Category: Jesus

To pray

Ruth Kirk

Image: Barbara Jackson, Pixabay

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1. To pray
Is to live in the Lord,
Day and night.

2. To pray
Is to serve him
And scatter his light.

3. To pray
Is to love all,
Like Jesus, his Son.

4. To pray
Is to join with his Spirit,
As one.

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References

1. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them (1 John 4:16; NLT).

They will pray day and night, continually (Isaiah 62:6; NLT).

2. You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him (Luke 4:8; NLT).

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35; NIV).

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).

You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14; NLT).

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

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

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

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

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

All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us (Revelation 1:5; NLT).

4. You have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you (1 John 2:27; NLT).

The person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17; NLT).

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).

Dwell in God’s presence

Ruth Kirk

Image: marcelkessler, Pixabay

1. Dwell in God’s presence,
And walk in his light;
Follow his teaching,
And trust in his might.

2. Grow more like Jesus,
And rest in his peace;
Thank him for everything;
Praise without cease.

3. Pray in the Spirit;
Rejoice in God’s worth –
Then you will be living
In heaven on earth.

 

References

1. The upright shall dwell in your presence (Psalm 140:13; NKJV).

Let us walk in the light of the Lord (Isaiah 2:5; NLT).

Follow in his steps and accept his teaching (Deuteronomy 33:3; NLT).

Trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5; NLT).

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

Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28; NLT).

I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart (John 14:27; NIV).

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

I will praise the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1; NLT).

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

Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).

He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise (Deuteronomy 10:21; NLT).

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven (Philippians 1:27; NLT).

The kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21; NKJV).

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

Dialogue

Ruth Kirk

Image: geralt, Pixabay


1. Pray all the time (1 Thessalonians 5:17; MSG).

Lord,
How can we learn to pray?

Just talk with Jesus
Every day.

2. Follow the way of love (1 Corinthians 14:1; NIV).

Lord,
How can we learn your way?

Just walk with Jesus —
Never stray.

3. Love your enemies (Luke 6:27; NLT)

Lord,
How can we learn to love?

Just live like Jesus,
Come what may.

4. Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die (2 Kings 20:1; NLT).

Lord,
How can we learn to die?

Just follow Jesus —
And obey.

 

References

1. Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1; NLT).

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done (Philippians 4:6; NLT).

You desire honesty from the womb (Psalm 51:6; NLT).

Pour out your heart to him (Psalm 62:8; NLT).

Pray all the time (1 Thessalonians 5:17; MSG).

2. How can we know the way? (John 14:5; NLT).

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths (Psalm 25:4; NIV).

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

Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him (Colossians 2:6; NLT).

Travel steadily along his path (Psalm 37:34; NLT).

3. We live like Jesus here in this world (1 John 4:17; NLT).

Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all (Mark 9:35; NIV).

Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others (Mark 10:45; NLT).

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).

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

4. All of us must die eventually (2 Samuel 14:14; NLT).

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said (Matthew 4:19; NIV).

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

Let us also go, that we may die with him (John 11:16; NIV).

Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine (Luke 22:42; 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).

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).

Testing and temptation

Ruth Kirk

Image: Hans Braxmeier, Pixabay

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows
(John 16:33; NLT).

1. God tests us,
But he doesn’t tempt us,
Tries us,
But he doesn’t lure.

2. He shows us
Jesus’ ways of coping,
So we learn
How to endure.

3. Temptation comes
When our desires entice,
Then drag, us
To the place

4. Where they give birth
To sinful acts —
But God helps us resist,
Through grace.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
(Philippians 4:13; NKJV).

References

1. He tests me (Job 23:10; NLT).

[He] tests the heart and mind (Jeremiah 11:20; ESV).

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone (James 1:13; NIV).

2. For Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, see: Matthew 4:1-11; NLT.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth (Isaiah 53:7; NLT).

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13; NLT).

3. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away (James 1:14; NLT).

4. These desires give birth to sinful actions (James 1:15; NLT).

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm (Ephesians 6:13; NASB).

My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9; NLT).

What would Jesus think?

Ruth Kirk

Image: Wherko, Pixabay

Live like Jesus here in this world
(1 John 4:17; NLT).

1. Lord,
As I observe my mind,
Help me to wonder:
What would Jesus think?

2. Lord,
Before I start to speak,
Help me to ponder:
What would Jesus say?

3. Lord,
When I’m about to act,
Help me to question:
What would Jesus do?

4. Lord,
As I progress through life,
Help me to ask you:
Is this Jesus’ way?

 

References

1. From the heart come evil thoughts (Matthew 15:19; NLT).

Fools base their thoughts on foolish assumptions (Ecclesiastes 10:13; NLT).

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged (Luke 6:37; NLT).

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

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2; NIV).

2. You are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth (Matthew 15:12; NLT).

You must all be quick to listen [and] slow to speak (James 1:19; NLT).

Keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies (Psalm 34:13; NLT).

I will […] not sin in what I say (Psalm 39:1; NLT).

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless (James 1:26; NLT).

3. I will watch what I do (Psalm 39:1; NLT).

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

Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:3; NIV).

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

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21; NIV).

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go” (Isaiah 30:21; NLT).

Like a holy angel

Ruth Kirk

Image: Henry Tanner, Yandex

1. Like a holy angel,
Like a child of God,
Jesus, may I follow you
Along the path you trod.

2. Like a faithful servant,
Like a humble slave,
Jesus, may I follow you,
And share the price you paid.

3. Like a good disciple,
Like a loyal friend,
Jesus, may I follow you
Until life’s bitter end.

 

References

1. Angels came and took care of Jesus (Matthew 4:11; NLT).

To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12; NLT).

“Come, follow me” Jesus said (Matthew 4:19; NIV).

Small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:14; NIV).

2. Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities (Matthew 25:21; NLT).

Whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else (Mark 10:44; NLT).

If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).

3. Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34; NIV).

A friend is always loyal (Proverbs 17:17; NLT).

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).

Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching (Luke 23:49; NLT).

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46; NIV).

When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit (Matthew 27:50; NIV).