The Week in Prayer

When we are sick or hurting and can't make a "prayer connection" with God, He uses others to demonstrate how much He cares for us. It is during those times that we need to be close to somebody who knows how to get close to Jesus, someone who regularly sits at His feet and worships Him.

- Tony Evans, "God, Do You Really Care?"

Lord, thank you for blessing my life with people who have stood in the gap on my behalf. Please help me to be one of those people for others. Open my eyes to those around me who are hurting and in need, and help me be willing to make myself available to them.

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If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

~John 15:19

Lord, does the world love me as its own? I confess, there are times I want it to. I want to be such a part of what's going on in the world...the latest gadgets, products, etc. Forgive me for falling into the trap of consumerism, all because I want to be part of the world. I want to fit in and look a certain part...all so the world will love me. Lord, I confess my pride and vanity. I have seen what wanting to fit in brings...recognized, finally, the destruction it's wrought on my household.

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...you can obey God whether you feel like it or not. Hormones, weariness, and even illness are not justification before God to be disrespectful or to sin in any other way...Be especially cautious of your words, tone of voice, and countenance as you speak to your husband. Your words should be wholesome and edifying. Your tone of voice should be gentle and calm. Your countenance (a smile or pleasant expression) should show respect even when you disagree with him or he is obviously sinning.

~Martha Peace, "The Excellent Wife"

Lord, I know I'm often short and frustrated with R. Help me to put my own selfishness aside and focus on his needs and feelings. I've thought the Biblical wife model was too constraining and not practical for a modern woman. Lord, forgive my pride and self-righteousness! Help me to follow your example and commands.

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Lord, thank you for 15 years of marriage. Without you, R and I never would have made it. I praise you for the work you've done in our lives and in our marriage. You certainly have been faithful to us.

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Lord, I can't imagine the grief this family is going through. Sustain them and heal them. Grant them peace, and just love them through this.

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Lord, thank you for the gift of the Sabbath, and thank you that it is tomorrow. May I use it to worship you, to recharge my body and spirit, and to find rest for my soul.

AMEN.