PM#390 New Years--Removing Deep Hurt Hebrews 12 verse 15

PM#0390

New Years - Removing Deep Hurt

Heb 12: 15

As we approach this New Year, we do so with everything that has happened to us, whether good or bad.  Unfortunately some of the bad issues may have deeply disturbed us and could influence how we respond to others.

We can chose whether to go into the New Year carrying hurt from those issues or giving them to the Lord and forgiving what happened.  Forgiveness frees us, so we can move forward.

If we do not forgive, that hurt can turn to bitterness (Heb 12: 15) and cause a critical spirit to rise up making things worse for us and others in the coming year.  Most of us really don’t want that.  The best way to keep that critical spirit from developing is to remove that hurt by forgiving.

Perhaps we should consider this prayer of forgiveness:  Father, last year, I experienced deep hurts that I have not forgiven.  I choose to forgive them now.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

Forgiveness is important—why might lack of forgiveness give opportunity for a critical spirit to take root and affect us?

Did Christ consider forgiveness important?  See Matthew 6:14-15.

PM#0338 A Christmas Meditation and a Prayer At Christmas Luke 2 vs 7

PM#0338

A Christmas Meditation and a Prayer at Christmas

In Luke 2:7  The Bible says: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling    clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

As we approach the Christmas season we celebrate the birth of Christ.   We focus on Christ, as our King, and His birth in a stable. What is the significance of His birth in a stable?

A stable is a place where animals including sheep were kept and many lambs were probably born in a stable.    Have you ever thought that it was fitting and symbolic that Christ was born in  a stable?   Christ is the Lamb of God.  Being born in a stable was a true act of humility. 

As we come to Christmas, let us remember His humble birth and thank God that Jesus is the Lamb who came to take our sin away.

Father, as we celebrate Christmas, thank you for sending Jesus, the Lamb of God, who came to take our sin away.   In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have you ever taken time to think why Christ, who is the Son of God, would humble himself to come to earth to eventually die for us?

Would you describe that action of Jesus humbling himself to be born in a stable an act of Love?

The Story of Christmas is about God’s Love to us.

PM#0026 Prayer for Our Military Psalms 68 vs 30

PM#0026

Prayer for Military

Psalms 68:30

Like it or not there are people who will try to take peace away.  These people are never satisfied and their nature can be violent and indeed they try to make war.

When our military is engaged against them in battle, how should we pray?  In the book of Psalms King David gives many examples.  In Psalms 68:30 we find a prayer that is prayed that we can use.

It says: “Scatter Thou the people that delight in war where the enemy is completely removed, war will cease.”

Father, we bring this request to You, in Jesus Name, that You scatter the people that delight in war, those that come against our troops. Amen.

Reflection and Questions

Many in this country have not been involved in the military, and do not fully understand what it takes to win a battle.    The Lord says in Proverbs 21:31 that “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.”  It is the Lord who gives victory. 

Knowing this, what might be one of the best ways that we can pray for our troops in battle?  To ask the Lord’s help to scatter the enemy.

PM#0426 Give Thanks

PM#0426

Give Thanks

I Thes 5:18  says  In everything give thanks:

Phil 4: 6-7

I Thes 5:18  says  In everything give thanks:

Think about it.  That is good thought, but it is one that everyone of us has difficulty doing at times.  We see only part of the total picture.  We only understand the part that we see, but not the whole picture.  We are like a person in a forest who can only see the trees and not the whole forest.

When things are perplexing to you, we need to learn to thank God.  He sees the whole picture.  Sometimes many of us have later learned what was really happening and then we learned how our part fit into the puzzle.

What God wants is for us to keep our focus on Him as He provides opportunities and guides us through life.  When we do, we should be able to give thanks to God in everything.  He will be there with His presence and His peace.

Take time today to pray with Thanksgiving.  Do it through in Jesus’ Name.

Reflections

Why is it difficult to give thanks?  Is it because we do not see the whole picture of what has happened?

Have you ever learned something later that changed your perspective about an item that happened?

If we do not see the whole picture, shouldn’t we trust the one who does—that one who does is God?  He is the one who will guide us when we don’t know the whole picture.

PM#0471 Veterans John 15 vs 13 and Romans 12 vs 14

PM#0471

Veterans

John 15:13, Rom 12:14

Vietnam veterans were deeply hurt when protesters did not respect them. 

The protestors had forgotten that our freedoms come with a cost, one which we fought to preserve, and some gave their lives to protect those freedoms. The Bible says in John 15:13 that ‘Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”  

Yes, veterans have experienced a rejection of that love as a country. Turning to God’s way, we should forgive and find ways to bless.  Rom 12:14 says “Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.”

Fortunately, our country is now honoring its veterans.  Still, all of us who are veterans should consider this prayer:

Father, help me to continually find ways to bless my country.  I forgive those who hurt us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection:

Why is important to honor our veterans?

What happened to our country when we did not honor our veterans?

Take a moment and consider how blessing a veteran honors them.

PM#0480 Are We Praying From the Heart?

PM#0480

Are We Praying From the Heart?

Ps44:21, Ps 37:4

When you pray, are you praying from your heart?

Many may will say answer yes, but God is the one who really knows if you are.  Ps 44:21 says God knows the secrets of the heart. 

When it comes to prayer, those secrets can affect our prayers, and if we want to see answers to prayer, there is Biblical encouragement in PS 37 verse 4 which says ‘delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart’.  Delighting ourselves in the Lord includes obeying God’s word, meditating on it, and letting it get into our hearts.

What is in our heart can affect our prayers.  If we really delight in God’s word, we will pray from our heart, and we will see answers to what you can call ‘heart prayer’.

Consider this prayer:  ‘Father, help me to delight in Your word, and may Your word be in my heart.  Thank you for helping me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.’

Reflection:

When we delight in the Lord and spend time in God’s word, what happens to our heart?

The Bible says that God’s word will accomplish that to which it is sent. See Is 55:11. Consider that God’s word will guide our heart if we spend time in God’s Word.

When God's word guides our heart, it will guide our prayers.  

PM#0491 Prayer and Involvement With Others

PM#0491

Prayer and Involvement With Others

Are we involved with others?  By that, I do not mean just a passing involvement, but one which is long term, and that really takes an interest in others.

When we pray with others, that prayer is an involvement with them.  However, many times do we pray that only scratches the surface superficially?  This may happen because our involvement is very limited.  If we take the time to build a personal relationship with the individual, then that effort should also lead to the opportunity to pray for things close to that person’s heart.  Such prayer could encourage them to look to Jesus.

Why not ask the Lord in prayer to guide you, so that you can be more involved with others. That will help you to pray effectively for them. 

‘Father, I need you to guide me and help me to be more involved with others so I can effectively pray for them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: 

So often our connection with others is limited by our business or our responsibilites just do not afford the opportunity to connect with others. 

When that happens—it prevents us from getting to know others.  To be involve with others takes commitment to be involved with them.

Perhaps we should find a way to be reflective and in doing so—take action to help us reach out to others.  I encourage you to take a moment and write down some ways that might help you in reaching out to others.___________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________.

PM#0203 Keep Us From Sin Psalms 19 vs 13

PM0203

Keep Us from Sin

PS 19:13

Have you ever heard the saying ‘what the other does not know won’t hurt them?’  That though has often used as an excuse for concealing sexual sin, but it could also be a cover up for other problems.

Temptations face us everyday and without God’s help, we may fall into wrong doing which will hurt us, especially if we cover it up.

The Psalmist recognized this in his prayer in PS 19:13 ‘Keep back thy servant from presumptuous sin.’  He invited God’s help because he knew he needed it.  Why not join with me in this prayer.

Father, keep us from evil and sin today, and lead us away from temptation.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflections:

It is very tempting to just not speak up about sin, and there may be many reasons for doing this.  Hiding does not remove the sin.  It is still there.

To remove sin—especially that which has been hidden, or buried, we need God’s help.  The process of clearing deep issues is no fun—but once we do, we find that we are freed from it.  

Perhaps you might have experience being freed from sin.  How does that help you today?  Has it made a difference?

God wants us to be kept from and to be delivered from the bondage of sin.  Luke 4:18  

PM#0381 Letting Others Know You Are Praying For Them

PM#0381

Letting Others Know You are Praying for Them

When someone let’s you know they are doing something for you, doesn’t that encourage you? Usually it does.

Unfortunately, when it comes to prayer, I know a lot of people do not tell anyone they are praying for a person.  That is their choice.  However I believe a better choice would be to let that person whom you are praying for know that you are praying for them.  Letting them know that you are praying for them is also letting them know you care about them, and that alone can make a major difference in their lives.

For those of you who have children, your prayers for your children does a lot for them and gives much value to them. So why not when you pray for your children, tell them that you are praying for them.  It will impact their lives positively in countless positive ways.

Father, help us let our children know we are praying for them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

Why does letting someone know that you are praying for them show that you care for them?

Why would praying for someone make a difference in their lives?

PM#0484 Honor and Respecting Others

PM#0484

Honor and Respecting Others

Matthew 15:18

We hear people say they want us to ‘communicate to them’.  What does that really mean?  Two heart words may describe what they are saying.  Those are—honor and respect.

When we use colloquial expressions like you ‘guys’ ‘bud’, or ‘hey you’, in addressing others—in person, e-mails, notes or other ways – our words are not received by them as honor or respect.  Using colloquial expressions from where you grew up, or from you home, may be received in your home area, but when used with people from other regions, frankly—they can be very offensive not show honor or respect to the one you are addressing. 

We may need help in learning to honor and respect others, and Christ can change our heart to do so.  Consider this prayer:  Father, I need your help to change my heart so I can honor and respect others, and show your love to them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflections:

Why is it important to show respect to others?

Have you ever thought about how your words or expressions might be received?

Is it really an issue of the heart that is seen in how we address others?

Why is showing honor to another person important?

Also-consider sharing what helps you respect others when they greet you.

PM#0267 Prayers Can Help Others

PM#0267

Prayers Can Help Others

Have you ever realized that your prayers for missionaries and others can help them be more effective.

Listen to this account.  Sometime ago a missionary agency had a number of stations in a country with a missionary assigned to each of those stations.  Over time it was noted that one station had more conversions.  The reason for this was not understood until sometime later in a meeting.  A representative of the missionary learned that an attendee had been praying for that station.  The attendee stated that he had been the missionary’s roommate when he was in college.  The missionary wrote him and gave the names of people that he ministered and that he prayed for them by name for that station.

Those prayers helped that missionary have a greater impact for the kingdom of God.  Our prayers for others in God’s work too can help them too reach others for Christ.

Father, help us to pray for missionaries and others in your work in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

Why is it important to pray specifically?

Many of us pray general prayers—and often we are given only general specifics to pray for.  What would happen if we were given more specifics to help us pray?

This missionary in our story above had contact with his college room-mate.  How would contact like that encourage both missionary and his college room-mate?

When you ask someone to pray, do you keep in touch and provide follow-up?

PM#0380 The Power of Blessing

PM#0380

The Power of Blessing

Have you ever thought about the power of blessing?

Frankly, many of us haven’t and perhaps a reason is that we have never fully experienced what a blessing can do for someone.

A blessing values a person, and that value comes through a meaningful touch or a spoken message.  As you impart a blessing to someone else, from your heart, you give them value, hope and encouragement, which can help them in the days ahead.

If you are not in the habit of blessing others, consider this prayer:

Father, help us to bless others from our heart in a way that gives them value, hope, and encouragement.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Reflection questions:

Why does blessing show value?

Is a reason we don’t give a blessing is that we don’t believe our words actually work?

What does the Bible say?—Consider Romans 12:14—what might happen if we genuinely started blessing others?

PM#0484 Honor and Respecting Others

PM#0484

Honor and Respecting Others

Matthew 15:18

We hear people say they want us to ‘communicate to them’.  What does that really mean?  Two heart words may describe what they are saying.  Those are—honor and respect.

When we use colloquial expressions like you ‘guys’ ‘bud’, or ‘hey you’, in addressing others—in person, e-mails, notes or other ways – our words are not received by them as honor or respect.  Using colloquial expressions from where you grew up, or from you home, may be received in your home area, but when used with people from other regions, frankly—they can be very offensive not show honor or respect to the one you are addressing. 

We may need help in learning to honor and respect others, and Christ can change our heart to do so.  Consider this prayer:  Father, I need your help to change my heart so I can honor and respect others, and show your love to them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflections:

Why is it important to show respect to others?

Have you ever thought about how your words or expressions might be received?

Is it really an issue of the heart that is seen in how we address others?

Why is showing honor to another person important?

Also-consider sharing what helps you respect others when they greet you-

PM#0494 Encouraing Others Matthew 18 vs 19

PM#0494

Encouraging Others

Matthew 18:19

How often when we are involved with others, do we fail to encourage God’s calling for that individual?

Here is a way that may help.   Christ said in Matthew 18:19, that where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst.  Coming together with others in prayer, invites Christ to be with us and help us. He can help our hearts to open to each other as we pray.  When hearts start to join together in prayer, relationships develop that are started by Christ, bringing connection with each other.

As we grow together, Christ can help us encourage one another, and to appreciate each other’s calling from the Lord.  Then we can encourage one another to move forward. 

Consider this thought and prayer.  ‘Father, help me to join with others in prayer, and may You help me to encourage others’.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

As Christians—why would we be hesitant to encourage another brother or sister in the Lord?

How important is connection with each other in encouraging others?  Does connection include involvement with them?

Does the Lord use our encouragement of others to move help them move forward?

Hedge of Protection

PM#0017

Hedge of Protection

Job 1:10

In the Bible, we fine that Satan complained to God about a hedge of protection around the Biblical Character of Job.  In  Job 1 vs 10, satan said to God, hast thou not made a hedge about him? 

There is another tier for husbands and the protection they are to provide for their wives.  We should protect our wives and we can do this in prayer by asking God for a hedge of protection around them.

What type of protection should we ask for?  A few items might be:

•That they will be protected wherever they go.

•That they will be safe from any accidents,

•and also evil influences.

There is indeed more that could be used in prayer, but these suggestions are a start.

Father, I ask that each of us who are husbands that we will be moved by the Holy Spirit to ask for protection for wife you have given us.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Reflection:

Have you ever thought about protection as a hedge?

Why is it important to ask God for protection for our wives?

PM#0212 Three Fold Cord Ecclesiastes 4 vs 12

PM#00212

Three fold cord

Ec 4:12

It has been found that couples who pray together are more likely to stay together.

Every wonder what praying together does for them?

When a couple prays together, the Bible says Jesus is in the midst.  Add up all those present and you have three during the prayer time.  That provides 3 cords which makes a three fold cord, with the husband, the wife, and Jesus, each being one of those strands.  Ec 4:12 says “A cord of three strands is not easily broken”.  Praying together brings strength to the marriage with God’s help.

If you have not been praying with your spouse, why not start today.

Father, help us to pray with sour spouses and we invite you to join us when we do.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Is there other Scripture where we are taught who is present when two or more are gathered in His Name?_____________

Why would Christ say He will be present?_____________

If Christ is present when two of us pray—how might that affect us and encourage us?__________________

PM#-546 Praying From God's Perspective

PM#0546

I John 4:8

Praying from God’s Perspective?

When we pray—are we trying to control the outcome through our prayers?

Are we asking God to fix our problems when we pray?  God is interested in what concerns us, but He also wants us to develop a personal relationship with Him.  That relationship involves giving praise to God, which includes the character of God, His Holy undefiled Love.  See I John 4 vs 8.    Praising to God opens the door to building a relationship with God, and to know His presence.  The guidance we receive through that relationship, helps us to align our prayers with God’s word and His perspective rather than our own perspective.

Consider this prayer, Father, help me to give you praise for who you are, as I pray.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Reflection:

If you have experience the Lord’s presence during a time of prayer—what change has it brought?

Why is it important to align ourselves with God’s word and His perspective when we pray? 

PM#0205 Preparing the Soil...

PM#0205

Preparing the Soil

A farmer knows of the hard work that is done before a harvest.  It starts with preparing soil, and planting it.  If the soil is not prepared, precious seed may be lost and may not even grow.

To reach people for the Lord Jesus Christ, there is much preparatory work to be done so that people will be ready to hear and accept God’s word for them. This preparatory work starts with prayer, asking God’s help in preparing people’s hearts to be ready to receive God’s word and to respond to His Love. 

If your desire is to reach people for Christ, then join with me in this prayer.

Father, we ask you to go before us, preparing hearts to receive your word.  Help us to show your love to them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection:

Why is it important for hearts to be prepared to hear God’s word?

Why is prayer important for people to be able to respond to God’s live?

If you have experienced a time where someone responded to God’s love, because someone prayed, please share a few words about it. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PM#0029 Couples Praying Together Matthew 18:29

PM#0029

Couples Praying Together

Matthew 18:29

If you wanted to get rid of divorce, how would you do it?  It seems that divorce is here to stay.  But there is a way that can reduce the probability of it.  That way is for a couple to pray together.

What does praying together do?  Praying together invites God into a marriage and it brings his power to help us to love, and it also helps us heal where it is needed.  Praying together can also remove barriers of communication with our spouse, with the result of a couple growing together, and a deepening of our spiritual lives together.

When you start praying with your spouse, let God perform a work in both of your hearts, and to start, consider this prayer of our spiritual lives together.

Father, help us to invite you into our marriage that we may grow together.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What Can Happen When a Couple Prays Together?

Reflection:

Have you ever thought that prayer could make such a difference in a marriage?

Is it prayer, or the invite of God’s presence that makes a difference?

       Read Matthew 18:20

Ok—we have invited God to be present—now what?  Consider learning to listen to your heart as the Lord moves.  Remember, if God is present, His Holy Spirit will speak to both of you—Are you ready to really listen to Him?  Those who have listened will testify to the difference it makes.

Perhaps someone might be brave enough to share what God has done in their marriage, when they have invited Him in and learned to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to their hearts.

PM#0496 Memorial Day John 15:13

PM#0496

Memorial Day

John 15:13

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have served and are serving in our military.  When we did not properly honor those who serve, deep hurt came upon them and our country.

Failing to honor, forgets that our freedoms come with a cost, one which we fought to preserve, and some gave their lives to protect. The Bible says in John 15:13 that ‘Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”  

Turning to God’s way, we should honor that love by finding ways to bless. 

Consider this prayer as you remember those who are serving and have served our country in the military:

Father, help me to continually find ways to show honor to those serving and who have served in the military, and bless my country, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection:

Have we every thought of the those who serve our country in the Military,, serving because of Love?

How might blessing be a way to honor their service?

PM#0313 Interest in Others

PM#0313

Interest in Others

I have seen some people who talk just about themselves or their kids.  Even when I take an interest in them, they rarely take an interest in what is happening to me.

After a period of time, I honestly feel slighted the other person, because he did not reciprocate and take an interest in me. 

At this point, I should ask myself the question: does my personal self interest have to be met before I can reach out to others?  I will admit that it is encouraging when someone takes an interest in me.   When our Lord was on earth, He took an interest in others, and His focus was to help them learn to help others.  That then should be what motivates me to take an interest in others.  That should bring true self worth and serving others can be done with prayer for them and helping them.

Father, help us to learn to serve others by praying for them and helping them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection:

How might you define Joy?  Ever think of what the letters J O Y mean?

J is for  ___________

O is for ___________

Y is for____________

The answer is Jesus, Others, then you –that spells Joy!

Question—when we put self interest first—does that bring more meaning to us or does real meaning come when we reach out to help others?

PM#0109 God's Call to Us to Pray for Others

PM#0109

God’s Call to Us to Pray for Others  

Do you ever get the feeling something is urgent?  You may not know why, but you have a strong feeling that it is?

There are indeed times when we sense a need to pray for someone and we may not understand why we sense the need.  Often when that happens, God is asking us to intercede for a particular person or situation.  We may never know or hear of what the need was, but because we prayed, God was able to work in that person's life or in that situation.  Sometimes Lord later on, makes it clear why He asked us to pray.

When we pray for others it releases the power of God in their lives on their behalf.

Father, help us to recognize your call to pray for others, and to obey.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection:

When God gives us a name in our thoughts, might it be an invite to pray for them?

Have you ever sensed a situation where a name came to you and you did not know why?  Perhaps later you learned of something that happened that prayer may have made a change concerning the person whose name came to your thoughts. 

There are other times that a name comes to our thoughts, but we never learn of a need—when those times happen—wouldn’t it be better if we pray for that person? 

Perhaps you may want to share how you saw God work through bringing a name to you, and you prayed for them.

PM#0107 God’s Scriptural Wisdom for Prayer Col 1:9

PM#0107

God’s Scriptural Wisdom for Prayer

Col 1:9

What do you look to when you seek guidance?  Is it horoscopes, people, or what?  Did you ever think we need guidance when we pray?  If we believe in Jesus as our Savior, then we should look to the Bible to guide our prayers.  The Apostle Paul prayed that we would have wisdom.  Col 1:9 says "For this cause we also, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."

This prayer of Paul's is a scriptural example of a prayer.  There are other examples in the Bible, and they are there to guide us.  I believe that God wants us to use these prayers when you pray and if you do, you will have God's blessing for those whom we are praying.

Father, may God fill us with the knowledge of His will, and may it guide our prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: 

Have you ever thought to look to the scriptures to help us pray?

If you have, could you share a few references of scripture that have helped you?

What affect have you found from using scripture in your prayers?

PM#0545 Unity in Prayer Matthew 18:19, John 12:32, John 17:21

PM#0545
Unity in Prayer
Matthew 18:19, John 12:32,  John 17:21

Traveling across the United States we are a diverse people with different customs.  Yet we are one nation.  Acceptance of different customs is an important part of unity.

When it comes to prayer we often have differences that need God’s help so when people pray together we can ask in prayer that the Holy Spirit work and help us accept differences so we can be in Godly unity as we pray.  I believe that a fruit of this unity will be the Love of Christ being shed among us.   This love will lift up Christ, and the Bible says that when Christ is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself. John 12 vs 32.
 
Father we ask your Holy Spirit to work in our hearts so we can come together in unity.  May your love be evident in us because of this praying together.  In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Reflection:  

What is in us that keeps us from accepting differences?

When we do not accept differences is this a form of judgment?

Those questions being asked, we need to stop a moment and recognize there are basic elements of our faith in Jesus—that we should pray in accordance with God’s Word and come to the Father in Jesus’ name.—Still when praying with others of differing customs of prayer—it can be difficult. 

One more thought to consider—why do you think that Christ prayed that we would be one?   See John 17:21 “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.”