Sunday, August 6, 2017

50 Crosses of Scripture

8.1.17    LORD! LORD! PRAYERS
Luke 6:46
What good is it to mouth the words, “Lord, Lord!” if you don’t live by My teachings?

So easy to preach, to praise.
So hard to put such words into action,
To actually allow them to change lives.
One small step at a time.
Make a difference.'


Help me, Lord, to take the steps to turn my words into action.  Amen. 






8.2.17    GOD-BREATHED PRAYERS
2 Tim 3:16 MSG
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.

Every verse, every passage,
A God-breathed lesson within.
But we must clear the dust,
Open, and turn the pages,
In order to learn.



May this verse remind me to maintain the discipline of seeking your Word, Lord.  Amen.





8.3.17    WITHOUT LOVE PRAYERS
1 Cor 13:4 MSG
No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

No matter what I say,
No matter what I believe,
No matter what I do…
Without LOVE as the foundation,
Nothing matters.
Can’t say it any better. 



Let me show love, be love, and radiate love, Lord, with your love as the core of it all.  Amen.  





8.4.17  TEMPERED PRAYERS

Romans 5:3-4 V
We celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know when we suffer we develop endurance, which shapes our characters…we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness.

Tempered steel has strength
Not found in the unfired.
Trials and challenges
Temper our faith to higher levels
Of compassion, hope, and trust.



I lean on you, Lord, during the hard times, knowing my faith will be strengthened.  Amen. 





8.5.17    CHRIST IN ME PRAYERS
Galatians 2:20 GNT
It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.  This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God.

Like the interwoven lines
Of Celtic tradition,
Christ and I are entwined.
May I keep the lines interlocked
One always a part of the other.








Live in and through me, Lord.  Amen. 



8.6.17 PATIENCE PRAYERS
Psalm 37:7 GNT
Be patient and wait for the Lord to act.

Our time frame, God.
Hurry up and get busy.
We can’t wait!
Your clock runs too slowly!
Patience!  Restraint!
God-time is ALWAYS best-time.

Lord, grant us the patience and trust to wait, knowing you are present in our waiting.  Amen.  



8.7.17   Worry Prayers
Philippians 4:6 MSG
Instead of worrying, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.

Worry too much?
Transform the worry into trust,
With prayer the result.
Switch the stress to God -


Who has the power to handle it.

I give you my concerns, Lord, along with my trust.  Amen.   






8.8.17  Ask Prayers
James 4:2 GNT
You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it.


Funny thing…
God knows what we need.
Why doesn’t God just give it?
It’s a matter of trust.
A matter of relationship.

Lord, everything is a gift from above and we know it is granted to grateful hearts. Amen.  


8.9.17  In My Name Prayers
John 16:24 MSG
Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you.

In my name.
According to my will.
Two catch phrases that prevent
God from being Santa Claus.
We have to ask with hearts
Set right with God.




May all I do and say, all I ask, be according to your will, Lord.  Amen. 






8.10.17  Abiding Prayers

John 15:7 V
If you abide in Me and My voice abides in you, anything you ask will come to pass for you.

Walk hand in hand with God.
Live with God in your heart.
Listen to the voice of God.
This is to abide.
This is faith.



May the door to my heart always be open to let God in.  Amen.  



8.11.17  Discouraged Prayers
Luke 18:1 GNT
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged.

Things are tough, God.
     Talk to me.  
I’m not sure what to do, Lord.
     Pray.
Life is scary and hard.
     Don’t be discouraged.
     I’m here.


May I keep watch, Lord, for your presence, especially when times are tough.  Amen.




8.12.17  Challenge Prayers




Luke 21:36 GNT
Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through…

Go safely through what, Lord?
      Doors of challenge and trial,
      Moments of doubt and uncertainty.
      Pray and remember that
      I am here with you.




When the going gets tough, Lord, help me remember that you are right beside me.  Amen.   

 

8.13.17  Grace and Mercy Prayers

Hebrews 4:16 GNT
Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace.  There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.

Coincidence?  Perhaps.
More often God-grace
with God-timing.
God in action
how and when we need it. 

Thank you, God, for your ever-timely mercy and grace.  Amen.









8.14.17  Everything Prayers

Ephesians 6:18 V
Pray always.  Pray in the Spirit.  Pray about everything in every way you know how!

Pray ‘round the clock.
Pray to Father-Son-Spirit.
Pray for Family, Community,
Country, World.


Just do it!

Lord, I am slowly realizing that prayers are answered…in your time and in your grace.  Amen.  




8.15.17   God-Glory Prayers
John 14:13 GNT
And I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son. 

Ask in God-name,
Recognize God-actions.
Share the glory of God-response.


Proclaim God-alive in our world.




God, may I proclaim your presence and activity in my life that your glory is revealed.  Amen. 


8.16.17  Knock-Knock Prayers

Luke 11:9 GNT


And so I say to you: Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Knock, knock!
   Who’s there?
God.
   God who?


God who wants you to 
OPEN THE DOOR!




Lord, we know you are waiting for us to crack the door open and find your open arms.  Amen.  




8.17.17  NO BARGAIN PRAYERS
Luke 11:10 MSG
Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.

Is happiness on sale, God?
What about a trade?
Can I work off a little forgiveness?
Just ASK.
I don’t bargain.
Salvation-Grace is always in the store.


Thank you, God, for always being open with no strings attached. Amen.





8.18.17 RESURRECTION PRAYERS

1Thessalonians 4:14 GNT
We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him.

The resurrection promise -
Of life with God in the hereafter
Brings a sense of comfort
When I consider those who
have made the journey recently.



Lord, I know Mom and Genia are safely in your embrace. Amen. 



8.19.17 CALENDAR PRAYERS
1 Thess 5:2 MSG
The day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would.

We are so schedule governed, God.
Haste driven, appointment directed.
Do we even make time for the cross?
Your calendar is a blessing,
Marking patience and presence.


Lord, help me operate on God-time with God-calendar. Amen.


8.20.17  Sun and Moon Prayers

Genesis 1:16 MSG
God made two big lights, the larger to take charge of Day, the smaller to be in charge of Night.
The sun by day
And the moon by night.
What happens when one
blocks the other
And day becomes night?
Tomorrow is ‘apoca-clipse’
At least according to the news-hype.
May we remember our Creator in the midst of hype and simply stand in awe and wonder at the workings of your universe, Lord. 







8.21.17 Eclipse Prayers

Amos 5:8 GNT
The Lord made the stars, the Pleiades and Orion. He turns darkness into daylight and day into night.
Be it a sign of imminent doom
Or a celebration of God’s Creative glory,
The moon-shadow passing over America
Will cause all to stop and wonder.


May all my senses be receptive to the quiet awe of this celestial event. Amen. 



8.22.17  MORNING PRAYERS
Psalm 148:3,5
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, you morning stars…
Praise! Oh let them praise the name of God…

Mornings are one of God’s special gifts
To those willing to leave the comfort of bed.
The glow of impending sunrise against
The fading black of sky-jewelry -
planets, moon, and stars.
Good morning, God.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of early morning. Amen.
8.23.17  ENCOURAGING PRAYERS
1 Thess 5:11 MSG
..Speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope….

A simple word, a phrase or two;
We know not the significance to another.
But it might be what gives someone the hope
To look beyond today
To tomorrow’s promise.

Help me remember, God, the gift of a simple word of encouragement. Amen.


8.24.17  ABUNDANCE PRAYERS


Luke 12:18 V
I’ll tear down my small barns and build even bigger ones, and then I’ll have plenty of storage space for my grain and all my other goods.

Summer squash in abundance.
No space for more zuke bread or cakes.
Buy a bigger freezer to squirrel the wealth away?
No! Share plenty with friends and neighbors.
(If they’ll take it!)
God provides in abundance when we are generous.


Thank you, Lord, for the abundant harvest this summer season. Amen.

8.25.17  THIEF PRAYERS
2 Peter 3:10 V
The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night..

We know not when
Or how or where.
Perhaps stealthily and hidden,
The Day of the Lord will appear,
When we least expect it.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

May I conduct myself each day as if the Kingdom lingers behind each corner. Amen.



8.26.17  HOLY PRAYERS

2 Peter 3:11-12 GNT, MSG
Your lives should be holy and dedicated to God. Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival.

Holy lives. God-filled living.
Life expecting God
In every moment, every encounter.
If we are looking for God,
We will find God.


You are present, Lord, in everything. May I eagerly seek your presence. Amen.

8.27.17   LOVE PRAYERS
1 Peter 4:8 MSG
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.

Love each other -
In all things, through all circumstances.
With love, we can conquer all obstacles.
With love, we can turn apathy into hope.

Help me love fully and wholly, Lord. Amen.


8.28.17  BUILDING PRAYERS
1 Peter 4:9 MSG
Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless – cheerfully.

I start building today -
A bed for a family
Struggling to find affordable housing
A place for meals and laughter.
May I build with a cheerful smile.



Thank you, God, for the joy working for Habitat for Humanity brings me. Amen. 









8.29.17   INCONVENIENT PRAYERS
2 Tim 4:2 TLB
..preach the Word of God urgently at all times, whenever you get the chance, in season and out, when it is convenient and when it is not..

When it is convenient AND
when it is not…
How often do we use the latter excuse
And fail to acknowledge the source
Of our joy, comfort, and grace?

May I glorify you in the uncomfortable and inconvenient moments, God. Amen. 








8.30.17    HEART AND SOUL PRAYERS
Mark 8:36 TLB
And how does a man benefit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in the process?

What does it mean to lose one’s soul?
It’s not a matter of a weak heart,
But a different kind of blockage
That puts a wall between us and God.
Our soul is set adrift in the process.

Lord, may I not let material things or matters separate me from you.  










8.31.17   LEARNED PRAYERS
Ecc 1:18 MSG
Much learning earns you much trouble. The more you know, the more you hurt.

Ignorance is bliss’
Or so the saying goes.
What we don’t know
Can’t cause us pain or discomfort.
But ignorance can also result
in apathy and no response.
Sometimes pain is necessary.

Let the hurt of awareness stir me to action, Lord. Amen. 







9.1.17    RAVEN PRAYERS
Luke 12:24 MSG
­Look to the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job-description, carefree in the care of God…

Basic needs is all we need.
Not latest fashions or upscale menus.
Too much comfort builds a wall
That separates us from God.
Fly free like the birds.

Help me approach life with the freedom of the birds, Lord. Amen.










9.2.17   TREASURE PRAYERS

Luke 12:34 MSG
The place where your treasure is, is the place where you will most want to be, and end-up being.

What do I treasure?
Things? Places? Relationships?
Does God make the list?
Our lives are the mirror of our treasure chest.
What do we see in the reflection?

Help me to live what I treasure most, Lord, - YOU. Amen.
9.3.17  VOLUNTEER PRAYERS


James 1:5 MSG
If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help.

Sometimes when I volunteer
On a construction site
I’m out of my comfort zone and unsure.
A quick prayer often will suffice
To give me the confidence to continue.


Thank you, God, for your help, whatever the circumstance. Amen.









9.4.17   BRIDGE PRAYERS

Psalm 103:10 MSG
As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is God’s love to those who fear him.

Heaven to earth, infinite universe;
Inmeasurable stretches of time and space.
God can bridge all such distances
With boundless grace and love.



Knowing the strength and reach of your love fills me with hope, Lord. Amen.

9.5.17  TRUST PRAYERS

Romans 10:13 MSG
No one who trusts God like this – heart and soul – will ever regret it.’

Complete trust is so hard, Lord.
We want to hold on to our control,
Even when it really doesn’t exist.
But heart and soul trust -
when truly practiced -
Can turn our lives around in unimaginable ways.


Help me trust, Lord, and let go of my need for control. Amen. 







9.6.17   SUBMISSION PRAYERS
James 4:7 V
So submit yourselves to the one true God and fight against the devil and his schemes.

Submit. Give in.
Not phrases we like to hear.
But submission to God means release
From the prison of our own
Self-Centeredness.

Help me, Lord, submit to your call and purpose for my life. Amen.
9.7.17   NEARNESS PRAYERS
James 4:8 GNT
Come near to God, and he will come near to you.

Draw near, Lord,
to those who grieve -
Loss of mothers and fathers,
Loss of home to hurricane and flame,
Loss of homeland to politics.
We seek your comfort and presence.

So much sadness over this past weekend, God. May we draw near to you for comfort and hope. Amen.
9.8.17   OPEN DOOR PRAYERS
Rev 3:20 GNT
Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me.

What an honor it would be
To open the door and find God -
Waiting to come inside
And share my dinner meal.
What a blessing!

God, help me realize it is you standing at the door whenever I invite another to share my meal. Amen.


9.9.17   ARMOR PRAYERS
Ephesians 6:11 V
Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes.

A full armor of God
Looks nothing like military gear.
God’s armor is built of
Love, Charity, Patience, and Honor.
God’s armor will proof
Victorious in the long run.

Lord, help me wear your armor, especially the shield of love. Amen.
9.10.17  CHANGE PRAYERS
Isaiah 55:7 GNT
Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking.

Change is inevitable;
But the kind of change God wants
Means a change of heart and soul.
It means a transformation from the old
To embrace a new life,
A resurrection life of God-grace.

Change my thinking, Lord, change my heart, to better reflect your love.

9.11.17   LIVING PRAYERS
Galatians 2:20 GNT
It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.

Christ alive in me
Means living beyond oneself -
Living unselfishly
And with abundant love.
My life and Christ -
Intertwined together.

Live through me and in me, Lord. Amen.
9.12.17  DECREE PRAYERS
Isaiah 55:8-9 MSG
I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work. God’s decree.

God’s creative imagination
Soars miles beyond our way of thought.
We can only hope to fashion our minds
To a degree of such thinking
And then act accordingly.

Teach me, O Lord, to think as you think – with ultimate grace and forgiveness and love. Amen.

9.13.17  EXISTENCE PRAYERS
Hebrews 11:6 MSG
It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. Why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
God is real.
God loves and cares.
Our part of the relationship is to believe -
To have the faith in the unseen,
To approach God with the conviction
That God exists.
Open our eyes and hearts to witness the confirmation of your existence, Lord, in the multitude of affirmations you give daily. Amen.

9.14.17  CLOUD OF WITNESS PRAYERS 
Hebrews 12:1 GNT
As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way...and let us run with determination the race that lies before us.
We are challenged in the Race of Life -
Hills and valleys, joys and trials.
But we are surrounded,
enveloped in a cloud of support -
The friends, family, and unknown who
Run the race beside us.
As I run my own race, Lord, help me encourage those running with me. In your name. Amen.

9.15.17  FIRST and BEST PRAYERS 

Proverbs 3:9 MSG
Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.
God should get our best -
The first portion of our paycheck,
The best of our talents and heart.
No leftovers, but the main meal;
Not ‘if I have time’, but first hours.
After all, we are simply returning
What has been already been given.
Thank you, God, for giving me YOUR best, your first and only. May I respond in kind. Amen.

9.16.17  BRIMMING OVER PRAYERS
Luke 6:38 V
Don’t hold back – give freely, and you’ll have plenty poured back into your lap – a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, brimming over. 
  
My life overflows with blessings -
Friends, family, shelter, grace.
It’s time to return a small measure
Of such abundance
To those who seek Christ’s presence.

May my work with Habitat be one way I can give freely in your name, Lord. Amen.  

9.17.17   TALK and ACTION PRAYERS

James 2:17 MSG
Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

I’ve done more than enough
in the God-talk line;
Now it is time to put my words
Into action:
With hammer and nails,
Tape and saw,
And make God-acts my aim.

Help me, Lord, see your face in the eyes of each homeowner and continue to provide hope in your name. Amen.


9.18.17   FAITH and WORKS PRAYERS

James 2:18 MSG
Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.

A hand in a glove can signify
Two opposing parameters:
White for perhaps privilege and wealth,
Or the tales of a well worn work glove -
Marking a partnership of labor and effort.
May my gloves be filled with holes
From my faith being put into action.

May my fingers of faith toil in work gloves that bring about positive change for others. Amen.










9.19.17   ALPHA OMEGA PRAYERS

Revelation 22:13
I’m the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

My prayers begin, my prayers end -
Abba Father...Amen.
Until another day,
Another drawing,
Another manner in which to talk to my God.

Lord, may I Alpha and Omega my day in conversation with you. Amen.

9.20.17    FULL LIFE PRAYERS
Ephesians 3:19 MSG
Reach out and experience the breadth of Christ’s love! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
When we reach beyond ourselves,
test ourselves, and stretch to new horizons,
We find God ready and willing to meet us there -
With a fullness of ability and heart
That marks a life lived in the love of God.
Help me push beyond my self-imposed limits, Lord, to the realization of your love, grace, and power. Amen. 

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