PRAYER

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Permalink Reply by Mahoganie on May 1, 2008 at 7:27pm

Abiding in Jesus

Introduction

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.

But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions).

Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death.

James 1:13-15 amp

Single people sometimes express the difficulty of keeping themselves pure. (See the following prayers on purity.) Some have asked, “Doesn’t God understand that we are only human? Why did He create us with desires; surely He understands and excuses us when we fall into temptation? If He wants me to avoid sexual temptation, then why doesn’t He send me the spouse I have asked Him to give me?”

The Scriptures condemn premarital sex, fornication, adultery and all forms of sexual perversion. (Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:21 amp; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5,6.) Although sexual desires are not a sin, if not properly controlled, those desires can lead to sin.

According to James 1:13-15, sin begins with a thought conceived from lust. Lust is not limited to sex. It is possible to lust after many things that can cause sin. That’s why it is so important to take control over the mind and heart to keep them pure and holy — in spite of temptation.

One of the myths that has ensnared many single people is the mistaken idea that marriage will automatically release them from the temptation to sin. Without repentance and the renewing of the mind, those who have a problem with lustful thoughts before they are married will have the same problem after they are married, just as those who have a problem with sexual perversion before marriage will continue to have the same problem after marriage.

One married man shared his testimony of deliverance from pornography. He was having to continually guard himself from mental images that kept reappearing.

Marriage is not a cure-all for sexual sins or any other sin.

Yes, God does understand. With every temptation He has provided a way of escape. (1 Cor. 10:13.)

Yes, there is forgiveness for sin (1 John 1:9) — through God’s abounding grace. (Rom. 5:20.) The question is ...Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer? (Rom. 6:1,2 amp.)

We who are in Christ desire to bring glory to the Father. We cannot do so in our own strength. It is abiding in union with Jesus and loving as Jesus loves that ensures answered prayer. (John 15:7-9.) If our prayers are not being answered, it is time to check our love walk. We must ask ourselves, “Are we keeping ourselves in the love of God — remaining vitally united with Jesus?”

We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him].

1 John 5:18 amp

This verse says that the wicked one cannot touch us. What is the condition? Having Christ’s presence within, staying united with Him — abiding in Him and allowing His Word to abide in us.

If you want to abide in Christ and have His Word abide in you, pray the following prayer with a sincere and believing heart.

Prayer

Lord, I am abiding in Your Word [holding fast to Your teachings and living in accordance with them]. It is my desire to be Your true disciple. I am abiding in (vitally united to) the vine. I cannot bear fruit unless I abide in You.

Lord, because You are the Vine and I am a branch living in You, I bear much (abundant) fruit. Apart from You [cut off from vital union with You] I can do nothing. Your Son Jesus said, If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7 amp).

When I bear (produce) much fruit, You Father, are honored and glorified. By Your grace that I have received, I will show and prove myself to be a true follower of Your Son Jesus. He has loved me, [just] as You, Father, have loved Him. I am abiding in that love.

Lord, You have assured me that if I keep Your commandments [if I continue to obey Your instructions], I will abide in Your love and live on in it, just as Your Son Jesus obeyed Your commandments and lived on in Your love. He told me these things, that Your joy and delight may be in me and that my joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing. This is Your commandment; that we love one another [just] as You have loved us.

Father, thank You for Your Word — it is the truth that makes me free. I am born (begotten) of You, Lord, and I do not [deliberately, knowingly and habitually] practice sin. Your nature abides in me [Your principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within me]; and I cannot practice sinning because I am born (begotten) of You. I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

May Christ through my faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in my heart! It is my desire to be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, that I may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [Your devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it].

I pray, in the name of Jesus, that I may know this love that surpasses knowledge — that I may be filled to the measure of all Your fullness. Now to You Who are able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within me, to You be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

If you would like to continue to pray on this topic, Germaine suggests that you pray the Prayers for the Needs and Concerns of the Single, Divorced, and Widowed to be found in the Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition.

Scripture References:
John 8:31 amp 1 John 3:9 amp
John 15:4,5 amp Psalm 119:11
John 15:7-12 amp Ephesians 3:17,18 amp
John 8:32

To Rejoice in the Lord

This is the day the Lord has made. I rejoice and I am glad in it! I rejoice in You always. And again I say, I rejoice. I delight myself in You, Lord. Happy am I because God is my Lord!

Father, thank You for loving me and rejoicing over me with joy. Hallelujah! I am redeemed. I come with singing, and everlasting joy is upon my head. I obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing flee away. That spirit of rejoicing, joy, and laughter is my heritage. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty — emancipation from bondage, freedom. I walk in that liberty.

Father, I praise You with joyful lips. I am ever filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit. I speak out in psalms and hymns and make melody with all my heart to You, Lord. My happy heart is a good medicine and my cheerful mind works healing. The light in my eyes rejoices the hearts of others. I have a good report. My countenance radiates the joy of the Lord.

Father, I thank You that I bear much prayer fruit. I ask in Jesus’ name, and I will receive, so that my joy (gladness, delight) may be full, complete, and overflowing. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Therefore, I count it all joy, all strength, when I encounter tests or trials of any sort because I am strong in You, Father.

I have the victory in the name of Jesus. Satan is under my feet. I am not moved by adverse circumstances. I have been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I dwell in the Kingdom of God and have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! Praise the Lord!

In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

If you would like to continue to pray on this topic, Germaine suggests that you pray the Personal Prayers of Commitment to be found in the Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition.

Scripture References:
Psalm 118:24 Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4:4 Proverbs 15:13
Philippians 3:1 John 15:7,8
Psalm 144:15 John 16:23
Zephaniah 3:17 Nehemiah 8:10
Isaiah 51:11 James 1:2
2 Corinthians 3:17 Ephesians 6:10
James 1:25 1 John 5:4
Psalm 63:5 Ephesians 1:22
Ephesians 5:18,19 2 Corinthians 5:7
Proverbs 17:22 2 Corinthians 5:21
Proverbs 15:30 Romans 14:17

To Walk in God’s Wisdom and His Perfect Will

Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being. You adopted me as Your child through Jesus Christ, in accordance with Your pleasure and will. I pray that I may be active in sharing my faith, so that I will have a full understanding of every good thing Ihave in Christ.

Father, I ask You to give me a complete understanding of what You want to do in my life, and I ask You to make me wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way I live will always honor and please You, and I will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, I will learn to know You better and better.

I roll my works upon You, Lord, and You make my thoughts agreeable to Your will, so my plans are established and succeed. You direct my steps and make them sure. I understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is for I am not vague, thoughtless, or foolish. I stand firm and mature in spiritual growth, convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God.

Father, You have destined and appointed me to come progressively to know Your will — that is to perceive, to recognize more strongly and clearly, and to become better and more intimately acquainted with Your will. I thank You, Father, for the Holy Spirit Who abides permanently in me and Who guides me into all the truth — the whole, full truth — and speaks whatever He hears from the Father and announces and declares to me the things that are to come. I have the mind of Christ and hold the thoughts, feelings, and purposes of His heart.

So, Father, I have entered into that blessed rest by adhering to, trusting in, and relying on You, in the name of Jesus. Hallelujah! Amen.

If you would like to continue to pray on this topic, Germaine suggests that you pray the Personal Prayers of Commitment to be found in the Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition.

Scripture References:
Revelation 4:11 NIV Colossians 4:12 AMP
Ephesians 1:5 NIV Acts 22:14
Colossians 1:9,10 NLT 1 Corinthians 2:16 AMP
Proverbs 16:3,9 AMP Hebrews 4:10
Ephesians 5:16 AMP

To Walk in the Word

Father, in the name of Jesus, I commit myself to walk in the Word. Your Word living in me produces Your life in this world. I recognize that Your Word is integrity itself — steadfast, sure, eternal — and I trust my life to its provisions.

You have sent Your Word forth into my heart. I let it dwell in me richly in all wisdom. I meditate in it day and night so that I may diligently act on it. The Incorruptible Seed, the Living Word, the Word of Truth, is abiding in my spirit. That Seed is growing mightily in me now, producing Your nature, Your life. It is my counsel, my shield, my buckler, my powerful weapon in battle. The Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. It makes my way plain before me. I do not stumble, for my steps are ordered in the Word.

The Holy Spirit leads and guides me into all the truth. He gives me understanding, discernment, and comprehension so that I am preserved from the snares of the evil one.

I delight myself in You and Your Word. Because of that, You put Your desires within my heart. I commit my way unto You, and You bring it to pass. I am confident that You are at work in me now both to will and to do all Your good pleasure.

I exalt Your Word, hold it in high esteem, and give it first place. I make my schedule around Your Word. I make the Word the final authority to settle all questions that confront me. I choose to agree with the Word of God, and I choose to disagree with any thoughts, conditions, or circumstances contrary to Your Word. I boldly and confidently say that my heart is fixed and established on the solid foundation — the living Word of God! Amen.

If you would like to continue to pray on this topic, Germaine suggests that you pray the Personal Prayers of Commitment to be found in the Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition.

Scripture References:
Hebrews 4:12 1 Peter 3:12
Colossians 3:16 Colossians 4:2
Joshua 1:8 Ephesians 6:10
1 Peter 1:23 Luke 18:1
Psalm 91:4 James 5:16
Psalm 119:105 Psalm 37:4,5
Psalm 37:23 Philippians 2:13
Colossians 1:9 2 Corinthians 10:5
John 16:13 Psalm 112:7,8

Walking in Humility

Father, I clothe myself with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from me]. I renounce pride and arrogance. Father, You give grace to the humble. Therefore I humble myself under Your mighty hand, that in due time You may exalt me.

In the name of Jesus, I cast the whole of my care [all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns for my future, once and for all] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. I expect a life of victory and awesome deeds because my actions are done on behalf of a spirit humbly submitted to Your truth and righteousness.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I refuse to be wise in my own eyes; but I choose to fear You and shun evil. This will bring health to my body and nourishment to my bones.

Father, I humble myself and submit to Your Word that speaks (exposes, sifts, analyzes, and judges) the very thoughts and purposes of my heart. I test my own actions, so that I might have appropriate self-esteem, without comparing myself to anyone else. The security of Your guidance will allow me to carry my own load with energy and confidence.

I listen carefully and hear what is being said to me. I incline my ear to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding and insight. Humility and fear of You bring wealth and honor and life.

Father, I hide Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. As one of Your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, I clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I bear with others and forgive whatever grievances I may have against anyone. I forgive as You forgave me. And over all these virtues I put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. I let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, and I am thankful for Your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Father, may Your will be done on earth in my life as it is in heaven.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture References:
1 Peter 5:5-7 AMP Proverbs 22:4 NIV
Proverbs 3:7,8 NIV Psalm 119:11
Hebrews 4:12 AMP Colossians 3:12-15 NIV
Galatians 6:4,5 NIV Matthew 6:10 NIV
Proverbs 2:2 NIV

Giving Thanks To God

Introduction

God saw you when you were in your mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13-16). He knew your mother and father and the circumstances of the home where you were to grow up. He knew the schools you would attend and the neighborhood in which you would live.

God gave you the ability to survive and walked with you through good times and bad. He gave you survival techniques and guardian angels to keep and protect you (Ps. 91:11). He chose you before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph. 1:4).

He cried with you when you cried. He laughed with you when you laughed. He was grieved when you were misunderstood and treated unfairly. He watched and waited, looking forward to the day when you would receive Jesus as your Savior. To as many as received Him gave He the power, the right, and the authority to become the sons of God (John 1:12 AMP). He longs for your fellowship, desiring for you to know Him more and more intimately.

Your survival techniques were probably different than mine. Whatever they were, and whatever your life may have been like up to this point, the peace of God can change the regrets and the wounds of the past into thanksgiving and praise. You can experience wholeness by earnestly and sincerely praying this prayer.

I.

Daily Prayer of Thanksgiving

Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit and by Your grace, I join with the heavenly host making a joyful noise to You and serving You with gladness! I come before Your presence with singing!

Lord, I know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that You are God! It is You Who made us, not we ourselves [and we are Yours]! We are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture.

Father, I enter into Your gates with thanksgiving and present an offering of thanks. I enter into Your courts with praise! I am thankful and delight to say so. I bless and affectionately praise Your name! For You are good and Your mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting. Your faithfulness and truth endure to all generations. It is a good and delightful thing to give thanks to You, O Most High.

Lord, by Your Holy Spirit, perfect the fruit of my lips. Help me draw thanksgiving forth from my innermost resources; reach down into the most secret places of my heart that I may offer significant thanksgiving to You, Father.

Thank You for my parents who gave me life. I am grateful for the victories and achievements I have experienced in spite of my hurts — the bruises and the abuses that boxed me in when I was a small child. You used them for good even though Satan intended them for my destruction.

You prepared me to listen to the inner voice — the voice of Your Holy Spirit.

Thank You for Your grace, which is teaching me to trust myself and others. Thank You for life — life in all its abundance.

It was You Who gave me a desire to pray, and I am grateful for the prayer closet where we meet, and I thank You for Your Word. Life is exciting, and I am grateful that I am alive for such a time as this.

Thank You for past and present relationships. I learn from those who oppose me and from those who are for me. You taught me to recognize and understand my strengths and weaknesses. You gave me discernment and spiritual understanding. I enter Your gates with thanksgiving in my heart.

You are my Father. I am Your child, loved by You unconditionally. I rejoice in You, Lord, and give thanks at the remembrance of Your holiness.

I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony.

In the name of Jesus, amen.

Scripture References:
Psalm 100:1-5 AMP Philippians 2:13
Psalm 92:1 AMP Esther 4:14
Psalm 138:8 Psalm 100:4
Hebrews 13:15 Philippians 3:1
Genesis 50:20 NIV Psalm 30:4
John 10:10 Revelation 12:11

To Receive a Discerning Heart

Father, I thank You for creating within me a wise and discerning heart, so that I am able to distinguish between right and wrong.

This is my prayer: that my love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that I may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to Your glory and praise, O Lord.

Father, I trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways I acknowledge You, and You will make my paths straight. Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Joseph, in Genesis 41:39-41 niv, was described as a discerning and wise man who was put in charge of the entire land of Egypt. As You were with Joseph, Moses, and other strong, godly men and women in the Bible, so shall You be with me. You will cause me to find favor at my place of employment, at home, or wherever I may be.

I make [special] request, [asking] that I may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—that I may walk (live and conduct myself) in a manner worthy of You, Lord, fully pleasing to You and desiring to please You in all things, steadily growing and increasing in and by Your knowledge [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].

Because Jesus has been made unto me wisdom, I listen and add to my learning; I discern and get guidance, understanding what Your will is.

In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Scripture References:
1 Kings 3:9 niv Proverbs 3:1-4
Philippians 1:9-11 niv Colossians 1:9,10 amp
Proverbs 3:5 niv 1 Corinthians 1:30
Psalm 119:104,105 amp Proverbs 1:5
Genesis 41:39-41 niv Ephesians 5:17 niv
Joshua 1:5

To Be God-Inside Minded

I am a spirit learning to live in a natural world. I have a soul, and I live in a physical body. I am in the world, but I am not of the world. God of peace, I ask You to sanctify me in every way, and may my whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. Father, You called me, and You are completely dependable. You said it, and You will do this. Thank You for the Spirit Who guides me into all truth through my regenerated human spirit.

Lord, Your searchlight penetrates my human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. You actually gave me Your Spirit (not the world’s spirit) so I can know the wonderful things You have given us. I am a child of God, born of the Spirit of God, filled with the Spirit of God, and led by the Spirit of God. I listen to my heart as I look to the Spirit inside me.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for directing me and illuminating my mind. You lead me in the way I should go in all the affairs of life. You lead me by an inward witness. The eyes of my understanding are being enlightened. Wisdom is in my inward parts. God’s love is perfected in me. I have an unction from the Holy One.

Father, I am becoming spirit-conscious. I listen to the voice of my spirit and obey what my spirit tells me. My spirit is controlled by the Holy Spirit and dominates me, for I walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. I examine my leading in the light of the Word.

I trust in You, Lord, with all of my heart and lean not to my own understanding. In all of my ways I acknowledge You, and You direct my paths. I walk in the light of the Word. Holy Spirit, You are my Counselor, teaching me to educate, train, and develop my human spirit. The Word of God shall not depart out of my mouth. I meditate therein day and night. Therefore, I shall make my way prosperous, and I will have good success in life. I am a doer of the Word and put Your Word first.

If you would like to continue to pray on this topic, Germaine suggests that you pray the Personal Prayers of Commitment to be found in the Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition.

Scripture References:
1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 1 John 4:12
John 16:13 1 John 2:20
Proverbs 20:27 NLT Romans 8:1
1 Corinthians 2:12 NLT Proverbs 3:5,6
Romans 8:14,16 Psalm 119:105
John 3:6,7 John 14:26
Ephesians 5:18 Joshua 1:8
Isaiah 48:17 James 1:22
Ephesians 1:18

Submitting All to God

Father, You are the Supreme Authority — a God of order. You have instituted other authority structures that will support healthy relationships and maintain harmony. It is my decision to surrender my will to You, that I might find protection and dwell in the secret place of the Most High.

Father, thank You for pastors and leaders of the church — those who are submitted to You and are examples to the congregation. I submit to the church elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church) — [giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel].

Lord, You know just how rebellious I have been. I ask Your forgiveness for manipulating circumstances and people — for trying to manipulate You to get my own way. May Your will be done in my life, even as it is in heaven.

Father, when I feel that my life is spiraling out of control, I bind my mind to the mind of Christ, and my emotions to the control of the Holy Spirit. I loose my mind from obsessive thought patterns that try to confuse me.

Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Father, You are much more interested in my listening to You than in my offerings of material things to You. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. Forgive me for practicing witchcraft and worshiping idols.

Father, You deserve honesty from the heart; yes, utter sincerity and truthfulness. Oh, give me this wisdom. Sprinkle me with the cleansing blood, and I shall be clean again. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. You have rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the Kingdom of the Son You love, in Whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Lord, I want to follow You. I am putting aside my own desires and conveniences. I yield my desires that are not in Your plan for me. Even in the midst of my fear, I surrender and entrust my future to You. I choose to take up my cross and follow You [cleave steadfastly to You, conforming wholly to Your example in living and, if need be, in dying also]. I desire to lose my [lower life] on Your account that I might find it [the higher life].

Father, You gave Jesus to be my Example. He has returned to You, Father, and has sent the Holy Spirit to be my Helper and Guide. In this world there are temptations, trials, and tribulations; but Jesus has overcome the world, and I am of good cheer.

Jesus is my Lord. I choose to become His servant. He calls me His friend.

Lord, help me to walk through the process of surrendering my all to You. I exchange rebellion and stubbornness for a willing and obedient heart. When I refuse to listen, anoint my ears to hear; when I am blinded by my own desires, open my eyes to see.

I belong to Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, Who breaks down and destroys every yoke of bondage. In His name and in obedience to Your will, Father, I submit to the control and direction of the Holy Spirit Whom You have sent to live in me. I am Your child. All to You I surrender. I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony!

In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

If you would like to continue to pray on this topic, Germaine suggests that you pray the Prayers for the Needs and Concerns of the Individual to be found in the Prayers That Avail Much Commemorative Edition.

Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 14:33 Psalm 51:6,7 TLB
1 Timothy 2:2 Colossians 1:13,14 NIV
Psalm 91:1 Matthew 10:38,39 AMP
1 Peter 5:5 AMP John 16:33
Matthew 6:10 John 15:15
James 4:7 Revelation 12:11
1 Samuel 15:22,23 TLB

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