3/31/16 Pray For Anticipation of His Coming

March 31

Pray for anticipation of His coming.

Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer, I give you all the worship that's in my heart, and I'm sure that all the love I have in my heart is yours, too. You gave me the ability to love!

I love all those who read this, just as you do. Jesus, please send your ministering angels to each one who has need today. Provide comfort, or endurance, or faith, or provision, or whatever is needed. 

But most of all give us all a constant awareness of the thing we are waiting for, what we live in hope of; your glorious return to the earth! Teach us patience to live in this anticipation.

Like it says in James 5:7-8 (Sandy's paraphrase of scripture) “Wait patiently for the Lord's coming. Just like the farmer waits for his crops. He plants seed, he waits, he patiently works every day. He sees the early season rain and the late season rain come, and is confident the time is approaching. Like that, plant your heart in the certainty of his promised return.”

Or, like a marathon runner, who can see the finish line approaching, and his strength is renewed. “Just stick with it, so when you've finished the course as required, you will get the prize! Because the finish line is very close now. In just a little while, the One who promised to come will come, and he won't be late.” Hebrews 10:36-37 (SPS)

Jesus, there are many things we are unsure of, but we can always certainly count on you to do what you've said. You told us you'd come back and we yearn to see your magnificent arrival.

Come soon, Lord! Come soon! Amen!

3/30/16 Pray For Whatever You Need

March 30

Pray for whatever you need.

Lord Jesus, I thank you for hearing me every day. Each time I pray, you are glad to hear and happy to satisfy my needs. The Word says to “ask for everything in your name so when we receive it, we will be full of joy.” (John 16:24 SPS)

Nothing that matters to us is too large or too small. I can bring my heart's desires to you. You know me through and through, and you want me to be open with you, asking for what really matters to me. “Your Spirit that is in me and knows for sure what matters most to me, and also what matters most to The Father, coordinates things and asks God for His best for me - better than I can, in ways I can't even utter.” (Romans 8:26 SPS)

“No one can condemn me for being a sinner or say that I don't deserve your help. If I feel too guilty to ask, it is false guilt because you have made me perfectly clean and spotless. And you, Jesus Christ, the very one who took my punishment in death and was raised to life, you are now sitting beside The Father talking to him about my needs and my good-standing through faith in you!” (Romans 8:34 SPS)

Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit, you are my intercessors before The Father pleading my case.

You are teaching me to pray the way you do.

And when I listen to you first, my prayers agree with the Father! We are all seeking the same thing.

This is my goal. Thank you for walking with me each step of the way. Amen.

29 Pray For Endurance

March 29

Pray for endurance.

Jesus, brother in our human condition,

We are worn down by the dailiness of all the concerns that weigh on us, the daily struggle to make a living, and to serve you in the way we each are called to do. We are also humbled to we remember those who struggle through much more harsh conditions, hoping to survive, and to give even a morsel of food to their children each day.

We experience each day what it means to be finite; limited in strength, limited in time, and sometimes limited in what we expect. But you, Son of God, are not limited! Your strength, your power, your might are limitless! And you want to give us whatever we need, whether we need a miracle or even if it's just the belief that we can go on another day.

Lord of Heaven, my heart is moved to think of those who are in danger right now, whether serving in battlefields, or as missionaries, or simply living in troubled areas of the world. Constant pressure exhausts human strength. Cast your eyes on them and be moved by compassion to answer what is needed. “We pray that they will receive strength, being tapped into your glorious power so they will endure with patience. May each be filled with joy by always thinking of The Father's love with thanksgiving.” Colossians 1:11 (Sandy's paraphrase of scripture)

Lord, keep me mindful of those who suffer more than I do. It puts my pain in better perspective and you use the stories of their faithfulness to encourage me and strengthen me. Thank you for all the champions of faith whose lives are documented to inspire me today. Amen.

3/28/16 Pray For Mercy

March 28

Pray for mercy.

Heavenly Father,

What a marvelous thing has been done for us through Jesus Christ! You called each of us into your family, though we were not related at all. We had nothing in common except our sin. Now we have everything in common, because of you.

“God has made a nation for himself, set apart for his use and pleasure, a nation where every citizen is a priest. So, preach it! Preach how excellent is the name of the One who called you out of darkness to live in his incredible light. You had nothing in common, but now you are God's citizens of a single, new nationality. You had nothing in common before, but now you are the people of God's mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 - Sandy's Paraphrase of Scripture (SPS)

“So, let us come boldly to the throne of this gracious God who formed us into his own holy nationality, as royal priests owned by him. This is where we receive his mercy and grace that helps us, always at the perfect time.” Hebrews 4:13 -SPS

The national flag of your people is a banner proclaiming Love, proclaiming the name of Jesus! We lift your name high and praise you. Teach us to live as ambassadors in a foreign land, always demonstrating the inner law of your kingdom to everyone still living in darkness. Unite us as one, and teach us to be merciful like You, instead of tearing down our brothers and sisters in the kingdom, extending the same type of love to each other that you offered to each of us.

I ask these things only for your glory, honor, and praise. Amen

3/27/16 Pray For Grace

March 27

Pray for grace.

Hallelujah! He is risen! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Thank you! You overthrew the reign of sin and death! You died to pay for all sin, and then you rose from the grave and vanquished the power of death forever!

We are free! The heavy yoke that was on our necks is broken! We were slaves to sin that controlled us, woven into our fallen nature. But now, believing in what you accomplished by laying down your perfect life to pay the price for our mistakes, everything has changed.

“We were “dead”, wrapped in burial clothes of our own sin; but he made us alive again together with Christ. It's a free gift, God's grace that saved you!” Ephesians 2:5 – SPS.

Now there is only one choice. We can either believe in you and receive grace! Or, we can die trying (and always failing) to live as perfectly as you, as if we might earn our own way – but even trying to earn what you've already given us leads away from you, forever.

O Lord, you opened the tomb! You weren't trapped by it, but we were.

Open our eyes if we haven't seen and received this wonderful gift.

Open our hearts so your love will flow out through our hands in loving kindness toward others, so they might hunger to know you.

Open our mouths to explain your goodness, so your grace will abound in the earth.

In Jesus' precious name, amen.

3/26/16 Pray For A Sign

March 26

Pray for a sign.

Father God, I thank you for the unexpected ways you show your love for each of us. Especially for those things you do just for me that wouldn't excite anybody else. For such a huge, great God, it's sometimes surprising how incredibly personal you make our relationship!

There are times when you want to prove how personally we should take this relationship and you directions for us. You, all-knowing, all-powerful, want to prove yourself to us?!?  We are so prone to doubt our understanding of you, or doubt that you might truly be doing something fantastic just for 1 little person like me. Loving us this way is what you enjoy doing, but it can be hard to accept.

I know some of your children, my brothers and sisters, really would like a sign from you about a situation they are facing. Lord, you told Ahaz in Isaiah 7:10-11 to ask for a confirming sign, even something miraculous. Holy Spirit, move in those who need proof of your answer to ask for the specific thing you want to use to confirm your love or direction for each of them.

Sometimes we feel unsure whether we've really understood what you've told us, just like the disciples wondered about everything they'd learned from Jesus while he lay in the tomb. Sometimes we can only see signs of defeat around us, and we need a sign of hope.

Teach us that perfect balance of humility and boldness that you love to see us practicing. Make us truly humble before you and humble in the way we honor others, but show us how to live with the boldness Jesus did. Jesus showed us complete confidence, was always certain that his Father always had his back since you've always been perfectly in sync.

Because we are clothed in Jesus' righteousness, we can come before you, Father, with boldness to ask for a sign. For the ones who need this now, lead them to ask for a specific sign at a specific time. Give us hope in everything that Jesus' resurrection accomplished.

We praise your Holy Name and thank you. Amen.

3/25/16 Pray For Restoration

March 25

Pray for restoration.

Father God, you planned for us to be as one, but we pushed you away. Since the days of Adam, we've repeatedly done our own thing instead of yours. Then we even run to hide from you, pretending we're just fine the way we are –- even though we're struggling, incapable of doing good as we'd like to. Completely incapable of pleasing you with our lives, but either we're too proud or too afraid of you to ask for help. 

As a people, we tend to act like foolish children who don't want to follow rules, but miss the acceptance of having an enjoyable relationship which is produced by pleasing your parents. You always love us, but we' had lost out by not being able to see joy in your face when you look at us.

You love us so much, you miss that relationship even more than we do! Even though we're the ones who pushed you away, you bridged the gap! You made a way for us to be close to you, as you'd always created us to be. Your son, Jesus Christ is the one, perfect way. 

Because you sacrificed your son, we can be in your presence, and experience your incredible love, without any fear of punishment or judgment. Through faith in Jesus, we are welcomed into your loving embrace as easily as he is. We can be one with you, Father, because you are in Jesus, and now his Spirit is in us.

“So, in faith we take incredible joy in the struggle. Each day, pressing on through the leftover bits of our old, divisive ways to pursue full restoration, encouraging each other to let go of the old and grab hold of this new freedom to be unity with You and with each other. With Your love growing in us we can be of one mind and live in peace.” (2 Corinthians 13:11 -SPS)

Complete this marvelous work made possible by Calvary! God, you are so good! Thank you for wanting us back! Jesus, we celebrate your sacrifice for us! Such love we cannot find anywhere else.

We praise you, Risen Savior!

Amen!

3/24/16 Pray For Wisdom

March 24

Pray for wisdom.

Jesus, Lord of All, who knew the end of all things before the beginning, I worship you. The one who organized all of creation can surely organize my thoughts and teach me wisdom.

If I ask you for wisdom you surely give it without restraint, without treating me like I should already know. You give it abundantly and with pleasure. (James 1:5)

I admit it. I need wisdom! Not street smarts, not political insight, not merely intelligence about the law, or of science, or current events. No, I need the profound wisdom You offer, which can be like an internal GPS to guide me into Truth.

“I'm talking about God's wisdom, the mysterious, hidden wisdom, which God decided before time began to share with us.” 1 Corinthians 2:7 – SPS

God, the way you work and think is so far above what I do, that I can't understand unless you reveal it to me. Since I am your child, I want resemble you, remind people of you. I need your wisdom.

Make the mystery of salvation bubble up in my heart, so I may constantly ponder it, and discuss it, like a fountain welling up that continually flows.

“Study and meditate on the Good News about the Messiah day and night so it will blossom into knowledge and the mysteries of God's wisdom will be revealed. Sing and shout  gratitude to God” Colossians 3:16 – SPS

Lord, I am certain that you are happy to give me wisdom. You know more than I do, the exact wisdom I need. I thank you and praise you for answering me with so much more than I can ask!

You are beautiful!

Amen.

3/23/16 Pray For The Oppressed

March 23

Pray for oppression.

Holy Spirit, teach us to pray for all those who are oppressed for their faith in Jesus, any who suffer because of Christ, all those who constantly live in expectation of harm to their bodies, their families, their homes, at the hands of those who hate the Kingdom of God.

Send angels to rescue, or to stand in place for those who are pressed to suffer beyond what they can bear so none of your children suffer the knowledge of disappointing You. Shield the families of those who suffer violence, and open their eyes to the spiritual cloud of witnesses who bear testimony in eternity of the wondrous faith of those who suffer for Jesus' sake.

Holy Spirit, comfort, strengthen, embolden, each of those who fear the possibility of suffering. Release them from the emotional, spiritual toll of this pressure. Give each your power and strength to overcome.

We ask for freedom for those wrongfully imprisoned for your name''s sake. But, God, we know that more important than this physical realm is the unseen activity going on. Release a Spirit of praise, in each of those called to suffer. We know that when we praise You, Almighty God, and your son, Jesus Christ, impossible things happen. Like when Paul and Silas sang your praises while in jail and you freed them from their captors – and even brought the message of salvation to the other prisoners and the guards. (Acts 16:25)

No matter how things look right now, open the eyes of our faith to see what you see, Lord. “Whether our circumstances bring suffering or cheerfulness, our response is to pray & praise God”. James 5:13 -SPS

Amen.

3/22/16 Pray For Repentence

March 22

Pray for repentance.

“There is no more waiting. The time has come because the kingdom of God is right here within your reach! Stop keeping score! Stop believing your own actions can make you righteous before God. Repent, change your mind about who can save you and believe this Good News I'm telling you. Accept the free gift of God through Jesus Christ.” Mark 1:1 -SPS

Lord Jesus, how we need you!

I couldn't be good enough on my own to earn a ticket to heaven, or even to stand for a moment in The Father's presence. You gave me this gift! I am not perfect, but you cover me with your perfection. I don't have to fear that God will find fault in me. You laid down your life to completely cleanse me from any wrongdoing. Thank you for giving me faith to believe in you!

Lord, I am still bent toward keeping score. I like to add up my “brownie points”. And sometimes I take perverse pleasure in remembering other people's mess ups, so I can look down on them. Oh, Jesus, forgive me, and completely change my thinking so I've repented of this through and through!

You are the only one who has never made any errors. You don't look down on anyone or remind them of their flaws. I want to be like you. I need your Spirit that is living in me to transform me completely.

Finish the job, Holy Spirit! So if I do see one of the children you love taking a step off the correct path, I won't accuse them, but pray for them to receive more of God's life-giving power to live. (John 5:16a -SPS)

Amen.

3/21/16 Pray For Each Other

March 21

Pray for each other.

My Lord Jesus, you know me so well.

You know I prefer trying to do things on my own, even though I've already proven many times, I can't do it alone.

Even those things I do complete alone, could have been much more satisfying and successful to do with someone else.

Why is it so hard, or so distasteful to us to just ask for help from each other?

But that's your plan, because you know we can be strengthened by sharing our weaknesses with trustworthy brothers and sisters.

Your Word encourages us to go against our inclination and share our burdens. “Tell each other about that one weakness that always trips you up, even the one you'd like to hide. Be caring and faithful when you listen to these things from each other. Pray for each other to be healed from these wounds of sin. The prayers of you righteous ones will accomplish a lot!” James 5:16 - SPS

In that one verse that reminds us we are weak sinners who need each other, also says we are righteous!

Your sacrifice made us righteous, Jesus, and lets us enjoy the benefits of righteousness we could never earn.

Keep me faithful, Lord, to open the door of my weakness, giving it no place to hide. Teach me humility to ask others to help and pray for me. Make me a trustworthy child of God, eager to pray and help others to be healed of the things they struggle against.

Because of what you've done for us, our prayers accomplish a lot! Thank you! Thank you for hearing and answering the prayers of this righteous child. Amen.

3/20/16 Pray For Advancement of The Gospel

March 20

Pray for the advancement of the gospel.

Jesus, we lift your name up high where every eye can see you, because you are deserve all praise, from the entire earth!

As requested in your Word (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2) we pray for all those who daily work to spread the Good News of salvation in You. What an honor to deliver hope to the hopeless! Protect them, provide for them, make a sure path. Give easy access to those who you have prepared to receive the Gospel.

May your message of mercy and grace reach every corner of the world quickly, and may this message be respected and revered. May those who deliver it never suffer at the hands of the wicked.

Make your love abound in the hearts of mankind in a harvest like this generation has never seen or experienced before.

Make the Gospel spread through every segment of society, and be spoken of constantly in the public realm, saturating our minds and hearts with love.

Jesus, whom the Father exalted above every name, let your honor expand so every knee bows down before you, “...let every tongue say, 'JESUS as Lord!', giving to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:11 -SPS.

We ask this in your precious name, Jesus, LORD of All. Amen 

3/19/16 Pray For The Sick

March 19

Pray for the sick.

My Jesus,

You have shown your compassion to every person you encountered who was sick or in need. You love to meet our needs when we come to you. You love to heal our bodies and minds, even our broken spirits, to make us whole again!

I'm asking on behalf of one I know who is sick today; Jesus, release your healing power to them. It makes you happy to do it, just as it makes us happy to receive this gift from you.

Restore health and strength. Commission angels to bring strength to weak bodies today. Send strong angels to break off long-standing afflictions.  

Pour out your Spirit to build faith and bring honor to your name, and the name of Our Father, with miraculous healings today.

Jesus, for those who have been injured, restore the use that has been lost. 

Whether by injury, disease, or even from birth, I ask for full use of every limb, every joint , every muscle, and every organ to be restored, for anyone who joins in this prayer, anyone who has faith to ask, and for themselves and their loved ones. 

Any cell that does not belong, cause it to wither and make way for healthy ones, immediately.

Shine light into minds that have been clouded in darkness.

In your Word, you've told us that the prayer offered in faith will restore the sick and raise him up, and bring forgiveness where it is needed (James 5:15), and so we ask this in Your Holy Name, Jesus!

Jesus, you are so faithful to heal! You never turn your back on those who seek you. You are always good!

I love you! Thank you for hearing my prayer today. Thank you for the wonderful ways you will answer!

Amen!

3/18/16 Pray For God's Will

March 18

Pray for God's will.

Lord Jesus, we will pray God's will in the manner you taught us:

"Our Heavenly Father, we give honor to your name. It is holy.

Show us Your Kingdom of Love, with all it's liberty and joy and worship,

 here in this earthly realm.

Your will, your desires are carried out here the same as they are in heaven.

Feed us what we need today.

Forgive us in peace, and we will extend that gift to those around us.

Keep our path away from traps set out for us, far away from the Evil One.

O God, Your Kingdom, Your Power and Glory extend farther than we can perceive,

beyond the reaches of all universes and all time!

Amen. "

(Matthew 6:9-13 -SPS of a Galilean Transliteration of the Lord's Prayer)

3/17/16 Pray For Maturity in Christ Jesus

March 17

Pray for maturity in Christ Jesus.

Jesus, I'm so very thankful for the ways you have changed me to become like you. When I look where I've been I can see how far you have brought me along.

So many things that tortured me before have been completely overcome. Those things are not a problem anymore. Even the emotional/spiritual wounds caused by those experiences have been completely healed. I am free! I have begun to experience joy and hope, instead of hopelessness.  Thank You!

When I try and look ahead of me, I realize I'm still in the shallow end of the pool. There are much greater depths to explore in You. I'm sure there may be some ways I cling to my own strength, my own ways to stay in control of things, which is only a false safety. You are calling me to swim away from the edge, get deep enough my toes can't reach the bottom, so I become totally dependent on you to keep me afloat.

Its a bit scary because I've never been that deep, but I'm willing to go with you. You've shown me that only good comes from being in your presence - and so I want more! I want to experience more of your presence, and more of what you want to develop in my life. I want to grow to depend totally on you. Take me deeper!

I can't even see any specific ways that I'm not depending on you right now, but I know YOU can. You have some better ideas that I haven't even imagined yet. And that's okay with me. I have come to know you enough to believe you are trustworthy. I will be happier if I go where ever you want me to and do whatever you want me to do.

“I ask this for each of your children, all those whom you have called by name; God, give them a complete understanding of your will for them – leave nothing out, but reveal Your will, Your desire to give spiritual wisdom and understanding so we can each know You. Then we may grow to always honor and please You, living in the knowledge of You. Your loving nature will flow out of us, as we learn to know you better and better.” (Colossians 1:9-10 -SPS)

My heart is yours, Lord. Now open your heart to me. Let me truly know You. Amen.

3/16/16 Pray For Fruitfulness

March 16 originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for fruitfulness.

Oh Lord, my Life is in you.

The fruit of the Spirit is not something I can work toward with striving. When it comes to attaining the qualities of your character, I am helpless to gain them no matter how hard I push myself. They are only produced as fruit from a vine, the normal result, the natural product of having been planted in you, and being fed upon you. That is the only way I may grow in you, and you in me.

"When I used to go the way my human nature naturally lead me, my life was characterized by immorality, impurity, indulgence, jealousy, selfish ambition, and much worse. I can't inherit the Kingdom of God acting like that, by acting like an outlaw!

When I allow your Holy Spirit to reign in me, your nature is expressed instead! My life overflows with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Even the highest laws are met by these things". (Galations 5:19-23 -SPS)

I am like a branch you cut off of a wretched “outlaw”fruit tree and grafted into a tree of good fruit. For the first time ever, I have a choice about which nature to live in, and it is your nature that gets fed and watered! Let there be no question, what kind of plant I am.

“Before, you people were darkness, but now the Light of The Lord shines through you; if you walk in belief that you are children of the Light you will grow the fruit of the Light, which is all types of goodness, righteousness, & truth.” Ephesians 5:9 – SPS

God you are pure Light; you have made us like crystals that are constantly being purified and cleansed so that Light is refracted beautifully into all the colors of Love that you intend to express in the world. Your light is not of me, it shines through me.

O shine, Jesus, shine! 

Be magnified! 

Amen.

3/15/16 Pray For New Habits

March 15 - originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for new habits.

I praise you, Jesus! You are constant! You are always the very thing I need!

“Jesus Christ, our Messiah, is continually our Savior and Deliverer since before time began, now in this present moment, and forever and ever!” -Hebrews 13:8 -SPS Hallelujah, King Jesus!

Your ways are unfailing and steady. You are always perfectly in season, even though you are unchanging. O, Jesus, teach me to be like you! When you show me better ways and I practice them, in time I fail or I just forget. You are gracious to forgive and lead me back to the path, but I want to demonstrate your steady pace, day by day. Together, we will do this.

Lord, you know the good habits I've been practicing to master. And you have even better ones for me to add. Work these new things into my very being so they become a part of me. Whether it is scripture reading and study, or kind words and actions, or giving, or prayer time, - whatever it is we're working on right now, I put it in your hands. If I do it alone, it's worthless to you. If you do it through me, it is a treasure to you, and that's what I desire.

My goal is not an achievement to be proud of, my goal is a journey spent pursuing good actions with you.”Together” is the reason you called my name, and I have decided not to resist you. In your power, we can overcome my flawed human nature.

Jesus, you're my victory over laziness, and over giving up! “Through him all who believe are released from deeply ingrained bad behavior, which is not something we could ever achieve by working at it on our own!” Acts 13:30 -SPS

In this, your name will receive all glory and honor. Amen.

3/14/16 Pray For Renewing Your Mind

March 14 - originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for renewing your mind.

My Savior, you are purely good, through and through.

But we, your people have all been born with errant thoughts and desires, born in the likeness and DNA of Adam, who sinned against you. We were born with programming to think like fallen people, and were bent toward sin. So, there are ways that we may think are perfectly right, but they only lead to death, and away from you forever. (Proverbs 14:12 SPS)

But we who have been reborn of the Spirit, have begun receiving DNA transfusions! By the power of your Holy Spirit, we are washed and made clean, day after day. The effects of our human DNA and genealogy are changed the longer we know you and submit our ways to your ways. Patterns of death and sin are broken, new links to higher thoughts and actions are built. 

You are doing a transformational miracle in my body, heart, and mind! Each day, I become less like Adam and more like you, Jesus!

I want you to know I willingly submit to this process of making me into a natural-born child of God our Father. I want to resemble him, and you, Jesus, in every way. Make my thoughts like yours, transform my thinking, and thus my behavior. 

“Change me so I no longer practice the customs of this world, but transform me by totally changing the way I think. Then I will be able to comprehend the higher ways of God and learn to see recognize God's will for me that is pleasant and fits perfectly into kingdom ways.” Romans 12:2 – SPS

Amen.

3/13/16 Pray For Loneliness

March 13 - originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for loneliness.

My God and my King, you have been with me since I was in my mother's womb, you saw me knitted together, you watched me learn to walk, and run, and explore. At some point we will look back over every single minute of this life to laugh and cry together. 

You are present with me through everything! I'm thankful to know that I'm never alone, I'm never unguarded or unprotected or unloved.

At times, though, my heart has cried out for companionship. I've felt utterly alone and unwanted. Or that I'm too different from others. I've felt there was no one I could call on to hold my hand through a heartbreak. 

Having felt these things only makes me appreciate companionship even more. Father, you know me; I love to be alone with you. But you've taught me to love being with others, too. You're teaching me to love people like you do, and desire their company like you do. You've healed me, so I don't push others away before they have a chance to reject me.

Father, I ask you to reach anyone who is feeling alone today. Some have sought out friends that were not like-minded, and the friendship was short-lived. Some had a relationship fail. Some have a desire for more satisfaction than a human relationship can give. I have known the hunger, the deep, deep craving of loneliness. It's a desperate feeling. My heart cries out with yours for restoration.

So, I ask you to pour out compassion on those who are lonely. Please Father, send messengers to ease the hurt, replace the lie of rejection that comes with loneliness with your Truth; we belong to you. Break those painful things that are clinging to your lovely child, and replace them with a sudden sense of joy and satisfaction in knowing you. Reveal your heart to each one, so loneliness can be transformed into election for an exclusive relationship with you, the foundation for loving relationships among all your children.

Rebuild the broken heart. Restore an appropriate level of trust in others. Foster kinship with the brotherhood of saints. Knit us together as one, even as we were formed in the womb. Amen.

2 Timothy 2:22 – SPS (Sandy's paraphrase of scripture ;-)  ) “Run from anything that stirs up unrealistic appetites. Chase after a righteous life, faithfulness, love, peace. Keep company with people who call on the Lord in purity.”

3/12/16 Pray For Church Leaders

March 12 - originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for church leaders. (This prayer was inspired by a dream from the Lord last night)

Lord, I hear you. You've laid on my heart to pray specifically for our current leadership in the church worldwide. Many have served up the Good News faithfully, to any who will hear. And there are also many have served well, but grown bitter through the consequences of their own choices.

You are calling to these specific ones, the ones who have a hard time hearing you right now because of a hardness that has grown in them. You want to soften these wounds so they can heal and be useful in leading more wounded ones to know you, and to become part of your kingdom. Your kingdom welcomes the wounded, the lowest of the low, but some specific practices have been rejected by the traditional church for a generation or more.

Thank you for graciously calling out to the church leaders and elders who have served you, served us. Even though there may be errors, we honor them for their service and heart for you, Lord!

They serve because they love you, and love your people! They are worthy of double honor! (1 Timothy 5:17) and you are pleased to offer a second chance to them, so they can participate in reaching the very ones they formerly rejected.

Use all those leaders who yield their hearts to you now, to throw open the doors of the church, to welcome the unwelcome, to love the rejected, to preach the gospel to all those you've chosen as your own.

I ask you to take down the barrier of fear that has separated us from those who have particular behaviors or lifestyles that are offensive to some in the church.

Haven't we ALL offended you with our sin? Yet you are faithful to forgive and cleanse us, and have not rejected any one of us.

O God, teach us to love as you love! 

Prepare the way for a wonderful harvest! 

Amen!

3/11/16 Pray For Our Nation's Leaders

March 11 - originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for our nation's leaders.

Father God,

As Daniel said, “Let God's name be blessed for all time, because he has all wisdom and power. He oversees the centuries; he puts kings in place and gives them power, and he removes them and takes away their power. He gives knowledge to those who revere him.” Daniel 2:21-22 – SPS.

Lord, my trust is not in any human to lead this country, but only in you. For our current president, make him productive and responsive to your direction, even if he doesn't know you. I trust in you to bring about circumstances that will limit or increase his impact, in order to benefit your people.
Proverbs 21:1 -SPS “The king's heart flows like a stream, but the LORD builds the channel to direct it where ever he wants.

Lord God, those who are running for office, protect them. Give each physical endurance for the process. Set a watch over their families' and protect the love they share during this difficult journey. Somehow, through this process, reach them, teach them personal lessons. Reveal your heart to each one.

Soften the hearts of each candidate, but strengthen the resolve each holds in regard to their principles that make them want to be elected. Use the electoral process to reveal the leadership you desire for this time. 

Use this new leader to convict your people to pray and seek you, and desire your will again for this country. Convict me to pray consistently for each of them, instead of joining in with criticism. Use our elected officials as you servants, to do your bidding.

Lord, you hold all power. We give yo all glory, forever and ever. Amen.

3/10/16 Pray For Discipline

March 10 - originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for discipline.

Sweet Jesus, my Savior, my brother, my friend,

You've walked this earth in human skin, just like me. But unlike me, you never strayed. You displayed the character of The Father without fail, through every trial and temptation. At once, so much like me, and yet so incredibly unlike me.

Walk with me now, re-travel these earthly roads full of enticements that you've seen before and you've already overcome. Teach me the steps to walk through them without being in them. 

You know my favorite indulgence! And if I walk with you, I trust you can keep me pure, even through the things that seem to call my name to get me off this beautiful path, and temporarily blind me to your mercies, grace, your victory.

“When you are corrected and trained, remember, that's what it means to be a beloved child instead of a slave! Love the discipline of The Father, because he loves you.” Hebrews 12:7 - SPS

Lord, Jesus, I tell you right now, that I welcome the consequences of my sin. I trust you to use those consequences only for my benefit. Through them, you train me, you teach me, you humble me. And on those occasions when you exempt me from those consequences, you humble me even more, because I know what I deserve. Your grace toward me is so sweet!

Just like you, the King of Heaven had to learned to walk in human form, teach me to walk in your kingdom ways. Thank you for never letting go of my hand, even when I let go, and holding tighter when I pull away toward a distraction. How great is your mercy!

Jesus, I want to be like you! Amen.

3/9/16 Pray For A Decision

March 9, 2016 - originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for a decision.

Father God, You chose to create, you chose to love, you chose a people. You chose a plan to restore your children into close relationship with you. You chose me! I am so thankful you chose me, and taught me to respond to your love, and to know how good you are!

You chose to give me freedom to choose many things for myself. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by choices. 

I like to know I'm making the right choice, the best decision. Your ways are higher than my ways, and you've taught me to recognize some of those decisions easily. The longer we continue together, you and I, the more consistently I'm able to choose to go the more difficult way, higher and higher.

If there is a choice to love, I choose it. If there is a choice to lift up someone else, I choose it. If there is a choice to help, to be kind, to encourage, I choose that way. When I do, it is certain that I'm in agreement with you, Lord. You teach me wisdom by keeping to this path.

But sometimes the choice is not clear, it's not a matter of right and wrong, or good and bad. I'm offered an option to exercise my freewill, a gift from you. But, Lord, I love you! And I want to honor you in those choices too.

God, I give you the choice before me today. Lead me to wise counselors. (Psalm 15:22) Open my ears to hear your voice.

And if this is one of those choices you've given to bless me and indulge my free will, thank you for teaching me wisdom, so I don't have to be afraid of making a mistake. You never reject me if I do make an error, and you continue to watch over me, regardless. 

In Psalm 32:8 (-SPS) LORD,you said, “If you hold my hand, we'll take the best route for your life, I'll constantly advise you and point out anything troublesome so you don't trip. I'm watching over you every step of the way.”

O, Master, Let every choice I make demonstrate my will is submitted to you. Amen.

3/8/16 Pray For Direction

March 8, 2016 - originally posted on facebook.com/31daysofprayerandpraise

Pray for direction.

My Great and Mighty Lord Jesus,

I thank you today for your might, revealed in the wind and waves, your majesty revealed in the mountains. Your handiwork is spread across the expanse of the night sky. How beautiful are all the works of your hand!

To you, who knows all direction, from every angle, I ask for help in knowing which way to direct my feet. I can't see everything you see, Lord, or what unexpected trials may be on the other side of one path versus another. Most of all, I want to please you and submit all my ways to you.

So, show me Lord God, if there is a better path, a better choice, a way that delights you. Each choice I make today and every day, I will present to you, so after many years we both can look back together and see the beauty of the path we have walked together.

My heart joins with the psalmist, “You guide me with your wise words, directing me to a glorious destiny!” Psalm 73:24 – SPS

May this path lead me ever closer to you.

Amen