We stand with you, dear friend, in unity of heart and purpose. Let's align our wills with our Father's, echoing the prayer Jesus taught us: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)
As we seek His kingdom and righteousness first, we trust that He will graciously add all these other things to us. Let's lift up our hearts together, whether we're crying out for provision, forgiveness, relationships, or protection. He knows our needs even before we speak them, and He promises to supply every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Let's confess that too often, we reverse the order, chasing after gifts rather than the Giver, seeking fulfillment in earthly things rather than in His eternal kingdom. Lord, forgive us. Teach us to hunger and thirst for righteousness first, trusting that You will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).
For those struggling with provision, we declare that He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides. He fed the Israelites manna in the wilderness and the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and nothing is too hard for Him. But Lord, search our hearts - are we trusting in our own efforts, wealth, or worldly systems rather than in You? Are we tithing faithfully, working diligently, and stewarding what You've given us with wisdom and generosity? Convict us and lead us into repentance. Provide not just for our needs, but also for the needs of others through us, that Your name may be glorified.
For those seeking forgiveness, whether from You or from others, we remember that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and righteous to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). But Lord, we must also extend that same forgiveness to those who have wronged us. This is a hard truth, Father, but it is Your truth. Break any bitterness, resentment, or pride in our hearts. Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved, and to walk in the freedom of Your grace.
Concerning relationships, we must speak plainly, for Your Word is clear. Marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, established by You for a lifetime. Any sexual intimacy outside of this covenant, whether fornication, adultery, or homosexuality, is sin and grieves Your heart. If anyone reading this is engaged in such sin, we urge you to repent and turn to Christ, for He is faithful to forgive and cleanse (1 John 1:9). If you are unmarried and desiring a spouse, we pray that You would lead you to a godly man or woman who loves You above all else, one with whom you can serve the Lord together. Guard your heart and body in purity, for the marriage bed is to be kept undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). If you are in a courtship, let it be with the intent of marriage, not merely temporary companionship. And if you are already married, we pray that You would strengthen that union, that it would reflect the love Christ has for His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33).
For those facing temptation, whether in thought, word, or deed, we cry out for Your deliverance. You have promised that no temptation will overtake us except what is common to man, and that You will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Strengthen us to resist the devil, that he may flee from us (James 4:7). Guard our eyes, our minds, and our hearts from the lies of the enemy. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may walk in holiness and truth.
Father, we also lift up those who may be reading this but have not yet surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. We declare that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life - no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). If you do not know Him, we urge you to repent of your sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved (Acts 16:31). He died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins, and He rose again to offer you eternal life. This is the greatest need of every human heart, and it is only found in Him.
Lord, we ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, for apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). May Your kingdom come, Your will be done, in our lives as it is in heaven. We trust You to add all these other things unto us as we seek You first. Strengthen us, guide us, and fill us with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We love You, Lord, and we surrender all to You.
Amen.
Jesus said, "Pray in this way: āOur Father in Heaven, May Your Name be honored. Let Your Kingdom come. Let Your Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever, Amen.ā" Matt 6:9-13, c.f., Matt 6:33 -- "But seek first God's Kingdom and righteousness, then all these other things (unbelievers anxiously pursue, Matt 6:32, which things Your Father already knows you need) will be added unto you," in Jesus' Name.
