Prayer Journal
Remember, “So That”
Does sin weigh you down? It does me when I sin. As long as we’re in earthly bodies, we’re going to sin. But, and this is big—because Jesus died for our sins, we’re declared righteous and we’re also called to be righteous.
In other words, we are to die to sin as 1 Peter 2:24 explains. “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” Jesus bore our sin in His body “so that…”. Jesus suffered so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
One thing God convicted me about years ago was that if it is important enough for Jesus to die on the cross so sin might be removed from my life, then I should want sin removed from my life. I should despise it and turn from it.
If you’ve read my book, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion, or have been to my P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference, you recall how we can mindfully P.R.A.Y. (praise, repent, ask, yield) in response to knowing Jesus bore our sins. Will you pray with me the following?
Lord Jesus, I praise you. You BORE MY SIN on Your body so that I would be righteous. Forgive me when I sin by __________. I realize it is wrong and repent. I want to turn from being that way. Please stir my mind and spirit as I go through my day so I yield to You and not my sinful, human nature.
The Lord is always present and wants us to talk to Him through prayer. Learn to pray more purposefully through Debbie’s book, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion and record your prayers and praises in the Prayers of My Heart journal.
Do You Hear Him?
Have you ever done a study on the voice of God? If so, you know how fascinating it is to consider all the times the Bible refers to God speaking and people listening to Him. For instance, in Isaiah 30:30, we’re told the following about God’s voice: “And the Lord will cause His voice of authority (literally “voice of majesty”) to be heard.” Yes, God’s voice is majestic. He speaks to us through His majestic creation that He is glorious and that He is a God of order with an unlimited imagination.
God’s voice speaks to us through the Bible, the wisest, most powerful collection of words ever written.
God speaks to us through Christ letting us know that He is sacrificial, loving, and forgiving.
God’s voice speaks to us in our innermost being warning us of the dangers of sin and calling us to walk in His ways.
Yes, God’s voice goes forth. He calls to us but sometimes the busyness of the day drowns out His voice.
How can we be sure we don’t miss hearing God’s voice? We can purposefully make quality time to meet with God to study His Word and pray. We can pay attention to His inner, guiding promptings in our heart and mind.
God’s voice goes forth. The one who listens with an intent to obey will hear Him.
VOICE OF AUTHORITY, thank You for speaking to me. Tune my heart and mind to recognize Your voice and obey You.
Would you like to become better equipped to discern God’s voice? Listen to this free podcast teaching: Listen UP! 31 Points Every Christian Should Know About the Holy Spirit. As you learn to recognize and listen to God’s voice, record what He speaks to you in the Prayers of My Heart prayer journal.
If You Think You Have Nothing, Think Again
When you were little, did you go on a treasure hunt? Today, do you put your treasured valuables in a safety deposit box?
The Bible tells us that believers have a treasure within them. What is the treasure? Second Corinthians 4:6-7 explains that the treasure is God’s Holy Spirit. The treasure is the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God shining in our hearts.
“God… is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. For we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7).
The treasure we carry about in our earthly bodies is God’s surpassing greatness of power. With humble reverence and boundless gratefulness, we bow and worship God for the great gift of His presence in us.
Lord, You are the TREASURE men seek and whom I have in my heart. Help me present You well to others and share with others the surpassing greatness of Your power. I adore and worship You.
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The Difference in Slow and Fast
Are you hot-tempered or does it take a lot to get you angry?
What kind of person would you rather be around—a hot-tempered person or a patient, loving person?
What kind of Heavenly Father do you prefer? One quickly angered by your shortcomings or one who is slow to anger?
If you said you’d rather be in a relationship with a Heavenly Father who is slow to anger and great in love, there is wonderful news for you. Psalm 145:8 says, “The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.”
Think about the blessing of God being slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
Praise Him for all the ways you are thankful for who He is.
Lord, thank You for being SLOW TO ANGER. Forgive me when I think, do, or say things that are not in keeping with You and Your will. Help me be ever mindful of Your glory and holiness and increasingly align my thoughts and actions to Yours.
The Prayers of My Heart prayer journal is a great place to record your thanks to God for all the ways He is revealed in the Bible. It is also a thoughtful and meaningful gift for someone who is going through a hard time. Share with them the benefit of focusing on who God is and because of who He is, the many ways He can help them.
Quick Question
Heavenly Father, thank You for the MERCY You show us every day. Fill us with Your Spirit of mercy toward others.
Would you like an organized way to record you prayers and praises? Grab a copy of the Prayers of My Heart prayer journal.