A Prayer to know Your Grace in my Life

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Is Your Home a Place of Prayer?

When you think of prayer, what do you think of?

I think the true purpose of prayer has gotten lost in today’s society.

I know prayer has been lost on me. I thought I had it all figured out. You have a need, you take it to God. You walk through something hard, you take it to the Lord.

Without realizing it, my prayer life has turned into a way for me to get my needs met, my circumstances changed, my will done.

I want to go back to the basics. I want to move past the prayer meetings and prayer requests, past the genie in a bottle persona, and into a deeper understanding of prayer and why our homes should be a place of prayer.

What is prayer?

Everything that we think or feel about God comes to full expression through the way we communicate and connect with God.

Prayer is our personal connection to God.

Because of Jesus, we have a way to the throne of grace to find help in our time of need, hope in our distress, and a friend for the friendless.

Why should we pray?

As Christians, we are called and commanded to devote ourselves to prayer (Colossians 4:2) and to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Plus, Jesus prayed. He took His needs to the Father. He got His direction from the Father. He gained strength from the Father.

If Jesus prayed, how much more do you think we need to pray?

Prayer is expected of us because we need it.

We need to connect our hearts to the vine. We need to pour out our hearts to the One who cares. We need Jesus.

To abandon prayer is to fight the battle alone in our own sufficiency. Without prayer, we rely on our own strength. We resort to our own resources instead of relying on the Lord.

Relying on ourselves is a dangerous place to be. I don’t know about you, but when I take matters into my own hands, I screw everything up. I get it all wrong.

I am weak. I am not strong. I am not in control. I need a Savior and that Savior is Jesus. My own strength, ideas, and will is completely inadequate. To think I have it all together is to be deceived.

Prayer is meant to connect us to the Father

Too often, we make the purpose of prayer only about our needs. However, God already knows our needs (Matthew 6:8).

The primary purpose of prayer is to increase our faith and trust in God, as well as to express our faith and trust in God. We are to look to the Father as our provider. All of our needs are met in Him.

Prayer increases our fellowship with the Father

Because of what Jesus did on our behalf, we now have access to God the Father. We are not ordinary people. We aren’t visitors in the temple. We certainly aren’t strangers.

Instead, we are priests welcomed into the Holy of holies. We can come into God’s presence and receive mercy and grace. Prayer is an opportunity to enter that holy place and fellowship with our Maker.

Prayer allows us to help in the work of the Kingdom

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. ~2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Prayer allows us to participate in things that matter eternally. When we humble ourselves before the Lord and seek His face in prayer, He will answer!

Do you have a wayward son or daughter? Pray.

Do you have a broken marriage? Pray.

Do you wonder how you will make ends meet? Pray.

Do you wonder how you will make it through another day with your children? Pray.

When we pray the work of the Kingdom is advanced. That is an awesome privilege!

Our commitment to living the Gospel at home means that our home must be a place of prayer.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ~Acts 2:42

The early church was devoted to praying! Prayer is an integral part of the Christian life.

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. ~Matthew 18:19-20

Jesus promises that He will answer the prayers of those who gather in His name. Your home is a gathering in His name. There is power in both the individual prayers of your family and the collective prayers prayed together.

Our family’s need to come to the Father in prayer together often. Prayer is expected of our families because we need Jesus.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is name, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. ~Ephesians 3:14-21

Your Challenge:

Think about your family’s prayer life. When do you pray together? When do you wish you would pray together? How can you develop an attitude of prayer in your home?

Additional resources I’ve found helpful:

This post is part of a 31 day series on living the Gospel at home. See all the posts in this series here.

This post contains affiliate links. See my full disclosure policy here.

Источник: //intentionalbygrace.com/home-place-prayer/

18 Morning Prayers to Use Daily & Start Each Day with God

A Prayer to know Your Grace in my Life

A morning prayer is a wonderful way to focus your time and attention on seeking God's plan for the day ahead. Whether you need encouragement, peace, strength, or rest, God can meet you in a very real and present way when you come before Him with a humble heart. Seek God's presence each morning before your energy and attention are pulled by all the tasks you have ahead.

1. A Morning Prayer for God's Presence

Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by the Word and not my feelings. Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words, and actions.

And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be. Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity… rather than a personal inconvenience. And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13, 'Great is your love toward me.' You already see the ways I will fall short and mess up.

But right now, I consciously tuck Your whisper of absolute love for me into the deepest part of my heart. I recognize Your love for me is not my performance. You love me warts and all. That's amazing. But what's most amazing is that the Savior of the world would desire a few minutes with me this morning.

Lord, help me to forever remember what a gift it is to sit with You this. Amen.
– Lysa Terkeurst, Encouragement for Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries

2. A Daily Prayer of Thanksgiving

Dear God, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life.

Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day.

We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus' Name, Amen. – Debbie McDaniel, The Power of Gratitude

3. A Morning Prayer to Follow God Today

Dear Lord, I don't know who or what will cross my path today. But I do know that You are my Rock and my Fortress. You are my Shield and my Strong Tower. Help me to anchor myself to You today. Teach me how to stand strong in You and choose only Your way today.

Help me walk by Your truth and not my feelings. Help me to embrace anything that comes my way as an opportunity to see You at work and as an opportunity to point others to You.

Thank You that You love me and nothing can ever take that away from me! Even if I fail today and fall short, You whisper Your unconditional love deep into my soul and remind me that Your mercies are new every morning. That truly amazes me, Lord. Thank You for meeting with me today.

Would You wake me again tomorrow with the same sweet whisper of Your love? I can't wait to meet with You again. In Jesus' Name, Amen. – Wendy Blight, Encouragement for Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries

4. A Morning Prayer for Strength

Lord, I am weary and don’t know when this “race” will end in my life. I feel I’ve been running forever, trying to outrun this trial. Help me to stop trying to outrun my pain but rather run with endurance the race you have set before me. I know that because of you I am ultimately a victor over the trials in my life.

I know that nothing in this world can separate me from your steadfast love. Please give me a measure of your love today; give me the strength to endure this trial.

Thank you for your love for me that never ends! And thank you for the crown of joy that awaits me forever in your Kingdom! – Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

5. A Morning Prayer for Courage

Lord, grant me tenacious winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don't go my way. And give me the courage to do whatever needs to be done. In Jesus' name, Amen.
– Dr. Ray Pritchard

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

6. A Daily Prayer of Rejoice

Father, thank you for intervening in my life and allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. Thank you for your love for me today and forever. Thank you for the blessings you’ve given me and my family. Help us use those blessings to bless others. May I live a life of true joy as I see you at work around me today! In Jesus' name. Amen. – Ron Moore

7. A Prayer for Guidance from the Holy Spirit

Lord, I pray you would move the Spirit more boldly in my life. I know that any sin can grieve and diminish the voice of the Spirit, and I pray against the temptation to sin. Help me crave your presence more than I crave sin.

Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and so walk closer with Yourself. I pray for guidance from your Spirit- let your will and promises always be a meditation of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

– Kenny Luck, Every Man Ministry Devotional

8. A Prayer for God's Grace Daily

Lord, thank you for your abundant, abounding grace. Thank you that we don't have to earn a drop of the mighty river of grace that flows freely for us today.

Thank you for the unexpected, unmerited favor you've showered on my life. Help me put myself in the path of your love and grace.

Help me not neglect the disciplines I need to meet with you regularly and to drink from the water of life. Thank you for your rich love. Amen. – David Mathis

9. A Prayer to Love the Life You Have

God, help me love the life I live right now. Show me the good things I often overlook and help me be content with what I have.

Forgive me when I compare myself to others, forgive me for longing for things outside of you and your kingdom. Thank you for loving me right where I am, right as I am. Help me keep my eyes on you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Nicki Koziarz, Encouragement for Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries

10. A Prayer for a Heavy Heart

Father, my heart is heavy. I feel I have to carry the burden alone. Words overwhelmed, distraught, exhausted seem to describe where I am. I am not sure how to let you carry my heavy load, so please show me how. Take it from me. Let me rest and be refreshed so that my heart won't be so heavy in the morning. In Jesus' name. Amen. – Ron Moore

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

11.A Morning Prayer for God's Guidance

Dear Lord, help me remember what a difference it makes when I make time with You a priority in my morning. Awaken me in body and spirit each day with a desire to meet with You and to hear You speak words of affirmation, assurance, and wisdom over my heart as I prepare to go into my day. In Jesus' Name, Amen. – Traci Miles, Encouragement for Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries

“If any of your lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

12. A Simple Morning Prayer

God, please enlighten my mind with truth, inflame my heart with love, inspire my will with courage, enrich my life with service. Pardon what I have been, sanctify what I am, and order what I shall be. Amen – Author Unknown

13. The Prayer of Jabez

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.'” 1 Chronicles 4:10

14. The Difference Today

I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task;
'Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered.

He answered, 'You didn't ask.

'
I wanted to see joy and beauty
But the day toiled on gray and bleak
I wondered why God didn't show me
He said, 'But you didn't seek',
I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys in the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided,
'My child, you didn't knock.'
I woke up early this morning,
And paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.
– Author Unknown, The Difference

15. A Prayer for the Work Day Ahead

Father, thank you for all the ways you’ve blessed me, specifically with this job that pays my bills and puts food on my table. Thank you that ALL work has significance because work is good.

Help me bring you glory today, through my actions, my words, through the good work I do to bring order to my little corner of the world. Help me view my work as a blessing and not a curse.

Give me grace and strength for the hardest aspects of my job. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. – Renee Davis

16. A Morning Prayer for a Full Life

Dear Lord, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for the lives we have been graciously given, and help us to use our limited time for good. Help us to pursue our lives to their fullest. Remind us that living for you is the only path to true fulfillment. – Greg Laurie, Harvest

17. A Morning Prayer for Cares and Concerns

Dear Father in Heaven, so much in my life is broken. I have so many concerns and cares, and they weigh me down.

While I desire to cast my cares upon You, I find I usually pick them back up again, and they only add more anxiety and stress.

Please help me learn to cast my cares on You as I learn what it means to rest and trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. – Chrystal Evans Hurst, Encouragement for Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries

18. A Prayer for Hope Today

Lord, help me to hear you saying, “I am your hope” over all the other voices. Lord, your word says, you are the hope for hopeless so I'm running to you with both hands stretched out and grabbing on to you.

Fill me up with hope and give me a tangible reminder today that hope is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline (Hebrews 6:19-20).

God, you know those things in my heart that I barely dare to hope for, today I give them to you, I trust them to you, and ask that you because I know that you can do more than I could ever guess, imagine or request in wildest dreams (Eph 3:20). God, you are my hope and I trust you. Amen. – Wendy can Eyck

Read our 9 Good Night Prayers to end your day with peace and thankfulness!

Please let us know how these morning prayers have helped you in the comments below! Join our large praying community and experience the peace and joy that God freely gives each day.

For more daily encouragement, read our 30 Inspirational Quotes that will help you shine your light today!

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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Prayer for Faith
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Источник: //www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/10-morning-prayers-to-use-daily.html

5 Prayers that Thank God for His Amazing Grace – Counting My Blessings

A Prayer to know Your Grace in my Life

I can’t say it’s necessarily the way I was taught as a child … it just seemed to evolve over time.

I knew God had fully taken care of my salvation through Jesus sacrifice and that through faith in His amazing gift my eternal future was secure…

But my here and now — that was influenced by God’s favor given in response to my behavior.

I had childish faith!

Faith that believed God loved me more when I was “good” and less when I wasn’t.

Which is one of the reasons why I love the following quotes so much:

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not!” ~ C. S. Lewis

“The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and must take matters into our own hands” ~ Martin Luther

It took a lot of bumps in the road that send me deep into His Word before I finally believed I could completely trust God’s awesome amazing grace and love! Grace that covers my past and yours. Grace that forgives without any help from you or me. Grace that is undeserved and simply to be received with gratitude and joy.

So, I’m hoping you’ll join me as I turn to God’s Word for a daily dose of grace — praying and praising Him for this awesome and amazing gift.

Ephesians 2:8–9

Father, thank you for Jesus, Your perfect gift of grace. I know my eternal future is secure because all You have done for me through Jesus. You have made me yours forever. Nothing can remove me from Your hand. (John 10:29) I am safe and secure in Your unchanging love. How can I begin to thank You?! With my life. I give You my all. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Romans 6:13b–14

Father, how I have struggled to understand the freedom You give. Forgive me for believing I live under the Law’s requirements. Thank you for Your patience in teaching me Your truth.

When my heart and mind are set on You — when I am fully surrendered and living for Your glory, then and only then can I know true freedom.

By the power of Your Spirit help me keep me surrendered and grateful … and fully alive to serve and glorify You. Amen.

Hebrews 4:16

Father, it overwhelms me that You want me to enter throne room in prayer. It is in that holy place where I have learned to “be still and know You.” (Psalm 46:10) It is there I have found Your mercy that forgives my foolish selfishness and Your grace that saves me. Thank you for Jesus, our example … who understands who I am, loves me, and helps me. Amen.

Romans 5:6

And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For, in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

Father, You are kind and good. It is impossible for anyone to deserve what Jesus has done. Your grace is free, undeserved, and unconditional.

There is nothing I can ever do to repay You for all You’ve done and all You continue to do in my life. I am saved by Your grace alone and in humble response I humbly thank you and offer myself to You.

With Your Spirit’s help, may I live this day for Your glory. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:14

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Father, Jesus is Your grace with flesh on. He revealed your love to us and Your Spirit reveals Your mercy, grace, and love in countless ways every day. Thank you for Your presence in my life. Your grace is truly amazing! In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Make an intentional effort as you go throughout the day to stop and celebrate God’s amazing gift of grace. Praise Him for the fact that there is nothing you can do to earn or deserve it.

God gives His grace simply because He loves you that much.

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6 Manifestations Of God’s Grace In Your Prayer Life

A Prayer to know Your Grace in my Life

Oh, the grace of God expressed in the cross of Jesus Christ!

Paul describes the Gospel as ‘the grace of Christ.’ (Gal 1:6) Grace—the unmerited, undeserved favour of God. [1] This favour is not based upon anything we have done, but upon what Jesus has done.

The revelation of God’s grace towards us personally has tremendous power to break the hold of any sin or condemnation in our lives. We look to Jesus’ finished work, to His death on the cross and His resurrection. And simply believe.

This power of grace can be gloriously experienced in our personal relationship with God. Here are 6 ways that grace will manifest in your life of prayer.

1. It is Easy to Return to God’s Presence

So you missed an appointment in prayer. Perhaps there was a specific devotional or prayer time you planned to take. Maybe you have felt the call of God to pray for a while, but have been distracted or failed to respond to the Holy Spirit. It could be that the last time you spent some significant moments with God is a distant memory.

Now you respond, drawn by the Holy Spirit and sure of His open invitation. There is no condemnation about prayer or entering God’s Presence. You begin to share with Him the things that are on your heart, having a clear sense of Father’s welcome and His pleasure at your desire to be with Him.

2. Failure is not an Obstacle

‘…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…’ (Heb 10:22a)

You blew it. Allowed a weakness or temptation to get the better of you. You know that your behaviour has been less than God’s best for you.

But in spite of this, you know that the best place for you, the place you can sort out the struggles you face, is in prayer, focusing on God’s Presence. There is nothing holding you back.

The right you have to be in Father’s Presence is not won by your behaviour, but what Jesus has accomplished on the cross.

Your blemished record has been exchanged with Jesus’ perfect record and forgiveness is freely yours.

3. You Can be Yourself

You know that prayer is not about doing something to gain God’s attention or to please Him—you already have your Father’s attention and His pleasure. He loves you. What a relief! You do not have to be something (or someone) that you are not in prayer. You can just be yourself, your own style, and way of communicating. You can be completely honest.

You can talk to God has your Father, your Friend, or your intimate Beloved. [2]

That intercessor, or person whose spiritual life you admire, does not intimidate you or hold you back. You do not feel you have to copy anyone else or attain some standard of spirituality in prayer. You can be real. And you know that being uniquely yourself is not only acceptable to God—it brings Him joy.

4. You Don’t Need to Rely on Formulas

‘…They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God this loving you, you can pray very simply…’ (Matt 6:7b-8, MSG)

There is no fear that if you miss praying something a certain way, God won’t answer you, or come through for you. You are not relying on a formula or method to have your prayer answered. You know that beyond any words you speak, the cry of your heart is eloquent to Him. You have complete confidence that He is faithful, that He loves you, and that He is true to His Word.

When the Holy Spirit does lead you to use a prescribed prayer, Scripture, method or formula, you do so with confidence, knowing that your prayer life is about intimacy with Him. Where He leads, faith rises, and you will follow.

5. Your Prayer Life is Characterised by Confidence and Gratitude

‘Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’ (Heb 4:16)

You know that you already have Father’s favour and that you don’t have to do or say anything to earn it. Secure in this knowledge, you are growing in confidence in your relationship with Him, and boldness in what you ask for and receive. In times of spiritual warfare, Who your God is, and what He is saying, is of much more significance than anything that the enemy may be doing.

Your prayer life is characterised by a state of thankfulness. You are learning more about your inheritance in Christ and what is available through Jesus. Prayer is primarily about discovering Father’s intention and agreeing, receiving and entering into what is already yours by His word of command. You have faith and boldness in the Name of Jesus.

6. You can Pray Anytime, Anywhere

‘And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.’ (Eph 6:18a)

Your prayer life is without limits. It is about connecting with God in the moment, as well as special times with Him. Whether you are in a moment of celebration or are under pressure, quietness or busyness, you naturally turn to your Father.

Just as Jesus had times of appointment alone with God, and prayed throughout His daily life, you are open to be led of the Spirit in your daily life, as well as be drawn to times apart with your Heavenly Father.

Notes:
[1] For an extended definition of the Greek New Testament word for grace, charis, see //biblehub.com/greek/5485.htm
[2] See ‘Relational Pathways to Intimacy with Father, with Jesus and with Holy Spirit.‘

Related Posts:

How To Fall In Love With Your Devotional Life Again

8 Signs Your Devotional Life May Be Caught In A Performance Trap

7 Signs Of Spiritual Dryness

More Prayer Resources:

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