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Post by Jim Pate on Oct 25, 2013 8:16:30 GMT -5
Loving Father and Holy God, my words cannot adequately express my thanks for your love and grace. I am honored to be one of your adopted children and want to bring you joy in the way I live. Forgive me for the times I have disappointed you or not lived up to what you desire of me. I want my life to be a holy thanksgiving to you for your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on Nov 1, 2013 11:19:13 GMT -5
My most gracious God, You have given me a body to keep pure and clean and healthy for Your service and my eternal happiness. Forgive me for all my unfaithfulness in this great responsibility. Forgive me for every mean use which I have made of Your gifts in thought, word or deed since my rebirth as Your own adopted child in Baptism. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and give me a steadfast will that I may be a strength to others around me. Teach me to respect my body and the bodies of my fellow creatures. Help me to see the glory of perfect manhood In Jesus Christ . Inspire me with such love for the ideals for which our Savior lived and died that all my passions and energies will be caught up into the enthusiasm of His service, and evil things will lose their power. May my body be the servant of my soul, and may both body and soul by Your servants. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
We often hear nowadays that it is somehow unhealthy, unrealistic, or unnatural to try to “suppress” our sexual desires. We’re sexual beings, after all, aren’t we? Not quite! God meant sex to be special expression of the love that a married couple shared with each other, two becoming one flesh (Gen 2:24; Mark 10:8) for the possible creation of children. Far from seeing sex as being something “dirty,” our Creator puts it on a pedestal of its own, in this manner, as part of the intimate love shared by a husband and wife.
As much as some of us, particularly guys, might obsess about having sex as frequently or spontaneously as rabbits or animals in heat, the fact remains God has a higher calling, and thus a higher standard, for us. After all, he created us in His image (Gen 1:27). Sexuality might bring out our “animal” nature, but we’re not animals, after all. Or, at least with God’s help, we try not to act like them!
(Besides which, lust, and sex outside of marriage, takes you into mortal sin territory. Having lustful thoughts isn’t a mortal sin per se; entertaining them and acting on them is.)
“Yeah, sure” you might say. Ok, let’s go back to the unreal “real world” for a minute. Even if you are tempted to think of God as some kind of grumpy killjoy and shut Him out of your life, at least in matters pertaining to sex as many people do today, you’re still not headed towards the Big Rock Candy Mountain.
Besides the risk of unwanted pregnancy, venereal disease, and broken families, there is the fact that when we engage in sex outside of marriage, we risk taking on a great deal of heartache and loneliness in any case.
Why? Because, with all the talk of “love” in songs, most often people aren’t loving each other in bed. They’re using each other as commodities for physical or emotional gratification. Sex becomes self-centered instead of self-giving. As Tina Turner once sang about this kind of sexual activity “what’s love got to do with it”? This link from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, as well as this one, spells this all out in greater detail.
And yet, referring here to the fall of Adam and Eve (in Chapter 3 of the Book of Genesis), there are serpents all around us in the media and Hollywood today saying “Hey, take a bite of fruit from this tree. It’s good for you!”
We might not be as “repressed” as a society as in the days a few decades back when two unmarried people living together were considered to be “living in sin” and pornography and illicit sexual activity were located mainly in red-light districts (as in the picture above). But are we really that much happier being bombarded with sexually provocative material and suggestive ads everywhere? (And don’t forget all the “soft porn” on TV and in films these days!)
The reference from our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount to the “pure of heart” (Matt 5:8-9) in the first of our prayers for purity brings to mind another important scripture verse from that sermon in which Christ admonished His listeners not to even look at a woman with lustful intentions (Matt 5:28).
What Jesus then warned them about coveting riches fits in just as well with the danger of coveting the flesh. He said “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light” (Matt 6:22). Hopefully these prayers for purity above, like these listed here, can help you keep impurities of thought from clouding your vision of the light that shines in the darkness (John 1:5), our Lord Jesus Christ Himself!
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Post by Jim Pate on Nov 23, 2013 12:47:14 GMT -5
Dear Lord,
We lift up to you the poor and the marginalized.
We know that these are your cherished ones, that you are a God whose heart cries out for justice, that you are a God who longs to feed the hungry. We ask simply, Lord, that you give us your heart.
Fill us Lord with your compassion, give us your eyes to see, give us boldness and selflessness and wisdom, so that we too might cry out for justice and feed the hungry, so that your light might shine throughout the earth.
Lord, we especially life up the children among us who are poor and marginalized, finding themselves in circumstances they did not choose and helpless to change. We lift up AIDS orphans, children of war, children suffering abuse and neglect, children smitten with malnutrition an disease, lacking education, housing or the most basic of life’s necessities. Might they somehow come to know the love of their Creator, who knows each hair on their head and collects their tears.
Lord, you know every wretched tale. Every overwhelming statistic, you know personally, one by one. Thank you that one day you will make all things right through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Until that day, let us be tireless in doing what is good and what is right unto the least of these, knowing the Father’s love for them.
Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Nov 24, 2013 10:21:10 GMT -5
Most gracious heavenly Father, help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory.
Lord, for many the circumstances in life are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. There are many things about tomorrow that we don't seem to understand. But we know Who holds tomorrow, and we do know Who holds our hand. Thank you, God, that You don't expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us. You simply want us to trust You as we hold on to Your unchanging hand while You go before us making our paths straight. Grant us the grace to trust You more. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on Nov 26, 2013 12:12:46 GMT -5
Lord, it is when we are emptied of our comforts, our surroundings, and those things which we daily take for granted that we begin to think about the eternal issues of our lives. I pray for those who are grieving the loss of family members, friends, neighbors, their property and their occupations in the midst of this destructive hurricane. Though it has left great destruction to the people and structures in its path, I look forward to hearing many stories of Your miracle working power in the lives of those affected and those giving aid. How I pray for protection for the volunteers and workers who are attempting to rescue those in harm's way. May the hearts of those who face great losses in this devastating storm experience much greater gains by finding Christ as their personal Savior. May they come to recognize and follow the voice of our Great Shepherd, as Jesus told His listeners, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hands." Thank You, Jesus, that in the midst of loss and devastation, those who trust in You have a salvation that is steadfast and imperishable.
In Jesus Name, we pray
Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Dec 4, 2013 11:55:02 GMT -5
Most Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father, may everything we do this day, begin with your inspiration, and continue with your saving help. Let our work always find its origin in you, and through you reach a completion that is in accordance with your will. Let us be ever mindful that you provide for our every need. For this, we are grateful.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever. AMEN
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Post by Jim Pate on Dec 6, 2013 7:54:59 GMT -5
Precious Father, thank you for the act of restoration. It is so amazing to know that when we are broken and wounded, you can put us back together. You can restore that which was lost and we can be found. You can restore our hurts and and we can be whole. You are the one who can enable us to forgive. To show mercy. To bestow grace. You are the restorer of all things and for that we give you praise.
For anyone that is hurting at this time, I ask that you reach out your restorative Hands and pour out a healing balm to their souls. Soothe their spirits. Calm their nerves. Bind up the weary and broken pieces and grant them renewal in a mighty way. Revive them. Restore them. Do a powerful work in their lives that only you can do. We give you all glory and honor and praise that is so due your name. In the mighty, powerful, saving name of Jesus Christ,
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Post by Jim Pate on Dec 8, 2013 22:28:15 GMT -5
Dear Heavenly Father, Divine creator of everything, to You, all honor and glory. Even in our times of trials and in the midst of the worldly temptations, we aree so blessed by You. You provide us with riches beyond compare, yet too often we forget to give thanks. Forgive us these trespasses against your holy grace. Tonight we know there are many in this world who do not know you and the riches you give. Please be with them and if it be your will, provide for them as you provide for us. By this, they may know your love and grace. Protect the children, for they need your love tonight. Forgive their parents who need to find their way to you as the world has enveloped them in false gods.
These things we humbly ask in the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Dec 18, 2013 10:26:00 GMT -5
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we, who are weighed down from of old,
by slavery beneath the yoke of sin,
may be set free by the newness
of the long-awaited Nativity
of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirity,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Dec 19, 2013 7:31:59 GMT -5
Oh, Jesus who descended from Jesse,
you are a sign of God's love.
I feel hopeful and expectant,
filled with a rebirth of joy and love.
I depend you so much.
You are a rock for my belief
and a sign of God's love.
Fill me with your praise!
I want to sing your glory,
filled with joy
for the message of hope you send.
I don't always understand
when you are acting on my behalf.
Thank you for the message of hope you send me.
Give me true faith and love
as I celebrate the mystery
of how you came to be with us.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Dec 20, 2013 10:09:06 GMT -5
Oh, Jesus, you hold the key
that will unlock my constricted heart.
It gives me great hope
that Mary said yes to you and your plan.
She was filled with the Spirit
and put aside her own doubts.
I know you are ready to answer my prayers,
ease my doubts and calm my fears.
Sometimes I don't hear your messengers
because they aren't what I expect.
They aren't wearing wings or halos
but are the people standing in front of me.
How many times have I not listened?
How often have I balked at your messages
and your messengers?
Fill me with the light of your Spirit
and enter, in all your glory
into my life.
Let me rejoice!
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Post by Jim Pate on Dec 23, 2013 21:08:21 GMT -5
Most Loving Father, thank you for this night and for all it represents. Thank you for the hope you bestow, the peace you bring, the love you pour out, and the joy you give. We praise you most of all for Jesus, your Word made flesh. May he light our way as the holy star lit the way for the wise men. Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Dec 29, 2013 9:29:53 GMT -5
Gracious and Loving Father,
You said that if we acknowledge You in all our ways, You would direct our path. Father, I acknowledge You in all my ways concerning this day, and pray that you will direct my path in ever situation. Father, I pray that You would bless me to prosper in You spiritually, as You bless me to draw me nearer to You through Your spirit and Your word.
I pray Lord that as I begin this day that you will put upon me the whole Armour of God and that you will seal me in it with the Blood of Jesus Christ, so that I will be able to stand against the attacks of the enemy.
Father help me to not let the book of the law depart out of thy mouth; but teach me by Your Holy Spirit to meditate in it day and night, so that I may observe to do according to all that is written therein so that my way shall be made prosperous, and I will have good success. Teach me O Lord, to be strong and of a good courage; and not to be afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with me wherever I go. So Father, I pray that as I meditate in Your Word day and night that you will bless me to prosper in my finances, my health and every other area of my life. For You said Lord that You desire above all things that we would prosper and be in good health even as we would prosper spiritually.
I pray that Your power and Your anointing shall be upon me, and that when the enemy comes against me one way, he shall be forced to flee from before me seven different ways. I pray that every trap the enemy sets for me will backfire on him, and work out for my good, and for Your glory; for You said all things work together for the good, for those who love the Lord. Father please allow your spirit rest upon me, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And give me quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and Father let me not judge after the sight of my eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of my ears: I pray Lord that you will take the coal and cleanse my lips so that no evil or corrupt communication will proceed from them.
I pray that the Spirit of the Lord rests, rules, and abides upon me this day with a double portion of Your anointing and power, and I pray that the Glory of the Lord shines bright from my life. I pray that You will bless me to live holy and acceptable unto You, which is my reasonable service. I pray that You would set a watch over my lips, and I pray that You will bless me to guard my heart with all diligence, by the discipline of my eyes, and the members of my body. I pray that as the Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; you will anoint me to preach good tidings unto the meek; bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.
I pray that You will help me to walk in the Spirit this day, as well as every day. I pray that You lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from every evil and demonic temptation and snare of the enemy. I pray that no weapon formed against me will prosper, and every tongue that riseth up against me shall be condemned.
I pray that You would give me favor with those who are in authority over me. I pray that as I go upon my job, that those in authority over me will be well pleased with my work. I pray that throughout this day, You will bless me and that Your light shine before those around me, that they will see my good work, and glorify You.
Father in you I have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Jesus Christ. Wherefore Lord I will not faint at the tribulations you have for me, which is my glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that Jesus would grant me, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; Father I pray that you will dwell in my heart by faith; that you will keep me rooted and grounded in love, and that I will be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, length, depth, and height; and that I will know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that I will be filled with all the fullness of God. Father, I thank you, that you are able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I could ever ask or think, according to the power that worketh in me, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.
For this is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and I will be glad. I confess that I shall live and not die, I will live to do the works of my Father. "Lord, you are my salvation, my strength, my hope for tomorrow. I will trust and not be afraid for you Lord are my Jehovah Jireh. Therefore I will praise you with much joy in my heart and shall draw water out of the wells of salvation. Father, I cry out unto you, I beseech you; O Lord, send NOW PROSPERITY, SEND NOW WISDOM, SEND NOW KNOWLEDGE, SEND NOW YOUR ANOINTING, SEND IT NOW JESUS! AMEN
In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen!
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Post by Jim Pate on Jan 3, 2014 13:03:03 GMT -5
Father, if there is someone who is cold, hungry, troubled or alone today, be with them and give tbem hope and Your gracious love. Let Your holy spirit provide their needs according to your will. Let them come to know You.
In the name of Jesus our intermediary,
Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Jan 4, 2014 9:19:27 GMT -5
Thank you, Lord, for being there for me and allowing me to cry out to you in my times of need.
It is amazing to me that the Lord of the Universe would take time to listen to me and to care about what I say.
God, there are things happening around me right now that I do not understand. Some of these things make me feel weak, helpless and afraid.
Even in the midst of this, I know that you are the Lord.
I know that the situation is in Your hand, and I trust You.
I beseech you for strength and for wisdom that I would be able to endure this situation and be able to handle it in a way that would bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus name. Amen.
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