Prayer

Psalm 66: 1-4

Make a joyful noise… all of the people from different parts of the Babylonian empire are now on return to their own lands and the author is telling them to sing to God with joy in their hearts.

The honour of His name… the author is saying to let God’s grace and his merciful acts be the subject of your songs.

All ye lands… it is believed that this Psalmist was speaking of the call to the Gentiles to come into the fold alongside the Hebrew. At that time only the people of Judaea knew of God and so the author prophesies that one day all nations will know of Him.

Thine enemies submit themselves unto thee…this part of the song would remind the Jews of how the Pharaoh would give his word about releasing them and then not live up to that promise. People had thought that the Father’s anger brought the plagues upon Egypt. In fact, the Pharaoh brought the plagues upon his people by not living up to his word. So the Pharaoh and all of his followers suffered God’s wrath.

The next three verses were most likely a prophecy; when everyone will bow down to the Lord, at the second coming.

All the earth shall worship thee…

And shall sing unto thee…

They shall sing to thy name…

The faithful will obey God willingly (singing and praising his name) but some will only pretend they are faithful and some will reject God completely.

These verses tell us that one day ALL the earth WILL worship the Heavenly Father.

Adonai (Lord Master)

I rejoice in you! I love to sing praises to you and to your name because I enjoy honouring and praising you.

Father, I know you are mighty and powerful and I also know that you are a just God. Everything that happens to me is seen by you, allowed by you and is perfect (whether I agree with it or not).

One day when I see the entire picture of my life, not only will I see why certain events happened in my life, but I will agree that the right choices were made.

Whatever timeframe this Psalm speaks of, (when the tribes of Israel were leaving the Babylonian captivity as they all worshipped God at that time) or at the second coming of Jesus, your Word tells us that one day every knee will bow in reverence to you and you alone, regardless of our beliefs.

I thank you Father that I know you and love you. I am blessed that my name is already written in the Lambs Book of Life and I am secured a spot with you forever.

It is my honour and pleasure to sing my praises to you and give my love to you and you alone, the one and only true God; my heavenly Father.

All for your glory.

In The name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Side note: Some might find it cruel that people lost their first born sons/livestock, etc. but every person had the free will choice to make (follow Pharaoh or God). It was a conscious choice made by each individual to continue to follow Pharaoh. By doing so, they suffered the plagues along with him. Their choice!

Jesus is coming soon. Jesus has placed a free will choice to each and every person – to be with or against him. Your choice!

Please think carefully about that choice.

WHAT IS SALVATION

Ephesians 6: 18

Paul had just finished giving the instructions of how a soldier should dress for a spiritual fight. Following that, (once suited up) came the time for prayer. So according to Paul, you put on the armour and then you pray. Prayer is a very important part of a spiritual fight, not to be missed.

The main job of the enemy (satan, devil, deceiver) and his host of demons (fallen angels) are to stop Christians from ascending to heaven and to obstruct our relationships with Jesus.

Satan is the prince of this world (for now) and his power is strong, so staying close to God and keeping our eyes open and prayers on our lips is a must. Although it seems as if Satan is in control, he is not in total control. God limits satan’s powers. However he and his army can still do much spiritual harm.

These enemies are unseen and come attacking Christians at any and all times. They are said to be in heavenly places which could possibly mean that they have all of the area between the stars (the heavens) and the earth in which to move around easily..

Paul warns us to be always suited up, ready for their attacks. How should we fight back? Paul says with prayer.

1. Be ever ready at “all times” for prayer that may be needed.
2. A) Public
3. B) Private
4. C) Meditational – meditating on God’s word
5. D) Quick Prayer – as one author said “you hurl a prayer as a spear and then, it is done.”
6. E) Emergency type of prayer – a forced prayer immediately comes from you, brought out by stress or circumstances.
7. What is “praying in the Spirit?

It means pray in, with or by the means of the Spirit. It is to pray being led by the Holy Spirit when we need help (possibly when we need to be drawn closer to God). It could also be a time when we need the Holy Spirit’s guidance in what or how to pray (sometimes we are so flustered that our minds go blank). Also there are times when the situation requires that the Holy Spirit intercede for us.

3. “With all prayers” refers to different kinds – pray alone, pray with family, in business, on the way to or from somewhere, in the heart without a voice or spoken with a voice from your heart and many, many other ways.
4. “Supplication” is petitioning God earnestly for something (to plead humbly for another or yourself). This means to be continually in an attitude of prayer. Be observant of everything – what or who needs prayer. Be ready at any moment, anywhere prayer is needed. Many times Christians will pray in supplication when facing a temptation.
5. “Make supplication for all saints” Pray for Christians
6. “Preservation” watching. Being on guard, watch for the enemy to attempt to take your attention off God.

Heavenly Father;

I worship you Lord, today and every day. You are the almighty who is always in total control, thank you Lord that I never have to worry.

I love this verse! It tells me that I don’t have to be smart, I don’t have to have money, I don’t have to have an abundant of friends or giftings. Much like salvation, as long as I love you Lord, believe in You and ask you for direction, I am blessed with the gift of righteous prayer.

There are times that I need to use my own words to speak to you Father, but then there are times when the Holy Spirit speaks for me instead.

When I can’t seem to find the right words to pray (for a person or a situation), the Holy Spirit helps me. I can relax and be comforted that I have just prayed the perfect prayer for that person and/or situation.

On the other hand, I could feel a nudge to pray in the Spirit and be praying for a person or situation halfway around the world and I don’t even know who or what I am praying for, but you do.

There are so many facets to prayer. Father please help me to remain open, keep alert and ready to pray at any given time for any situation, whenever prayer is needed.

Thank you Father. May I always pray according to your will..

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen

PSALM 122:

The Jewish people had been captives, exiled from their own land and are now returning to Jerusalem. David is speaking to all people; not just the Jews but the Gentile as well.

In David’s Psalm, he is saying that when there is peace and prosperity within the city, the people can also find their own personal peace and prosperity.

Today is especially hard for the Israelis and as time gets closer to the end, they are needing our prayers more than ever. Everyday, without fail, we need to pray for their welfare, goodness, unity of each other and for preservation of their land and people, and against their enemies.

We need to recognize that it is a privilege that God has asked us to pray for them and we need to accept that request, not out of obligation, guilt or “because we are asked to” but out of our love for the Lord, His people and His land.

Heavenly Father,

You are Yahweh (the God eternal) and so deserving of my prayers.

How happy and loving I feel when I see my children are getting along well, are peaceful, helping, and loving on each other. When I see this happening, my heart “melts” towards them. It’s the same with you Lord. When I pray, help or love on your chosen, your heart “melts” and you love me in a deeper way.

You have asked me to pray for protection, peace and prosperity for Jerusalem, and I do it because it is my privilege to serve you and also because I love you!

Open my heart to allow me to pray for Jerusalem in the manner in which you want. I know that as I pray for the country and the people, my heart will be opened and will grow to love them as much as you do.

In the precious name of Jesus (of Nazareth),

I pray,

Amen

Numbers 6: 23-26 (KJV)

At Gods request, Moses, Aaron and other spiritual priests spoke this blessing over their people at the end of every service, The priests had to memorize this blessing as it was to be given word for word, as dictated by God.

In these few verses we see one word repeated six times – the word “Thee” (you)! God wants Christians to remember just how blessed we are and that even today, as this benediction is prayed over us, as a congregation, it is meant for each of us individually.

BLESS THEE – Contrary to what some believe; being a child of God, does not exempt us from going through rough times. It helps when we remember that God is always present and continually blessing us, even when we think otherwise.

KEEP THEE – As God watches over us, we are drawn closer to him, where we will be safe and able to withstand everything that we have to deal with. Knowing that God keeps us close to him, we don’t ever have to be worried or anxious.

FACE SHINE UPON THEE – As our Father, he smiles at us lovingly, while showering us with forgiveness, favour and acceptance.

BE GRACIOUS UNTO THEE – Grace is not something we can ask for. It can only be received when God gives it. God doesn’t have to give us grace, but when he does, it shows how much he loves and wants to bless us.

LIFT HIS COUNTENANCE UNTO THEE – Countenance means support. Each day we receive the kind of support that only God can give.

GIVE YOU PEACE – God’s peace is right there for us, no matter what is going on, what problems we have, or what situation we are in. God blesses us with peace, which is ours for the taking. As we accept, his peace encompasses our entire being and situation.

Loving Father in Heaven,

Thank you Lord for placing the desire in my Pastor’s heart to declare this blessing over your (and his) sheep/congregation every Sunday.

Because I am your child, this scripture reminds me that you are blessing me, loving me and always watching over me, in spite of what my eyes are seeing or what I’m feeling.

You know what my needs are and I can relax knowing that you are right there with me, being my strength and my support. Thank you that I can call for peace, at any time over people, situations and for myself.

Thank you for your unconditional love that showers me with your blessings.

In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, I pray.

Amen

Some say this Psalm was written by David, while others say it is a combination of two of David’s Psalms (Ps. 57:7-11 and Ps. 60:5-12) combined by the captives of Babylon near the end of their captivity. Others say it was used in the Temple by the Jews. In fact, the identity or the reason it was written is not known.

The Psalmist starts off overwhelmed, possibly even thinking that God has left him. However, we see that he will not give up! The fleeing thoughts of defeat do NOT stop him from praying for deliverance. He declares that he is fixed (faithfully) to God with his whole heart and soul. The Psalmist declares that he will wake up early to sing and praise God with his voice and with musical instruments.

He will go among the people (Jews) and among the nations (Gentiles), surrounding himself with all types of people and openly showing and singing his love and praises for God. He is not bribing God! This is a heartfelt promise.

The Psalmist declares that he will go before the people, telling them of God’s mercy that is great throughout the universe. Praising that the truth of God reaches higher than the clouds and that God is exalted in all the Heavens.

He believes that when they see how he has been (saved) delivered out of trouble and just how far the arms of mercy and grace can spread, the people may start listening to him. Then through the love of God, many people of all nations will turn to the Father, away from their gods and idols. He suggests, in a way, that he would be their example (role model).

Then he goes back to his current situation and prays for deliverance. The Psalmist asks God to remember him, His (beloved) child. The Psalmist is truly asking God to help, knowing that the only way out of his current situation is through God’s grace.

He asks to be saved with God’s right hand. In olden days, the King would always place his highest ranking person to stand on the right hand side of the throne (today Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father). Perhaps the Psalmist was asking God to send that right hand person (or perhaps an angel) to help and deliver him. He closes by asking God to answer his prayer.

Almighty God,

You are the God of all good things. You are the God of hope, the God of deliverance, the God of love, grace, mercy and the God of everything created. You deserve our praise and prayers.

Allow me to praise you in the way the Psalmist did. He opened his heart fully and invited you in. He found a time and a place to praise you, whether in music, song or prayer, and yes, even if it meant waking up early!

Thank you Father for working in my life, giving me the strength (and want) to stand up with my whole being (soul) declaring my love for you and that Jesus is Lord!

You are so worthy of my praise. I will praise you now and forevermore.

In the Holy name of Jesus Christ, I pray,

Amen

This Psalmist had been in trouble and when he asked for help, The Lord taught him how to confess his sins first and then led the Psalmist out of his trouble.

Many people, after their problems are gone, forget how The Lord helped them. This person didn’t forget.

God taught the Psalmist how to cleanse his soul of sin and in his happiness, he wants to share this knowledge.

He puts out a call to every person who knows The Lord to come and listen to his words. He wants to tell them the whole story of how he prayed for his sins to be taken away and then how God blessed him with answered prayers.

The most important point he makes is that sin must be cleansed from their souls for God to hear them. The cry for forgiveness must come from deep within them and not just off the tip of the tongue. If that were the case, God would not be listening nor answering prayers.

The Psalmist tells the people that when he cried out to God from deep within, asking for forgiveness, God did not hold back his mercy but cleansed him and then the Lord answered the Psalmist’s prayers.

Heavenly Father

You are the King of all kings and so worthy of my worship. I pray that I will tell everyone about your greatness and how you saved and made me into a better person. All the glory goes to you Lord.

Even though I am a Christian, sin will still come on me. Sometimes I am aware right away when I’ve done, said or thought something that is not pleasing to you Father. Other times I may be quite unaware of sin lingering in me.

I always want to be in line with you Lord, so I ask that you watch over me. If I start slipping in my walk, with you, in any way, I ask that the Holy Spirit would convict and reveal the sin to me , as they happen, so I can confess them right away.

However Lord, there could be iniquities, buried so deep inside, that I may not even be aware they exist. Please Lord, bring these to the surface so I can confess them. I want to make sure I am clean all through because I know that I can’t be in your presence if I am carrying any type of sin.

When I come before you for forgiveness, I know my prayer must come from deep within my heart and soul. If I just rattle off a quick “please forgive me” then I will not be cleansed and you will not hear me.

In this age, I am blessed more than the Psalmist in his time, because of the willing sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.

Jesus is now an advocate for me. If I truly ask for your forgiveness and mercy, my sins will be covered by the blood of Jesus and you will forgive me and draw me closer to you.

The Psalmist tells us that once cleansed, God answered his prayers. I know Father that just because I’m clean and have prayed for something, it’s not a guarantee that you will answer my prayers. However, I definitely have the confidence that you have heard me.

Help me to relax in you, regardless of how (and even if) my prayers are answered. Help me to remember that you are always in control. Whether my prayers are answered or not, help me to understand that it’s your will, not mine and you see the entire picture, at all times and you know what’s best.

Father, I do not want to be kept separate from you and that is what sin does so I pray right now and confess my sins to you, in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ…. (Confess)

Thank you for your mercy Lord. You have heard my prayers and I now consciously accept your forgiveness with thanks. I pray Lord, that everything that comes out of my mouth will exalt you.

Blessed be your name. I love you with my entire being and I thank you that you love me so much.

All the glory to You Father.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen

David knew he had prayed for his bodily sins but now he asks The Lord to watch over the words that come out of his mouth and the feelings of his heart.

He knows that what he says and feels is sometimes a big downfall. He asks God to help him be acceptable. David knows that he can plead his case to God for forgiveness.

There are sins that we know we do and sins we are not even aware of. They all need to be forgiven.

When we pray, it is essential that we ask forgiveness for the things we do and for the words that come out of our mouths and to ask for our hearts to be opened.

We are blessed that the Father sent his Son to us and by the blood Jesus shed on the cross, we have the privilege of asking Him to intercede for us to our Heavenly Father.

If we are faithful, Jesus will intercede and we will be cleansed.

Heavenly Father

Thank you for sending your son, Jesus to this world to teach us so many things, but especially about you and your love. Thank you that you had the perfect plan for our salvation. When Jesus was put on the cross and shed his blood for us, he did it for more than just salvation. He is our redeemer, our healer, our intercessor and so much more.

He died for me Father! May I never forget that I was one of the people he died for.

Father, help me to remember that I do, say and feel things that are unacceptable to you. I need the cleansing of forgiveness in all aspects of this body. Help me to remember to call out to Jesus. my strength and my redeemer and ask for him to intercede for me.

Just like David, I want to be blessed with total forgiveness. I want to be acceptable to you, so that you can use me, here on earth, to accomplish some of your tasks that require an earthly body. Once cleansed, let me be aware and ready to follow your lead.

Thank you Father for Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They help me live the way you want me to live and when I stray off the path, they are there to guide me back to you. I am so very, very blessed Father and I do give thanks.

Praise you Lord!

In the holy name of my Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen

Numbers 6:

[24] The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
[25] The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
[26] The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
[27] And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. (KJV)

Moses, Aaron and other spiritual priests spoke this blessing over their people at the end of every service, at Gods request.

The Lord wanted to bless his people and wanted his children to know that through their love and faith in him, he would bless them.

Some looked for blessings from idols and some took it upon themselves to find their own blessings, in their own way. But through the blessing of God, his people could relax by knowing that their Heavenly Father wanted them blessed and knew exactly what blessings they needed.

God was willing to look after his children, all the time. He knew what they needed and gave it to them. He gave them manna and water in the desert. He gave them shoes that never wore out during their wanderings to the promised land. The people who left Egypt with Moses could not have left without Gods intervention. Because they were his children, he met all of their needs.

It is no different today. To have the Fathers face shining upon us shows that he watches over his children the same as a loving parent watches over and is ready, at any given time, to step into their child’s life.

Countenance means support. How wonderful is it that God has placed on the heart of the spiritual leaders to pray this benediction over His people so that we will be assured we have Gods support every day?

And He would bring them peace. They were told at the end of prayer times that God would give them peace. Peace no matter what they needed, what problems they had, what situation they were in. God promised to bring them peace and that is still what God is promising us today.

Loving Father in Heaven,

How blessed am I that my Pastor chooses to give the Lords blessing to us every Sunday? Thank you Lord for placing the desire in my Pastors heart to want to declare the blessing over his (and your) sheep.

Because I am your child, this prayer reminds me that you, through the Pastors mouth, are blessing me, loving me and always watching over me. You know what my needs are and I can relax knowing that you are right there with me, being my strength and my support.

Through this prayer God is reminding me of the Trinity and that all three had a part of the blessing.

God, the Father blesses us and keeps his children.

God, the Son makes God’s face to shine on us and brings us grace.

God, the Holy Spirit leads us in the way God wants us to live and gives us peace.

Thank you Father, that even today, you place in the hearts of our Spiritual Leaders to declare this benediction over their congregations.

I love and have faith in you that I am blessed and that I am your child. For that I am truly thankful.

In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, I pray.

Amen

Matthew 6:

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (KJV)

Did The Lord tell us to pray this particular prayer everyday? No! He told us to pray like this.

As a child, I was taught this particular scripture as a prayer and we did pray it every day. That was good because I learned that God was wonderful and that even though he is in Heaven, he still looks after us.

As I aged, I learned that he was the one supplying my food. I realized that he forgave me and that as he forgave me, I too should forgive people who treated me wrong. I realized that I should ask for the Lords help when I was facing a temptation and that he had the power to lead me away from that evil because he and he alone is the King with the power.

The Lord however, did not want us to mindlessly repeat the same prayer over and over again, once we learned the value of prayer.

In this scripture, he gave it as an example of what to ask for. We are to thank The Lord everyday for all the wonderful blessings he gives us and to have a daily time with him.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you Lord that we have words of the Bible to teach us about you.

As a child it was wonderful to repeat this particular prayer everyday because even though I had no idea at all of what I was saying, the words were being imbedded in my heart.

As I grew older and started to know you, I used this particular prayer to talk to you. It covered all of the aspects that were needed to be covered in my day.

Once I became a Christian, I finally learned how to pray in others way, for which I am thankful. I realized that you don’t want me to say the same words over and over again because after a few times, the prayer just becomes repetitive words and then I am not even paying attention to what I am praying.

But I do thank you Father for the privilege of learning it in school, as it was the beginning of a lifetime loving you. I pray Father that although scripture is no longer allowed in schools, that every child will have the opportunity through other ways to hear and learn what a wonderful Father you are and how you meet our needs daily and you do all of this for your love for us.

All for your Glory.

In the name of Jesus, Lord and Saviour of my life, I pray.

Amen