A Sunday Morning Prayer – January 26, 2025

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”  (Psalm 23:1)

Most Wise and Eternal Father:

I come to you this Sunday morning with an overflow of joy in my heart because you have given me yet another opportunity to thank you and to praise your holy name. I love you, Lord. You are a mighty God, the God of all creation; a God to be both feared and adored; you are perfect and holy, and yet you incline your ear to a wretched sinner like me because you love me as one of your children. You are the good shepherd, and I am but a lowly sheep in constant need of your nurturing and care.  I can’t do this without you.  When I’ve tried, I’ve failed.  But even in my rebellion, you were there to pick me up, to clean me up, and you placed my feet back on a firm foundation. That firm foundation is faith in the finished works of your only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord, for being the fulfillment of the law that I couldn’t possibly keep.  You left the holiness of Heaven to show sinners like me that you are the way, the truth, the life, and the only way to Heaven. You suffered horrible pains and humiliations for me. You were abandoned by your disciples for me. You died for me by taking on the punishment I deserved for my sins. You rose for me. You sit at the right hand of the Father constantly interceding for me. You do this because you love me. How could I take your love for granted? And yet, that is exactly what I’m doing when I am disobedient to your Word and to your will.  Please forgive me. I confess my sins to you, Lord, and I ask that you give me a clean heart; a heart whose only desire is to worship you in spirit and in truth. A heart that is not ashamed to proclaim the gospel from the rooftops without fear or hesitation. I humbly ask that you renew my spirit, Lord, as a reminder that He who has begun a greater work in me is faithful to perform it until the day of Christ Jesus.

I pray for your saints all over the world, Father. I pray that you will continue to show yourself mightily in their lives as they walk that narrow road which leads to Heaven. Please protect them from the wiles of the enemy, Lord, for his schemes are subtle and never-ending. Please continue to reveal yourself to them through your Word and through your awesome creation. Remind them that no matter their present situation, that all things work together for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to your purpose.

I humbly ask that you continue to be patient with those who have yet to confess Christ as their Lord and Savior. They are blinded by the prince of the power of the air, Father, and the road that leads to Hell is wide and enticing to the flesh. But you love them also, Father, and you do not wish that any should perish but that all would come to repentance. Continue to give your saints the spiritual strength to be ambassadors for Christ, so that men will see our good works which are performed in your name, and give you the glory by surrendering to Christ’s lordship. Please use us to plant and to water the seeds of faith in the lives of unbelievers, trusting that you and you alone shall get the increase.

You are my God and my King, Lord. You are the author and the finisher of my faith. My cup runneth over because of you. Please continue to lead me and guide me in your way everlasting.

Amen.