Category: 2020 Prayers

Preview On 1 Kings

Whilst the English Bible is arranged
by types of writings, we meditate
OT chronologically to get better flow:
Genesis on God’s Plan for creation;
JOB on Sovereignty of God; and
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience.
Then Joshua on Obedient Faith,
Judges on God Restoring Repentant;
Ruth on Faithfulness/Redemption;
1 Sam on Rule of God in our heart;
2 Sam on Consequences of sin;
1 Chronicles on Genuine Worship;
add PSALMS on Hymns of Worship,
covering Israel’s history up to David.

Continuing, King Solomon’s life is
set forth in the first half of 1 Kings.
Under his leadership, Israel rises
to its peak of power and glory.
The crowning touch comes with
the construction of the temple
in Jerusalem. But Solomon’s zeal
for God cools as pagan wives
turn his heart from godly worship.
Solomon dies a man divided
religiously, leaving behind a nation
divided physically. The next century
sees the decline of two nations,
each growing indifferent to
God’s prophets and precepts.

We will meditate on 1 Kings on the
United and Divided Kingdom over
3 weekends in following 6 divisions:
1Kgs 1-4: Solomon’s Rise
1Kgs 5-8: Solomon’s Temple
IKgs 9-11: Solomon’s Fame
1Kgs 12-16: A Nation Torn
1Kgs 17-19: Ministry of Elijah
1Kgs 20-22: Reign of Ahab

Solomon was the wisest king in
the history of Israel, but his wives
led to the introduction of false gods
and false worship in Israel. It’s good
for us to have wisdom, but that is
not enough; for the highest goal
in life is to obey God. So, help us
Lord such that patient obedience
will characterise our lives. Amen.

This Is My Father’s World

Maltbie Babcock (1858-1901)
was an athlete. When he was
pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church in Lockport New York,
he would run out in the morning
to the brow of the hill two miles
away & look over at Lake Ontario.
Before he left, he would tell his
church staff: I am going out to
see my Father’s world. Babcock
loved athletics & nature as well as
music. So it was not strange that
he should write a hymn extolling
God’s handiwork in nature.

Lord, we Stand in awe of You:
The Lord merely spoke, and
the heavens were created.
He breathed the word,
and all the stars were born.
He assigned the sea its boundaries..
Let the whole world fear the Lord.
And let everyone stand in awe
of him. For He spoke and
it was done; He commanded
and it stood fast (Psa 33:6-9).

Lord, thank You that we are not
helpless victim of circumstances.
But we can affect the outcomes
of our situations thro prayer and
following Your gracious leading.
Scripture says You merely speak
and the universe is created. So,
speak words of power into our life;
Speak words of fulfilment so that
we truly live the abundant life. Amen

Lord, believing You created the
world also leads us to the truth of
Your providence in ruling the world.
The truth that God spoke and it
was done means You are in control
of the circumstances of our lives.
And thanks be to God that You
are working everything together
for good for us according to Your
purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This is my Father’s world,
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong
seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth & heav’n be one. Amen.

He Leadeth Me!

At the start of the American Civil
War, Joseph Gilmore, pastor of
Philadelphia First Baptist Church
wanted to turn people’s attention
to the Security of God’s guidance.
The important thing he said is
to know that God is leading – no
matter how or where He leads us.
After service, Gilmore went to
a deacon’s home and the topic
revolved around the Blessedness
of God’s leading. As others went on
talking, he wrote the words of this
hymn, inspired also by Psalm 31.

Lord, we will Follow Your Leading:
In You O Lord, I put my Trust,
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in your righteousness.
You are my rock and my fortress.
For the honour of your name,
Lead me out of danger… I entrust
my spirit into Your hands (Ps31:1-5)
I am trusting You O Lord saying:
My future is in Your hands (v14-15)

Lord, we put our Trust in You for
there’s Blessedness in Your leading.
So, I trust You with all my heart and
lean not on my own understanding.
In all my ways I will acknowledge
You and You will surely make my
paths straight. For You God knows
the plans You have for me, plans
to prosper me and not to harm me,
to give me a future & a hope. Amen

Lord, we put our Trust in you for
there’s security in your guidance.
Thank You for being my Guide
whenever I’m in danger or unsure
of which way to go. You will lead
me and make me know Your ways
for Your name’s sake, for You
are the God of my salvation, for
I entrust my cares to You and for
my future is in Your hands. Amen.

Lord leadeth me! O blessed thot!
O words of heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’re I be,
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me!
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me:
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me!
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine
Nor ever murmur nor repine,
Content, whatever lot I see, Since
’tis thy hand that leadeth me! Amen.

Abide With Me

Henry Lyte wore out when he was
54 years old, an obscure pastor
who laboured for 23 years in a
poor church in Devonshire England.
This hymn was written shortly
before his death in 1847, was
inspired by Psa 27:4 & the words
of the two disciples met by Jesus
on the road to Emmaus: Stay the
night with us, since it’s getting late.
It was eventide for Lyte and he felt
very much alone. But he was not
alone; for the Lord is “the help of the
helpless”, our guide & security. And
He will never leave nor forsake us.

Lord, Abide with me as I Come:
The one thing I ask of the Lord,
the thing I seek most – is to live
in the house of the Lord all the
days of my life, delighting in the
Lord’s perfections and meditating
in His Temple. For He will conceal
me there when troubles come;
He will hide me in His sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach
on a high rock (Ps 27:3-4).
I would have lost heart, unless
I had believed that I would see
the goodness of the Lord… Wait
on the Lord; Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen Your heart.
Wait I say on the Lord (v13-14).

Lord, help us to see the truth in
Your Word. You are our light and
salvation. You are our protector
from danger and from evil. Indeed
the Lord is the strength of my life,
of whom shall I be afraid? Father,
help me draw close to You and to
rest in the confidence I have in You.
Help me to defeat fear in my life
even as I put my trust in You. Amen

Lord, I listen with an attitude Your
goodness will show up in my life.
Grateful Yr goodness is not theory
but real and expect to see it more.
But Lord, holding on to faith in
tough situations requires fortitude.
So give me patience and courage
to hear You amidst the struggles
and pauses in our dialogues. And
Surely Help comes to the helpless
who Looks to You Lord. Amen.

Lord, Abide with me;
fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens;
Lord with me abide !
When other helpers fail
and comforts flee.
Help of the helpless,
O abide with me.
Lord, I need Thy presence
every passing hour.
Shine through the gloom
and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks
and earth’s vain shadows flee.
In life, in death, O Lord,
abide with me. Amen.

The Lord’s My Shepherd

This 17th century Scottish hymn
is a paraphrase of David’s original.
This version was often sung
daily in Scottish cottages and
so the wordings became more
familiar to the people then and
with us than the Bible text itself.
This text of the 23rd Psalm comes
from Francis Rous, who was a
member of the British Parliament.
Rous’ Psalter was widely used and
was authorised by the Westminster
Assembly, which also created the
Westminster Confession of Faith.

Lord, You Provide, Guide & Protect:
The Lord is My Shepherd, I Lack
Nothing & have everything I need.
He Leads me besides peaceful
streams. He Guides me along right
paths… Even when I walk thro the
darkest valley, I will not be afraid
for You are close beside me.
Your rod and staff Protect abd
comfort me (Ps 23:1-4). Amen.

Dear Lord Shepherd of my soul,
praise & thank You for Your Care.
You are not just my Creator and
my God. You are not just the King
and the Judge of the universe. For
You are my Shepherd. I am blessed
for because of You, I Lack Nothing.
Keep me from complaining; and
Keep me from fear and worry; for
You will Provide all my needs. Amen

Lord Shepherd, it is comforting
to know that I am not alone in
the journey of life. Thank you
that you are ever so vigilant,
Guiding and watching over me.
And thank You that You love Yo
lead me to “Peaceful streams”.
So, help me always respond to
Your voice, stay close to You, and
Follow as You call my name. Amen.

Lord Shepherd, You faithfully
feed, guide and above all Protect
Your flock with Your life. You are
always close by & Your rod/staff
protects & comforts me. And You
protectively hold me in Your hand.
When I am afraid or worried,
remind me that You desire to
always Protect and comfort me.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, You are my Shepherd,
And I shall not ever be in want.
You lead me to quiet waters,
You restore my soul. And
You will walk with me within
the paths of righteousness.
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling place shall be. Amen.

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou My Vision is an anonymous
Irish hymn from the eighth century.
It is filled with various titles for God.
The word Vision is used to indicate
not only what we focus on but also
what we strive for. As we strive
for a goal, we gain a long term
perspective that helps us see today’s
disappointments as trivial when
compared to the heavenly Vision.

Lord, we will Seek Your Vision:
Lord, You alone are my Inheritance,
my cup of blessing. You guard
all that is mine. The land You
have given me is a pleasant land.
What a wonderful Inheritance!
I will bless the Lord who Guides me;
even at night my heart Instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before
me; Because He is at my right hand
I shall not be moved (Psa 16:5-8).

Lord, enable us to walk in the reality
that You are our promised cup
of blessing and true inheritance.
Grant us understanding of the riches
of the inheritance, including faith,
hope & love that You have given us.
Father, I bless You as the Lord
who guides and instruct me by
day and by night. Teach me to hear
Your instructions; and help me to
always step into Your will. Amen.

Lord, Thank You for everything
that You have blessed us with
as well as our inheritances.
Help us to be contented with our
portion and station in life as well
as the situation we find ourselves.
We trust You are in control; and
You will never leave nor forsake us.
In gratitude, I purpose to seek
Your kingdom. Help me to make
Be Thou indeed be my Vision. Amen

Lord, Be Thou my Vision,
O Lord of my heart.
I ever with Thee and
Thou with me Lord.
Thou my best thought,
by Day or by Night.
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Riches I heed not,
nor man’s empty praise.
Thou mine inheritance,
now and always.
Thou and Thou only,
the first in my heart.
Still be my Vision.
O Ruler of all. Amen.

Be Obedient & Forgiving

Luke provides a full account of
the arrest, trial and crucifixion of
the Son of Man. He describes the
plot of Judas, the warm fellowship
of the Last Supper, the mental
anguish at Gethsemane, the tragic
denial by Peter, the miscarriage
of justice at the trials & the brutal
agony of the Roman execution.
But the dark days give way to
the first Easter morning when
angels announce: He’s risen.

Lord, thank You for Luke’s account
of Your arrest, trial, crucifixion and
resurrection that show obedience
to Father’s will & deep love for us.
Lead us choose the Father’s will;
for to love You is to Obey You.
Help us Forgive others and not
focus whether they deserve it. And
Fill us with Your Power so that we
can be effective witnesses of You.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord Jesus, help us to Obey You:
Father if You are willing, please take
this cup of suffering away from me.
Yet I want Your will, not mine. Then
an angel appeared & strengthened
Him. He prayed more fervently and
He was in such agony of spirit that
His sweat fell to the ground like
great drops of blood (Lk 22:41-44)
Lord, Thanks for following Father’s
wishes that night at Gethsemane.
Help me Lord Jesus to choose
the Father’s will in my life as well.
Lord, just as we share in Your joy,
we may sometimes need to be
reminded to share in suffering; for
Your plan for me may not be easy.
And help me remember that to
love you is to obey you. Amen.

Lord, help us to Forgive others:
There were…two others, criminals,
led with him to be put to death.
And when they had come to the
place called Calvary, there they
crucified Him, and the criminals,
one on the right hand and the
other on the left. Then Jesus said:
Father, forgive them for they
do not know what they are doing.
And they divided up his clothes
by casting lots (Luke 23:32-34).
Lord, You are simply praiseworthy,
willingly forgiving the unforgivable.
Help me to a forgiving person and
to forgive others the way You do.
For I can’t forgive the unthinkable
without You enabling me to do so.
Help me take focus off whether
people deserve to be forgiven and
focus to be more like You. Amen.

Lord, Fill us with Your Power:
Then Jesus said: It was necessary
for the Christ to suffer and to rise
from the dead the third day, and that
repentance and remission of sins
should be preached…And you are
witnesses of these things. Now
I will send the Holy Spirit, just as
my Father promised. But stay here…
until the Holy Spirit comes and fills
you with power (Luke 24:46-49).
Lord Jesus, thank you for the
promise of empowerment of the
Spirit to be Your effective witness.
Holy Spirit, thank You for indwelling
and for filling me with Your power.
Lord, let my prayers be pleasing to
You as your Spirit leads me to pray
in light of Your promises. Amen.

Join Christ to Seek the Lost

It is now in the final week of Jesus’
earthly life. In the city of Jerusalem,
there’s excitement of the feast days
– some preparing to welcome a King,
while others preparing for execution.
Jesus draws battle lines by driving
the money-changers fr the temple.
From then on, the religious leaders
double their efforts to trap Him.
Though His hour of anguish draws
near, Jesus continues the activities
that have characterised His ministry:
teaching, healing and affirming.

Lord Jesus in the final week of
Your earthly ministry, You willingly
submit to Father’s will for Your
ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
And You persisted to prepare Your
disciples to continue Your work.
Help us Lord to also Seek the Lost.
Help us to Remember & Honor You.
Help us to Remain Watchful. Amen.

Lord, we will also Seek the Lost:
Then Zacchaeus said to the Lord:
Look, I give half of my goods to
the poor; and if I’ve taken any thing
from anyone by false accusation,
I restore fourfold. Jesus responded:
Salvation has come to this home…
And I the Son of Man, have come
to Seek and save those like him
who are Lost. (Luke 19:8-10).
Lord, U reached out to Zacchaeus
even when others despised him.
Thank You for Seeking and saving
those who are Lost. Open our eyes
to even the despised that we might
see them and reach out. Help us
to look beneath the surface to the
person within, created in Yr image.
Help us have burden for the lost &
befriend those seeking You. Amen.

Lord, we’ll Remember & Honor U:
Then He began to tell this parable
A certain man planted a vineyard,
leased it and went away for a long
time… I’ll send my cherished son.
Surely they will respect him. But
when the farmers saw his son,
they said: Let’s kill him and get
the estate. So they murdered him…
The owner will destroy those farmers
and give the vineyard to others…
The stone which the builders
rejected Has become the chief
cornerstone? (Luke 20:9-17).
Father, I won’t forget what Your Son
Jesus has done for me. You sent
Him to earth & He was dishonoured.
But I purpose to honour him & not
take for granted His sacrificial love.
Father, thanks for not giving up on
me; even when I fail to listen, You
draw me back to You. In gratitude,
I will further Your kingdom. Amen.

Lord, we will Remain Watchful: 
And there will be signs in the sun,
in the moon & on the earth distress
of nations, with the sea roaring…
Then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with…great glory.
But take heed to yourselves,
lest your hearts be weighed down…
If you do, the final day will suddenly
catch you like a trap. Watch out and
keep praying…and the Son of Man
will be pleased with u (Lk 21:25-36)
Lord, Help us remain Watchful of
Your second coming, not to fall into
careless living; or allow anxieties
to burden us; but instead remain
focussed on the assignments that
God has prepared for each of us.
Open our eyes to those seeking You;
and sow seeds of kindness to earn
goodwill to share the gospel. Amen.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Robert Robinson (1735-1790)
had always been prone to wander.
Apprenticed to a barber at 14, he
spent more time playing with friends
than cutting hair. And as a wild youth
he came to repentance. He became
a pastor and wrote a few hymns.
Come Thou Fount was written in
1757, inspired possibly by 1 Sam 7.
Later in life he wandered from the
Lord and felt he could not return.
But he met a lady in a coach who
shared the hymn Come Thou Fount
to him. He replied: I’m the unhappy
man who wrote the hymn years ago
and I would give a thousand worlds
to enjoy the feelings I had then.”
She responded by telling him:
“Sir, the ‘streams of mercy’ are
still flowing.” And he repented.

Lord, we’ll Remember Your Help:
Then Samuel cried out to the
Lord for Israel, and the Lord
answered him… And the men of
Israel went out of Mispah and
pursued the Philistines and drove
them back as far as below BethCar.
Samuel then took a large stone
and placed it between the
towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah.
He named it Ebenezer (which
means “the stone of help”), for
he said: Up to this point the Lord
has helped me (1Sam 7:9-12) Amen.

Lord, I praise You because You are
a God who hears and answers us.
Just as You answered and moved
on behalf of Israel as they battled
their enemies, You’ll move & work
today on behalf of Your people.
Thank You for calling all of Your
people to pray and seek Your help
in these days. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Father, thanks for streams of mercy
that call for songs of loudest praise.
We yearn to be able to erect our
Ebenezer like Samuel & testify of You.
But Lord, we are human, and like
Robertson we are prone to wander.
Cause us to always remember the
Lord has helped us & be grateful.
So, here’s my heart; take & seal it;
seal it for Your courts above. Amen.

Lord, Thou fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing Thy grace.
Streams of mercy never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wondering from the fold of God.
He, to rescue me from danger,
interposed His precious blood.
Lord, I raise my Ebenezer;
hither by Thy help I come.
Let Thy goodness like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander Lord I feel it;
prone to leave the God I love.
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above. Amen.

God of Grace & God of Glory

Harry Emerson Fosdick, one of
the leaders of the liberal Protestant
movt in the 1920s and 1930s, was
denounced by many conservatives,
some of whom now sing the hymn
he wrote. In 1930, when the new
building for the Riverside Church
in New York City was dedicated,
this hymn was sung as dedication.
It is a prayer of dedication that can
be uttered any day. And the prayer
of our hearts should constantly
be “Grant us wisdom, grant us
courage, for the facing of his hour.”

Lord, Grant us Wisdom & Courage:
Study this Book of Instruction
continually. Meditate on it day and
night so you will be sure to obey
everything written on it. Only then
will you prosper and succeed in
all you do. This is my command –
be strong and courageous!!
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go (Jos1:8-9) Amen.

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

Lord, I can feel overwhelmed often
But I know a glimpse of You radically
change my perspective. Thank You
for Your promise of being with me
no matter what happens. Please
overshadow my fears and worries
with Your strength. Help me be
strong and courageous in every
challenge that I may face. Amen.

God of grace and God of glory,
On Thy people pour Thy power;
Crown Thine ancient Church’s story
Bring her bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour (2)
Cure Thy children warring madness;
Bend our pride to Thy control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom goal.Amen