Prayers and Praying – Number Two

I offer a few additional prayers for the people of God. Again, I hope these words encourage you as you seek the will of God for your life.

For Nurturing Fathers

In my children, You have given me the most precious gift of life. I thank You for thinking so highly of me. Humbly, I ask for your daily guidance in assisting my children in discovering the unique persons whom You created them to become. Help me to help them find the talents and gifts You give graciously to them. Moreover, O Lord, empower me with Thy spirit to live with integrity before them. Remind me daily that You are Jehovah-jireh, the Lord who provides. May I find success in pointing them toward a life that honors and glorifies You. In your holy and blessed Name, I pray. Amen.

For Those Persons Seeking “Success”

“For you created my inmost being.” “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:13-16)

O Lord, you know me better than I know myself. You know what gives me joy, fulfills me and brings inner healing and wholeness. Grant me a humble and willing mind and heart to rely genuinely upon your will for my life. Free me from the bondage of self-centered fear. Liberate me from the slavery of willfulness. Graciously guide me toward the talents, gifts and passions You deposit within me. Help me find Your inexpressible joy in a life that honors You and serves my neighbor, my brothers and sisters whom I see each day. O Divine Master, help me to know success is only found in discerning Thy will; accepting Thy will and living within Thy will for my life. In your holy and blessed Name, I pray. Amen.

For My Fellow Pastors

O God, make me a pastor after Your own heart. Give me a shepherd’s heart for each person whom I serve in Your name. Grant me a spirit of compassion, forgiveness, and kindness for the congregation. I ask You also to give me the emotional thickness of a lizard’s skin. When I am criticized, fairly or unfairly, help me to translate the situation into a meaningful experience. In Thy infinite grace, bestow upon me the wisdom You gave Solomon. May my words and deeds aid the people of God to fulfill your will in their lives and build your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Fill me with the gifts and fruit of thy Spirit so that I may become a vessel of your love and an instrument of your peace. In your holy and blessed Name, I pray. Amen.

For Those Persons Endeavoring to Grow as Disciples

O Lord, I come to You offering praise and thanksgiving. I praise You as the God of my salvation. I exalt your Name in all the earth. I desire to know You. I desire to love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. “Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me.” Each morning, let your Spirit draw me to Thy presence. Give me a daily desire to commune with You. Help me to learn Thy ways so that I may walk in Thy paths. According to Your loving kindness, satisfy my thirst and hunger to know You. Grant unto me a humble spirit so that I would diligently study Thy word and learn Thy character. Empower me with the willingness to become a devoted disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Give me the fruit of faithfulness so that I may live under His Lordship. In your holy and blessed Name, I pray. Amen.

For Those Having Difficulty Forgiving Others

Lord Jesus, help me to forgive as I have been forgiven. Soften my heart towards everyone so I may share Your love and mercy with anyone whom I encounter. Help me to cleanse my thoughts, words and deeds so they may be acceptable to Thee. Remind me of thy word, which says I cannot receive forgiveness if I fail to extend it. With the light of the Holy Spirit, help me to resolve my personal challenges and resist the temptation to blame others. Thank you for your enduring forgiveness. May I share it freely with my neighbor whom You love just as You love me. In your holy and blessed Name, I pray. Amen.