Daily Prayers - February

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February 3

For Those in Distress

I pray to you, Master, be our helper and defender. Rescue those of our number in distress; raise up the fallen; assist the needy; heal the sick; turn back those of your people who stray; feed the hungry; release our captives; revive the weak; encourage those who lose heart. Let all the nations realize that you are the only God, that Jesus Christ is your Child, and that we are your people and the sheep of your pasture. Amen.

from a prayer by Clement of Rome (@ 96 A.D.)

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Oh God Almighty, send me Your light and truth, to keep this day and all the days of my life. And may Your mighty hand protect me, and all my brothers and sisters who have joined me in prayer this day, blessing our homes and our lives. Amen.

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Father, I thank you for giving me a vision, a purpose and a plan. Give me your heart, your compassion for humanity. I offer my body as a living sacrifice to be your instrument of righteousness – that I might be a true representative of your Kingdom. It is my desire to fulfill my divine destiny, and be successful according to your will. I am here to serve you and love you in the beauty of holiness. Lead me in the way I should go, and with the Holy Spirit as my Helper, I will do great exploits for your Kingdom and others shall know that you are their Help, Redeemer and Salvation. Amen.

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Dear Lord, "I asked for strength, that I might achieve; I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey." ... How often when we are weak we find ourselves forced to turn to You, to wait upon You. ... It is then in the quietness of one's "aloneness" that one senses Your presence, and Your comforting assurance and peace. ... It is then that one learns, as the Apostle Paul did,* that our weakness is Your opportunity to show Your strength, and that Your strength is indeed sufficient for our needs! ... Once we discover this, and seek to learn Your will, we have only to obey. ... Forgive me, Lord, for running ahead of You, and thinking that I can manage my life without You.

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

* (II Cor. 12:7-9)

© 1996 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

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Lord, there are times when we are so concerned about ourselves that we don’t think of others. We ask for the gift of your Spirit that we may grow in awareness of others:
- noticing when someone is unhappy,
- sensing when there’s something wrong for somebody,
- seeing when someone feels cut off or isolated,
- knowing when to say the right word,
- expressing thanks and compliments,
- being thoughtful when someone is ill,
- giving words of encouragement,
- helping someone to feel welcome,
- realizing when someone needs the opportunity to talk.
May we grow in sensitivity towards others. Amen.

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So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, we may come to you, for you have counted us as your children. Our hearts long to come to you, our God and Savior. May your Word bless us and restore us. Give us courageous hearts to bear the distress of our times. Let a light arise in our days so that people care about your will. Then the need on earth shall come to an end, your name shall be honored, and your will be done. Lord God, you alone are our help. Be merciful to us. Stretch out your hand so that all people may turn to you and to your commandments, and your will may be done on earth. Amen.