Paul’s Ephesian Prayer [VOICE]

 God of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, Father of Glory: I call out to You on behalf of Your people. Give them minds ready to receive wisdom and revelation so they will truly know You. Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance. Let them see the full extent of Your power that is at work in those of us who believe, and may it be done according to Your might and power.

Thanksgiving For Christ

Father we thank You that we live on this side of the cross; that the agony of Christ is pass and no more sacrifices are needed. We are very thankful that the blood of Christ grants us the right of access which enables us to worship and pray. What a relief to know that Christ has paid for all our sins in full. We further thank you that Christ made Himself an offering for our sins by laying down His life. We thank you that in Christ one offering made us forever perfect in Your sight. We thank you for the privilege and right to enter Your very presence because of the blood of Jesus. Thank you for this fresh, new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us by tearing the curtain—his human body—to let us into Your holy presence. Thank You that we have a great High Priest who rules over Your household, which allows us to be near You to enjoy the bliss and blessedness of Your presence. We thank You that we have something to look forward to and that we no longer have to be tormented with doubt. As a gesture of our gratitude, we commit to being kind and gracious to others. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

 

[Hebrews 10, selected]

A Prayer For Those Feeling Helpless

 

David Flees Jerusalem

LORD, I am poor and helpless; I am sad and broken-hearted. I feel like my life is over; fading quickly like the evening shadows. I feel unimportant, like a bug that someone brushes away. My knees are weak from fasting and I have lost weight from worrying. My enemies insult me; they make fun of me in public. They look at me with contempt and then shake their heads. LORD God help me! Show me your faithful love and save me! Then the unbelievers who mock me will know that it was by Your power that I was delivered. LORD, your blessing will overshadow the curses of the enemy. I am under constant attack but You are my defense and my shield. Enable me to rejoice in my great salvation and give me a humble spirit of gratitude. I am not ashamed to confess your goodness and grace. You stand by the helpless and You save us from death and destruction.

{Psalm 109 is an imprecatory Psalm but some believe that David is telling us how his enemies were praying curses on him: at the end of the Psalm, you will find this prayer which is not imprecatory. [pronouncing a curse]