Category Archives: Prayer

>New Year’s Prayers 2011

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O LORD,

Length of says do not profit me except the days are passed
in thy presence, 
in thy service,
to thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes,
follows,
guides,
sustains,
sanctifies,
aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart fro Thee,
but may rely on thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every note of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth thy praise,
testify thy love,
advance thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with Thee, O Father, as my harbour,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee, O Holy spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.
Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comforts to cheer,
thy wisdom to teach,
thy right hand to guide,
thy counsel to instruct,
thy law to judge,
thy presence to stabilize.
May thy fear be my awe,
thy triumphs my joy.
The Valley of Vision
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A Prayer About the New Year and the Gospel

“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15

     Gracious Father, as I sit in my favorite “perch”, sipping fresh coffee and watching flames dance in the fireplace, it’s early into the first day of a new year. 
Tons of confetti cover the streets of Manhattan and gratitude fills my heart.
     I’m thankful I’m beginning this year with a little better understanding of the gospel than I had last year… and the previous years. 
I’m already praying that I’ll be able to say the same thing this time next year. 
For the gospel is not just good news for people getting ready to die. 
It’s good news for people who are now ready to live.
     In the gospel you lavish us with your love, liberate us by your grace and launch us into your transforming story of redemption and restoration. 
What more could we possibly want or hope for, in life or in death?
     Because the gospel is true, I don’t respond to Joshua’s bold charge with a list of New Year’s resolutions—promises of what I’m going to do for you. Rather, I begin this year resolving to abandon myself to everything Jesus has done for us. Jesus is the promise keeper, not us. He’s the one who has promised to make all things new, including me.
     Father, that’s why serving you is much more than merely “desirable,” it’s the greatest privilege conceivable and the purest delight imaginable. 
For Jesus is our Joshua—the one has saved us… is saving us… and one Day will completely save us. Without any embarrassment or fear of cliché, I gladly affirm, JESUS SAVES. 
What other savior died for us that we might find life in him?
What other god sacrificially serves us that we might gratefully serve him?
     Because of the gospel, throwing away my idols feels less like a painful sacrifice and more like a liberating dance. 
For all my “empty nothings” have ever given me is momentary pleasure and lasting regrets. 
Remind me of this all year long when I lose “gospel-sanity,” and am tempted to think otherwise.
     Father, may this be a year of considering our lives worth nothing to us, if only we may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us—the task of testifying (by word and deed) to the gospel of your grace (Acts 20:24). 
So very Amen, we pray, in Jesus’ name, with great anticipation and much thanksgiving.

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>I am Grateful for All the Advent Blessings -Borrowed Words-

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> I have been reading Scotty Smith’s prayers this Advent; they have been my companions when I come to the Father; they have opened my eyes to be grateful for so many Advent blessings that I did not count. Today I borrow his words and make them mine.

992. I am grateful for the one who prepared the way, John the Baptist, who was the voice of the desert; who proclaimed your coming and the repentance of sins.

993. Thank you for becoming flesh and taberanacling among us.

“Jesus, I praise you for becoming “flesh” and “tabernacling” among us for just the right amount of time. Though equal to, yet distinct from the Father, you didn’t consider your glory something to be tightly grasped or held onto selfishly. Rather, you emptied yourself by becoming a man—but not just any ordinary man, a servant-man, the Servant of the Lord… the second Adam, our Savior… my Savior”(1)

994.  Thank you because you accomplished everything necessary for he redemption of your people.

“In your thirty-three years of incarnate life, you accomplished everything necessary for the redemption of the people for whom you lived and died… but also for the restoration of the world you created and love. Be magnified, adored, regaled, worshiped and loved, Lord Jesus. What a wonderful merciful Savior you are! What a God who is so mighty to save!”(1)

995. Thank you because you reign with grace and truth.

  “I cannot sing Isaac Watt’s great Advent hymn, “Joy to the Word,” without thinking of John’s telling of your birth narrative. For you are presently ruling the world with your grace and truth—the grace and truth with which you are full. You’re making the nations prove the wonders of your love… as the gospel runs from heart to heart, and nation to nation.” (1)



996- 1002.

“From the fullness of your grace we keep receiving one blessing after another—one blessing on top of another. The blessings of your imputed righteousness… the blessings of perpetual favor with God… the blessings your intercession and advocacy… the blessings of your Spirit’s work in our lives… the blessings citizenship in heaven… the blessing of knowing the good work you have begun in us, and in the cosmos, will be brought to completion! Hail the incarnate deity!” (1)

1003- 1006. O, Your Word, Lord, your Word, I am grateful for it!

“Jesus, I’m thankful to know that every word of the Word, in one way or another, is ultimately about you. Every command drives me to you. Every promise is fulfilled in you. Every story whispers your name… points to your glory… and proffers your grace. This is why I love the Bible, all of the Bible, more than ever.”(2)

1007-1008

“Jesus, I praise you for being Immanuel—God with us and God for us. Your presence and your presents are all that we need… much more than we realize… and way beyond all we could have ever hoped for or imagined.”(2)

1009. I am grateful that You reign sovereignly over all circumstances.

“You’re at work in all things for your glory and for our good… in the obvious and in the not-so-obvious… in our gains and in our pains… in what we “get” and in the things which seem to contradict Who we know… when we’re “feeling the love” and when we’re feeling very lonely… when the gospel makes all the sense in the world to us and when we’re tempted to say with John the Baptist, “Are you the Messiah, or should we be looking for another?” (2)

1010. I am grateful that YOU  are the Messiah, the One Way, the One Truth , the One Life. (2)

1011. I thank you, O Lord, that you have not finished with me; that nothing can separate me from you.

“Absolutely nothing can separate us from your love, for we’re been called according to the Father’s purpose, which will never fail nor falter. He “knew” us—he set his affection upon us before the world began, and he will continue to provide everything necessary to complete the work of the gospel in our lives. We cannot not be more justified than we already are and we’ll be as glorified as any mortal man ever will be. Joy to the world indeed. Joy to us.” (2)

1012. Thank you for being the Shepherd-Savior that You are.

“Having laid down your life as the Lamb of God, you have risen and are now the standing shepherd promised by Micah—relentlessly caring… vigilantly protecting… faithfully providing for us. You never slouch, sleep nor slumber. You’re constantly cherishing and caring for us. You know us by our names and needs. Be praised and worshiped, O good and engaged Shepherd.”(3)

1013. Thank you because we lack nothing we need.

“Jesus, because of your great love for us in the gospel, we lack nothing we need. Though we don’t get everything we want, we do have everything we need for life and godliness… and a whole lot more. We praise you it’s green pastures and quiet waters to which you lead us—all for the restoring of our tired, weary, broken, rebellious souls. Your kindness is without equivalent.” (3)

1014. Thank you because you nourish us all the time.

” Jesus, you nourish us all the time, even when enemies are close by and threatening. Your generous anointing overflows us for the blessing of others. To follow you is to be followed by the fragrance of your goodness and love.” (3)

Open my eyes to see you this Advent season, open my eyes that I may not miss what does it mean in my daily life that You became Man.

(1) source
(2) source
(3) source

Related Posts:

Joining the Creation in Praise
Celebrating the Incarnation of Our Lord- Quotes that Nourish-
Gifts we Bring -a Guest Post by Elizabeth DeBarros-
Celebrating the Incarnation of our Lord -Part One-

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>Borrowed Words -From the Valley of Vision-

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Today I am thankful for the privileges that I have in Christ.

O Lord God,Teach me to know that grace precedes, accompanies, and follows
my salvation,
that it sustains the redeemed soul,
that no one link of its chain can never break.
From Calvary’s cross wave upon wave of grace reaches me,
deals with my sin,
washes me clean,
renews my heart,
strengthens my will,
draws out my affection,
kindles a flame in my soul,
rules through my inner man,
consecrates my every thought, word, work,
teaches me thy immeasurable love.
How great are my privileges in Jesus Christ!
Without Him i stand off, a stranger, an outcast;
In Him I draw near and touch his kingly scepter.
Without Him I dare not  lift up my guilty eyes;
In Him I gaze upon my Father- God and friend.
Without Him I hide my lips in trembling shame;
in Him I open my mouth in petition and praise.
Without Him all is wrath and consuming fire;
In Him is all love, and the repose of my soul.
Without Him is gaping hell below me, and eternal anguish;
in Him its gates are barred to me by His precious blood.
Without Him darkness spreads its horrors in front;
in Him an eternity of glory is my boundless horizon.
Without Him all within me is terror and dismay,
in Him every accusation is charmed into joy and peace.
Without Him all things external call for my condemnation;
in Him they minister to my comfort,
and are to be enjoyed with thanksgiving.
Praise be to Thee for Grace,
and for the unspeakable gift of Jesus.
Amen

Praying the Psalms -Psalm 100

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Folio 111 verso from a psalter (British Library, Stowe 2). Initial D from Psalm 100 (Beatus).

Thanksgiving is almost here, the last details are on our list and we are excited… It makes me happy to think that Thanksgiving is the opening door to the way that leads us to the Nativitity. We start with thanksgiving, with a grateful heart, we slow down to give thanks to the Almighty One for his mercies .

What a better way to prepare our hearts for this Advent season, and for the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord?

Let us walk towards Bethlehem with thanksgiving in our hearts!

 

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, 
all the earth!
Make a joyful noise to the Lord,
O my soul!
Do not be quiet today,
praise Him out loud!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come, serve Him, O my soul,
For all that He has done,
Come and serve Him
in your home and family today!
Come into His presence with singing!
Join me little ones,
come with mom and dad and let us
enter today His presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, He is God!
It is he who made us, and we are His;
we are his people, and the sheep of 
his pasture.
God the Creator of all,
the Lord of lords,
has made us, and we are his!
We are His because He bought us
with a price.
We are His and not ours.
Our days are in His hands,
we are His sheep and
He nourishes our souls
and bodies.
Let us give Him thanks!
Let us make a joyful noise!
Let us serve Him with gladness!
Let us come into His presence with singing!
We can not see this and remain quiet,
we cannot see His goodness and not be glad.
We cannot see His new mercies every morning
and not be thankful!
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
enter His courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Lord, your goodness, your mercy,
your grace,
they are too wonderful to comprehend!
When fears try to threaten me,
I will raise my voice and give thanks
to you, O Lord,
who has promised me goodness,
and steadfast love,
and faithfulness to all generations!
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Praying the Psalms -Psalm 116-

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I love you, my Lord,
because you have heard my voice and my pleas for mercy;
–so many times I have sinned and you have brought me before You
 to ask forgiveness, only to find mercy at your feet.

I love you, my Lord,
because you have inclined your ear to me.
 – who else can I call day and night?
    who else will hear my heart beat
    and my deepest dreams?
Therefore I will call on you as long as I live.

When the snares of death encompassed me:
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me:
when I have suffered distress and anguish
I have called on your name:
“O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”

– Lord, I am so thankful for this, 
  you not only hear my weary voice,
  but you hear to answer my cry.
  
-Lord, I am forever thankful, because
 you turn your ear to hear the voice of 
 your people, your delight is in answering our pleas.

Gracious you are O Lord,
Righteous and merciful you are, my God;
You preserve the simple;
When I was brought low, you saved me.

– Lord,  your deeds are too wonderful for me to grasp,
 you delight in raising up the low;
 It amazes me that you, the Most Holy One,
 will  stretch out your hand to save sinners like me 
 from the darkest pit.

-O my soul, don’t be anxious for nothing,
 have you forgotten Who the Lord is?
Return, O my soul, to your rest,
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.


-Lord, I am grateful because in my iniquity,
 you came to me and cleansed me,
 and not only that but you have dealt  with me
 with many blessings, with many gifts,
 I don’t deserve any of those,
 yet you have dealt with me bountifully!

Lord, my God, you have delivered my soul from
death
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling;

My heart can’t comprehend your grace!
I am yours, all my gratitude is due to you!

Because of your perfect sacrifice,
Because of your amazing grace,
I will walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.

What shall I render to You,
O Most High God for all your benefits to me?

What shall I render to you,
O Most High God for all your benefits to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation
 and call on the name of the Lord,
I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all His people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of hos saints.
O Lord, I am your servant;
You have loosened my bonds.

For this I am grateful, O Lord,
for who is he who buys a servant
only to make Him free?
It is only you, O Lord, who looses
the bonds that separated me
from your divine love!

I will offer to you the sacrifice of
thanksgiving
and call upon your name, O Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of His people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
In your midst, O Jerusalem,

Praise the Lord!

 
 
 
Related Posts:
 
 
 
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>Sunday’s Prayer

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Picture taken by my daughter,@Pixels and Stories
Glorious God,
It is the flame of my life to worship Thee,
the crown and glory of my soul to adore Thee,
Heavenly pleasure to approach Thee.
Give me power by Thy Spirit to help me worship now,
that I may forget the world,
be brought into fullness of life,
be refresged, comforted and blessed.
Give me knowledge of thy goodness
that I might not be over-awaed by thy greatness;
Give me Jesus, Son of Man, Son of God,
that I might not be terrified,
but be drawn near with filial love,
with holy boldness;
He is my mediator, brother interpreter,
branch, daysman, Lamb;
him I glorify,
in Him I am set o high.
Crowns to give I have none,
but what thou hast given I return,
content to feel that everything is mine when it is thine,
and the more fully mine when I have yielded it to Thee.
Let me live wholly to my Savior,
free from distractions,
from carrking care,
from hindrances to the pursuit of the narrow way.
I am pardoned through the blood of Jesus-
give me a new sense of it,
continue to pardon me by it,
may I come every day to the fountain,
and every day be washed anew,
that I may worship thee always in spirit and truth.
The Valley of Vision
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Today, my friends, I invite you to join me in praise! 
I am thankful to my Lord, for the flame He ignited in my soul,
for the heavenly pleasure I find when I come before Him;
I am thankful for the Holy Spirit, my helper and my strength;
I am grateful, forever grateful,  for Jesus, 
my God and Saviour,
The Perfect Lamb of God who took away my sins!
O, How much I love my Lord!
I am thankful because I know He is interceding, even right now, for me,
I am thankful for the Way to the Father He opened for us, His saints.
I am grateful that all belongs to Him,
that all the good in me, if any, is because of Him,
that I am undone before Him, to gain the pleasure of  being at His feet.
O, How much I love my Lord!
He has pardoned me through His blood!
I am forever thankful!
He sanctifies me 
as I journey under the sun and by His grace,
day by day,
on my way to Heaven….

Some other entries on the Lord’s Day:

Churches are for Worshiping God
Sunday’s Psalm -Psalm 19-
Daily On My Way to Heaven
Repose

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