Bonnie’s Prayer Affair Prayers

THANKSGIVING

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ELECTION

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-4-27-07-pm…FATHER, Your Scripture presents a history of man in a state of sin and rebellion and Your plan to bring man back to Yourself (ref#63, p490). Before creation You selected from the human race those whom You would redeem, justify, sanctify, and glorify in CHRIST (Rom 8:29-30) (ref#56, p1630).

“…man is free in that he can and does choose what he desires or is inclined to choose. But man lacks the desire for Christ and the things of God until God creates in his soul a positive inclination for these things” R. C. Sproul (ref#80, p165).

Without Your gift of electing me I would have been unable to choose You for I simply would have not been interested. My nature from birth was to sin constantly.

Therefore I write this page thanking You for loving me and making it possible for me to love You. I also thank You for the opportunity to exercise my faith (ref#152, p136) as I pray You elect all my family, friends, and my enemies.

You forgive me and give me membership into Your family, as well as grant me growth in the Christian life. You keep me faithful to Yourself throughout life as I purpose to respond to You in faith and repentance (ref#63, p669). Thank You, FATHER, for giving me reason to live.

Blessed are You, LORD—

You daily load me with benefits.

You are my GOD of salvation;

and to You belong escapes from death (Ps 68:19-20).

 

The pillars of the earth are Yours,

and on them You have set the world.

You guard my feet

for not by might shall I prevail (1 Sam 2:8-9).

CONFESSION

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CONQUERORS

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-4-22-02-pm“…To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son” (Rev 21:6-7 ESV).

FATHER, I confess I have a tendency to be slothful because I am a Christian. You have elected me since the foundations of the world (Eph 1:4), and You have provided me with knowledge of the assurance of my salvation (1 John 5:13). These truths make me secure—drawing me toward rest and laziness.

I am not alone in my apathetic tendencies. The Pharisees and Sadducees thought they were chosen because their father was Abraham (Luke 3:8). But, John the Baptist told them, “…God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Luke 3:8-9 ESV).

FATHER, Your orders to every church mentioned in Revelation was to conquer (Rev 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:26; 3:5; 3:12; 3:21). If I crave and get nothing it is because I am a sluggard (Prov 13:4). But if I am diligent I will be richly supplied (Prov 13:4). My flesh seeks rest without You. But true rest is the conquering work I do by Your side.

Remind me that naps and mindless activities You do not take pleasure in. Now is the time to work, for soon my work on this earth will be done.

ADORATION

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REGENERATION

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-4-13-20-pm “Ever-flowing Fountain of love,

words fail me;

I cannot forget You,

You who promised

to remember me;

when I teetered on the edge of destruction,

You rescued me and

relieved me beyond my fondest hopes…” Thomas a’Kempis (ref#147, p140).

Your rescue, FATHER, You call “regeneration”—the part where You act alone to bring me my spiritual new birth (Titus 3:4-7). “This new birth is viewed by Scripture as something that God does within us in order to enable us to believe” Wayne Grudem (ref#63, p703).

You work in my heart in ways I could not comprehend but the result was that You enabled me to believe You, to seek You, and to trust You (ref#63, p708).

“The new birth is no mere turning over a new leaf, but is the inception and reception of a new life. It is no mere reformation but a Complete transformation. In short, the new birth is a miracle, the result of the supernatural operation of God. It is radical, revolutionary, lasting” Arthur W. Pink (ref#152, p91).

FATHER, Your Son enables me to live a new life. I now can identify myself completely with Him. “…My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress…” You, FATHER (Gal 2:20 MSG). With joy I throw away my needs for fame to proclaim Your excellencies (1 Pet 2:9).

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL SICKNESS

[The majority of our prayers concern physical health. We all know someone who is dealing with the pain of sickness. Here is an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

GOD GLORIFIED IN SICKNESS

screen-shot-2016-10-19-at-4-57-19-pm…FATHER, embolden ____’s faith so she finds peace in believing that this sickness that disappoints (him/her) is due to the limitations of (his/her) human sight—that You have better plans than (he/she) can see (ref#66, p57). Inspire (him/her) to realize that even in Your plans for Your Son, You did not deliver Him from the cross but glorified Yourself through His suffering (ref#66, p61).

Favor ____ by impressing upon (him/her) the fact that You have moved (him/her) away from Your work so that (he/she) might be able to concentrate exclusively and entirely on You. In (his/her) work (his/her) great desire was to glorify You; now in (his/her) rest (he/she) has the opportunity to glorify You. Thank You, FATHER, for selecting the best means for ____ to advance Your glory (ref#61, Aug 16th).

LORD, (he/she) whom You love is ill (John 11:3). FATHER, how You love and guard Your suffering patient. Impress on ____ that as (he/she) is languishing and weak (he/she) is more inclined and able to hang on to You. And You will not forsake (him/her) (Heb 13:5).

THANKSGIVING

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I AM IN THE TRAIN OF JESUS THE CONQUEROR

“…thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory]…” (2 Cor 2:14 AMP).

screen-shot-2016-10-19-at-4-45-56-pmFATHER, I am on earth for one purpose—to be a captive. “We are here to exhibit one thing—the absolute captivity of our lives to Jesus Christ”  Oswald Chambers (ref#7, Oct 24th). I thank You, FATHER, for triumphing over me through CHRIST. He defeats my fallen, evil nature. Contrary to earthly living where to be in the train of a finite man would be the most miserable, but being conquered and being made to walk behind CHRIST is my most glorious lot JFB Commentary (ref#17, [2 Cor 2:14]).

“Paul regarded himself as a trophy of God’s victorious power in Christ. His Almighty conqueror was leading him about, through all the world, a sample of His triumphant power…to subdue and to save” JFB Commentary (ref#17, [2 Cor 2:14]).

It is my joy that You took me, a rebel and changed me to a captive. Being CHRIST’s captive is my position now in life (ref#7, Oct 24th). I have no joy that is not connected with CHRIST—no success which I can not trace to Him (ref#16, [2 Cor 2:14]).

“…I am in the train of a conqueror, and it does not matter what the difficulties are, I am always led in triumph” Oswald Chambers (ref#7, Oct 24th). FATHER, I thank You that I have been captured making me able to display the victory of CHRIST.

CONFESSION

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THOUGH I COMMIT EVIL, I MUST CONTINUE FOLLOWING THE LORD

screen-shot-2016-10-19-at-4-38-58-pm…FATHER, even though I am steeped in sin, there is no reason I should not continue to walk beside You. When the Israelites were steeped in sin—even sin that they knew full well was sin, and yet they continued in it—the prophet Samuel encouraged them with these words:

“…’Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.  For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name…” (1 Sam 12:20,22 NASB).

Thank You LORD, for not abandoning me. You never think of abandoning me because, in so doing, it would dishonor Your name. It is only me, Your silly, prideful creature, who thinks You might abandon me because of my sin. You have dealt with sin; it is no longer an issue with You. But, it is with me.

For me, repentance for sin is necessary. It is a way to escape so iniquity shall not be my ruin. I am to tell the truth about my sin so a proper diagnosis can be achieved. Sin is all about reminding me who I am: a creature constantly needing His Creator.

Oh FATHER, hear my confession. Let me not slip into the bog of wallowing in my sin and spinning my feet trying to work at eradicating it. It’s not about me and my ugly sin. It’s about following You because of Your greatness. I desire quickly to climb back on the path to follow You.

“O Lord, forbid that I would be so foolish as to be a lover of wages more than a lover of underserved rewards. Make me feel the sweetness of being shown mercy. Work childlikeness deeply into my soul, and make me find my joy and my rest in Your free gift of grace” John Piper (ref#124, p61).

ADORATION

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THE VERIFICATION OF THINGS BY THE SPIRIT

“May thy Spirit speak in me that I may speak to thee” The Valley of Vision (ref#76, p73).

screen-shot-2016-10-19-at-4-29-34-pmFATHER, I comprehend the Word and Your witness of CHRIST only by revelation. Christianity is only understood through revelation. You are higher than I so it stands to reason You must reveal Yourself to me; I cannot find You on my own.

It does me no good to gather facts and make my decision on what I gather. The scientific method of discovery does not work in pursuing Christianity.

FATHER, teach me that You impress Yourself on me with my senses, not by passing facts through my mind. When I put a piece of chocolate in my mouth I sense the taste of it. When I look at a flower I perceive its color (ref#56, p1677 “The Authentication of Scripture”). When Your SPIRIT apprehends I understand Your Word spoken or read.

May I never forget that I have, and always will have on this earth, a darkened mind—one that can’t comprehend spiritual matters. I need Your SPIRIT to reveal spiritual affairs. Come SPIRIT and bear witness in my heart.

“The Spirit shines in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:6),…also the light of His glory in the teaching of Holy Scripture”  The Reformation Study Bible (ref#56, p1677 “The Authentication of Scripture”).

And, too, FATHER, remind me that even though Christianity is You revealing Yourself, You do not impart new information about Yourself through the SPIRIT. There is nothing You want me to comprehend other than what is in Your Word.

“The Spirit’s witness to Scripture…is not a matter of imparting new information, but of enlightening…darkened minds to discern divinity through sensing its unique impact…” The Reformation Study Bible (ref#56, p1677 “The Authentication of Scripture”).

FATHER, send Your SPIRIT in a way as direct and immediate as the way tastes and colors impress themselves on my senses (ref#56, p1677 “The Authentication of Scripture”).

Praise to You, SPIRIT. I love Your enlightening.

SUPPLICATION

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SORROW

[“Blessed are those who mourn…” (Matt 5:4 NASB). We know people who are grieving; let’s pray for them. Fill the name in the blanks to this prayer.]

BROKENHEARTED

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-4-34-57-pm“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Ps 34:18 ESV).

FATHER, I pray for ____ as (he/she) is in a most vulnerable state. Move ____ not to let (his/her) feelings dictate (his/her) actions. Do not let them determine what is Truth. Wrap (him/her), LORD, in Your arms; reveal to (him/her) the reality that You are close. Indeed, ____ is Your brokenhearted child—Yours to revive again (ref#136, session 1, p10).

My concerned prayer is that ____ let You bind up (his/her) wounds. Don’t allow (him/her) to entertain the notion that You are content to let (him/her) writhe in pain. Demonstrate, please, to (him/her) that You are (his/her) Healer. Stop (him/her) from basing (his/her) thoughts on what (he/she) sees or feels. Give (him/her) faith enough to let You hold (him/her) during this time (ref#136, p33).

Cause (him/her) to be able to let (his/her) grieving show. Instill in (him/her) that this is not the time to be brave or strong (ref#136, Zig Ziglar, session 1, p2).

“Confession, disorientation and roller-coaster emotions characterize a ‘normal’ grief experience. No matter what you are feeling, be sure to tell God. Get in the habit of sharing openly with Him” Church Initiative (ref#136, p30).

THANKSGIVING

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YOU TEST ME THEN RESCUE ME

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-4-25-19-pmThrough my God I shall do valiantly, for it is He Who shall tread down my enemies (Ps 60:12). Though You are high, You regard the lowly (Ps 138:6). You rend the heavens and come down (Isa 64:1). You provide a way of escape for me (1 Cor 10:13).

Even though You test and try me, bringing me into the net, laying crushing burdens on my back, letting men ride over my head, yet You bring me out to a place of abundance (Ps 66:10-12). You reach down from on high and take me—drawing me out of deep waters. You rescue me from my strong enemies for they are too mighty for me. You bring me into a broad place because You delight in me (Ps 18:16,17,19).

Therefore I will come into Your house and perform my vows to You (Ps 66:13). A day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere (Ps 84:10). I shall be forever praising You. Great is Your faithfulness. Your love never ceases; Your mercies never come to an end (Lam 3:22,23).

You are my portion, I will wait for You; my hope is in You, for You are good to me (Lam 3:24,25). You give me reason to ceaselessly praise You.

CONFESSION

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PRIDE

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-4-10-14-pm“Pride slays thanksgiving…A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves” Henry Ward Beecher (ref#130, p177). “Pride is self-absorption whether we’re absorbed with how miserable we are or how wonderful we are” Beth Moore (ref#105, p58).

“As long as we have a conceited, self-righteous idea that we can do the thing if God will help us, God has to allow us to go on until we break the neck of our ignorance over some obstacle…The bedrock of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is poverty, not possession; not decisions for Jesus Christ, but a sense of absolute futility” Oswald Chambers (ref#118, p14).

FATHER, it is true that “low self-esteem usually means that I think too highly of myself….The reason I feel bad about myself is that I aspire to something more” Edward T. Welch (ref#106, p32). But, why do I want others, even JESUS to think I am great (ref#106, p19)?

“The first biblical perspective on the fear of man is that it is the result of the nakedness that comes from sin. Because of sin still present within us, we experience embarrassment, shame, the feeling of being exposed and vulnerable. As a result, we try to protect ourselves and avoid the gaze of others….even though it feels as if other people are doing the exposing, in reality we carry the shame with us all the time. Other people simply trigger its appearance” Edward T. Welch (ref#106, p35).

“’Christ could afford to be humble as He served upon this earth. After all, He was the Son of God. He had nothing to prove. Yet does His Word not also say that we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ?’” Beth Moore (ref#105, p66).

I have nothing to prove. No one can be in a better position than a child of GOD. Yes, I confess to attempting to be a spiritual giant instead of taking on humility. FATHER, humble and test me so You can do me good (Deut 8:16).