Daily Prayer - Random?

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
I want to share with you one last message from my sister, Beth, on this journey our family has been on.  As some have noted to me, perhaps Beth should start her own blog - she certainly conveys her heart and faith in a way people can relate to... 

Well friends and family, I head home tomorrow with very mixed emotions. I feel like I've been gone for a very long time so it will be nice to get home (and wonderful when I get to see my hubby and baby girl next Sunday). But leaving isn't easy either. Lyle has been up and down since the transplant. There are so many drugs and so many variables and his body is starting a new fight which is tiring. It's been a huge education in science and medicine. It hasn't exactly been a vacation but there have been some good times and good laughs along the way. God has been so gracious and kind. I talked to a 75 year old lady today who also counts herself blessed as she has battled her own cancer for 7 years. Without the breakthroughs in medicines and cancer treatments, she wouldn't have lasted 5 months. The time has allowed her to reconnect with her estranged children, the final holdout being her oldest daughter who she spoke to on July 4th for the first time in 10 years. God brings many blessings through trials and gives us chances to reconnect, heal, and make amends. These journeys may not be easy, but they are not wasted time. Ironically this same random elderly lady that we ended up sharing lunch with because the cafeteria was so full, told me that she has 9 children... 7 of whom live in Calgary.... the other 2 in Charlottetown, PEI. I fully expect to run into them randomly some day because that's just what God seems to do. I wish you all blessings in the midst of your own trials and I thank you for sharing this journey with me and all my family. Thank you for your continual prayers, encouragement and support. I will see you all soon. Signing off with love from Calgary. Beth 

 

Nothing is random.  God intertwines lives in a way we can not imagine.  Our trials, difficulties and failures will put us in contact with people we would never otherwise have met.  And this all fits in with God's greater perspective, His great plan.  Keep this in mind as you meet someone new today.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Almighty God, Father God, God of great mercy. I love and am grateful I can come before you knowing you accept me as your child whom you love.
 
Thank you so much dear Jesus that you are with me where ever I go. Like a child in his mother's arms I come to you. Take ownership of me, guide me, prompt me, teach me, and instruct me dear God in the way I should go. May your great plan for my life be fulfilled so I may be closer to you.
 
Thank you Father even for the trials and failures that I have endured and will endure.  Teach me that Your plan is unfolding according to Your purpose even in those hard times.  Open my eyes to the people You place in my path, especially in those times, and may I pour into their lives in a way that affects eternity for them and others.
 
Thank you dear God for all you have done and will do.
 
(adapted from http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=2905)

Daily Prayer - Rest for your soul?

Good Monday morning, my friends.

 

One of my favourite scriptures is where Jesus says: 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) 

Does religion weigh you down?  Does it burden you?  Jesus invites us to come to Him, not to a set of rules and regulations, but into a relationship.  I know that most of us know this already, but is it the truth in our lives today?  Our relationship with Jesus should bring rest for our souls.  We should be rejuvenated by prayer, by time reading God's word.

 

If your yoke feels heavy, perhaps you need to come back to the One Who can replace it with something lighter.  When was the last time you read the Gospels just to spend time with Jesus?

 

 

Grace and peace be your in abundance,

Bruce

 

(I want to thank each and every one of you who has been praying for my brother, Lyle, and the rest of my family these past few days.  We are so deeply appreciative for the blessings that have been showered down on us because of your prayers.  Lyle is doing very well and actually went home Saturday on a "day pass".  Perhaps counter-intuitively, perhaps not, home is a safer place for him than the hospital.  There are far fewer viruses and bugs at home, and access can be much more easily restricted.  This is extremely important because Lyle's immune system is not simply compromised, it is non-existent.  And until, by the grace of God, it rebuilds, Lyle is susceptible to any infection or disease that comes along.  We are praying that God creates a "force-field" around the house that keeps Lyle safe and healthy during his recovery.)

 

God you not only have a lovely dwelling place, you are a lovely dwelling place. A perfect peace upon which to rest my weary head. I'm tired today…I do not always want to do what you want me to do…but sustain me past the unwanted and move me to what is needed. Because what is needed is more of You.
 
I do not always make good choices. I stumble and fall daily…but because you surround my heart…I can breathe. I choose peace. I choose joy. I choose love…because that is where I find you. Your dwelling place is hopeful and positive. It reinforces in me everything that I know to be true. Keep me dwelling with you Lord…it's my safe place…my refuge and shelter.
 
Surround me with your love today. Wrap me tight into your promises. Guard my heart from joy thieves and rest my mind with you. Thank you that no matter what, you never leave me. I'm stuck to you and you let me stick.
 
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
 
(http://stephanieclayton.org/2011/12/05/prayer-for-a-weary-soul/)

Daily Prayer - Easter Friday?

Good Friday morning, my friends.

  

It may be Friday, but it feels like Sunday in my family.  Easter Sunday.  A day of the dead being raised to life.  There is lots of anticipation as my brother Lyle's stem cell transplant begins at 9:00am Calgary time this morning.  I am so grateful for all the prayers you guys brought to the Throne Room yesterday - they have definitely been heard.  The medical staff "harvested" an abundance of stem cells from my sister, Beth - way over the amount needed.  And it goes way beyond that as you will read.  God is good.  I feel you have become part of my family during this and I wanted to share with you what Beth wrote last evening:  

If any one here ever doubted the power of prayer I can tell you that those doubts are all gone. With the exception of a few very miserable hours, the effects the doctors and nurses have been expecting have been minimal or nonexistent. Instead of being greeted by a half dead man in his bed this morning as we expected, he met us at the door to his room in a frustrated state because there were no towels and soap in his bathroom and he wanted to have a shower. He looked better than any day since I've come! It was stunningly unbelievable to all of us. We got the nurse to fix him up so he could shower before his total body radiation and I went on my way down to the clinic to get ready for my hook up. He was really nerved up today because they were due to give him a double dose of yesterday's medication and he thought he was going to die from it. Instead, he has not thrown up once today, he has not run a fever, and has only had mild chills occasionally. In addition to the drug we call the rabbit juice (because it comes from rabbits), he had 2 sessions of radiation as well as a chest xray. When I saw him after my collection was finished, he looked like it was just any other day. And then we all celebrated with hugs and tears as it sank in once again what is happening. I wish I could put into words what this is, but I cannot even put it into thought. It is only in the exchanged looks where eyes fill with tears that it can be felt and shared. This frustrates me a little because I try to understand it and want to share it, but I am totally baffled by the strength of the emotions attached to it. Tomorrow we want to be there as they hang that bag of cells to feed to his body. It seems a very momentous occasion that will be totally underwhelming in its simplicity. This blood is new hope, promise, new life.... the only way to life. Again I can't help but see the glaring analogy to the Father's love. I feel great. I should be exhausted but I'm barely tired. Many hugs and thanks to all of you who have been praying, our Lord is listening and faithfully answering. Your hearts and souls are such a blessing, don't ever underestimate your worth. Lyle is looking forward to coming down to the Island to hug every one. He's talking August. I used to think that was crazy. I'm now putting bets on it. lol GOD HEARS AND HE IS GOOD!

  

God is good.

  

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours!

Bruce

Dear Jesus, Divine Physician, Healer of the Sick.

We call upon you and ask your help for our loved ones who are suffering from cancer.
We entrust them to your loving care.
They are your children and they are in pain.
Give them the ability to know in their hearts
that you are with them in this difficult time.

Give them strength and healing.
Comfort them in their fears,
soothe their anxiety,
and let them rest securely in your arms.

Help those who care for them.
Give insight to researchers that they may discover cures.
Give patience and energy to doctors and nurses so that
they will care for them with grace and love.

For us, their families, their friends and their community,
we need your courage and strength,
to be with them and help them bear their burdens.
Give us joy, peace and confidence in you
so that we may stand with them in faith and trust,
witnessing to your healing love.

For you are blessed, for ever and ever. Amen.
(adapted from http://www.anthonian.org/resources/prayers/300-prayer-for-those-who-have-cancer-and-their-loved-ones)

Daily Prayer - A personal prayer request

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

I try to avoid using this message as a personal prayer request line.  But today is different.  Tomorrow my brother, Lyle, will undergo a stem cell transplant procedure in Calgary to treat leukemia - blood cancer.  The donor will be my beautiful little sister, Beth.

 

These last few days have been very difficult for both of them, and all our family.  Here is a snippet of what Beth wrote the other day:

What is it, T-3 (three days to transplant) now? Friday is coming and the thought occurs to me that this is a bit like Easter. Today things are fine, and Lyle has an absolute cast iron stomach and a will to match. But we have been absolutely assured tomorrow will not be fine. The next 3 days will be the toughest. Lyle will not get out of the hospital. It is time to completely kill his immunity and it will be harsh and even risky. Though I still have no doubt that he sits in the palm of God's hand and will be fine, we are all preparing mentally for the next 3 days. But just like Easter Sunday is the start of new life, so is Friday for Lyle. He will be given new life through the blood of someone who loves him.

 

It is nothing short of mind-blowing. New life. But death first. We will cry. We will try to comfort - him and each other. It will be torture. But our Easter is coming and we hold on to that, looking forward to the new chapter. 

Mind-blowing indeed.  I love her faith.  And it has been amazing to watch God move throughout this ordeal.  Every step of the way He has been answering our prayers (and there have been many).  Last night there was a gathering at another brother's house.  About 25 people were there - my mother, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends - to pray for the coming days.  I and others joined them through a live Skype-like teleconference.  It is incredible to know that in the midst of this great ordeal that God is at work in my family, drawing us closer to Him and to each other.

 

So my request to you is to lift up Lyle, his wife Mona, and kids Trevor and Ellise.  Lift up my family.  Lift up the medical staff.  And praise God for what He has done and is about to do.

 

Thank you on behalf of all of us.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Lord, we pray for Lyle today, that the Lord will work out His perfect will in this situation and bring about healing. We ask that The Great Physician will heal him and that the fire of God will destroy all the cancer cells. We speak peace to Lyle and ask the healing virtue of Our Lord God will flow through every vein, tissue, cell, ligament and that healing will manifest.
 
We believe that Gods desire is manifest in his life. His desire is written in 3 John 2 "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along".
 
We speak peace to Beth and to Lyle's family. We speak uncommon provisions to cater for all the expenses needed to take care of them.
 
We destroy every generational curse and declare that they will not continue but the blessings of God will overshadow each and every one of them.  We are in agreement with Gods word in Jeremiah 30:17 " But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the LORD."
 
So be it, in Jesus Name. Amen.
 
(adapted from http://prayer-for-cancer.com/)

Daily Prayer - What can I do to help?

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

 

This morning I listened to a podcast sermon by Andy Stanley on leadership.  Two things he spoke of stood out for me ... 

The first was this statement: "Do for the one what you want to do for all."  Jesus did this all the time.  He did not heal everyone in the world when He was here - but He did heal all those He had an opportunity to meet face-to-face.  And so it should be for us.  We may not be able to bring about world peace or alleviate starvation in the third world, but we can take each opportunity God puts in front of us and do for the one what we want to do for all.

 

The second think was this simple question: "What can I do to help?"  This is the essence of servant-leadership.  Not that we stand and hold the door all day for others and not get anything done, but rather we use whatever power, whatever authority we have, to help those who are in our charge - be they employees, children, spouse, whomever.  As someone today (and everyday) what you can do to help. 

Living out these two principles is, in essence, living out the Gospel. And it will Bring opportunities to present the Gospel.

 

May you and I be the leaders we were created, and called, to be.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

Lord,
 
Grant us the wisdom know what to do with this teaching
And the courage to to do it.

Daily Prayer - Pray for your heart to burn

Good Friday morning, my friends.

Does your heart burn for those who have not heard the Gospel?  My answer to that would be: No.  It is more luke-warm than hot.  But the heat is growing.

When we look around us we see friends, neighbours, colleagues and strangers who have not been challenged by the Gospel.  Many may know parts of the Story, but have never been confronted in such a way that they have to make a decision.  And unless they are presented with the full Gospel, and given a chance to choose Christ, we will be separated from them for eternity.  How will they know if no one tells them?  This is a huge challenge for me and for you. If we want to overcome our fear in this area, we must begin in prayer.  Pray for God to strenghten us and others.  Pray for your heart to burn.

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,
Bruce

Father, give Your people hearts that burn with Your longing for the Good News to be preached throughout the world, and begin the work in my heart. May we desire what you so deeply desire to do – to bring people into Your family and mold them into the image of Christ. May we faithfully invest our prayers, our time, and our money in what is in Your heart.

Bring a revival of urgent prayer among all Your people. May more churches, everywhere in the world, become missions-minded. May they send out people who are close to You, empowered by You, and equipped to serve and pray effectively.

Lord, You are in charge of the harvest. Cause countless people to turn from darkness to light and from the power of satan to You. Do this in every tribe, every language, and every religion – even in the most hard-to-reach places and the most resistant religions.

Amen!
(Warren & Ruth Myers, 31 Days of Prayer - Day 25)

Daily Prayer - Reliance or resentment?

Good Thursday morning, my friends.
 
As we read of David's life in the Bible we see that through the trials and failures he endured - and they were many - he continually recognized his need for God.
 
And so it is for us.  If we did not have any struggles, we would never see our need for God. 
 
Can we, as David did, use these times to increase our reliance on our Creator rather than resent the circumstances?
 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, You know how often I ask You for blessings and yet I can't know the extent of Your limitless grace if I don't experience the lack from my human provisions.
 
I can't personally know Your divine strength unless I endure human weakness.
 
In the midst of multiple heartaches and distress You multiply Your peace and provision for my life.
 
Help me not to resent affliction, hardship or weakness since it is in those experiences that I more clearly recognize Your immeasurable grace for all that concerns me.
 
It is in the name of Jesus that I come to You in prayer thanking You for Your unlimited provision and immeasurable grace.
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/a-prayer-of-thanks-for-grace-4/)

Daily Prayer - Whom shall I send?

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.
 
As I read this John Fischer article yesterday, I was reminded of the floods happening in and around Calgary, and indeed throughout the Southern Prairies.  Then I was reminded of the 1998 ice storm (and aftermath) in Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec that many of us endured.  And I am reminded of many other calamities, some much worse, around the world.  Perhaps this is a differnt way to answer the question "Why does God let these things happen?"
 

Send me       

 

by John Fischer 

 

 

When bad things happen send me.

 

I received a nice note from Pam about my Catch last week on theological conundrums. She mentioned that her pastor often talks about how the world is "subject to gravity and meteorological activity and people's bad choices and polluted air ... you get my drift. Not that God doesn't intervene in miraculous ways but calamity is just part of existing on this planet. What God does do for us when we are in need is send people."

 

Now I love that, and I believe it is true. Not that this is reason for bad things to happen, but bad things do give God an opportunity to send people, and just who would that be if it isn't you and me?

 

This could be any number of a million things like offering assistance, or offering counsel, or just offering a warm body to sit with someone and kick at the darkness. The important thing is to get yourself there, and the important thing before that is to ask yourself, "Is this my chance? Is God sending me?"

 

 On September 11, 2001, my daughter was attending college north of Boston, and when she heard of the terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York, she wanted to go there. She was a trained EMT, for heaven's sake. She could help. She could do something. Now in this case it wasn't practical for her to go, but I never forgot that attitude. I think that's what God is looking for - someone to say, instead of questioning, "Send me."

 

Next time you hear about something bad happening to someone, instead of wondering what God is up to, I want you to imagine God pulling you aside and whispering in your ear, "I want you to go in there and help. I want you to represent me. Don't worry about what you're going to say when you get there; I'll give you the words - that's what my Holy Spirit is for - just get yourself there. I'll handle the rest."

 

When bad things happen, it's really not up to us to try to figure out God; it's up to us to try to figure out if God is asking us to do something about it. 

 

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:

 

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;

    the whole earth is full of his glory."

 

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

 

"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty."

 

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"

 

And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:1-8)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 

My people hunger for living signs of my love for them. Whom shall I send?
    Here am I, send me!
 
My people are weary, and long for encouragement as they labour at tasks with few
stopping to thank them. Whom shall I send?
    Here am I, send me!
 
My people yearn to have their giftedness called forth in the service of love. Whom shall I send?
    Here am I, send me!
 
My people live in an age which prizes individualism, and starves their need to contribute to something bigger than themselves. Whom shall I send?
    Here am I, send me!
 
My people thirst for leaders who reveal me as a God of hope who accompanies them in their struggle and pain. Whom shall I send?
    Here am I, send me!
 
My people long for leaders who have tasted their brokenness, and have learned to serve with humility and joy. Whom shall I send?
    Here am I, send me!
 
(Based on a prayer by Les Miller, YCDSB)

Daily Prayer - Trust

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
 
When I pray during difficult times I sometimes wonder if God is hearing me. But of course He is hearing me.  The question is: am I hearing Him? 
 
Often my prayer can more resemble a letter to Santa than a respectful conversation between Father and son.  But when I pause at the beginning to glorify and thank Him for all He has done for me in the past, and realize just how generous He has been with me, I come away with a much different feeling: trust.  I know that our time together has been a conversation (and not a monologue) when my prayer ends with an incredible sense of trust that God will fulfil His promises to me.
 
Have a conversation with your Father today.
 

Grace and peace and trust be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
 
Father, it's been said that "courage is fear that said its prayers".
 
And it's true that You can change our hearts and outlook even when the circumstances have not changed.
 
But it requires our dependency on You through persevering in prayer which results in absolute trust.
 
We can be assured of Your eternal encouragement and good hope as it encourages our hearts and strengthens us in every good deed and word.
 
It is through Christ Jesus our Lord that we pray in faith believing that You turn tragedy into triumph, as You work out all things together for our good.
 
Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/a-prayer-for-you/)

Daily Prayer - Come and see!

Good Friday morning, my friends.

 

When Jesus asked a man named Philip to follow Him, Phil wanted to bring along his friend, Nathaniel: 

Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

 

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.

 

"Come and see," said Philip. (John 1:45-46)

We all have friends like Nate - people who, if we invite them to church, will say "Church - all they want is my money", or "Sunday morning?  I'd rather go golfing", or "Church is fine for people who need a crutch, but I am doing just fine" or, well, you fill in the blank.  How do you answer that?  How do you counteract their objections?  Why not try Phillip's response: "Come and see".  Tell them you understand their concern, that yeah, it's hard to believe anything good can come from Nazereth, but hey, just come and see.
 
Who is on your mind right now to invite?  What could be easier than this approach?

 
Grace and peace be yours in abundacance,
Bruce

 
Father, we pray that our churches would be a place that people who do not know you could "come and see" your love and mercy
 
We pray that they would know that we are followers of Your Son from the way we love one another
 
We pray that you would, even now, be softening their hearts so that our invitation would be received with gratitude and acceptance
 
May our communities be transformed by the spread of Your Gospel, and may You be glorified.
 
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Daily Prayer - Do you not yet understand?

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

 

How quickly our trust in God can subside.  As I look back over the decades of my life I see so many instances where God provided for my needs.  He has done it over and over and over again.  And yet, everytime there seems to be a bump in the road my anxiety level seems to spike.  I forget that God is still "large and in charge"

It gives me some comfort to know that even Jesus' disciples suffered from this (I know, getting comfort from someone else's suffering is disturbing, but what can you do?).  Shortly after Jesus had miraculously fed 5000 people with a few loaves and fishes, there was another large crowd being preached to - about 4000 this time.  Jesus tells his disciples that He wants to feed them, and their reaction isn't "Oh boy - He is going to do it again!" it is "How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?" (Mark 8:4).  And even after Jesus feeds that crown, as they are leaving on the boat and realize they did not bring enough food and began to worry, Jesus chastized them by saying:

"Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?"

They said to Him, "Twelve."

"Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?"

And they said, "Seven."

So He said to them, "How is it you do not understand?"  (Mark 8:17-21)

Are you feeling your anxiety level spike today?  Look back at the times in your past that God has been at work providing for your needs, and trust that He is at work even now.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

 

 

I trust You at all times, you are my refuge (Psalm 62:8).

You are my rock, my fortress, my deliver and my strength; in You, alone, do I trust (Psalm 18:2).

God's way is perfect. His word is proven; He is a shield to me because I trust in Him (2 Samuel 22:31).

I trust in You, Lord, with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

I put my trust in You, Lord and I do not fear what man can do to me (Psalm 56:11).

Lord, You are my refuge from the storm; my shade from the heat and in you is everlasting strength; I trust in You (Isaiah 25:4; 26:3-4).

You are the savior of all men, I trust in you (1 Tim 4:10).

I trust in You, Lord and not in uncertain riches. You give me richly all things to enjoy. (1 Tim 6:17).

I do not trust in myself but in God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9).

I draw near to You, Lord; I put my trust in You and declare all your works (Psalm 73:28).

I am not afraid of bad news; my heart is steadfast, trusting in You, Lord (Psalm 112:7).

I trust in You, Lord, not in my own strength or my own wisdom. I praise your name for you have saved me from my enemies and have put those who hate me to shame (Psalm 44: 6-8).

I trust in You, Lord, and I am as Mount Zion which cannot be removed but abides forever (Psalm 125:1).

Daily Prayer - Make someone's day

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

Here is an article by John Fischer that I read yesterday:

Make someone's day       

by John Fischer  

Here are some questions to mull over and then hopefully do something about. 

How are we as Christians making the world a better place for people who aren't Christians to live in? Are we improving the lives of those around us? Are we adding to someone's day or taking away from it? Can you honestly say that the world around you is a better place because you are in it? 

Are you making a contribution in the neighborhood? Are you bringing people together? Did you smile for someone today? Did you notice someone?

Did you ask someone to tell you about their hopes and dreams? Did you ask them about their kids, and did you listen when they told you? Did you try to find out about someone just to find out, not to get somewhere or do anything with the information?

Summer is here. It's going to get warmer. How about organizing a block party with all the neighbors? Or just invite someone over.

Is the P.T.A. asking for help? Does your summer school teacher need volunteers to drive on that field trip? Will the soccer team need a parent manager next fall?

And what about the Chamber of Commerce? Are you a member? Or the library? Or the soup kitchen (no, not the one the church is sponsoring but the one the community set up)?

Got an extra ticket to the ball game? How about taking the guy across the street instead of your best Christian buddy? 

What are you doing right now? Can you make someone's day?

Do you know Jesus? Do you want others to know Him too? A good place to begin would be to make someone happy that they know you.

Is someone going to be happier today because they know you or me?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Lord, Jesus Christ, 

Truly you are the Good Samaritan, 

The Divine Neighbor, 

Who has stopped by the side of the road, 

To soothe the wounds of our suffering, our weakness, our sin. 

You call us to be neighbors to one another, 

Especially to those most in need of our love and care. 

And may we find, in the persons we serve, the eyes of Christ returning our gaze. 

Teach us, O Lord, each day, 

To search life's roadsides and ditches, 

For the fallen, the weary, the wounded, the lonely, the poor. 

May we not "pass by on the other side", but, like the Good Samaritan, stoop 

to help, to heal, to carry the person to an inn of hope. 

Amen 

(Adapted from http://www.cclse.org/pdfs/Good%20Samaritan%20newsletters/Web%20Prayer%20Reflection%209-09.pdf)

Daily Prayer - Fathers

Good Monday morning, my friends.
 
Happy belated Father's Day to all you dads out there!

The longer I am a father the more I see that God has created the parenting role to give us a sense of how He sees us, His children.  Oh how easily, however, we take for granted that we can call Him Abba, Daddy, like our kids called us when they were toddlers.  But that is exactly how He invites, even insists, that we see him.
 

As a father, I want my kids to see that all of my strength, provision, and authority come from God.  I want the instruction they receive from me to be based on His word.  I want not to be seen by them as a hypocrite - saying one thing, but acting another.  I want to assume the role of  spiritual leader in my house by credibility, not by domination.

I want to be Abba, Daddy, to my children.

Please pray with me today for all fathers.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Father, may words of encouragement, comfort, instruction, and exhortation flow from our lips so that we may spur others on in the faith, most especially our own children.

We pray that You would help Christian fathers everywhere to verbalize their faith and live in a way that honors You and shows others where their source of strength lies.

Help them to be the spiritual leaders of their homes so that a harvest of righteousness and peace will be upon their households. 

We pray this in Jesus' name. 

Amen.

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/a-prayer-for-godly-fathers-2/)

Daily Prayer - Fearfully and wonderfully made

Good Friday morning, my friends.

This week a friend of mine gave me a book by J. Philip Newell entitled "Celtic Benediction".  (Thanks, Brian!)  It is a beautiful collection of Celtic prayers.  

The prayer below is a celebration of God's great love when He chose us to be born in His image.  He still deeply loves you and me.

For you created my inmost being;

    you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well. - (Psalm 139:13-14)

Grace and peace and His love be yours in abundance,

Bruce

That wisdom was born with me in the womb

thanks be to you. O God.

That your ways have been written into 

that human body and soul

there to be read and reverenced

thanks be to you.

Let me be attentive 

to the truths of these living texts.

Let me learn

of the law etched into the whole of creation

that gave birth to the mystery of life

and feeds and renews it day by day.

Let me discern the law of love in my own heart

and in knowing it 

obey it.

Let me be set free by love. O God.

Let me be set free to love.

(J Philip Newell - Celtic Benediction)

Daily Prayer - Think about ...

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

(Philippians 4:6-8)

Anxiety robs us of our peace.  We dwell on the terrible things that might be, as the enemy whispers in our ears over and over that disaster is coming.  We need to turn our attention away from that and back to what is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy:  our God and His Word.  

Listen to Him whisper about His love, compassion, mercy and grace.  Think about such things.

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,

Bruce

Father, we need our minds stirred up by those things which are true, honorable, right and pure. 

Stimulate our minds to wholesome thinking as we consider Your Word which not only purifies us within, but also guides us as we develop godly character. 

Help us to maintain a teachable heart that is open to a new perspective on ancient truth but is also blessed when we receive the reminders of truths well established in our life. 

Remind us often that our words and actions give us opportunity to bring You glory as we reflect Your image. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/a-prayer-for-a-stirring-of-our-minds/)

Daily Prayer - Go deeper

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

 Andrew Murray wrote, "The nearer we come to God Himself and the deeper we enter into His will, the more power we have in prayer.  In the stillness, you will receive power to pray."  How do we draw closer to God?  It starts by being still and contemplating Who He is, and who we are. 

The closer I get to Him, the more desperate I get for an even deeper relationship.  That's why I love this prayer.  No matter what your relationship is with God today, it can go deeper - just be still and ask.

"Truly my soul silently waits for God." Psalm 62:1

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Dear Father, how I long to know You better. 

Reveal Yourself to me in new ways as I wait quietly before You. 

Make Yourself more real to me than anyone or anything on earth. 

Open my eyes to see You in the Scriptures, quiet my mind and emotions to be still and know that you are God. 

Calm my heart, taking away my strain and stress. 

Make me conscious of Your presence as I wait before You with holy reverence.

(31 Days of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Myers, Day 20 - As You Have Time)

Daily Prayer - Recommended reading

Good Monday morning, my friends.

I hate anxiety.  But it doesn't hate me.  It likes to visit.  Often.  

The more I recognize this, the more I realize why Jesus' most frequently spoken commandment was "Fear not!".  I grow ever more grateful for those words and for so many other anxiety reducing passages of scripture, from Psalms to the Gospels to Revelation ("He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4).  

I am also grateful for those around me who model the message of the Gospel in their everyday lives, particularly those who are suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually and yet have a hope that can only be explained by a deep trust in God.

How is your anxiety level today?  If you want to lower it, I can recommend a Good Book.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Father, I am so grateful for the many passages in Scripture that provide strength and reassurance in our moments of weakness and doubt. 

I'm doubly grateful for brothers and sisters in our present day and those in the historic record who took hold of these truths and modeled for us what it is to live a victorious life in the midst of the daily uncertainties of this world. 

Our inner person is renewed with each passing day as we loosen our grip in that which passes away and take hold of that which never passes away till we reach the blessed, promised land. 

Amen.

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/a-prayer-for-personal-renewal-3/)

Daily Prayer - Heroes

Good Friday morning, my friends.
 
Yesterday was June 6, the anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normany, France during World War II.  You may or may not know personally anyone who fought in that war. Both my father and father-in-law fought through Europe in those dark days.  There were many heroes, many who gave their lives.  D-Day was a turning point in the war.  It wasn't the end of the war - that took about another year - but it signalled the end of the war, the inevitable victory for the Allied Forces.

The death of Jesus on the cross was D-Day for all of mankind.  It did not end the battle with our enemy, but the final outcome has been decided.   We are living in the days between the invasion and the final victory.  There are still battles to be waged and skirmishes to be fought, but the enemy is on the run.  And our Hero deserves all the glory.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
 
 
Father, we thank You for those who paid the ultimate price in laying down their lives to defend our freedoms.

Many of us don't know even one of these faithful warriors by name and yet their sacrifice has freed us from the takeover of our enemies.

There are also those who do not know the Person of Jesus who laid down His life to free us from the takeover of our archenemy, the devil.

The vast majority give little to no thought of the immense burden Jesus bore as He took our sins upon Himself that we might receive forgiveness.

We thank You, Father, for Jesus who is the Hero of heroes in that He gave His all that we might receive Your all; forgiveness for our sins and eternal life in Heaven.

We thank You for Your undeserved love and mercy.

Amen.
 
(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/a-prayer-for-real-heroes/)

Daily Prayer - Extra grace required ...

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

Jesus said to us: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).  Why did He call this a "new" command?  Surely if there is anything the Bible teaches us it is that God wants us to love Him and love our neighbours.  So what made this requirement "new"?  Well it is the words "As I have loved you".  Jesus had set a new example, had raised the bar to new heights.  

If we want to draw others to the amazing love of Christ that we have known, they must first know that we are His followers.  And we do that by loving each other.   Often that is easy to do, but there is always that one person in our family, in our church, at work, wherever, that is just so difficult to love.  A number of years ago in a Bible study we learned to call them EGRs - Extra Grace Required.  And it is good to remember that sometimes we are the EGR.

Amazing and Extra Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,

Bruce

Dear Father, the Source of every mercy, how I thank You that each of Your children is dear to You - as dear as Your beloved Son!

You love us, even though we differ in some of our doctrines and spiritual practices.  You still love us even when we sin!  Lord, how unworthy I am of such love!  How unworthy we all are!  And how much we need to grow in loving others as You love us!

Enable each of us - in my church and in all churches everywhere - to experience Your love more fully, and to let it flow out to others.  May Your Spirit fill us day by day, bringing forth the fresh, abundant fruit of love in our lives.   Love that keeps growing richer in knowledge and wise insight, in patience and kindness, in humility that honors the other person.  Love that overcomes jealousy and arrogance and self-seeking.  Love that is not touchy or resentful or judgemental.  Love that covers a multitude of sins and refuses to gossip.  Love that chooses to look out for the other person's interests, as well as our own - whether we feel like it or not.  Work in me this kind of love for all believers - and especially for those I find hard to love and those who tend to rub me the wrong way.

May we constantly show the fragrant love of Christ to one another, as we look forward to being together for all eternity.  May the world see Your love in our lives, and may this draw many to You.

(31 Days of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Meyers, Day 18)

Daily Prayer - I want a promotion!

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

With so much going on around us every day, it is so difficult to keep an eternal perspective.  The "tyranny of the urgent" keeps us from what is important.

One day recently, as I was looking forward to the glories of heaven with Christ, I mentioned to Rosemary that I did not want to ever be kept alive artificially - by a machine.  She should pull the plug.  With a twinkle in her eye she asked, "There's a plug?"  Apparently I had been annoying her that day :-)

Keep your eyes on the prize.  Keep faithful until that glorious promotion day.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Father, You are great and greatly to be praised.  

You are the Builder of everything we see and so much that we've not yet laid eyes upon, both on the earth and the heavens above.  

We are looking forward to the future city with eternal foundations where You are the architect and builder.  

Our everlasting home in heaven is not built with human hands, but by Your divine design. 

Keep us faithful till that glorious promotion day!  

Amen.

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/a-prayer-to-the-master-builder/)

Daily Prayer - See and smell the flowers

Good Friday morning, my friends.

Have you ever wondered at the great gift our five senses are?  Just consider the ability to see!  The beauty of creation, the beauty of what our hands can create.  Then there is all we can feel, smell, taste and hear.  

God could have given us a much more bland existence, but instead chose to give us this sensual, wonderful world.  He gave it for our enjoyment.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

    night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;

    no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

    their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens

    and makes its circuit to the other;

    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

(Psalm 19:1-6)

Amazing Grace and Eternal Peace be yours,

Bruce

Father, Your works surround us and add such depth and beauty to our daily experiences in life.  

You not only tend to our daily needs but through Your great works You delight our senses by that which we see, touch, hear, and feel as we admire Your handiwork. 

Help us to pause in our busy schedules to listen to the rippling brook, smell the tree blossoms, observe the mountain grandeur and  recognize Your creative power in the plentiful ornamentals that we have the privilege of planting, growing and tending over the warm months each year. 

Your great works are observed in the Scriptures and admired in our daily lives.  

How wonderfully extravagant is Your works that we enjoy each day, for it is truly the heavens declaring Your glory and the firmament showing Your handiwork. 

For them we are grateful. 

Amen.

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/a-prayer-proclaiming-gods-greatness/)

Daily Prayer - Expect the unexpected

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

Are your prayers limiting what God can do in your life and the life of those around you?

Andrew Murray once wrote: 

"Beware, above everything else in your praying, of limiting God, not only by unbelief but also by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, 'abundantly above all that we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20). Each time you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Meditate on what He can do. Then expect great things!"

Pray with a perspective that God can do anything, well beyond what we could ask or imagine!

Prayer is work.  But it is work of great value and with great rewards.  

"Epaphras, who is one of you, is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." (Colossians 4:12)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

It's a pleasure, lord, to come into Your presence, and be still before You, and rest in Your love. How good it is to worship You and commune with You. And what strength and refreshment come from warm fellowship with You!

But don't let me forget that prayer is more than this. Give me grace to work diligently in prayer for others. And as you lead, to wrestle earnestly in prayer on their behalf. Put special burdens on my heart, and enable me to pour out my heart for You to fulfill Your purposes.

Father, Your great desire is for all Your children to be both mature and effective. Do this for me, and for those in my church.  Do it for fellow believers throughout our area.  And our country. Do it for all believers!

Thank You for your Spirit and the power He gives me to serve You - and others - through prayer. Thank You for the way praise refreshes and strengthens me to work hard in prayer, and the way it stimulates my faith and helps assure answers.

Greatly use those who are seeking to rally Your people to pray. Raise up many who will pray faithfully, pleading with You to work mightily in all the world.

(31 Days of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Myers, Day 16)

Daily Prayer - Tired of being a lost sheep?

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

We know all too well what lies at the end of giving in to temptation.  And yet we give in to the empty promises, the lies.  We end up alone in the wilderness.  I don't know about you, but I am tired of being a lost sheep.  I want to stay with the flock, enjoy their fellowship, and celebrate with the Shepherd when other lost ones are brought back!

Come graze with me.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance!

Bruce

Father, because I love Your commands more than worldly pleasures or temporal possessions I despise the paths that lead me astray like a lost sheep. 

You have gone before me and cleared the way so that I might follow in Your steps and the steps of other righteous, godly saints.  

I am comforted in knowing that I don't walk alone, but I walk hand in hand with You as my Guide. 

Through eyes of faith I see a great cloud of witnesses, those spoken of in the Bible and those I've known in my lifetime, who've already finished the race cheering me on as I persevere on this path of righteousness. 

May I willingly endure hardship as it disciplines my commitment to walking in Your ways. I want to wholeheartedly seek You above everything else, for You are a Rewarder of those who diligently seek You. 

Amen.

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/a-prayer-for-walking-with-god/)

Daily Prayer - May He grant you according to your heart’s desire

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

Below is the text of Psalm 20.  As I read it this morning I was struck by its beauty as a prayer.  I pray it for each one of you today, and ask that you pray it for each other - as the Church, as the community of God.

Grace and peace and your heart's desire be yours,

Bruce

Psalm 20

The Assurance of God's Saving Work

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;

May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;

May He send you help from the sanctuary,

And strengthen you out of Zion;

May He remember all your offerings,

And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah

May He grant you according to your heart's desire,

And fulfill all your purpose.

We will rejoice in your salvation,

And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!

May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;

He will answer him from His holy heaven

With the saving strength of His right hand.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;

But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

They have bowed down and fallen;

But we have risen and stand upright.

Save, Lord!

May the King answer us when we call.

Daily Prayer - Are you contagious?

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

"Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls." (1 Peter 2:11)

We have been saved by the sacrifice of Jesus.  We have been given righteousness that we do not deserve.  Now, we may have that righteousness, but we do not always show it.  Holiness is something we grow into as we fight against "evil desires", as Peter puts it.  Pray with me for God's help for us to grow in holiness, to live a life that would make us contagious Christians.

Grace and peace and contagiousness be yours!

Bruce

Holy Father, thank You that we are Your chosen ones, holy in Your sight and deeply loved.  How wonderful that, by sacrificing Your Son, You have perfected us in our inmost being.

Now, Lord, enable me to live out what You have done deep within me.  How much I need greater holiness!  May Your Spirit of holiness empower me to grow in righteousness, thinking and living.

I pray for this also for believers in my neighborhood and church - and for others who come to mind:

Make us quick to confess our sins and rely on You to forgive.  Make us clean and pure in every part of our lives.  Delver us from the evil ways we used to cherish when we didn't know any better.  May we feed daily on Your holy Scriptures, letting You use them to cleanse our lives and remove our blemishes and wrinkles and defects.

I pray that Your people - and especially the Christians I know  - will grow in holiness so that we will not dishonor Your name by compromised living.  May we be blameless and contagious Christians, a good advertisement for the gospel.

I worship before You as the God of peace and well-being who is committed to making us holy.  I count on You to do this day by day, giving us grace to cooperate with You.  How I rejoice that You are faithful.  You will continue Your work in us until the day when You bring us faultless into Your glorious presence, with unspeakable joy.

(31 Days of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Myers, Day 14)

Daily Prayer - Open up my eyes

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

God want's us to see people as He sees them, and love them as He loves them.  Living in God's will is as simple and as difficult as that.

The worship team at our church on Sunday sang Hosanna (by Hillsong).  The last part of this song always has a profound effect on me.  "Heal my heart and make it clean.  Open up my eyes to the things unseen."  It is an incredible prayer, and I offer this verse as our prayer for today.

Grace and peace be your in abundance,

Bruce

Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart for what is yours

Everything I am for your kingdom's cause

As I walk from earth into eternity

(Hossana by Brooke Fraser)

Daily Prayer - Need a tutor?

Good Friday morning, my friends.

"Let us...approach the throne of grace with confidence"  Hebrews 4:16

Why can we come with confidence?  Is it because we're worthy, or skilled in prayer?  No.  It's because Jesus, our great High Priest, who understands us and sympathizes with our weaknesses, invites us to come boldly (Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 3:12).  So, if you feel inadequate in prayer, don't get discouraged and stop praying.  "We learn to pray by praying."

Keep on praying, coming to God simply yet confidently, as a small child comes to his father.  Count on the Lord to teach you to pray.  He's an excellent Tutor.

31 Days of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Myers, Day 13

We all need a tutor when it comes to prayer.  Why not choose the Best?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Gracious Father - High King of heaven, yet my Father!  

You are seated in the throne room of the universe on a throne of grace, a throne of favor for the undeserving.  

What a privilege it is to come to Your throne unafraid, with utter freedom and confidence, assured of Your glad welcome - "to run right into Your throne room and find Your arms open wide!" (Kay Arthur)  

To know that I'll find mercy for my failures and grace for my every need!  

What good news that I don't need to be almost perfect to come boldly into Your presence! 

Your mercy lets me come with my mistakes, my sins, my needs - as long as I come honestly  

Thank You that You are always ready to forgive, always eager to hear my voice and answer my prayers.

(31 Days of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Myers, Day 13)

Daily Prayer - A sweet perfume

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

What do you smell like?  Are you a sweet perfume to God?  To those around you?

The way we live life in our families, in our churches, in our schools and workplaces, in traffic(!) - that is the aroma we give off.  Are we a stench or sweet smelling? 

Sometimes we need a little extra deodorant ...

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Lord, may I, and each of us in our church, grow in Your grace and in he knowledge of Your Son.  In each service may we be worshipful and attentive, eager to learn and change our ways.  And may we learn to use our spiritual gifts and serve as You lead.

Protect us from being deceived and led astray.  Help us with our doubts, our stresses, our trials, and our relationships, especially in our families.  Make our love for You and for one another increase and overflow.  May those who have disputes or grievances resolve them quickly, before the end of the day.  I pray these same things for our church's leaders and workers.  In new ways make us a glory to Your name.

May we so live together in harmony, both in our families and our church, that our unity will be like a sweet perfume to You and to others, both believers and unbelievers.

(31 Day of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Myers, Day 12)

Daily Prayer - Fumbling with the lock

Good Tuesday morning, my friends.

Be filled with the Holy Spirit.  If only it were that simple.  It hasn't been for me.  But in His time, and in His goodness, God is teaching me how to allow the Holy Spirit to fill me.  Having freewill means we have to give God permission to change us.  Remember the words of Jesus: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).  The onus is on us to take off the safety chain, release the deadbolt, and open the door.  I don't know about you, but I want to sit and eat with Jesus - but sometimes I fumble with the lock.  

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Thank You, my wonderful Father, the Source of every good and perfect gift, that You have sent Your Spirit to live in me - as a fountain of living water within me, springing up to refresh my heart and renew my mind.  How sufficient His power is for my needs and for the needs of all Your children!  Thank You for Your promise of His ministry in our lives day by day, as we continue to ask and seek and knock.

I yield, Lord, to Your Spirit.  I pray that He will fill me today and minister to me and through me.  May He enlighten and nourish me through Your Word, strengthen my inner person, and fill my heart to overflowing with Your love.  May He produce in me the very temperament of Jesus - His ways of thinking and behaving and reacting.  Father, may this be especially true in my relationships - family and otherwise - in which I'm most prone to act and react in unloving ways.

I pray that the Spirit will empower me with boldness.  Wherever I may be, may He flow out from my inmost being as refreshing rivers of living water, meeting the needs of others.  Help me depend on Him as I pray, counting on His presence within me, interceding for me and along with me.  How much better He is than even my best and closest prayer partner!

I plead with You, Lord, for these same ministries of the Spirit in my prayer partners and others who pray for Your work around the globe.

How much we need a revival of prayer, so that Christ's great commission will be fulfilled in all the world.  Lord, bring one!

(31 Days of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Myers, Day 11)

Daily Prayer - A prayer for family and friends

Good Monday morning, my friends.

Human nature dictates that we do not like to think of unpleasant things.  We tend to put them out of our minds and ignore signals that something bad might happen.  One of these "things" for me, is the eternal future of unsaved family members and friends.  But slowly and surely the Lord has been placing a burden on my heart to pray for them, and to find ways to live out, and speak, the Gospel to them. He is aligning my will with His, as He deeply desires all to come to faith.

If you have friends and family members who need to know Jesus, then bring them into the throne room of God with this prayer.  If you don't know anyone who needs saving, then perhaps you have isolated yourself from the world a tad to much - you may need to get out more!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Lord, 

Show me afresh Your deep love for the world - Your yearning that people trust Christ and live with You forever in Your eternal family.  To think that my prayers can help fulfill Your longings!

I desire to persevere in prayer day by day for my unsaved family members and friends, including especially _______________________, ______________________ and ___________________.  Give me grace to pray for them often, and to relate to them with greater love and helpfulness, and to tell them of Christ in winsome and timely ways.  Make them intensely aware of their need for forgiveness.  Convince them of Your love and draw them to Christ.  Do the same for my friends and more distant relatives who don't know You, including ___________________ and ___________________.

It seems, Lord, that there are so many barriers that keep people from You.  Deliver those who think there are no absolutes, who believe that every viewpoint or lifestyle is okay as long as it seems right to them.  Turn people from modern philosophies and Eastern religious practices - and from pursuing ideas of some sort (even "Christian" goodness or service), depending on their own efforts rather than on Christ.  Defeat Satan as he blinds them to their need of the Cross.  Open the eyes of thousands daily to the glorious light of the Good News of Christ.  May many trust You for forgiveness in our community, our region, and beyond.

(31 Days of Prayer, Warren and Ruth Myers, Day 10)

Daily Prayer - It brings delight to Your ears...

Good Friday morning, my friends.

I have been spending more time lately reading the Psalms, and enjoying them as never before.  I am finding delight in praising God, and in enjoying His love and comfort.  I encourage you to start each day in His word, and in praising Him.  Allow God to still your heart let the knowledge that He is in complete control calm your spirit.

Grace and peace and praise be yours in abundance,

Bruce

(and how about those Ottawa Senators??? Go SENS Go!)

Father, in Psalm 5 the Psalmist directs His prayer to You:  "O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayers to You and I will look to You with expectation." 

Though You neither slumber nor sleep, we know it brings delight to Your ears to hear Your children vocalizing their praises first thing upon awakening to a new day. 

Your steadfast love never ceases and Your mercies are unending. 

We declare our praises to You, Faithful Father as You lead us in paths of righteousness. 

For You bless the godly, O Lord, and surround them with Your shield of love and protection. 

Amen.

(adapted from http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/a-prayer-for-a-heart-of-praise/)

Daily Prayer - a love like Yours...

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

I love the prayer below.  I want to love the Church as Jesus does.  I like that it asks God to search my heart for hindrances, not having me search it for myself - I tend to miss things.  Spend time in the prayer today.  Meditate on it.

Grace and peace and love be yours in abundance!

Bruce

Lord of love, You are the one Source of perfect, unfailing love. Love that is sacrificial, impartial, and permanent! Work in me a growing love and affection for all people, and especially for all believers—a love like Yours: merciful, compassionate, ready to forgive, patient, considerate, deeply concerned about others' well-being.

Show me if there's anything in my heart that would keep me from praying with Your love. Do You see grievances there? Anger? An unforgiving spirit? Resentment toward anyone in my past, or in my present? Envy or jealousy? Critical attitudes? Selfishness or pride? Anything else that hinders love? Show me. And give me grace to repent and ask You to forgive me. Help me take the initiative in restoring any broken or damaged relationships with others in my family, at work, or at my church.

May the Spirit flood my heart with Your love, washing away any unloving attitudes. Then may Your pure, warm love motivate me as I pray and flow through me toward every person my life touched day be day. I plead with You for this! And I believe You will do it.

And Lord, do these things for all who partner with You in prayer, wherever they may be.

Amen

(From 31 Days of Prayer by Ruth and Warren Myers, Day 8)

Daily Prayer - Joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer

Good Tuesday morning, my friends,

There is no doubt that this life provides challenges.  They may be health, temptation, relational, financial, or security challenges.  They could come one at a time, or in any combination.  But they have come and will continue to come.  This is how God builds and tests our character.  I pray that we will meet these challenges with the trust that God will fulfil His promise: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Bruce

Father, You guide us through the many dangers, toils, and snares that we face while journeying here below. 

In these major challenges we desire to give You glory in what we say, what we do and in the way we process our emotions as we prayerfully respond to the challenges set before us. 

We want to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer as we overcome life's struggles. 

We find healing for our soul when we rely on You, our tender and loving Father, who heals our broken heart and binds up our wounds. 

You are ever faithful and ever interceding for us, your children. 

And we thank You for it in the name of Jesus. 

Amen.

(http://adailyprayer.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/a-prayer-for-faithfulness-during-testing/)

Daily Prayer - Distractions

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

Do you sometimes (often?) find your mind wandering during prayer?  Or while reading your Bible?  Do you suddenly think there is something else you need to be doing RIGHT NOW as you read or pray?

It happens to me all the time.  And friends I have talked to express the same frustration.  The enemy wants to disrupt our time with the Lord and works very hard to do so.

Pray with me for alertness and gratitude in our prayers today (and everyday).

Grace and peace and alertness be your in abundance!

Bruce

Dear Lord, work with me so that I will always be alert and thankful when I pray, whether alone or with others.  So much depends on prayer!  Don't let me be careless, or distracted, or on-and-off in my praying.

May the same be true as I immerse myself in Your Word.  I praise you for inspiring this marvellous Book to build us up and set us free.  How glad I am for the way it keeps me on track in my praying and living!

(31 Days of Prayer - Moving God's Mighty Hand, Day 6, p68, Warren and Ruth Myers)