Lord Heavenly Father, God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, we are thankful for leading us to the first half of the year 2023. Bless us to walk through the next half of this year experiencing the cover of your rich hand. For as you spoke to Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” ( Exodus 33:14), may we feel your good hand over us. Remind us of the plans we set out at the beginning of the year to accomplish, which we again commit to you, for as you say, “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved”( Proverbs 16:3). And where we have met daunting obstacles and challenges, we hold on to your very word, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” ( Isaiah 43:2). Through the ups and down of life we lift up our eyes on to you, for you say, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” ( I Peter 5:7). We commit to you each and every member of our dear family, commending them to your word, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” ( Phil 4:19). For those who are weak in the body, we encloth ourselves in your word, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” ( Isaiah 53:5). And for our beloved nations we surrender those whom you have put in authority pleading for wisdom and courage to lead and gently guide your people to safe shores. Spare us from needless wars, the shedding of innoncet blood and, things that cause men to waste their time in meaningless and vain pursuits. For “The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is his”( Psalm 24:1). But to you, and alone we look up to, trusting in your even hand of protection, and your soothing words, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” ( Deutronomy 31:8). All this we pray, in the mighty and beloved name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
