Praise

The last couple of days we have looked to the Psalms for examples of how to praise God. Today let's see a few examples of how Paul praises God in his letters:

Romans 11:33–36

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20–21

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

1 Timothy 1:17

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:15–16

15 ...God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

Kingdom Plea

Is there anything in your life where you know you are resisting the will of God? Are you sensing him calling you to a different job, a different location, or perhaps a different service opportunity but you're comfortable.

Or perhaps you are habitually sinning, going against the clear will of God. You're aware of it and you've come to justify it.

If you sense that you are actively resisting the will of God pray like Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."

Submit yourself to the will of God. Straighten your back and set your face towards God's will.

Personal Plea

Today, pray for your physical and your emotional needs:

Physical

Pray for healing from pain, disease and disorders.

Pray for perseverance to remain faithful to Christ in the midst of pain and suffering.

Pray for rest if you're exhausted and wore out physically.

Pray for those in our church community who are in pain.

Emotional

Pray for deliverance from anxiety, depression, fear, stress, worry, and doubt.

Pray for joy and peace.

Pray for God to give you a passion for himself.

Pray for zeal in serving him.

Pray for compassion for others.

Repentance

Think back on the sins you have committed over the last few days. Don't just confess to general ideas, like pride or greed. Be specific in your repentance today.

Repent of your sin, not just the consequences of your sin.

Repent of your evil actions, intentions, thoughts and omissions.

Spiritual Protection

What are the areas you are most tempted in—pride, greed, lust, apathy, hate. Pray for protection in those areas and strength from the Holy Spirit to resist temptation.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the spiritually good form of the devil's counterfeit. For example, if you struggle with pride, pray for humility. If you struggle with greed, pray for generosity. If you struggle with lust, pray for intimacy with your spouse or your future spouse if you are not yet married. If you struggle with apathy, pray for zeal. If you struggle with hate, pray for love and compassion.