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What we think we know

Father, what we think we know we’ve no idea and what we ought to know we show little interest. Bring us out of ignorance and into your light!

We fool ourselves into thinking we’re strong, and where true strength lies we consider weakness. Break us that we may be remade into the iron of Spirit.

The wealth of the world is our frenzied pursuit, while true and lasting riches lie untapped. Strip us of trust in possessions and money, that we might receive the treasures of Christ.

We’ve tried it all in our pursuit of happiness, except the everlasting joy that comes from life with you. Let all our earthly joys wilt like yesterday’s flowers, in order to catch a vision of heavenly blessing.

The world of experiences is where we think we’re really living, but eternal life holds no thrill for us. Make us die to this world, that we might live for you.

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Be God in Me

Be glorified this day on earth —
O God, let kingdom light appear!
Let multitudes behold its worth,
May many a man and woman come near!

Be God in me and through me call
With news of hope and cleansing blood,
By words I speak of vinegar’s gall —
Let grace be my consuming food!

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What Soon May Be

To live with Christ is glory to the fullest,
To die with him is honor; to serve, a blessing.
No greater cause than sharing news of pardon,
That others reach salvation found in Jesus.

Violence done to Christ is our means of peace,
What paradox: his blood our means of cleansing!
Sins removed in water by the Spirit!
In faith the obedient born anew, from heaven.

O God of wisdom, Lord of fullest powers,
Keep your servant’s tongue from small complaints,
Show me surrounding good and close potential —
What soon may be, the kingdom come, by faith.

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Promised to Him

Remove myself, O Sovereign, as the center,
Into my heart as Lord let Jesus enter;
For him I die — the kingdom my surrender,
His cross for glory, eternal crown of splendor.

Zeal that comes from Christ, pure and single,
No human view or earthly prize to mingle,
Promised to him, sincere and whole devotion,
Owner of every thought and deed and emotion.

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Time Not Short Enough

The sounds of life surround us — babies, dogs,
machines, the singing of birds, the whir of fans,
overhead planes, far-off thunder, groans
of pain and death — these sounds are us, O Lord,
on earth in movement toward the final day.

We strain to hear angelic trumpets, voices
announcing the coming of the sovereign Lord —
a moment’s laughter turned to eternal joy,
the happy cries of birth to heaven’s life,
the ringing welcome into the city’s gates.

Make it so! — Rip the skies apart
and sweep us up, in glorious clouds, to meet
our Savior and leave all woe and heavy care!
Though here we serve at your good pleasure, time
is not short enough by our impatient measure.

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What is the prayer that I should pray?

What is the prayer that I should pray
To overcome and know your way?
For I am weak — this I confess —
I trust my wisdom less and less.
Yours is the Kingdom, glory and power;
Your precepts save me every hour.
Your love and goodness daily cheer me;
My constant need: Lord, come be near me.

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Strong to deal with the devil

Father, forgive us our sins. We stand in constant need of your cleansing. We confess our inability to deal with our guilt. You alone can purify us.

Father, help us to be holy, as you are holy. Sanctify us in the truth. Jesus is our sacrifice. We plead for forgiveness based on his death.

Father, keep temptation away. Make us strong to deal with the devil. Help us to seek help from our family of faith. Make us strong helpers of the weak.

Father, thank you for accepting our prayer. We praise you for your goodness and for your sacrificial love. Your presence gives us life. Your word offers us hope. May you be blessed forevermore.

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The breath of our being

Glorious God,

  • May prayer become more and more a constant in our lives, the breath of our being.
  • Bring to faith those who are searching Scripture for evidence of your goodness.
  • Convert us all, O Lord, that we might be truly converted.
  • Make the Kingdom arrive in many hearts so that many children are brought to your glory.
  • We trust that you will provide for our every need, Father. Send us forward well supplied.
  • We walk by faith, not be sight, and we love him whom we do not see. Strengthen our hearts and minds in this walk!
  • Our hope is in you — may our Lord Jesus come quickly!
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From Me No Argument

From me no argument, Lord — I accept
your will — come what may — events
delightful or traumatic. Be done
in me and in the world your way.

Omniscient God, I confess —
my ignorance, my lack of vision,
my limited view, and yes my blindness.
You know, you see, you cause to be.

Submission belongs to me — you love,
you care — you desire, in so many words,
communion, fellowship, connection —
For this, O Lord, come down to save!

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Let Jesus Be

Let Jesus be my light and joy,
Yes, this, O God, is what I want —
Surrender wild and worried mind,
Messiah’s peace and power rule.

Let Jesus be my greater work,
O Father, in me be glorified —
That I and all eternally share
Your life among the worshiping saints.