Category: Father

Would you?

Ruth Kirk

Image: Roy N, Pixabay

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others
and to give his life as a ransom for many
(Mark 10:45; NLT).

1. Would you forgo your hope of rescue,
So a foreigner is saved?

2. Or forswear your dream of freedom,
So a friend is not enslaved?

3. Would you renounce your chance of healing,
So a neighbour is made whole?

4. Or surrender your survival,
Just to save a stranger’s soul?

5. Would you resign your reign above,
So enemies are welcomed in?

6. Or face death by crucifixion,
Bearing many people’s sin?

7. Would you believe the Father’s promise,
Trusting you will rise anew,

8. And then give up your life for others –
Just as Jesus did, for you?

 

References

1. Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).

2. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13; NLT).

3. Love your neighbour as yourself (Luke 10:27; NLT).

4. Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole (Isaiah 53:5; RSV).

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15; NLT).

5. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being (Philippians 2:6-7; NLT).

Love your enemies! (Matthew 5:44; NLT).

6. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8; NLT).

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24; NIV).

7. Those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! (Isaiah 26:19; NLT).

I trust in God (Psalm 56:11; NLT).

They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again (Mark 10:34; NLT).

8. We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16; NLT).

Look at your sorrow (with thanks to R.O.)

Ruth Kirk

Image: 272447, Pixabay

1. Look at your sorrow,
Your pain, and your fear;
Then take God’s right hand,
For the Father is near.

2. Look at your body,
Your mind, and your heart;
Then take a step back,
And let God play his part.

3. Look at your setting,
Wherever you are;
Then move further back,
And observe from afar.

4. Look at your country,
Your continent, too;
Then shift further back,
For a much wider view.

5. Look at our planet,
The moon, stars, and sun;
Then go further back,
Till you see all is one.

6. Look at the universe,
God’s boundless space;
Then draw further back,
To behold his bright face.

7. Witness creation,
Christ’s birth, and God’s plan;
Then praise him forever,
And rest in his hand.

 

References

1. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me (Psalm 138:7; 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).

2. I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you” (Isaiah 41:13; NLT).

3,4. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39; NLT).

5. There is one Lord […] who is over all and in all and living through all (Ephesians 4:5-6; NLT).

6. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1; NLT).

They will see God’s face (Job 33:26; NIV).

7. This is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children (Ephesians 3:6; NLT).

I will praise you forever, O God (Psalm 52:9; NLT).

I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28; NLT).

The Lord will hold you in his hand (Isaiah 62:3; NLT).

Creation exalts you (#2 of 2 linked prayers)

Ruth Kirk

Image: falco, Pixabay


I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth
(Joel 2:30; NIV).

1. Father,
Creation exalts you:
Rocks break
When your hurricanes blow.

2. Jesus,
The wild waves obey you;
Earth quakes,
And your living springs flow.

3. Spirit,
The universe serves you:
Flames leap,
And your great waters flood.

4. Threefold God,
Reigning in heaven:
You speak –
And we bow down, in love.

 

References

1. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together (Colossians 1:17; NLT).

The Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind (1 Kings 19:11; NLT).

2. When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him! (Luke 8:25; NLT).

After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake (1 Kings 19:11; NLT).

Rivers of living water will flow from his heart (John 7:38; NLT).

He will lead them to springs of life-giving water (Revelation 7:17; NLT).

3. After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire (1 Kings 19:12; NLT).

Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3; NLT).

If he releases the waters, they flood the earth (Job 12:15; NLT).

4. All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations (Psalm 22:27-8; NIV).

God speaks again and again, though people do not recognise it (Job 33:14; NLT).

After the fire [came] a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12; KJV).

Bow down and worship the Lord (Ezekiel 46:3; NLT).

I love you, Lord (Psalm 18:1; NLT).

Creation exalts you (#1 of 2 linked prayers)

Ruth Kirk

Image: Holger Schué, Pixabay


I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth
(Joel 2:30; NIV). 

1. Father,
Creation exalts you:
Rocks break
When your hurricanes blow.

2. Jesus,
The wild waves obey you;
Earth quakes,
And your living springs flow.

3. Spirit,
The universe serves you:
Flames leap,
And your visions outpour.

4. Threefold God,
Reigning in heaven:
You speak —
And we bow down, in awe.

 

References

1. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together (Colossians 1:17; NLT).

The Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind (1 Kings 19:11; NLT).

2. When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him! (Luke 8:25; NLT).

After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake (1 Kings 19:11; NLT).

Rivers of living water will flow from his heart (John 7:38; NLT).

He will lead them to springs of life-giving water (Revelation 7:17; NLT).

3. After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire (1 Kings 19:12; NLT).

Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3; NLT).

I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days (Joel 2:28-9; NIV).

4. All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations (Psalm 22:27-8; NIV).

God speaks again and again, though people do not recognise it (Job 33:14; NLT).

After the fire [came] a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12; KJV).

I bow down toward your holy temple in reverential awe (Psalm 5:7; CSB).

My mind rises up

Ruth Kirk

Image: cocoparisienne, Pixabay

1. My mind rises up
Like a kite, Lord, in prayer,
Flying, though tethered to earth —

One with the mountains,
The valleys and seas;
One with the world of my birth.

2. My heart rises up
Like a seed, Lord, in prayer,
Drifting on delicate wings —

One with the sunshine,
The breeze and the clouds;
One, Lord, with all living things. 

3. My soul rises up
Like a bird, Lord, in prayer,
Soaring to heaven above —

One with the angels,
The quick and the dead,
And one with you, Father, in love.

 

He teaches me

Ruth Kirk

Image: Erik Mclean, Pexels

1. The Father lives within me.
He sustains my flesh and blood
While teaching me to practice
So I grow, like Christ, in love.

2. Christ Jesus dwells within me.
He helps me make each choice
By teaching me to listen
To the Spirit’s still, small voice.

3. The Spirit rests within me.
He comforts me each day
While teaching me to follow
God’s demanding, lonely way.

 

References

1. You are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:10; NIV).

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow (Isaiah 48:17; NLT).

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying (Psalm 85:8; NLT).

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NLT).

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

2. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21; NIV).

You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am (John 13:13; NLT).

Listen to his voice (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).

After the fire [came] a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12; KJV).

3. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, [Comforter, Encourager, Counsellor] who will never leave you (John 14:16; NLT).

The Spirit teaches you everything you need to know (1 John 2:27; NLT).

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Mark 8:34; NIV).

The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult (Matthew 7:14; NLT).

Let the Father in

Ruth Kirk

Image: Marc Pascual, Pixabay

In the Lord alone are deliverance and strength
(Isaiah 45:24; NIV).

1. Let the Father in today,
For he, alone, can pardon sin.

2. Let the Teacher in today,
For he, alone, can save your life.

3. Let the Spirit in today,
For he, alone, can heal your soul.

4. Let the Lord God in today,
For he, alone, can make you whole.

 

Image: Andrew Martin, Pixabay

References

1. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends (Revelation 3:20; NLT).

He forgives all my sins (Psalm 103:3; NLT).

2. You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am (John 13:13; RSV).

God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:19; NLT).

3. God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24; NLT).

He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3; NKJV).

Their souls shall be like a well-watered garden; and they shall sorrow no more at all (Jeremiah 31:12; NKJV).

4. “I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One” (Revelation 1:8; NLT).

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5; RSV).

No perfect mother

Ruth Kirk

Image: AJ jaanko, Pixabay


Every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17; ESV).

1. There is no perfect mother
Except Mary –
She is the Queen of Grace,
Who loves us all.

2. There is no perfect father
Except Yahweh –
He is the God who hears us
When we call.

3. There is no perfect brother
Except Jesus –
He is the great High Priest,
Who leads the way.

4. There is no perfect friend
Except his Spirit –
He is the One who helps us
When we pray.

 

References

1.  The angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women (Luke 1:28; DRA).

Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head (Revelation 12:1; NLT).

When Jesus saw his mother standing there [at the cross] beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home (John 19:26-7; NLT).

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus (Acts 1:14; NLT).

2. You are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48; NLT).

I am Yahweh – the Lord (Exodus 6:2; NLT).

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help (Psalm 34:17; NLT).

3. Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father is heaven is my brother and sister and mother (Matthew 12:48-50; NLT).

God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever (Hebrews 7:28; NLT).

It was only right that he [God] should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation (Hebrews 2:10; NLT).

Jesus told him, “I am the way” (John 14:6; NLT).

4. You are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me (John 15:15; NLT).

Now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God (Romans 5:11; NLT).

I will send you the Advocate [or Comforter, or Encourager, or Counsellor] – the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me (John 15:26; NLT).

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words (Romans 8:26; NRSV).

We love you

Ruth Kirk

Image: Roy Buri, Pixabay

1. Father, Creator,
We love you so deeply.
May all things remind us of you:
All we see, all we hear,
All we taste, smell, and touch;
All you make, Lord,
And all that you do.

2. Jesus, Redeemer,
We love you so deeply.
May we grow more like you each day:
In every emotion,
And in all our thinking;
In all that we do, Lord,
And say.

3. Spirit, Consoler,
We love you so deeply.
May we be your temple, your friend:
Praying together
With thanks and rejoicing,
Forever, Lord,
World without end.

 

References

1. Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy (Matthew 6:9; NLT).

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth (Isaiah 40:28; NLT).

I love you, Lord (Psalm 18:1; NLT).

There is […] one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all (Ephesians 4:4,6; NLT).

2. I am the Lord, your Redeemer (Isaiah 41:14; NLT).

The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT).

To acquire wisdom is to love oneself (Proverbs 19:8; NLT).

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5; NIV).

Do everything with love (1 Corinthians 16:14; NLT).

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

3. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, [Comforter, Encourager, Counsellor] who will never leave you (John 14:16; NLT).

As a mother consoles a child, so I will console you (Isaiah 66:13; NET).

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).

Now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God (Romans 5:11; NLT).

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words (Romans 8:26; RSV).

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion (Ephesians 6:18; NLT).

Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20; NLT).

All glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21; NLT).

You love me

Ruth Kirk

Image: jplenio, Pixabay

1. You love me,
And I love you:
Love is all I need to do.

2. I love you,
And you love me:
Love is all I need to be.

3. We’re united, Lord,
As one:
Father, Holy Spirit, Son.

4. We’re united
Through and through:
You in me, and I in you.

References

He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

I love you, Lord (Psalm 18:1; NLT).

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (Galatians 5:6; NIV).

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them (1 John 4:16; NIV).

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT).

You are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28; NLT).