Category: Jesus

Prayer

Ruth Kirk
Image: Pixabay

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

1. Prayer is worship,
Thanks, rejoicing;
Prayer is sorrow,
Fear, and pain.

2. Prayer is spending time
With Jesus,
As he loosens
Every chain.

3. Prayer is mercy,
Love, and healing;
Prayer is sharing
Every sin.

4. Prayer is being one
With Jesus,
So that we can grow
Like him.

References

1. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendour (1 Chronicles 16:29; NLT).

Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; RSV).

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

I weep with sorrow (Psalm 119:28; NLT).

He will calm all your fears (Zephaniah 3:17; NLT).

Feel my pain (Psalm 25:18; NLT).

2. Pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17; RSV).

He wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them (Mark 9:31; NLT).

You have loosed my bonds (Psalm 116:16; NKJV).

He snapped their chains (Psalm 107:14; NLT).

3. His mercy endures forever (Psalm 136:25; NKJV).

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

I am the Lord, who heals you (Exodus 15:27; NIV).

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

4. Whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17; NIV).

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him (Colossians 3:10; NLT).

I wish…

Ruth Kirk
Image: Florian Kurz, Pixabay

1. Jesus, I love you.
My dear One, I love you so much.

2. I wish I could shout, Lord,
And sing at the top of my voice.

3. I wish I could beat out wild music
On drums, till they burst.

4. I wish I could run, Lord, and dance,
And turn cartwheels of joy.

5. I wish I could see you, embrace you,
And kiss your poor feet.

6. I wish I could cling to your hands,
As we weep for the world.

7. But I can do nothing alone,
So I long for your grace,

8. As I stumble in darkness, and silence, Lord,
Seeking your face.

References

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

2. Sing to him a new song; play skilfully and shout for joy (Psalm 33:3; NIV).

3. Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a hand-drum in her hand, and all the women went out after her with hand-drums and with dances (Exodus 15:20; NET).

4. David was dancing before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14; NIV).

5. She knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet (Luke 7:38; NLT).

6. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely (Psalm 63:8; NLT).

7. Without me you can do nothing (John 15:5; NKJV).

As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God (Psalm 42:1; NET).

He […] gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34; NKJV).

8. Even at brightest noontime, we stumble as though it were dark (Isaiah 59:10; NLT).

Be silent before the Sovereign Lord (Zephaniah 1:7; NIV).

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek (Psalm 27:8; NIV).

Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; KJV).

I live in you

Ruth Kirk
Image: geralt, Pixabay

All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God
have God living in them, and they live in God
(1 John 4:15; NLT).

1. Lord, my God,
I live in you,
Believe in you,
And trust in you.

2. Lord, my God,
You live in me,
Deliver me,
And comfort me.

3. Lord, my God,
I’m one with you,
Rejoice in you,
And worship you.

4. Lord, my God,
You’re one with me,
Delight in me,
And care for me.

References

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

Believe in the Lord your God (2 Chronicles 17:14; NLT).

Trust in God (John 14:1; NLT).

2. You are my father, my God, and the protector who delivers me (Psalm 89:26; NET).

You, O Lord, help and comfort me (Psalm 86:17; NLT).

3. Whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17; NIV).

Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1; NLT).

Worship the Lord in all his holy splendour (1 Chronicles 16:29; NLT).

4. He delights in me (2 Samuel 22:20; NLT).

I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you (Hosea 14:8; NLT).

Like you

Ruth Kirk
Image: Tama66; Pixabay

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

1. Lord Jesus,
My example,
Help me to grow like you,
By treating all my feelings
With love, just as you do.

2. Lord Jesus,
My Rabboni,
Help me to grow like you,
By changing each judgemental thought
Into the love that’s due.

3. Lord Jesus,
My Messiah,
Help me to grow like you,
By saying everything with love,
And making sure it’s true.

4. Lord Jesus,
My Salvation,
Help me to grow like you,
By doing everything with love:
May your life be my cue.

References

1. God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9; NLT).

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

In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4; NIV).

2. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”) (John 20:16; NLT).

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5; NKJV).

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

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

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

3. You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16; NLT).

You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Jude 1:25; NLT).

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

4. The Lord is my light and my salvation (Psalm 27:1; 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).

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

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

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

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us (1 John 3:16; NLT).

We are one

Ruth Kirk
Image: Antranius, Pixabay

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

1. Son of God,
When I feel sad,
May I remember
Those who feel the same,
Praying for us all,
For we are one.

2. Word of God,
When I feel scared,
May I remember
Those who feel the same,
Praying for us all,
For we are one.

3. Lamb of God,
When I feel lost,
May I remember
Those who feel the same,
Praying for us all,
For we are one.

References

1. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God (John 20:31; NIV).

He began to be sorrowful (Matthew 26:37; NLT).

2. The Word became human and made his home among us […] and we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son (John 1:14; NLT).

Being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44; NIV).

3. John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29; NLT).

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (Mark 15:34; NLT).

Flashback (for A.)

Ruth Kirk
Image: rock-cafe, Yandex

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you
(Isaiah 43:2; NLT).

1. Here comes a flashback,
Always undesired:
My mother, screaming at me
Without restraint.

2. I’m two or three years old,
So I can neither
Understand her words,
Nor guess what lies behind them.

3. I’m at her mercy,
Paralysed by fear;
Helpless, lost, defenceless,
And alone.

4. But here you are, Lord,
Entering the scene.
You pick me up,
Then take my mother’s hand.

5. “Peace, be still!”
These are your only words.

6. You shine with love,
And radiate concern.
Your voice is steady, gentle, calm,
And kind.

7. You look at us
With perfect understanding.
Comfort and healing
Flow from your wounded hands.

8. My mother’s screaming stops.
My terror ends.
Together, we absorb
Your silent joy…

9. And then my flashback fades, but from now on
Every time this memory intrudes,
You will be present, Jesus, at its heart,
Just as you were, in fact, so long ago.

References

4. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young (Isaiah 40:11; NIV).

5. He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39; NKJV).

6. His face shone like the sun (Matthew 17:2; NIV).

8. Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21; NLT).

9. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4; NIV).

Have faith

Ruth Kirk

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

1. Turn to Christ for healing;
Cry out, for he is near.
Have faith that he will help you
When you suffer pain and fear.

2. Ask him to forgive you,
Confessing every sin,
And trust that he will help you
While you try to change within.

3. Bear your cross, and follow;
Let Jesus share your load.
Rely on him to help you
As you walk his narrow road.

References

1. If you are willing, you can heal me (Luke 5:12; NLT).

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” (Mark 5:34; NIV).

2. Forgive us our sins (Luke 11:4; NLT).

Trust in God (John 14:1; NLT).

3. Take up your cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24; NLT).

Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14; NIV).

We are sinners

Ruth Kirk

Father,

1. We are sinners –
Please forgive us.
Wash away our guilt
And make us whole.

2. Speak to us,
And help us all to listen.
Heal us, Lord,
In body, mind, and soul.

3. We forgive all those
Who sin against us,
Praying for our enemies
And friends.

4. Help us to bear our cross,
And follow Jesus
Through good and ill, Lord God,
Until life ends.

References

1. We are constant sinners (Isaiah 64:5; NLT).

Forgive us our sins (Luke 11:4; NLT).

Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin (Psalm 51:2; NLT).

2. Let me hear your voice (Song of Songs 2:14; NIV).

O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed (Jeremiah 17:14; NLT).

3. We forgive those who sin against us (Luke 11:4; NLT).

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

Pray for those who hurt you (Luke 6:27; NLT).

4. If you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27; NLT).

Should we accept only good things from the hand of God, and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT).

The way

Ruth Kirk

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

1. Lord Jesus,
May I hear your voice
Throughout my exile here.
Please guide me on the way of faith,
So I may feel you near.

2. Lord Jesus,
May I talk with you
Each day, in quiet prayer.
Please guide me on the way of peace,
Then I will know your care.

3. Lord Jesus,
May I see your face
In everyone I meet.
Please guide me on the way of love,
Though I am base and weak.

4. Lord Jesus,
May I follow you
Along the path you trod.
Please guide me on the way of truth
That leads me back to God.

References

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

This way of faith is very different from the way of law (Galatians 3:12; NLT).

He guides me along right paths (Psalm 23:3; NLT).

The Lord is near to all who call on him (Psalm 145:18; NIV).

2. Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).

The Dayspring from on high has visited us […] to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:78-9; NKJV).

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7; NLT).

3. Seek his face always (1 Chronicles 16:11; NIV).

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

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

God, have mercy on me, a sinner (Luke 18:13; NIV).

Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak (Psalm 6:2; NLT).

4. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23; NIV).

I have chosen the way of truth (Psalm 119:30; NKJV).

The dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NLT).

Living in the presence of God

Ruth Kirk

Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it! (Genesis 28:16; NLT).

God’s presence
Jesus was so accustomed to living in the full awareness of God’s presence that when he lost this awareness on the cross, he felt utterly alone for the first time in his life.

Whether we know it or not, we too are always in God’s presence. There is nowhere else to be, because God lives over, in, and through all things, including ourselves. However, we are always free to choose whether we want to recognise and relate to him, or not.

Remembering God
If we want to be conscious of living in God’s presence, we need to develop the habit of remembering him, communicating with him, and remaining in him, rather than forgetting him for long stretches of time.

This can be done in the following ways:

1. By recognising his presence in everyone, without exception.

2. By acknowledging him in all that exists, including everything we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.

3. By being aware of his presence within us.

4. By being honest with him about everything we feel, think, say, and do.

5. By listening for, and responding to, his still, small voice.

6. By remaining mindful of his presence whilst we are busy.

7. By spending time with him in silent communion.

Self-awareness
Being able to practice all these things depends on developing our self-awareness. This is because without self-awareness we can, for example, eat without tasting, pass people in the street without noticing them, disregard the beauty of the world, neglect the suffering of others, or ignore the quiet voice of our conscience. We cannot grow closer to God by living like this.

Furthermore, without self-awareness, we cannot identify our emotions and thoughts in order to share them honestly with God. This means we cannot immediately ask for his forgiveness and help whenever we need them.

Conclusion
Learning to live in constant awareness of God’s presence is an ongoing process, but no matter how forgetful we are, we can always ask him to help us start afresh each day. In this way, with mindful practice, we will gradually become more like Jesus, whose short life was spent in full awareness of his Father’s presence, no matter what was happening around him, until those final, despairing moments before his death.

References

God’s presence
You are in me, Father, and I am in you (John 17:21; NLT).
Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21; NLT).
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (Psalm 22:1; NLT).
The Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion (Isaiah 30:18; NLT).

Remembering God
Remember the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 8:18; NLT).
Remain in me, and I will remain in you (John 15:4; NLT).
1,2,3. There is […] one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all (Ephesians 4:5-6; NLT).
4. You desire honesty from the womb (Psalm 51:6; NLT).
Pour out your heart to him (Psalm 62:8; NLT).
5. Obey his commands, listen to his voice (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).
6. Pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).
7. Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10; NIV).
Be silent before the Sovereign Lord (Zephaniah 1:7; NIV).

Self-awareness
The hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them (Matthew 13:15; NKJV).
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts (Hebrews 4:7; NIV).

Conclusion
He helps me (Psalm 28:7; NLT).
When I wake up, you are still with me! (Psalm 139:18; NLT)
We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image (2 Colossians 3:18; NIV).