July 16

Prayer for Personal Conduct (from 1 Timothy)

Lord God, I pray that this day my conduct will be like that you have set for your clergy: Above reproach. May I be this day temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, and not violent, but gentle. May I never be quarrelsome, always seeking peace even in disagreement, and may my love be for you and my fellow man, not for money. I pray that I manage my own household well. If I have any children in my charge, I pray to that I may take the time to see that they are in control and behaving with proper respect. Grant me a good reputation with outsiders, so that I will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. This I pray through my Lord Christ, whose love and attention ever gave us an example of conduct, Amen.

*****

Confession and Repentance

Almighty and most merciful Father, I have erred and strayed from Your ways like a lost sheep. I have followed too much the devices and desires of my own heart. I have offended against Your holy laws. I have left undone those things which I ought to have done; and I have done those things which I ought not to have done; and there is nothing good in me. O Lord, have mercy upon me, miserable offender. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto men in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant that I may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of His name. Amen. ~ adapted from the 1789 Book of Common Prayer

*****

Prayer to Inspire Others

Lord, I ask you to inspire me to encourage others by what I say and do today. God and Father of all people, never let me look down on others or make anyone feel inferior.

Lord, show me how to live today with genuine concern for others. In expressing my care, may I show people that they are valued, loved and appreciated for who they are. Amen.

Meditation

[Inspiring others by my acts.]

*****

Lord, in utter humility I thank you and glorify you, that you might hear the prayer of one so small as myself, amidst the billions of souls among billions of stars in one of billions of galaxies in your universe. Let me go forth in your peace, keeping your Spirit always in my mind; and bless me, I pray, that I might always follow your will and live in the radiance of your blessing. Amen.

*****

Father, I believe Your Word, and ask You to remove any unbelief or doubt concerning the integrity of Your promises. In the name of Jesus, I renounce the world’s allurements that attempt to pull me into sin—they are ineffective in my life. Your Word is my standard and because I am a doer of Your Word, I will not be deceived. The fresh Manna of Your Word keeps me on target with Your plans, Lord. My steadfast confidence is in You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

*****

My Father, help me to learn through kindness and tenderness the value of self-control. Help me in the moods of jealousy and impatience, that I may not cause others unhappiness by words or deeds. Teach me how to overcome the ways that keep me discontented, that I may have a brighter speech. Amen.

*****

Dear Father in heaven, as your children we stand before you and lift our eyes to you. We are poor, needy people, often wretched and tormented. Let your eyes rest upon us. Grant us the help we need. Bless us when we gather in the name of Jesus Christ, that we may be a people who learn to serve you on all the paths we follow, even if it proves bitterly hard. Give us true faith for every moment. May we have joy and confidence that you are with your children, that you remain with them forever, until the great time of redemption when we will rejoice with all past generations and with all who are living today. Amen.

July 17

Prayer for the Morning

Blessed are you, O Lord my God, King of the universe, who removes sleep from my eyes, that I may see the returning light of the your day. I thank you for all that you have done while I was asleep, watching over me and all your children while we slept unaware, and I pray that my thoughts and acts this day may show forth my love and thanks for you and all you have done for me.

Help me through your Holy Spirit, that I may remember what you have taught me in the Bible and it may show forth in my every deed. Let me not wander into the hands of sin, nor into the hands of pride or perversity, nor into the hands of temptation, nor into the hands of shame, but steer my inclinations towards goodness and charity this morning and all the day. In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.

*****

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep me from falling away and will bring me with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time, Amen.

*****

Thank You, Father, for providing everything I need to cause me to ride on the high places of the earth. The Son of Righteousness arose with healing in His wings and He took every disease and sickness as my substitute on Calvary so that I can walk in wholeness. I prosper, and I am in health even as my soul prospers. Healed, whole and infused with Holy Ghost power, I bring Your dominion into my world, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

My Father, help me to avoid the critical spirit that leans toward injustice. Grant that none may be made despondent waiting for my mercy; but through forgiveness may I inspire confidence in those who have made mistakes, and influence them to a better life. Amen.

*****

Loving Lord, you tell us in the Bible that whatever wrong we have done you tread down our faults to the bottom of the sea. Mic 7 19 We know there is no need to keep thinking about what we have done in the past, Is 43 18 because you pardon the wrongs we have done, and you delight in showing mercy. Mic 7 18 You bind up all our wounds Ps 147 3 and you renew us by your love. Zeph 3 17 Lord, you love all that you have made, Wis 11 24 and it is your very nature to love and forgive. Lead us to be generous in accepting and forgiving others in the same way as you accept and forgive us. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, we pray today for the restoration of the generation gap. May the fathers have Your wisdom in dealing with their children. May the young men respect and honor their elders. Lord, convict fathers to be the proper role models for their children and love their children with Your love. Your disciplines are never done to destroy us, but to correct and turn us away from the things that are harming us. May the fathers look to You as how to deal with their rebellious children. Lord, give the children and young men submissive spirits so that they heed their father's good advice and may they offer their strength to help their fathers. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****


“A Prayer For Being A Pleasant Aroma”

Father, I am thankful for the sense of smell. Depending on what I am smelling it can bring about a pleasant response where I linger taking in more and more of the pleasing scent. Today, I pray that the spiritual fruit from my life would emit such an aroma. First, I want to offer to You the sweet smelling sacrifice of a life fully surrendered to You. Secondly, I pray that those whom I see today would find my words and/or actions to be a very uplifting part of their day. May I bring encouragement through pleasant conversation and by taking a personal interest in others. Keep my mind and words from wandering in the cesspool of lies, jealousy, gossip, immorality and hatred. Instead I want to spread the aroma of the living Christ that others might seek Him. You will bring about divine appointments throughout my day if I make the most of every opportunity. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

July 18

Prayer To Do God's Will Today

Thy will be done. Dear God, I am full of the sound of my own voice, that lump of pride deep within me that will not go away, no matter how I try. Give me the strength through the power of your Holy Spirit to hear your voice and follow it, fighting the temptation to sin that bubbles up inside me whenever my mind strays from you.

Thy will be done. Thy will be done. Thy will be done.

You have commanded us to love one another, this I know without doubt. And yet all day I am filled with judgments, with resentments, with anger that sneaks in and grabs me when I am not paying attention to you. I pray dear God, that you will soften my heart to my fellow humans, no matter how sinfully they may act, and leave the judging to you, as you have commanded. Fill me with acceptance in place of judgment, sympathy in place of anger, faith in place of resentment. For my judgments and anger are the creatures of pride.

May I do thy will this day, in the name of Christ I pray. Amen.

*****

Now, to God the Father, who first loved us, and made us accepted in the Beloved; to God the Son, who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; to God the Holy Ghost, who sheddeth the love of God abroad in our hearts, be all love and all glory in time and to all eternity. Amen. ~ by John Wesley (1760)

*****

The Rock of our Salvation

You are my Father, my God, and my Rock of Salvation. Thank You for giving me an obedient heart so that I can wisely obey Your Word. I am building my house upon the rock. When the rains, floods and winds of life oppose me, they will not prevail for I refuse to move off of Your Word, Lord. My house shall stand because I hear Your Word and I am a doer of the Word in the name of Jesus. Amen

*****

Dear Lord, help me to put my own problems in the proper perspective, trusting Your plan for my life. Let me see that the "daily-ness" of my living is a part of the fabric of my eternity. ... Especially in the midst of my despair, let my inner peace and joy be the sign of Your loving Presence in my life. Thank You, Lord.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Lord Jesus, bring your love to our lives in a new way today so that any fear that we might have is driven away, knowing that “perfect love casts out fear”. Then your light will shine more brightly in us, and others will be able to see the good things that are done in your name. Help us to grow more aware of the love and respect and dignity that you give us in calling us your friends”. We ask that your Spirit acts in us so that we discover and take pride in who we really are. Make us credible witnesses of your love so that others may more readily share in your love and your light, you who are the light of the world. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for always being there for me. Lord, I do want to keep my heart right before You, and before those people whom You have placed in my life. Please forgive me when I fail to do the right thing. Strengthen me to be kind and good toward others, especially my own family. Help me to overcome the fear of what men think, and to be more concerned about what You think. I know that You look at my heart and see things that are not pleasing to You. I give You the right to deal with those things and remove them from my life. Help me to be meek and lowly like You are, and not to allow pride to keep me from communicating with those whom I would rather not have to deal with. Fill me with Your love and wisdom in all my relationships. I humbly ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

*****

Lord our God, we thank you for being among us as our Father, for letting us be your children on earth. We thank you that as your children we can find life in spirit and in truth. Grant that each of us may find how our lives on earth can be lifted up by your Spirit. Your Spirit can bring us what we men do not possess, so that our daily work, all our striving and struggling for the outward things of life, may be pervaded by what is higher and greater. Your Spirit can keep us from falling into base and petty ways, from getting lost in earthly experiences which do not last, no matter how much they demand our attention. We thank you for all you have done for your children. Continue to help us, that we may serve you every day in gladness and gratitude. Amen.

*****

Workplace Prayer

My Heavenly father, as I enter this workplace I bring your presence with me. I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy, and your perfect order in this office. I acknowledge your power over all that will be spoken, thought, decided, and done within these walls.

Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with. I commit to using them responsibly in your honor. Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job. Anoint my projects, ideas, and energy so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring you glory.

Lord, when I am confused guide me. When I am burned out infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit. May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy, and a smile to all that I come in contact with today.

July 19

Oh God, hold me in the palm of your hand. I pray that you will mold me into what you want me to be. May I joyfully fill the role you have given to me and feel your peace deep in my soul, today and always, Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, help me to learn that You have a purpose for me right where I am -- whether happy or depressed, secure or frightened, well or ill, going forward or marking time -- there is something that I can do for You, Lord. ... You can use me every day of my life! Show me how, Lord. ... Help me to take time to listen, and to chip away at my self-centeredness, that I may "know" within me Your Holy Spirit's leading. ... Help me to want to make Your will my will, in both big and little things -- such as to encourage another, to show love and kindness, or to lend a helping hand. ... No matter my present circumstances, it is up to me to enlarge the vistas of my life, isn't it? Open my eyes to see the opportunities that You provide for me to reflect You each day.

This I ask in Jesus' name.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

In times of difficulty, Lord, may we support others with the same care and concern as we would like to experience ourselves. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful that You have always supplied all of my needs. Help me to always trust You and not to worry about having a supply of food and clothes and the other things that I need in this world, but to just seek You and Your will daily in my life. Lord, I want to be more concerned about having a pure heart in Your sight than any material thing. Lord, I humble myself in Your sight and ask You to remove all pride and critical attitudes from my heart. Give me a heart of mercy and love for others and most of all, I want to always love You and follow You in all things. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

July 20

For the Spirit of Prayer

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord. Let your Holy Spirit guide me in my prayer and in thought, and grant me the grace to listen and hear your Word. Soften my heart, that I may be directed by your truth, and not the devices of my body and mind. In the name of Christ I ask this, Amen.

*****

Now all glory to you, mighty God, who is able to keep me from falling away and will bring me with great joy into your glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to you who alone are God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are yours before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time, Amen.

*****

Lord, our God and King, your greatness is seen throughout the earth. When I gaze at the heavens which your fingers have formed, and look at the moon and the stars which you have set there, I realise how small we are in the majesty of your creation. Yet you treasure us above all that you have made, and you give us control over all the works of your hand - animals both wild and tame, birds in the air, and the creatures of the sea. Lord, our God and King, your greatness is seen throughout the earth.

*****

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for giving us Your guidelines for every area of our lives. We know that when we follow Your ways and keep Your commandments we will enjoy blessings in this life. Lord, help us to be honest in all of our dealings with money so that we will be blessed. Forgive us when we have put money into the wrong things. Lord, forgive those who have stolen from us and taken advantage of us. We look to You to restore what was lost. Help us to be wise and not be tricked into using our money in the wrong ways. May we use our money and resources to not only take care of our responsibilities, but to also give, to help others and to help get the gospel out to others. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Care for Absent Loved Ones

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Dear Father, our partner in caring,

How hard it is to be far away from those we want to encourage to walk in your ways. We leave them in your hands, Lord, and ask you to send your angels to guard their ways. Keep those that we love from the power of the tempter. Grant us good news from them. We long to hear that they are learning more and more of your will and growing in your grace. Let us know that they are standing firm in truth.

What thanksgiving we send before your throne, what joy we feel for them before you, our God. What a torrent of prayer we pour out before you that whatever is lacking in their faith may be supplied!

Make us the agents who will supply their spiritual needs. Let there be many times for us and our loved ones to be together for times of refreshment in your word and in prayer.

In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

*****

Lord our God, you want to be our God and you want us to be your people. Give us the inner integrity and the power to discern and reject what does not come from the heart, so that everything may be genuine among us. Then no lies and deception will creep in, and honesty and goodness will flow from our hearts to the glory of truth, to the glory of the gospel and the great hope you give men through the gospel. Guard our hearts. Protect the good that is planted in them, that it may grow and thrive and bear fruit. Amen.

*****

Prayer of Repentance Thomas Cranmer

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all; we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we, from time to time most grievously have committed by thought, word and deed against Thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly they wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous upon us; the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us most merciful Father; for Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever serve and please Thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of Thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

July 21

Prayer for the Morning

Heavenly Lord, you have brought me to the beginning of a new day. As the world is renewed fresh and clean, so I ask you to renew my heart with your strength and purpose. Forgive me the errors of yesterday and bless me to walk closer in your way today. This is the day I begin my life anew; shine through me so that every person I meet may feel your presence in my soul. Take my hand, precious Lord, for I cannot make it by myself. Through Christ I pray and live, Amen.

*****

To See Christ

Oh holy Christ, teach me to recognize your face in the people you put into my life today. Amen.

Meditation

[Recognizing Christ in other people.]

*****

Let me not forget my prayers as I go out into the world. Holy Spirit, be with me, and let me praise you and remember you in my every action and thought, for the entire day long. In Christ's name I ask this, Amen.

*****

Restoration

Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. LORD, I thank You for restoring my soul. You are faithful and will restore to me the years that the locust has eaten…. I release all resentment and grief over past losses, and I shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied. I praise the name of the Lord my God that has dealt wondrously with me: and I shall never be ashamed. You are the Lord my God. Amen

*****

Dear Father in heaven, I love You so much. You have been so good to me. Thank you for Your mercy and goodness to me over the years. I have not deserved Your great patience with me, but I am thankful that You were there for me every time I fell down and every time I failed You. Thank you for picking me up and forgiving me and washing me clean so I could start again on that narrow path where my careless feet went astray. Help me to be merciful, like You, to those in my life who need Your mercy through me. Give me grace not only to forgive them, but to love them as You have loved me. I ask this in the name of Your precious son, Jesus. Amen.

July 22

Humility

In the name of Jesus, I submit myself to You, my God. Thank You giving me more grace.

I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s strongholds of pride and arrogance that would hinder my walk in the Spirit. Pride goes before a fall. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will remain humble before You. Then You will lift me up and make my life significant. Amen

*****

Dear Lord, help me to walk closely with You daily, taking time to read Your Word, so that I will come to know You, and recognize Your Spirit's leading, so that I will not be deceived or coerced into following "another Jesus."* ... Give me the courage and wisdom to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." Help me to "fight the good fight of faith,"** that I may be Your true witness.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

* (See II Cor. 11:4) ** (I Tim. 6:11-12)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Great God, may I begin this day bearing in mind that the things which I think and do are my life. I pray that thou wilt keep me from making great efforts for that which is valueless, and thus waste my life. May I watch my pride and indolence that they may not cause me to lose the best. Amen.

*****

God our Father, we thank you that in the vastness of your creation there is something special about the beauty of this earth. Into our world which you love so much you sent Jesus, your Son - your Word who became a human being - and he made his home among us. Open our eyes that we may have a sense of wonder and awe that leads us to treasure all that you have made. Show us how to value all who are a part of our lives this day. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am grateful for all the guidelines You have given us in this wonderful book of Proverbs. Help me to heed the warnings and apply the wisdom that I find in these pages. Lord, I pray that I will walk as a godly woman so that I will be a blessing to all of those around me. Forgive me when I fail to be gracious or impatient with people. May I apply Your love, wisdom and goodness to all of my daily affairs. Lord, draw the lost in our neighborhood to Your saving grace. Use me to be a witness to them. I am claiming their souls for Your kingdom. I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

July 23

Prayer for the Morning

You are ushering in another day, untouched and freshly new, So here I come to ask You God if You'll renew me too?

Forgive the many errors, that I made yesterday, And let me try again dear God, to walk closer in Thy way.

But Father, I am well aware, I can't make it on my own. So take my hand and hold it tight, for I can't walk alone. Amen.

*****

For Faith

Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my mind. Give me a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity, so that I may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, whether life polishes me or grinds me down depends on what I am made of, doesn't it? And what I am made of depends on where I'm centered. ... Oh Lord, help me to make You my focus, my center, in the days ahead; to daily read Your Word, to be still and reflect on its meaning, so that I may really get to know You. How can I sense Your will for my life unless I first try to build a relationship with You? Only then can I discern how You would respond in my situation, and know intuitively the leading of Your Holy Spirit. ... Help me Lord, for I want to be willing to commit my life totally to You.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I praise you and thank you that You do hear and answer my prayers. Lord, help me stay on the straight and narrow path so that I do not go down the wrong roads and have to learn the hard way. Lord, I know that when I diligently seek You, that You will answer me and save me from many pitfalls. Help me to avoid the things that will cause me pain and trouble in the future. I want to hear Your voice so that I can make wise decisions and avert many of the traps and tribulations that the enemy wants to use to destroy me. Keep me from evil, and help me to trust You. Please give me the strength to obey You in all things. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

July 24

To Speak in Sympathy

Lord God, I pray that you will give me the strength to speak up for the woebegotten and those isolated in any way, even when no other person will; let me refrain from the unkind silence created in a hard heart, the unkind silence that clouds the bright sunshine of human sympathy and truth. Give me strength to be the first to speak the tender word of healing and friendship; make your Spirit powerful in my heart, that I may not remain silent when Christian love requires that something be said. And give me a sense of purpose, that I might actively forge the bonds of love among my brothers and sisters in Christ; this I ask in His name, Amen.

Meditation

[Give me the strength to speak, when something must be said.]

*****

Eternal God, may I become more like thee. Give me the desire to associate myself with people and places where the divine spirit is supreme. May my soul breathe in the influence of all that is good and true; and may I use my life for thy honor and praise. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I do appreciate all that You have given me. Lord, please help me to overcome any selfishness or insecurity that would keep me from giving to the poor and needy. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of others and not just concerned about my own needs. Also, let me not be neglectful to pray for those who may not have anyone praying for them. I do pray for my family and friends, but Lord, enlarge my heart to reach out beyond my circle of relationships, that I may pray for and give to those You would show me that have needs. Let me always be merciful to those who need mercy and I thank you for the many times You have shown mercy to me. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer Of Thanks For God’s Word”

Father, You bless those those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The sweetness of Your Word is like sweet honey in our mouth that reminds us of Your faithfulness, Your goodness and Your mercy that overflows into our lives as You forgive us of our sins and provide us with an abundant life. Your Words are a sweet savor to our soul as we walk obediently according to Your Word. Amen.

*****

I Have All in God by Julian of Norwich

God of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are sufficient for me... If I were to ask anything less I should always be in want, for in you alone do I have all.

July 25

For Perseverance Today

If things get tough today, Lord — and in all hard times — let me stay motivated and calm. Let me look at how far I have come rather than how far I still have to go. Let me continue counting my blessings, not what I've been missing. May every day bring new chances to grow, new beautiful things to see, new plans to do, and new goals to pursue, as every new day is Your miracle day. Amen.

Prayer to Cast Aside Bad Habits

Mighty Holy Spirit, face of the one true God, help me, for I have slipped into bad habits. Something in me defies my attempts to change, and I feel compelled to do that which I do not want to do. I feel weak and ashamed, and I turn to you for help. Help me, dear God. Help me to resist this temptation. Lend me your mighty power to cast it aside.

You have graciously promised that you would not let us be tempted beyond our ability, but instead, would provide an escape for any temptation we pray to resist. Holy Spirit, show me my escape from my bad habit. Let me resolve to work on it, to pray on it, to turn it into a habit of good; for I know how you love righteous conduct, and my love for you longs to please you. Work your power to help me please you, mighty God; for I know that with your help, I can overcome any evil. In Christ's name, I pray, Amen.

Meditation

[May the Holy Spirit be my shield from temptation.]

*****

Blessing

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, this day and evermore. Amen.

*****

Loving Father, help me to put away the distractions and cares that make me discontented. Grant that I may not set myself in "gilded pride" and keep out the precious things of life. Help me to abandon doubt and suspicion, and keep the faith that is happy to believe and willing to forgive. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For The Lonely”

Jesus, my friend who sticks closer than a brother, a mother or father, thank You for the many Scriptures reassuring us that we’re never alone, whether it’s during our mountain top experiences or in the valleys below. You promise that Your Spirit will never leave us nor forsake us, but You will be with us always. We are encouraged and strengthened by Your abundant promises and Your abiding presence. Amen.

*****

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, Creator of what is good, beautiful, and full of joy so that men may work in harmony with you, we thank you for all the good that comes to us. May we be your children, joined together to serve you. May our life bring joy to others, and may we do good without ceasing through your great, strong love, which moves us, strengthens us, and helps us every day, however hard life may be. May your name be praised throughout the world. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, thank you for today and all that you do. I love you Lord with all my heart. Please help me show this love to others as I go about the day.

July 26

Prayer for the Morning

Blessed are you, Lord God of my salvation, to you be praise and glory forever. As once you ransomed your people from Egypt and led them to freedom in the promised land, so now you have delivered me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of your risen Son.

May I, the fruit of your new creation, rejoice in this new day you have made, and praise you for your mighty acts. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

*****

Prayer of Abandonment

Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all Your creatures — I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul; I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands, without reserve, and with boundless confidence,
For you are my Father. Amen.

Meditation

[Let Your will be done in me.]

*****

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, let me think about these things. What I have learned and received, let me do; and the God of peace be with us all.
Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, when has life not been uncertain? Each generation has its own problems, and when Your people have turned away from You, their trials and hardships have intensified. So what do You require of us, and where can we find security? ... You have said that we are "to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You,"* and that "he that shall endure to the end shall be saved."** ... Help me to keep the faith, and to walk closely with You; for You only expect me to be the best that I can be in whatever circumstances I find myself, and to try to reflect You as Your witness. ... Let me never forget that for any Christian the safest place to be is in the center of Your will. ... Help me Lord, for I am often weak and easily discouraged. Remind me to trust You and to walk in faith, and to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

* (Micah 6:8) ** (Matt. 24:13)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

July 27

O Lord, who hast mercy upon all, take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of thy Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore Thee, a heart to delight in Thee, to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ's sake, Amen.

*****

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

*****

Father, my Lord and my God, I love You, and purpose to walk in Your ways, and keep Your commands; then I will live and increase, and You will bless me…. My labor shall not be in vain, but my wealth shall increase. The Lord shall increase me more and more—my children and me. Lord, make our love increase and overflow for everyone in the name of Jesus. Amen

*****

Lord, I want to be responsible for my own life, and I want to make positive choices each day. Inspire me to get my priorities right and be generous in my care and concern for others. In busy days and casual days remind me, too, of my basic human need for personal time and quiet and space, and lead me to respect the personal needs that others also have. Amen.

*****

Joy, Prayer, the Spirit's Fire

1 Thessalonians 5:16-23

Dear Father, holy God,

Help me always to be joyful and to pray continually, giving thanks to you in all circumstances, since this is your will for me in Christ Jesus.

May I never put out the Spirit's fire in myself. May I never be contemptuous of the prophetic word and the interpretation of it. But let me test everything I hear. Help me hold on to what is good, and to avoid everything that is evil.

May you yourself, Father, make every part of me holy.

In the name of your Holy Son, Jesus, who gave us the Spirit, I pray. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, thank you for this day. I ask that my weaknesses do not lead others to stray. Please give me the wisdom to make the right choices and lead by example.

July 28

Dear Lord, help me to seek You early in the morning that my heart may get its bearings by reading Your Word, and then praying for our country's leaders and interceding for those in need. ... Help me to discover Your direction for my day, lest You get crowded out of my life's difficulties and pleasures, and I am left adrift in a sea of my own choosing.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Dear Father in heaven, I am grateful for all of Your promises in the Bible. Since You are not a man that would lie, then I know I can confidently trust You to keep Your Word. Help me to obey Your Word, for in obeying it, I know that I shall receive Your promises. I do desire to be righteous and holy like You. I know that I cannot attain this without You, but with the Holy Spirit I am able to do all things through Christ Jesus. I am asking in faith that You help me to follow You in everything so that I bring honor to You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

*****

Presentations

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Dear Father, all honor to you,

I present my body to you, O Lord. Give it health, energy and stamina. Give it healing, as needed.

I present my soul, my personality to you, my God. Impress on it the characteristics that honor you and are pleasing to other people, for their good.

I present my spirit to you, dear God. May I be wholly joined to you, one spirit with the Lord.

In Jesus' precious and glorious name. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, our time on earth is short. Please help me realize that it is not the amount of time, but the quality of the time I spend that counts.

July 29

Prayer for the Morning

Father, as I face this new day, let me be aware of the work you have done for me as I slept. I praise you that your loving care never slumbers, but has been with me while I was least aware of it; and that you renew me and the whole world, fresh every day, preparing your plans for me.

I pray that I may seek your will this day, your plan for my life, and carry out your plan in my every action. I lay my hopes and fears on an altar before you, that your Holy Spirit may guide my hopes toward the light of your holiness, and may quiet my fears with the knowledge of your infinite peace, in total confidence that your grace will save me from the evils of this world. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

*****

For God‘s Protection

O GOD who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies that we, surely trusting in thy defence may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ from the 1789 Book of Common Prayer (Anglican)

Meditation

[Service of the Lord is perfect freedom.]

*****

May the Passion of Christ be ever in my heart. May your law and your goodness guide my every thought, O Lord. And may the power of your Holy Spirit flow through my words and my actions today, and always. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, Help us to realize that Christians everywhere are in a spiritual battle, and need to recognize the enemy -- those who ridicule and demean You, trying to blot out Your influence. Help me to realize also that "greater is He (God) who is within me, than he (Satan) who is in the world."* ... If I walk in Your will, then You will never desert me, for I can count on You. You will provide strength and courage and guidance, for You are true to Your Word. ... The question is, can You count on me? Oh Lord, I hope so, for I need You, and You need your people to be faithful. ... Help me to keep my connection for I am often weak, and I am helpless without You.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

* (I John 4:4)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Loving Father, may I never fail to ask for thy guidance, for thou hast promised to lead me to the cool springs while I pass through the desert places. Help me to put myself in thy keeping and say, "Thy will be done." Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, help me to be a strong warrior for You and not shrink back from spiritual warfare. You told us to "submit unto You, and resist the devil and he would flee" in James 4. So, first Lord, I voice my submission to You, to do Your will. Now, we know the devil flees at Your Word, so I say to the enemy: "Satan, I resist you in the name of Jesus and command you to leave me, my family and this ministry. You are a defeated foe, and you have no authority in my life, so therefore you must flee with your temptation, your division, your sickness, and every evil thing you would try to bring against me and those that I am praying for. I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper! Be gone in the name of Jesus!" Thank you, Lord, that You gave us victory over the devil and all of his evil plans. Amen.

*****

Soul, Body and Spirit

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Dear Father, all worthy God,

Please give me the mind of Christ so that my body may be a temple of the spirit of holiness which is his.

May you yourself, O Father, make me holy through and through. May my whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless by your power at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I trust you to do this because you are the one who has called me, and you are faithful. Your word says that you will do it!

By the authority of Jesus and in his name I ask for this growth in grace. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For The Wandering Heart”

Father, with my whole heart I have sought You and made You my Lord and Savior. I have turned my eyes away from worthless things so that my life is preserved here and now and for all eternity. And yet there is a tug of war that battles within me from time to time as I journey here below; the lure of that which satisfies the flesh vs. that which builds me up in the spirit. May Your grace bind my wandering heart so that during times of temptation I hold steady and resist the enemy who seeks to endanger and lead me astray. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

*****

Lord our God, we thank you for the love you show us so that we may be delivered from weakness and sickness, from sin and misery, and may be given strength to serve you, our Father in heaven. Bless us in all we have on our hearts, that through your mercy the battle of life may be fought aright. Bless us in our times and grant that justice may gain the upper hand and we may live in peace, praising you into all eternity. Protect us, your children, forevermore. May your name be honored, your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, I ask you to help me be strong. I want to forgive those who have done me wrong and live a life of happiness. I ask for the strength as forgivness can be difficult when hurt feelings start to surface.

July 30

“St. Patrick's Breastplate”

I rise today with the power of God to pilot me,
God's strength to sustain me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look ahead for me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to protect me,
God's way before me,
God's shield to defend me,
God's host to deliver me,
from snares of devils,
from evil temptations,
from nature's failings,
from all who wish to harm me,
far or near,
alone and in a crowd.
Amen.

*****

~ 8th century Irish prayer

*****

To Know God's Word

Heavenly Lord, I pray to be able to read the Bible and learn your truth. Give me the spirit of understanding and wisdom, for you know how difficult it can be sometimes. Let me understand and absorb the words in your Bible, dear God, and let me see beyond the words on the page and know your true and full Word, Jesus Christ. Let me not be impatient; let my vision not be distorted by my bias, or my preconceptions, or my foolishness, or the foolishness of the world around me. Give me the courage to change my mind, when that is necessary. Let me know you as you intend for me to know you, I pray, O God; let me find my way to you, for I crave to know you and be with you, now and for all of my life, Amen.

Meditation

[Let my vision not be distorted by my bias.]

*****

God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and Spirit of God amidst us, direct our way unto you. Make us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before you, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Amen.

*****

Father, my delight is in the law of the Lord, on Your law I meditate day and night. I am like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever I do prospers Thank You for Your Word that goes out from Your mouth: it will not return to You empty, but will accomplish what You desire and achieve the purpose for which You sent it. I submit to Your Word and will speak words of life, in the name of Jesus. Amen

*****

Lord God, I thank you for your gifts to me of skills, talents, and abilities. May I use them to the best of my ability and grow as the person you want me to be. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful for Your grace and mercy toward me. I need help in the area of guarding my lips. Lord, give me the grace to keep my mouth shut when I should not speak, and give me the holy boldness to speak up when I need to do so, without fearing what others will think about me. May I be a person who blesses others and not one who curses others with a negative confession about them. Cleanse my heart, oh Lord, so that I will not even want to speak evil or bad things. I humble myself before You, Lord, and ask for a meek and lowly spirit like Jesus, our Saviour, has. In His name I pray. Amen.

*****

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all you have done for me. You do so much and yet I still ask for more. Please forgive me and guide me to be appreciative for what I have and what is truly important.