7 Prayers That Work

  A prayer of hope and purpose for the new year, from Philippians 3 -- Lord God, I want to know Jesus Christ and his resurrection. I can't understand his power or his suffering, or his perfection and righteousness. But you know that about me. You know I can't handle this world's problems on my own. You know I can't keep perspective on what matters. It's why you sent Jesus to us in the first place. Because I can't manage on my own, I cling to the hope that you can and will transform all things. I will forget what is behind me in this year. I will reach toward what you have before me in the new year. I will strain toward the prize of winning Christ, of choosing hope in my ordinary existence. I will press on toward the goal of becoming more like your son. My end of the pursuit is heaven. May I long to live in your presence, rather than be fearful of leaving this earth. Mature me this year. Transform me this year. Use me this year. I am yours. That is my hope . Hel

Lord God, You are the lover of my soul, my Bridegroom , my Savior, my friend forever. Thank you for inventing marriage, for having this incredible idea that two people are better than one if they are joined in unity with You. Thank you for my spouse and for all our years of marriage. I praise You for working in us and through us and between us. Thank you for going before us in the hard times, for carrying us through trials and trauma, for blessing us always. We owe you everything. Every happiness. Every parcel of maturity and wisdom. Every comfort. Lord, put a guard around my spouse . Protect his/her heart, mind, and soul. I pray the power of the Holy Spirit over his/her life each day. Enlarge his/her territory--expand his/her reach and influence, may he/she impact the world in the way you designed and imagined. May we both be obedient and compliant to all your plans  and most of all, to staying in close relationship with you. We want to hear You every time You speak. Obey You every

What is God saying to you this Christmas? Do you know? Because He is speaking. He is calling. He is encouraging. He is blessing. Prayer is a two-way street. When we read Scripture, God speaks to us. When we pray, He confirms or corrects what we think we've heard. And we respond to Him. It's holy communication. Consider Mary's story this Christmas as a wonderful pattern of prayer for us humans. It's also a revelation about how God speaks to us and responds to our fear. Because we're all afraid . GOD (through an ANGEL): Greetings, (God sees you) you who are highly favored! (You are special to God, with special blessings from God) The Lord is with you. (You are not alone , ever) Do not be afraid, (God knows how you feel without you saying anything) Mary, (God knows your name and everything about you) you have found favor with God. (Again, you are blessed) You will be with child and give birth to a son.... (God has a particular calling on your life; it will

  Lord Jesus, Help me to not lose heart, to avoid discouragement and negative thinking, (not because I can make myself happier) but because you only are my source of joy and confidence. You are above and in all things. You use all things for good. So regardless of what happens in this world, I can not struck down or abandoned. I am not deceived by worldly philosophies or a false gospel. I am not entitled to something more than you give me. I am not missing out on something you've kept from me. I belong to you, and I bring you joy . I am a light in a dark world, just as you came as a light on a dark Christmas night. Everywhere you are, you radiate light, joy, hope, and love. You do it through creation. You do it through the Church. You do it through me. You are my light, and I am your light to the world at Christmas and every day of the year. If I let you shine through me-- if I let you say what you want to say and do what you want to do. If I reflect you in everything, in a mill

Did you know that many of the key characters in the Christmas story left prayers for us to read ? They were overwhelmed, amazed, frightened, and thankful. They were like us, really. They witnessed Emmanuel "God with us," just like we do. They had to stop in their stress and anxiety and notice God's wonder. And let that experience change them. Below are 7 prayers from that first Christmas.  Plus one from me.  They all address the issues we feel on a regular basis. The first 7 prayers are by the Christmas story characters themselves. Read their stories. Pray the prayers. Then watch and wait--God will fill you with wonder. I just know it! He really does wonder well. Prayer #1: Mary--"How is this possible?"--a request for understanding ( Lk. 1:21-28 ) Prayer #2: Mary--"Glory to God!"--a song of praise ( Lk. 1:21-55 ) Prayer #3: Joseph--"What should I do?"--a prayer of grief and confusion ( Mtt. 1:18-20 ) Prayer #4: Wisemen--"Where is he?

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the  nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. ( Isaiah 9 :2-3, 6-7) Oh, Wonderful Lord and Everlasting Father, You bring peace the world does not understand. You overthrow kingdoms and transform governments . You understand pain and relieve suffering. You experience grief to bring us joy. You never grow tired or weary. You are never overwhelmed, ne