Prayer 09-02-13

Dear Lord,
...
We thank you for our lives and all that you have done for us. We thank you for your love, grace and mercy and for all the resources you have made available to us. Lord, we know that all the battles we face, are yours. You go before us and your angels surround us. We know we will only fail, when we try to do battle or face things with our own strength. Help us to remember that only with your power and your might can we be strong. You tell us without you, we can do nothing, but through you we can do all things.

Give us your wisdom, Lord...not for our own gain, but that we might make wise decisions and grow strong in you. Help us to overcome evil with good. Help us to remember to pray for those who would seek to do us harm. Help us to love our enemies with your love and to pray for them, that they might be redeemed and make their lives right with you. Help us to forgive those who have caused us pain. Help us to be filled with your compassion and your mercy...help us to offer the same grace which you have given us. Father, we cannot do these things on our own...but once again,what is impossible for us, we can do through you.

Father, heal the hurts and the open wounds that plague so many. You promise to be near to the broken-hearted and those who are crushed in spirit. You promise to bind those wounds and to turn our mourning to joy. Restore unto each heart the joy of their salvation. Draw each one close unto yourself...we know you waste nothing, Lord... and you will use our every sorrow and every tragedy to show yourself faithful and closer than a brother. You are the source of unfailing love and compassion. You are with us and beside us, through our deepest losses and sorrows. We think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego ... you were the 4th person seen in that fire with them. You walk through our dark valleys with us. You stay with us on stormy seas. You didn't just bear our sin, pains and sorrows on the cross... you come still...this very day... and every day that we have breath... and you tell us to cast our cares on you because you care for us. Even after all you have done for us, you continue to give us more of yourself. Lord, we are so unworthy...we bow before you and thank you, Lord for your loving care and concern for us.

Thank you Lord, for making a way where there seems to be no way. Thank you for making the rough roads smooth. Thank you for lighting the way in the darkness and giving us everything we need to overcome every obstacle, every trial, every grief and every battle we may face. Fill my friends with hope and courage and the belief that there is nothing that can separate us from you and your love. Help us to be confidant that no weapon formed against us can prosper and that we are more than conquerors. We love you Lord, and we thank you for your faithfulness and for meeting our every need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Blessings, hugs and love to you all,

Marlene Felks