daughters, husbands and wives
returned to them in wholeness and safety.
Pray
for Our Nation (Tulsa: Harrison House Publishers,
copyright 1999.)
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A
Mother's Day Meditation
Lord,
this morning we come to you to intercede on behalf
of our world. Lord, we thank you this morning for
this beautiful Mother's Day. We thank you for godly
mothers who pointed their children to Christ.
We
thank you for families and we ask your blessing on
every family this day as they celebrate Mother's Day.
Lord,
we pray for those who have lost their mothers in the
last few years. We pray that you will comfort them.
We
pray for those who would like to be mothers and have
not been. Be there with them.
Be
with the families who care for the sick.
Lord
strengthen our families and our resolve that families
would look up and acknowledge you
worship together
and
serve you
and
live out Christian lives.
Thank
you Jesus for being there all the time
for never forgetting us
for
coming to us again and again.
We bless you and we thank you and we pray in your
name.
Amen.
Prayer
by Colleen Fletcher on Mother's Day 2004 at PCNP
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| A
Single Mother
I've
been noticing, God, that there are more and more of
us single mothers around. Perhaps that's why people
don't look askance at me as much as they used to.
It's true that, as a single mom, I'm generally accepted
in society.
But
that doesn't make my job any easier. Even though I
have the support of my parents and my friends, it's
still finally my responsibility to provide a home
and a good up-bringing for my daughter.
This
is where I'm so thankful, God, that both she and I
have a Dad in you. We need your fatherly protection,
guidance, and strength. Thank you that on my really
down days-those days when I feel my aloneness so keenly-I
can know that you're still there for me, even though
you may seem far away.
Work
things out well in both my life and hers. I know I
can trust you to do this, because you love us both
very much. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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| Belonging
Lord,
I'm feeling a bit blue today in my singleness. Maybe
I shouldn't have gone to the tennis picnic. Everywhere
I looked there seemed to be a group of mom, dad and
the kids. Well, nearly everywhere. It's true, we had
our single parents; but they still had their children.
People
were kind and friendly to me. And why not? They're
my friends. But I couldn't help feeling my difference
from everyone else. They all belonged to someone,
and I didn't.
But
that's not true, is it? I do belong to someone. I
belong to you, and you're the greatest companion anyone
could have. You love me, you care for me, you're always
there when I particularly need you. It's just that
I need the Holy Spirit to remind me of this every
now and then.
Jesus,
you came to earth to give me a rich, full life. Lead
on; I'm right behind you! Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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Prayers
About Children
Mother's
Worries
Dear
God, I'm worried sick about my son. I wonder how he's
ever going to get through the year; his study workload
is tremendous. And then he's got to find somewhere
to live-thank you that at least his friend will put
him up for the time being. And, without a car, he
could be in all sorts of difficulties when it comes
to getting around for his work study.
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Rob
is your child too, isn't he? He became your child
at his rebirth in his baptism. Well-I'm asking you
to be a dad now to this child of yours. Care for him:
direct him, protect him, give him special strength
as he needs it; in fact, be there for him in all his
needs as the perfect dad that you are. I know that
you have a good plan for my boy's life, so I guess
if I keep handing him over to you in my prayers, I
can relax knowing he's in the best of hands; and that
because of this, everything will turn out all right.
I
feel much better now. Thank you! Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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| Children
Leaving Home
Lord,
I'm feeling more than a bit low since it's hitting
home that my children really are grown up and are
capable of standing on their own two feet. I know
it's normal and right and good that they are leaving
home-this home-to make their own homes. But that doesn't
take away that big emptiness inside me-even loneliness-and
a longing for their company.
I
know you can identify with me because you had a much
worse time of it when you were separated from your
Son as he hung on the cross. You and he were even
closer to one another than I am to my children. As
I look at the cross I see also how you were prepared
to let go of your Son. Help me now to let go of my
children.
Because
you understand my situation so well, I'm sure you'll
do something to compensate for my feeling of aloneness.
After all, it was because of your love for me that
you went through that painful time of being apart
from Jesus. Thank you for your love for me then, and
for your love that I'll be experiencing in the days
ahead. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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| Waiting
for Baby's Birth
Thank
you, Lord, for the miracle of life I am carrying within
me. You created this baby, and so there's already
something very wonderful about him.
I
hand this child over to you because I want your blessing
on him throughout his life-starting now. Bless this
development within my womb, and please give us a healthy
baby. I'm looking forward to his becoming your child
in baptism; the best thing he could have in his life
is a lasting relationship with you.
Thank
you that my husband's and my love for each other has
been able to find tangible expression in this new
life. And thank you for the excitement we can share
as we await our baby's birth. Amen.
©
1995 Grace Simpson
'Used by permission, Openbook Publishers, 205 Halifax
Street, Adelaide,
South Australia 5000,
enquiries@openbook.com.au'.
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A
Prayer of the Nation in the Midst of Katrina
O Lord, we know that tragedies never change Your love
or Your presence among us. Tragedies are moments when
you make Your love real and personal to those who trust
You and call on You. Your presence gives us hope because
all of life's circumstances are always under Your loving
control. It is Your presence among us that allows a
watching world to see the compassion that You have for
us all. You have immediately stirred within us in these
days hearts that continue to suffer alongside those who
have suffered most - the families whose lives have been
shattered by this catastrophic national disaster. May
you then counsel us greatly to know your wisdom and how
best to express Your love to those in need.
Help
us to recognize and know Your presence in this existing
tragedy, that none may despair. For we know that You invite
all who are "burdened and heavy laden" to come
to You and take Your yoke upon them, that they might learn
day-by-day and moment-by-moment from You. May they find
rest and peace in the midst of this unexpected storm.
Grant
also Your enabling courage to those on the front line
who risk their own lives for the sake of others. May emotional
and physical stamina be given in great measure to our
policemen, firemen, military, and healthcare workers.
We know that many of them are, likewise, experiencing
enormous personal and corporate loss and pain.
We
pray that in all things Lord You will especially provide
wisdom and discernment to our local, state, and national
leaders as they face many challenging decisions. And,
finally, grant patient hearts to people as they experience
delays in their needed help. You said, "all authority,
in heaven and on earth is Yours" and that You would
"be with us to the end of the age"
(Matthew 28:18). We are now fully trusting in Your
promise that "nothing will be able to separate us
from Your love…" (Romans 8:35
- 39). Thank You - right now - for Your promises,
and Your presence among us! This we pray in Your holy
name,
Amen.
Henry
Blackaby
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©
PCNP 2006
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