DRAFT: PREPARING FOR PRAYER 12 09 24
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Preparing for Prayer DECEMBER 9 2024
My Heavenly Father, May Your Name be Kept Holy (Matthew 6.9). I prostrate myself before You and declare that all that I am praises Your Holy Name (Psalm 103.1). YOU are King of the universe. I declare that the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it; the world and all its people belong to the LORD (Psalm 24:1). I declare that You are worthy, My Father GOD, to receive glory and honor and praise. For you created all things and everything exists because you created what you pleased (Revelation 4:11). I honor You, FATHER GOD, as Holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). I Praise and Magnify YOUR Holy Name (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2). YOU are Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” (Revelation 1:8). YOU are the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13). YOU are glorified and I present myself as YOUR humble servant. Father, YOU become greater and greater in my life as I become less and less (John 3:30).
Just like Abraham pleaded with GOD for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33); Just like Moses prayed for the Israelites (Exodus 32:9-14); Just like Aaron followed Moses’ instructions when he stood between the dead and the living and the plague among the which the Israelites incurred because of their complaining and disobedience stopped (Numbers 16:46 -48); Just like Samuel prayed for Israel (I Samuel 7:5-9; I Samuel 12:19-23); Just like Job prayed for his friends (Job 42:10), FATHER, GOD, I, Earlene Marian Richardson McNair, pray for Antwoin Renard McNair, Sr, Ivry Brown McNair, Antwoin Renard McNair, Jr, Ashley McNair Warren, Antonia McNair Branch, my daughter, Brittany Alicia McNair, my son, Earl William McNair, all members of my family and their families, my friends and their families, people YOU placed in my path while I journey in this life and their families, and God’s children and their families not only in my circle, but also, around the world. I confess that we, each one of us as an individual, and we, collectively with a group of people have committed sins (I John 1:9). If we claim that we never sinned, then we are calling YOU, GOD, a liar, we are fooling ourselves and not telling the truth which demonstrates that your WORD has no place in our hearts (I John 1:8; I John 1:10). YOUR Word says that if we confess our sins to YOU; You are faithful and just to forgive us all our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and wickedness (I John 1:9). JESUS, YOU said that everything hidden will eventually be brought into the open and every secret will be brought to light (Mark 4:22). We know that even our secret sins are spread out before YOU and YOU see them all (Psalm 90:8; I John 1:9). JESUS said, For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all (Matthew 10:26). I ask You to shine Your HOLY SPIRIT spotlight on our hearts and convict us of all our sins and unrighteousness (John 16:7 -11). I ask You to create in us clean hearts, O God; Renew a loyal spirit within us; Do not banish us from your presence; and don’t take your Holy Spirit from us (Psalm 51:10-11).
I stand before YOU and ask that YOU forgive us every sin we committed as an individual and forgive us those sins we committed collectively with a group of people.
New Living Translation Chapter 4
Warning about Self-Confidence
13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.
17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Lord, please forgive us of those times when we knew what we should do to honor YOU; but, we neglected to do it which is a sin of omission (James 4:17). Forgive us those times when YOU told us to do something at that precise moment and we procrastinated by either hesitating or waiting which is a sin of omission (James 4:13- 16). JESUS, Forgive us those times when YOU told us to do something and we gave YOU an excuse, walked away, did not do it, and acted like the two men who YOU called in Luke 9:59-62 which is a sin of omission. Forgive us for those sins we committed when we tried living like the rest of the world—which means we were obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world which is a sin of commission (Ephesians 2:2). Forgive us those times when we acted, like King Saul, were impatient, disobedient, and acted without YOUR blessings (I Samuel 13:8-10). Forgive us those times when we were, like King Saul, were disobedient, did not follow YOUR commands, and did not follow YOUR Word (I Samuel 13:13). Forgive us those times when we were rebellious by resisting or going against either YOUR authority or YOUR Word which is as sinful as witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23). Forgive us those times when we obeyed the devil, conducted ourselves based on the world’s point of view (Ephesians 2:2). Forgive us those times when we were stubborn by refusing to change our behaviors, minds, and attitudes to align with YOUR WORD, which is as bad as worshiping idols (I Samuel 15:23). Thank YOU, FATHER, for sending YOUR representative, the HOLY SPIRIT, as our Comforter and Advocate. HE speaks not of his own but will tell us what he has heard, tell us our future, teach us everything, and guide us into all the truth (John 14:17; John 14: 25-26; John 16:13). By faith, We have the SPIRIT of GOD living in us so we are controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT and constantly think on things that please the SPIRIT. We declare that the HOLY SPIRIT has control over our minds so we can continue living each day and have peace (Romans 8:5-6).
FATHER GOD, YOU detest and hate the proud who will certainly receive punishment (Proverbs 16:5). LORD, YOU rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed (Psalm 119:21). LORD, forgive us those times when we committed sins that YOU detest; haughty, proud eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, figuratively and literally, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who sows discord in a family (Proverbs 6:16 -19). JESUS, warned us “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father (Matthew 6:1). Forgive us of all the times we tried to appear righteous or were prideful in public; were arrogant or prideful; thought or displayed a superior attitude and was conceited; disregarded the worth of others; embraced self-sufficiency and did not depend on YOU (Matthew 6:1). Forgive us of those times we loved the praise of man more than the praise of GOD (John12:43). JESUS said, What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). Forgive us of those times when we acted, prayed, spoke, or thought about either ourselves or others more like the prideful Pharisee, rather than the humble tax collector (Luke 18:11-14). Solomon wrote Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). FATHER GOD, I know YOU oppose the proud but gives grace to the humble (I Peter 5:5; James 4:6).
With a repentant heart and a remorseful spirit, I seek the Kingdom of GOD above all else and strive to live righteously (Matthew 6:33). JESUS said, Repent of your sins, turn to GOD, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near (Matthew 4:17). JESUS said, Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of GOD. (Luke 9:62). Make me into a person who always repents of my sins, turns to YOU, FATHER GOD, and does not look back so I can be in the Kingdom of Heaven and be fit for the Kingdom of GOD. JESUS said, God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs (Matthew 5:3). I declare that my dependence is upon YOU today and every day.
I acknowledge that only YOU can bring the Kingdom of GOD to Earth. May YOUR Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2). I pray for the consummation of God’s kingdom, for my LORD, JESUS, is to come again and make all things new. I pray for Heaven to come down to Earth and become one with YOU, JESUS CHRIST, as KING (Revelation 21:1-4).
I look forward to a New Heaven and New Earth a world filled with GOD’s righteousness (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-2) where the old Heaven and Earth disappear (Revelation 21:1); where Christ will destroy every ruler and authority and power (I Corinthians 15:24); where Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet (I Corinthians 15:24); where the last enemy to be destroyed is death (I Corinthians 15:26); where GOD’s home is among HIS people (Revelation 21:3); where GOD will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed (Revelation 21:4). I believe the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then, we will be with the Lord forever. (I Thessalonians 4:15 – 18). I look forward to a time when we can say the world has now become the Kingdom of our LORD and of his CHRIST, and HE will reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15).
(Numbers 14:21)
Preparing for Prayer DECEMBER 8 2024
My Heavenly Father, May Your Name be Kept Holy (Matthew 6.9). I prostrate myself before You and declare that all that I am praises Your Holy Name (Psalm 103.1). YOU are King of the universe. I declare that the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it; the world and all its people belong to the LORD (Psalm 24:1). I declare that You are worthy, My Father GOD, to receive glory and honor and praise. For you created all things and everything exists because you created what you pleased (Revelation 4:11). I honor You, FATHER GOD, as Holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). I Praise and Magnify YOUR Holy Name (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2). YOU are Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” (Revelation 1:8). YOU are the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13). YOU are glorified and I present myself as YOUR humble servant. Father, YOU become greater and greater in my life as I become less and less (John 3:30).
Just like Abraham pleaded with GOD for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33); Just like Moses prayed for the Israelites (Exodus 32:9-14); Just like Samuel prayed for Israel (I Samuel 7:5-9; I Samuel 12:19-23); Just like Job prayed for his friends (Job 42:10), FATHER, GOD, I, Earlene Marian Richardson McNair, pray for Antwoin Renard McNair, Sr, Ivry Brown McNair, Antwoin Renard McNair, Jr, Ashley McNair Warren, Antonia McNair Branch, my daughter, Brittany Alicia McNair, my son, Earl William McNair, all members of my family and their families, my friends and their families, people YOU placed in my path while I journey in this life and their families, and God’s children and their families not only in my circle, but also, around the world. I confess that we, each one of us as an individual, and we, collectively with a group of people have committed sins (I John 1:9). If we claim that we never sinned, then we are calling YOU, GOD, a liar, we are fooling ourselves and not telling the truth which demonstrates that your WORD has no place in our hearts (I John 1:8; I John 1:10). YOUR Word says that if we confess our sins to YOU; You are faithful and just to forgive us all our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and wickedness (I John 1:9). JESUS, YOU said that everything hidden will eventually be brought into the open and every secret will be brought to light (Mark 4:22). We know that even our secret sins are spread out before YOU and YOU see them all (Psalm 90:8; I John 1:9). JESUS said, For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all (Matthew 10:26). I ask You to shine Your HOLY SPIRIT spotlight on our hearts and convict us of all our sins and unrighteousness (John 16:7 -11). I ask You to create in us clean hearts, O God; Renew a loyal spirit within us; Do not banish us from your presence; and don’t take your Holy Spirit from us (Psalm 51:10-11).
I stand before YOU and ask that YOU forgive us every sin we committed as an individual and forgive us those sins we committed collectively with a group of people. Just like JESUS asked YOU to forgive Lord, please forgive us of those times when we knew what we should do to honor YOU; but, we neglected to do it which is a sin of omission (James 4:17). Forgive us those times when YOU told us to do something at that precise moment and we procrastinated by either hesitating or waiting which is a sin of omission (James 4:13- 16). JESUS, Forgive us those times when YOU told us to do something and we gave YOU an excuse, walked away, did not do it, and acted like the two men who YOU called in Luke 9:59-62 which is a sin of omission. Forgive us for those sins we committed when we tried living like the rest of the world—which means we were obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world which is a sin of commission (Ephesians 2:2). On the cross, JESUS said, Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34). Forgive us those times we, as an individual and collective with a group of people, committed sins out of ignorance. Forgive us those times when we acted, like King Saul, were impatient, disobedient, and acted without YOUR blessings (I Samuel 13:8-10). Forgive us those times when we were, like King Saul, were disobedient, did not follow YOUR commands, and did not follow YOUR Word (I Samuel 13:13). Forgive us those times when we were rebellious by resisting or going against either YOUR authority or YOUR Word which is as sinful as witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23). Forgive us those times when we obeyed the devil, conducted ourselves based on the world’s point of view (Ephesians 2:2). Forgive us those times when we were stubborn by refusing to change our behaviors, minds, and attitudes to align with YOUR WORD, which is as bad as worshiping idols (I Samuel 15:23). Thank YOU, FATHER, for sending YOUR representative, the HOLY SPIRIT, as our Comforter and Advocate. HE speaks not of his own but will tell us what he has heard, tell us our future, teach us everything, and guide us into all the truth (John 14:17; John 14: 25-26; John 16:13). By faith, We have the SPIRIT of GOD living in us so we are controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT and constantly think on things that please the SPIRIT. We declare that the HOLY SPIRIT has control over our minds so we can continue living each day and have peace (Romans 8:5-6).
FATHER GOD, YOU detest and hate the proud who will certainly receive punishment (Proverbs 16:5). LORD, YOU rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed (Psalm 119:21). LORD, forgive us those times when we committed sins that YOU detest; haughty, proud eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, figuratively and literally, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who sows discord in a family (Proverbs 6:16 -19). JESUS, warned us “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father (Matthew 6:1). Forgive us of all the times we tried to appear righteous or were prideful in public; were arrogant or prideful; thought or displayed a superior attitude and was conceited; disregarded the worth of others; embraced self-sufficiency and did not depend on YOU (Matthew 6:1). Forgive us of those times we loved the praise of man more than the praise of GOD (John12:43). JESUS said, What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). Forgive us of those times when we acted, prayed, spoke, or thought about either ourselves or others more like the prideful Pharisee, rather than the humble tax collector (Luke 18:11-14). Solomon wrote Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). FATHER GOD, I know YOU oppose the proud but gives grace to the humble (I Peter 5:5; James 4:6).
With a repentant heart and a remorseful spirit, I seek the Kingdom of GOD above all else and strive to live righteously (Matthew 6:33). JESUS said, Repent of your sins, turn to GOD, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near (Matthew 4:17). JESUS said, Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of GOD. (Luke 9:62). Make me into a person who always repents of my sins, turns to YOU, FATHER GOD, and does not look back so I can be in the Kingdom of Heaven and be fit for the Kingdom of GOD. JESUS said, God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs (Matthew 5:3). I declare that my dependence is upon YOU today and every day.
I acknowledge that only YOU can bring the Kingdom of GOD to Earth. May YOUR Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2). I pray for the consummation of God’s kingdom, for my LORD, JESUS, is to come again and make all things new. I pray for Heaven to come down to Earth and become one with YOU, JESUS CHRIST, as KING (Revelation 21:1-4).
I look forward to a New Heaven and New Earth a world filled with GOD’s righteousness (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-2) where the old Heaven and Earth disappear (Revelation 21:1); where Christ will destroy every ruler and authority and power (I Corinthians 15:24); where Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet (I Corinthians 15:24); where the last enemy to be destroyed is death (I Corinthians 15:26); where GOD’s home is among HIS people (Revelation 21:3); where GOD will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed (Revelation 21:4). I believe the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then, we will be with the Lord forever. (I Thessalonians 4:15 – 18). I look forward to a time when we can say the world has now become the Kingdom of our LORD and of his CHRIST, and HE will reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15).
As I wait and anticipate the Second Coming of my King, JESUS CHRIST, my desire is to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. Until Christ is fully developed in my life, I strive to live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God (Titus 2:12; Galatians 4:19). I yearn to live a life of goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Since the Lord’s return will come unexpectantly like a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10), I must be always be ready (Matthew 24:44) like JESUS said, on guard, stay alert, remain clearheaded, stay protected by the armor of faith and love, and wear as my helmet the confidence of my salvation (I Thessalonians 5: 6-8). May whatever I do and say represent my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, (Colossians 3:17) so that GOD would consider my life worthy (I Thessalonians 2:12). I look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed (Titus 2:13). I pray that the kingdom which is to come to your saints and righteous ones also comes to me and I can share in YOUR Kingdom and glory (I Thessalonians 2:12). JESUS said, when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-32). JESUS called those who sit at his right hand the righteous ones. JESUS said, Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world (Matthew 25:34). While I am here on earth, I ask YOU to lead, guide, and shape me into someone worthy enough to sit at your right hand; a righteous one. (Matthew 25: 31-33).
LORD, my life is not my own. I am not able to plan my own course (Jeremiah 10:23). I believe the Word of GOD that says YOUR thoughts are nothing like my thoughts. YOUR ways are far beyond anything I could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so YOUR ways are higher than my ways and YOUR thoughts higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). I know that GOD’s will in heaven is absolute and perfect all the time. However, I know that I oftentimes make mistakes by following my will down here on Earth. I ask You to create in me a clean heart, O God; Renew a loyal spirit within me; Do not banish me from your presence; and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me (Psalm 51:10-11).
Each day I desire to act, behave, speak, and think in ways that honor YOU so that my life and body will be acceptable worship and a holy sacrifice to YOU (Romans 12:1); so I will bring honor to GOD (Philippians 1:20). Each day remind me that my body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT; I belong to GOD and not myself; JESUS purchased the price of my freedom so I must honor GOD with my body (I Corinthians 6:19-20).
(Hebrews 10:14; I Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7)
New Living Translation Chapter 10
14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
New Living Translation Chapter 1
30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
New Living Translation Chapter 1
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Thank You for sending Your son JESUS to give me a new heart and a new spirit by removing my stony, stubborn heart and replacing it with a tender responsive heart (Ezekiel 11:19). JESUS YOU said, When YOU went away that YOU would send the HOLY SPIRIT to me. Thank YOU HOLY SPIRIT for convicting me of my sins, GOD’s righteousness, and the coming judgment (John 16:8) so that I continue following YOUR decrees and obey YOUR Word (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Thank YOU for the HOLY SPIRIT who pleads for me in harmony with YOUR will (Romans 8:27). HOLY SPIRIT, search me, make me aware of, and remove any behavior or customs I embrace that mimic the world’s standards. Then, YOU, GOD, transform me into a new person by changing the way I think (Romans 12:2). YOU become greater and greater in my life as I become less and less (John 3.30). I ask that YOUR will be done here on Earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10).
While I was yet in sin and I viewed myself as being a good and righteous person, YOU saw me as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Father, on this day, I bow before YOU, worship YOU, and praise YOUR HOLY NAME for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Thank You from the depth of my soul for looking down from Heaven and sending Your Son, JESUS, who knew no sins to be the sacrificial Lamb of GOD for my sins (John 1:29; Romans 3:25; I John 4:10, Peter 1:19) so I could become Your child (2 Corinthians 5:21). While I was a slave to sin, YOU sent JESUS to buy my freedom (Galatians 4:4-5). Thank YOU for loving me enough to send your Son, JESUS, so I could be adopted as YOUR child (Ephesians 1:5). Thank YOU, JESUS, for dying on the cross for my sins (I Peter 2:24-25). I openly declare that Jesus is my Lord and believe in my heart that GOD raised him from the dead. I believe in my heart that I have been made right with GOD. By faith, I declare publicly that I am saved (Romans 10:9-10). Now, I have YOU living in me (I John 4:14 – 15). As an adopted child of GOD, YOU made me an heir (Galatians 4:7) and together with Christ, I am an heir to GOD’S glory and must also share in his suffering (Romans 8:17). Because I am an adopted child of GOD (Galatians 4:5), YOU sent your HOLY SPIRIT to my heart (Galatians 4:6) and I received the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 4:15). I, Earlene Marian Richardson McNair, am a child of GOD so I can say Abba, Father (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6).
I ask YOU to give my daughter, Brittany Alicia McNair, my son, Earl William McNair myself, Earlene Marian Richardson McNair, my family, my friends, people YOU placed in my path as I journeyed though life, all of God’s children, not only in my circle, but also for GOD’s children everywhere in this world our life necessities so that we are sustained today and each day of our lives. I ask YOU to supply everything sufficient for our needs today and everyday (Matthew 6:11; Proverbs 30:8). Give us the strength to not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). In Psalm, David said he never saw the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread; the godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing (Psalm 37:25-26). For me, my children, and all of God’s children, not only in my circle, but also for GOD’s children everywhere in this world, I stand on Psalm 37:25-26 because all YOUR promises are backed by all the honor of YOUR name (Psalm 138.2).
FATHER GOD, I declare that everything I have both Earthly and spiritual comes from YOU (I Chronicles 29:14). My FATHER, GOD, who created all the lights in the heavens. I ask YOU to send me good and perfect gifts so the needs of my spirit, soul, and body are always met (James 1:17; I Thessalonians 5:23). As YOUR child, I know that the HOLY SPIRIT distributes spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:7) and decides which gift each person should have (I Corinthians 12:11). Just like Paul told the Church of Corinth that preaching the Gospel was his sacred trust, teach me every day to view my daily needs, my earthly things and my spiritual gifts, as my sacred trust (I Corinthians 9:17). As someone rich in this world, I want to experience a true life so teach me not to be proud and not to trust my money. Rather, I should trust GOD who richly gives us all we need for enjoyment. Show me how to use my money to do good; be rich in good works, and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. (I Timothy 6: 17-19).
Based on Biblical and moral principles, I manage, care for, am responsible for every natural resource, material resource, talent, and spiritual gift as a steward, rather than their owner. With all the riches, resources, talents, and gifts YOU give me each day, I declare that I am their steward and not their owner. Give me the guidance, wisdom, strength, and energy to be faithful and distribute these riches, resources, talents, and gifts according to YOUR Word (I Corinthians 4:2; I Peter 4:10-11). JESUS said, when someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required (Luke 12:48). Teach me to guard what has been entrusted to me (I Timothy 6:20). Give me the strength and Your Wisdom to be like the servant who received five gifts and earned five more for YOU (Matthew 25:14- 30). Just like the believers in Acts 4:32, teach me how to share everything I have as directed by YOU. Jesus said, For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. (Matthew 25:35 – 36). My prayer is that I will serve YOU faithfully (I Corinthians 4:2) so YOU can say to me: Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21). I pray that YOU send me opportunities to proclaim my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, to the World (Colossians 2:3). As I lay all my riches, natural resources, material resources, earthly resources, and spiritual gifts before YOU, I ask YOU to direct their use each day (Colossians 1:28).
Because YOU knew my past before it ever happened (I Samuel 2:3), YOU know my present as it happens in real time, and YOU already know my future before it happens (Job 23:10), I believe YOU are omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Although You placed eternity in the human heart, I, Earlene Marian Richardson McNair, cannot see the whole scope of YOUR work from its beginning to its end (Ecclesiastes 3:9-11). Since my hearing and seeing is imperfect, in part, incomplete, like puzzling reflections in a mirror (I Corinthians 13:12), Remind me each day not to rely on anything I see or hear whether it is something audio, video, or in print, whether it is on the Internet or social media, or whether it is something I observe in person. So, I must never depend on my own finite understanding and knowledge, but always trust in the LORD with all my heart, seek HIS will in all I do, and HE will show me which path to take (Proverbs 3:5 – 6). I declare that the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it; the world and all its people belong to the LORD (Psalm 24:1).
When we pray, we oftentimes think of time in finite, immediate human terms. YOU transcend our human concept of time. There are no words in our limited vocabulary to describe what time means to YOU. For YOU, LORD, a day is like a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8-9); a thousand years is like a passing day and as brief as a few hours (Psalm 90:4). Thank YOU for holding time in YOUR hands since YOU know the exact timing of all our needs (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Just like YOU delayed when You received the message from Mary and Martha about Lazarus being sick (John 11:1-6); Just like You anointed the Shepherd David at the age of 1 Samuel 16:1-13; David tells Saul that he killed lions and bears while shepherding his father’s sheep and goats (I Samuel 17:34-37); David kills Goliath (I Samuel 17:12-50; David is hunted by Saul. Thand endured many challenges before he became king at the age of , and the crowd;Be patient and wait on GOD because HE has perfect timing.;
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Php 4:6.
So, I use human words to declare that YOU are eternal, infinite, timeless, and immeasurable.
Give me the courage to not love the things of this world or what it has to offer me (I John 2:15). Give me strength to live as God’s obedient child and not slip back into my old ways of living to satisfy my own desires (I Peter 1:14). Teach me to be holy in everything I do because YOU are Holy (I Peter 1:15 – 16). As JESUS’ ambassador, Remind me each day that I represent my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS, CHRIST, so whatever I do or say must represent HIM (Colossians 3:17). Each day I must fear the LORD and turn from evil (Proverbs 3:7). Remind me each day that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of YOU (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). Teach me the fear of the LORD so I will never lack what I need (Psalm 34:11; Psalm 34:9 -10). Just like the Prophet Samuel told Saul, obedience to YOU, YOUR commands, and YOUR Word is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 5:22). Give me an open hand and an obedient heart so I can walk in YOUR Word and become a vessel for YOUR service to the world (Psalm 145:16; Isaiah 1:19). Paul wrote to Timothy, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it (I Timothy 6:7). I declare that the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it; the world and all its people belong to the LORD (Psalm 24:1). Remind me each day that I am a steward and not an owner; I possess nothing; and everything comes from YOU (I Chronicles 29:14).
Lord, I never want my prayers to go unheard and never reach YOU because of my unforgiving heart. With a forgiving and merciful heart, I forgive and release from myself every unkind word, every mean thought, everything someone has done or said that I took as a personal offense against myself, my family, or my friends, everything I felt was an injustice to myself, my family, or my friend. Remove any hatred or malice from my heart. If I ever used the world’s phrase, “I may forgive but I will never forget”, then I ask YOUR forgiveness.
11/23/24
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 6:14–15.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 5:7.
13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 2:13.
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.
May God’s grace be with you all.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Ti 6:17–21.
13 All who fear the LORD will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Pr 8:13.
Pride leads to temptation.
Do Not Love This World
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Jn 2:15–17.
Since I have confessed my sins, I know YOU are faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Thank YOU for rescuing me from the darkness and transferring me into the Kingdom of YOUR dear SON, JESUS, who purchased my freedom and forgave my sins (Colossian 1:13- 14). Thank You from the depth of my soul for looking down from Heaven and sending Your Son, JESUS, who knew no sins to be the sacrificial Lamb of GOD for my sins (John 1:29; Romans 3:25; I John 4:10, Peter 1:19) so I could become Your child (2 Corinthians 5:21). While I was a slave to sin, YOU sent JESUS to buy my freedom (Galatians 4:4-5). Thank YOU for loving me enough to send your Son, JESUS, so I could be adopted as YOUR child (Ephesians 1:5). I was once far away from GOD and an enemy of GOD who was separated from him by my evil thoughts and actions. Thank YOU for reconciling me to YOU through the death of Christ in his physical body and JESUS’ resurrection. Because of JESUS’ death, burial, and resurrection and I have accepted HIM into my heart as my LORD, and Savior, YOU now look upon me through the blood of JESUS which cleanses me from all sin (I John 1:7) so I can stand before as holy and blameless without a single fault (Colossians 1:21-22). Thank YOU, JESUS, for dying on the cross for my sins (I Peter 2:24-25). Thank YOU for sending YOUR Son, JESUS, who purified me from my sins, washed me, made me cleaner than snow, and removed my sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 51:7; Psalm 103:12).
Just like YOU loved me enough to send YOUR SON, JESUS, so I could be forgiven my sins. Thank YOU for giving the Apostle Peter the lesson about the unforgiving debtor in Matthew 18:19-31. If someone sins against me, remind me that I am commanded to keep forgiving them seventy times seven and forever (Matthew 18:22). If I refuse to forgive those who sinned against me, then YOU will not forgive my our sins (Matthew 6:14). This means forgiveness of my sins is conditional based on whether I forgive those who sinned against me (Matthew 6:14; Luke 11:14).
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), La 3:23–24.
Lord, I give this Prayer to YOU. I ask the HOLY SPIRIT to help me in my weakness. Since I do not know what GOD wants me to pray, I ask the HOLY SPIIRT to pray for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. I trust the HOLY SPIRIT because YOU, FATHER, interpret these groanings as the HOLY SPIRIT pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will (Romans 8:26 -28).
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ro 8:26–28.
John 16:13 (NLT)
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
My Heart is Willing, O LORD. Let me Give. “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.”10 I too must be about saving men’s lives, and like him be a life-giving spirit. A man who loves without fear, and does not plunder and pillage. A man who shares everything he has, and does not horde riches. A willing heart, and an open hand; all gifts I freely bring. It is said of God: “Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.”11 The river flows in a giving heart, from stagnation he is forever free. The gift and the giver were meant for each other. It is a beautiful and profound mystery.
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world,
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Eph 2:2.
Father, GOD, I confess my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion. If I claim that I never sinned, then I am calling YOU, GOD, a liar and am showing YOU that your WORD has no place in my heart (I John 1:9). I ask You to shine Your HOLY SPIRIT spotlight on my heart and convict me of all my sins and unrighteousness (John 16:7 -11). Lord, please forgive the times that I knew what I should do to honor YOU; but, I neglected to do it (James 4:17). Forgive me for the sins I commit when I try to live like the rest of the world—which means I am obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world (Ephesians 2:2). Forgive me of the times YOU told me to do something that moment and I procrastinated by either hesitating or waiting (James 4:13- 16). JESUS, Forgive me of the times YOU told me to do something and I gave an excuse and acted like the two men who YOU called to be disciples in Luke 9:59-62. (to do but did not do them I confess that I have done things forbidden by YOU as sins of commission. I confess that I have done things my ways through negligence, procrastination, and stubbornness (confess that I have sinned because I never want to call YOU, GOD, a liar and my sins of commission (doing something that was forbidden by YOU), omission (doing things my way by way of negligence, procrastination, and being stubborn), disobedience (refusing to obey or refusing to hear YOU), and rebellion. Father GOD, my secret sins spread out before YOU and YOU see them all (Psalm 90:8). I have the SPIRIT of GOD living in me so I ask that HE, not my sinful nature, will control my mind and my life so I can have peace (Romans 8:5 – 6)
23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Sa 15:23.
8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ps 103:8–12.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Jn 1:9–10.
17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 4:17.
Nothing is hidden from You.
17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 4:17.
9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Jn 1:9–10.
Matthew 6:12
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
Search my spirit, soul, and body
27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ro 8:27.
23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Th 5:23.
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 4:13.
Through the Spirit we have received a spirit of adoption as children, which leads us into intimacy with the Father, instead of a relationship based on fear and slavery. The Spirit bears witness to us that we are His children (Rom. 8:15–16).
Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009), 75.
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin. He does this both before we initially enter into right relationship with God and as we journey through this life as believers (John 16:7–11; 1 Thess. 1:5).
Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009), 75.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 25:35–36.
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Pe 4:10..
STEWARDSHIP — the management of another person’s property, finances, or household affairs. As far as Christians are concerned, stewardship involves the responsibility of managing God’s work through the church. God has appointed all Christians to be His stewards on earth. Stewardship is not an option, as Paul points out about his own call. Being a steward is a necessary part of believing the gospel, even if it involves sacrificing personal rewards (1 Cor. 9:17).
As the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14–30) shows, Christians will be held accountable for the way in which they manage God’s affairs as stewards. These matters include extending the church’s ministry through the preaching of the gospel (Col. 1:24–28), supporting the church financially (Acts 4:32–37), and ministering to the sick and needy (Matt. 25:31–46).
Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds., Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1995).
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Pr 30:8.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 6:34.
Requests regarding spiritual needs, such as forgiveness, are included too. This implies that the petitioner has already forgiven those who had offended him. Sins (cf. Luke 11:4), as moral debts, reveal one’s shortcomings before God. (7) Believers recognize their spiritual weakness as they pray for deliverance from temptation to evil (cf. James 1:13–14).
Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 32.
Matthew 6:9–15 (NLT)
9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
The phrase which describes God as the One “with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (v. 17) is also very interesting. It is anchored in many promises of God including the one made to the children of Israel as recorded in Deuteronomy 31:6 and promised anew in Hebrews 13:5. It is this marvelous promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God is called a dependable friend who “sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24).
Paul A. Cedar and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, James / 1 & 2 Peter / Jude, vol. 34, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1984), 40.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 1:17.
The Prophet Samuel told King Saul that obedience was better than sacrifice and rebellion was the sin of witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23). I confess my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion, turn away from my sins, ask You to forgive me (I John 1:9) and ask YOU for mercy (Proverbs 28:13). I ask YOU to throw my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion as far as the East is from the West (Psalms 103:8-12). Thank YOU for not punishing me for all my sins (Psalms 103:10).
Before we approach YOUR Throne of Grace, we ask You to shine YOUR HOLY SPIRIT spotlight on our spirits, our souls, and our bodies (I Thessalonians 5:23), remove any sins of omission and commission (I John 1:9), remove anything that is not representative of YOU (Colossians 3:17), Then, Cover us with the Blood of JESUS (Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 10:19; I John 1:7), and create in us clean hearts (Psalm 51:10-11; Ezekiel 36:26-27) so we can boldly come to Your throne to find grace and mercy to help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16).
JESUS YOU said if YOU remain in me and my words remain in YOU, I may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted (John 15:7). JESUS YOU said that I can ask for anything in JESUS’ name, and YOU will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. (John 14:13). For the times I prayed for only those things that would give me pleasure, I ask YOUR forgiveness because I prayed with the wrong motives. I ask YOU to change my motives for praying from those things that would give me pleasure to those things that would bring glory to GOD. (James 4:2b-3).
Just like Noah found favor with GOD and was rescued from the floods (Genesis 6:8);Just like YOU showed mercy and DIVINE FAVOR to Lot when YOU delivered him and his family from destruction when fire was released on the City Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:15 – 23); Just like YOU showed mercy and DIVINE Favor to Joseph when YOU brought from a slave to second in command of Potiphar’s household to being put in charge of all the prisoners to Pharoah’s Second in Command (Genesis 37:18-36; Genesis 39; 40; and 41); Just like YOU gave DIVINE Favor to the children of Israel against their Egyptians oppressors (Exodus 3:21; Exodus 11:3); Just like You gave Queen Esther favor with her husband King (Esther 4). Just Moses (Exodus 32:11; 33:13), Daniel (Daniel 10:19), and Mary the Mother of JESUS (Luke 1:28) were favored; We ask with a clean heart for YOUR DIVINE favor and the favor of Man for us, our fellow believers, and YOUR church with our families; our friends; our job; our co-workers; our communities; our localities; our states; the nation, and the world ,. We realize that in asking for favor that we will endure hardships. Thank YOU for never leaving or forsaking us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; Hebrews 13:5). We know that great is YOUR faithfulness; YOUR mercies begin afresh each morning. Right now, we say that the LORD is our inheritance; therefore, I will hope in YOU (Lamentations 3:23 – 24)
Just like Paul left these final thoughts to the Church of Philippi, I ask YOU to remind me of YOUR Word throughout my day; Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6-8).
In JESUS’ Name. AMEN.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), La 3:23–24.
of the Lord, but they also struggled with difficulties like anyone else
30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jn 3:30.
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Eze 36:26–27.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ps 51:10–11.
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Col 3:17.
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Is 55:8–9.
YOU stand by all YOUR promises because each one honors YOUR Name (Psalm 138.2).
23 I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own.
We are not able to plan our own course
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Je 10:23.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Tt 2:13.
12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Thessalonians 2:12.
13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Col 1:13–14.
17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ro 14:17.
19 Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We ard with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Titus 2:11–14.
5 And now the LORD speaks—
the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant,
who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.
The LORD has honored me,
and my God has given me strength.
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Is 49:5–6.
A missionary is created for the purpose of being God’s servant, one in whom God is glorified
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: An Updated Edition in Today’s Language, ed. James Reimann (WORDsearch, 1992), 265.
Once we realize that it is through the salvation of Jesus Christ that we are made perfectly fit for the purpose of God, we will understand why Jesus Christ is so strict and relentless in His demands. He demands absolute righteousness from His servants, because He has put into them the very nature of God.
Beware lest you forget God’s purpose for your life
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: An Updated Edition in Today’s Language, ed. James Reimann (WORDsearch, 1992), 265.
GOD INCREASES AS HE LIVES IN US. AUGUSTINE: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” What is this? He must be exalted, but I must be humbled. How is Jesus to increase? How is God to increase? The perfect does not increase. God neither increases nor decreases. For if he increases, he is not perfect; if he decreases, he is not God. And how can Jesus increase, being God? … This is a great mystery! Before the Lord Jesus came, people were glorifying themselves; he came as a man to lessen human glory and to increase the glory of God.… For this is what the apostle says, this is what holy Scripture says: “He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
Will you glory in yourself? You will grow; but you will grow worse in your evil. For whoever grows worse is justly decreased. Let God, then, who is ever perfect, grow and grow in you. For the more you understand God and apprehend him, he seems to be growing in you; but in himself he does not grow, being always perfect.… Do but examine the nature of humanity: a person is born and grows, he learns the customs of people. What does he know but earth and things of the earth? He speaks the things of people, knows the things of people and minds the things of people. Carnal, he judges carnally, conjectures carnally. Everything is about humanity! Let the grace of God come and enlighten his darkness, as it said, “You will lighten my candle, O Lord; my God, enlighten my darkness”; let it take the mind of humanity and turn it toward its own light. Immediately [John] begins to say, as the apostle says, “Yet not I, but the grace of God that is with me,” and “Now I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.” That is to say, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 14.4–6.
Joel C. Elowsky, ed., John 1–10, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006), 136.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 4:2–3.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jn 14:13–14.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jn 15:7.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ga 4:19.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Re 21:4. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4).
Peter Morden, The Message of Discipleship: Authentic Followers of Jesus in Today’s World, ed. Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes Series (London: Inter-Varsity Press, 2018), 85.
The Prophet Samuel told King Saul that obedience was better than sacrifice and rebellion was the sin of witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23). I confess my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion, turn away from my sins, ask You to forgive me (I John 1:9) and ask YOU for mercy (Proverbs 28:13). I ask YOU to throw my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion as far as the East is from the West (Psalms 103:8-12). Thank YOU for not punishing me for all my sins (Psalms 103:10).
We ask YOU to sustain us today and the coming day.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Re 22:13.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Re 1:8.
YOU are Alpha and Omega so YOU know my beginning and my end. Search my heart and find any unforgiveness against anyone for anything. I release this unforgiveness and I openly declare that I forgive this person, these people, this incident, and/or this situation. You commanded me to forgive any debt, trespass or sin anyone has thought or committed against me (Matthew 6:12 – 13; Luke 11:2-4). Keep forgiveness continually in my heart and mind so I do not end up in “unforgiveness prison” like the man in the Parable of the unforgiving Debtor (Matthew 18:21- 35).
Thank YOU for leaving me with an Advocate, the HOLY SPIRIT, who continuously convicts me of my sin, GOD’s righteousness, and the coming judgment (John 16:8). I, Earlene McNair, openly declare that JESUS is Lord and believe in my heart that HE carried my sins on the Cross so I can be dead to sin. I believe that YOU, GOD raised HIM from the dead (Romans 10:9-10; I Peter 2:24. I declare that I am Saved. Because I am YOUR child, YOU sent the Spirit of YOUR Son into my heart so I can call out Abba Father (Galatians 4:6).
We acknowledge that GOD made Christ, who never sinned, the offering for our sin so we could be made right with GOD through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). We know that everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard (Romans 2:23). Thank YOU for making JESUS the sacrifice for my sins (Romans 3:25). Thank YOU for purifying me through the Blood of JESUS, CHRIST, whose Blood washed me whiter than snow (Psalms 51:7). Thank YOU for YOUR Grace which makes us right in YOUR sight through JESUS’ sacrifice for our sin through the shedding of HIS Blood (Romans 3:24-26). We acknowledge that JESUS, our great High Priest, entered heaven, understands our weaknesses, has faced all the same tests as us, yet HE did not sin (Hebrews 4:14-15). So, let us come boldly to the Throne of our gracious GOD. When we humble and prostate ourselves before GOD’s Throne, we will receive HIS mercy and find grace to help us when we need it the most (Hebrews 4:16).
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 2 Ti 4:1–2.
kingdom of God
Or, less frequently, “kingdom of heaven”, the kingly rule of God in the lives of people and nations. It refers to the recognition of the authority of God, rather than a definite geographical area, and begins with the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).
This doctrine describes the rule of God over his creation as king, including how the rule is exerted and structured and what its ultimate purpose is.
John 18:36 (NLT)
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
Matthew 6:9–15 (NLT)
9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
3 Give us each day the food we need,
4 and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Lk 11:2–4.
John Chapter 17
The Prayer of Jesus
After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. 2 For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. 3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. 4 I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.
6 “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, 8 for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.
9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jn 17.
Luke 11: 1 - 4
TO PRAY FOR THE KINGDOM. AUGUSTINE: “Your kingdom come.” To whom do we address this petition? Will the kingdom of God not come unless we ask for it? That kingdom will exist after the end of the world. God has a kingdom forever. He is never without a kingdom, for all creation is subject to him. Then for what kingdom do we wish? It is written in the Gospel, “Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” See, that is the kingdom of which we speak when we say, “Thy kingdom come.” May that kingdom come within us and may we be found within that kingdom. That is our petition. Of course it will come. How will that benefit you if it finds you at the left hand? In this petition, you also wish a blessing on yourself. It is on your own behalf that you pray. In this petition, this is what you desire and long for, namely, that you may so live as to have a share in the kingdom that will be given to all the saints. When you say, “Thy kingdom come,” you pray for yourself, because you pray that you may lead a good life. May we partake of your kingdom. May the kingdom that is to come to your saints and your righteous ones also come to us.
Arthur A. Just, ed., Luke, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005), 187.
Thus, prayer for the kingdom’s coming is multidimensional. The petitioner (1) surrenders daily to the comprehensive, existential demands of Jesus’ lordship; (2) embodies the self-sacrificial, ethical expectations of kingdom citizenship; (3) eagerly anticipates the Father’s final victory at Jesus’ parousia
D. M. Crump, “Prayer,” ed. Joel B. Green, Jeannine K. Brown, and Nicholas Perrin, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL; Nottingham, England: IVP Academic; IVP, 2013), 687–688.
Key terms include parousia, which means “presence, coming, or arrival”;
Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Revelation, ed. Daniel L. Akin, David Platt, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2016), 292.
The Lord’s Prayer is an eschatological prayer—even an apocalyptic prayer. We are praying for the coming of God’s kingdom in glory, and to pray for the coming of God’s kingdom is to pray for Christ’s return, for Christ is God’s King. Tim Bradshaw says, ‘ “Your kingdom come” calls upon God to act in a decisive fashion to end the ambiguity of the world’s sin and confusion … This is not a request to God to help us to implement the kingdom, but plainly asks for the coming of the kingdom that only God can bring.’
To pray ‘your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ is to pray that earth and heaven will be brought into conformity, and ultimately this takes place as described in Revelation 21 when heaven comes down to earth and God dwells with his people (Rev. 21:1–4). On that day, as Tom Wright puts it, ‘God’s space and ours are finally married, integrated at last.’ Elsewhere Wright says that this is ‘to pray not merely that certain things might occur within the earthly realm that would coincide with plans that God had made in the heavenly realm, but that a fresh integration of heaven and earth would take place’
Tim Chester, The Message of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace, ed. Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes Series (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2003), 162.
13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 2 Pe 3:13.
Paul teaches that the kingdom has both present and future dimensions.
a. The kingdom is a present blessing for those who have been delivered from the powers of darkness to the kingdom of Christ (Rom 14:17; 1 Cor 4:20; Col 1:13; Eph 5:5).
b. Those exhibiting a virtuous lifestyle will inherit the kingdom (1 Cor 6:9, 10; 15:50; Gal 5:21; 1 Thess 2:12; 2 Thess 1:5).
David Seal, “Kingdom of God,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
d. Give us today our daily bread
If the first three requests of the Lord’s Prayer are for the coming of the kingdom, the second three are for our participation in the kingdom. The word translated daily (epiousios) in most modern translations is better translated ‘tomorrow’ or ‘coming day’. Some see the coming day as a reference to the needs of the next day, but it is not clear why we pray to have this today. Instead, in common with the rest of the prayer, this petition is eschatological in orientation. We are praying for the bread of the coming day or age.
Jesus uses the image of a banquet to describe the blessings of the coming age (Matt. 8:10–12; Luke 14:15–24; 22:29–30; see also Is. 25:6–8). At the Last Supper Jesus says he will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until he does so in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:18). The Gospel writers portray Jesus’ table fellowship as an anticipation of the great messianic banquet (Luke 14:12–24). ‘For the disciples of Jesus, every meal, and not just the last one, had deep eschatological significance. Every meal with Jesus was a salvation meal, an anticipation of the final feast.’ Ernst Lohmeyer concludes, ‘all Jesus’ sayings about eating and drinking, being hungry and thirsty, and giving feasts, have a sense of eschatological fulfilment’. The bread also recalls the provision of manna (Exod. 16). On the day before the sabbath the people were to gather twice as much so that they had no need to gather on the day of rest (Exod. 16:21–30). They received, as it were, bread for tomorrow. Now Jesus is inviting us to pray that we might have bread in the eschatological rest to which the sabbath points (Heb. 4:1–11). We pray that we might share in the future feast and have a foretaste of it today.
This reading of the prayer feels odd to those of us familiar with ‘give us this day our daily bread’. And perhaps we should not draw the distinction too sharply, for present provision is a foretaste of the eternal provision. But if it seems too much to imagine that the disciples would have understood this as a reference to the messianic banquet rather than to the next meal, then we need to remember the context in which it was originally spoken. Jesus was portraying himself as an eschatological figure. He was making connections between his table fellowship and God’s coming kingdom. In the Sermon on the Mount he has spoken of those who hunger for justice being filled when the kingdom comes. The first half of the prayer directs attention to the future. In this context a reference to ‘the bread of tomorrow’ is going to bristle with eschatological overtones.
So to pray the Lord’s Prayer is to pray that we might enjoy the blessings of the coming age pictured as a messianic banquet. It is both to pray for the messianic banquet to come soon (today) and to see in today’s provisions anticipations of the eschatological provision and security promised us in the gospel.
e. Forgive us our debts
When Jesus expands upon this phrase in verses 14–15 he uses the word ‘transgressions’. But here the word is ‘debts’ (opheilēmata)—one of a number of pictures the Bible uses to describe our sin. We have an obligation of honour, obedience and love towards God as our Creator and Ruler, for he has been constant in his love towards us (Matt. 5:45). The proper response we should make was summed up in the law and reiterated by Jesus: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ (Matt. 22:37). But we have failed to meet our obligation and the arrears have amounted to a huge debt. We have no resources with which to repay what we owe. All that we could give to God is already part of what we owe. Our only hope is mercy. The only way the debt can be removed is if God graciously cancels it. One day we shall all stand in the debtors’ court, where our arrears will be revealed, our bank balance be examined. Our only hope is the mercy of our Creditor.
Jesus invites us to pray that God will forgive us on the final day of reckoning. Again, the focus is eschatological. Verses 14–15 speak of God forgiving us in the future. We can talk of being forgiven by God now, but the test of that forgiveness will be when our case comes to court. The gospel is the promise—the certain promise grounded in the Word of God, the sufficient death of his Son and the guarantee of the Holy Spirit—that when that day comes the debt will have been wiped clear. The account book will say, ‘Paid in full by the precious blood of Jesus’ (Col. 2:13–14).
f. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one
The word translated in the NIV ‘temptation’ (peirasmos) can be ‘temptation’ or ‘testing’. Since God does not tempt us (Jas. 1:13), it is better to see it as testing. Jesus is talking not about the ‘ordinary’ testing of daily life, but the eschatological testing that precedes the return of Christ—what are sometimes called ‘the messianic woes’. In Revelation 3 the risen Christ promises the church at Philadelphia, ‘I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth’ (Rev 3:10). ‘ “Do not put us to the test” refers to the coming time of trouble, to the “messianic woes”. peirasmon does not so much refer to the trials or temptations of everyday life as to the final time of tribulation which will precede the renewal: one prays for preservation from evil or apostasy in the great tribulation.’
In Matthew 24 Jesus describes such testings as ‘the beginning of birth-pains’ of the new age (Matt. 24:8). The disciples have asked ‘what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ (Matt. 24:3). Jesus responds in 24:4–28 by describing the signs of the last days. The last days will be characterized by times of tribulation—the birth-pains of the new age. Some of these are general troubles that will afflict a world convulsing between two ages: wars, rumours of war, famine and earthquakes (Matt. 24:6–8). Some are particular to the people of God in this time of crisis: false messiahs and persecution (Matt. 24:5, 9–13, 23–28). The destruction of the temple that took place in AD 70 is part of these end-time tribulations (Matt. 24:15–21). Indeed it is a picture of the tribulations that will characterize the entire end times. Through it all the gospel will be proclaimed to all nations (Matt. 24:14). And one day God will bring this time to an end as a mercy to his people (Matt. 24:21).
When the birth-pains are complete—that is, ‘immediately after the distress of those days’ (Matt. 24:29)—Christ will return in glory and gather his elect from throughout the world (Matt. 24:29–31). Jesus summarizes with a lesson from the fig tree (Matt. 24:32–35). Just as the fig tree breaks into leaf when summer is coming, so these terrible distresses are an assurance that Jesus is coming again in glory. The tribulations of the last days are to strengthen our confidence in the enduring words of Jesus. Finally, while the signs of the last days remind us that Jesus is coming (Matt. 24:29–35), they do not allow us to predict the exact date of his return. That is known only to the Father and so we must be ready at all times (Matt. 24:36–51).
In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus invites us to pray that we shall be spared such testing as might bring a crisis of faith (1 Cor. 10:12–13). Indeed Tom Wright suggests that we are praying not that God would not test us, but that we would not test God as Israel did in Exodus 17:7 through their unbelief. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul alludes to the events described in Exodus 17, describing them as a warning to us before assuring us that there is no ‘temptation’ (peirasmos—the same word as that in Matt. 6:13) from which God cannot deliver us (1 Cor. 10:1–13). Our prayer is that we shall not test God, but that instead he will keep us from responding to the eschatological tribulations with unbelief.
In the Lord’s Prayer we turn Matthew 24:10–14 into prayer. During the testing of the end times
• ‘many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other’ (24:10), and so we pray that we shall not turn from the faith or betray each other;
• ‘many false prophets will appear and deceive many people’ (24:11), and so we pray that we shall not be deceived;
• ‘the love of most will grow cold’ (24:12), and so we pray that our love will not grow cold;
• ‘but he who stands firm to the end will be saved’ (13), and so we pray that we shall stand firm to the end;
• And through it all we pray that ‘this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations’ (24:14).
While we pray to be kept during the trials and evils of the time of testing, this prayer also looks ahead to the ultimate deliverance from evil and the end of testing. ‘The final deliverance from evil comes with the eschaton, the reign of God, the judgment and vindication.’ To pray this prayer is to join with the martyred souls of John’s vision who cry out, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’ (Rev. 6:10).
Tim Chester, The Message of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace, ed. Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes Series (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2003), 162–166.
Jesus Teaches His Disciples the Kingdom Prayer (6:9–13) Versions of this prayer appear in both Matthew (6:9–13) and Luke (11:2–4); most scholars accept the original form of the prayer that stands behind these Gospels as authentic (Witherington 1990:204). Jesus here probably adapts an early form of what became a basic synagogue prayer, the Kaddish* (Vermes 1984:43; Davies and Allison 1988:595), which began something like this (Jeremias 1964:98):
Exalted and hallowed be his great name
in the world which he created according to his will.
May he let his kingdom rule …
Craig S. Keener, Matthew, vol. 1, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), Mt 6:9–13.
Hebrews 8:1 - 13
Christ Is Our High Priest
Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. 2 There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands.
3 And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. 4 If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. 5 They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”
6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. 8 But when God found fault with the people, he said:
“The day is coming, says the LORD,
when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel and Judah.
9 This covenant will not be like the one
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
and led them out of the land of Egypt.
They did not remain faithful to my covenant,
so I turned my back on them, says the LORD.
10 But this is the new covenant I will make
with the people of Israel on that day, says the LORD:
I will put my laws in their minds,
and I will write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors,
nor will they need to teach their relatives,
saying, ‘You should know the LORD.’
For everyone, from the least to the greatest,
will know me already.
12 And I will forgive their wickedness,
and I will never again remember their sins.”
(Jeremiah 31:31 – 34)
13 When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 8:1–13.
Thank YOU for rescuing me from the darkness and transferring me into the Kingdom of YOUR dear SON, JESUS, who purchased my freedom and forgave my sins (Colossian 1:13- 14). Thank You from the depth of my soul for looking down from Heaven and sending Your Son, JESUS, who knew no sins to be the sacrificial Lamb of GOD for my sins (John 1:29; Romans 3:25; I John 4:10, Peter 1:19) so I could become Your child (2 Corinthians 5:21). While I was a slave to sin, YOU sent JESUS to buy my freedom (Galatians 4:4-5). Thank YOU for loving me enough to send your Son, JESUS, so I could be adopted as YOUR child (Ephesians 1:5). Thank YOU, JESUS, for dying on the cross for my sins (I Peter 2:24-25).
An Encouragement for Prayer
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Col 4:2–6.
16 There are six things the LORD hates—
no, seven things he detests:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
18 a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
19 a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Pr 6:16–19.
Look Up Hosanna
2. The crowd wanted a king they could rule. The crowd did NOT want a king to tell them what, when, or how. They wanted a king to serve them. They treated Jesus like a king. “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road” (Matt. 21:8). But they sat on the throne where the king should have sat. They wanted to tell their king what to do and when to do it! The word hosanna means “save us!” Their words were a mixture of praise and commands. “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest!’ ” (Matt. 21:9).
The joy of the crowd knew no bounds! (See Figure 11.1.) Imagine the picture. Jesus rode among the crowd to the top of the Mount of Olives. From there they could see Jerusalem. Its eastern gate was just across the Kidron Valley.
The crowd was saying, “Save us now.” They wanted Jesus to use His miraculous power against the Romans. They wanted a warring king to deliver them from the bondage of Caesar.
The crowd is the same now as it was then. Most people do not want to serve a king. They want a king to serve them. They want a king they can rule. They want a king that will make it possible for them to have all they desire in life.
Quentin McGhee, The Life & Teachings of Christ (Student Manual), ed. Quentin McGhee, Sixth Edition., Faith & Action Series (Chestnutridge, MO: Faith & Action, 2024), 188–189.
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Sa 16:7.
Judge not so You will not be judged
As I wait and anticipate the Second Coming of my King, JESUS CHRIST, my desire is to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. Until Christ is fully developed in my life, I strive to live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God (Titus 2:12; Galatians 4:19). I yearn to live a life of goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Since the Lord’s return will come unexpectantly like a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10), I must be always be ready (Matthew 24:44) like JESUS said, on guard, stay alert, remain clearheaded, stay protected by the armor of faith and love, and wear as my helmet the confidence of my salvation (I Thessalonians 5: 6-8). May whatever I do and say represent my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, (Colossians 3:17) so that GOD would consider my life worthy (I Thessalonians 2:12). I look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed (Titus 2:13). I pray that the kingdom which is to come to your saints and righteous ones also comes to me and I can share in YOUR Kingdom and glory (I Thessalonians 2:12). JESUS said, when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-32). JESUS called those who sit at his right hand the righteous ones. JESUS said, Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world (Matthew 25:34). While I am here on earth, I ask YOU to lead, guide, and shape me into someone worthy enough to sit at your right hand; a righteous one. (Matthew 25: 31-33).
LORD, my life is not my own. I am not able to plan my own course (Jeremiah 10:23). I believe the Word of GOD that says YOUR thoughts are nothing like my thoughts. YOUR ways are far beyond anything I could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so YOUR ways are higher than my ways and YOUR thoughts higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). I know that GOD’s will in heaven is absolute and perfect all the time. However, I know that I oftentimes make mistakes by following my will down here on Earth. I ask You to create in me a clean heart, O God; Renew a loyal spirit within me; Do not banish me from your presence; and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me (Psalm 51:10-11).
Each day I desire to act, behave, speak, and think in ways that honor YOU so that my life and body will be acceptable worship and a holy sacrifice to YOU (Romans 12:1); so I will bring honor to GOD (Philippians 1:20). Each day remind me that my body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT; I belong to GOD and not myself; JESUS purchased the price of my freedom so I must honor GOD with my body (I Corinthians 6:19-20).
(Hebrews 10:14; I Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7)
New Living Translation Chapter 10
14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
New Living Translation Chapter 1
30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
New Living Translation Chapter 1
7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Thank You for sending Your son JESUS to give me a new heart and a new spirit by removing my stony, stubborn heart and replacing it with a tender responsive heart (Ezekiel 11:19). JESUS YOU said, When YOU went away that YOU would send the HOLY SPIRIT to me. Thank YOU HOLY SPIRIT for convicting me of my sins, GOD’s righteousness, and the coming judgment (John 16:8) so that I continue following YOUR decrees and obey YOUR Word (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Thank YOU for the HOLY SPIRIT who pleads for me in harmony with YOUR will (Romans 8:27). HOLY SPIRIT, search me, make me aware of, and remove any behavior or customs I embrace that mimic the world’s standards. Then, YOU, GOD, transform me into a new person by changing the way I think (Romans 12:2). YOU become greater and greater in my life as I become less and less (John 3.30). I ask that YOUR will be done here on Earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10).
While I was yet in sin and I viewed myself as being a good and righteous person, YOU saw me as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Father, on this day, I bow before YOU, worship YOU, and praise YOUR HOLY NAME for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Thank You from the depth of my soul for looking down from Heaven and sending Your Son, JESUS, who knew no sins to be the sacrificial Lamb of GOD for my sins (John 1:29; Romans 3:25; I John 4:10, Peter 1:19) so I could become Your child (2 Corinthians 5:21). While I was a slave to sin, YOU sent JESUS to buy my freedom (Galatians 4:4-5). Thank YOU for loving me enough to send your Son, JESUS, so I could be adopted as YOUR child (Ephesians 1:5). Thank YOU, JESUS, for dying on the cross for my sins (I Peter 2:24-25). I openly declare that Jesus is my Lord and believe in my heart that GOD raised him from the dead. I believe in my heart that I have been made right with GOD. By faith, I declare publicly that I am saved (Romans 10:9-10). Now, I have YOU living in me (I John 4:14 – 15). As an adopted child of GOD, YOU made me an heir (Galatians 4:7) and together with Christ, I am an heir to GOD’S glory and must also share in his suffering (Romans 8:17). Because I am an adopted child of GOD (Galatians 4:5), YOU sent your HOLY SPIRIT to my heart (Galatians 4:6) and I received the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 4:15). I, Earlene Marian Richardson McNair, am a child of GOD so I can say Abba, Father (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6).
I ask YOU to give my daughter, Brittany Alicia McNair, my son, Earl William McNair myself, Earlene Marian Richardson McNair, my family, my friends, people YOU placed in my path as I journeyed though life, all of God’s children, not only in my circle, but also for GOD’s children everywhere in this world our life necessities so that we are sustained today and each day of our lives. I ask YOU to supply everything sufficient for our needs today and everyday (Matthew 6:11; Proverbs 30:8). Give us the strength to not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). In Psalm, David said he never saw the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread; the godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing (Psalm 37:25-26). For me, my children, and all of God’s children, not only in my circle, but also for GOD’s children everywhere in this world, I stand on Psalm 37:25-26 because all YOUR promises are backed by all the honor of YOUR name (Psalm 138.2).
FATHER GOD, I declare that everything I have both Earthly and spiritual comes from YOU (I Chronicles 29:14). My FATHER, GOD, who created all the lights in the heavens. I ask YOU to send me good and perfect gifts so the needs of my spirit, soul, and body are always met (James 1:17; I Thessalonians 5:23). As YOUR child, I know that the HOLY SPIRIT distributes spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:7) and decides which gift each person should have (I Corinthians 12:11). Just like Paul told the Church of Corinth that preaching the Gospel was his sacred trust, teach me every day to view my daily needs, my earthly things and my spiritual gifts, as my sacred trust (I Corinthians 9:17). As someone rich in this world, I want to experience a true life so teach me not to be proud and not to trust my money. Rather, I should trust GOD who richly gives us all we need for enjoyment. Show me how to use my money to do good; be rich in good works, and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. (I Timothy 6: 17-19).
Based on Biblical and moral principles, I manage, care for, am responsible for every natural resource, material resource, talent, and spiritual gift as a steward, rather than their owner. With all the riches, resources, talents, and gifts YOU give me each day, I declare that I am their steward and not their owner. Give me the guidance, wisdom, strength, and energy to be faithful and distribute these riches, resources, talents, and gifts according to YOUR Word (I Corinthians 4:2; I Peter 4:10-11). JESUS said, when someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required (Luke 12:48). Teach me to guard what has been entrusted to me (I Timothy 6:20). Give me the strength and Your Wisdom to be like the servant who received five gifts and earned five more for YOU (Matthew 25:14- 30). Just like the believers in Acts 4:32, teach me how to share everything I have as directed by YOU. Jesus said, For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. (Matthew 25:35 – 36). My prayer is that I will serve YOU faithfully (I Corinthians 4:2) so YOU can say to me: Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21). I pray that YOU send me opportunities to proclaim my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, to the World (Colossians 2:3). As I lay all my riches, natural resources, material resources, earthly resources, and spiritual gifts before YOU, I ask YOU to direct their use each day (Colossians 1:28).
Because YOU knew my past before it ever happened (I Samuel 2:3), YOU know my present as it happens in real time, and YOU already know my future before it happens (Job 23:10), I believe YOU are omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Although You placed eternity in the human heart, I, Earlene Marian Richardson McNair, cannot see the whole scope of YOUR work from its beginning to its end (Ecclesiastes 3:9-11). Since my hearing and seeing is imperfect, in part, incomplete, like puzzling reflections in a mirror (I Corinthians 13:12), Remind me each day not to rely on anything I see or hear whether it is something audio, video, or in print, whether it is on the Internet or social media, or whether it is something I observe in person. So, I must never depend on my own finite understanding and knowledge, but always trust in the LORD with all my heart, seek HIS will in all I do, and HE will show me which path to take (Proverbs 3:5 – 6). I declare that the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it; the world and all its people belong to the LORD (Psalm 24:1).
When we pray, we oftentimes think of time in finite, immediate human terms. YOU transcend our human concept of time. There are no words in our limited vocabulary to describe what time means to YOU. For YOU, LORD, a day is like a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8-9); a thousand years is like a passing day and as brief as a few hours (Psalm 90:4). Thank YOU for holding time in YOUR hands since YOU know the exact timing of all our needs (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Just like YOU delayed when You received the message from Mary and Martha about Lazarus being sick (John 11:1-6); Just like You anointed the Shepherd David at the age of 1 Samuel 16:1-13; David tells Saul that he killed lions and bears while shepherding his father’s sheep and goats (I Samuel 17:34-37); David kills Goliath (I Samuel 17:12-50; David is hunted by Saul. Thand endured many challenges before he became king at the age of , and the crowd;Be patient and wait on GOD because HE has perfect timing.;
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Php 4:6.
So, I use human words to declare that YOU are eternal, infinite, timeless, and immeasurable.
Give me the courage to not love the things of this world or what it has to offer me (I John 2:15). Give me strength to live as God’s obedient child and not slip back into my old ways of living to satisfy my own desires (I Peter 1:14). Teach me to be holy in everything I do because YOU are Holy (I Peter 1:15 – 16). As JESUS’ ambassador, Remind me each day that I represent my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS, CHRIST, so whatever I do or say must represent HIM (Colossians 3:17). Each day I must fear the LORD and turn from evil (Proverbs 3:7). Remind me each day that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of YOU (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). Teach me the fear of the LORD so I will never lack what I need (Psalm 34:11; Psalm 34:9 -10). Just like the Prophet Samuel told Saul, obedience to YOU, YOUR commands, and YOUR Word is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 5:22). Give me an open hand and an obedient heart so I can walk in YOUR Word and become a vessel for YOUR service to the world (Psalm 145:16; Isaiah 1:19). Paul wrote to Timothy, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it (I Timothy 6:7). I declare that the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it; the world and all its people belong to the LORD (Psalm 24:1). Remind me each day that I am a steward and not an owner; I possess nothing; and everything comes from YOU (I Chronicles 29:14).
Lord, I never want my prayers to go unheard and never reach YOU because of my unforgiving heart. With a forgiving and merciful heart, I forgive and release from myself every unkind word, every mean thought, everything someone has done or said that I took as a personal offense against myself, my family, or my friends, everything I felt was an injustice to myself, my family, or my friend. Remove any hatred or malice from my heart. If I ever used the world’s phrase, “I may forgive but I will never forget”, then I ask YOUR forgiveness.
11/23/24
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 6:14–15.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 5:7.
13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 2:13.
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.
May God’s grace be with you all.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Ti 6:17–21.
13 All who fear the LORD will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Pr 8:13.
Pride leads to temptation.
Do Not Love This World
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Jn 2:15–17.
Since I have confessed my sins, I know YOU are faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Thank YOU for rescuing me from the darkness and transferring me into the Kingdom of YOUR dear SON, JESUS, who purchased my freedom and forgave my sins (Colossian 1:13- 14). Thank You from the depth of my soul for looking down from Heaven and sending Your Son, JESUS, who knew no sins to be the sacrificial Lamb of GOD for my sins (John 1:29; Romans 3:25; I John 4:10, Peter 1:19) so I could become Your child (2 Corinthians 5:21). While I was a slave to sin, YOU sent JESUS to buy my freedom (Galatians 4:4-5). Thank YOU for loving me enough to send your Son, JESUS, so I could be adopted as YOUR child (Ephesians 1:5). I was once far away from GOD and an enemy of GOD who was separated from him by my evil thoughts and actions. Thank YOU for reconciling me to YOU through the death of Christ in his physical body and JESUS’ resurrection. Because of JESUS’ death, burial, and resurrection and I have accepted HIM into my heart as my LORD, and Savior, YOU now look upon me through the blood of JESUS which cleanses me from all sin (I John 1:7) so I can stand before as holy and blameless without a single fault (Colossians 1:21-22). Thank YOU, JESUS, for dying on the cross for my sins (I Peter 2:24-25). Thank YOU for sending YOUR Son, JESUS, who purified me from my sins, washed me, made me cleaner than snow, and removed my sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 51:7; Psalm 103:12).
Just like YOU loved me enough to send YOUR SON, JESUS, so I could be forgiven my sins. Thank YOU for giving the Apostle Peter the lesson about the unforgiving debtor in Matthew 18:19-31. If someone sins against me, remind me that I am commanded to keep forgiving them seventy times seven and forever (Matthew 18:22). If I refuse to forgive those who sinned against me, then YOU will not forgive my our sins (Matthew 6:14). This means forgiveness of my sins is conditional based on whether I forgive those who sinned against me (Matthew 6:14; Luke 11:14).
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), La 3:23–24.
Lord, I give this Prayer to YOU. I ask the HOLY SPIRIT to help me in my weakness. Since I do not know what GOD wants me to pray, I ask the HOLY SPIIRT to pray for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. I trust the HOLY SPIRIT because YOU, FATHER, interpret these groanings as the HOLY SPIRIT pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will (Romans 8:26 -28).
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ro 8:26–28.
John 16:13 (NLT)
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
My Heart is Willing, O LORD. Let me Give. “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.”10 I too must be about saving men’s lives, and like him be a life-giving spirit. A man who loves without fear, and does not plunder and pillage. A man who shares everything he has, and does not horde riches. A willing heart, and an open hand; all gifts I freely bring. It is said of God: “Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.”11 The river flows in a giving heart, from stagnation he is forever free. The gift and the giver were meant for each other. It is a beautiful and profound mystery.
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world,
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Eph 2:2.
Father, GOD, I confess my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion. If I claim that I never sinned, then I am calling YOU, GOD, a liar and am showing YOU that your WORD has no place in my heart (I John 1:9). I ask You to shine Your HOLY SPIRIT spotlight on my heart and convict me of all my sins and unrighteousness (John 16:7 -11). Lord, please forgive the times that I knew what I should do to honor YOU; but, I neglected to do it (James 4:17). Forgive me for the sins I commit when I try to live like the rest of the world—which means I am obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world (Ephesians 2:2). Forgive me of the times YOU told me to do something that moment and I procrastinated by either hesitating or waiting (James 4:13- 16). JESUS, Forgive me of the times YOU told me to do something and I gave an excuse and acted like the two men who YOU called to be disciples in Luke 9:59-62. (to do but did not do them I confess that I have done things forbidden by YOU as sins of commission. I confess that I have done things my ways through negligence, procrastination, and stubbornness (confess that I have sinned because I never want to call YOU, GOD, a liar and my sins of commission (doing something that was forbidden by YOU), omission (doing things my way by way of negligence, procrastination, and being stubborn), disobedience (refusing to obey or refusing to hear YOU), and rebellion. Father GOD, my secret sins spread out before YOU and YOU see them all (Psalm 90:8). I have the SPIRIT of GOD living in me so I ask that HE, not my sinful nature, will control my mind and my life so I can have peace (Romans 8:5 – 6)
23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Sa 15:23.
8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ps 103:8–12.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Jn 1:9–10.
17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 4:17.
Nothing is hidden from You.
17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 4:17.
9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Jn 1:9–10.
Matthew 6:12
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
Search my spirit, soul, and body
27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ro 8:27.
23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Th 5:23.
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 4:13.
Through the Spirit we have received a spirit of adoption as children, which leads us into intimacy with the Father, instead of a relationship based on fear and slavery. The Spirit bears witness to us that we are His children (Rom. 8:15–16).
Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009), 75.
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin. He does this both before we initially enter into right relationship with God and as we journey through this life as believers (John 16:7–11; 1 Thess. 1:5).
Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009), 75.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 25:35–36.
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Pe 4:10..
STEWARDSHIP — the management of another person’s property, finances, or household affairs. As far as Christians are concerned, stewardship involves the responsibility of managing God’s work through the church. God has appointed all Christians to be His stewards on earth. Stewardship is not an option, as Paul points out about his own call. Being a steward is a necessary part of believing the gospel, even if it involves sacrificing personal rewards (1 Cor. 9:17).
As the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14–30) shows, Christians will be held accountable for the way in which they manage God’s affairs as stewards. These matters include extending the church’s ministry through the preaching of the gospel (Col. 1:24–28), supporting the church financially (Acts 4:32–37), and ministering to the sick and needy (Matt. 25:31–46).
Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds., Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1995).
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Pr 30:8.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 6:34.
Requests regarding spiritual needs, such as forgiveness, are included too. This implies that the petitioner has already forgiven those who had offended him. Sins (cf. Luke 11:4), as moral debts, reveal one’s shortcomings before God. (7) Believers recognize their spiritual weakness as they pray for deliverance from temptation to evil (cf. James 1:13–14).
Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 32.
Matthew 6:9–15 (NLT)
9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
The phrase which describes God as the One “with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (v. 17) is also very interesting. It is anchored in many promises of God including the one made to the children of Israel as recorded in Deuteronomy 31:6 and promised anew in Hebrews 13:5. It is this marvelous promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God is called a dependable friend who “sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24).
Paul A. Cedar and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, James / 1 & 2 Peter / Jude, vol. 34, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1984), 40.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 1:17.
The Prophet Samuel told King Saul that obedience was better than sacrifice and rebellion was the sin of witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23). I confess my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion, turn away from my sins, ask You to forgive me (I John 1:9) and ask YOU for mercy (Proverbs 28:13). I ask YOU to throw my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion as far as the East is from the West (Psalms 103:8-12). Thank YOU for not punishing me for all my sins (Psalms 103:10).
Before we approach YOUR Throne of Grace, we ask You to shine YOUR HOLY SPIRIT spotlight on our spirits, our souls, and our bodies (I Thessalonians 5:23), remove any sins of omission and commission (I John 1:9), remove anything that is not representative of YOU (Colossians 3:17), Then, Cover us with the Blood of JESUS (Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 10:19; I John 1:7), and create in us clean hearts (Psalm 51:10-11; Ezekiel 36:26-27) so we can boldly come to Your throne to find grace and mercy to help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16).
JESUS YOU said if YOU remain in me and my words remain in YOU, I may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted (John 15:7). JESUS YOU said that I can ask for anything in JESUS’ name, and YOU will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. (John 14:13). For the times I prayed for only those things that would give me pleasure, I ask YOUR forgiveness because I prayed with the wrong motives. I ask YOU to change my motives for praying from those things that would give me pleasure to those things that would bring glory to GOD. (James 4:2b-3).
Just like Noah found favor with GOD and was rescued from the floods (Genesis 6:8);Just like YOU showed mercy and DIVINE FAVOR to Lot when YOU delivered him and his family from destruction when fire was released on the City Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:15 – 23); Just like YOU showed mercy and DIVINE Favor to Joseph when YOU brought from a slave to second in command of Potiphar’s household to being put in charge of all the prisoners to Pharoah’s Second in Command (Genesis 37:18-36; Genesis 39; 40; and 41); Just like YOU gave DIVINE Favor to the children of Israel against their Egyptians oppressors (Exodus 3:21; Exodus 11:3); Just like You gave Queen Esther favor with her husband King (Esther 4). Just Moses (Exodus 32:11; 33:13), Daniel (Daniel 10:19), and Mary the Mother of JESUS (Luke 1:28) were favored; We ask with a clean heart for YOUR DIVINE favor and the favor of Man for us, our fellow believers, and YOUR church with our families; our friends; our job; our co-workers; our communities; our localities; our states; the nation, and the world ,. We realize that in asking for favor that we will endure hardships. Thank YOU for never leaving or forsaking us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; Hebrews 13:5). We know that great is YOUR faithfulness; YOUR mercies begin afresh each morning. Right now, we say that the LORD is our inheritance; therefore, I will hope in YOU (Lamentations 3:23 – 24)
Just like Paul left these final thoughts to the Church of Philippi, I ask YOU to remind me of YOUR Word throughout my day; Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6-8).
In JESUS’ Name. AMEN.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), La 3:23–24.
of the Lord, but they also struggled with difficulties like anyone else
30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jn 3:30.
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Eze 36:26–27.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ps 51:10–11.
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Col 3:17.
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Is 55:8–9.
YOU stand by all YOUR promises because each one honors YOUR Name (Psalm 138.2).
23 I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own.
We are not able to plan our own course
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Je 10:23.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Tt 2:13.
12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Thessalonians 2:12.
13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Col 1:13–14.
17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ro 14:17.
19 Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We ard with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Titus 2:11–14.
5 And now the LORD speaks—
the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant,
who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.
The LORD has honored me,
and my God has given me strength.
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Is 49:5–6.
A missionary is created for the purpose of being God’s servant, one in whom God is glorified
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: An Updated Edition in Today’s Language, ed. James Reimann (WORDsearch, 1992), 265.
Once we realize that it is through the salvation of Jesus Christ that we are made perfectly fit for the purpose of God, we will understand why Jesus Christ is so strict and relentless in His demands. He demands absolute righteousness from His servants, because He has put into them the very nature of God.
Beware lest you forget God’s purpose for your life
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: An Updated Edition in Today’s Language, ed. James Reimann (WORDsearch, 1992), 265.
GOD INCREASES AS HE LIVES IN US. AUGUSTINE: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” What is this? He must be exalted, but I must be humbled. How is Jesus to increase? How is God to increase? The perfect does not increase. God neither increases nor decreases. For if he increases, he is not perfect; if he decreases, he is not God. And how can Jesus increase, being God? … This is a great mystery! Before the Lord Jesus came, people were glorifying themselves; he came as a man to lessen human glory and to increase the glory of God.… For this is what the apostle says, this is what holy Scripture says: “He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
Will you glory in yourself? You will grow; but you will grow worse in your evil. For whoever grows worse is justly decreased. Let God, then, who is ever perfect, grow and grow in you. For the more you understand God and apprehend him, he seems to be growing in you; but in himself he does not grow, being always perfect.… Do but examine the nature of humanity: a person is born and grows, he learns the customs of people. What does he know but earth and things of the earth? He speaks the things of people, knows the things of people and minds the things of people. Carnal, he judges carnally, conjectures carnally. Everything is about humanity! Let the grace of God come and enlighten his darkness, as it said, “You will lighten my candle, O Lord; my God, enlighten my darkness”; let it take the mind of humanity and turn it toward its own light. Immediately [John] begins to say, as the apostle says, “Yet not I, but the grace of God that is with me,” and “Now I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.” That is to say, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 14.4–6.
Joel C. Elowsky, ed., John 1–10, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006), 136.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jas 4:2–3.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jn 14:13–14.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jn 15:7.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ga 4:19.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Re 21:4. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4).
Peter Morden, The Message of Discipleship: Authentic Followers of Jesus in Today’s World, ed. Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes Series (London: Inter-Varsity Press, 2018), 85.
The Prophet Samuel told King Saul that obedience was better than sacrifice and rebellion was the sin of witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23). I confess my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion, turn away from my sins, ask You to forgive me (I John 1:9) and ask YOU for mercy (Proverbs 28:13). I ask YOU to throw my sins of commission, omission, disobedience, and rebellion as far as the East is from the West (Psalms 103:8-12). Thank YOU for not punishing me for all my sins (Psalms 103:10).
We ask YOU to sustain us today and the coming day.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Re 22:13.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Re 1:8.
YOU are Alpha and Omega so YOU know my beginning and my end. Search my heart and find any unforgiveness against anyone for anything. I release this unforgiveness and I openly declare that I forgive this person, these people, this incident, and/or this situation. You commanded me to forgive any debt, trespass or sin anyone has thought or committed against me (Matthew 6:12 – 13; Luke 11:2-4). Keep forgiveness continually in my heart and mind so I do not end up in “unforgiveness prison” like the man in the Parable of the unforgiving Debtor (Matthew 18:21- 35).
Thank YOU for leaving me with an Advocate, the HOLY SPIRIT, who continuously convicts me of my sin, GOD’s righteousness, and the coming judgment (John 16:8). I, Earlene McNair, openly declare that JESUS is Lord and believe in my heart that HE carried my sins on the Cross so I can be dead to sin. I believe that YOU, GOD raised HIM from the dead (Romans 10:9-10; I Peter 2:24. I declare that I am Saved. Because I am YOUR child, YOU sent the Spirit of YOUR Son into my heart so I can call out Abba Father (Galatians 4:6).
We acknowledge that GOD made Christ, who never sinned, the offering for our sin so we could be made right with GOD through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). We know that everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard (Romans 2:23). Thank YOU for making JESUS the sacrifice for my sins (Romans 3:25). Thank YOU for purifying me through the Blood of JESUS, CHRIST, whose Blood washed me whiter than snow (Psalms 51:7). Thank YOU for YOUR Grace which makes us right in YOUR sight through JESUS’ sacrifice for our sin through the shedding of HIS Blood (Romans 3:24-26). We acknowledge that JESUS, our great High Priest, entered heaven, understands our weaknesses, has faced all the same tests as us, yet HE did not sin (Hebrews 4:14-15). So, let us come boldly to the Throne of our gracious GOD. When we humble and prostate ourselves before GOD’s Throne, we will receive HIS mercy and find grace to help us when we need it the most (Hebrews 4:16).
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 2 Ti 4:1–2.
kingdom of God
Or, less frequently, “kingdom of heaven”, the kingly rule of God in the lives of people and nations. It refers to the recognition of the authority of God, rather than a definite geographical area, and begins with the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).
This doctrine describes the rule of God over his creation as king, including how the rule is exerted and structured and what its ultimate purpose is.
John 18:36 (NLT)
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
Matthew 6:9–15 (NLT)
9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
3 Give us each day the food we need,
4 and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Lk 11:2–4.
John Chapter 17
The Prayer of Jesus
After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. 2 For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. 3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. 4 I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.
6 “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, 8 for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.
9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jn 17.
Luke 11: 1 - 4
TO PRAY FOR THE KINGDOM. AUGUSTINE: “Your kingdom come.” To whom do we address this petition? Will the kingdom of God not come unless we ask for it? That kingdom will exist after the end of the world. God has a kingdom forever. He is never without a kingdom, for all creation is subject to him. Then for what kingdom do we wish? It is written in the Gospel, “Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” See, that is the kingdom of which we speak when we say, “Thy kingdom come.” May that kingdom come within us and may we be found within that kingdom. That is our petition. Of course it will come. How will that benefit you if it finds you at the left hand? In this petition, you also wish a blessing on yourself. It is on your own behalf that you pray. In this petition, this is what you desire and long for, namely, that you may so live as to have a share in the kingdom that will be given to all the saints. When you say, “Thy kingdom come,” you pray for yourself, because you pray that you may lead a good life. May we partake of your kingdom. May the kingdom that is to come to your saints and your righteous ones also come to us.
Arthur A. Just, ed., Luke, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005), 187.
Thus, prayer for the kingdom’s coming is multidimensional. The petitioner (1) surrenders daily to the comprehensive, existential demands of Jesus’ lordship; (2) embodies the self-sacrificial, ethical expectations of kingdom citizenship; (3) eagerly anticipates the Father’s final victory at Jesus’ parousia
D. M. Crump, “Prayer,” ed. Joel B. Green, Jeannine K. Brown, and Nicholas Perrin, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL; Nottingham, England: IVP Academic; IVP, 2013), 687–688.
Key terms include parousia, which means “presence, coming, or arrival”;
Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Revelation, ed. Daniel L. Akin, David Platt, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2016), 292.
The Lord’s Prayer is an eschatological prayer—even an apocalyptic prayer. We are praying for the coming of God’s kingdom in glory, and to pray for the coming of God’s kingdom is to pray for Christ’s return, for Christ is God’s King. Tim Bradshaw says, ‘ “Your kingdom come” calls upon God to act in a decisive fashion to end the ambiguity of the world’s sin and confusion … This is not a request to God to help us to implement the kingdom, but plainly asks for the coming of the kingdom that only God can bring.’
To pray ‘your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ is to pray that earth and heaven will be brought into conformity, and ultimately this takes place as described in Revelation 21 when heaven comes down to earth and God dwells with his people (Rev. 21:1–4). On that day, as Tom Wright puts it, ‘God’s space and ours are finally married, integrated at last.’ Elsewhere Wright says that this is ‘to pray not merely that certain things might occur within the earthly realm that would coincide with plans that God had made in the heavenly realm, but that a fresh integration of heaven and earth would take place’
Tim Chester, The Message of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace, ed. Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes Series (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2003), 162.
13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 2 Pe 3:13.
Paul teaches that the kingdom has both present and future dimensions.
a. The kingdom is a present blessing for those who have been delivered from the powers of darkness to the kingdom of Christ (Rom 14:17; 1 Cor 4:20; Col 1:13; Eph 5:5).
b. Those exhibiting a virtuous lifestyle will inherit the kingdom (1 Cor 6:9, 10; 15:50; Gal 5:21; 1 Thess 2:12; 2 Thess 1:5).
David Seal, “Kingdom of God,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
d. Give us today our daily bread
If the first three requests of the Lord’s Prayer are for the coming of the kingdom, the second three are for our participation in the kingdom. The word translated daily (epiousios) in most modern translations is better translated ‘tomorrow’ or ‘coming day’. Some see the coming day as a reference to the needs of the next day, but it is not clear why we pray to have this today. Instead, in common with the rest of the prayer, this petition is eschatological in orientation. We are praying for the bread of the coming day or age.
Jesus uses the image of a banquet to describe the blessings of the coming age (Matt. 8:10–12; Luke 14:15–24; 22:29–30; see also Is. 25:6–8). At the Last Supper Jesus says he will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until he does so in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:18). The Gospel writers portray Jesus’ table fellowship as an anticipation of the great messianic banquet (Luke 14:12–24). ‘For the disciples of Jesus, every meal, and not just the last one, had deep eschatological significance. Every meal with Jesus was a salvation meal, an anticipation of the final feast.’ Ernst Lohmeyer concludes, ‘all Jesus’ sayings about eating and drinking, being hungry and thirsty, and giving feasts, have a sense of eschatological fulfilment’. The bread also recalls the provision of manna (Exod. 16). On the day before the sabbath the people were to gather twice as much so that they had no need to gather on the day of rest (Exod. 16:21–30). They received, as it were, bread for tomorrow. Now Jesus is inviting us to pray that we might have bread in the eschatological rest to which the sabbath points (Heb. 4:1–11). We pray that we might share in the future feast and have a foretaste of it today.
This reading of the prayer feels odd to those of us familiar with ‘give us this day our daily bread’. And perhaps we should not draw the distinction too sharply, for present provision is a foretaste of the eternal provision. But if it seems too much to imagine that the disciples would have understood this as a reference to the messianic banquet rather than to the next meal, then we need to remember the context in which it was originally spoken. Jesus was portraying himself as an eschatological figure. He was making connections between his table fellowship and God’s coming kingdom. In the Sermon on the Mount he has spoken of those who hunger for justice being filled when the kingdom comes. The first half of the prayer directs attention to the future. In this context a reference to ‘the bread of tomorrow’ is going to bristle with eschatological overtones.
So to pray the Lord’s Prayer is to pray that we might enjoy the blessings of the coming age pictured as a messianic banquet. It is both to pray for the messianic banquet to come soon (today) and to see in today’s provisions anticipations of the eschatological provision and security promised us in the gospel.
e. Forgive us our debts
When Jesus expands upon this phrase in verses 14–15 he uses the word ‘transgressions’. But here the word is ‘debts’ (opheilēmata)—one of a number of pictures the Bible uses to describe our sin. We have an obligation of honour, obedience and love towards God as our Creator and Ruler, for he has been constant in his love towards us (Matt. 5:45). The proper response we should make was summed up in the law and reiterated by Jesus: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ (Matt. 22:37). But we have failed to meet our obligation and the arrears have amounted to a huge debt. We have no resources with which to repay what we owe. All that we could give to God is already part of what we owe. Our only hope is mercy. The only way the debt can be removed is if God graciously cancels it. One day we shall all stand in the debtors’ court, where our arrears will be revealed, our bank balance be examined. Our only hope is the mercy of our Creditor.
Jesus invites us to pray that God will forgive us on the final day of reckoning. Again, the focus is eschatological. Verses 14–15 speak of God forgiving us in the future. We can talk of being forgiven by God now, but the test of that forgiveness will be when our case comes to court. The gospel is the promise—the certain promise grounded in the Word of God, the sufficient death of his Son and the guarantee of the Holy Spirit—that when that day comes the debt will have been wiped clear. The account book will say, ‘Paid in full by the precious blood of Jesus’ (Col. 2:13–14).
f. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one
The word translated in the NIV ‘temptation’ (peirasmos) can be ‘temptation’ or ‘testing’. Since God does not tempt us (Jas. 1:13), it is better to see it as testing. Jesus is talking not about the ‘ordinary’ testing of daily life, but the eschatological testing that precedes the return of Christ—what are sometimes called ‘the messianic woes’. In Revelation 3 the risen Christ promises the church at Philadelphia, ‘I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth’ (Rev 3:10). ‘ “Do not put us to the test” refers to the coming time of trouble, to the “messianic woes”. peirasmon does not so much refer to the trials or temptations of everyday life as to the final time of tribulation which will precede the renewal: one prays for preservation from evil or apostasy in the great tribulation.’
In Matthew 24 Jesus describes such testings as ‘the beginning of birth-pains’ of the new age (Matt. 24:8). The disciples have asked ‘what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ (Matt. 24:3). Jesus responds in 24:4–28 by describing the signs of the last days. The last days will be characterized by times of tribulation—the birth-pains of the new age. Some of these are general troubles that will afflict a world convulsing between two ages: wars, rumours of war, famine and earthquakes (Matt. 24:6–8). Some are particular to the people of God in this time of crisis: false messiahs and persecution (Matt. 24:5, 9–13, 23–28). The destruction of the temple that took place in AD 70 is part of these end-time tribulations (Matt. 24:15–21). Indeed it is a picture of the tribulations that will characterize the entire end times. Through it all the gospel will be proclaimed to all nations (Matt. 24:14). And one day God will bring this time to an end as a mercy to his people (Matt. 24:21).
When the birth-pains are complete—that is, ‘immediately after the distress of those days’ (Matt. 24:29)—Christ will return in glory and gather his elect from throughout the world (Matt. 24:29–31). Jesus summarizes with a lesson from the fig tree (Matt. 24:32–35). Just as the fig tree breaks into leaf when summer is coming, so these terrible distresses are an assurance that Jesus is coming again in glory. The tribulations of the last days are to strengthen our confidence in the enduring words of Jesus. Finally, while the signs of the last days remind us that Jesus is coming (Matt. 24:29–35), they do not allow us to predict the exact date of his return. That is known only to the Father and so we must be ready at all times (Matt. 24:36–51).
In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus invites us to pray that we shall be spared such testing as might bring a crisis of faith (1 Cor. 10:12–13). Indeed Tom Wright suggests that we are praying not that God would not test us, but that we would not test God as Israel did in Exodus 17:7 through their unbelief. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul alludes to the events described in Exodus 17, describing them as a warning to us before assuring us that there is no ‘temptation’ (peirasmos—the same word as that in Matt. 6:13) from which God cannot deliver us (1 Cor. 10:1–13). Our prayer is that we shall not test God, but that instead he will keep us from responding to the eschatological tribulations with unbelief.
In the Lord’s Prayer we turn Matthew 24:10–14 into prayer. During the testing of the end times
• ‘many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other’ (24:10), and so we pray that we shall not turn from the faith or betray each other;
• ‘many false prophets will appear and deceive many people’ (24:11), and so we pray that we shall not be deceived;
• ‘the love of most will grow cold’ (24:12), and so we pray that our love will not grow cold;
• ‘but he who stands firm to the end will be saved’ (13), and so we pray that we shall stand firm to the end;
• And through it all we pray that ‘this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations’ (24:14).
While we pray to be kept during the trials and evils of the time of testing, this prayer also looks ahead to the ultimate deliverance from evil and the end of testing. ‘The final deliverance from evil comes with the eschaton, the reign of God, the judgment and vindication.’ To pray this prayer is to join with the martyred souls of John’s vision who cry out, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’ (Rev. 6:10).
Tim Chester, The Message of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace, ed. Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes Series (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2003), 162–166.
Jesus Teaches His Disciples the Kingdom Prayer (6:9–13) Versions of this prayer appear in both Matthew (6:9–13) and Luke (11:2–4); most scholars accept the original form of the prayer that stands behind these Gospels as authentic (Witherington 1990:204). Jesus here probably adapts an early form of what became a basic synagogue prayer, the Kaddish* (Vermes 1984:43; Davies and Allison 1988:595), which began something like this (Jeremias 1964:98):
Exalted and hallowed be his great name
in the world which he created according to his will.
May he let his kingdom rule …
Craig S. Keener, Matthew, vol. 1, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), Mt 6:9–13.
Hebrews 8:1 - 13
Christ Is Our High Priest
Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. 2 There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands.
3 And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. 4 If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. 5 They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”
6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.
7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. 8 But when God found fault with the people, he said:
“The day is coming, says the LORD,
when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel and Judah.
9 This covenant will not be like the one
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
and led them out of the land of Egypt.
They did not remain faithful to my covenant,
so I turned my back on them, says the LORD.
10 But this is the new covenant I will make
with the people of Israel on that day, says the LORD:
I will put my laws in their minds,
and I will write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors,
nor will they need to teach their relatives,
saying, ‘You should know the LORD.’
For everyone, from the least to the greatest,
will know me already.
12 And I will forgive their wickedness,
and I will never again remember their sins.”
(Jeremiah 31:31 – 34)
13 When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 8:1–13.
Thank YOU for rescuing me from the darkness and transferring me into the Kingdom of YOUR dear SON, JESUS, who purchased my freedom and forgave my sins (Colossian 1:13- 14). Thank You from the depth of my soul for looking down from Heaven and sending Your Son, JESUS, who knew no sins to be the sacrificial Lamb of GOD for my sins (John 1:29; Romans 3:25; I John 4:10, Peter 1:19) so I could become Your child (2 Corinthians 5:21). While I was a slave to sin, YOU sent JESUS to buy my freedom (Galatians 4:4-5). Thank YOU for loving me enough to send your Son, JESUS, so I could be adopted as YOUR child (Ephesians 1:5). Thank YOU, JESUS, for dying on the cross for my sins (I Peter 2:24-25).
An Encouragement for Prayer
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Col 4:2–6.
16 There are six things the LORD hates—
no, seven things he detests:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
18 a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
19 a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Pr 6:16–19.
Look Up Hosanna
2. The crowd wanted a king they could rule. The crowd did NOT want a king to tell them what, when, or how. They wanted a king to serve them. They treated Jesus like a king. “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road” (Matt. 21:8). But they sat on the throne where the king should have sat. They wanted to tell their king what to do and when to do it! The word hosanna means “save us!” Their words were a mixture of praise and commands. “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest!’ ” (Matt. 21:9).
The joy of the crowd knew no bounds! (See Figure 11.1.) Imagine the picture. Jesus rode among the crowd to the top of the Mount of Olives. From there they could see Jerusalem. Its eastern gate was just across the Kidron Valley.
The crowd was saying, “Save us now.” They wanted Jesus to use His miraculous power against the Romans. They wanted a warring king to deliver them from the bondage of Caesar.
The crowd is the same now as it was then. Most people do not want to serve a king. They want a king to serve them. They want a king they can rule. They want a king that will make it possible for them to have all they desire in life.
Quentin McGhee, The Life & Teachings of Christ (Student Manual), ed. Quentin McGhee, Sixth Edition., Faith & Action Series (Chestnutridge, MO: Faith & Action, 2024), 188–189.
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 1 Sa 16:7.
Judge not so You will not be judged
