GodBlogCon Prayer Blog

Rejoice

2005-10-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ps 35:9 - And my soul shall rejoice in the LORD; it shall exult in His salvation.

Today is the last day of GBC. God has been present; therefore, it has been a success. Rejoice today in the name of the Lord.

Pray for me

2005-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

IKing 13:6a - And the king answered and said to the man of God, "Please entreat the LORD your God, and pray for me,

Today is the day your humble prayer blogger has a significant role to play at the conference. Please pray for me and the others that have roles today. Pray God's presence at the conference and His guidance.

Pray for all the technical details that go into a conference like this, everything from wireless connections to soft drink service needs to run smoothly. It's a dauhnting task.

The Day Is At Hand

2005-10-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Rom 13:12 - The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

GBC starts today! Pray that the conference will "put on the armor of light." Ask God's blessings on its activity, ask God to create a sense of united purpose for all involved.

Tomorrow

2005-10-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Matt 6:34 - "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. {Each} day has enough trouble of its own.

GBC starts tomorrow -- please make this scripture your prayer today for all concerned.

Almost There

2005-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

With GBC just two days away, the anticipation is intense and the preparations even more so. Pray for everyone involved today. Pray for energy levels and concentration. Pray for the myriad details that can overwhelm a small but dedicated team. Ask God to have it all come together in His time and with peace of mind for all involved.

Thanks God that He answers prayer.

Open

2005-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

From a prayer by Lancelot Andrews:

I will lift up my hands into your commandments which I have loved. Open my eyes and I shall see, incline my heart and I shall desire, order my steps, and I shall walk in the way of your commandments.

It is but three days to GBC -- what a great pray for that conference.

Draws Near

2005-10-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Obad 1:15a - "For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations.

GBC starts in five days! Pray earnestly for its success, pray earnestly that God will be there and that He will speak. Pray for the planners, speakers, and presenters - that their efforts will glorify God.

Solitude

2005-10-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Henri Nouwen said:

Without solitude it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life. Solitude begins with a time and place for God, and Him alone.

Where is your "time and place for God?" We live in a very crowded world, time alone can be difficult to find, but it is important.

As you pray today, for GBC and the rest of your life -- find a way to be alone with God.

Bounty

2005-10-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ps 13:5-6 - But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.

God deals with us bountifully -- if we do not think so, it is our lack of gratitude, not God's lack of blessing. As you pray today, especially for GBC, pray that God will help us to see the bounty that He has granted.

The Heart's Prayer

2005-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

By Thomas Moore

As down in the sunless retreats of the ocean
Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see,
So deep in my soul the still prayer of devotion,
Unheard by the world, rises silent to Thee.
As still to the star of its worship, though clouded,
The needle points faithfully o'er the dim sea,
So dark when I roam in this wintry world shrouded,
The hope of my spirit turns trembling to Thee.

Moore was executed for his faith. Do you have a still prayer of devtion in your soul? Does your needle point faithfully to your hope in Christ? Pray as if it does. Pray that GBC would have such devoted depth and follow such a faithful guide.

God's Name On Your House

2005-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

I Kings 9:3 - And the LORD said to him, "I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.

Do you ask God's blessing for your house when you pray? Do you want God to put his name on your home, to keep His eyes and heart there forever? What a grand concept! Ask God to consecrate your house and ask God to consecrate GBC -- Let God's name ring forth from that place.

Response

2005-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Douglas Steere said:

There can be no complete prayer life that does not return to the point from which we began -- the prayer is a response to the outpouring love and concern with which God lays seige to every soul.

I love that imagery. God lays seige to us which compels us to respond in prayer. God HAS laid seige to you -- respond to Him.

Worry Not

2005-10-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Heb 7:25 - Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Don't worry when you pray about saying or doing the right thing. Christ intercedes for you. He translates the our insufficient elequence. He searches our hearts and determines our real desires.

How grand it is to know that when we pray our prayers will be heard.

Pray For Peace

2005-10-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

There is division and derision arising in the Christian blogosphere over GBC. Pray for peace. Pray that everyone would come and participate. Pray that a spirit of inclusivity would prevail.

Pray that the conference will be as intended, and opportunity for fellowship and networking and an opportunity to work together, with and through our differeing points of view on ways to raise Chsitian blogging out of the "ghetto" and into the consciousness of the nation.

The conference is about reaching out, not excluding, participation, not criticism, makes that happen. Ask God to move the critics to participate.

I Will Cry

2005-10-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 57

Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in Thee; and in the shadow of Thy wings I will take refuge, until destruction passes by.
I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes {all things} for me.
He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah. God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.
My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, {even} the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God; {let} Thy glory {be} above all the earth.
They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; they dug a pit before me; they {themselves} have fallen into the midst of it. Selah.
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!
Awake, my glory; awake, harp and lyre, I will awaken the dawn!
I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to Thee among the nations.
For Thy lovingkindness is great to the heavens, and Thy truth to the clouds.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God; {let} Thy glory {be} above all the earth.

Tapping Into God

2005-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Oswald Chambers:

The first thing that happens after we recognize our election by God in Christ Jesus is the destruction of our preconceived ideas, our narrow-minded thinking, and all of our other allegiances— we are turned solely into servants of God’s own purpose.

Have you been so turned? Have you allowed God to destroy your preconceived ideas.

Prayer changes us, I think. Prayer is tapping into God so that He aligns us with Him. Today when you pray about GBC and the rest of your life, pray receptively. Open yourself to God's working.

The God We Pray To

2005-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 77:18 - The sound of Thy thunder was in the whirlwind; the lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook.

Have you ever really considered the God we speak to when we pray? He can casue the whole planet to tremble and shake -- virtually without effort. Consider the priviledge that prayer is. Consider that we can speak personally with that power.

When you pray for GBC today, remember who it is that you pray to -- remember all of hIm.

Attitude

2005-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thomas Merton said:

In meditation we should not look for a "method: or a "system," but cultivate and "attitude," an "outlook": faith, openness, attntion, reverance, expectation, supplication, trust, joy.

DOn;t be satisfied today by saying aquick prayer to the Lord, for GBC or anything else. Seek Him all day, make Him a part of all that you do. Have an attitude of prayer throughout your day.

Pray Effectively

2005-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

James 5:16 - Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Please, be that righteous person on behalf of GBC today.

God Grants

2005-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 20:4 - May He grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your counsel!

Tell Him your heart's desire - He promises nothing less. God knows our hearts better than we do.

Habits

2005-09-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Brother Lawrence said:

In short, by often repeating these acts they became habitual, and the presence of God became something that comes naturally to us.

Is prayer your habit yet? As you pray for GBC today, also ask God to make prayer a habit for you.

Praise in Perspective

2005-09-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Judges 5:3 - "Hear, O kings; give ear, O rulers! I-- to the LORD, I will sing, I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel.

When you praise God, who, besides God hears? Rulers and potentates, Kings and Predients, that's who. Our praise, our act of acknowledging God on His throne, places them in proper perspective as well. It serves to remind us that there are greater powers than the earthly and it serves to remind the earthly poweers that they have accountability.

Praise God today for His proper perspective.

Listen

2005-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

George Buttrick said:

The intervals of these four prayers should be filled by meditation. After thanksgiving we should contemplate God's abounding goodness, and await word concerninghis own gifts.

As you pray for GBC today, take time to listen to God and ask God to speak plainly to the panners of the conference. Ask God to make sure they listen.

Enouragement

2005-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Found this little prayer at the Open Door

Dear God, although we don't serve you to be commended, we do thank you for the encouragement you send our way. Amen

Have you ever wondered if you were not the answer to the prayer you were offering for someone else? Maybe you are! Offer some encouragement to those you are praying for today.

Surrender

2005-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Oswald Chambers said:

True surrender is not simply surrender of our external life but surrender of our will— and once that is done, surrender is complete. The greatest crisis we ever face is the surrender of our will. Yet God never forces a person’s will into surrender, and He never begs. He patiently waits until that person willingly yields to Him. And once that battle has been fought, it never needs to be fought again.

Sometimes I wonder if prayer is more about God lining up our desires to His, than it is Him granting our desires. Oh, to be so connected to God that our desires are the same. Ask God today that the aims of GBC be His aims, that His desires and the planner's and leader's desires be the same.

He Listens

2005-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 73:24 - With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.

When praying you do not need to struggle to get God's attention -- He is listening even when you are not addresing yourself to Him, ready to receive you. We need to listen too, He will guide us.

As you pray for GBC today, pray that the planners and speakers, workers and leaders are listening to God's counsel.

Reality

2005-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Evelyn Underhill said

In the first place, what do we mean by prayer? Surely just this: that part of our conscious life which is deliberately oriented towards, and exclusively responds to, spiritual reality.

Prayer is not the mere utterance of words and phrases -- it is tapping into the spiritual realm. As you pray for GBC today, make your prayer more than perfunctory -- take the time to experience God's spirtual realm.

Reliance

2005-09-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Isa 27:5 - "Or let him rely on My protection, let him make peace with me, let him make peace with me."

Prayer is placing ourselves in a position of reliance on God Almighty. Note how Isaih says we get there -- we "make peace" with God. Before we ask, we must make peace with God, we must seek His mercy.

Before you pray for GBC today -- Make peace with Him of whom you make the request.

Intimacy

2005-09-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Douglas Steele said:

There is no greater intimacy with another that that which is built through holding him or her up in prayer.

Do you pray for others in this way? To you pray for them in such a way that God unites you with them? As you pray for GBC today, pray for all that will participate. Pray that God will unite them in such a intimacy.

Always

2005-09-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Eph 5:20 - always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Are you this consistent in your thanksgiving? Do you thank God in the midst of crisis for crisis? Is that not what this scripture indicates we should do?

As you pray fro GBC and the rest of your life today, give thanks for ALL things.

God's Goodness

2005-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Julian of Norwich said:

For the highest form of prayer is to the goodness of God. It comes down to us to meet our humblest needs. I gives life to our souls and makes them live and grow in grace and virtue.

Is it like that when you pray? As you pray today, for GBC and everything else in your life, please reach for this form of prayer -- appeal to the goodness of God.

Majesty

2005-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 8

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth, who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens!
2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength, because of Thine adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
3 When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him?
5 Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God, and dost crown him with glory and majesty!
6 Thou dost make him to rule over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

AMEN

Intercede

2005-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Found the bit of liturgical prayer and liked it, so I am passing it on. Seems worthy of inclusion in your prayers for GBC today.

Jesus, our Savior, from your pierced heart the church was born,
--by your holy Cross give us new life.
Jesus, our Savior, the centurion proclaimed you were God's Son,
--by your holy Cross increase our faith.
Jesus, our Savior, you called the good thief into paradise,
--by your holy Cross, call us.
Jesus, our Savior, you cured the sick and raised the dead,
--by your holy Cross, save us.

HOPE

2005-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 31:24 - Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.

When you pray, you must be hopeful. Pray with the sincere knowledge of God's desire to grant what you need. As you pray for GBC know that God will make it good.

Holiness

2005-09-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers:

We must continually remind ourselves of the purpose of life. We are not destined to happiness, nor to health, but to holiness. Today we have far too many desires and interests, and our lives are being consumed and wasted by them. Many of them may be right, noble, and good, and may later be fulfilled, but in the meantime God must cause their importance to us to decrease. The only thing that truly matters is whether a person will accept the God who will make him holy. At all costs, a person must have the right relationship with God.

Pray today that GBC will be holy. We all have so many expectations ofr it, all of which will likely be fulfilled, but pray that above all God will be glorified and it will be holy.

Pray Specifically

2005-09-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you have not decided if you are coming to GBC, now is the time to get serious. Pray very pscifically today about if you should come. Pray very specifically today for others that are considering -- ask God to nudge those that need a nudge and to supply funds for those that need them.

Ask God to bring the right people at the right time to GBC.

In All Your Ways

2005-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Is your prayer a function of your mind alone, or does it flow from all of you. God is a jealous God -- He wants our totality -- He is not satisfied with just our committment, He wants our substance and whole.

When you pray today for GBC and the rest of your life, pray with your totality -- give all to God.

For Humanity

2005-09-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

I write these posts pretty far in advance -- as I write today Katrina is slamming New Orleans -- this prayer seems appropriate.

God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ask God to have GBC contribute to this effort.

Praying In Agony

2005-09-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

Luke 22:44 - And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.

Does prayer affect you this significantly? Oh, I realize Christ did not pray this hard every day, but have you ever prayed this hard? Would you even know where to begin?

In prayer we should be opening ourselves to God utterly and completely, that's a very difficult process. GBC is not on a scale to demand prayer this agonizing, but if you can pray that way, I know your prayers for GBC will be effective.

When you pray today, pray with effort and earnestness.

Silence

2005-09-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

George Buttrick said

Prayer begins, not in asking, but in silent preparation.

As you begin your prayer time today, before you bring up GBC or any other concern -- sit quietly before the Lord.

Special Request

2005-09-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

The pace of planning and preparing for GBC is increasing tremendously, as it does, many details need prayer. Chief among those today is arrangements for webcasting. Please pray for those arrangements today, ask that they will go smoothly and efficiently. Ask God to use webcasting to greatly multiply the impact of GBC.

Ask Confidently

2005-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

I King 3:5 - In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, "Ask what you wish me to give you."

Everyday God asks us what we wish Him to give us. Ask confidently, about GBC or anything else, knowing that God wished only the best for you.

Pray for Families

2005-09-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who places solitary persons in families: We commend to your continual care the homes in which your people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech you, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in marriage, have been made one flesh. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be kindly one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

GBC, like any conference will, in some cases, break up families temproarily, separate loved ones for a while. Let's pray for those families...

As Your Soul...

2005-09-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

Isn't it wonderful to know that an Apostle prays for us, for our prosperity and health. But I love his priorities -- our physical prosperity in proportion to our spiritual properity. As you pray for GBC today, pray for the spiritual well-being of all involved.

Read As You Pray

2005-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

John Piper Says:

So we have seen over and over: Prayer is indispensable if we would see the glory of God in the Word of God. But we have also seen that reading and study and ransacking and thinking and speaking the Word is also necessary. God has ordained that the eye-opening work of his Spirit always be combined with the mind-informing work of his Word. His aim is that we see the glory of God and that we reflect the glory of God. And so he opens our eyes when we are looking at the glory of God in the Word.

Prayer without the guidance of scripture is at best incomplete. As you pray for GBC today, please, open the Bible and read.

He Is Faithful

2005-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Then and only then can we pray about GBC, or anything else, with a clear line of communication to the Almighty. Let's start that way today.

Food For Thought

2005-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

SmartChirstian said this very smart thing the other day:

One key life principle that I am trying to implement right now is this: to engage in prayer before thinking, speaking, and acting. Why? Because we often over-think, are quick to speak, and react.

WHy not start your day with prayer? Why not start everything with prayer -- including your to GBC.

Special Prayers

2005-08-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

I found this liturgical prayer, and while not really on target for GBC, I felt it important. Please join me.

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Faith

2005-08-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Mark 10:52 - And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he regained his sight and {began} following Him on the road. (NAS)

WHen you pray, do you KNOW God will answer? Do you have utter faith in His willingness and desire to respond? Note what Jesus said helaed this man. When you pray for GBC today - have faith that God will answer.

Awareness

2005-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers:

God intends for us to live a well-rounded life in Christ Jesus, but there are times when that life is attacked from the outside. Then we tend to fall back into self-examination, a habit that we thought was gone. Self-awareness is the first thing that will upset the completeness of our life in God, and self-awareness continually produces a sense of struggling and turmoil in our lives. Self-awareness is not sin, and it can be produced by nervous emotions or by suddenly being dropped into a totally new set of circumstances. Yet it is never God’s will that we should be anything less than absolutely complete in Him.

When you pray, where do you focus? Is it on God. Lose yourself in Him when you pray for GBC today.

Safety

2005-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.

Do you feel safe when you pray? You should! If you pray in God's name it is a safety zone into which you can retreat. As you pray today, especially for GBC, concentrate on feeling God's presence and feeling safe there.

For Church Conventions or Meetings

2005-08-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a liturgical pray I found that seems most appropriate.

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please pray hard for GBC today -- as we shared yesterday, it is a tough slug at the moment.

What Next?

2005-08-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

In a break from the usual pattern -- the initial excitment over GBC appears to have abated hugely. Please pray about this. Ask God for enthusiasm and registrations. Ask God to bless the speakers and the attendees. Pray for word-of-mouth. Pray for the spirits of the planners and implementers.

Patience

2005-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Soren Kirkegaard:

Father in Heaven! Show us a little patience; for we often intend in all sincerity to commune with You and yet we speak in such a foolish fashion. Sometimes, when we judge that what has come to us is good, we do not have enough words to thank You; just as a mistaken child is thankful for having gotten his own way. Sometimes things go so badly that we call upon You; just as an unreasoning child fears what would do him good. Oh, but if we are so childish, how far from being Your true children You who are our true Father, ah, as if an animal would pretend to have a man as a father. How childish we are and how little our proposals and our language resemble the language which we ought to use with You, we understand at least that it should not be this way and that we should be otherwise. Have then a little patience with us.

Make this your prayer for yourself and GBC today.

Look To The Sky

2005-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers...

In the Bible clouds are always associated with God. Clouds are the sorrows, sufferings, or providential circumstances, within or without our personal lives, which actually seem to contradict the sovereignty of God. Yet it is through these very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith. If there were never any clouds in our lives, we would have no faith. "The clouds are the dust of His feet" ( Nahum 1:3 ). They are a sign that God is there. What a revelation it is to know that sorrow, bereavement, and suffering are actually the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near us without clouds— He does not come in clear-shining brightness.

Pray today that God would reveal Himself to you in whatever circumstance.

Enter His Gates...

2005-08-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 100

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.

Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.

Know that the LORD himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, {and} His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.

When you pray, you enter God's house. Pray for GBC today like you are a guest in someone else's home.

Process as Goal

2005-08-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers

We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.

ASk God today that we would seek to glorify Him in the planning of GBC as much as the execution.

Humility

2005-08-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Prov 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.

Do you approach God in prayer with humility? Do you have a true concept of precisely who it is you are talking to? The miracleof God's love towards us is that He bothers at all -- we are so small by comparison as to be unnoticable. We should not, nay cannot, approach such power and immensity. To do so requires not only hubris, but an utter lack of understanding.

As you lift up GBC today -- approach God humbly and receive mercy.

Pray For The Church

2005-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

At GBC we will be gathered as part of the church universal. It is good to pray on that basis. I thought this small liturgical prayer appropriate in that light.

Never Alone

2005-08-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Isa 63:15-17 - Look down from heaven, and see from Thy holy and glorious habitation; where are Thy zeal and Thy mighty deeds? The stirrings of Thy heart and Thy compassion are restrained toward me. For Thou art our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not recognize us. Thou, O LORD, art our Father, our Redeemer from of old is Thy name. Why, O LORD, dost Thou cause us to stray from Thy ways, and harden our heart from fearing Thee? Return for the sake of Thy servants, the tribes of Thy heritage.

I am always amazed when even the "great ones" like Isaih feel abandoned by God. But as the prophet does here, when we feel such abandonment, the answer is not to wallow in it, but to turn to God and tell Him about it. No matter what the concerns of your heart, you can turn to God in prayer.

Tools

2005-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

From the Upper Room Devotional

Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you." - Matthew 7:7 (NRSV)

EVERY night before I go to sleep, I read a passage in the Bible and try to apply its message to my life. One night I found myself reading Numbers 7. But I could find no connection between the passage and the problems I faced trying to meet my many obligations as wife, mother, teacher, friend. I felt inadequate for any of these jobs.

As I turned off the lamp and drifted into sleep, I continued to think of Moses giving oxen and wagons to the Levites. My shoulders and neck ached as I recalled that the Kohathites were given no oxen or wagons; they carried on their shoulders the most holy things.

The next morning, when I woke up, I realized the story could indeed apply to my life. The Kohathites had been given what they needed to do the job the Lord had assigned them -- strong shoulders. Just as God gave the Kohathites what they needed for their task, so God has given me what I need to do the tasks I am called to do. The Kohathites remind me that I have different tools than others because my job is different. And I have the tools I need in order to do the job God has given me.

-Pat Jinkins (Wisconsin, U.S.A.)

We should not limit God in how we pray. We should rely on His wisdom to provide us with exactly the tools we need for the job. Pray for GBC that way today.

Lay Down...

2005-08-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 3:4-5 - I was crying to the LORD with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.

When we "cry out" to God, we should be so confident in His care that we sleep like a baby. Pray for GBC with that much faith today -- and if you lack the faith, ask God to supply it. Sleep well.

What To Pray For

2005-08-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

In his list of things the New Testament Church prayed for John Piper includes the following.

They called on God to direct the use of the sword.
Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying through all prayer and supplication on every occasion... (Ephesians 6:17-18)

GBC is certainly not "the sword," but it should eb a weapon in God's arsenal. Pray today that it could be so.

The SOURCE of Psalms

2005-08-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

From the account in Chronicles when David returned the ark to the people of Israel:

1 Chr 16:7-12 - Then on that day David first assigned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the LORD. Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth, (NAS)

From here, the book of prayers, the Psalms flowed. Praise is not so much ecstatic as it is an extreme for of thanks -- thanks that extends not just to what God has done, but to who God is. In other words, as with all things Christian -- it's about God, not us.

Left up GBC today asking not what God can do for it, but what it can do for God.

Submission

2005-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers:

Our Lord never insists on having authority over us. He never says, "You will submit to me." No, He leaves us perfectly free to choose— so free, in fact, that we can spit in His face or we can put Him to death, as others have done; and yet He will never say a word. But once His life has been created in me through His redemption, I instantly recognize His right to absolute authority over me. It is a complete and effective domination, in which I acknowledge that "You are worthy, O Lord . . ." ( Revelation 4:11 ). It is simply the unworthiness within me that refuses to bow down or to submit to one who is worthy.

When you pray, do you grant God the authority over your life, or do you ask Him to help you with your agenda? We are unworthy -- our prayers, even our prayers for GBC, are best when they we attempt to tap into God's agenda. Grant Him authority in your prayers today.

Confessing

2005-08-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

God of Mercy, amidst the sound of crashing buildings and the silence of a city never silent, we make our confession. We confess our fears.

We confess the fear that evil has won, and that Love has been vanquished. We confess our need to punish and hurt and hate those who have hurt us so deeply. We confess the desire to escape from it all even as billows of ash in the northeastern sky reminded us of what had occurred. Forgive us God. Forgive us... and help us to forgive.

A liturgical Prayer of Confession - a part of prayer we should never forget.

Sacrifice Of Praise

2005-08-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 13:15 - Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.(NAS)

God is not a vending machine from which is dispensed our hearts desire. He demands no less than our uter devotion and total submission. The act of praise is not about us feeling good, but about us acknowledging God's proper place in the our lives and the universe -- it truly is a form of sacrifice. As you prau for GBC today, lay your sacrifices before the Lord.

Cry Out!

2005-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

From a John Piper Sermon:

I close with a word from the Lord that has pricked my prayer conscience as much as any other. In Luke 18:7-8 Jesus says,

Will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily.

Do you ever cry out to the Lord, "How long, 0 Lord, how long till you vindicate your cause in the earth? How long 'till you rend the heavens and come down with power on your church? How long till you bring forth victory among all the peoples of the world?"

The answer I have heard when I have called on the Lord in this way comes from Luke 18:7—when his people CRY TO HIM DAY AND NIGHT for the vindication of his cause among the nations.

GBC should be a part of that effort to vindicate -- we need to ask God constantly to make it so.

In Balance

2005-08-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers:

Faith in active opposition to common sense is mistaken enthusiasm and narrow-mindedness, and common sense in opposition to faith demonstrates a mistaken reliance on reason as the basis for truth. The life of faith brings the two of these into the proper relationship. Common sense and faith are as different from each other as the natural life is from the spiritual, and as impulsiveness is from inspiration.

Our prayer needs to demonstrate such balance. We need to express the needs of our heart and let the Holy Spirit guide our heart. Let's try to pray for GBC today with such balance.

"He Is Your Praise"

2005-08-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Deut 10:20-21
20 "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. 21 "He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen. (NAS)

The sufficiency of God that is illustrated in this passage is incredible. Prayer is the means by which we tap into all of that. When you pray today, and when you pray for GBC, throw yourself before God -- let Him be the all.

For the World

2005-08-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GBC will have people from everywhere. We need to pray for all of them.

From Whence?

2005-08-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 121

1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.

Ask such protection upon GBC this date.

For The Week

2005-08-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

FOund this at World Magazine. Thought it worth sharing and praying.

O, Lord, as we look ahead to the week before us, help us to understand that our times are in your hands. In all of the busy-ness, problem-solving, and hard work that are ahead of us this week, help us notice the signs of your love and grace that you place continually before us, if we only had eyes that would pay attention. Keep us safe this week, and may your work continue in the world and in us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

Why not pray this when you are praying for GBC today, and this week.

Weakness

2005-08-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 38:8-10

I am benumbed and badly crushed; I groan because of the agitation of my heart.
Lord, all my desire is before Thee; and my sighing is not hidden from Thee.
My heart throbs, my strength fails me; and the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me. (NAS)

When you pray are you willing to be that "naked" in front of God? Prayer is, in part, about self-revelation -- it is about working with God to strip away the masks and reveal that which God wants from us -- and which we will find if we allow it, what we want as well.

When you pray today, and especially when you pray for GBC, work to be naked in front of God - completely and utterly.

Encourage

2005-08-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Augustine of Hippo:

“God of our life, there are days
when the burdens we carry chafe
our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary
and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have
no music in them, and our hearts
are lonely, and our souls have
lost their courage.

“Flood the path with light,
we beseech Thee; turn our eyes
to where the skies are full of
promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of
comradeship with heroes and
saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able
to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road
to life, to Thy honor and glory.”

What a great goal for GBC - "to encourage the souls of all who journey with us" Let's pray that together today.

Start The Day

2005-08-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a pray of Martin Luther to start the day:

We give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected us through the night from all danger and harm. We ask you to preserve and keep us, this day also, from all sin and evil, that in all our thoughts, words, and deeds we may serve and please you. Into your hands we commend our bodies and souls and all that is ours. Let your holy angels have charge of us, that the wicked one have no power over us.
Amen

Please include GBC in this prayer this morning.

Attitudes

2005-07-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Col 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;

When you pray, even when making petition and interecession, do you do so with an attitude of thanksgiving -- expecting God to grant that which you need and ask for? Do you do so, already being satisfied with that which God has granted? God cares for us, even when we don't feel cared for -- we need to cultivate an understanding of that fact and the faith to rely upon it.

As you pray for GBC today, know that God had provided.

Adminsitrative Note

2005-07-31T04:55:00.000-07:00

Today, your humble blogger leaves for an extended overseas vacation. Prayer posts for each day of the trip exist and I will post them whenever I am able to get to the Interenet; however, I cannot promise it will be as regular or as timely as usual. Things will return to normal about August 16.

Planning

2005-07-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers:

Don’t plan without God. God seems to have a delightful way of upsetting the plans we have made, when we have not taken Him into account. We get ourselves into circumstances that were not chosen by God, and suddenly we realize that we have been making our plans without Him— that we have not even considered Him to be a vital, living factor in the planning of our lives. And yet the only thing that will keep us from even the possibility of worrying is to bring God in as the greatest factor in all of our planning.

INclude God in yur plans today -- pray first, and pray that those planning GBC would include God in the planning with utter intimacy.

Sing!

2005-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Exod 15:1a - Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and said, "I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted;...

Does prayer flow from you as readily as a song when you hear a favorite on the radio? Why not? Today as you pray, ask God to make prayer "a favorite" in your life, then remember GBC.

Set It Aside

2005-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Henri Nouwen said in his book "Making All Things New"

Five or ten minutes a day may be all we can tolerate. Perhaps we are ready for an hour every day, an afternoon every week, a day every month, or a week every year. The amount of time will vary for each person according to temperament, age, job, lifestyle, and maturity.

But we do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with God and listen to him. We may have to write it in black and white in our daily calendar so that nobody else can take away this period of time.

What a marvelous idea -- we should be as disciplined about our time with God as we are about our time with co-workers. Make sure to set aside time for God and use it to pray for GBC and the rest of your life.

Vocational Prayer

2005-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

A Roman prayer for vocation that seems to strike a right note for GBC:

O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service.
Amen.

A Glad Heart

2005-07-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

1 Chr 16:10 - Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.

In prayer we seek God -- and He in return grants us a glad heart. If prayer does not lighten your load, if it does not make you glad then it is likely you are doing somethig besides seeking God. As you pray today, for GBC, etc., take a deep breathe, clear your mind, and seek God.

Preparatory Prayer

2005-07-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a great one frm St. Ignatius:

Lord, I so wish to prepare well for this time.
I so want to make all of me ready and attentive and available to you.
Please help me to clarify and purify my intentions.
I have so many contradictory desires.
I get preoccupied with things that don't really matter or last.
I know that if I give you my heart,
whatever I do will follow my new heart.

In all that I am today, all that I try to do,
all my encounters, reflections - even the frustrations and failings
and especially in this time of prayer,
in all of this may I place my life in your hands.
Lord, I am yours. Make of me what you will. Amen.

What a great prayer to use to start your time with the Lord, when praying for GBC or anything else.

Commanded To Pray

2005-07-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

John Piper says

One thing is crystal clear from this passage (Col 4:2-4): it is God's will that we pray to him. Sometimes we struggle to know the will of God for our lives. But there are some things that you do not have to struggle to know. One of them is that God's will is that you pray to him. The text says, "Devote yourselves to prayer." God wills for you to pray to him.

Prayer is not an option, it's not a pastime, its not a diversion. It is a command.

Are you praying like you have to?

Just Ask

2005-07-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 2:8 - 'Ask of me, and I will surely give the nations as Thine inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Thy possession.

That's quite the claim on God's part, all we need to is ask and we will get the world! I for one don't really want the world, but it is nice to know that God will grant our desires. Remember that when you pray for GBC today.

Faith Before Theology

2005-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

GK Chesterton once said

These are the days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed except his own.

GBC embodies that quote in so many ways. It will stand agains the rabid secularism in our society and it we will each need to set aside our own creeds in deference to our brethren at the conference. Pray today that all attendees can fully embrace both of those aspects.

Who Do You Pray About

2005-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 35:28 - And my tongue shall declare Thy righteousness and Thy praise all day long. (NAS)

In this narcissitic age, do you pray about you? Do you pray about other people? Do you plead to God as if He were some cosmic Santa Claus? What was Christ's prayer?

Not my will, but thine oh Lord.

Use prayer today not as an opportunity for you to tell God wht you need to say, but as an opportunity to learn what He wants you to pray about. Pray for GBC in this fashion too.

With Timbrel and Lyre

2005-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 149

1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
2 Let Israel be glad in his maker; let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with dancing; let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.
5 Let the godly ones exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 {Let} the high praises of God {be} in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples;
8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute on them the judgment written; this is an honor for all His godly ones. Praise the LORD!
(NAS)

Lift your heart to God today.

Sin And Confession

2005-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers

Not being reconciled to the fact of sin— not recognizing it and refusing to deal with it— produces all the disasters in life. You may talk about the lofty virtues of human nature, but there is something in human nature that will mockingly laugh in the face of every principle you have. If you refuse to agree with the fact that there is wickedness and selfishness, something downright hateful and wrong, in human beings, when it attacks your life, instead of reconciling yourself to it, you will compromise with it and say that it is of no use to battle against it.

Ask God that you, and your fellow Christians, and GBC will not compromise with sin.

Focus

2005-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Prov 4:25-27 - 25 Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. 26 Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established. 27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.

God is our path, and prayer is the best way I know to focus on Him. When you pray today, for GBC and the rest of your life, do not think about what you are praying for or about, think about who you are praying to.

For Meetings

2005-07-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

FOund this little liturgical prayer for "Church Conventions or Meetings." What could be better for GBC?

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray For Us

2005-07-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

From John Piper

That's a clear, straightforward plea to the church at Thessalonica by the apostle Paul. "Brothers, pray for us." I love its simplicity. It is emotionally understated. Can you hear the depth of need this apostle feels for God's help? " . . . on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren . . . in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure" (2 Corinthians 11:26-27).

We hear it again with more vehemence in Romans 15:30. "Strive together with me in your prayers to God for me." Here is a great man. He has great gifts and great experiences with God. He is a brilliant intellect. He is a valiant spiritual warrior. He is a chosen instrument of God. And he pleads for prayer. "Pray for me." "Strive with me in your prayers to God for me."

Why? Two reasons:
1. BECAUSE WHAT COUNTS MOST IN THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED BY MAN LEFT TO HIMSELF.
2. BECAUSE GOD HAS SET UP THE WORLD SO THAT (a) MORAL TRANSFORMATION AND (b) MINISTRY TRIUMPHS COME BY PRAYER.

Bring the triumph of GBC by prayer oh God!

Think of Others

2005-07-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers:

How long is it going to take God to free us from the unhealthy habit of thinking only about ourselves? We must get to the point of being sick to death of ourselves, until there is no longer any surprise at anything God might tell us about ourselves. We cannot reach and understand the depths of our own meagerness. There is only one place where we are right with God, and that is in Christ Jesus. Once we are there, we have to pour out our lives for all we are worth in this ministry of the inner life.

As you pray today, pray for others -- pray for all those working to make GBC happen -- wish the best for others before you do for yourself.

Sacrificial Thanks

2005-07-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Jer 17:26 - "They will come in from the cities of Judah and from the environs of Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, from the lowland, from the hill country, and from the Negev, bringing burnt offerings, sacrifices, grain offerings and incense, and bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving to the house of the LORD.

When you thank God for something, does it cost you anything? The tradition of giving thanks is the tradition of acknowledging indebtedness. God's blessings cost Him something, your thanks should cost you something. Thank God sincerely, meaningfully and sacrifically. Be grateful for the blessings He hs granted GBC.

Before...

2005-07-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Isa 25:1 - O LORD, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will give thanks to Thy name; for Thou hast worked wonders, plans {formed} long ago, with perfect faithfulness.

Think about that, your prayer requests were answered even before they were asked -- even before the world was fully formed. GBC has been ordained for a very long time now. When you thank God for answered paryaer, thank him not just for today, but for all the yesterdays that He prepared for that answer as well.

Lay It Down

2005-07-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Oswald Chambers

If I am a friend of Jesus, I must deliberately and carefully lay down my life for Him. It is a difficult thing to do, and thank God that it is. Salvation is easy for us, because it cost God so much. But the exhibiting of salvation in my life is difficult. God saves a person, fills him with the Holy Spirit, and then says, in effect, "Now you work it out in your life, and be faithful to Me, even though the nature of everything around you is to cause you to be unfaithful." And Jesus says to us, ". . . I have called you friends. . . ." Remain faithful to your Friend, and remember that His honor is at stake in your bodily life.

Res Ipsa Loquitor

Make Supplication For Me

2005-07-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Exod 8:28 - And Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Make supplication for me."

Even the ungodly, even the enemies of God recognize the need for prayer -- isn't that what you draw from this verse. We pray for friends and family -- we pray for those we love, but do we pray for those that despise us. Make no mistake. There are those that do and will despise GodBlogCon, they will be threatened by it. Pray for them today. Ask God to bless them and give them peace.

A Tiny Seed

2005-07-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

From The Upper Room Devotional:

Today Jesus asks us, "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus longs for us to give him whatever we have to offer and to watch him multiply our "tiny seed" into abundance. -- Janine A. Kuty (Virginia, U.S.A.)

Prayer
Father God, help us remember the miracles you work with tiny offerings. Give us faith to offer you what we have. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What a great lesson -- no gift is too small to offer to God, no prayer to meager. As you pray today, give God what you have and watch Him make the most of it.

Draw Near

2005-07-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Heb 4:16 - Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

I once worshipped under a pastor that everytime he called us to prayer said, "Let us draw near to the throne of grace." So much so that we made fun of him for it, but what a wonderful image and what a wonderful priviledge. In prayer, we approach a King that could just as easily send us away. That should inspire in us confidence and fear, awe and gratitude. As you approach God today, and as you pray for GBC and the other things in your life, recall this image and attempt to feel what you would feel were it more than an image.