‘Tis the Season to be Busy

A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.”

 The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” [Luke 10: 38b-42 (MSG)]

O Lord, there is so much we need to do and so little time in which to do it. Our days seem to pass by in a whirlwind of activity. We need a few more hours in each day if we’re ever going to accomplish everything set before us. Don’t let our busyness, even when we’re occupied doing something for you, hinder us from feeling your presence in our lives. Help us pause to relish the holiness of this and every day.

Teach Me

For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. [Proverbs 2:6-8 (NLT)]

There is so much I don’t know and so little that I truly understand. Teach me, Lord, please teach me.

 

 

Presence Not Presents (2nd Sunday in Advent)

And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”). [Matthew 1:21-23 (NKJV)]

In this Christmas season, O Lord, how easy it is to get caught up in the trimmings and forget the significance of this holiday. As the celebration of our Savior’s birth fast approaches, help us focus on Christ’s presence and not people’s presents. Remind us of the true meaning of “Christmas spirit” and show us how to keep Christ at the center of our hearts, not just this holiday season but every day of the year.

Petition – Give Me a Task (Prayer part 6)

2013-12-7God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do. [Ephesians 2:10 (GW)]

Father in heaven, it seems like I’m always asking you to do something for me. Today, I ask what it is that I can do for you. To whom should I speak? For whom should I pray? What should I give? Who needs my help and what should I do? Give me a task and a cheerful and willing heart!

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
[St. Francis of Assisi]

Intercession – (Prayer part 5)

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. [Psalm 107:6-9 (ESV)]

Merciful Lord, we offer this prayer for those who are overwhelmed by their life’s difficulties. Take pity on them and heal their troubled souls. Encourage and empower them as they struggle with their problems. Reassure them of your unwavering love and renew their faith so they know you are with them at all times and in all places.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. [Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

Confession: the Ab Work of Prayer – (Prayer part 4)

If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done. [1 John 1:8-9 (NCV)]

I enjoy working out and lifting weights. There is one exercise, however, that I dislike and avoid doing whenever possible: sit-ups. I abhor doing them, yet doing them is essential in order to have a strong core. So, begrudgingly, I do work on my abs (but not nearly as often or as enthusiastically as I should.) Confession is a bit like the sit-ups of our prayer life. It certainly isn’t pleasant and can even be a bit painful, yet it is an essential part of our daily faith regimen if we ever hope to grow spiritually strong.

Father guide us in our prayer lives so that we are willing to search our souls and exercise in honest self-evaluation and confession. Forgive us our sins; may your Holy Spirit lead us to be the people you want us to be.