Tag: Prayers

The Power of Nightly Prayers: Strengthening Your Faith Before Bed

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

As Christians, we are called to seek God in every moment of our lives—whether in joy, sorrow, or rest. The practice of prayer is one of the most intimate ways we connect with God, offering our thanks, our worries, our hopes, and our trust. While we often think about praying in the morning to start our day or during difficult times, there is immense power in closing our day with prayer as well. Nightly prayers can serve as a time to reflect on the day, seek peace, and surrender ourselves into God’s care for the night.

In this article, let’s explore the power of nightly prayers, how they impact our spiritual growth, and how to incorporate them into your nightly routine. Plus, we’ll share 10 powerful Christian prayers to say at night, grounded in Scripture, to help you experience a restful and spiritually fulfilling evening.

The Importance of Nightly Prayers

Nighttime is a unique and sacred moment to quiet our hearts and minds. The busyness of the day has come to an end, and we are given the chance to reflect on the blessings of the day, the challenges we may have faced, and the ways in which we’ve seen God move in our lives. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude for the moments of grace we experienced and to surrender our concerns to Him.

Psalm 4:8 encourages us to offer our rest and trust to God:
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

By engaging in nightly prayers, we are choosing to acknowledge that our rest comes from the Lord, not from our own strength or ability to control the events of the day. It is an act of trust. We’re acknowledging that, no matter what happened throughout the day, God is sovereign over our lives, and we can entrust ourselves into His care.

Benefits of Nightly Prayers

  1. Peaceful Sleep: One of the most immediate benefits of praying before bed is the peace it brings to our hearts and minds. The anxiety of the day can weigh us down, and the worries of tomorrow can steal our rest. Nightly prayers help to settle our hearts, calm our minds, and prepare us for peaceful sleep. Proverbs 3:24 says:
    “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
  2. Reflection and Repentance: Nighttime provides the perfect moment to reflect on the day and confess our sins. It’s a chance to examine our hearts and seek forgiveness, knowing that God is faithful to cleanse us and renew our spirits. 1 John 1:9 promises:
    “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
  3. Strength for Tomorrow: A nightly prayer time also serves as a way to ask God for the strength, wisdom, and guidance we will need for the next day. By lifting up our plans, concerns, and hopes for the future to Him, we align ourselves with His will and invite His presence into the upcoming day.
  4. Building a Habit of Gratitude: Ending the day in prayer allows us to express gratitude for the many blessings we often overlook throughout the day. Thankfulness is an essential part of our Christian walk, and the nightly prayer gives us an intentional moment to acknowledge God’s goodness. Psalm 92:1 reminds us:
    “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High.”
  5. Surrendering Control: Many times, the stresses of life leave us feeling like we need to control every outcome. However, praying before bed is a reminder that we are not in control, but God is. Nightly prayers help us relinquish our need for control and trust in God’s sovereign plan. As we close our eyes, we can rest assured that He holds our lives in His hands.

10 Powerful Christian Prayers to Say at Night

Below are 10 meaningful prayers you can say at night to draw closer to God, find peace, and seek His protection and guidance.

1. A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep

“Lord, I thank You for this day. As I lay down to sleep, I ask that You fill my heart with Your peace. Calm my mind and help me to rest in Your loving care. May I trust that You are watching over me tonight, and that I am safe in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

2. A Prayer of Gratitude

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings You have given me today. Thank You for Your love, Your protection, and the strength You provided. I am grateful for Your faithfulness, and I trust that You will continue to guide me in the days to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: Psalm 107:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

3. A Prayer for Forgiveness

“Father, I come before You tonight with a humble heart. I confess any sins I have committed today, knowingly or unknowingly. Please forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Help me to live in a way that honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

4. A Prayer for Protection

“Lord, I pray for Your protection tonight. Surround me with Your angels, and keep me and my loved ones safe. Guard our minds, hearts, and bodies from any harm or evil. I place my trust in You, knowing that You are our refuge and fortress. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

5. A Prayer for Strength

“God, I pray for strength to face the challenges of tomorrow. Renew my mind and spirit, and fill me with the courage to follow Your will. Help me to rely on Your strength, not my own, as I prepare for the new day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

6. A Prayer for Wisdom

“Lord, I seek Your wisdom as I prepare for tomorrow. Please give me clarity and understanding in the decisions I need to make. Help me to honor You in every area of my life. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

7. A Prayer for Family

“Lord, I lift up my family to You tonight. Protect them and keep them safe. Draw them closer to You and help us all grow in faith. May our home be filled with Your love, peace, and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:15 – “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

8. A Prayer for Healing

“Father, I ask for Your healing touch tonight. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, please restore me and anyone I know who is hurting. Bring comfort, strength, and restoration through Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 30:17 – “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.”

9. A Prayer for Peace in the World

“Lord, I pray for peace in our world. There is so much division, pain, and suffering. I ask that Your peace would reign in the hearts of all people. Bring healing and reconciliation, and let Your love be made known. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

10. A Prayer for Rest in God

“Lord, as I lay down to sleep, I choose to rest in You. I surrender my worries and fears into Your hands, trusting that You are always with me. May Your presence bring me rest tonight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Conclusion: Resting in God’s Peace

Nightly prayers offer us the opportunity to surrender our concerns to God, express gratitude for the day, seek forgiveness, and ask for His guidance and protection. It’s a beautiful, peaceful way to close our day, trusting that He watches over us as we rest. Through prayer, we can be reminded that we are not in control, but that God is with us every step of the way.

As we end each day, let us remember the words of Psalm 127:2:
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”

When we turn to God in prayer, He grants us the peace and rest we need for both our bodies and our souls.

May these prayers help you build a habit of nightly connection with God, allowing His peace to fill your heart each night and His presence to guide you through every day.

What Atheists Don’t Realize About Forgiveness

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

There’s an old saying that goes, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

I see it constantly in the world around us. 

People hold on to grudges, resentment, and anger for weeks, months, even years.

They may have a very good reason to do so

But they are just harming themselves in the long run.

As Christians, we lead different lifestyles.

Jesus taught us the importance of forgiveness, both for the sake of our own souls and for the benefit of others.

He reminds us in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Forgiveness isn’t always easy

But it is an incredible path towards inner peace, enhanced relationships, and even improved health.

Forgiveness can lead to lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and a more robust immune system.

It can also improve our mental health and overall well-being.

So how can we cultivate forgiveness in our daily experiences?

The answer is simple

Pray for those who have wronged you. 

Praying for your enemies can be a transformative experience, as it shifts your perspective and allows you to see them as God sees them.

This is something that not a lot of people can do nowadays

They are too blinded by resentment.

And they don’t realize that by staying angry, they are hurting themselves and those around them.

But we have ways to overcome that resentment.

We are not alone.

We can seek support from our community. 

Sharing your struggles with fellow believers can provide encouragement and aid you in finding the strength to forgive.

Remember, forgiveness is not something you do once. It has to be a part of your character.

You have to be a forgiving person.

Both for yourself, and your loved ones.

It takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable.

As we journey through God’s path, may we always strive to practice forgiveness.

And may we receive God’s aid.

This Is When The Devil Finds You At Your Weakest

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Have you ever wondered why resisting a late-night snack is difficult?

During the day, most people can stick to eating healthy.

But when the night comes, a lot of people feel the need to treat themselves to some “guilty pleasure.”

There is a very good reason why this happens.

And it’s the fact that as the day progresses, our willpower drops.

The Devil knows this.

And he does everything in his power to lure us away from God’s path.

He has many ways to do that.

He can give us sinful thoughts

Urge us to neglect our spiritual practices

Or push us toward unhealthy habits.

But we are not powerless against him.

We have God on our side.

Ephesians 6:11 says “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

This includes the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, and the sword of the Spirit.

It is not enough to simply put on the armor, we must also be ready to use it.

We need to be aware that the Devil is always seeking to exploit our weaknesses.

And one of these weaknesses is our declining willpower as the day progresses.

When we are tired or stressed, it becomes easier to give in to temptation. 

This is why it is essential to remain vigilant throughout the day, especially in the evening when we are most vulnerable.

As Christians, we have the power of prayer to strengthen us. 

We should make it a habit to pray for God’s protection and strength every day.

Even when we feel well.

We should also seek to build up our willpower by developing healthy habits that can aid us in resisting temptation. 

These habits might include regular exercise, getting enough rest, and avoiding situations that may trigger temptation.

Remember, we are not alone in this.

This is what Scripture says about willpower.

We can support each other and resist temptation.

Let us remain steadfast in our faith and the Devil will flee from us.

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7 Patriotic Veteran’s Day Prayers to Honor America’s Best Patriots

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

To ALL of you Veteran’s out there, I’d like to say thank you for keeping America free!

Below are some amazing prayers that I hope everyone can take a moment to check out and enjoy!

Also, please do me a HUGE favor and check out my Christian friend’s YouTube channel by Clicking HERE! If you could subscribe to their channel that would be very much appreciated because their video content has been created for Christians, Conservatives, and American Patriots!

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1 Veteran’s Day Prayer: Prayer for Veterans Day

Heavenly Father,
Author and Giver of Peace,

We ask your blessing and mercy upon
Our soldiers, veterans,
Men and women protecting home
And country.

Answering the call to action,
Willing to fight even bitter conflict
Fighting for our lives and freedoms,
Prepared to give their lives,

In serving us they serve you well.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your blessings,
Upon our veterans, our soldiers, upon us all.
Thank these, our heroes,
Reward abundantly their sacrifice.

Grant them peace of mind,
Comfort their hearts,
Heal all their wounds,
Give them strength.

Encourage them in all difficulties.
Guide and protect their travels.
Protect their family and loved ones.

Heavenly Father,

May your guidance and blessings
Be with them wherever they go,
Whatever they do.

When earthly life is over,
Bring our veterans home to heaven.

There to receive a rich reward,
Enjoy your blessed presence,
Rejoice in your eternal peace,
And be re-united with loved ones.

Heavenly Father, you promise,

No more suffering, death, and war.
No more hurt, doubt, confusion.
But only joy and happiness,
Reward, refreshment, and reunion,

With all the armies of heaven,
The angels and saints,
Our ancestors in the faith,
Our loved ones gone before us.

We ask you, Heavenly Father,

Welcome our veterans home,
To our true homeland country,
The Land of Peace and Rest
Forevermore.

Amen.

2 Veteran’s Day Prayer: Prayer for Veterans that Lost Thier Lives

O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

We must remember those who fought the battle and have lost their lives for our freedom. Prayers for veterans will provide comfort to their souls as they cross over to the heavenly kingdom and rejoice with their creator Jesus Christ. No matter how long it’s been, it’s important that we communicate with those lost veterans through prayer and share with them our many thanks for their sacrifices that will never be repaid. Through our prayers for veterans, the average person here on earth has the ability to reach out and connect with those who’ve lost their lives and our now guardian angels from above.

3 Veteran’s Day Prayer: A Prayer for the Military Community

Almighty God, Lord of Hosts, we call out to you as the One who is sovereign over all. Watch over and protect our nation’s military members and their families. Sustain them with your everlasting arms.

Take into your most gracious protection our service members currently deployed. May you be their comfort and their guide as they live and walk in a foreign land. Give them reassurance that you are a shield around them, an ever-present help in time of need. Grant our service members courage so that in all things they may serve without reproach. Encourage them while they also encourage one another.

As they serve around the world, we ask that you guard their families and loved ones back home. Provide them with peace and surround them with love as they mourn the absence of their loved one and long for their return. May they find hope and strength in you for the trials of each new day. Be with military children who endure the difficult burden of knowing their father or mother is in harm’s way for months on end. Guard these children’s hearts and minds despite the loneliness and uncertainty of having a parent deployed.

Lord God, be with marriages in the military. Preserve the bonds of husband and wife despite the stress that military life brings, stress only compounded by the decade of war our nation is in. Help military chaplains in their efforts to equip military marriages with ways to stay connected and communicate effectively despite the challenge of frequent deployments. Give husbands and wives strength and resilience to endure separations, frequent moves, and all the uncertainty military life brings.

For some, Lord, service takes their toll permanently in physical and emotional damage. For those wounded in battle, we pray you would come beside them.. Sustain and strengthen them amidst treatment, pain, and adjustments to life with an injury. Help them to find competent care and support, and to not be afraid to reach out for a helping hand or a listening ear. Be with their caregivers in the demanding role they have. Give caregivers renewed energy to offer support and love as they tend to the needs of the injured. Strengthen them as they both monitor and advocate for their loved one.

We know that war is very costly. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their precious lives in service to our nation. Each one of them was a son or daughter, perhaps a husband or wife, father or mother. For all those who feel the pain and the toll of this war in the loss of their loved one, comfort them. Be a father to the fatherless and defender of widows. As they cast their cares on you, may they know the consolation of your love. We thank you for the freedoms these service members fought for which we enjoy today.

For each and every veteran who has served our country through the years, we thank you for their sacrifice. Comfort those who struggle in life after war. Help us to honor and care for those who have given so much for us.

Be with our nation’s leaders as well, and all those who make decisions for our military. Give them wisdom and discernment in everything they do.

Father God, we long for the day when swords will be beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. We long for your peace, for your shalom.

In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

4 Veteran’s Day Prayer: Psalm 136:1

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

Oftentimes the good and bad in war can be misconstrued. The intentions of a soldier in combat can be forgotten because of the actions that take place during war. It’s important to remember the sacrifice that man has offered when we share prayers for veterans. The Lord will never forget the actions and intentions behind war – instead our Savior identifies the selfless act and the person that embodies those actions. Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for His children – so that all sins would forever be forgiven. When uttering prayers remember that. Remember that our Savior is on our veteran’s side because He, too, was on the battlefield fighting for their allegiance and providing unconditional mercy.

5 Veteran’s Day Prayer: Prayer for Veterans & Military Men & Women

Gracious God, we give thanks for military men and women, both from the past and present, and for their courageous service and sacrifice to our country and its people to secure the blessings of life, liberty, and justice for all. May our remembrance be a timely reminder that our freedom was purchased at high cost, and should not be taken for granted. Give us resolve to labor in faithful service to you until all share the benefits of freedom, justice, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

6 Veteran’s Day Prayer: Psalm 136:1

Silhouette of woman hands praying with cross and holding a red heart ball in nature sunrise background, Crucifix, Symbol of Faith. Christian life crisis prayer to god, The concept of loving God. (Silhouette of woman hands praying with cross and hold

Blessed be the Lord my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle – My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge.”

While you and I may not be veterans, we can still find comfort in Psalm 144 because our prayers for veterans are instilling God’s love and guidance by reassuring the shield that Jesus Christ offers each and every one of us. A veteran may have seen unthinkable tragedy however, it’s imperative that he or she understands and accepts that their Lord and Savior will forever provide refuge. For a soldier, it can be easily forgotten that Christ is also shielding them and acting on their behalf. While they march on enemy lines, the negativity can take over. Therefore, it’s important that we recite prayers for veterans who may not otherwise know that they have a support system that’s rooting them on.

7 Veteran’s Day Prayer: Prayer for Our Soldiers

Lord, We lift up prayer for those who lead and direct our soldiers. May their daily decisions bring powerful protection and abundant provision to our men and women in uniform. Amen.

Whether a veteran is physically in battle or just mentally, we mustn’t forget the price that they’ve all paid. Some veterans have found salvation from their post-traumatic stress disorder however, others haven’t. When you utter prayers for veterans remember that a soldier’s work is never done. Even though they may not be physically on the front lines their mind and soul may still be there. All in all, it’s important to pray for protection for the men and women in uniform. It’s important to not forget their sacrifice. We shouldn’t categorize their prayers in representation of a holiday or celebration. Instead these prayers for our soldiers should be recited every day.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your EXTREMELY busy day to enjoy these prayers for American’s greatest patriots!

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12 Best Short Morning Prayers To Get Your Day Started With

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Hi everyone! I know it’s been way too long since I’ve published a new article, but I got EXTREMELY busy with ALL of my college classes, but I am going to make it my priority to publish more important articles like this one on a weekly basis! I really hope and pray that everyone reading this is having an AMAZING start to this new year, and before we know it the year will be over, so let’s make certain to all have the BEST year possible, and a great way to do that is by starting every morning with one of these 12 best short morning prayers to get your day started with!

Oh, if you have any morning prayers that you’d like to share with me please do so in the comments section so that everyone who reads my Christian blog can read them as well!

Please remember that prayers don’t have to be long for God to hear and feel you, you just have to let God know that you’re always thinking of him and doing your best to make the world a better place for everyone!

Even if you’re not a Christian reading this I highly encourage you to read trough these very short morning prayers below because you never know what will put a smile on your face and fill your heart with love!

#12 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“Lord, I want to lay before you all that weighs heavy on my heart. Reveal even the sin I am not aware of, Lord. I lay these at your feet and pray for your forgiveness on me. I believe you when you say that you wash us whiter than snow. Thank you, Lord, for your unending love for me! Help me start fresh right now to make choices that honor you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

#11 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“Father, I have to thank you for looking beyond my faults and for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me when I fail to love others in the same way. Give me eyes to see the needs of the difficult people in my life, and show me how to meet those needs in a way that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

#10 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“O Lord, we are at the limits of our power to help. For what we have left undone, forgive us. For what you have helped us to do, we thank you. For what must be done by others, lend your strength. Now shelter us in your peace which passes our understanding. Amen.”

#9 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“O Lord, we are at the limits of our power to help. For what we have left undone, forgive us. For what you have helped us to do, we thank you. For what must be done by others, lend your strength. Now shelter us in your peace which passes our understanding. Amen.”

#8 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“Lord, in the morning I start each day, by taking a moment to bow and pray. Beginning with thanks, I then give praise for all your kind and loving ways. Today if sunshine turns to rain, if a dark cloud brings some pain, I won’t doubt or hide in fear. For you, my God, are always near. I will travel where you lead; I will help my friends in need. Where you send me, I will go; with your help, I’ll learn and grow. Hold my family in your hands, as we follow your commands. And I will keep you close in sight when I crawl in bed tonight.”

#7 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“Lord, thank you for your greatness. Thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. Lord, the Devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with you. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of your strength so that I might not give in to discouragement, deception, and doubt! Help me honor you in all my ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

#6 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“O Lord, we are at the limits of our power to help. For what we have left undone, forgive us. For what you have helped us to do, we thank you. For what must be done by others, lend your strength. Now shelter us in your peace which passes our understanding. Amen.”

#5 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts assail us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide! That we may find serenity in Your presence and purpose in doing Your will.”

#4 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“Jesus, as I work and rest and play, please be with me all day. You are my special friend, on you, I can depend.”

#3 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“Holy Lord, thank You for your grace. Please help me move beyond the hurdles that trip me up and give me the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope I run toward in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

#2 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“Father God, let me take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful gift of life. Thank you for enabling me to have this work I’m doing. I praise and glorify you for the provision. Protect me and cover me with the blood of Jesus. May I be able to get along well with my workmates and my employer. Thank you for hearing and answering me in Jesus’ name.”

#1 Best Short Morning Prayer to Get Your Day Started With

“Dear Father God, Thank You for Your unfailing love for me, Your blessings, and goodness. Thank You for Your faithfulness to guide me and see me through times of uncertainty, for lifting me up, and setting me on high. Thank You for Scripture that comforts and reminds me of Your promises, plan, and provision. Thank you for taking away my fears and worries, the what-ifs, and reminding me that my help comes from You. Help me be a good steward and to sow wisely. In Christ’s name, Amen.”

Well I hope everyone enjoyed at least one or more of these 12 best short morning prayers to get your day started with! Please let me know which one was your favorite in the comments section if you have time to do so!

Christmas Prayers to Help Christians Celebrate Jesus’ Birthday

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Take some time to reconnect with God and give thanks for our salvation in Christ with these powerful Christmas prayers. These Christmas prayers, whether you traditionally say a prayer on Christmas Eve or while sitting around the Christmas Day meal, will inspire everyone present to give thanks and rejoice.

Below I have gathered some of my favorite prayers for the Christmas season. May these words fill your mind, heart, and spirit with joy and gratitude!

And PLEASE share with me ALL of your favorite Christmas Prayers if you have time to do so!

A Prayer to Remember What Christmas Is All About

Lord, I thank You for coming to earth so You could redeem me. When I think of the extent to which You were willing to go in order to save me, it makes me want to shout, to celebrate, and to cry with thankfulness. You love me so much, and I am so grateful for that love. Without You, I would still be lost and in sin. But because of everything You have done for me, today I am free; my life is blessed; Jesus is my Lord; Heaven is my home; and Satan has no right to control me. I will be eternally thankful to You for everything You did to save me! I pray this in Jesus’ name!

Short Prayer of Christmas Thanks

Thank you, God for sending Your Son on one glorious night to be born a virgin, to live a perfect life, and to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you that he rose from the dead three days later and that this Christmas and every Christmas we can celebrate the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Christmas Hope

Father, I pray that you will turn our hearts toward you as Christmas approaches. Let us not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season this year and miss the chance to celebrate the gifts of hope, peace, joy, love, that you sent to us on that first Christmas. That first Christmas, you gave us the gift of hope wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Thank you, Father, for your immeasurable gift. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen

A Prayer for Christmas Eve

May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.

Christmas Day Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ, true God from true God, you became a little child for us so the world you made would be saved. Just as a child is born to us and a Son is given to us, may we be born again through you
and always remain in the number of God’s faithful children; through your merits, O blessed Savior, with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

A Merry Christmas Prayer

Lord, we ask You to grant us peace. Peace in our homes, peace in our churches and peace in our hearts, especially when it feels like the world all around us spins out of control.

Help us stay focused on You, this Christmastime and always. Thank You for loving the whole world enough to send the greatest gift, Your Son, so we might truly have a very merry Christmas, even in a not-so-merry kind of world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

New Birth and Freedom in Christ

Almighty God, grant that the new birth of your Son in the flesh redeems us from the old slavery under the yoke of sin, so we may receive him with joy as our Redeemer, and that when when he comes to judge we may see Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Christmas Communion Prayer

O merciful God, open the depths of our souls that we may receive the immortality of our spirits through the new birth of your Son by the power of his body and precious blood; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Inward Peace and Goodwill

O Lord Jesus Christ, by your incarnation you united things earthly and heavenly. Fill us with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill, that we may join the heavenly host in singing praises to your glory;
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer for the Love of Jesus

Ah! sweet Jesus, pierce the marrow of my soul with the healthful arrows of your love, that it may truly burn, and melt, and languish, with the desire for you alone; that it may desire to be dissolved and to be with you; let it hunger alone for the bread of life; let it thirst after you, the spring and fountain of eternal light, the stream of true pleasure; let it always desire you, seek you, and find you, and sweetly rest in you. Amen.

Happy Birthday Jesus Prayer

Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. I celebrate Your birth, Your life, Your death, and Your resurrection. And as I celebrate, Lord, help me to be “God with skin on” to those in need around me. Open my eyes and let me see them as You see them! I love You. Happy birthday Jesus! In Jesus name, Amen.

A Prayer for Those Feeling Loss at Christmas

Dear Heavenly Father, though Christmas is sometimes hard because we miss the ones we love help me remember the gift You gave – Your Son, Jesus, a baby born to die. Thank You for this gift of love, help me receive it. In times of grief and sadness, remind me of the reason and fill me with Your Peace.

Mighty God, I ask You for the power to press on and Everlasting Father, I thank You for carrying me when it’s hard to walk.

Wonderful Counselor, I pray You’d fill my mind with wisdom and may the Prince of Peace rule my heart. This Christmas help me remember it’s not about the people I celebrate with, but the One we celebrate! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

How Can We Be Sure God Hears Our Prayers?

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Talk of prayer is evident in the Christian home, church, and Holy Bible. We talk about prayer as a means of gaining wisdom, making important decisions, and otherwise living life as God desires for us. Why?

There are numerous examples of people using prayer in the Bible for the same reasons. In some of these instances, prayer is evoked to bring about healing over physical or emotional ailments and even victory over enemies in battle. We can conclude then that prayer at some level is a conversation between the person (or persons) praying and God. Yet, in order to fully comprehend prayer, there first needs to be an understanding of communication.

Communication is the basic foundation for any relationship, friendly, romantic, business. Humans utilize communication through spoken language and also nonverbal body language. Communication is vital in the life of a Christian, not just in how we relate to other people, but more importantly to God. Our language, spoken or otherwise, constantly affects our relationship with Him and our ability to live out His commandments.

At its root, there are three pieces to communication: “the sender, the message, and the recipient.” In prayer, Christians alternate between the roles of sender and recipient. When we operate as the sender, we pray to God seeking some sort of spiritual discernment. We send a message, which God receives. When God answers our prayers, we become the recipient, taking in the message that He sends.

Studying communication explains how prayer fosters a relationship between ourselves and God, and with other people. However, this does not explain the need for prayer in the Christian life. Nor does having communication with God mean He is listening to us. How are we to be sure? For these answers, we must turn to the Bible for insight.

Does God Hear Our Prayers?
We know that prayer is our way of communicating with God. The Bible helps us to further this understanding by giving us examples of how others pray and what they prayed about. One great example comes from Matthew 6 when Jesus presents the Lord’s Prayer. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus draws a comparison between true believers and hypocrites. He calls for those following His teaching to not pray out in the open to be seen and admired by others (Matthew 6:5).

Instead, Jesus advocates for a more personal and intimate conversation with God, one that does not to be heard by others to be heard by God. Important to note is that Jesus does not say to only pray in private, but that public prayer done for admiration is wrong. In this sermon, He goes on to recite the Lord’s prayer which embodies all the reasons why Christians pray.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)

Jesus himself informs us of our greatest responsibilities as Christians (Mathew 22:34-40). With this in mind, we can confirm that prayer helps us to live a life dedicated to loving God and others. When we pray, we make our requests known to God, which helps us efficiently live out our responsibilities. Thus, according to Jesus, prayer is intimate, personal, and often private. When we pray, we may seek things to benefit ourselves, but any and all things should redirect us to fulfilling the first and second greatest commandments.

This explains why we pray to God. We pray because of who God is, our Father in Heaven, the one who grants us salvation, the one who guides us through life. We pray in order to live out His will as He has deemed for believers. Like Jesus, there were many figures in the Bible who used prayer to communicate with God. We can follow all of their examples of how to pray, when, and what to communicate to God.

One question still remains though, how do we know God hears our prayers. The Bible too answers this.

How Do We Know That God Hears Our Prayers?
The entirety of the Bible can be read as a love story, a story of God caring so much about humanity that He sacrificed His son in an act of redemption. How do we know God hears our prayers? He loves us.

We know that God hears our prayers because of the prayer accounts presented in the Bible. People tell the story of God answering their prayers, how they prayed, and what they prayed about. The aforementioned example of Jesus in Matthew 6 is just one account of many. And there are lines in the Bible of God himself speaking, that reaffirm He hears our prayers.

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Not being able to hear God as we would another person does not mean we cannot find Him. We also don’t pray to other people, meaning our relationship with God is bound to look different. Our relationship with God is governed by our faith and not by our ability to see Him or audibly hear him (2 Corinthians 5:7).

This information lets us know that God hears our prayers. We can look at the evidence in the Bible and the evidence in our own lives of God answering our prayers. God may not act when we want, or exactly how we want, but God does act when we pray according to His will. Knowing that God hears our prayers makes us better equipped to communicate with Him.

What Can We Learn from the Way People Prayed in the Bible?
Prayer Is Honest

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?”
(Psalm 13:1)

Psalm 13 is a great reflection of the human experience of suffering. David prays to God with questions. He is not only seeking insight, but deliverance. His words show that he is not approaching God timidly, but openly bearing his anguish. His words are so dramatic as to question God. Nonetheless, David ends on an upbeat note, saying that he will remain trusting in God.

When we pray, we can share with God our positive experiences, as some of the psalms reveal. However, we can also talk to God about our suffering. Much like the conversations we have with peers, everything we discuss does not have to be positive. God wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives, including the moments of despair and desperation.

Prayer Is Constant

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

We are called to pray every day. Much like any relationship with a person, what we invest in our communication is what we will get out of the relationship. The more we commune with God the stronger our bond. There is no time limit the Bible issues on prayer. Quite the opposite. As Christians, when we learn to pray without ceasing, we will begin to see God is all aspects of our lives. However difficult, the benefits are worthwhile.

Prayer Is Not Instantaneous

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Paul serves as a great example of someone who prayed for God to deliver Him from suffering, but God did not. God had His reasons, and Paul was fortunate enough to learn why. When we pray, God may not answer certain prayers when we want, how we want, or at all. We have to trust His reasoning and timing.

Prayer Brings Healing

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)

Prayer has the power to bring about miracles, whether God is performing the miracle Himself or working through someone. As we seek to bring God’s kingdom to Earth, our prayers for spiritual discernment will put us on the path God sees fit. All the while we can include in our prayers, moments of gratitude, thanking God for the highs and lows of life knowing that He is present always.

The Lord’s Prayer

There are many aspects of prayer. Ultimately, we can conclude that prayer is vital for a relationship with God. Prayer allows us to communicate with Him in a way we do not with other people. Through our words and our actions, we have the ability to live a life that is God-centered like Jesus, or not. Part of power resides in prayer. With this in mind, we can recite the Lord’s prayers with greater wisdom as to how we pray and why we should.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
(Matthew 6:9-13)

Amen.

Does Prayer Ever Fail Us?

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

We all struggle with prayer. This is the case for the most seasoned of Christians and those newest in the faith. We wrestle with unanswered prayer; we struggle to find the appropriate language for our petitions; we may even occasionally feel a lack of spiritual vitality as we pray. For every Christian there are times where the act of praying seems harder than it should be.

Despite our struggles, God promises to hear our prayers. Not only does God promise to hear, but God promises to respond. Jesus affirms this. His parable of the persistent widow is told specifically to encourage the disciples to “pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). The availability of God’s presence, met in prayer, is foundational to our understanding of God.

And yet, we have all found ourselves in times of discouragement resulting from unanswered prayer. If I pray for a friend’s healing, and that healing does not occur, did my prayer fail? Did I not pray enough, or in the right way? Was there a phrase, a psalm, or a spiritual discipline I should have used which would have unlocked God’s righteous power upon my friend?

Prayers left unanswered seem to condemn us. During these times, we often harbor an unsettling question; “Does prayer really work?” Or, put another way, “Did prayer fail us, or did we fail prayer?” Neither option appears encouraging to our faith.

Is there a third option? Is there a way to faithfully believe that our prayers are powerful and effective, while at the same time giving voice to our frustrating prayer experiences? Can we believe that our prayers can cause miracles to occur, and still recognize that we may not see them take place? In short, if we want to believe that prayer never fails, what do we need to know about prayer to affirm this?

Prayer Is about God’s Will, Not Our Own
Prayer is not about you or me. Prayer is about the power and presence of God. This means that our experience of prayer might not be exactly what we wish it to be. Prayer is more about God’s will and plan than our own.

When the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray, he instructs them to pray “Our Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread” (Luke 11:2). This is the way Jesus himself prayed to the Father. Thus, it is a model upon which we build our own life of prayer. “The Lord’s Prayer” continues to govern the prayer-life of Christians to this day.

Because we are so familiar with these words, we often overlook the structure of the prayer itself. Jesus did not offer the disciples a simple poem to recite. Christ’s instruction highlights an important spiritual movement within prayer itself.

The first petition of the prayer is to pray that God establish God’s kingdom and will on earth, and in our lives. This sets the tone for everything else that follow. Essentially, we open ourselves to God’s will before we issue our petitions and requests. Prayer, at its heart is about aligning ourselves with God’s work in the world.

This is the prayer that Jesus himself modelled. When alone in the Garden of Gethsemane, just prior to his betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus prays that his upcoming death pass him by. Jesus offers a prayer about his own life, and his future experience of the cross.

Yet as he does so, Jesus grounds this prayer in the ultimate desire for God’s will to be fulfilled. “My Father,” he prays “if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). For Jesus, prayer was never about getting what he wanted, it was about living out the will of the Father.

If we wish to pray like Jesus, we can never make prayer about establishing our own kingdom. James writes “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives that you may spend on what you get on your own pleasures” (James 4:2-3). It takes a certain amount of holy stubbornness to keep our vision on God’s will and kingdom.

Prayer Is about a Relationship, Not a Response
Our heartfelt desire for God to establish the kingdom frees us to pray for specific things in our lives. We long for the kingdom to be revealed in us, and through us. Such a longing not only informs what we pray for, it also gives us boldness in prayer. We can pray for healing.

We can pray for change of circumstances. We can pray for divine intervention. In doing so we are praying that God’s kingdom is revealed in these places. Such things are open and available to us precisely because God invites us to join in the work of the kingdom. This is part of the relational covenant we enjoy with God.

This relationship we have with the Lord, however, does not promise us that God will always respond in the way we would like. Occasionally, the will of God confronts us, and challenges us. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God’s ways are beyond our ways, God’s thoughts beyond our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8).

Like a parent who cannot say “Yes” to every whim or wish of their child, God often moves in ways unexpected. This means, even our most holy and righteous requests need to be presented in humility.

Like Job crying out God, sometimes the Lord does not always provide answers to our questions; like Jesus responding to the death of Lazarus, sometimes Christ’s response appears delayed. These are experiences we all walk through.

Yet none of these experiences mean that our prayers have failed. What these experiences point us to is that God is active beyond the limit of our finite understanding, perception, or desire.

The true grace in prayer is not that we always get what we want. The true grace, extended to us by our heavenly Father, is that there is nothing that cannot be voiced. There is no request, lament, petition, or prayer that God will not receive in love. Ultimately, prayer is never about the response we receive; it is always about the relationship we enjoy with our savior.

There Is No Secret
The fact of the matter is there are no secrets loop-holes for prayer. Yes, God dwells close in prayer; yes, we can hear God’s voice; yes, God answers prayer. These are promises rooted in scripture. While these are a reality for us, they do not dictate a prayer-experience of perpetual positivity.

Could it be that our struggles in prayer challenge us to move past a myopic, self-pleasing understanding of prayer? After all, a prayer-life that is safe and comfortable rarely transforms our lives.

Struggles with prayer encourage us to push past a desire to chase after easy answers and comfortable feelings. True prayer is not dependent on an emotional experience. Believing that praying rightly somehow equates to warm and fuzzy emotions, or a divine “yes” to every request, is misguided. This is to set our vision on ourselves, instead of the presence and will of God.

Prayer is a journey; it is not a skill we master. Prayer, for the follower of Jesus is a way of being, an internal movement of heart and spirit through which we respond to the Lord’s presence in us, and in the world.

We need to recapture the radical notion that struggles in prayer may, in fact, be an invitation to journey deeper into the kingdom. Prayer is not simply something that we add onto our lives, it is the very ground out of which our life grows. To be frustrated with prayer is to be formed by it.

Christian prayer involves wrestling. It involves lament. It involves argumentation. It involves persistence. We see this in the lives of the faithful men and women of scripture. We should not, therefore, be discouraged or disheartened when it occurs for us.

Prayer places us before the Lord, who, at times, confronts, and challenges us. Prayer never fails because prayer, at its foundation, is about reaching out to Jesus. And because Jesus never fails, so too can we be confident in our prayers.