May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Merry Christmas, dear Ones;
As we are so close to celebrating Christmas, I just wanted to take from the Apostle Paul’s example, and pray a prayer for you and your family.
Father, I pray for everyone reading this prayer. I am so grateful you are a God who hears and answers. I John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: That if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
I ask that as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we will take the time to ponder what an amazing gift you gave us. I am still humbled by the overwhelming love that took. May we all take time to appreciate what it took for you to leave heaven and come to earth. And not only come, but complete the entire sacrifice simply because you love us. Thank you, Father.
I am grateful you are a God who helps us in our time of need. Father, I ask you strengthen everyone who is feeling weak and overwhelmed right now. That you will show them the path they need to take through the wilderness, out of the darkness or even in the valley of the shadow of death. You don’t just leave us to find our way through, out or in, you want to help us in our time of trouble, and for that I praise you.
I thank you for being a God who is “with” us, Immanuel. I trust you are revealing yourself to your people right now, wherever they are. That you are opening our eyes to see you in your fullness, your power and your mercy. Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:18
I am grateful that you are a God who doesn’t leave us as we are, but, as we allow, you are causing us to grow up and mature in our thoughts and our actions. These character traits aren’t always easy to learn, but we trust our Good Teacher is instructing us and we can learn to do things your way. Your word declares that your way is best. Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. O dear Lord, we know if our hearts are surrendered to you, united to serve you we will be able to accomplish your will for our lives.
I ask that you fill my friends with your joy today. A joy that holds expectation and hope. A joy that will bring strength and anticipation into their lives. A joy that will overflow into others and make a difference. Joy that comes from their asking big prayers, and them seeing the answers. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. 1 Peter 1:8
Father, I ask that you fill us with your love, for perfect love casts away all fear. 1 John 4:18. I thank you that you conquered death, fear and the grave. I ask that you equip us for the journey ahead, no matter what or where it leads us. We need not fear the future, because you are already there. I choose to trust you today with my family, my friends and those who will read these words. May they be drawn closer and closer to you and your ways. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Merry Christmas to each of you. Thank you for taking time to read my words.
Faith Encounters 