PRAYER THROUGH THE GOOD AND BAD

LAMENTATIONS 3:41 (NCV)
Let us lift up our hands and pray from our hearts to God in heaven...

JAMES 5:13 (MSG)
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Pray through the tough times and the good times.

DAILY FODDER
How do you pray when you're too frustrated to pray? What can you do now to prepare yourself to pray more consistently during the challenging times?

PRAYER
Loving God, you're all ears — ready to engage with us when we're hurting — eager to hear our songs when we're happy. Forgive me for trying to keep it all to myself. I know I can't handle it all but I need constant reminders to turn to you. Teach me to develop a prayer pattern that will stay constant through difficult times. I will turn to you in both the happy and sad times we all face — yes, even devoted followers of Christ Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

WAITING FOR GUIDANCE

GENESIS 24:21 (MSG)
The man watched, silent. Was this GOD’s answer? Had God made his trip a success or not?

ACTS 13:2-3 (MSG)
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.”

So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
For important decisions, it is important to wait for God's guidance.

DAILY FODDER
When making an important decision, what is your process for waiting on God's guidance?

PRAYER
Why am I in such a hurry, God? I know that everything needful for me will be accomplished in your time and way. Help me to give my full attention to everyone I meet today, knowing each moment is sent by your mercy. Grant that I may even love my enemies as sisters and brothers, through Christ my Lord. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

DITCH ANGER

PSALM 37:8 (CEB)
Let go of anger and leave rage behind!
Don’t get upset—it will only lead to evil.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:15 (CEB)
Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Payback is not an option.

DAILY FODDER
How much anger and rage are you harboring? How can you go about letting go of those things?

PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for inviting us to participate in your love for the world, including all the rebellious losers, like me. I know that you have called us to let go of our anger but it's a lot easier to look for payback opportunities than to pursue the well-being of those who anger us. The world is so full of rage, that we need an intervention. Start with me. Foster divine forgiveness and turn me into an equable follower of Christ Jesus. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

GLORIOUS

The 13th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 8:5 (ABP)
When you created human beings, you made them just a notch lower than divine, bestowing them with crowns of honor and glory.

2 PETER 1:3 (NCV)
Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Through Jesus, we've been uniquely positioned and empowered to live for and serve God.

DAILY FODDER
What do you consider to be the greatest honor of your life?

PRAYER
God of glory, you've generously shared your glory with us. Of course, we haven't done a very good job of living up to who we are. Help me to truly recognize who I am through Christ Jesus, who came from the Father full of glory and truth. My desire is to become who I am. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.