Written by Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), a French Carmelite nun popularly known as “The Little Flower of Jesus”
If I did not simply live from one moment to the next, it would be impossible for me to keep my patience. I can see only the present, I forget the past and I take good care not to think about the future. We get discouraged and feel despair because we brood about the past and the future. It is such folly to pass one’s time fretting, instead of resting quietly on the heart of Jesus.
PRAYER:
Written by Juanita Ryan, a contemporary nurse and author.
Help me to live in the present.
Allow me to be present to you,
as you are always present to me,
each moment of each day.
Allow me to be present
to the gift of each moment,
no matter how ordinary,
so that I can be present
to the joy
and wonder
of your loving presence
each moment of each day.
Written by Max Lucado, a contemporary pastor and excerpted from his book “Traveling Light.”
PRAYER:
When Lloyd Douglas, author of The Robe and other novels, attended college, he lived in a boardinghouse. A retired, wheelchair-bound music professor resided on the first floor. Each morning Douglas would stick his head in the door of the teacher’s apartment and ask the same question, “Well, what’s the good news?” The old man would pick up his tuning fork, tap it on the side of the wheelchair, and say, “That’s middle C! It was middle C yesterday; it will be middle C tomorrow; it will be middle C a thousand years from now. The tenor upstairs sings flat. The piano across the hall is out of tune, but, my friend, that is middle C.” You and I need a middle C. Haven’t you had enough change in your life? Relationships change. Health changes. The weather changes. But the Yahweh who ruled the earth last night is the same Yahweh who rules it today. Same convictions. Same plan. Same mood. Same love. He never changes.
This prayer is an ancient collect from the 6th century.
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the work and the changes of this fleeting world may rest upon Thy eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Written by Christine Caine, a contemporary Australian activist, evangelist, author, and speaker.
It is little wonder that Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God first and foremost with all our hearts. He longs for authentic relationship with us, not a mere religious obligation or empty ritual. God is not at all impressed by empty words or heartless platitudes. In fact, it makes him angry when our words and actions are not sincere. We must take care that our Christianity does not become mere lip service or hollow actions. God wants genuine relationships that stems from our hearts. When we embrace God and his purpose wholeheartedly, it is easier to stay passionate about our faith, our spiritual disciplines, and every other aspect of our spiritual walk. All of our actions and activities flow from our love relationship with God rather than from an obligation to fulfill a Christian requirement. We possess a love for others, for church, for reading our Bibles, for praying and for giving and serving. We love what God loves and desire to do what he does; it is the natural outflow of our hearts. Because love is so important, we must ensure that we continually strengthen our hearts, this core spiritual muscle. We can do this by spending quality time with God, staying in close communication with him, and remaining obedient to his Word. It is through an intimate and daily relationship with God that we are able to give him our whole hearts. Does God have your complete devotion? Until he does, you will not be able to love yourself or others fully. You will always feel like a pretender, a phony, and you will never fully know God’s love for you. But when God is first and foremost in your heart, soul, and mind, all your other relationships will fall into place.
PRAYER:
This prayer is from the Mozarabic Rite, a liturgical rite of the Latin Church once used generally in the Iberian Peninsula (Hispania), in what is now Spain and Portugal. Developed during Visigoth (Arian Christian) rule of the Iberian peninsula in the 500s AD.
O Lord,
our redemption.
Be our protection.
Direct our minds by your gracious presence.
Watch over our paths
and guide us with your love
through the hidden snares of life.
Fix our hearts on you as we go forward,
and following in faith,
arrive at your goal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Written by Joan Puls, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from her book “Every Bush is Burning.”
The ability to let go, to abandon oneself in faith and obedience, creates a heart that is docile and humble. Both notions are fairly foreign to our independent, stubborn, self-reliant spirits. Both virtues are fairly absent in our assertive, self-confident, self-indulgent circles. But uncovering their meaning and their message to us twentieth-century [and twenty-first century] Christians is crucial for the spirituality of our times.
PRAYER:
Written by Margaret Grun Kibben, contemporary Chaplain to the US House of Representatives and former Chief of Chaplains for the US Navy.
God our shepherd, You have entrusted us with the responsibility to tend Your sheep, to feed them and watch over them. May we be worthy of this mantle of awesome responsibility and live wholeheartedly into this task. May nothing we do be done simply out of obligation. But having
received Your tender mercies in our own lives, may we be eager to serve You and those whom You have commended to our care.
And if we lose sight of Your claim on our lives and waver in our duties, call us to examine the multitude of instances where You have showered Your grace upon us. How then can we help but be so transformed that we would want nothing else but to give of ourselves from the depths of our souls?
May we then be examples of what it means to serve You. May we live lives of kindness and humility, not lifting ourselves up, but waiting with patience for the moment when, in the fullness of time, You reveal the purpose for all our efforts and energies, in Your gracious plan.
In the meantime, we cast ourselves––our anxieties, our best intentions, and our most fervent hopes on You––in sure and certain hope of Your steadfast love for us.
It is in the strength of Your name we pray. Amen.
Written by Dr. John Koessler, a contemporary author and retired professor from Moody Bible Institute.
It seems like more people than ever before are talking about justice. Once the province of social activists, a few religious leaders, and some politicians, justice is now a primary concern for many. But what exactly do we mean by the word? Everybody agrees that justice is important. We do not agree on what justice should look like in practice. Justice was a major concern in Zechariah’s day too. In Zechariah 8:14-17, the Lord provides a snapshot of what justice should look like among God’s people. First of all, justice is grounded in truth. Acts of injustice are always rooted in deceit. This emphasis on truth is coupled with a command to “render true and sound judgment in your courts.” True justice is impossible in a culture that does not value truth. Perhaps this is why the injunction about giving false testimony against your neighbor is included in the Ten Commandments. Although the primary context of this command may be legal, it also has implications for ordinary relationships. A community that thrives on gossip will never be a just community. Even in those few instances where gossip is not an exaggeration or outright falsehood, it aims to condemn rather than correct. Biblical truth, on the other hand, is always motivated by love (Eph. 4:15). The third mark of justice is relational. Those who are committed to justice will not “plot evil against each other.” This command is all about intent. Those who value biblical justice not only look out for their interests, they also seek after the well-being of others (Phil. 2:4). The fourth mark, a hatred of false swearing, may seem out of place in this list or at least redundant. However, false swearing isn’t only about the truth. It is about keeping our commitments. How do you live out God’s value of justice? Jesus captured the way we are to practice justice in a single command: loving your neighbor as yourself. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12). Consider how you can live justly today.
PRAYER:
Written by John C, Birch, contemporary author on prayer and founder of the Faith & Worship online community.
You call us to service; to be your eyes and ears, hands and voice in this your world. To open our eyes not only to the beauty and love which you create, but the injustice,
hate, and suffering that mankind generates. To open our ears not only to the chattering of this coming week, but the searching, fears and questioning of all whom we shall meet. To open our hands not only to those we choose our lives to share, but in welcome, love and fellowship to all who you draw near. To open our mouths not only to speak platitudes and simple words, but the truths you lay upon our hearts. Your Word for this your world. You call us to service, to be your eyes and ears, hands and voice in this your world.
Written by A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), an American Christian pastor, author, magazine editor, and spiritual mentor. This is an excerpt from his book “The Root of the Righteous.”
The idea that God will pardon a rebel who has not given up his rebellion is contrary both to the Scriptures and to common sense. How horrible to contemplate a church full of persons who have been pardoned but who still love sin and hate the ways of righteousness. And how much more horrible to think of heaven as filled with sinners who had not repented nor changed their ways of living. A familiar story will illustrate this. The governor of one of our states was visiting the state prison incognito. He fell into conversation with a personable young convict and felt a secret wish to pardon him. “What would you do, “ he asked casually, “if you were lucky enough to obtain a pardon?” The convict, not knowing to whom he was speaking, snarled his reply: “If I ever get out of this place, the first thing I’ll do is cut the throat of the judge who sent me here.” The governor broke off the conversation and withdrew from the cell. The convict stayed on in prison. To pardon a man who had not reformed would be to let loose another killer upon society. That kind of pardon would not only be foolish, it would be downright immoral.
PRAYER:
Written by Cheryce Rampersad, a contemporary Christian author
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is your precious name. I lift you up and bless your Holy name. Father, you mean everything to me. I love walking in obedience to Your Word. Without you, I can’t do anything. You are my King, the ruler of everything and none can compare to you. You are my heart’s desire. Oh Lord, I give you my mind, body, and soul. I want to be so lost in your presence, that I can’t even begin to comprehend what’s happening. Lord, I hunger and thirst for you.
Be my guide, Oh Lord, and help me to be obedient to your Word. Help those who are disobedient to find you, Oh Lord and forgive them, for they know not what they do. Give me wisdom where I lack knowledge, so I can understand how to trust and obey. Lord, you made it clear that if I walk in obedience, I will live a full life with you. Being obedient will cause an overflow of abundant blessings within my life. Help me to not be as King Saul, for he lost everything through disobedience.
Help me to be like Jesus. I declare that obedience will fill my mind, heart, and actions on this beautiful day and abundant blessings will rain down upon me. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen! Remind me, Oh Heavenly Father, that disobedience is a form of rebellion towards you and, as you have clearly stated, if I reject You and Your Word, you will reject me from your heavenly kingdom.
Written by Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996), a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian. This is an excerpt from his book “With Open Hands.”
Prayer leads you to see new paths and to hear new melodies in the air. Prayer is the breath of your life which gives you freedom to go and stay where you wish and to find the many signs which point out the way to a new land. Praying is not simply some necessary compartment in the daily schedule of a Christian or a source of support in time of need, nor is it restricted to Sunday morning or as a frame to surround mealtimes. Praying is living.
PRAYER:
Written by Carla Harding, a contemporary Christian author and director for 24-7 Prayer across Great Britain.
God, I confess that sometimes I only go looking for Your wisdom when I’m in trouble. Help me dive into Your eternal life giving, truth-filled word to find delight and strength every day. And now, as I prepare to take this time of prayer into the coming day, the Lord who loves me assures me that as I keep my eyes always on the Lord, with Him at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Written by Richard J. Foster, a contemporary author and founder of Renovare. This is an excerpt from his book, “Money, Sex, and Power.”
Power is a genuine paradox to believers. We love it and we hate it. We despise its evil and appreciate its good. We would like to do without it, but we know it is part and parcel of human life. Our ambivalence about power is resolved in the vow of service. Jesus picked up a basin and a towel and, in doing so, redefined the meaning and function of power. “If I then, our 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 as I have done to you (John 13:14-15). In the everlasting kingdom of Christ, low is high, down is up, weak is strong, service is power. Do you sincerely want to engage in the ministry of power? Do you want to be a leader who is a blessing to people? Do you honestly want to be used of God to heal human hurts? Then learn to be last of all and servant of all (Mark 9:35). The ministry of power functions through the ministry of the towel.
PRAYER:
Written by Alicia Bruxvoort, a contemporary writer and speaker.
Give me a servant’s heart, O Lord;
A soul that longs for you,
A spirit that daily seeks your will,
And strength to follow through.
Give me ears to listen
To the cries that go unheard,
A mouth that speaks in kindness
And proclaims your perfect word.
Give me eyes to see the things
That grieve your only Son
And hands that reach out for the lost
Until your work is done.
Give me legs that carry me
Swiftly through the race,
And when I’m finished let me leave
Footprints marked with grace.
Written by Cynthia Heald, a contemporary Bible study teacher and author. This is an excerpt from her devotional study “The Faithful Way.”
Often when I speak at a conference, I share about Jesus visiting the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Martha was busy in the kitchen, preparing the meal, but Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to what he taught. Martha, distracted by her serving, went to Jesus and complained about Mary not helping her. “But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:41-42). What amazes me about Jesus’ reply is His declaration that “there is only one thing worth being concerned about.” I like it when I’m told there is only “one” thing to do; I like the bottom line. Here we have the Lord giving us an essential element of walking with him: sitting at His feet and listening to His Word. In His response to Martha, the Lord is declaring the need for right priorities. Our highest desire should be to seek first the Kingdom of God, so that we bear Christlike character and serve at his prompting and direction. That’s what we see as well in Jesus’ description of a branch staying connected to the vine. Maintaining a secure attachment to the Lord is of utmost spiritual importance. Abiding with Jesus (staying close to Him and following His lead) equips us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, the foundation of the faithful life. That’s why our devotional life is indispensable; it is the one choice we need to make each day. If walking with Him is not our main concern, then Jesus warns us that anything we do apart from Him will result in nothing—nothing of eternal value that will bring glory to God.
PRAYER:
Written by Burt Ghezzi, a contemporary author and speaker.
Lord, I want to learn how to live the divine life you have given me. Please sent the Holy Spirit to renew me and guide me in your ways. Amen.
Written by Donny Friederichsen, a contemporary pastor.
A young widow wrote to the great theologian Augustine to ask how to pray. Before Augustine answered this perennial question, he addressed a more fundamental one: “What manner of person should you be to pray?” This underlying question is often passed over in our rush to answer the felt need. But before we can really understand how, we need to look inwardly to our own hearts. The form of our prayers is meaningless if the form of our hearts is not shaped by Christ. So, what type of person ought we be in order to pray? Augustine argued that we ought to consider ourselves poor in this world. However prosperous we may be, we should understand that our wealth will not satisfy us. Comfort is not found in our things. We must be desirous of the life found only in God. Only then can we truly pray.
After addressing the central heart issue, Augustine then gave the young widow prayer advice that we might find odd. He simply advised her to “pray for a happy life.” By a “happy life” Augustine meant a life where one “has all that he wishes to have and wishes to have nothing which he ought not to wish.” The truly happy life is a life that desires God. The happy life is marked primarily by a desire for and love of God. And if this is the case in one’s life, then all the other desires of one’s life will also be properly ordered. Augustine illustrated this by going to the model prayer given to us by Jesus. When we pray “Give us this day our daily bread” or when we pray for needful things, our desires should be ordered by the wisdom of Proverbs 30:8: “Give me neither poverty nor riches.” It is good and leads to a happy life to ask for what is needful. But it is a misunderstanding of prayer to ask for riches, wealth, or honor in order to be greater than this or that man. Again, our hearts must be reoriented toward God before we ask for what we want. Our prayers are to ask God for neither too much nor too little. Mystery will remain for us because we will never fully understand the depths of God’s will. But prayer, when rightly ordered, teaches us to submit to God. It also teaches us patience and contentment. Augustine wrote, “If you seek and relish the things that are above, you desire things everlasting and sure.
PRAYER:
Today’s prayer is from “The Valley of Vision,” a book of Puritan prayer.
I was dead in iniquities,
having no eyes to see thee,
no ears to hear thee
no taste to relish thy joys no intelligence to know thee;
But thy Spirit has quickened me, has brought me into a new world as a new creature…
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