Our Father

But you are still our Father;
you have been our protector
since ancient times. 
~ Isaiah 63:16b (CEV)

You should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
help us to honor
your name. 
~ Matthew 6:9 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God looks out for us as a good father looks out for his children.

PRAYER:

Our Father in heaven, we honor you with respect and obedience that goes beyond what we offer to anyone else. You have taken care of us not just during my lifetime but throughout all history. I confess that sometimes the honor I give is second rate. Help me to ramp it up so that my respect and obedience is as good as it can possibly be. I'm going to be a good child reflecting honor onto you. Amen.

Compassion

But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. ~ Daniel 9:9 (NLT)

You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. ~ Luke 6:36 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

If we know God, we will be compassionate like God.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are so kind and compassionate. I don't understand why it is that I am so indifferent to the needs of others. I am not easily moved. And to make things worse I am actually a bit proud of my callousness. Forgive me and create in me a soft heart. I am going to share your compassion with others. Amen.

Fruitful living

You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand. ~ Psalm 16:11 (CEB)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this. ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God himself is the source of a rich, beautiful, and fruitful life.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for being so generous with life. All that is worthwhile comes from you. Yet, I continue to pursue fruitfulness in all the wrong places. Help me to set my sights on your kind of fruitfulness. I want to find my joy and satisfaction in my connection with you . Amen.

Even in panic

The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Come quickly and help me, my Lord, my salvation! ~ Psalm 38:22 (CEB)

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” ~ Mark 4:38 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Sometimes we don't think of asking for God's help until it is a panic situation.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus -- Savior, thank you for responding to my cries for help even when they come at the last desperate minute. It's so tempting to rely on my own ability until that no longer seems possible. Prompt me to turn to you early and often so that I can avoid the panic situation. Amen.