We come before the throne of grace with hearts full of gratitude, acknowledging that our Heavenly Father is indeed accomplishing all things for us, just as it is written in Psalm 57:2, "I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me." We lift up this season of seeking nearness to God, asking that He draw near to us as we draw near to Him, fulfilling the promise in James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Father, we confess that the worries and cares of this life—moving, familial pressures, decisions, finances, and daily duties—have at times choked the Word in our lives, just as Your Son warned in Mark 4:19. We repent for allowing these distractions to pull us away from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ, as Paul exhorted in 2 Corinthians 11:3. Forgive us, Lord, and restore in us the first love we once had, as You commanded the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4. We long to return to our first love, to walk in repentance and rest, for in quietness and confidence shall be our strength, as Isaiah 30:15 declares.
We rebuke the schemes of the devil, for we are not ignorant of his devices, as it is written in 2 Corinthians 2:11. We stand firm in the full armor of God, resisting the enemy’s tactics, knowing that he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). But we take comfort in Your promise, Lord, that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that Your angels have been given charge over us to keep us in all our ways (Psalm 91:10-11).
Holy Spirit, we ask for a fresh revelation of God, as Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17, that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened to know the hope of His calling. Grant us the discipline to spend time in Your Word, as 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, to study to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing the word of truth. Teach us to pray without ceasing, following the model our Lord gave us in Matthew 6:9-10, that Your kingdom would come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
We also recognize the importance of stewarding our physical bodies, as 1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us that bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things. Give us the grace to order our lives according to Your will, for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as 1 Corinthians 14:33 declares. Help us to meet our pressing needs and daily chores with joy, knowing that we are to be fruitful in every good work, as Titus 3:14 encourages.
Lord, we thank You for the ministry of Your holy angels, who are sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). We are grateful for their protection and provision, as seen in Genesis 19:16, 1 Kings 19:6, and Acts 12:7. We welcome Your heavenly hosts to encamp around us and deliver us from every evil work, just as You have promised.
Above all, we come in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). We acknowledge that it is only through the blood of Jesus that we have access to the Father, and we thank You for the finished work of the cross. May our lives reflect the purity and devotion that You desire, and may we walk in the fullness of Your presence, experiencing the refreshing that comes from repentance, as Acts 3:19 promises.
Heavenly Father, we surrender our vineyards—our lives, our families, our work, and our responsibilities—into Your hands. Teach us to tend to them with wisdom and diligence, as the Shulamite was admonished in Song of Solomon 1:6. Order our steps in Your word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over us (Psalm 119:133). We trust in You, Lord, for You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
