The good news of Christ
From the critical spirit, which sees only wrong things in everything, save me, Lord.
From pessimism, which thinks that no one wants to know the Good News of Christ, save me, Lord.
From spiritual laziness, which lacks the strength to resist the devil, save me, Lord. Continue reading “Save me, Lord”
2 Corinthians 12.15
The world away from me is vast.
I would despair and stand aghast
Were it not for the Lord who said
We must not fear nor feel its dread,
For he is with us to the end.
Oh, God, may I be spent and spend.
Job 28
What tiresome work man does for gain,
In search of precious gems!
He runs great risk of death and pain;
To gather wealth he sins. Continue reading “Greater Price”
So much you do, O Lord, for me,
So much you give — new life and hope;
On me so many blessings you heap!
Above them all, your presence in three.
But you do not make my decision;
Free will you gave to me instead.
I choose your will, your glory, your aid —
This too in its own way is blessing.
To will to do, for strength I ask,
To never heed the tempter’s voice;
In me confirm the eternal choice,
The Kingdom first I’d daily seek.
Let Jesus be example and guide,
In every thought and word and deed;
On his transforming word I’d feed.
With you, O Lord, let me abide.
The above prayer led to this chart.
Lord, blow your trumpet
in the songs we sing,
in the gifts we bring,
in the prayers we pray,
in the roles we play,
in the lives we live,
in the alms we give,
in the love we show,
in the seed we sow,
in the thanks we express,
in the souls we bless,
in the Word we speak,
in the bread we break.
Make all the earth hear your sound!
Amen.
I posted a form of this prayer poem last night on an alternative social media account, inspired by a short prayer on commonprayer.net.
Proverbs 17.3
Dear God, a man may refine metal to remove its impurities and get the best use from it, but only you can prove the heart and purify a man for your divine purpose.
I want to be that man. Into your hands I deliver my soul. Purify me that I might be useful to the Kingdom. The pain is not pleasant, O Father; I shrink from suffering, but like my Lord Jesus, I desire your will to be done in my life.
Thank you for your benevolent purpose to produce good in me and through me. May many praise you. I glorify your name. I pray as a follower of Jesus Christ. Amen.
You, O Lord, are one, the only God,
Living and true, and holy above creation.
Eternal are you, forever without end,
Without beginning, he who is and was
And ever will be, who holds all wisdom and power.
You entered the world of sin, in human form,
And never erred, but freely gave yourself
To save mankind, the perfect Lamb of God,
In death and pain and suffering that was ours —
Forgiveness undeserved to be received.
You came in power, from Heaven sent by Christ,
The Wind of God, to blow as he sees fit,
To bring to sinners life and lasting hope,
The promise of love. Here, O God, are heart
And body and soul — Fill me with your fullness.
Our Father who is in Heaven,
We know so little. Our hands are weak. Our eyes see only what is near. Come help us. Be present in our midst.
Thank you for another day to enjoy. We decide to live with your peace in our hearts. Help us to act today with kindness and contentment.
We decide to do your will. We want what you want. Help us to say only words that you approve. Give us strength to act like Jesus. Continue reading “We do so many things wrong”
I’ve none but God in the end,
‘Tis he my guide and friend.
For me Christ bled, my daily bread;
To him I would ascend.
O Lord, for you I wait.
In me, I pray, create
A holy heart, from sin apart;
Take me to Heaven’s gate.
While earthly time remains,
Christ Jesus’ love constrains:
We sow the seed in word and deed;
O’er all our Savior reigns.
Psalm 43.3-5 NIV (1984)
Send forth and guide me your truth and light
To your holy mountain where you dwell;
I then will worship in joyful delight,
With praise, O God, my heart will swell.
Why, my soul, be so downcast?
Why in your heart be so distraught?
Put hope in God, to faith hold fast;
Yet will I praise him for all he’s wrought.