This is a handout from MeadowCrest Church, I don't refer to it everyday, but I do read it occasionally ~ keeping it fresh in my mind.
1. Preparation ~ The Cleansing of our Spirits
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteouness."
I John 1:9
Confess specific sin. Accept God's forgiveness.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10
2. Praise ~ Worshipping a Holy God
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His Holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:1-2
We praise Him for who He is:
His grace, love, power, holiness, goodness, patience.
We thank Him for what He has done and is going to do:
Material Blessings ~ jobs, home, family
Physical Blessings ~ health, strength
Spiritual Blessings ~ church, Christian friends
3. Power ~ Filled with the Holy Spirit
"We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has already given us.
I Corinthians 2:12
Lord, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Make my mind like the mind of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:16) May Your thoughts be my thoughts.
4. Protection
Ephesians 6:10-17 ~
Armor
Belt of Truth ~ protection of Satan's deception.
Breastplate of Righteousness ~ protection from envy, jealousy, deceit, pride, easily offended, and desires not pleasing to God.
Shoes ~ protection for the direction God wants you to go.
Shield of Faith ~ protection from all Satan's distractive darts, including: fear, doubt and unbelief.
Helmet of Salvation ~ protects thought life.
Sword of the Spirit ~ (Word of God) Protects and provides discernment for dealing with all that we face in life.
5. Pleasure ~ We are Created to Please God
1. We please Him by faith - Hebrews 11:6
2. We please Him by bearing fruit - John 15:16
"Lord, I want to serve You, bearing fruit for Your glory. Help me to lose my focus on self and live my life for Your glory."
6. Peace
"Lord, let me have the peace that only you can give."
Philippians 4:7
7. Petitions
My family's need
The needs of others
(intercessors - I Timothy 2:1-4)
* Church
* Spiritual Leaders
* Country
* Missions
* People I touch regularly that don't know God
* Be specific
My Needs
The prayer that is born of meditation upon the Word of God is the prayer that soars upward most easily to God's listening ear.
R. A. Torrey
How To Pray (1900)
Amen Mary, the best place in this world to find needed answers, bless you and have happy holiday, my dh loves Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteMary, I really enjoyed reading this great post.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, when we ask for forgiveness for things we've done, HE always forgives us...sometimes we can't seem to forgive ourselves. That's when I pray for a clear mind and understanding heart to know that if HE can forgive me, surely I can forgive myself. Sometimes, it's just hard to do.
hugs,bj
What an awesome post, Ms. Mary! I agree with bj that my problem is forgiving myself. I can't help but wonder, though, if that verse of scripture about how if we don't forgive others, He won't forgive us....maybe we're the "others", too! Just a thought!! I've had a great day....spent it with one of my very best friends going to lunch and Hobby Lobby!!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post, Mary! I have trouble forgiving myself sometimes, and I am working on this! I love your "pray" bookmark, it is beautiful!
ReplyDelete