Day: October 11, 2016

28 Days of Prayer for America – “ask God for wisdom”

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. – James 1:5 (NLT)

The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. – Proverbs 24:5-6 (NLT)

Prayer: Godly guidance

Generous God: I ask for wisdom and guidance during these last four weeks of the presidential election cycle – for the Presidential candidates, for all others who are seeking public office, for all faithful American citizens, and for myself –

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+ I ask that the Presidential candidates might actively seek your wisdom and guidance; and that they might surround themselves with godly counselors. This election has taken some nasty turns, Lord. I pray that you might lift the debate out of the darkness into your glorious light, and that truth and justice might prevail.

+ I ask that all who are seeking public office might look to you for wisdom and guidance, and surround themselves with godly counselors instead of self-serving opportunists. May they be men and women of their word who keep their commitments and work tirelessly for the good of the American people they serve.

+ I ask that you give faithful American citizens wisdom and sound judgement as they prepare to go to the polls on November 8th. Give them spiritual discernment so that they can see through the schemes and deceit of the evil one who thrives in chaos and confusion. Help them to look beyond the personalities of the candidates to the two distinctly different visions of America that they advocate. And, above all else, I pray that your faithful people will choose life.

+ I ask that you temper my partisanship with the wisdom that comes from your Word and Spirit. May I be a respecter of all persons, created in your image, regardless of how strongly I might disagree with them. May I see you in them, and act accordingly.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit – one God forever. Amen.

Morning Prayer: Tue, 11 Oct – Psalm 119:65-72; Genesis 37:23-24, 50:20; Acts 5:29-39 ~ time will tell

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Reading: Psalm 119:65-72 (NLT)

You have done many good things for me, Lord , just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.

Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

Reading: Genesis 37:23-24; 50:20 (NLT)

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So when Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
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You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

Reading: Acts 5:29-39 (NLT)

But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”

When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered.

“So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”

Prayer for Those in Trouble

We hold before God:
those for whom life is very difficult;
those who have difficult decisions to make, and
who honestly do not know what is the right thing to do.

We hold before God:
those who have difficult tasks to do and to face, and
who fear they may fail in them;
those who have difficult temptations to face, and
those who know only too well that they may fall to them,
if they try to meet them alone.

We hold before God:
those who know that they can be their own worst enemies.

We hold before God:
those who have difficult people to work with;
those who have to suffer unjust treatment, unfair
criticism, unappreciated work.

We hold before God:
those who are sad because someone they loved has died;
and any who are disappointed in something for which they hoped very much.

Reveal to us your intended purpose in our struggles – that we may bless your name at all times. In Jesus’ name.

“Blessed Be Your Name” – Matt Redman

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!