Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. But if you show favoritism, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. James 2:8-9
My words…
Praise
I live in a world of “I” and not “you” and “us” and not “them.” The people of my world are categorized and labeled within a hierarchy. The ground on which we stand is unlevel, and some have a harder time than others getting around. Since it’s always been that way, I guess that’s just the way it is. But You have a different idea. You use a different pronoun: We. It’s a “together on the same playing field” type of pronoun. It’s a “love your neighbor as yourself” pronoun. When I and someone else form a “we”, a bond is created. We have something in common, like a common goal. The hierarchy crumbles. We move forward together. Together with You.
Prayer for me
It’s easy for me to be a neighbor with people who are most like me. We already have commonalities. I shy away from being neighbors with those who will drag me out of my “I” bubble, the place where I control what I do and feel. My safe place. You didn’t stay in Your safe place. You left heaven and became a neighbor to all You met. You exemplified the perfect “we” way of life. Prostitutes, tax collectors, fishermen, slaves, scholars, children, lepers, foreigners, family – and You. You ignored manmade classifications. Help me to do the same.
Forgive me
Lord, please forgive me for selfishly turning my back on opportunities to be a neighbor. It only takes two people to form a “we.” Forgive me when I am not one of them.
Prayer for others
I pray for those who are forced to endure favoritism, prejudice, racism, sexism, discrimination, and others forms of injustice. You know their suffering. Cities are burning. Tempers are raging. Satan chuckles. You are the way to peace. You are the God of justice. Oh, that Your children would look to You and heed!
More praise
You are not a god who loves me because of what I look like or what I own. (Whew!) You do not love me more than the felon. You do not love me less than the martyr. To You, we are all precious children. I am grateful to be a part of that “we.” You and I, however, make up the most important “we” in my life.
When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:12-15
My words…
Praise
I praise You for being the unexpected Messiah. Those who knew the prophesies, who eagerly awaited Your arrival, were caught by surprise when You didn’t insist on being treated like royalty. You didn’t clamor for special treatment. You – the Son of Almighty God – chose to be a servant and not a tyrant. You chose menial instead of noble, humility instead of arrogance. You not only noticed the lowly and neglected, You cared for them with Your rough carpenter’s hands. If you hadn’t, The Way wouldn’t have worked like it did. Christianity wouldn’t have made it past the second century. The world had seen its fill of haughty, power-hungry rulers. But a genuine Servant-King? It turns out, servanthood is the highest calling, the way to fulfillment. Being a servant is like shouting, “I want to be like Jesus!”
Prayer for me
I’m a lousy servant. I have no one to blame but myself. You’ve provided the training manual full of examples. I’ve read the manual, but I’m not inclined to follow it. Being a servant is messy and sweaty and time-consuming. It’s a heart issue, I know. In truth, I don’t want to be a servant, but I need to be. Change my heart.
Forgive me
Forgive me for spending more time serving myself than others. You would never have done that. You still don’t. You asked Your apostles, “Do you know what I have done for you?” I know what You have done for me. Forgive me when I don’t answer that question with acts of service.
Prayer for others
There are super-servants in this world, laying aside their lives in order to emulate You. With hearts full of compassion and mercy, they are called to be Your hands and feet every day. They don’t see it as messy and sweaty and time-consuming. For them, it’s worship. Pour Your blessing on them today. Strengthen them, embolden them, protect them.
Thank You
I am grateful I serve a God who knelt before his followers and washed the dirt and grime from their feet. They were uncomfortable, ashamed maybe. If You were here today, I wouldn’t be surprised if you offered to scrub my floors or clean my toilet. I would be uncomfortable and definitely ashamed. But, You know how to give up what You have for me. You did it with Your life. And I am so thankful.
More praise
At one time, I was covered in dirt and grime, and You washed me as a servant would. You doused Yourself with my filth then washed it all away with Your blood. And when You were done, I was squeaky clean. A long time has passed, yet I remain clean like new-fallen snow. All because You are the perfect, selfless, gentle Servant Son of God.
When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them because Your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:7-8
We do not know what to pray for as we should… Romans 8:26
My words…
A Prayer When I Don’t Know What to Pray
Just as there are innumerable combinations of musical notes to create songs, so there are innumerable combinations of thoughts to create prayers. So why am I struggling with the question, “What should I pray for today?” The Apostle Paul seemed to have the same issue. I write my prayers so they won’t be shallow, repetitious, molded. You’ve known me (just a little!) longer than I’ve known You. You know me better than I know myself. What I have forgotten, You have not. So, You know what I will ask before I ask it. You see the answers to prayers yet to be prayed. This truth is both confusing and magnificent. The confusion arises when I wonder why I am instructed to pray if You already know what I need. The magnificence is the awe and comfort that fills me when I pray for something You already know I need. So, if I don’t express it correctly, it’s okay. If I don’t realize the gravity of a situation, You do. If I pray for something I think I need, but You know differently, I trust You to do what’s best for me. It is vital that I pray. I am stronger when I pray. This prayer is a jumbled mess, but it’s time with You – Your Spirit in union with mine. You don’t expect eloquence of speech and clarity of thought every time we talk. Thank You for that. So, on a day like today, a day when I sound more like a child than a mature person, I turn over my mind and spirit to You. See my heart. Read my thoughts. And forgive me that I haven’t set at the foot of Your throne a gift of a million words of praise and gratitude, which You are worthy to receive.
Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets of Baal with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah saying, “May the gods punish me if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow!” Then Elijah became afraid and immediately ran for his life. He went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life for I am no better than my fathers.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. 1 Kings 19:1-5
My words…
Praise
Oh, to see what the eyes of Elijah saw! Food brought by ravens. The contest between You and the misdirected prophets of Baal. Consuming fire from Heaven. A downpour to end a three-year famine. Outrunning a chariot! What a prophet! What a life! However…even the greatest of the prophets, the one present at Christ’s transfiguration, was not immune to falling into a slump. Jezebel zapped him of his courage, and he took refuge under a tree, begging You to end his life. What a contrast. He wasn’t the only one, right Abraham, Moses, David and Peter? Sometimes I am actually encouraged that these “greats” struggled with their faith. Other times, I’m sad there wasn’t one who could have held up the banner and not let it drop. Not once. You had to come and show us, knowing it would never be duplicated again.
Prayer for me
For me, “slump” is a baseball term. All of my favorite hitters have fallen into one. Some linger longer than others. I find it frustrating that these men who are being paid a lot of money would dare fall into a slump and not move the runners around the bases. It’s their job, after all. However frustrating, I have come to expect it. You know what I mean, that’s for sure. I can’t seem to keep my faith bolstered all the time. It slips and slumps. Early in my life, I thought it happened without warning or reason. Now I know better. There’s always a reason. For me, the reason is the same baseball coaches give their players: You’ve gotten away from the basics. I pray I will rely on You to keep me from believing there is something complicated and out-of-reach that will strengthen my faith. Keep me focused on the basics: time spent with you in prayer, absorbing Your words into my spirit, and seeking out good works. The proven method.
Prayer for others
Today I pray for others who are experiencing a faith slump. Some have struggled for years to claw their way back to the way things were. I hope and pray they will use the proven method and enjoy peace once again.
Thank you
Thank you for never losing faith in me. Your faithfulness never slumps!
More praise
Even after demonstrating Your might in front of Elijah, You knew he would waiver and take refuge under a broom tree. You listened to his moaning. I can’t help but feel You were disappointed. But You didn’t grant his wish and end his life. Instead, You sent an angel, twice, to refresh him. You didn’t give up on him although it seemed he had given up on You. And in the end, You brought him to heaven in a chariot of fire!
Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. That disciple was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord – what about him?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” John 21:20-22
For who in the skies can compare to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord? Psalm 89:6
My words…
Praise
One of Your many characteristics which I find comforting is that You are incomparable. I love to read the account of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. You vs. Baal. No contest. No comparison. I can boldly proclaim along with Elijah, “My God is the greatest and the only!” It’s as though I am on the winning team all the time. There is not a power or principality, seen or unseen, that can stand against You. They try and they fail, time and again.
Prayer for me
Humans practice the religion of comparison. Always have, always will. I am not the woman of Proverbs 31. I don’t possess the insight into scripture like my friends. I don’t have the writing skills of most published writers. And cooking? I don’t want to think about it. I relate to Peter when he questioned You about John. (“How do I stack up against that guy?”) Comparing myself to others is a trap. And even though I know it’s a trap, I still stumble into it more than I should. When I spring that trap, Satan smiles. So, I pray for singularity of spirit to remain focused on You and what You have done for me. Help me live for You and no one else.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I favorably compare myself to others: “I’m glad I’m not like that guy!” I’m the Pharisee turning away from the publican. Please pardon my lack of compassion.
Prayer for others
I pray for those who fall into the comparison trap and live there in constant shame and low self-worth. Each one is a precious soul, worthy of Your love and sacrifice. Pull them from the pit and set them on a path to You.
Thank You
There is so much to be thankful for! Blue sky and sunshine. Green grass and flower petals. Sweet corn and ripe tomatoes. Warm hugs. Children laughing. Time with You.
More praise
There is a place, not of this world, where I will live one day. In this place there will be no need for comparisons because everyone will be of one heart and one spirit. We will all be equal, not looking to each other but looking to You. I will be completely free of the things that I use to compare myself to others here on earth. And, thankfully, I won’t have to cook.
O Lord, You who dwells in my innermost place, I ask that I see everything there is to behold through Your eyes. Nothing on earth means more to me than the truth that You are ever before my eyes. The very best thought I had today was of You. Even when darkness creeps over my day, I know You are there. The brilliance of Your glory sends darkness scattering.
Be Thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father; thine own may I be.
Thou in me dwelling and I one with thee.
Lord, I pray Your wisdom be mine. Your words, whether written or spoken, are my true life guide. Through Your wisdom, I revel in the knowledge that You are with me now, and will be forever. You are my great, holy, selfless Father. I am not worthy to host You within me, but I do.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
thou mine inheritance, now and always:
thou and thou only first in my heart,
high King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
I don’t place any weight on being rich and famous. I am enjoying my heavenly inheritance every day, and I will continue to forever. My heart is filled with love for many, but I give You, King of Heaven, the first fruits of my heart. You are the priceless pearl that I would sell all to claim.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
It is because of You that I proclaim victory over death and will live forever under the radiance of heaven. What joy! I matters not what happens in this world; I will remain true to seeing through Your eyes. I know it is You who rules over everything that is known and unknown, seen and unseen.
The Lord is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity. Psalm 145:18
Lord, why do You stand so far away? Why do You hide in times of trouble? Psalm 10:1
“I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also. John 14:2-3
My words…
Praise
Where are You? I’m sure You hear that question prayed a lot. I tend to want to “place” you somewhere. When I’m struggling, I want you close. When I’m doing something excessively selfish, I’d rather You not be around. But it doesn’t work like that, does it? You don’t work like that. Who am I to build a boundary around You who is boundless? Who am I to limit the One who is limitless? Just as You proclaimed, “I Am Who I Am,” so You Are Where You Are. Beyond the galaxy and in my backyard. Outside of time and space yet here now. In the heights and in the depths. There is nowhere I can go where You are not. There is nowhere I want to be where You are not.
Prayer for Me
I often get caught up in the falsehood that if I cannot feel your presence, then You are not around. You have made Yourself known to me in so many ways. And when it happens, I feel as if You are not next to me but inside me. My spirit jumps for joy! I pray for more of that. (selfish?) Help me not to see it as a sign that You are there. I shouldn’t need a sign. Help me not to use it as proof You are there. I don’t need proof. When You confirm Your presence, it’s a faith-builder. And my faith can always use building up.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I mold You into something more easily understood. As Dallas Willard said, “We have a weak imagination toward God.” If I could understand You fully, then You wouldn’t be God. You certainly wouldn’t be my God. Forgive me whenever I feel You are distant. It’s the Enemy’s lie.
Prayer for others
Lord, there is someone I care about who is in the clutches of despair. He feels as if You are far from him, and he is so alone. I can’t be God for him. Only You can. Place Your hand of comfort on him now, I pray! Lead him through his darkness and loneliness.
Thank You
Lord, I am so grateful that You are here, there, and everywhere. Thank You for being who You are – the God who is near all of us all the time.
More praise
There is a difference between You being with me and me being with You. In my life here on earth, You are with me. You created my world, and I am in it with You. What I long for is being with You in Your world – the heavens. Jesus, You promised that where You are, I will also be. No distance between us. I can hardly wait.
Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him – a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight will be in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what He sees with His eyes. He will not execute justice by what He hears with His ears, but He will judge the poor righteously and execute justice for the oppressed of the land. Isaiah 11:1-4
Then the Scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in the act of adultery, making her stand in the center. “Teacher,” they said to Him, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. What do You say?” He stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” When they heard this, they left one by one. Jesus said to the woman, “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. John 8:3-11 selected
My words…
Praise
You are the Perfect Judge, executing justice with perfect fairness. Human judges execute justice only from what they see and hear. But not You because You understand where the wrong comes from. You didn’t just see a sinful woman being encircled by haughty, religious rulers. You saw her heart, her past, her reasons, and they weren’t much different from anyone else on the scene. You showed the sinful woman her sin, and You showed the religious leaders theirs as well. If she were to be punished, then everyone should be punished. That’s fair. That’s just. You were the only one who had the right to throw a stone, yet You didn’t. Instead, You claimed her sin as Your own and held onto it until the sword pierced Your side and all was forgiven.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I encircle sinners in accusation instead of compassion. Who am I to pass judgment when I am only using my eyes and ears? I am a fellow sinner with no way to peer into a person’s soul.
Prayer for others
Today I pray for those who are being drug before religious courts, accused of breaking religious laws. The leaders are not without sin, yet they sentence the accused to death. The sweet smell of compassion does not permeate their courtrooms. Only the stench of condemnation. Strengthen the condemned and lead the judges to the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.
Thank You
Thank You for not condemning me! All other reasons to thank You pale in the presence of this one. It is of most importance. I pray I could express my gratitude in a worthy measure, but I can’t. I know You will accept it as I offer it. And I thank You for that, too!
More praise
When I speak or write to others, I often wonder if I am being understood according to my intentions. Did a reader misunderstand me? Am I being judged unfairly? Thankfully, when I speak to You, I know I am being understood, accepted, and loved. My prayer may sound like a jumbled mess of thoughts, but You make it perfect along the way.
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I am called by Your name, Yahweh God of Hosts. Jeremiah 15:16
“Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
My words…
Praise
Your words are sustenance, written so long ago yet so fresh. You present them as a banquet, each course created to nourish hungry spirits and fortify healthy souls. They’re meant to be feasted upon, consumed and digested. Your words are not vapid, and each time I consume them, they taste different, more savory, more satisfying.
Prayer for me
If Your words were a box of food, I would find a serving size with the recommended daily allowance for spiritual nutrition. But they don’t come in a box. The serving size is up to me, depending on the importance I place on my spiritual health, which is only slightly higher than the importance I place on my physical health. It comes and goes. Sometimes I nibble and pick at Your words; other times, I pull up a chair and dine. I pray Your Spirit will turn my erratic diet into a steady craving.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I do not place Your words above any others. Lately, the novel on my bedside table has been getting more of my time than Your words.
Prayer for others
I pray for those who have declined to feed on Your words or have stepped away from the banquet table. Perhaps they have tasted them and spat them out. Perhaps they find their delight and joy in the words of novelists, poets, or self-help writers. They are content with being spiritually malnourished, as if their diet consisted of only bread. Open their eyes to see they cannot live on bread alone.
Thank You
Thank Your for Your words. I have prayed this gratitude prayer so many times, yet it will never be enough. You know I’m a prolific reader, yet there are no words that compare to Yours. Yours are the words of life.
More praise
Your words are alive on the onion skin pages of my Bible. Your words flow from the lips of my encouraging friends. They are sung by the birds outside my window and shouted by the cracks of thunder during a storm. I can read Your words, feel Your words, listen to Your words. They are ageless yet new, powerful yet gentle, serious yet comforting. Perfect words from The Perfect God.
Be careful to obey the command and instruction that Moses the Lord’s servant gave you: to love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, keep His commands, remain faithful to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and your soul. Joshua 22:5
My words…
Praise
You offer me a set of instructions to travel from one edge of my mist of life to the other that assures I will emerge, wholly fulfilled, surrounded by perfect love. The instructions are not complicated, doctrine-heavy yokes. On the contrary, you offer the five-verb version: Love, Walk, Keep, Remain, Serve. These instructions are more precious than Lalique, Rembrandt, or the crown jewels. And, they come with a guarantee: Follow the instructions the best I can, and I will live as a daughter of The King, now and ever after.
Prayer for me
When I was small, I heard my mother say, “Careful,” many times. Be careful crossing the street, sitting near a fire, biking to the city pool, choosing my friends. I knew I must pay serious attention to her instructions. I didn’t take them lightly (well, maybe once or twice). You remind me of the same thing: Be careful to follow My instructions. Take heed! Be watchful! This is not like a road map I used to clumsily re-fold and toss in the glove compartment. These are the cherished Words of My Creator. I pray for help in being more careful, paying greater heed to Your instructions.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I weigh Your instructions and decide which are the most important – to me. I spend more time remaining than serving, more time walking than loving. Who am I to pick and choose?
Prayer for others
Lord, I pray for those who are not interested in knowing or heeding Your instructions. They have created their own to live by. Some get by just fine while others languish. Many are turned off by the word command. “Don’t tell me what to do!” I pray they will one day find themselves on their knees, pleading with You, “Please, tell me what to do!”
Thank You
I am so thankful You didn’t create us and then leave us without any instructions as to how we should live on this orb. Love You. Walk with You. Keep Your commands. Remain faithful. Serve You. And, oh yes, thank You for loving me.
More Praise
When my mom repeated her charge for me to be careful, she did this because she loved me and wanted me to stay safe. There were dangers around every corner. I had to be watchful. You, too, want to keep me safe from danger, seen and unseen. You have given me the instructions as proof of Your love. I will carefully follow them as proof of mine.
