2023 Lenten Prayer & Meditation Journal - Campbell AME Church

FRUITFUL

A Prayerful Journey Through Practices of Fruitful Spirituality

2023 LENTEN PRAYER & MEDITATION JOURNAL

Greetings Campbell AME Church family,

On Ash Wednesday, we enter the season of Lent. Lenten Season is a time of self-examination, prayer, fasting, self-denial, and renewal that mirrors the forty days of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness – which mirrors the forty-day periods of trial experienced by Noah, Moses, and Elijah – and it culminates on Easter Sunday.

We are called to acknowledge our sinfulness, the things that seek to separate us from God, and to recognize our ultimate need for God’s mercy and grace during this season.

In final days of Lent, we meet Jesus in the events that lead to the crucifixion, death, burial, and the resurrection of Christ. These are the darkest moments of His life and ministry. David Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor put it this way,

“It is dangerous to meet Jesus in the dark places, to ask the same questions of ourselves that Jesus asks of His disciples, to accept Jesus’ radical touch. In these moments of utter truth and honesty, we find ourselves vulnerable enough to connect with the risen Christ as never before.”

That is my hope and prayer for you. I hope that during this time, you will connect with Christ as never before, and I hope that encounter will change your life forever!

Our theme this year is “Fruitful.” In John 15:5 Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Over the course of the next six weeks, using this prayer and meditation book as a guide we will explore, how

we can cultivate a life that is purposeful, deep, and fruitful. We will look to God’s word as we seek to discover the spiritual life and the difference God intends for us to make in the world.

I am thrilled to take this journey with you.

I believe the Lord wants to do something significant in you. I also believe God wants to use you to do something significant in the world.

I cannot wait to see the fruit that you will bear!

In faith,

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Pastor

The Season of Lent

The season lasts from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Resurrection (Easter) Sunday.

The season of Lent is the period of forty days which comes before Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of fasting, praying, reconciliation, and renewal. Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebration of Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. The observance of forty days replicates Jesus’ sacrifice and

withdrawal into the desert for forty days.

The season lasts from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. The Sundays, during this period, are excluded, because there is no obligation to fast on the Sundays in Lent.

INTRODUCTION

This 2023 Lenten Prayer and Meditation Book is a compilation of prayers written by members and friends of Campbell A.M.E. Church.

The book is comprised of forty-seven prayers, each accompanied by scriptural references. It is designed for the reader to have a prayer-a-day, beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2023) and ending on Resurrection Sunday (April 9, 2023). Sunday prayers are not included in the forty-day count of prayers.

The prayers are arranged in six categories based on the theme: “FRUITFUL” and inspired in part by the book, “Five Practices of Fruitful Living” by Robert Schenase. The categories are: Fruitfulness/Sacrifice, Radical Hospitality/Worship, Growing in Faith, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, Contagious Christianity/Generosity, and The Passion.

The reader is encouraged to read a prayer each day of the Lenten Season. Before reading the prayer, the reader should first read and meditate on the given Scripture for that day’s prayer. This process will help the reader to reflect on the faithfulness, goodness, mercy, and grace of our Lord, who is Jesus.

This Lenten Prayer and Meditation Book is prepared with the hope that each of us will use the Lenten Season to study the Bible, to pray, to celebrate God, to grow into a more intimate relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord, and embrace more fruitful living.

Rev. Dr. Oberia B. Butler Rev. Dr. Dianne D. Coles

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Rev. Terrance M. McKinley, Pastor of Campbell A.M.E. Church, for providing the theme and supporting scriptures for this Lenten project. Special thanks go to each of the following contributors whose prayers and encouraging words comprise this book:

We would also like to thank :

Betty Adams

Daria Bailey

Perita Baxter

Adrienne Bennett

Rev. Dr. Deborah I. Boston

Joyce Bond

Rev. Howard Boyd

Rev. Dr. Marie Phillips Braxton

Curtis Butler

Rev. Dr. Oberia B. Butler

Shelia Clayton

Rev. Dr. Dianne D. Coles

Michelle Asha Cooper

Doris Cosby

Rev. Beatrice Edwards

Kenneth Green, Sr.

Kathy Griffin

Naiela Majors

Willie Hall

Erma Jones

Lisa Lofty

Freda McDonald

Brenda Millard

Charles Swinton

Brooklyn Olumese

Robin Rubain

Felecia Scott

Robert Scott

Juanita Smith

Frances Sparkman

Rev. LaTonya Sullivan

Rev. Shelton Sullivan

Helen Thompson

Shephard Thompson

Juanita Wills

We pray that this book is a blessing to you as you journey to more fruitful living.

WEDNESDAY – DAY 1 CALL TO SACRIFICE

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19

“Take up thy cross,” the Savior said, “If thou wouldst My disciple be; Deny thyself, the world forsake, And humbly follow after Me.”

Holy God, you are my Creator and my Deliverer. You paid a high price to ransom my soul from a certain hell. Lord, I desire to grow closer to you. I want to follow you. I want to be like you, Jesus. But more than being like you, I want to do like you. I want to be a true disciple for you. So, as I journey through this season of Lent, as an act of obedience, empower me to deny myself and take up my cross and follow you. Help me, on this Lenten journey, to realize that just as you placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden for a purpose, you have also brought me into existence at this specific time for a purpose. Give me the wisdom, as I live out my purpose, to know the difference between good and evil, and through faith, to choose good. Lord, as I journey keep me focused on my need for Jesus for it is only through Him, and with Him, that I will be able to embrace the call to sacrifice. Help me, Holy Spirit, on this day to surrender my will to God’s will. Help me to sacrifice -to offer myself to be like Jesus – to act like Him, to love like Him and to forgive like Him. Jesus was and is the perfect sacrifice and it is in His precious, loving Name that I pray. Amen.

A CHILD’S PRAYER

Jesus, Lord, thank you for this day. I pray for everyone in Campbell A.M.E. Church. I pray that we will all continue to live a fruitful life, and that we all have a good day each and every day. I also pray that we will always stay faithful to YOU, Oh Lord. Amen.

THURSDAY - DAY 2 CALL TO SACRIFICE

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27

Lord God Almighty, heaven and earth are full of your great glory. As we humbly bow before you, we ask that you forgive us for the times we may have been selfish and not given you our best. Lord God, enable us to deny ourselves of our desires and to be your disciples and follow you. We give you all worship, all honor, and all praise, for you are so deserving of our total devotion. Lord God, you have loved us with an unfailing love, even when we did not deserve your love. You sacrificed your life for us, so please help us to sacrifice our will for your will. Bless us, Lord, with a will to deny ourselves and give you our best. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

FRIDAY - DAY 3 CALL TO FRUITFUL LIVING

Scripture: John 15:1-8

All wise and gracious God, we come to glorify and praise your holy name. We give you all the praise, the glory and the honor. There is none like you. Heavenly Father, my prayer is that you shall always remain within me. Give me a clean heart to serve you. God, I need you, please, to continue to work within me. Cut off and discard the branches which bear evil, so that I might be one that shares with others your love, the joy of salvation, peace and fruitful living. Heavenly

Farther, lead me and help me to spread the importance of continuous prayer, reading, studying, and living your Word. Speak to my heart and the hearts of those who do not know you as their personal Savior. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me, and each of us, to be a personal example of how your fruit grows and grows to the glory of God, through Jesus, our Lord and Savior. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Please let it be fruitful and grow and grow in the name of Jesus. Oh God. Help me, through the name of Jesus, to be fruitful and love others as you have loved me. Amen.

SATURDAY - DAY 4

CALL TO FRUITFUL LIVING

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-25

“Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on us.” We cry, “Anointing, fall on us. Anointing, fall on us. Let the power of the Holy Ghost, fall on us. Anointing fall on us.”

Father God, we come seeking you this morning and all of your glory. Come, Holy Spirit, have your

way in the midst of God’s people. God, we come first of all to praise and worship you. You are our creator and sustainer; you are peace and love. You are healer, provider, and our dwelling place. You are the lover of our souls. You are the one that seeks us and holds us close. Thank you. We desire to do your will but we need your help. We come as empty vessels before you, desiring to be filled and to be used for your glory.

Father, we come repenting for all that we have done that was against your Word, will and direction for our lives. We are so sorry.

We bow before you and humbly thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for renewing and cleaning our hearts, our minds, our desires and fears, in the areas that are not in alignment with your Word. Thank you for turning our desires, heart and mind back to you.

Now, Father God, we ask that you would stir up your Spirit within us. God, we desire to walk not after the flesh but your Spirit. We want to be more like you. We desire to reflect you in the manner in which we walk, talk, live, play and love. Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. Father, as we walk this life, we choose to be led by your Spirit. We bind up the work of the enemy, in the name of Jesus. We bind up our fleshly desire, in the name of Jesus. We choose to walk in the spirit. We take on your love, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. We are determined to run this race well and not be side- tracked by the tricks of the enemy. We know that greater is He that is within us, than he that is in the world. Holy Spirit, have your way in our lives. Thank you for being a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. Thank you for surrounding us by so great a cloud of witnesses. Thank you for ministering angels. Thank you for ordaining our life from before we entered our mothers’ wombs. Thank you for not letting us go. Thank you for launching us out into the deep of your Word. Thank you for the gifts of the Spirit. Thank you for revelation knowledge and discernment. Thank you looking beyond our faults and seeing our need. Thank you for love overflowing. Thank you, most of all, for loving us so much that you sent your only son Jesus to take on our sin, to be buried and raised from the dead with all power in his hands, so that we might have the right to eternal live. Hallelujah!! In Jesus’ name we pray and thank you. Amen.

SUNDAY PRAYER #1 CALL TO FRUITFUL LIVING

Scripture: John 14:12-14

“Dear Heavenly Father, we believe in your miracle-working power. Please, Lord, bless us with your divine power and inspiration to strengthen us to have faith when others seem to doubt. Some of us need to hear from you. So, Heavenly Father, bless us with whatever we need to continue the work Jesus calls us to do. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”

MONDAY - DAY 5 CALL TO FRUITFUL LIVING

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-14

All throughout the Bible there’s evidence of God’s call for us to be fruitful. Joseph was falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison; he chose to keep trusting in God! We know how that story turned out – God blessed a nation because of one man’s faithfulness. No matter what situation we find ourselves in God wants us to use our skills and talents to be productive.

Heavenly Father, as I start my day, help me remember that your plans for me are good, not evil. No matter where I go, no matter the setbacks or hardship that I may face this day, help me remember that as long as I trust you and seek after you, you will work all things out for the best and my deliverance will come at the right time. Father, renew my mind and transform my heart so that I choose to seek your face and stay in your will daily. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will answer the call to fruitful living. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

TUESDAY - DAY 6 CALL TO FRUITFUL LIVING

Ephesians 2: 8-10; I Corinthians 6: 19-20

Good and Gracious God, we come to you with a heart of thanksgiving, grateful for another day in the land of the living. Lord, we thank you for saving us by your grace through faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. We realize that our salvation had nothing to do with any effort on our part. It is solely because of the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Lord Jesus, you have called every believer to fruitful living. However, we have no power to produce good, growing and sustaining fruit on our own. We can live fruitful lives only if we are connected to the right power source and that power source is none other than the indwelling of Holy Spirit, who allows us to live lives that radiate love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We are totally dependent on you, so we come asking that you mold us and make us new creatures who submit to your will and your way. Continue to pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may remain fruitful and experience your presence in our daily lives. Help us to be productive believers who glorify you in our bodies, as well as our spirits, for we are your workmanship, bought with the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Empower us to stand with a steadfast faith that helps us to cling to your Son, our Savior. We thank you for giving us a new nature to freely come to you, believe in you and seek repentance. May we trust in your strength and rely on your constant presence to become ever more fruitful, to live in obedience to you and to experience a deeper relationship with the Lord. Help us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that you are an awesome God, worthy of all glory, honor and praise.

In the precious name of our risen and resurrected Lord we do pray. Amen.

WEDNESDAY - DAY 7 CALL TO FRUITFUL LIVING

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-5

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being merciful and mighty. Thank you for your word that is able to change us to look more and more like you. Father, I pray that your word does that even now and helps me to have the mind of Christ. Because, even though Christ is equally God with you, he didn’t boast or act above everyone. Instead, he humbled himself and came down to take on the likeness of man to do what you had sent him to do—to die so that I could be saved. Father, help me to have that mindset. That in everything I do, whether it’s at work or church or at home, to have the mindset that I am no better than anyone else; that my salvation is just as much a gift from You to me as it was a gift to anyone else. That whatever status I might think I have at work or at church, that I recognize that you are God. You are the giver of talents. You have distributed the measure of faith and no one person is bigger or greater or better than another. You stated that pride comes with contention and destruction and a fall. Father, help me to recognize when I start to get out of the likeness of Christ, so I can get back on track and think of others first, in all that I do and say and think. Don’t let me ever try to take any of your glory for what you have done through me, for I am your servant and a fellow servant with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, thank you for being a wonderfully awesome God. I glorify you for who you are and what you’ve done. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

THURSDAY - DAY 8

RADICAL HOSPITALITY

Scripture: Romans 12:9-13; 1 Peter 4: 8-9

Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart. I want to grow continually in love for you and for others. To that end, Lord, today give me the boldness to reach out to unchurched people, to needy people, to lonely people, to sick people, to incarcerated people, to the people who are of the household of faith, or to any people who need to hear that you love and care for them. Help me to do all I can do to show my love for you, God, and for people. And as I grow in love, cultivate in me a willingness to practice hospitality. I ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

FRIDAY - DAY 9

RADICAL HOSPITALITY I

Scripture: Luke 10:27-37

To God be the glory for the things he has done! God, you are my strength! When I am depressed and sad, you are there to lift me up. God, you are my leader and I will always follow you.

Father God, grant me wisdom so I can touch the hearts of my fellow senior citizens to encourage them to continue to do good for others, as it will reap greater happiness for themselves. Help us all – young and old – to show compassion to all people. With all my mind, soul and heart, I love you and I know you love me, too. You alone are my Savior and my Redeemer. Thank you, God. Amen.

II

Scripture: Matthew 25: 34, 40

Lord Keep Me Teach Me. Lord as you keep me each day, teach me to understand your way, so the light you placed in me, will live in me, shine through me so I may reach and teach others. Amen.

SATURDAY - DAY 10 WORSHIP

Scripture: John 4:21-24

Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Thank you for the Bible and your Word that gives clear instructions on how to worship you. In your word, you call on us to worship you with our whole being – in Spirit and in truth. Lord, as I move through this season of meditation and sacrifice, my prayer is to draw closer to you and be guided by your Word. I want to hear your voice and receive your teachings. I want to be the worshipper that you have called on me to be. During this season, I am constantly reminded of Jesus – the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you, Lord, for his resurrection and the promise of eternal life. Every day, I pray, to be guided by the Holy Spirit. I want to be an Ambassador for Christ. Thank you, Lord, for the ability to worship and praise you, every day. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

SUNDAY PRAYER #2

WORSHIP

Scripture: Acts 16:25-30

Heavenly Father, I come to you with a humble heart. I thank you for waking me this morning in my right mind and in good health. I thank you for keeping my family safe, I thank you for my home and all of the other blessings you have bestowed upon me.

I ask that you open my ears so that I may truly hear your voice. Open my mind so that I may receive your eternal wisdom. Open my spirit so that I may absorb your leadership and guidance. Lastly, open my heart so that I may receive your wonderful love.

I choose to praise and worship You today. I pray that I have the same faith as Paul and Silas and learn to worship in a way that will cause an earthquake in my life and shake things into place. I pray that you break through the difficulties in my life. I choose not to be overwhelmed with circumstances but instead I choose to continue to worship and say, ‘blessed be your name.’

I pray all these things, trusting and believing in you.

Amen.

MONDAY - DAY 11 WORSHIP

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-14

Heavenly Father, please help me to make this moment all about you, to put aside all those things that would keep me from focusing on you. To worship you with an undistracted heart. Thank you, Lord!

Lord, you are the light that shines brightly to direct my path. The light that dispels all of the dark places; the pain, grief, worry and fears. I put my trust in you in every step of my life so that no matter how deep my thoughts, you will find me and bring me out. You, Lord, are my light that represents all that is good and the light that overcame darkness for my salvation, and I thank you.

Lord, you are my strength and I trust you with all my heart. Thank you, Lord, for security and protection; for saving and delivering me from the harm and dangers of this world. There is no need for me to be afraid because all of my love, my faith, my hope is in you, Lord! You are my safe place! When things feel uncomfortable or fears arise, I will not let it separate me from you. I will stay the course and push through toward you, Lord.

Through it all, like David – I will stop and seek your face, pray boldly, rely on you, be okay with your will, be calm and patient till your help comes. I will praise you, Father, I will rejoice in your

faith. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, for grace and mercy! Amen.

TUESDAY - DAY 12 WORSHIP

Scripture: Deuteronomy 12:5-7

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” [John 15:4-5]

Lord, I come to you seeking your will in my life during this time of spiritual repentance and renewal. Show me how to abide in You day by day. Instruct me on how-to live-in spirit and in truth. Help me, Lord, to give control of my life over to You in every way and to become the person You would have me to be. I am grateful and thank you, Lord, that You Lord have not given up on me. Continue to teach me to let go of those things that hold me back from living a fruitful and happy life in You and for You. Help me to realize that when You close one door, You open the one You want me to walk through. Help me also realize that what I desire may not be what is meant for me or what is best for me. Help me to SEEK after Your goodness in all that is good.

Lord, let me accept each day as a gift. Let me follow the path you choose for me. Help me to remain in you. I want to bear good and healthy fruit for You; apart from You I am nothing.

I love you, Lord. Help me to stay close and connected to You in all that I say, all that I do and all that I SEEK to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WEDNESDAY - DAY 13 WORSHIP

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

“BEARERS OF GOOD FRUIT”

I thank you, Lord, for this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Lord, today I surrender myself to you for I desire to worship you in Spirit and in truth. So, Lord, Create in me a clean heart that I may worship you. Through worship, Lord, you empower me to bear good fruit, for your word declares that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Through worship I know the truth of Your word that declares Love is patient and Love is kind. Love is the key! Through worship I am reminded that the joy of the Lord is my strength, and that ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall inherit the earth.’

Lord, continue to remind me that love bears all things, that we are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us.

I thank you, God, that your Word reminds us that surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life, that there is life and death in the power of the tongue; a gentle answer turns away wrath. Lord, I exalt you and praise your name for in perfect faithfulness, you have done marvelous things. May my worship of you and message from you remind me to be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

THURSDAY - DAY 14 WORSHIP

Scripture: John 14:6

Merciful, Loving, and Wise God, I come before you today to praise you, for you are an excellent God. Lord, you created me and you love me. You loved me so much that you made plans for me to spend eternity with you. Even before I had sense enough to acknowledge your majesty, long before I was aware of the distance between you and me because of my sin, you sent Jesus. Lord, you sent Jesus and your Word promised that if I believed in Him I would not perish but have everlasting life; not only would I have everlasting life but, because Jesus sacrificed his life so that my sins would be forgiven, I know that my everlasting life would be with you. Thank you, God, for this assurance. Thank you also, God, because, before Jesus died for my sins and the sins of the world, he left word that he was the way, the only way, to come to you, God. My soul believes Jesus. I know that Jesus is the source of truth about you. I know that he is the author of life in me. I know he is the only way to you. Thank you, God, for Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching me the only true and right way to your Father and my Father, God. Amen! Amen! Amen!

FRIDAY - DAY 15

GROWING IN FAITH

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6

Eternal God, Our Father! Thank you for this day. Thank you for your mercy and your grace. Lord, I believe in my heart that you will do what you say you will do. Each day we look forward to our time with you as we read and meditate on your Word.

Lord the more we learn about you, the more we grow in our faith.

Faith that you will provide us with food, clothes, and shelter!

Faith that you will protect us and our families each day!

Faith that you will heal those who are sick!

Faith that you will provide a home for the homeless!

Faith that you will lead, guide, and direct our steps!

Faith that as you love us, we will be able to love others, even our enemies!

Faith that you will help those with mental challenges!

Faith that you will bless families throughout the world!

Faith that you will bless doctors, nurses, medical technicians who care for the sick!

Faith that you will protect firefighters, policemen, and the military!

Faith that you will protect our children, our youth, and our teachers!

Faith that you will give us traveling mercies each day!

Faith that you will open doors that no one can shut!

Faith that you are with us as we evangelize the world and make more disciples!

Lord, thank you for allowing us to be in your presence each day through faith and thanksgiving! We give you all honor, all glory and all praise! This prayer I ask in the Precious Name of Jesus! Amen.

SATURDAY - DAY 16 GROWING IN FAITH

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Please hear my prayer, oh Lord. I come to you as humbly as I know how. I give you all the praise and glory because of who you are. Lord, you are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I put my trust in you and I cannot thank you enough for salvation, healing, deliverance, strength, a sound mind, a mind to serve and to live for you, oh Christ. I thank you for making a way and for deliverance from my troubles, temptations, trials and tribulations. Lord, let me not worry about tomorrow. I turn all distractions, temporal things, the love of other desires over to you. I trust you. Lord, “My faith looks up to thee, now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away, O let me from this day be wholly thine.” Lord, I know I can’t do anything without you. Therefore, I give my all to you. I seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. I trust you day by day and grow in your fullness and your faithfulness. Because of your grace and mercy, I can face tomorrow. Hallelujah! We grow by faith and not by sight only because of your love. You sacrificed your life on the cross of Calvary for me and others. You got up and now, because you live, we can face tomorrow and grow in faith. Heavenly Father, this is my earnest prayer. Amen.

SUNDAY PRAYER #3

GROWING IN FAITH

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Dear Heavenly Father, God of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we come before you because we know we can trust you. Beyond any person or being, you are the only true and living God who does not lie. So, we trust your word. Help us in every situation to seek your wisdom, for you know best how to direct our paths. Thank you for your goodness and mercy in forgiving us and blessing us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

MONDAY - DAY 17

GROWING IN FAITH

Scripture: Psalm 46:10

Father God, when I began my Christian walk, I declared my belief that Jesus Christ is your Son. I made a promise that I would continuously praise and offer exaltation to his Holy Name. I promised I would serve the Lord with gladness and by the power of his Holy Spirit live a righteous life. I promised I would bear witness that God is sovereign over all the earth and that he is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Now, Lord, I pray that you will empower me to keep my promises as I continue to grow in faith. In the name of your Son, my resurrected Savior, Jesus the Christ, I pray. Amen.

TUESDAY - DAY 18

GROWING IN FAITH

Scripture: James 1:6, Matthew 17:20

Dear God,

As we embark on this Lenten journey, we come before you with hearts full of faith and trust in your power. We ask that you strengthen our belief and remove any doubt that may hinder our progress.

We know that doubting is like being tossed by the waves of the sea but we choose to have unwavering faith in you, for we know that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. So, we ask that you increase our faith and help us to move any obstacles that may stand in our way. We declare that nothing is impossible because we believe in your power and promises. We trust that you will guide us and give us the strength to overcome any challenges that we may face on this journey.

Thank you, God, for your love, your grace, and your mercy. We pray that this Lenten season will be a time of renewal and transformation, as we continue to put our faith in you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

WEDNESDAY - DAY 19 GROWING IN FAITH

Scripture: Matthews 9: 20-22

The woman in this scripture thought to herself, “If I could touch the hem of His garment, I will be healed”. So, she did and Jesus said to her, “Because of your faith, your body has been healed and you are made whole.”

Holy God, faith in Christ will cause us to be like the woman in this scripture. As with this woman, a touch with and from Jesus can heal us and cause wellness in our bodies. Thank you, God, that just a little faith in Christ, puts us on a good road that leads to healing. Thank you, Lord, for I find that my faith in Jesus has not only made me feel better but, through that faith, I know I am healed. Jesus has removed my pain and I praise him for his healing power. Thank you, Jesus, for I know that because of you, I have grown in my faith. Lord, you know when I was sick, I prayed to God, pleading with him to get better and he heard and answered my prayers. God used nurses and doctors to accomplish my healing. Thank you, Lord. It is my prayer today that all God’s children will trust God and reach out/call out to Jesus in faith when they have a need. Lord, I am a better person because I have this faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and this faith is growing every day.

Amen and Amen.

THURSDAY - DAY 20 GROWING IN FAITH

Walking by Faith

Scripture: Luke 10:46-52

In the stillness of the hour, we worship you. In the dawning of the day, we praise you. As day turns to night, we lift up our hands in reverence and thanksgiving unto you. From the beginning of time itself until this very moment, your presence has turned darkness into light. From the ends of the earth unto the streets where we live, we acknowledge your presence in our lives, your Holy Spirit guiding our steps and your love protecting us from dangers seen and unseen. In you we live, move and have our being. In you there is no East or West, North or South, but one great fellowship throughout the whole wide world. The earth is yours, Lord God, the world and they that live therein. Forgive us for our sins of commission and omission. Look beyond all our faults and meet every one of our needs. Restore unto us the joy of when we first believed and accepted you as our Lord and Savior. In spite of our weaknesses and shortcomings, empower us to walk by faith and not by sight. Enable us to see with eyes of faith, a better church, a better community and a better world. Lead us in the way that leads to unity and not division, harmony and not conflict, compassion and not indifference.

During this Lenten Season, as we move each day closer to celebrating your Resurrection, let us not forget your sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross; let us not forget that you could have called ten thousand angels but you decided to die to save us; let us not forget that you would not come down from the cross but you sealed your earthly mission with these words: “It is finished.” As we travel along this pilgrim’s journey, help us to see and believe that unearned suffering is redemptive; that the safest place in all the world is in the will of God; that eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man or woman the things you have prepared for those who love you and are called according to your purpose. These things we pray in your name Lord Jesus Christ, this day, amen.

FRIDAY - DAY 21 A CHILD’S PRAYER

Scripture: Psalm 8:2

Father God, in the name of Jesus we thank you for this day and this time to pray. We pray for Ukraine to be loved and protected. We pray for the sick, the poor and the homeless to all be cared for. Lord, we pray for ourselves to have peace in our mind, kindness on our lips and to do good deeds with our hands. We pray to have wisdom and we pray for everyone in the world. We pray that everyone stays safe. We love you, Father God. We love you, Jesus. We love you, Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

SATURDAY - DAY 22 RISK -TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE

Scripture: 1st Peter 4:8–10 NIV

“Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest: Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best; This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee!”

Dear Heavenly Father God,

Thank you for the great love you have given to us, your children: the love that was handed down from you to your son, Jesus. Father, we your children are filled with love and gratitude for the sacrifice that was made on our behalf on that old rugged cross. Father God, we break your heart each time we break your law and refuse to love each other as we love ourselves. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, as you have commanded us to do, but so often we forget to love our neighbors. We forget the sacrifice that was made for us and we let greed and selfishness get the better of us. Father God, please help us to love one another with an open hand and heart. Father, help us to give love without fussing or grumbling or waiting for a thank you. Father God, teach us to contribute to the success of others and to be happy for their success. Father, let us remember to give kindness, not rudeness; love and not hate; gladness, not sadness. Father God, we thank you for showing us true love and how we should live. In the loving and precious name of Jesus Christ our Savior we pray. Amen.

SUNDAY PRAYER #4

RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being merciful and mighty. Thank you for your word that is able to change us to look more and more like you. Father, I pray that your word does that even now and helps me to have the mind of Christ. Because, even though Christ is equally God with you, he didn’t boast or act above everyone. Instead, he humbled himself and came down to take on the likeness of man to do what you had sent him to do—to die so that I could be saved. Father, help me to have that mindset. That in everything I do, whether it’s at work or church or at home, to have the mindset that I am no better than anyone else; that my salvation is just as much a gift from You to me as it was a gift to anyone else. That whatever status I might think I have at work or at church, that I recognize that you are God. You are the giver of talents. You have distributed the measure of faith and no one person is bigger or greater or better than another. You stated that pride comes with contention and destruction and a fall. Father, help me to recognize when I start to get out of the likeness of Christ, so I can get back on track and think of others first, in all that I do and say and think. Don’t let me ever try to take any of your glory for what you have done through me, for I am your servant and a fellow servant with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, thank you for being a wonderfully awesome God. I glorify you for who you are and what you’ve done. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

MONDAY - DAY 23 RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

Gracious Father God,

I thank you for giving me the greatest gift of my life. He is Jesus, your obedient Son, who gave up his life so that I could have eternal life. I give thanks to your Son, for he chose me to be one of his many followers.

What great joy it is to hear wonderful words of praise as I awaken daily and engage Holy Spirit in worship. I sing all day, as I acknowledge Him in all that I do. He plans my day and protects me all the way.

Father God, your word states that Believers are the salt and light of the earth! We must forever strive to retain our saltiness as we bless others along our journey. You admonish us to retain our savor as we bless others. We must show the world a need for reaching out to others. We must always shine our light even more brightly as we encounter the mean-spiritedness of many of those who are in the world. The word of God admonishes us Believers never to allow the enemy to diminish our light. We must always try to make peace in difficult situations. We must show the world that Jesus is the answer. He is the only way. We, who are called unto his purpose, must forever shine the brilliance of God’s light so that the world might know the grace and mercy of an all-knowing, faithful, loving Savior, who will always see us through. This is the desire of my heart for all Believers. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

TUESDAY - DAY 24

RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE

Scripture: Matthew 25:40

Dear God,

Thank you! I thank you for all that you have done for me, my family and my friends. Father God, I pray that I will always be a blessing by serving those in need and those who are less fortunate than I am. I pray that I will find honor in providing for others as you have provided for me. I thank you for my daily blessings and pray that I will always be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WEDNESDAY - DAY 25

RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-14

God our Father, thank you for being you and loving me, forgiving me, and watching over me. Please let my focus be on serving you and loving my brothers and sister in Christ as you love me. Guard my heart against selfishness and earthly desires so that I might be a better servant and disciple. Help me to be a living testimony of your love. Give me the discipline to love my fellow man as much as I love myself. I praise and honor you. In the name of Jesus Amen

THURSDAY - DAY 26

RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE

Scripture: Galatians 6:2

As a child growing up, my Dad used to sing this song: “Take Your Burdens To The Lord And Leave Them There.” As humans, we often-times take our burdens to each other: on social media, on the phone, in person. We are either burden-bearers, carrying our own troubles, or someone who takes on the burdens of others. Either way, every burden has to be borne by someone. How do we deal with burdens? Can we carry the burdens of others as Paul instructs us?

Lord God, when we your people sense that we have lost our direction, it is a blessing to know that you always know where we are and what we are going through. You know, Lord, of the burdens I carried, and I praise you for the gentleness you brought into my life when you manifested yourself to me. I know, Lord, that I am a broken vessel, saved by your grace. Today, God, I ask that you bring to my remembrance the purpose of your call upon my life. Give me strength to do what you created me to do. As I respond to this call and my purpose, show me how I can ease the burdens of others by directing them to the burden-lifter, your Son, Jesus the Christ. Let your power, God, anoint me to accept with grace the role you have assigned me today. Show me how, Lord, and empower me to be a burden-lifter. Give me the words, strength, courage, resources, knowledge, your grace and mercy and the vision to carry the burdens of your people and I shall be obedient to

your call with the joy of your salvation in my heart. In the name of Jesus.

Thank you, Thank you, Lord God. Amen.

FRIDAY - DAY 27 RISK -TAKING, MISSION AND SERVICE

Scripture: Hebrews 6:10

Heavenly Father, merciful God, I come to You with praise and adoration. Lord, I worship You and glorify Your Holy and righteous Name. I thank You for Your goodness, mercy and grace. You have kept Your arms of protection around me. You are the reason for all that is good and perfect in my life.

Lord, You often call us to serve in the unknown – unknown places, unknown people. Often You call us to mission service we may not understand. We may feel like Abraham, whom you called to go to a place unknown to him. Though we may be uncertain, and feel as though we are taking a risk, let us serve by operating in faith as Abraham did. For Your Word says that when we give to the poor, we lend to You. Let us serve, knowing that what we have done for those considered the least, we have also done for You. Our service to You and Your purpose is no risk to us at all. Let us trust only in You with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding.

Father, when we face opportunities that seem risky, let us seek Your guidance. We will commit our plans to You so that You can establish the way we should go. In all that we do, we will be careful to give You all glory and all honor. In the matchless name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

SATURDAY - DAY 28 CONTAGIOUS FAITH

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1, John 13: 31b-35

Good morning God!

We come thanking you for this day. Thank you for your Word. Thank you for your unconditional love and forgiveness. Thank you for joy and peace. Thank you for being our all and all. As we are in the Lenten season, we pause to reflect on you and your faithfulness to us, even when we don’t deserve it. Thank you for your mercy and grace.

God, as we come this morning, we come before you with urgency. We come seeking your face, seeking your will, seeking your heart. God, we cast all of our cares on you because we know that you care for us. We come walking by faith in you alone and not by sight this morning. God, we are living in a time when we cannot rely on what we see or what we hear. Everywhere we turn, there is bad news. We turn to you because, in you, there is not just good news but great news! We choose to stand on your promises this morning. God, we come especially desiring an outpouring of your love. Help us to have the mind of Christ Jesus, that looks at others through the lens of love.

We come desiring more love, compassion, and empathy. Help us to show this love of the Father to those walking in darkness, to those that feel lost and abandoned, and to those that feel that no one cares or understands them. God, thank you for giving us the desire and strength to serve with excellence, compassion, love and joy. Father, we want others to see you and feel your love when they see us or are in our presence. We desire this so that people will come asking, ‘What must I do to be saved.’ Let this love spread like wildfire throughout our homes, families, neighborhoods, cities, country and, yes, the world. Consecrate us for our work. Set us apart to be used for Your glory. Have your way in the life of your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

SUNDAY PRAYER #5 CONTAGIOUS FAITH

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Our Father and our God, I bow before you today with a grateful heart. Grateful God that you sent your only Son, Jesus, into this world to surrender His life for my salvation. Grateful, God, that Holy Spirit gave me faith to receive Jesus as my LORD and savior. Grateful, Lord, that when I received Jesus, You assigned me the necessary gifts and talent to help further Your kingdom here on earth. I pray, God, that You will use me to benefit your entire church, for I know that who I am in You, and what I have received from You, is not for me alone but for the entire body of Christ –His church. Dear God, by your Holy Spirit as you build up my faith, empower me to love as Jesus loved so that I can be a partner with Him in preserving unity in the church, so that we will all be able to witness to a world that needs to come forth and ask, “What must I do to be saved.” I want to be salt and light for you this day, so that by faith others will be encouraged in the faith. In the most excellent Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

MONDAY - DAY 29 CONTAGIOUS FAITH

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-5

Holy and righteous God, Father of our Savior, Jesus Christ our Redeemer, Thank you, Lord God, for Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Thank you for Jesus, for it is through him that we receive power and strength by the presence of his Holy Spirit. Thank you for Holy Spirit who leads, guides and directs us to be whole and to abide in faith. Thank you for your Word that assures us that we are yours because you have redeemed us and we are precious and honored in your sight because you loved us. Lord God, in the Name of Jesus continue to empower us with a faith that will make us a blessing to those we meet; a faith – a contagious faith - that will spark a flame in others and make them desire to belong to you. In the soul-stirring name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

TUESDAY - DAY 30 CONTAGIOUS FAITH

Scripture Isaiah 54:16-17

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn . . .”.

Heavenly Father, Creator and sustainer of Life, our Holy and Righteous King. Lord, You are Sovereign, You are omnipotent and no matter how things look, You are in charge. I am so blessed to know You have the power to guard and protect those who belong to you. Lord, my soul rejoices today when I consider your promise that no weapon formed against your people will prosper. I am blessed because this lets me know that though the enemy will attack, though people may say hurtful and hateful things about me, You have promised that none of this will prosper. Lord, I am glad to be a part of the body of Christ because it is here that I have the confidence to know that you are a great God and beside You there is no other. Holy Spirit, thank You for always reminding me of the faithfulness of God. Now, Lord, for this day, please hear my prayer and accept my thanks for your mighty hand of protection for me and for your church. This is my prayer in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

WEDNESDAY - DAY 31 GENEROSITY

Scripture: 1 John 3:16-18

Lord God, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, we pause during this Lenten Day Season to worship and adore your holy and righteous name. For at the name of Jesus Christ, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that you are the Savior of the world. From the rising of the Sun unto the going down of the same we worship you, Lord Jesus, in spirit and in truth. Shine now down upon us, Lord, with your power divine. Holy Spirit you are welcome to pour out your love into the deep crevices of our hearts and souls so that we may radiate your divine love in all that we think, say, and do. Help us to be generous in our giving; unselfish with the sharing of the talents, gifts, resources, and abilities you have given us; and manifest in us your love in the way we walk, the words we speak and the actions we take. Use our hands to touch the sick, the battered, the torn, the huddled masses yearning to be free. Guide our feet into sometimes dark places where our brothers and sisters find themselves too often on a lonely island of poverty, depression and hopelessness in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. Where there is sadness, enable us to bring joy; where there is suffering and pain, enable us to bring a word of hope; and, where there is misery, enable us to be as a shining star, illuminating the pathway that leads others unto you. We give you thanks for your great love. For you loved us so much that you gave us your only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for preparing a place for us not made by human hands; a place where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary shall be at rest; where every day will be Sunday and the Sabbath Day will have no end. Thank you, Lord God, for restoring our souls and planting within our hearts

and minds the peace that surpasses all human understanding. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers and supplying all our needs; for if our earthly fathers know how to give good gifts, how much more will you, the Father of all creation, bless your children. As we seal this prayer in your name, Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we acknowledge your eternal presence in our souls, amen.

THURSDAY - DAY 32 GENEROSITY

Scripture: Acts 20:35

“It is more blessed to give than to receive”

Lord God, you have called us to be stewards of our resources. All that we have belongs to You, it’s only a trust to us. Help me to embrace this truth and not to be so self-centered that I care only for myself and my family. Lord Jesus, when I consider how much you gave to make my way to God possible, I know that I owe it, even to myself, to be as generous as I can be to anybody in need. I need to be generous in my love for the church; I need to be generous in sharing the knowledge of God’s love and grace, and I need to be generous with my time, resources, gifts and talent. Precious Lord, You have set the example and You are calling me to embrace the discipline of generosity. Holy Spirit, empower me today to be obedient to God’s call to be generous, for as we know from Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Amen.

FRIDAY - DAY 33 GENEROSITY

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Dear God and Father of humankind, Let me begin with my thanks to you for the wonderful life you have provided for me. Thank you for the gifts and treasures which you have helped me achieve and accrue. In your Word, you have asked that we not store up treasures here on earth. So, dear God, help all of us to be mindful of the needs of others. Help us to be generous in our use of treasures to aid others and to support the building up of your kingdom. Help us appreciate the joy of sharing your blessings to us. Help us remember that sharing is helpful to all of us. I thank you in advance for your provision of the Holy Spirit to guide us in the godly pursuit of generosity. Amen.

SATURDAY - DAY 34 GENEROSITY

Scripture: Malachi 3:10

Father, God, I come to you on this day seeking the help of your Holy Spirit in increasing my faith so that I may be a good and obedient steward to your Word. You have said, oh God, that I should

trust you in the management of the gifts, both material and spiritual, that you have given me. I want to be a good steward. Lord, I pray for the faith to trust you more so that I might do all that you’ve asked me to do in being a good steward: material giving, spiritual sharing, service giving, love sharing; everything, God, that you’ve asked me to do. I promise to give you all the glory and all the praise! Amen.

SUNDAY - PRAYER #6 PALM SUNDAY

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-12

“Have Mercy On Me, O God, According To Your Steadfast Love; According To Your Abundant Mercy Blot Out My Transgressions. Wash Me Thoroughly From My Iniquities, And Cleanse Me From My Sin! For I Know My Transgressions, And My Sin Is Ever Before Me.”

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I truly thank and praise you for forgiving my manifold sins and transgressions against your holy, righteous name, in thought, word and deed, both knowingly and unknowingly. My heart is broken but you are a God of grace, forgiveness and restoration for those who call upon you. You have already graciously sacrificed your only begotten Son for our sins.

Lord God, just as you forgave David, a person after tour own heart, for his many sins, you will willingly forgive those who repent and turn from their wicked ways and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Heavenly Father, restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and uphold me with Thy free Spirit. In Jesus’ name and for his sake, I pray this prayer. AMEN.

MONDAY - DAY 35

THE PASSION

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8

All-wise and eternal God, Our Father, thank you for Jesus! Thank you that he thought it not robbery to come in the form of a man to show us the Father. Thank you for the example of humility that he demonstrated for us. If he, the very Son of God, could humble himself to walk as a servant, humble himself to fulfill the misguided expectations of man, in order that he might accomplish his purpose in the earth, why shouldn’t we?

God, thank you for the ultimate example of humility. Remind us when we seek the accolades of men, that our reward comes from you and you alone and that no earthly reward could ever equal what you have in store for us. Let us all be as passionate and committed to our purpose. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

TUESDAY - DAY 36 THE PASSION

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Father God, we praise you today as our Lord and Savior. We acknowledge your willingness to forgive us for the sins that we have committed through thoughts, words and deeds.

On this second day following the celebration of Palm Sunday, we are full of thanksgiving for your love and grace. We know we don’t deserve this blessing, but we thank you for your grace and mercy. We praise you that you look beyond our sins and give us unmeasurable mercy.

We are thankful for your blessing of peace. Lord, as we walk in this very challenging world, we are covered with your peace that surpasses all understanding.

We are thankful for the hope that accompanies your presence. Lord, when life becomes overwhelming, we thank you that our faith in you gives us hope.

We thank you for the blessing of having a personal Savior in your Son, Jesus Christ. His promise never to leave or forsake us provides us with everything we need in life.

Oh, God, we submit this prayer in the name of your Son our personal Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

WEDNESDAY - DAY 37 THE PASSION

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Eternal, Awesome and All-Wise God,

When I consider the tremendous weight of walking from the day of adoration and celebration of Palm Sunday and the march day after day to the time of trial, I am overwhelmed by the dedication and commitment to purpose that motivated our Savior, Jesus the Christ, to keep to His assigned task. Being glorified by the masses on Sunday, Jesus could have chosen to be that earthly king that the crowd yearned for. Jesus could have chosen to accept the crown of the creation of your hand but He chose to stay true to His purpose and the Call of the Father upon His life: to die for my sins. I am the “fruit” of His pain. God, I want to be more like Jesus. May my passion and determination to live out the Call on my life mirror His Holy Spirit, my Helper, please strengthen me to ignore/ subdue the passions of this world and to submit fully to God’s will and God’s way… Even when I see that the path ahead is bumpy…Even when I know that I will endure suffering. May I joy in the suffering that perfects me for service. May my passion for You, oh God, overwhelm any earthly or selfish desires that seek to draw me from you. May I always walk with you, as you always are present with me.

It is in the precious, mighty Name of Jesus that I pray. Amen.

THURSDAY - DAY 38

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46, Hebrews 4:14

Our Lord, Our Redeemer, thank you, Lord, for all you do for us despite our transgressions. Forgive us for the sins we have committed.

Lord God, you sent your Son into this world and, before his hour, he washed the feet of his disciplines. Help us to humble ourselves, just as Jesus did, and to love one another, just as Jesus loves us.

Jesus took bread and wine and shared it with his disciples at the Last Supper. Help us to remember to share what we have with those less fortunate.

Lord, brighten our minds and hearts with the hope and promise of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Bless us Lord. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

FRIDAY - DAY 39 GOOD FRIDAY (THE PASSION)

Scripture: Romans 6:3-11

Reflection: For forty days we have trekked along the Lenten journey, the path that leads to Calvary where Jesus was crucified. The road has taken us through highs and lows as we strived to further develop our spiritual growth and development. Everyone’s path has had its own route but has ended up, where we are today, at the same place—the Cross. Our hearts are heavy as we read and hear again the Seven Last Words of Jesus. The images of his mangled body play over in our minds. And we weep. For Christians to fully understand the Cross and Resurrection, the writer of Romans explains that we, too, die to sin through baptism and are buried with Jesus in the tomb. We are then raised to “newness in life” AFTER we have gone through the agony of his death. Because Jesus Christ died for our sin, we can live. I pray that you have spent these past weeks sincerely wanting to draw closer to God through your own personal worship, prayer, meditating, scripture reading and studying, journaling, service and sacrifice.

Prayer: God of all ages, past, present and future, as we stand at the foot of the cross and weep for your Only Begotten Son and our Savior, Jesus, keep us ever mindful that the offering of his most blessed body and blood was the ultimate payment for our sin, that we might have life now and forevermore. May gratitude for this marvelous gift continually express itself in how we live and what we do to honor you. Amen.

SATURDAY - DAY 40 THE PASSION

Scripture: Lamentations 3:19-24

Dear God, as we come to this day before the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, we pause to praise and give glory to You. Oh, how worthy You are of praise because on this day when it looked like all hope was gone, when it looked like Your mercy was finished, You showed yourself strong. God, thank You for this beautiful scripture that reminds us that though situations may seem hopeless, You are still a merciful God. Thank you that in You we see new mercies every morning and in You, though we may at times feel lost, we always have hope. We have hope because You are a faithful God, “Great is Your Faithfulness” to those who are yours. Thank You for new mercies, Lord. Thank You, for there is no end to your mercy and Your grace. Because of who you are, we adore you today, Lord. We love You, we worship You, and we give You the highest praise – Hallelujah. Hallelujah and Amen.

SUNDAY - PRAYER #7 RESURRECTION SUNDAY

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 55-58

In order to be “Fruitful” on our journey to fruitful living, we must understand the mystery, and Paul reveals to us the mystery is this: “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Let us pray,

Our Father and our God, we are so grateful for what your Son, Jesus, did on the cross for us. He suffered, bled and died that we might have a chance to the tree of life. Because of his sacrifice, death has no sting and the grave has no victory. We pray to understand that the victory is now ours! Give us the sense of urgency and the fortitude to remain steadfast and sure-footed, standing firm in our faith. Although we know these bodies will one day decay or be raptured up to meet you in the air, we pray you strengthen us to remain unmovable in our hope and assurance of being raised incorruptible and immortal. Father, we pray to embrace your call to service and to abound in the work of the Lord, always serving you and obeying your commands. We pray for wisdom and passion to receive fully the blessing of a risen Savior, because Jesus truly lives. As the hymn writer penned these words, we echo, “Because He lives. We can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone; because we know Who holds the future, life is worth the living just because He Lives.”

In Jesus’ Name, Amen, Amen, and Amen!