February 29, 2008
“Your cross testifies in grace; tells of the Father’s heart to make a way for us.
Now boldly we approach – not earthly confidence; it’s only by Your blood.”
Dear Lord, Once more I am reminded that only through Your sacrifice do I have my life and everything You have graced me to possess. As I comprehend and accept that, I pray for those around me who are blind to Your love and mercy, who do not see the need for following You and believing in Your word, and who live unhappy and unhealthy lives. Heavenly Father, thank You not only for loving me, but for giving me the path to a positive life. Thank You for giving me joys and sorrows, and for reminding me that through You I will stay on the path to a fulfilling life now and in Your kingdom. Amen.
February 28, 2008
“There’s a great darkness over this land – a deep darkness on the people.
But a light shining that the dark can’t understand – Light of the World, King Jesus.”
Dear Lord, I do not, will never, proclaim to know all there is about You, nor even understand some of the basics and complexities of faith. And if I can’t grasp that, I understand how others with even less of a faith may have difficulty grasping that. However, I do know that I cling tightly to my faith, and my belief in You, and the light of Your love guides my path and gives me peace. Heavenly Father, thank You for the mysteries of faith, for things I don’t understand, and for the things that trouble me. I know that have put them in my heart for a reason, and when the time is right, You will open my eyes to them. Until then, thank You for the gifts of Your love, mercy, salvation, and grace. Be with those who do not see You, and may Your light shine upon them and give them hope. Amen.
February 27, 2008
“Take us to the mountain, lift us in the shadow of Your hands.
Is this Your mighty angel who stands astride the ocean and the land?
For in His hands Your mercy showers in a dry and barren place.
Take us to the mountain in the city of our God.”
Dear Lord, it is because of Your mercy that I know I will get through the rough patches in my life. I can cry it out, or have a long talk with a friend, or work through it in my mind, but only through prayer and seeking forgiveness and mercy from You will that rough patch be made smooth. Lord, thank You for the grace and mercy You give me every day, for the cooling and restoring showers to fill my own dry and barren land, and for Your incredible, amazing, never-ending gifts of salvation and love. May I return those gifts in kind to others, and remember to treat them as I would want to be treated. Amen.
February 26, 2008
“I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You – all about You, Jesus.
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it when it’s all about You – all about You, Jesus.”
Dear God, all too often I get selfish and think that the world owes me something, and sometimes I think You owe me more than what I have. Sometimes I am on top of the world and think I deserve more; other times I am in a valley of despair and think I need more. For all of those times, Lord, I ask forgiveness. In truth, it is all about You. My prayers, my praise, my songs all should be focused on You, because You give me life, You give me forgiveness, You give me mercy and blessings beyond anything I can imagine. Heavenly Father, I pray for the wisdom to remember not to be selfish, but instead to be humble toward You, and to always give You thanks for all You have given me. My life is blessed, and it is all about You, and all because of You. Amen.
February 25, 2008
“No, not by might, nor even power, but by Your spirit, O Lord.
Healer of hearts, Binder of wounds; lives that are lost restored.
Flow through this land ’til every man worships Your name once more.”
Dear Lord, Your power really does amaze me. In the midst of suffering and pain, You show Yourself through a helping hand, a compassionate smile, or a welcome hug. In my own life, I feel Your presence simply by the calm that comes over me when all else seems lost. You have healed my heart and bound my wounds, and I am so very grateful. Lord, I pray that all may know of Your love and mercy, and that people who are lost will find their way to You. May they see the glory of a life lived in You, may they know the peace of being in Your kingdom, and may their faith continue to inspire my own. Amen.
February 22, 2008
“I’ve found a love greater than life itself; I’ve found a hope stronger and nothing compares.
I was once lost; now I’m alive in You – I’m alive in You!”
Dear Lord, I remember so well those early days when I truly found You, and how thrilled, excited, relieved, and giddy I was. I have settled into a quiet contentment, and sometimes feel confusion, loss, pain, and despair – and I think that is normal. Through it all, though, I have never lost sight of Your amazing, incredible gift to me: That of salvation. Through You, I really have found the peace I never thought I would, and even in the darkest of days, I am comforted by Your presence. Lord, thank You for coming into my life, and for taking me into Yours. Thank You for opening my eyes and heart to You, for Your love, and for the hope You put in my heart. Amen.
February 21, 2008
“You are the voice of hope, the anchor of my soul.
Where there seems to be no way, You make it possible.
You are the Price of Peace amidst adversity. My lips will shout for joy to You the Most High.”
Dear Lord, I noticed several things about these words: they are so full of quiet confidence and faith – that impresses me, and makes me want to have the same feelings. Also, they remind me again to turn to You when I need help, and not to be afraid of asking for Your guidance. Lastly, You are named as the One who will make all things possible. Not me, not the influence of others, not anyone else but You. ‘When there seems to be no way, YOU make it possible.’ Heavenly Father, thank You for these gentle but powerful reminders that all I have is due to You, and all I ever will receive is through Your grace. I lift You and praise You – the Most High. Amen.
February 20, 2008
“Son of Adam, Son of heaven, given as a ransom.
Reconciling God and man, Christ our mighty champion.
What a Savior, what a friend; what a glorious mystery!
Once a babe in Bethlehem, now the Lord of history.”
Dear Lord, I am somewhat familiar with the names given to You in the Bible: Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, Wonderful, Counselor … but names that truly matter are found in these words: Savior and Friend. Lord, I pray that I always remember that You were delivered to us to save the world, and Your life has saved mine. At the same time, You are the greatest friend I ever will know, because You love me and gave me everlasting life in spite of the sinner that You know I am. Heavenly Father, thank You for all of Your blessings and gifts given to me, but especially the gift of Your friendship and love. Amen.
February 19, 2008
“I sing for joy at the works of Your hands – forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand.
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.”
Dear Lord, one great joy in loving You is that no matter how good my life is now, I am assured that it will be infinitely better in Your kingdom. Having experienced several really good, positive, encouraging days, my spirits are lifted even more with the knowledge that one day, You will welcome me into Your house, where I will have blessings beyond anything I can comprehend. That knowledge also makes the difficult days here more bearable, but I also know that those days are a gift and a way of You preparing me for Your purpose and Your works. Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of my life now, and the blessing of my life with You in heaven. Amen.
February 15, 2008
“Your name, stronger than I know, deeper than a thousand words could say – Your name.
Your name, a fire in my soul, healing for a hurting heart today – Your name.”
Dear Lord, thank You for loving me. On days when I do not feel loved, do not feel special, do not feel needed or wanted, thank You for giving me comfort and peace, and the knowledge that in Your eyes, I am special and cherished. I pray that no matter the circumstance, no matter the pain or suffering, no matter the joy or elation, I will always remember to praise You and thank You for all that You have given me. For every gift, every blessing, and Your amazing grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Let me give that back to You, and share it with others so that they may know how great and loving You are. Amen.
