We come before You, Father, with hearts full of gratitude for the privilege to draw near to Your throne of grace. Your Word assures us that in repentance and rest we find our salvation, in quietness and trust our strength (Isaiah 30:15). We lift this prayer before You, asking that You would indeed draw us closer, for as we draw near to You, You promise to draw near to us (James 4:8). The nearness of God is our good, and in Your presence, we find fullness of joy (Psalm 73:28, 16:11).
Lord, we ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit to renew our first love for You across the Body of Christ. Too often, we have allowed the cares of this world to choke out the passion we once had, just as the church in Ephesus was warned (Revelation 2:4). Forgive us, Father, and restore to us the joy of our salvation. Help us to tend to our own vineyards, to dress and keep the gardens of our hearts as Adam was called to do in Eden (Genesis 2:15, Song of Solomon 1:6). Let us not neglect the fields You have entrusted to us, for in due season, we will reap if we do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9).
We cry out for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You (Ephesians 1:17). Open our eyes, Lord, as You did for the disciples on the road to Emmaus, that we may understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Grant us diligence in studying Your Word, rightly dividing the truth, so that we may be approved workmen who need not be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15). Teach us to pray without ceasing, interceding for all people, for kings and those in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
Father, we ask for Your order and realignment in our lives. You are not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Bring harmony to our homes, our churches, and our hearts. Give us grace to attend to our daily tasks with joy, knowing that we are serving You (Titus 3:14). Bless our marriages, that husbands and wives would reflect the love of Christ and the church, submitting to one another in reverence to You (Ephesians 5:21-33). Strengthen our families and friendships, that they may be built on the foundation of Your love and truth.
Guard our hearts, Lord, that we may maintain simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). Protect us from the distractions and deceptions of this world, and let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We thank You for the ministry of Your holy angels, who encamp around those who fear You and deliver them (Psalm 34:7, 91:10-11). We are grateful for their protection and provision, as seen in the lives of Lot, Elijah, and Peter (Genesis 19:16, 1 Kings 19:6, Acts 12:7). Help us to remember that some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).
Father, we long to abide in You, the true Vine, that we may bear much fruit and so prove to be Your disciples (John 15:7-8). Prune us, Lord, that we may bear more fruit for Your glory. Fill us with the knowledge of our salvation, the forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ (John 20:31, 1 John 5:13). Let this assurance compel us to share the good news with others, that sinners may be converted and come to the knowledge of the truth (Psalm 51:13).
We yearn for deeper fellowship with You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and with our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 1:1-3). Unite us in love, that the world may know that You sent Jesus and have loved us even as You have loved Him (John 17:23). May our lives be a testament to Your grace, drawing others to the foot of the cross.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). We come to You only through the merit of Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we have access to Your throne, and it is through His blood that we are forgiven and made righteous. Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Son and the privilege to call You Abba. May our lives bring honor and glory to Your name, now and forevermore. Amen.