Asking

I ask for your help, Lord God, and you will keep me safe. ~ Psalm 55:16

Jesus says: ... When that time comes, you won’t have to ask me about anything. I tell you for certain that the Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. ~ John 16:23b (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord cares so much that he anticipates all our needs.

PRAYER:

Lord, I don't have to worry over whether you understand what I really need. But I seem to enjoy fretting over such things. It makes me feel like I'm powerful or could be in control. Correct my misunderstanding and please give me wisdom so that I better know what I should be asking for. My goal is to limit myself to asking for that which is important to you. Amen.

Praise on!

From the rising of the sun until it sets, from the constantly shifting places where it rises and sets, continue on praising God! ~ Psalm 113:3 (ABP)

Praise the Lord,
the God of Israel!
He has come
to save his people.
Our God has given us
a mighty Savior...
~ Luke 1:68-69a (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Continue praising God because he deserves it!

PRAYER:

Lord, you are worthy of all our constant praise and adoration. And even though we are irregular and half-hearted in how we do that, help us to not give up. You have come to save us from our failures. So even when we are inadequate in what we do we are successful because we are turning to you as Savior. I 'm aiming to make your praise my life's work. Amen.

Rescue

Turn back to me!
I have rescued you
and swept away your sins
as though they were clouds.
~ Isaiah 44:22 (CEV)

God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. ~ John 3:17 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God is more interested in rescuing us from our sin than accusing us of them.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for being a saving God. Thank you for sending your Son Christ Jesus into the world to rescue us and heal us from the reality of sin. I need to more fully turn to you. Help me to make that a priority for every minute in my life. You have made that possible and now I'm going to live according to your new world order. Amen.

Protector

Even now, God in heaven is both my witness and my protector. ~ Job 16:19 (CEV)

Paul writes: When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won’t be held against them. But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength... ~ 2 Timothy 4:16-17a (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God faithfully empowers his people.

PRAYER:

Lord God, I am so grateful that I can depend on you. Others let me down. I let me down. But you are so reliable that I should fully trust you and take the risks that you call me to make. But I hesitate and often don't get around to stepping out in faith. How convenient for me! Forgive me my lack of active faith and continue to strengthen me so that I can be like the apostle Paul -- ready and willing to share your message, even in the most unwelcoming of places. I am going to trust you to be my protector. Amen.