The good news of Christ
Show me, Lord, a brother in need.
Open my shuttered eyes to see
Whom I can help, to love in deed
And truth — but not in small degree.
Like you among your people in prayer,
May I be present to know and hear
That hurting heart who cannot bear
The lonesome pain — may I be near.
From solitude, where power I seek,
Lead me to where my brethren meet,
To ease their burdens, lift the weak,
Instruct the novice, and wash their feet.
Our blessed Father in Heaven,
Make gratitude grow in my heart for all your mercies.
You’ve walked with me in all my difficult journeys.
My every need you’ve satisfied in time.
I had no want, for you remained the same.
In highs and lows, Lord, you’re my constant stay.
What consolation! Under my Rock I lie.
Thank you, O God! To you I give my worries.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
So many needs have I, O Lord,
Not merely two or three.
Of all of these, I can’t afford
To lack humility.
I’d be like you, the Sorrowed Man,
Who bore my sins away.
Remind me how my life began:
I’m but unworthy clay.
I glory in your eternal Name,
In me no good resides.
Let me your holy promise claim,
To find a life that abides.
Heavenly Father, show me your love and power
Your child am I — created in your image
You know my needs, my every fear and pain
I trust in you — on you I wait in silence
Still my troubled heart and restless mind
Sustain me with your every promise kept
By day I search for you till setting sun
Your name upon my lips in dark of night
Thanks I give for what I have been given,
For what I’ll still receive — Whatever my want
I’ll not complain, but think of Jesus Christ,
Who walked the lonely road to Calvary’s tree.
O Lord God, I want so much!
I want a trusting heart,
A will that always chooses your commandments,
Faith that will not waver,
A mind absorbed with your truths,
A soul inhabited by your Spirit,
Lips that speak blessing,
Eyes that see the possibilities and opportunities,
Strength that will not break under pressure.
I want even more, O Father!
People who turn to you,
Glory for your unequalled name,
A day that is the best ever,
An hour alone in prayer and meditation,
Friends to walk beside me in your paths,
A family that honors Christ,
A congregation that carries your salvation to all,
A hope that never wavers,
Love to receive and more to share.
Can I dare to ask and receive it all?
Glorious God,
Colossians 4.2
Father, as we devote ourselves to prayer, let us not say only generalities, but share the specific needs of our heart and detailed requests for others.
Keep our faith from vagueness. Nail our love firmly to the ground of reality.
Just as the Lord Jesus came from heaven to live and move among us, plant us in the soil of human suffering and struggle to deal with the effects of sin.
As your agents of reconciliation, make our offer of salvation to be compelling and urgent.
May your redemption fill us and turn our mourning into joy.
We praise you for the blood of the cross and thank you for reaching us with the gospel.
Because of Immanuel, Amen.
Father, in the midst of confusion, bring us clarity.
When doubt appears, give us faith.
When ignorance rears its head, bring knowledge to bear.
With temptation, show us our escape.
When emotions flare, let peace descend upon us.
At the first sign of social pressure, let love for Christ prevail.
Worries would dog us daily, so let our prayers deliver them up to you.
Feelings of failure threaten to drag us down, but show us the fruit of spiritual labor.
When we feel weak, show us the power of your Holy Spirit.
Father of spirits and God of fulfilled plans, keep us from playing the negative “What-If” game. Help us to root out all forms of worry and anxiety.
Ground us in today, that we might live fully in this moment, knowing that you have set our future in the brightest terms. Open our eyes to possibilities and opportunities. Shut down our fears with your promise of blessing and joy.
Stand us upon those spiritual realities we possess. Reroute our thoughts away from needs and what is missing in our lives. The gospel is ours; let us endure privation with gratitude for participation in your mission.
May you be praised for your wonderful gift of life, which sets us in your glorious presence and turns us toward the heavenly hope.
Lord God, so many people in so many situations need your help.
You are the God who can supply every need and offer every help. Rise up, O Lord, and let us all rejoice in your active goodness.