Category: 2019 Prayers

Be Bold to Seek & Ask God

Chronicles give a priestly account
on the history of God’s people,
a sort of divine commentary on
the kingdom period. It carefully
weds the nation’s history with the
active hand of God in Israel’s affairs
Chronicles centers on the southern
kingdom of Judah. First Chronicles
opens with a lengthy genealogy
tracing the line of David all the way
back to Adam. The genealogies
provide clear evidence of God
at work throughout history, by
selecting a people for Himself and
then protecting a family within
that people to provide leadership.

Lord, we Boldly Seek & Ask You:
The sons of Judah were Perez,
Hezron, Carmi, Hur and Shobai…
Now Jabez was more honourable
than his brothers, and his mother
called his name Jabez, saying:
“Because I bore him in pain.” And
Jabez called on the God of Israel
saying: “Oh, that You would bless
me indeed & enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me &
that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”
So God granted him what he
requested. (1 Chron 4:1, 9-10).

Lord, thank You for putting Jabez
and his prayer in the scripture.
Thank You for loving us and for
being just as accessible to us
as You were to Jabez. Thank You
have wondrous good plans for us
and that through prayer we can
appropriate them and cooperate
with You God in bringing them.
Let me never take the privilege
of prayer for granted. And thank
You for hearing my prayers. Amen.

Lord, I thank You for all that You
have given me. I pray for Your
continued blessings, provision
and protection. I pray that Your
presence will always be with me
wherever I go and no matter
what happens. Thank You that
You are pleased to share Yourself
and Your kingdom with me. And
Enable me to give back to You by
helping and blessing others. Amen.

Lord, I would love an easy life,
free of trouble, grief and confusion.
But You have not promised such
an existence. For Your goal for
us is not purely earthly bliss, but
Your glory brought about through
our maturity. So Lord, give me
wisdom and courage so that I am
willing to walk with You wherever
You lead. Trust that when I seek
You and Your kingdom, all these
things will also be given. Amen.

Music Removes Hearing Block

2 Kings can be summarised in
a verse: In those days the Lord
began to cut Israel short (10:32).
The downward spiral that begun
in 1 Kings now accelerates as one
bad king after another accedes
to the throne. Standing in the
path of this downward trend are
the prophets who speak for God.
Calling upon the God of Elijah,
Elisha watches as God sends
waterlogged valleys as a sign to
Jehoram, and blood-red water
signalling defeat for Moab.

Lord, with music we draw near to U:
So the king of Israel went with the
king of Judah and the king of Edom
and they marched… seven days;
& there was no water for the army…
And the king of Israel said: the Lord
has called these 3 kings together
to deliver them into hands of Moab.
But Jehoshaphat said: Is there no
prophet of the Lord here that we
may inquire of the Lord by him?
So one of the servants of the king
of Israel answered: Elisha is here…
Now bring me a musician. Then
it happened, when the musician
played, that the hand of the Lord
came upon him (2 Kings 3:9-15).

Lord, just as Your presence can
often be experienced thro music,
Elisha needs a harpist in order
to hear from You. We realise that
God speaks to our intuitive side
more often than to our logical,
skeptical side. So, even as we
approach You in faith with music,
we trust Your Spirit will connect
with us at a creative level & reveal
Your words for us in season. Amen

Lord, just as Elisha hear U better
when the harpist was playing,
trust the music we play will also
activate our spiritual perceptions.
So sensitize me to Your presence
and awaken my heart to know when
You are speaking creatively to me.
Trust that when I am open to know
You beyond my own understanding,
You will open to me and free me
to experience You in any way You
want to be experienced. Amen.

Lord, my emotions, anxious
thoughts and mental strategies
often block my listening ear,
and music removes the blocks.
When I surround myself with the
language of music and rhythm,
let it open my spirit to hear the
language of Your heart to me.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Be Alert to the Varied Voice of God

I Kings 15 begins a pattern that
will extend throughout the rest of
1 and 2 Kings. The writer flip-flops
in his account between the nations
of Israel and Judah. He traces
the parallel stories of two nations
in spiritual decline, taking time
occasionally to highlight a prophet
or a king who contributes greatly
to the spiritual rise or fall of one
of the nations. Today we centre
around Elijah the prophet who
courageously faces a heathen
Israelite king and 850 pagan
prophets of Baal, only to flee
for his life from Queen Jezebel.

Lord, we’ll Be Alert to Your Voice:
As Elijah stood there, the Lord
passed by and a mighty windstorm
hit the mountain. It was such a
terrible blast that the rocks were
torn loose, but the Lord was not
in the wind. After the wind there
was an earthquake, but the
Lord was not in the earthquake.
And after the earthquake there
was a fire, but the Lord was not
in the fire. And after the fire
there was the sound of a gentle
whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12).

Lord, we note centuries earlier,
that You had spoken to Moses
amid thunder & lightning, a thick
cloud of smoke & a blast of a horn.
Now in the very same mountain,
Elijah facing similar phenomena,
yet he hears God’s voice only in
the gentle whisper. That shows
that You have different ways of
dealing with people at different
times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, you are sovereign and your
communication to us is varied and
we can’t focus on particular mode.
Help me to be ready for what You
want to say, however You want
to say it. Help me to remain Alert
to Your voice in all of its forms.
Make my spirit to be sensitive
to You at all times. Shout to me,
whisper to me, speak however
You want, for I am listening. Amen.

Lord, I really want to hear from
You more often that ever before.
I am willing to risk failure and
believe that I have heard. Help me
to discern which whispers are
Yours and which are not Yours.
But let me never be so “discerning”
that I deny Your voice along with
others. Please Lord give me ears.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Challenge to Follow & Serve God

After commended for conquering
land of Canaan, the warriors of the
tribes east of Jordan are sent home
Recognising the Jordan River may
divide the tribes, a memorial altar
is built on the riverbank – an act
misunderstood & civil war nearly
breaks out before the motive for
altar was revealed. The book ends
with Joshua’s farewell address
in which he gives the people an
ultimatum: Choose you this day
whom you will serve..as for me and
my house, we will serve the Lord.

Lord, thanks for preparing promised
inheritance and assignment for us.
Help us to be Faithful People:
Help us to Heed Yr Word & Love U:
Help us to Follow & Serve You:
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we will be Faithful People:
Then Joshua called the Reubenites
the Gadites & half of Manasseh,
and said to them: You have kept
all that Moses commanded You…
You have not left your brethren…
And now go to the land of your
possession… But take careful heed
to love the Lord your God,
to walk in all His ways,
to keep His commandments,
to hold fast to Him & to serve Him
with all your heart (Josh 22:1-5).
Lord, help us to be faithful people
like the eastern tribes of Israel.
I pray that as my years advance,
let me become more open, more
faithful and more trusting in You.
Let me not be distracted by lesser
things from what is truly important.
Lord, renew my passion for You;
and renew my commitment to You.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we’ll Heed Yr Word & Love U:
Be very courageous to keep and
do all that is written in the Book
of Law lest you turn aside from it
but you shall hold fast to the Lord
your God as you have done to this
day. (And) no one has been able
to stand against you to this day…
Therefore take careful heed that
you love the Lord (Josh 23:6-11).
Lord, help us heed the warning
for we are forgetful people and
extremely prone to stumble.
Help us be alert of our weak spots,
and help us overcome temptations.
Help us to be discipline in our
devotional life with You and
help us Love You deeply. Amen.

Lord, we’ll choose to Serve You:
Joshua said: So honor the Lord
and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Put away forever the idols (and)
Serve the Lord alone. But if you
are unwilling to serve the Lord,
then choose today whom you
will serve… But as for me and
my family, we will serve the Lord.
The people replied: We would
never forsake the Lord & worship
other gods (Joshua 24:14-16).
Lord, I remember the times that
you healed me, guided me and
pushed obstacles out of my way.
Thank you for allowing me to
lead others. I pray that those who
look to me for leadership will be
drawn to You. Help them choose
to serve You and no other. Amen.

God Uses Someone to Tell You

At a time when David should
have been on the field of battle,
he finds himself instead on the
roof of the palace. A casual glance,
a lustful thought, an inquiry and
the king of Israel set in motion
a chain of events that culminates
in adultery and murder. God then
Sends Nathan To David to uncover
the whole ugly scheme; and David
Repents & Receives Forgiveness.

Lord, we Seek Your Forgiveness:
The Lord sent Nathan to David…
So David’s anger was greatly
aroused… and he said to Nathan:
As the Lord lives, the man who
has done this shall surely die!…
Then Nathan said to David:
You are the man… Why have you
despised the commandment of
the Lord, to do evil in His sight…
So David said to Nathan: I have
sinned against the Lord. And
Nathan said to David: The Lord
also has Put Away your sin;
you shall not die (2Sam 12:1-13).

Lord, thank you for your tender
mercies and forgiving spirit that
was shown clearly when You put
away David’s sin & spare his life
despite serious transgressions
including adultery, false witness,
abusing of power and murder.
We purpose that when we fall
into sin, that we will not hide
but come to You in repentance
that we may receive mercy. Amen.

Gracious Lord, have mercy upon
me; blot out my transgressions;
and cleanse me from my sin. For
I acknowledge my transgressions
and my sin is always before me.
Against U have I sinned and done
this unrighteousness in Your sight.
Create in me a clean heart O God
& renew steadfast spirit within me.
And restore to me the joy of Your
salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, when I sin, You do not want
promises or attempts at penance.
Rather U want me to wrestle with
the gravity of what I have done;
humbly come to U acknowledging
the wrong done and expressing
the desire to avoid such reckless
behaviour in the future. Gracious
Lord, Forgive me, restore me and
change me. And I want to be a
person after your own heart. Amen

When God Says No to You

After years of running from Saul,
David is finally crowned over
the tribe of Judah. Rest of Israel
however followed Saul’s son Ish-
Bosheth. David did not attempt to
take the tribes by force but placed
the matter in God’s hands. After
a few years Ish-Bosheth was
assassinated and the rest of the
tribes finally put their support
behind David. David then moved
the capital to Jerusalem, defeated
surrounding nations and even
showed kindness to Saul’s family.

Lord, we’ll Submit to Your Will:
Nathan replied to the king: Go
ahead and do whatever you have
in mind for the Lord is with you.
But that same night the Lord said
to Nathan: Go and tell my servant
David: This is what the Lord has
declared: Are you the one to build
a house for me (2 Sam 7:3-5)…
When your days are over and you
rest with your fathers, I will raise
up your offspring to succeed you…
and I will establish his kingdom.
He is the one who will build a
house for my Name (v12-13).     Your house and your kingdom     will continue for all time, and your throne will be secure forever (v16).

Lord, we realise when we listen
for Your voice, sometimes we may
misunderstand some things. But
trust that You are okay with that.
Thank You for the grace and
patience as I learn Your voice.
Help me learn to recognise it
immediately. And guide me clearly
when I don’t. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Lord, I trust You and accept Your
answers to my prayers, even when
the answer is not what I want.
Help me to always understand
Your will, especially when the
answers to my prayers are not
what I expected they would be.
I’m grateful that You know what is
best for me and will not allow me to
seek after things I shouldn’t. Amen.

Lord, when You says no, it does
not mean You don’t care for us.
It may mean You have a greater
purpose and know the outcome;
or what we ask for may be unwise
or second-best or may be wrong.
So Lord when You say no, help us
to trust Your wisdom; for You
may be signaling a yes in another
direction. And we look forward to
the good that You will send. Amen.

Listen for the Lord Speaks

The period of the judges is nearly
at an end. One last judge remains:
Samuel, a man of godly character
and integrity who will guide the
nation from judgeship to kinship.
Samuel is the offspring of barren
woman and the answer to fervent
prayer. And he is consecrated
to the Lord’s service from birth.

Lord, we listen for You Speak:
Then Eli realised it was the Lord
who was calling the boy. So he said
to Samuel: Go and lie down again
and if someone calls again, say:
Yes Lord, Your servant is listening.
So Samuel went back to bed.
And the Lord came and called
as before: Samuel! Samuel!
And Samuel replied: Yes, Your
servant is listening (1Sam 3:8-10).

Lord, You are the God who knows
and loves me. I acknowledge that
often I don’t seek to hear Your
voice or understand Your leading.
Sometimes I do know what You
want but I want something else.
So I ignore Yr leading. Sometimes
I do not know what to ask, so I do
need You to reveal me how to pray.
Today I quiet my heart to hear
what You might want to say to me.
Teach me to hear Yr counsel. Amen

Lord, quiet my heart so that I can
hear You. Remove any distractions
that would keep me from being
open and attentive to what Your
Spirit might be impressing on
my heart and mind. Please make
me humble and receptive and
willing to answer obediently when
You call on me; for Your servant
is listening. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, I don’t just listen to You
in order to consider my options.
I am not just paying attention
out of curiosity. I really need
Your direction; for it is life to me.
I have decided that I am going
to do whatever You say, no matter
whether it defiles my expectation.
Your will is my food and Your wish
my command. I have purpose to
make that commitment. So speak
Lord, Yr servant is listening. Amen.

The Lord With You to Save You!

Gideon, Israel’s 5th judge, receives
God’s call while hiding in a wine-
press secretly threshing wheat.
Midian’s oppression is severe, and
Gideon is God’s man to lead the
people in throwing off that yoke of
bondage – an assignment Gideon
is not anxious to accept! But once
convinced of his calling through
two miraculous signs, Gideon
leads a humble army of 300 men,
equipped only with pitchers,
torches & trumpets, in a stunning
victory against the mighty Midianite
forces. Israel’s unusual weapons
and battle plan leave no room for
doubt: The victory is the Lord’s!

Lord, we Claim Your Presence:
When the angel of the LORD
appeared to Gideon, he said: The
LORD Is With you, mighty warrior.
But sir, Gideon replied, if the LORD
is with us,why has all this happened
to us? Where are all his wonders
that our fathers told us?… But now
the LORD has abandoned us and
put us into the hands of Midian.
The LORD turned to him and said:
Go in the Strength you Have and
Save Israel out of Midian’s hand.
Am I not sending you?… I Will Be
With you, and you will strike down
all the Midianites (Jdgs 6:12-16).

Lord, really? Please give me clear
confirmation that I hear correctly.
I find Your words about me to be
far more lofty than I deserve or
expect. Help me grow into the
vision that You have for me.
I am everything You say I am,
simply because You say so.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Lord, our perceptions tend not
to judge You well as it should.
Like Gideon, we tend to focus
on what God hadn’t done; that
He hadn’t delivered His people yet.
We note Your reply to Gideon:
to go with the strength he has.
Lord, thank You for all that You
have done; and help me now
focus only on what You have
said You will do. Amen and amen.

Lord, Gideon was well aware of
his own inadequacy. But when he
told the Lord that he wasn’t up
to the job, the angel didn’t try to
assure Gideon he was adequate.
Instead of pumping up Gideon’s
self confidence, he infused Gideon
with the confidence from God.
Lord, we agree that You are with
us and that victory does not lie in
our own adequacy or abilities, but
in Your presence & power. Amen.

Be Strong and Courageous !!

Moses has died and Joshua is
appointed by God to take the reins
of leadership. The people are
poised within view of the land
promised to their ancestors and
denied their unbelieving parents.
The time has come to cross over,
conquer and possess the land.
But will they succeed where their
fathers failed? The task seems
impossible: a swollen, turbulent
River and mighty walled cities.
So God begins to prepare His
people for the days of warfare
ahead. He reminds Joshua that
careful attention to His Word
brings blessing and success!!

Lord, we will Be Courageous:
Be Strong and Courageous,
because You will lead these people
to Inherit the land I Swore to
their forefathers to give to them.
Be Strong and Very Courageous.
Be Careful To Obey all the law
my servant Moses gave you;
do not turn to the right or to the
left, that you may be successful…
Have I not commanded you?
Be Strong and Courageous.
Do not be terrified; do not be
discouraged, for the Lord your God
Will Be With You wherever you go.
(Joshua 1:6-9). Amen and amen.

Father God, I will be strong and
courageous, I shall not be afraid
for the LORD my God is the one
who goes with me. And You will
not fail me or forsake me. In fact
You has promised an inheritance.
And since U promised that It is the
Lord who goes before me. You will
be with me and will not leave me.
Therefore, I will not fear. Amen.

Lord, I pray that every time I read
Your Word, You will teach me
all I need to know. Help me to
understand Your truth & speak to
me specifically how each passage
relates to my life & lives of others.
Help me to meditate on Your Word,
Help me to be very courageous
and take steps of obedience so
that I can live in Your perfect will
and prosper as You promise. Amen

Lord, When I am afraid, I will put
my trust in You. And when I seek
you LORD, You will answer me,
and deliver me from all my fears.
Lord U have not given me a spirit
of fear, but of power. So I shall say:
The Lord is my helper; I’ll not fear.
And now may the Lord of peace
Himself continually grant me
peace in every circumstance.
The Lord be with me. Amen.