Prayer 12/10/23

We bow before you, heavenly Father with reverence, a holy fear and adoration b/c you have made us to be your own. We consider the words of Peter who wrote:

1 Peter 1:3–5 NASB95

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

We take great delight in knowing that your greatest joy is to be the God and Father of our LJC. How pleased you are in your beloved Son: the radiance of your glory, the perfect expression of your holy love, the true prophet, the Great High Priest, the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.

We thank and praise you for not merely telling us that we must be born again, but that you cause us to be born again thru the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We could never raise our hearts from deadness but you drew us to Jesus and thru your HS regenerate our hearts-giving us new life.

We thank you for this living hope of a glorious inheritance; the new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells; for imperishable and immortal bodies; for perfect spirits free from the corruption of sin; for eternity of blessedness of being with you—the hope of this inheritance helps us navigate thru the pleasures and pains of this present life.

We recognize how you keep this inheritance safe for us in heaven but you are guarding us as well on earth thru your mighty power. You are indeed that strong refuge of security in a broken and hostile world where people are seeking security in fragile relationships, temporary pleasures, unfulfilling vocations, fleeting possessions, and overrated accomplishments.

But our future is secure and eternally glorious and all-satisfying b/c our Savior is Your Son—in whom you are well pleased.

Lord, we thank you now for your holy Word. The psalmist writes: Psalm 119:130 “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Give us understanding so that we would live our lives under your approval and blessing we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.