Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. . . . [Let us confess the ways that we have been infatuated with making our name great rather than our Father’s] Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. . . . [Let us confess the ways that we have pursued … Continue reading Unburdening Our Hearts with the Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Prayer
Using the Beatitudes to Confess Your Sins
Blessed Jesus, you offered us all your blessings when you announced... “Blessed are the poor in spirit” — but we have been rich in pride. “Blessed are those who mourn” — but we have not known much sorrow for our sin. Blessed are the meek” — but we are a stiff-necked people. “Blessed are those … Continue reading Using the Beatitudes to Confess Your Sins
The Fear that Conquers All Fears
Fear can dominate and immobilize us. Internet images of brutal deaths of the oppressed and persecuted stoke the fires of fear in our hearts. Two of the greatest fears with which we deal are: The fear of man and the fear of death. Those who trust in the resurrected and reigning Lord Jesus Christ must … Continue reading The Fear that Conquers All Fears
Is Your Serving Marked by Joy?
The Psalmist calls us to “serve the Lord with gladness" (Ps. 100:2).Charles Spurgeon parses out why we are to heed this call.“Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance. Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving him at all; they bring the … Continue reading Is Your Serving Marked by Joy?
Confessing Our Lack of Joy
Almighty God, our Everlasting Father, we acknowledge that for our joy you have sent us a Comforter - the Holy Spirit. You have multiplied your promises to us. You have shown us the future happiness that awaits us in heaven. You have given us a living fountain to cleanse us from sin.But we have so … Continue reading Confessing Our Lack of Joy
A Guide for Cultivating Your Relationship with the Lord
Over the years, I have had the privilege of helping believers and new believers learn how to cultivate and begin a relationship with the Lord through simply reading and reflecting on his Word. If you have teenagers or kids at home, you would especially benefit from reading through the book of Proverbs. The average month … Continue reading A Guide for Cultivating Your Relationship with the Lord
Sad Hearts Sing – The Walk to Emmaus
Prayer: O God, open the eyes of our hearts to see You for who you are today – the risen Savior who conquers all of our enemies. Renovate our unbelieving hearts so that they burn with devotion and love for our risen Savior and Lord. I don't know about you, but I still get chills … Continue reading Sad Hearts Sing – The Walk to Emmaus
The Confessions of a Pastor
Holy Father, all of us serve at Your bidding as undershepherds of the Great Shepherd of the sheep – our Lord Jesus Christ. First of all, we ask Your forgiveness for the times that we have taken for granted the awesome privilege we have to serve as a divinely-appointed shepherd to watch over Your sheep. … Continue reading The Confessions of a Pastor
Thielicke, Barth, and Cyprian – On the Lord’s Prayer
In the closing months of WWII, Helmut Thielicke preached on the Lord’s Prayer. He spoke words that ring true for us today: “In these fearful, fateful weeks many people appear to have become alienated from their faith in God: They begin to ask how He can ‘permit’ such things to happen. It would be better, … Continue reading Thielicke, Barth, and Cyprian – On the Lord’s Prayer
Worshipping with Handicapped Hearts
Lord,free us from our handicapped hearts. May we worship You in such a way that our consciences are quickened by Your holiness. Our minds feed upon Your truth. Our imaginations are purged by Your beauty. Our hearts are opened to receive Your love. Our wills are devoted resolutely to Your purpose. Gather all of this … Continue reading Worshipping with Handicapped Hearts
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