Daily Prayer - More thanks than I can give

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
Or should I say "Good Black Friday morning".  Black Friday, as you probably know, is the Friday after Thanksgiving Day in the USA.  It is the day when retailers go from being "in the red" (losing money) to "in the black" (making a profit) for the year.  It is the biggest shopping day of the calendar year, a day when some of us, as Stompin' Tom used to sing "Save a lot of money spending money we don't got".
 
Whether you are taking part in this new shopping "tradition" today or not, let's rewind for a minute back to the Thanksgiving part. 
 

Grace and peace and great deals be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
My Maker and my King,
To you my all I owe;
Your sovereign bounty
is the spring
Whence all my blessings flow.
 
The creature of your hand,
On you alone I live;
My God, your benefits demand
More thanks than I can give.
 
Lord, what can I impart
When all is yours before?
Your love demands a thankful heart;
My gift, alas! how poor.
 
O! let your grace inspire,
My heartfelt thanks outpour;
Let every word and each desire
And all my days be yours.
Amen.
 
(a prayer by hymnwriter Anne Steele, slightly updated, by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/11/more-thanks-than-i-can-give.html)

Daily Prayer - Past, Present, Future, Eternity

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

I have been reading C.S. Lewis' masterpiece "The Screwtape Letters". 

In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis provides a series of lessons in the importance of taking a deliberate role in living out Christian faith by portraying a typical human life, with all its temptations and failings, as seen from devils' viewpoints. Screwtape holds an administrative post in the bureaucracy ("Lowerarchy") of Hell, and acts as a mentor to Wormwood, the inexperienced tempter. In the body of the thirty-one letters which make up the book, Screwtape gives Wormwood detailed advice on various methods of undermining faith and promoting sin in the Patient, interspersed with observations on human nature and Christian doctrine. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Screwtape_Letters) 

In one of the letters Screwtape encourages Wormwood to keep the "Patient's" focus off the present and off eternity, and to point him instead to dwelling on either the past or the future.  Why?  God would have us keep our attention primarily on the present and eternity, and in particular how our present will affect our or someone else's eternity.  Living in the past typically means regret, shame, and "if onlys", and fretting about the future brings anxiety, worry, and "what ifs".

 

Are you stuck reliving the past?  Excessively concerned about the future?  Those are burdens that you need to lay down at the foot of the Cross and trust that God has both forgiven all your past sins and has a plan to prosper you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, we're abundantly grateful for our home dwellings here on earth where we find pleasure, companionship, comfort, rest and food.
 
If we're not intentional, we will give more time and affection to our temporal home than our future eternal home.
 
Perhaps it's because we're living in the here and now and the future seems so distant and unfamiliar.
 
Help us not to fear the future nor foolishly think it will not come, but to embrace it so that we are prepared when that moment comes.
 
May our heart's yearning, our primary focus, and our physical labors also have heavenly goals each day as we seek to live for You daily. 
 
In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/a-prayer-of-thanks-for-our-eternal-home/)

Daily Prayer - Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
I'm going to show my age a bit this morning.  This weekend I came across a concert on YouTube by a group who called themselves "Highwaymen".  This group consists of some of my all-time favourites - Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.   Sadly, Waylon and Johnny are no longer with us, but I pray they are entertaining the angels with their amazing talents.
 
Near the end of the concert Kristofferson sings his song "Why me?", with the other three giants of country music backing him up.  This is the Gospel set to song.  It tells of a recognition of sin; a deep repentance; and an acceptance of amazing forgiveness.  Then the singer is inspired to show this forgiveness to others: "Maybe Lord, I can show someone else what I've been through myself on my way back to you."  That is the Gospel in action and I love it.
 
And we could all do well to start each day by saying "Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand." 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 

Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown.
 
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
 
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
I can try to repay
All I've taken from you
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to you.
 
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand. 

 

Kris Kristofferson

Daily Prayer - The Big Picture

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
Wow - there is an entire sermon packed into the prayer below. Reflect back to God what you learn (or re-learn) in these words and ask Him to help keep your focus on "the big picture", on eternity.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, there is much that we can learn from our temporal problems here on earth that better prepares us for eternity. 
 
As we work through these troubles, they enable us to have the mind of Christ so that attitudes reflecting the fruit of the Spirit become a spontaneous response to the difficulties that challenge us daily. 
 
Just as light, soil, air and moisture are requirements for growth in vegetation so must faith, prayer, self-denial and persistence in obeying God's Holy Word be requirements for growth in our Christian walk.
 
Help us not to become so caught up in viewing our daily challenges from an earthly perspective that we lose the view of our future home in heaven following the storms we weather here below.
 
We stand in the strength of the Lord Jesus and in the power of His might.
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/a-prayer-for-seeing-the-big-picture-2/)

Daily Prayer - Adverbs

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
How many of us remember from our elementary school grammar the defnition of an "adverb"? 
 
An adverb is a word or phrase that modifies the meaning of an adjective, verb, or other adverb, expressing manner, place, time, or degree (e.g. gently, here, now, very ).
 
As you pray this prayer today, pause to reflect on each request.  Pay particular attention to the adverbs ...

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

Dear Lord,
 
Help me to live this day-
quietly, easily;
 
To lean upon thy great strength-
trustfully, 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
 
(http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/11/quietly-easily.html)

Daily Prayer - Father's Love Letter

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
Perhaps today you, as I, just need to hear God tell you what you mean to Him.
 
Here is His message for you.  Perhaps the Holy Spirit is telling you of someone else who needs to hear this as well.  Please feel free to pass it on to them, or even post it online.
 

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce
 
 
Father's Love Letter
An Intimate Message From God To You.

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications
© 1999-2013 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

(http://www.fathersloveletter.com/text.html)

 

 

Daily Prayer - Anoint me with lowliness, fill me with trembling

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
Who around you, in your house, in your workplace, in your neighbourhood, is waiting for you to tell them the good news?  Jesus has commissioned us to bring His good news, His gospel, to our neighbours (near and far).  Fear often keeps us from that task.  Fear and pride.  Let us pray for boldness for the sharing of the most incredible gift ever given.
 

Grace and peace and boldness be yours in abundance,
Bruce 
 
 
Lord God, what a marvel,
that I can proclaim your Word!
What an honor.
What a joy.
 
You dwell with the lowly
and visit those who tremble at Your Word.
Anoint me with lowliness.
Fill me with trembling.
 
Come upon me in spirit and truth.
Overshadow me with your Spirit.
 
All my springs are in you, Lord.
Flow from me
for the salvation of sinners
and for the blessing,
admonition,
and upbuilding of your church,
in Jesus' name, amen.
 
(http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/11/a-lowly-preachers-prayer.html)

Daily Prayer - On the waiting list?

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
"My unbelief and impatience leads to fearsome worry and unwise behavior."  When I read that line this morning in the prayer below I could see that it was written for me.  And perhaps for you.
 
Do you wait patiently for the Lord to guide?  Or, like me, do you tend to run ahead and call back to Him: "This way!"?  If so then perhaps you, like me, need to spend time in this prayer.
 

Grace and peace and patience be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, many times Scripture that speaks of waiting on You is followed by the directive of being courageous.
 
Indeed it does take courage for me to trust You and not take matters into my own hands since that comes so naturally to my way of thinking and doing things.
 
But as a loving, protecting and omnipotent Father You tenderly care for me as I commit my concerns to You.
 
My unbelief and impatience leads to fearsome worry and unwise behavior.
 
Getting ahead of Your divine plan and perfect timing only leads to more frustration and difficulty.
 
Help me to remember that waiting coupled with prayer brings about growing courage and dependence on You rather than myself.
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/a-prayer-for-those-waiting-4/)

Daily Prayer - Just listen!

Good Friday morning, my friends.

  

Something a little different today.  Instead of coming to God with our seemingly infinite list of requests and demands, how about we just listen?

  

Posted by: "Beth.. One Blessed Nana" in http://praying.kansasbob.com/2013/11/be-still_6.html  

"Be still, and know that I am God..."

(Psalm 46:10)

 

 

God desires for us to be still sometimes. He is desiring for us to get our focus on Him and sit at His Feet and just listen. Too many times we come to Him in prayer with everything all figured out for Him. We have it all organized in our minds and we let Him know just how to fix our problems. But the truth is that the only one who can fix our problems is God. And He knows the perfect way to handle those things that trouble us or assail us. If we would just take the time to get still before our Creator and allow Him to begin speaking to our hearts and souls, He will lead us beside the still waters, calm our spirits and guide us on the right path. And the beautiful part is that He will walk beside us every step of the way. Our God is so good.

 

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce 

AMEN!

Daily Prayer - Failure is never final

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
Our God is the god of second chances and new beginnings.  I am continually amazed that He chooses me despite my sin, despite my wandering, despite my failures.  And I am grateful for it.
 
Are you feeling unworthy of His grace and mercy today?  Unqualified to serve in His kingdom?  Still yourself; lay down your burdens; and allow Him to pick you up and dust you off.  Let His Spirit to minister to you and give you a glimpse of the depth of His love for you.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
God of second chances and new beginnings,
I am always amazed that you choose to use me for your kingdom purposes.
 
You use me as I am …
imperfect …
flawed …
ordinary …
tending sometimes not to do my best …
prone to error …
and very inclined to trip and fall.
 
Always your grace is greater than my mistakes and stumblings.
 
Thank you, O God, for using me in spite of myself!
Unfailing God, remind me often that, in your sight, failure is never final.
By your grace, enable me to deal with my own failures constructively and with the failures of others patiently.
Let it be so.
 
(a prayer of Trudy Archambeau by way of http://bobhostetler.blogspot.ca/2013/11/god-of-second-chances-and-new-beginnings.html)

Daily Prayer - The fullness of righteousness

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
I can definitely relate to this prayer.  I am indeed an empty vessel that needs to be filled by God. 
 
Let us remain with Him, of Whom we can receive, but to Whom we cannot give.
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.
 
I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.
 
I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.
 
I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether.
 
O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.
 
In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have.
 
I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.
 
I am a sinner; you are upright.
 
With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.
 
Therefore I will will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give.
 
Amen
 
...a prayer of Martin Luther
 
(http://praying.kansasbob.com/2013/10/reformation-day-prayer.html)