Father,
When we suffer
You suffer with us, too.
May we recognise
Your presence,
Feel your love,
And turn to you.
References
In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).
Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it! (Genesis 28:16; NLT).
Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).
Let us turn back to the Lord (Lamentations 3:40; NLT).
I know nothing of you, Lord,
Except that you are light;
Please shine upon me every day,
So I can see your might.
I know nothing of you, Lord,
Except that you are fire;
Consume my sins incessantly,
But shield me from your ire.
I know nothing of you, Lord,
Except that you are peace;
Comfort me in all my woes,
Until my life must cease.
I know nothing of you, Lord,
Except that you are grace;
Forgive and save me, Father God,
So I may see your face.
References
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (Isaiah 55:8; NLT).
God is light (1 John 1:5; NIV).
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power (Ephesians 1:19; NLT).
God is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; NIV).
The Lord your God is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you (Deuteronomy 6:15; NIV).
The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24; NLT).
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT).
God saved you by his grace when you believed (Ephesians 2:8; NLT).
Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; NRSV).
Lord,
May this be
My constant, eager prayer,
With every breath,
And every step I take,
With every heartbeat,
For your dear Son’s sake:
Father,
I return to you.
I love you.
References
Pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).
This is my dearly loved Son (Matthew 3:17; NLT).
The spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).
I love you, Lord (Psalm 18:1; NLT).
Lord,
Help me to be honest
With myself about my thoughts,
And with our Heavenly Father,
Just as you always taught.
Help me to be honest
In everything I say
To everyone I contact,
As I follow you each day.
Help me to be honest
In everything I do,
No matter who I’m with, Lord,
So I may grow like you.
References
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me […] You perceive my thoughts from afar […] You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely (Psalm 139:1-4; NIV).
If you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10; NLT).
We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).
May we, your children,
Shine with radiant light.
May we, your children,
Praise you day and night.
May we, your children,
Bear our cross each day.
May we, your children,
Tread your narrow way.
May we, your children,
Thank you that we live.
May we, your children,
Work hard to forgive.
May we, your children,
Serve you, Lord, with grace.
May we, your children,
One day see your face.
References
The righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom (Matthew 13:43; NLT).
She never left the temple but stayed there day and night, worshipping God with fasting and prayer (Luke 2:37; NLT).
Take up your cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24; NLT).
Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:14; NIV).
Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).
If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (Matthew 6:14; NIV).
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10; NIV).
Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; NRSV).
Lord,
I’m a broken reed,
A smoking flame,
But you won’t crush me,
Snuff me out, or maim.
Please show me the place
Where sparrows build their nests,
Close to your altar, Lord,
Where I may rest.
References
God […] knows the secrets of every heart (Psalm 44:21; NLT).
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me (Psalm 139:1; NLT).
He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle (Isaiah 42:3; NLT).
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out (Isaiah 42:3; NIV).
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar (Psalm 84:3; NLT).
Then Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28; NLT).
Pray honestly,
Unceasingly –
Say all
You want to say.
Then listen
In the silence,
As God speaks to you
Today.
References
Lord, you are searching for honesty (Jeremiah 5:3; NLT).
You desire honesty from the womb (Psalm 51:6; NLT).
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).
Pray about everything. Tell God what you need (Philippians 4:6; NLT).
Be silent before the Sovereign Lord (Zephaniah 1:7; NIV).
Listen to his voice (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).
