God listens

I am your servant, and the people of Israel belong to you. So listen when any of us pray and cry out for your help. ~ 1 Kings 8:52 (CEV)

From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. ~ John 14:14 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God listens.

PRAYER
Faithful Friend, it's hard to believe that I don't need to tidy up my prayers. I can just offer whatever is on my heart. Thank you for hearing my deepest cries and even my sighs as prayers. I bring my whole self to you and you bring me the healing, wholeness, and love I really need. Amen. (Daily Tests, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

Rejoice!

But let the righteous be glad
     and celebrate before God.
Let them rejoice with gladness! 

~ Psalm 68:3 (CEB)

Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! ~ Philippians 4:4 (CEB)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't hesitate to celebrate all that God is and does.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for giving us cause to celebrate. I don't understand, though, how it is that even though I'm so eager for happiness that I get so easily distracted from celebrating all that you do. Catch me off-guard. Surprise me with fresh insights that release the joy. I'm going to live moment by moment celebrating your goodness. And I'm going to start with the gift of new life which the resurrected Christ pours out on us. Amen.

God's approval

Gideon said, “I most certainly will not rule over you, nor will my son. GOD will reign over you.” ~ Judges 8:23 (MSG)

You may brag about yourself, but the only approval that counts is the Lord’s approval. ~ 2 Corinthians 10:18 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Pursue God's approval rather than power or prestige.

PRAYER
God, your opinion is ultimately the only one that counts. I work way too hard trying to raise my voice above the cacophony of the thoroughly connected always-online world. Help me to chill and trust that you are on the throne. I'm going to focus on the things which matter to you -- and only you. Amen.

Provision

The 10th Sunday after Pentecost

When they asked for food,

    he sent more birds

    than they could eat.

God even split open a rock,

    and streams of water

    gushed into the desert.

God never forgot

his sacred promise

    to his servant Abraham.

~ Psalm 105:40-42 (CEV)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. ~ Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God provides exactly what we need.

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for all the blessings that have been poured into our lives -- food, water, protection, renewed lives through Christ Jesus. I confess that I can get gripey when you send chicken rather than steak and lobster. Help me to put my needs and your generosity in perspective. I'm going to enjoy your provision in all its unique simplicity. Amen.