Day 19

For every one that asketh receiveth. — Luke 11:10

This scripture comes with a preface.  When we ask God for anything that we have already envisioned we ask in vain.  God wants us to ask from a place of desperation.  If we are satisfied with our spiritual self we are not in a position to ask from God for anything.  The pauper recognizing his poverty begs.  So we too out of our spiritual poverty should beg - humble ourselves and beg.  Think of David face down on the floor lamenting his own sinful heart.  This is a man whom God chose to become King.  A man about whom it was said "had a heart for God."  He sinned.  We ALL sin!  We are on the pathway - but we are wicked - and the only proper response is to ask the Holy Spirit for cleansing.  Ask and ye shall receive.  We are not talking about shallow earthly goods.  We are talking about our wretched soul.  Prayer is not a gumball machine.  Prayer does not provide an instant reward.  Prayer is asking God not to do our bidding, but to bring us back to that right relationship where He is our Guide.  Our earthly bodies are made to worship the King.  Should God decide to use them for His Glory that is His prerogative.  We receive not - because we ask not.  God cares about one thing - and one thing only - our hearts.  What is our motivation dear hearts for asking?  Is it to receive the King? Or to receive a lust of our flesh.  Bigger, Better, Brighter?

Father,

When I think about the prayers that I have offered up to You, prayers for anything that might make me comfortable - I am ashamed.  My prayer first and foremost should be that you cleanse me clean and whole. That the desires of my heart become the desires of Your heart.  That no word or action would come out of me that is not from the Holy Spirit.  Guide my path oh Lord.  Not my will, but Thy will.  Remember me dear Jesus.

Your daughter,

Cathy

Prayer for the flesh.......

Dear Lord,

Forgive us our temptations and help us be reminded that You were tempted in all ways while You were on earth.  You withstood more physical pain than most of us can imagine - and yet You said "Father - forgive them."  You took the entire sin of man on your shoulders - You carried our sin - willingly You said "but not my will but Thy will be done."  Father we live in a broken world - broken by the sin of the flesh.  You allowed us to be born - You gave us life.  You alone created us uniquely and You know our every fiber, our every breath. Thank you for prayer, our way of communicating with You.  When we are tempted  - we need only breath You in and stop and be still.  Your Holy Spirit will come in our time of need.  We are never too far gone in some earthly trash that You cannot reach us - You cannot make us clean and whole.  You created us and called us good.  You want only good things for us.  Help remind us Father that we were created for worship not for things that will harm us or others.  Help us to stop whatever it is that degrades our spirits and turn to You.  May You fill us with all things good.

You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of the dust.

It's all about You.....it's all about You......it's all about You.

Your daughter in love,

Cathy

Father forgive me my pedestrian dreams......

123 Days of Prayer-Day 16

Dear God,

I thank you Lord that you are the Sovereign God of the Universe.  You are pure and holy and magnificent.  There are no human words that adequately can describe You.  You are known and not-known. You are closer than a friend yet mysterious.  Your creation is beautiful and good and pure.  You know all about us each second of our day is known to you - every breath we take you notice.  Forgive us our sins Lord as we forgive others who sin against us.  Give me your heart.  Let my mind be like the mind of Christ.  Focused on the eternal not the past or the present.  Shine Your Light through me in my words, actions and deeds. I am not afraid for I know that You go before me.  I will stay true.  I will walk in peace. My prayers I know You hear - for You love me, created me and call me good.  May my days be filled with thoughts of Your goodness, kindness, patience and love for others.  May I reflect You and may I see You in all the small details of my life.

I thank You for this life.  Let me not grow weary of doing good. May I find peace amidst the chaos on this earth. May my heart and ear be quick to recognize Your voice.  May my feet and hands be used as You alone see fit.  Make me a blessing to others my Lord as You have been a blessing to me.

I pray for this world.  I pray for Your people.  I pray for justice and mercy and grace.

In Your Precious Name - the Name above all Names - Jesus the Christ.

Your daughter,

Cathy