Prayer: Belonging

On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob…the LORD records as he registers the peoples, “this one was born there.” –Psalm 87:1, 6

 

Lord Jesus, when we belong to You we belong to something really big! We belong to the Kingdom of God which stretches to the four corners of the earth and everywhere we go we meet others who also belong to this vast kingdom and city; they have come in through the great flood: the waters of Holy Baptism. But we also meet those who do not belong to You or the great City of God; those whose names have not yet been recorded in Your rolls and registered in the heavenly annuals. Make it my joy and chief aim in life to share the saving Gospel with them! O Lord open my lips so my mouth will pour forth praise and tell of Your goodness to others! I realize I could be rejected but I might also be received and another soul could be added to the Kingdom of God. I could be rejected but the seed of God will be planted to take root and grow through constant watering by others! For sure time is running out: there is not much time left, and people are perishing every day. Not much time left to speak Your name or tell of Your goodness or share Jesus with the dying! Although I have been given many good things to do there is no better thing to do; no bigger plan to be a part of, no greater joy or fulfillment to be had in this life than reaching others for Your sake. Amen

Imagee From: www.jorful,wordpress.com

 

Prayer: Prepared Places and Promises

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

 

Heavenly Father, it’s really impossible for my mind to fathom the fullness of this promise! To imagine that one day I, we will live in a place without the baggage of this life: living without problems and issues, without sickness or body aches, living without relationship issues and brokenness, living without hunger or thirst, living without financial worries or anxiety, living without the interference of the devil or any sin! Wow! Living with everything we need, and needing nothing at all because we are in Your presence and in Your presence there is no lack or need! Today, for whatever reason, this promise is encouraging. It lifts me spirits and takes some weight off my soul. It gives me strength to press on through the issues of earthly life and the things that come with it. And even though I have had to fight to keep it from time to time, as the devil comes to steal it away from me; today I receive it as it is intended: assurance for my soul, to give me peace of mind. Take me off the beaten path this week so I can encounter someone who isn’t as familiar with this promise as I am, with someone who really needs to hear it right now. Open up our conversation, make room for this beautiful promise You have given, give me the right words to say and move on the heart of the receiver. Thank You that earthly living is not for an eternity; only live in heaven with You! Amen

 

Photo by: www.dlsa9re.wikispaces.com

A Little Piece of Heaven

Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. And he did not lay his hand upon the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and they ate and drank.—Exodus 24:9-11

 

We praise You Holy Father, for Your goodness and care and that You never leave nor forsake us in this life. And more than that, because You come to us as unworthy as we are, and make Yourself known to us time and again.

When You appeared to Moses and the elders of Israel You came upon a pavement of sapphire as clear as the heavens. You came and stood among them and they were in Your presence. They ate and drank and were refreshed. You brought a little piece of heaven with You!

One day we will all live in heaven and tread upon the crystal pavement of sapphire. Until that time may You bring a little piece of heaven to us. Whenever You are with us in our prayers, our praise, and our worship bring a little piece of heaven! In our daily life may we possess the love, joy, and peace of heaven and share it freely with others.

O Lord, bring heaven to us if only for a brief moment throughout our life and days. Cause Your face to shine upon us; the light and glory of heaven to refresh us on our journey and use us to bring heaven to others as we are able.

Lord, today I pray for those who could use a little piece of heaven in their lives and in their day right now. I pray for the disheartened and low in spirit; how they could use a little piece of heaven today!

Note: As you continue your prayers remember, a little piece of heaven for those on earth could mean that Jesus Himself will visit others with healing, strength, hope, courage, patience, help to cope or overcome, joy, peace of mind, ease of troubles, etc. Pray for others to have a little piece of heaven as the Spirit brings to mind. Some who might come to mind during your prayers are:

Family and Friends

The abused

The unloved and abandoned

The orphaned and lonely

The widowed and grieving

The depressed and suicidal,

The hungry and homeless and displaced,

The incarcerated,

Those being held against their will

The sick and dying

The guilty and ashamed

Individuals you know who are experiencing trial and difficulty

 

May God bless you and others through your prayers and bring a little piece of heaven to each one!

images from: www.awakenvisions.com