Scripture & Prayer Journal

A prayer for my own spiritual maturity: Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Amen

Lord, what things do I still do that you don't desire?  Make me aware of the 'offerings' in my life that I prop up as pious acts of faith, but still fall short.   Help me to turn and gaze upon Jesus.  The one who has made us holy through the sacrifice of His body.   Amen

Forgiving Father,  May I not live as an enemy of Christ.   Forgive me for doing so. May I not allow my stomach to be my god.   Forgive me for doing so. May I not allow myself to find glory in shame. Forgive me for doing so. May I not set my mind on earthly things.   Forgive me for doing so.   Amen   

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart  and wait for the LORD. Amen 

Father, help me to remember today.   To remember Your Word that come to us.   To remember Your promises given to Abraham many years ago.    To remember Your servant Abraham's simple faith. To remember Your deliverance, as promised to Abraham. To remember Your constant presence with me today.   Help me to remember. Amen

Heavenly Father, Your Son Jesus resisted temptation.  He didn't sin.  He conquered the devil.  He did what no single person on earth could ever do.   The desires of hunger and the flesh.  He said, "No." I would've said, "Yes." The sin of worshiping idols for the sake of power.  He said, "No." I would've said, "Yes." The sin of not trusting fully in You and in who You say we are.  He said, "No." I would've said, "Yes." Yet, I'm invited into a deep and rich relationship with Your Son.  You sent Him for such a purpose.  The One who resisted temptaion.  The One who did not sin.  The One who conquered the devil.  My 'yes' to a relationship with Jesus becomes my 'no' to sin.   Help me to choose You today.   Amen