Category: 2019 Prayers

Dealing With Disunity (April 24)

Churches aren’t perfect because
churches are full of imperfect people.
Paul writes to the believers at Corinth
to correct errors in their public
and private behaviour which
are detracting their gospel witness.
These include factions, immorality
and lawsuits between believers.
In an orderly fashion, Paul
set forth godly guidelines for
conduct consistent with the
grace of God given by Christ.

Dear Lord, we recognise the
tendency of the church to fall
into divisiveness and disorder.
Help us Lord to be concerned over
unity in our local churches; and
not mistake cordiality for unity.
Lord help the church leadership to
squarely address such problems.
Help us Seek to Be of One Mind;
Help us Seek Your Insight and
Help us Seek Your View. Amen

Lord, we will Seek to be of One Mind:
I appeal to You by the authority
of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop
arguing among yourselves. Let
there be real harmony so there
won’t be divisions in the church.
I plead with you to be of one mind,
united in thot & purpose (1Cor1:10)
Lord, we realise that divisions
usually occur when our focus
shifts away from You Jesus.
Help us to stay focused and work
at agreeing with one another.
We recognise there will always be
people with whom we’ll disagree.
But let the love of God control
our relationship so that we can
see others’ perspectives and
even agree to disagree. Amen.

Lord, we will Seek Your Insight:
What we have received is not the
spirit of the world, but the Spirit
who is from God, so that we may
understand what God has freely
given us. This is what we speak…
in words taught by the Spirit,
explaining spiritual realities with
Spirit-taught words (1Cor2:12-13)
Lord, thank You that You have
given me Your Holy Spirit.
Give me spiritual ears to hear &
teach me how to listen to You.
And I need to better understand
grace, forgiveness & eternal You.
Keep me from the distractions
of busyness and draw me
closer to You each day. Amen.

Lord, we will Seek Your View:
Look at Apollo’s and me as mere
servants of Christ…Now a person
who is put in charge as a manager
must be faithful… It matters very
little what you or anyone thinks…
Be careful not jump to conclusion
whether or not someone is faithful.
When the Lord comes, He will
bring our deepest secrets to light…
If you pay attention to scriptures,
you don’t brag at the expense
of another (1 Cor 4:1-6).
Lord Jesus, what a privilege to
be Your servant in Your kingdom.
Help us be good stewards of the
tasks You have entrusted us and
faithfully proclaiming Your message
Help us not to be Judgmental.
Help us not to be too concerned
about what others think; but
instead be very concerned about
what You God thinks. Amen.

Living For Christ in Corrupt Society

As the Bible is arranged by genre,
to enhance understanding context
we had been meditating scripture
by time sequence over 3OT phases:
OT1: Five Books of Laws & Job
OT2: Conquest to United Kingdom,
including Psalms & Wisdom Poetry.
OT3: Divided Kingdom, Exile, plus
Post-Exilic period & the Prophets.
Then we meditated on the gospels
ending with John where we learnt
Jesus Christ as Son of God and
believing we have life in His name.
Acts records fulfilment of Jesus’
Commission as Spirit-transformed
disciples spread the gospel. And in
Romans, Paul gives a sample of his
message before he arrives in Rome.

Next First and Second Corinthians.
In New Testament times, Corinth
was famous as the commercial hub
of southern Greece. But it was also
infamous as a center of immorality.
Despite that, Paul established
a church there near the end of
his second missionary journey
(Acts 18:1-17). Though the church
was in Corinth, Corinth was also
in the church, infecting its fellowship
and witness. Paul recognises
the gifts and strengths of the
church but he also deals decisively
with the problems plaguing it.
His goal is that all things be done
decently and in order (1Cor 14:40).

Paul’s troubles with the Corinthians
continued. After his first letter,
Paul’s teaching, character and
motives were brought under attack.
Paul writes back to set forth
his credentials and vindicate
his conduct, thanking those
who support him and appealing
to the rebellious minority. The book
is heavily autobiographical, offering
glimpses into the life of Paul:
his preconversion background,
his visions from Goa, his thorn
in the flesh and his persecution
for the cause of Christ.

We’ll meditate I&2 Corinthians over
4 weekends in following divisions:
1C1-6: Problems of Factions
1C7-10: Perspectives on Liberty
1C11-14: Perspectives on Worship
1C15-16: Perspectives on Resurrectn
2C1-5: Minister of the Gospel
2C6-9: Motivation in the Gospel
2C10-13:Authority as Gospel Minister
Lord, You are a holy God and
we recognise the importance that
all things be done decently and
in order. Grant us Lord the grace
of wisdom and strength to do so.
In Jesus’ precious name we pray.

Knowing God thru His Names

The purpose of Isaiah is to
call the nation of Judah back
to God and to tell of God’s
salvation through the Messiah.
This week we understand God better
thru His revelation of names, mostly
related to His ability to meet needs.
On Monday, we learn from Isa 25
about Shelter from the Storm.
On Tuesday, we learn from
Isaiah 26 about Rock of Ages.
On Wednesday, we learn from
Isa 28 about Sure Foundation.
On Thursday, we learn from
Isaiah 30 about Source of Strength.
On Friday, we learn from Isaiah 33
about Lawgiver, Judge and King.
Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face…In Jesus’ name.

Lawgiver, Judge & King (April 23)

As Isaiah continues to study
the prophetic horizon, he sees
more than coming calamity.
True, the prospects are not pleasant
for the rebellious people of God.
But there is also a coming King
who will bring peace like a river,
freedom for the captives, justice
for those suffering oppression,
and judgment upon heaven & earth.
In the light of His sure coming, the
people of God are urged to watch
and wait expectantly & purposefully.
Their redemption is nigh.

Lord, be merciful to us,
for we have waited for You…
In that day He will be your
sure foundation, providing a rich
store of salvation (Isaiah 33:2,6)
Lord, You will see Zion
as a place of holy festivals.
You will see Jerusalem,
a city quiet and secure…
The Lord will be our Mighty One.
He will be like a wide river
of protection that no enemy
can cross, that no enemy ship
can sail upon. For the Lord is
our judge, our lawgiver and our
King. He will care for us and
save us (Isaiah 33:20-22).

O Lord, be gracious to me;
be my strength each day and
my salvation in times of distress.
For You O Lord are the sure
foundation for all times. And
since You Lord are a rich storehouse
of wisdom and knowledge,
keep me from wandering away
from the truth of Your word, and give
me an understanding heart and a love
for You, that grows each passing day.
These I ask in Jesus name, Amen

Lord, as my creator, You have the
right to be my lawgiver and judge.
As my King, You have the right
to demand my allegiance.
Yet You choose to come as my
Saviour and win my affection.
You have loved all of humanity
enough to not write us off for
our rebellion. Let me be moved by
this incredible act of love one again.
Let me believe this truth not only
in words but in my core being. Amen

Glorious things of thee are
spoken, Zion City of our God;
He whose word cannot be broken
Formed thee for His own abode:
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.

Source of Strength (April 22)

Isaiah’s prophecies begin to focus
on the approach of the Assyrians.
Ephraim (northern kingdom) reels
like a drunkard, oblivious to the
danger & falsely confident in Egypt
to deliver her in time of trouble.
Ariel (Jerusalem, symbol of the
southern kingdom) stands next
in line for judgment if her citizens
follow Ephraim’s sorry example by
relying upon Egypt for protection.

Lord, You Strengthen & Direct Us:
This is what the Sovereign Lord
says: In repentance & rest is your
salvation, in quietness and Trust
is your Strength (Isaiah 30:15).
The Lord longs to be gracious to
you; therefore He will rise up to
show you compassion. Blessed
are all Who Wait for Him (v18).
Whether you turn to the right
or to the left, your ears will
hear a voice behind you saying:
This is the Way, Walk in it (v21).

Lord, forgive me for trusting
in anyone or anything but You.
Give me wisdom to see a satisfying
life is possible only when I look to U.
Sensitive my spirit to Your voice; for
I have set my heart to listen to You.
And I set aside my anxieties, plans
and impatience to hear from You.
So in my quietness, be my Strength.
Deliver me from trouble; and grant
me Strength to Trust You. Amen.

Lord, thanks for being true & faithful
and that You are Waiting to show me
love and compassion. Forgive me
for looking elsewhere for help; and
acting as though I am in charge.
You reward those who seek You;
and I need and want to turn to You.
Give me the resolve, the courage
and the tenacity to Wait for You.
And Strengthen my faith to see
Your faithfulness in my life. Amen.

Lord, Your Will is a place of safety
for me and I need to know I am
headed in the right direction.
So speak to me about Your Will
so that I can aspire to walk in it.
Help me hear Your voice speaking
to my heart telling me what to do,
especially with regards to the decision I need to make each day.
In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Sure Foundation (April 21)

Isaiah’s prophecies begin to focus
on the ominous approach of the
Assyrian armies. Ephraim (northern
kingdom) reels like a drunkard,
oblivious to the danger and falsely
confident in the armies of Egypt
to deliver her in time of trouble.
Ariel (Jerusalem, symbol of the
southern kingdom) stands next
in line for judgment if her citizens
follow Ephraim’s sorry example by
relying upon Egypt for protection.

Lord, You are Sure Foundation:
So this is what the Sovereign Lord
says: See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a tested stone, a precious corner-
stone for a Sure Foundation; the
one Who Relies on it will never
be stricken with panic (Isa 28:16)
When a farmer plows for planting,
does he plow continually? Does
he keep on breaking up & working
the soil? When he has levelled the
surface, does he not sow (v24-25)
This also comes from the Lord of
hosts who is wonderful in counsel
and excellent in guidance (v29).

Lord, Your Word says we don’t
have to panic because we have
You as our Sure Foundation. But
there’s times when we are at the
end of resources & fear beckons.
Being in impossible situations,
we will desperately need Your help.
Instead of trying to solve dilemmas
myself, I ask You to help me. Grant
me Your favour and favor of men
and show me the way to go. Amen

Lord, we recognise from scripture
that plowing illustrate God’s work
in our lives to prepare us produce
a harvest. The season of plowing
to break up the going is messy
and can be painful. You are a Good
God and You won’t plow the ground
where You are not going to plant.
So I surrender to Your work in my life
as You plow the ground of my heart.
For I know the plowing will not go on
forever & harvest will come. Amen.

Lord, we are Your children
Chosen and called by Your name
With one heart & mind we gather
To glorify You and proclaim that
You Lord are our Sure Foundation
We will not be afraid
When the storm comes
we will not be shaken
For by Your hand we are saved.
O by Your hand we’re saved. Amen

Eternal Rock of Ages (April 20)

In Isaiah 24-27, the redeemed ones
vindicated at last, break forth
in spontaneous song, exalting
the Lord. Though often downcast,
the people of God now have some
-thing truly worth singing about:
refuge, deliverance and ultimate
triumph in the Holy One of Israel.

All Praise to the Rock of Ages:
You will keep in Perfect Peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they Trust in You.
Trust in the Lord forever, for
the Lord, the Lord Himself is
the Rock eternal (Isaiah 26:3-4).
O upright One, You make the way
of the righteous smooth. Yes Lord,
walking in the way of Your laws,
we Wait for You (v7-8). Amen.

Lord, You promise Peace to those
who Trust in You & set their minds
on You. Lord, You are my rock, You
are dependable and worthy of my
full trust. And I know as long as
I look to You, I cannot be shaken.
Though my heart may be troubled,
I choose to focus on You, believe
Your Word, pray Your Word & stand
on it. Help me make Your promises
the foundation each day. Amen.

Rock of Ages, Thank You for Your
promise that Your perfect peace
will guard my heart and mind.
In Christ I can be relaxed and be
at peace in the midst of confusion
and perplexities of this life. I need
Your peace as the list of tasks
and challenges replay in my head.
Help me do these things and trust
You with all my heart. And keep me
praying instead of worrying. Amen.

Lord, in accordance to Your Word,
I can have peace about the future
because I Wait upon U. Although
I don’t know the details about
what is to come, You know every-
thing & my future is in Your hands.
Help me to walk faithfully with
You each day in Your Word and
in prayer so that I can move into
the purposes You have for my life.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Shelter from the Storm (April 19)

In Isaiah 24-27, Isaiah steps back to
survey the landscape & what he sees
causes him to respond in jubilation.
Earth and heaven experience God’s
sifting judgment. The redeemed
ones, vindicated at last, break forth
in spontaneous song, exalting
the Lord of the universe. Though
downcast, the people of God now
have something worth singing about
refuge, deliverance and ultimate
triumph in the Holy One of Israel.

O Lord, I will honour and praise
Your name, for You are my God.
You do such wonderful things!
You planned them long ago, and
now You have accomplished them…
For You have been a strength to
the poor, a strength to the needy
in his distress, a refuge from
the storm (Isaiah 25:1, 4).
You, Lord God, will swallow up death
forever, and You will wipe away
the tears from every face; You will
remove the reproach of Your people
from the earth. And it will be said
in that day: “Behold, this is our
God; we have waited for Him and
He will save us” (Isaiah 25:8-9).

My Lord who provides, bring to
my mind all the good You have
caused in my life, so that I can
fully honour and praise Your name.
I humbly thank You for helping me
to stop living a lie and for silencing
mean people who surround me.
And thank You Lord for all You
still plan to accomplish through
me for Your kingdom. Amen.

Lord, by faith I make You my Shelter,
accept Your Presence and receive
all other blessings that You offer.
Grow my faith O Lord to be as
big as the gifts You want to give.
And having experienced You,
I will declare to everyone, what
wonderful things You’ve done for me.
I love and adore You Lord for You are
more precious than anything. Amen

Lord, Your word affirms that
we will rise from death and that
death is not the end of existence.
We praise You because You are
the resurrection and the life.
And those who believe in You
will never die; at least not in the
ultimate sense. Thank You Lord
for the hope of the gospel; for
because of You, death has lost
its sting. In Jesus’ mighty name.

Immanuel God With Us

Isaiah’s national call for repentance
is so urgent that even his personal
call and commission to prophetic
office must wait until chapter 6.
The task set before Isaiah is an
unenviable one, for God promises
from the start that the people will
be spiritually deaf & nearsighted.
But armed with confidence in his
Immanuel, Isaiah begins to declare
harsh words from on high in the
courts and palaces of Judah.

All Praise be to Immanuel:
The Lord spoke again to Ahaz
saying: Ask a sign for yourself
from the Lord your God…
Then Isaiah said: Hear now, you
house of David! Is it not enough
to try the patience of men?
Will you try the patience of my
God also? Therefore the Lord
Himself will give you a sign:
Behold, a virgin will be with child
and bear a son, and she will call
his name Immanuel (Isa 7:10-14).

Immanuel, God with us. The most
perfect being – the Creator of all
things, chose to dwell among us.
Lord, You are fully God but also
fully man & You took on the sin of
all humanity to offer us salvation.
You Lord are the King of kings,
in a manger – the humble King,
who came to reveal the heart and
character of Father to us. Amen.

Immanuel, we focus much on You
during Christmas and give You
the honour rightly due to You.
But often throughout the rest of
the year, we forget the significance
of Your name – God with us!
Forgive me for being so easily
distracted that I fail to give You
the honour due You each day.
Forgive me for looking elsewhere
for that which only You can supply:
meaning & purpose of life. Amen.

Immanuel,strengthen Your followers
to live lives that reflect Your glory
& point people to U as God with us.
May Your name spread in such
a way as to draw people to You.
May we experience You more
fully and intimately each day.
May You not be to us a distant God,
but truly know You as God with us.
And May I know You as Immanuel,
God with me. In Jesus’ name.

Being Faithful to the Gospel

For 11 chapters Paul has set forth
the doctrine of the Christian faith.
The balance of his letter moves
into the practical outworking of
that faith. For every assignment,
there is a enablement from God.
The letter closes with Paul’s stating
his plans, a long series of greetings,
an admonition followed by doxology.

Lord, we will Defend the Gospel:
Brothers and sisters, I ask you
to look out for those who cause
people to be against each other
and who upset other people’s faith.
They are against the true teaching
you learned, so stay away from them.
For those who are such do not serve
our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 16:17-18).
Everyone knows that you are
obedient to the Lord. This makes
me very happy. I want you to see
clearly what is right and to stay
innocent of any wrong (v19).
And the God of peace will crush
Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you. Amen (v20).

Lord, make us be faithful to the
gospel in our area of influence.
Help us to be watchful for those
who undermine sound doctrine.
Lead us be wise and discerning
so that we could recognise
what is good and what is evil.
Prompt us to want to do good
and make us be willing servants.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, help me to travel life’s
road seeing things clearly
and living innocent of wrong.
Help me Lord to depend fully
on the light of Your Son Jesus.
Help me see the path You have
for me and through the truth of
Your Word leads me gently on it.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we realize the more we
yield to sin, the more enticements
to sin we seem to encounter.
But the more consistently and
firmly we resist temptation, the
stronger our resolve becomes.
Lord, the enemy is strong and
sinister; but You are stronger.
Give me the grace to recognise
the attacks of the enemy; and the
strength to spurn his offers. Amen.