Prayer Suggestions
GOD OUR REFUGE
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear....“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ps 461,2a,10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
O Lord God, how I pray that this humble servant of Yours would be able to see life from Your perspective. Frequently I feel overwhelmed by the sojourn we call life. I find the anguish of suffering and the tyranny of authority everywhere the children of men dwell under the heavens. Unfortunately, I must confess that I find the anguish of my soul waxing deep into the miry pit of doubt when I witness Your divine providence. For my sinful narcissism; for my doubt filled faith; forgive me Lord. You have reassured me, helped me and given me a new paradigm of life in Your Son, Jesus Christ. I will be still and ponder Your precepts. Your words will . never cause my heart to yawn, I will exult Your name in my life and to all I encounter. Let me proclaim Your truth by the movement of Your Spirit within me.
A-men. Rev. David W. Baker
THE PROMISE
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:1-5
Jesus, Father, Spirit. I can’t find the words to express the joy that I find in Your promise. My heart faints when I hear that You will wipe away every tear from our eyes. I look forward to my pain and problems being wiped away and embracing You in an everlasting joyous hug. Help me to share this joy with all around me. You have called me to be Your witness to this fallen world. I hope and pray that Your joy in me is evident to those who do not yet know Your promise. A-men Rev. David W. Baker
INVITE
Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Mt 22:9–10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
King of all of creation. You invite all to Your wedding feast, yet so many ignore or have outright disdain for Your request. I confess that I too have not put the proper priority on Your call, and have acted as if I mattered most. I have put on the dress of goods, services, jobs and a myriad of other earthly things before and even instead of the heavenly clothing You have prepared for me. Enclothe me with the raiments of faith. Include me in the heavenly marriage feast of Your Son, that I may be assured of an everlasting banquet and dance with people “from a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Re 7:9–10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society. Amen. Rev. David W. Baker
Make me to Know Your Ways
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ps 25:4–5). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Lord, Jesus. You have called me to Your salvation. You have made me an heir of Your kingdom and a child of the heavenly Father. Your kindness and love are too great for my feeble understanding. I praise Your mighty rod and Your gracious staff and petition You to remember Your covenant and move me with Your Word. Let Your Spirit so direct my learning that I may earnestly follow Your precepts, and therefore bear true fruit by which others will know of Your presence. A-men Rev. David W. Baker
Invoking the Creator
For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the LORD, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret,
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Is 45:18–20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Almighty. All powerful Creator. Hear my prayer and listen to my pleas. You created the world and all that is in it. Even the smallest creature informs us of Your creative intelligence; Your divine power. As for me, I will say with King David,
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ps 139:13–14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Therefore, I am bold as Your child of creation and Your child of redemption in Your Son, Jesus Christ, to pour out before you the troubles of my heart. (Here talk to God personally). “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue; behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ps 139:1–6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
I pray this in the name of Jesus, begotten not made, of one substance with You, the Father and the Holy Spirit. All three are eternal, but not three eternals but one Eternal; present in the foundation of all of creation. A-men (Rev. David W. Baker)
To Do Your Will
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ro 13:1–2). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Sovereign Majesty of all creation, sometimes it is hard for us to submit to the governing authorities when we ponder that they are just fallible and sinful. It is so easy to see the corruption in others, especially our leaders. Move us in holiness, and obedience to Your will to honor them, serve them and as long as the requests are not sinful; to joyfully obey them. In so doing we humbly acknowledge Your sovereign rule and trust not our own precepts but Yours. Before You Lord, I lift up my leaders especially....A-men. (Rev. David W. Baker)
For Worship
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Je 15:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Lord, I love to pause and ponder Your word. They are more than life to me, therefore, I will praise You with all my heart, soul and strength. Lord, I love to worship, I love to be in the Presence of Your saints. I love to speak, sing, and share Your words. Bless my worship that I might learn not only to hear but rejoice always in Your gifts, move to be a doer of Your precepts, and wait expectantly for the culmination of all joy. Jesus, I love dwelling in Your house and pondering Your mighty mercies poured out for me. A-men (Rev. David W. Baker)
When All Seems Bleak, Jesus Is My Treasure
(Might Jesus be speaking of Himself as the Merchant and we are the pearls?)
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
The Parable of the Net
47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Mt 13:45–51). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Jesus. When I look out on the world, especially through the eyes of the modern media, everything looks so bleak. I know You said there would always be wars and rumors of wars, and that the world would hate us because it hated You, but it just seems that Christianity is giving up on you. Many have left the church, many manipulate science to oppose You, many seem so angry at Christians, indeed, even in this our own country. Yet, when things seemed bleak to Your disciples, You called them to acknowledge and encouraged by what is really priceless, enduring, belonging. I know Jesus, that I am Your treasure, and Your love. I take comfort, and find surety in Your grace. Help me to keep my priorities straight, that I might not despair, but have hope. A-men (Rev. David W. Baker)
NOT IN RULES BUT IN RELATIONSHIP
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ro 7:21–25). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
My dearest Jesus; Sometimes I feel like I am only pretending. I love You so much, therefore my inward desire is to do exactly what You said, “If you love me, You will keep My commandments.” I try so hard to follow scriptural principles, but I know, and I confess to You, that I find myself helpless, lost and willfully obstinate with my habits. Worse, I try to hide my sins by being judgmental of others. I have feigned outrage when others have made the same mistakes I struggle with. I call upon You to Forgive me. I remember Your words, “My yoke is easy and My burden light” Help me to glory in the love of Your relationship, acceptance and forgiveness.. Help me to love others. Although struggling with the human condition will never cease in this kingdom; as I struggle help me to be charitable in my judgements of others, to make their burdens a little lighter. (Rev. David W. Baker)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Mt 11:28–30). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society. (Rev. David W. Baker)
Peace and Sword?
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Mt 10:34–39). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
My shepherd. In You I find peace. Not my peace, Not the world’s peace, but Your peace. This peace I find even when I walk in the darkest of valleys, the sparse deserts, the hidden voids of my life. In that peace, I rejoice always because in You I have hope, My earthly nature, nor culture can provide true lasting peace. Only You! Only You, Lord in Your love and mercy gives me the peace that confounds the world. Give me courage to embrace this peace. Help me to outwardly live this peace and equip my heart, soul and mind, to share this peace. In the Name of Jesus, my peace. A-men. (Rev. David W, Baker)
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Jn 14:27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
(Rev. David W. Baker)
The Prostitutes believed him!
“For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him.” Matthew 21:32 ESV
Lord, Open my heart to hear. You have spoken to me by Your Spirit. Your words are life to me. My choices in life are ever before me. I praise You, for the remembrance of them, for they remind me in an evermore stark manner, that I am saved by Your grace. Keep my heart humble that I would put my trust in You. Keep my heart soft that I may love “the least of these.” Keep my heart bold that I may proclaim Your goodness. Keep my heart strong to carry the cross You have given me. Keep my heart meek that through me others would see Your Son. Keep my hear fearless as I run toward Your goal. And keep my heart, O Lord, as a dwelling place for Your Spirit. A-men. Rev. David W. Baker
BLESSED TRINITY GUIDE ME
This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary. (2009). . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
Lord, Spirit of Life, Spirit of Holiness, Spirit of Knowledge, Spirit of; Grace, Judgment, Might, Promise, Prophecy, Revelation, Supplication, Understanding, Wisdom, and Truth. You, Holy Ghost , the Voice of the Almighty, the Comforter. Continue to work in my heart. Help me to grow in the Word. Move me to a deeper understanding of Your holy purpose. Guide me in the path of life that I may find the zeal to worship You, the courage to be a witness for Jesus, the strength to stand amidst trials. O Spirit of Adoption, Spirit of Courage, Spirit of Council, Spirit of Faith. Eternal Spirit, Spirit of Glory, I thank You that You have called me into the Faith of the Living God, You have brought me the gifts of redemption and dwell in me as Your temple. You assure me of Your promises even when I dwell in darkest of valleys. Spirit of Glory, Spirit of the Lord God, help me to be a blessing to You, to Your chosen people and to a lost world. Spirit of the Father, Spirit of Jesus Christ, take my prayer and make it an acceptable sacrifice to the Father. You are one. Father, Son and Holy Spirt. I love You, I praise You, I adore You. My first love. A-men. Rev. David W. Baker
IN THE SPIRIT
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Jn 7:37–39). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Lord, Spirit of Life, Spirit of Holiness, Spirit of Knowledge,
Spirit of; Grace, Judgment, Might, Promise, Prophecy, Revelation, Supplication, Understanding, Wisdom, and Truth. You, Holy Ghost , the Voice of the Almighty, the Comforter. Continue to work in my heart. Help me to grow in the Word. Move me to a deeper understanding of Your holy purpose. Guide me in the path of life that I may find the zeal to worship You, the courage to be a witness for Jesus, the strength to stand amidst trials. O Spirit of Adoption, Spirit of Courage, Spirit of Council, Spirit of Faith. Eternal Spirit, Spirit of Glory, I thank You that You have called me into the Faith of the Living God, You have brought me the gifts of redemption and dwell in me as Your temple. You assure me of Your promises even when I dwell in darkest of valleys. Spirit of Glory, Spirit of the Lord God, help me to be a blessing to You, to Your chosen people and to a lost world. Spirit of the Father, Spirit of Jesus Christ, take my prayer and make it an acceptable sacrifice to the Father. You are one. Father, Son and Holy Spirt. I love You, I praise You, I adore You. My first love. A-men. Rev. David W. Baker
SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (1 Pe 4:12–14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Jesus, why is it that as a Christian when I love to sing “Joyful, Joyful we adore Thee” Or “They’ll know we are Christians by our Love” the world mocks, ridicules and tries to silence my song? Why is it, when I express my joy in the midst of all the sadness of this world it has to offer, I am told that these expressions are inappropriate and insensitive to others. Why Lord, when I face the trials of life am I supposed to trust in the comfort of chance? Be near me, Lord Jesus. I will not trust in the vain and hallow teachings of men. I will not find comfort in healing that only lasts for a short time, rather, my God, I will embrace and hold fast the hope that only You can give. I will endure this pilgrimage until I rest safely within the chorus of saints and angels. I will boldly proclaim where man by Your grace is destined to go. I may not have answers to why I face problems and trials, but Jesus, I trust in You. In You is peace. A-men (Rev. David W. Baker)
I AM TROUBLED IN MIND AND SOUL
My dearest Jesus, I am often troubled in mind and soul. When I consider the state of the world, the mistakes I have made, especially I am bothered by.....I know that really my problems are my own fault even though I routinely try to blame others. Sometimes, I wonder; do I do enough for You? Jesus I am reminded You said, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." ( The New King James Version. (1982). (Jn 14:1–4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.) Yes, Lord, I know the way of grace. Your gift is precious to me. I know of Your love, forgiveness and adoption. A-men Rev. David W. Baker
WALKING THROUGH THE DOOR
Lord, You said, " I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Jn 10:9 When I consider the state of the world, I am moved in my soul to give You, O Jesus, my dearest and heartfelt thanks for making me one of Your sheep. In You, I have pasture eternally, but also, Lord, You have given me the green pasture of a Christian faith life. In You I find peace in this world. In You, I have hope. Guide me, dear Redeemer, that I would in all aspect enter by use of Your door. Keep me from the worldly wide gates that lead to destruction. Give me the discernment of Your Spirit to know the difference. What I particularly need help in is.....O Door of Life, Guide me. A-men. Rev. David W. Baker
THE WORD ENURES FOREVER
“All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.” The New King James Version. (1982). (1 Pe 1:24–25). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Lord Jesus help me to put You first in my life. The world wants to replace you with its own glory. People have sought comfort in that which falls away and dies. You, however, are risen from the dead. You live and reign to all eternity. Your love never fails. Be with me. Guide and direct my steps; that I may walk in this life amidst Your precepts and not on the herbal teachings of men. As Your Spirit builds me, enable my soul to comprehend Your working in all things in my life. Therefore, I praise You, O Jesus, for the opportunity to read, study and practice Your word. I praise You for the events of my life because they remind me daily of Your enduring word. A-men. Rev. David W. Baker
TO A LIVING HOPE
Risen Lord and Savior, You saw the plight of Your people. You came to defeat death and hell. You contended with and conquered all evil that manifests itself in this world. You have claimed us as Your own. You have promised to be with us always. Fill us with Your Spirit, and build our faith, that we may never stray from the living hope which You have made imperishable, undefiled, an unfading inheritance; which is "kept in heaven" reserved for us by Your power and revealed according to your divine chronology. A-men Rev. David W. Baker
On Easter
Risen Lord and Savior;
Much of the world, stayed home and did not acknowledge Your work for the benefit of all mankind. I, pray now in Your presence moved by Your Spirit. I, therefore, believe, speak, sing, and confess that You are Lord. I bow my knees, and accept You and Messiah, the one who is, the One who was and the One who will come. As surely as You have risen from the dead, You will return as judge. You will call people to account. I humbly acknowledge Your payment for my sin and rejoice in the promised kingdom to all who have received Your grace. I embrace and ever hold fast Your promise to me.... “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Strengthen me in Your word and truth. Move me in my confession, embolden me in my witness. Amen. Rev. David W. Baker
After Death of a Loved One
Lord, Jesus, Be with me now as I remember the death of.....I feel as if I am nothing but dry bones. My heart beats, but is as if dead. My soul is cast down, and it is in these depths that I cry to You. I remember Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones, and ask that Your hand would be upon me, Let Your Spirit set me down in the middle of the valley of bones. I cry out; Can these bones live? Behold, You have declared that You O Lord, will open and raise me; Your people from their graves. Joyously, You have put Your Spirit within me, and move me to live. Help me to put everything into its proper perspective; to see life and even death from Your eyes...as Your son declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die...” Help me Lord to believe and embrace Your promises and to know, even as Job declared, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the Earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed; then from my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!” Behold, I find comfort and solace in You, O my God. A-men
.The New King James Version. (1982). (Jn 11:25–26). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.The Revised Standard Version. (1971). (Job 19:25–27). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc
(Rev. David W. Baker)
FOR THE EYES OF FAITH
Lord, I am blind in so many ways. I seek not the truth every day.
I cannot achieve Your holy ways,
I stumble and fall at every turn; and yet for You I still yearn.
And so my heart within me burns
My motives aren’t pure. Your righteous calling secure;
that keep me safe on this little tour.
By faith I am saved; by faith this still I crave;
of Your salvation will I rave.
To know You and Love You, this is my delight. For this will I stand up and fight.
Oh, by Your Spirit, give me sight.
To follow Your precepts, Your teaching, Your lore; even this I know, I’ll do poor.
Guide me , instruct me, inform me, correct!
Though blind I am saved; though blind I now see.
Jesus is my mark, my life, my way.
A-men and Amen. Yes this will be. Your promise revealed by faith to me
For all eternity, You will I see. (Rev. David W. Baker)
My Soul Longs for God
O Lord, As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for You, for the living God. Ps 42:1–2 . People fill their lives with an unbelievable myriad of created things, they follow countless numbers of false philosophies, they build up for themselves false gods, most notably, they bow down to the self with all it’s delusions and misconceptions. My soul, pants for You, O Jesus. Life for me exists in the abundance of Your love. Continue to pour the living water of Your Spirit into my life. Therefore will I rejoice in Your word. I will exult in worship, and share the drink of faith with a lost and thisty world. A-men. Rev. David W. Baker
For Spiritual Insight
My dearest Jesus. You told Nicodemus that one must be born again. Nicodemus was a brilliant man and yet struggled with Your declaration. I confess, I too struggle with Your teaching and because of my presuppositions, my community, and my experiences, I often fail to gain and apply the deep spiritual insight that You intend for the health and salvation of my soul. Yet Nicodemus came to You searching for the truth. I come now before you and ask for Your loving guidance. Fill me with the Spirit of truth, that I may be guided in my faith life to embrace and hold fast the principles of Your word. Move me, that I may learn to walk in the daylight of Your splendor, as one born of the Spirit. A-men.
Rev. David W. Baker
Keep Me From Being Deceived.
Lord, God. I have been lied to by the world, my flesh and the Devil. I have taken the bait much like Adam and Eve did. I have made incorrect decisions because I have nibbled on half truths, distortions and lies that are usually dangled within a shell of a tasty morsel. I have been enticed by my desires which have snagged me away from You and Your holy Word. Grant me a discerning heart that I be able to know and recognize the snares laid out for me and avoid them. By Your Spirit set my path to follow Your still waters. Amen. Rev. David W. Baker
Change My Heart O Lord
Lord Jesus, shine into my heart that I may spiritually see, hear, feel and know You. Transfigure my heart to love, believe and trust in You. Enlighten my mind that I may read, mark, learn and inwardly digest Your holy Word. Move my body that it may declare Your praise with feet, hands, and voice. You are my God, my Lord. You are my Savior, my Redeemer. I thank and praise You for the salvation granted to me. A-men Rev. David W. Baker
To Chose Life
Lord Jesus, you have sent Your Spirit to call me by the Gospel, enlighten me with His gifts and to move me onward in the process of my growth as Your child. Although, I seem content to exist on baby food, help me to make good choices in life. Behold, You have laid before me the narrow and straight path, illuminated by Your holy word and marked by Your precepts. Help me, Jesus, to choose life; life that You have set before me embracing and rejoicing not only in Your gifts, but also in the struggles and obstacles that have exerted my soul. And when this sojourn is done, I will rejoice, sing, dance and praise the One who sets my path straight.. Therefore, as Moses bid us to chose life, I choose You, my Lord, My God. A-men. Rev. David W. Baker
God's Light to Direct My life.
Light of Light, Hear my prayer. Light up my heart with Your word that I may not trust in the darkness of man; but look to Your grace, mercy and love for the whole world.. The light of grace has illuminated Jesus who sits beside You where there is no darkness at all. Shine forth Your Spirit into my life to create, strengthen and build faith. Let Your word be a portable lamp for my feet, that I may not walk this path unable to see Your direction. Help me to be a beacon to all those around me. I want to be Your lighthouse reflecting Your message to those around me and calling them home to safely live in eternity with Your Son and with me. Humbly, I step forth from the darkness into Your light in Jesus Name. Amen. Rev. David W. Baker
That Familiarity Not Hide Reality.
Hear my prayer O God and let the meditation of my soul be acceptable, for I pour out my heart before You. I remember from Your Holy Scriptures, the people who were with You as You grew in wisdom and stature; who later, could not receive you as Lord. We have grown up in a culture which has words that include You, such as, Christmas and Easter. Words that have become familiar. I pray for our culture and for myself that this familiarity would not hide the reality of Your divine nature and thus keep true close spiritual worship at the distance of ambivalence. (Rev. David W. Baker)
Blaming Others
Jesus, I want to come to you today with a bit of my hypocrisy exposed. When things go wrong, lord, even when I know it is my fault, my own fault, and nothing but my fault; I creatively seek, to find ways to blame others. This is so ingrained in my psyche, that I do this, even when not consciously thinking about it. I have made this trespass an automatic pilot of my behavior. Even worse, I have played the blame game not only in Your site, but confess to You that I know that I have attempted to blame You. I thank You, that you are far above such behavior. Yes, You call us to account, but You, Yourself, took on our sin and paid for the eternal effect of that sin. I praise You, for your love that has cleansed me of my sin. Rather than blame, I accept Your cleansing blood shed for me and I am now bold to confess and lay my sins before You. I particularly want to bring today...Before the cross, I pray. A-men in endless Amen
Remembering My Baptism
Jesus, I pause to remember Your servant John. I envision him standing by the river Jordan and watching with amazement as You went into the water. You were baptized to fulfill all righteousness; not Your righteousness, but mine. I remember this day my baptism; not just a ceremony, but a putting on of the righteousness You have earned by Your holy life, Your innocent suffering and death, and by Your glorious resurrection. I am forgiven and set free. I am bold, therefore, to bring before You all my failures; such as... As the Spirit descended on You, so pour out Your Holy Spirit on me, that I may work to walk according to Your ways, hearing constantly Your voice, to me speaking “This is my beloved” A-men Rev. David W. Baker.
To Direct Our Steps
Creator of the Universe, Director of the events of all mankind. As we consider history, we boldly acknowledge your handiwork even among those who confess You not, who follow You not, and, yes, even those who know You not. You guide the history of man in order to fulfill Your divine purpose. A“ 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
You guided Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, Egypt and then to Nazareth. You Guided the Magi to worship, praise and offer gifts to Your son, all according to Your eternal purpose. Therefore, on account of Jesus, we are bold to ask You to direct our steps that we might not be lead in the common direction of the world, but in the uncommon direction of Your purpose. Open our hearts with Your Holy Spirit, to travel to adore You, stand with wonder in Your presence, to offer You our gifts and to remember... B “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Rev. David W. Baker
A The New King James Version. (1982). (Ga 4:3–5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson
B The New King James Version. (1982). (Mt 25:45). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
For Help to Grow as a Christian.
Dear Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last; Worthy are You, Lord to receive praise and glory from all that is within my being. Your Spirit has called me into the family of my Savior, in whose birth, death and resurrection, I rejoice in. Listen, hear my prayer, not on account of my worthiness, but because the grace of Your Son’s declaration, making me a member of Your kingdom and an heir with Jesus. Help me not, dearest Jesus, to be like so many of Your called people before me, who have forgotten Your benefits, torn down Your altars and placed the trust of their hearts in men, philosophies, and movements. You are truly my strength, hope and peace. On account of Your undeserved love, I am bold to ask you to help me grow ...Spiritually; in faith, patience and love. Emotionally; in confidence, humility and tranquility. Mentally; in the knowledge and application of Your word, promoting discernment. Physically that I may witness, testify, and show forth the genuineness of the faith You have granted me.
By faith, I come before you on account of...(here list all your petitions)
I pray in the name of my dear Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, who is sitting at Your right hand, who with You and the Holy Spirit are one God, one Lord, One almighty. Lord, I love You. A-men Rev. David W. Baker
Depression and problems during Christmas
My dearest lord Jesus;
This is the time of Advent. The time I prepare to celebrate the anniversary of Your birth. For many days now, I have heard the songs of Christmas on the radio, I have viewed the many lights that now adorn so many homes. I am thankful that many look forward to celebrate not just “happy holidays” but the glorious reality of the Emmanuel.
But Lord You know me! You search the depths of my heart and soul and you know me better than I know myself. Therefore, with my heart, I pour out to you the depth of my unrest. While this should be a time of joy, I am brought low. I have been struggling with the dark thoughts of...(Here list your struggles with forgiveness , greed, jealousy, hatred, etc.)
I also confess, that I have let other problems gain an advantage over my worship, because I am worried about...(Here list health, job, family problems etc.)
O Babe of Bethlehem, come into my dark and stormy life. Move me with the power of Your message. Help me to make this Christmas a joyous one, even in the midst of my sorrows, because of the momentous promises You made to me as a gift of Your birth.
In the name of the Father, who sent the Son to be born in a manger,
In the name of the Son, who was born of a virgin, to take on the sortie of the cross,
In the name of the Holy Spirit, who has called me by the Gospel into a life with Jesus. A-men (by Rev. David W. Baker)
Spiritual Wake Up.
Merciful Lord and Savior;
Humbly I come before you and with bowed knee, I lay myself before Your holy yet gracious presence. I confess, that although, I believe in You, trust in Your promises and try to live a Christian life, I admit that so often in my life, I have walked the day as though asleep to Your presence which seeks to guide me in the paths of life. I have been consumed with my priorities, even to the exclusion of the holy walk of faith. I hereby ask that You would not judge me harshly, but out of Your love and the work you accomplished by Your holy birth, death and resurrection, forgive me, a manifest and penitent sinner. I petition You, dear Jesus, to breath on me with Your Spirit, that I may be moved more to the life patterns that please you. Help me ask for Your guidance. Help me to seek Your wisdom, and help me to knock at the door of Your understanding, that I may perceive life from Your perspective and apply those knocks to my everyday life.
This I ask, You good and gracious Lord, whom through all things were made in heaven and on earth. You are almighty, all powerful, all knowing, all loving. You are my God. I love you. A-men (by Rev. David W. Baker)
Take Home Prayer for Thanksgiving
Lord, God, Creator. I ponder the vast universe and behold you transverse all. I praise you for the beauty and vastness of creation. For our solar system which hangs amongst the stars, seemingly so insignificant, yet you have place your creatures, here on the place we call earth. You separated the waters and called man “Adam” which means dust. I praise you that I am a product of Your creation, and yet more than that. In difference to the rest of Your creatures great and small, You breathed into mankind that breath of life, and made us a spiritual being after Your likeness. You breathed and called us to be Your children. As the Psalmist says: I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Yet, my dear heavenly Father, I confess, that although You have granted me life, and thus have the right to set the rules, I have been all too much a human who indeed shares the fallen rebellious nature and the corruption of this world. I have transgressed Your Holy Word in thought, word, and deed. I praise You, that You sent Jesus to be my Savior from this sin, and from the ultimate punishment that is just.
I worship You, I love You. I adore You. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Move my spirit this day, to return thanks for all the blessings You have poured out on my life.
(Spend a little time remembering what you are thankful for.)
Strengthen me in faith. Help me to stand up and declare Your praises, Guide me by Your Spirit. Day by day dear Lord. Day by day, until with all Your saints, I will joyfully shout your praises in unison with those from every tribe, nation, people and tongue.(by Rev. David W. Baker)
After a Disaster
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, most gracious God, You are all-powerful and all-merciful. You chasten and You make alive. In Your infinite love, You have created us out of nothing. In Your eternal mercy, You have redeemed us from sin, death, and the devil. In Your unending compassion, You continue to preserve us in the true faith. We thank and praise You for the unfathomable gift of eternal life. In Your precious name. Amen.
Father of all glory and power, this world is fallen from the perfection You created; storms arise and threaten us. We ask that Your hand of blessing sustain and strengthen those in ...... recently affected by torrential rains and flooding. Be with those working to relocate the people who lost their homes as well as with those working to get power and services restored in the affected areas. Keep all, but especially the victims of these recent storms, mindful that You are our only refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. A-men. (by Rev. David W. Baker)
For Biblical Teaching and Reformation
Heavenly Father. When we look at the history of Your people, it is distressing to see how often and how consistently the church has strayed from the pure word. Time and time again, people have valued the word of human culture and disdained Your holy guidance. We, too, confess that we are all to ready to follow the correctness of our culture, and the subtitle blasphemes of our society. We have been slow to defend Your teaching, and even displayed obstinate resistance to Your holy education. As Martin Luther was called by You, to call your church back to scriptural adherence, move us by Your Spirit to a faithful and obedient life of faith accepting Your grace and faith in us as truly a free gift. Thank You, Jesus. I have eternal life on account of your mission for me. A-men (by Rev. David W. Baker)
Under Attack?
Lord!. My Lord and God. Jesus. You are called the Lion from the tribe of Judah. I rejoice in Your power and glory that you share with the Father and the Spirit. Your power and your justice comfort me in your grace. I confess that I do not fear you as I should. My human sinful nature keeps me from living as if you mattered most in my life. Take not your Holy Spirit from me, but move me to a close relationship. As your child and heir of the kingdom, I pray that you would guard and protect me from all evil of property and honor, but most of all direct my paths in order to help me learn to change my footsteps to avoid the evil pitfalls of spiritual error and decay. Thank you for your constant presence and protection. A-men (by Rev. David W. Baker)
Through Tribulation We Enter Heaven
Heavenly Father, Your Son know what tribulation is. Isaiah described it most beautifully when he said, “ Isaiah 53 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (NKJV)
We praise Him and Worship Him, heavenly Father as we also worship You and the Holy Spirit and from our hearts praise You, because You and You alone without our effort moved us to believe. We do believe that Jesus was willing to undergo the worst tribulation, yet did so to win for us everlasting life. We know that as this time more Christian’s are suffering for their faith than ever before. We have been slow to remember them; even slower to help them, our brother’s and sister’s in Christ. Forgive.
As Jesus endured tribulation, as our loved ones also endured their tribulations and are now in your kingdom, so we ask that Your Spirit would strengthen us, that we would not waver, nor fall away but stay and fight the good fight of faith in which we have everlasting life.
Jesus, I thank and praise You for Your love in action that has made me worthy to live with you eternally. A-men (by Rev. David W. Baker)
Surety of the Resurrection
My dearest Jesus. I confess that too often I am like the Sadducees who doubted the truth of the resurrection. Modern media with its seemingly constant contradictions create doubt in my mind and soul. I feel inundated with the opinions of men. I believe Your word, and thirst for Your truth. Guide and direct my study of Your word, that I may not be swamped by worldly rationale, but guided by the Spirit to truly have the wisdom from on high, seeing things from Your omniscient perspective and moved closer to the truth of your word which brings peace, joy, contentment and health.
I praise you that Job was a testimony to this truth. I confess and praise your name as I join him in saying: “ For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”( NKJV Job 19:25–27). Amen and Amen. (by Rev. David W. Baker)
To be a witness
Jesus, I don’t believe that it is just my prerogative, but an excursion into reality when I look and behold a plethora of evil all around me. I know, that because of my carnal nature, I am tempted to give up and even wonder if you are active at all. Forgive me for not trusting in your promises above all. Move me with Your Spirit, so that I might see things from Your perspective, trust in Your promises and believe Your word. Strengthen me in order that I may not grow weary in “well doing”, but let my heart be open to the many opportunities that life provides, to be a witness, to help others, to serve in a manner that is pleasing to You, O Jesus. Guide me in the study of Your word, that I would not be lead into the temptation of spiritual sloth and indifference, but find a zeal and love of my study and worship time. Lord, My Lord, Father, who created me, Son who redeemed me, and Spirit who has called me out of darkness to this life in Christ. I love you with my whole heart. A-men (by Rev. David W. Baker)
Complaining
Lord, my creator. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works from the grand heavens to the microscopic depths are indeed inspiring. Day to day Your blessings are upon me. Food, drink, house, home, and other grand things from creation You provided to meet all my daily needs. Even though these blessings have been placed before me, yet I confess that all too often I have grumbled, complained and been dissatisfied. I have coveted those who have more, and also been remiss in sharing with those who have less. I have blamed and accused others when things did not go as I thought they should. The result is that I have by my complaining distanced myself from You. Move my heart to praise and worship You. Forgive my sins. Help me to boldly bring before you my concerns, problems and cares yet do so with due fear and reverence. I know that You hear me for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ My Lord. In Him I take refuge. A-men (by Rev. David W. Baker)
