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If left up to us

Left up to us, we’d have the Lord Jesus return today, O God. We want to go home. This life hold little interest to us. The glories of heaven are what we desire. To be with you is all we want. To go where there are no tears, no suffering, no death, no darkness — this is our keenest hope.

But we know you have a purpose for our time here, both for our salvation and perfection and for the salvation of others. You are preparing us for that eternal habitation with you. Continue reading “If left up to us”

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To pray as Jesus prayed

Father, let us live as Jesus lived, including his prayer life. He was consistent during his whole life, and finished as he began — in prayer:

  • at the table, giving thanks;
  • interceding for others, that their faith not fail;
  • placing his desires in the Father’s hand, but seeking above all his Father’s will;
  • praying for the forgiveness of others, in the midst of his own pain and suffering.

Continue reading “To pray as Jesus prayed”

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O Lord of Thrones

God of many names and One,
I-AM who is, besides you none,
Above, below, within, without,
A small, still voice, creation’s shout;
O Lord of thrones, upon us look,
Restore to us what Satan took;
Your gracious face to earth incline,
Around this table’s bread and wine;
Of what does life consist?
To have you in our midst.

—JRMatheny

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The perfect wedding

Lord God, let knowledge and love be joined permanently together in my faith, as the perfect wedding of groom and bride. Teach me your ways, and help me to obey your every command.

Make your truth my clothing and protection, for I seek your wisdom night and day. Let the facts of the gospel be precious to me, and its commands always in my heart.

Make my teaching and life a powerful argument before those outside of Christ.

The doctrine of Christ is light and life, O Savior. Let his words be our constant meditation and our insistent message to all.

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With Me Most

Lord God, I want to stay,
Be close to you, enjoy
communion in your presence.
But I trust what you say
That you are with me most
When out to preach I’m going.

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In truth lie our hope and strength

Strengthen us, O Lord, to resist Satan and to subdue sin in our lives. Help us to do what is right. Keep our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who did not sin and who always pleased you by doing your will.

Keep us from being naive. Let us not underestimate the power of Satan to deceive. Remind us, however, of the greater power of your Spirit, the marvelous Force of your Word, the live, ongoing transformation that Jesus works in us. Continue reading “In truth lie our hope and strength”

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Don’t Stand Aloof

In Jesus Christ, O God, you came from afar,
With all my being I seek you, with talon and tooth,
Don’t stand aloof from me — quickly come near!
Dear God, I’m nothing without your love and truth!
Let shine your light upon me strong and clear,
In passing years I seek you, as in my youth,
Be not to me a distant, twinkling star.