December 16

by Ed Vasicek

 

My Heavenly Father,

 

When Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple, they presented an offering of turtle doves. This was an offering used for someone who was not completely impoverished, but was of humble means. So we know that the wise men came after this event, when Jesus was more than 40 days old. They had not yet presented their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

 

As they traveled toward Israel, they did not know exactly where Christ would be born. His star appeared in the east and they knew that the Messiah had to be born in Israel. But that was all. So they stopped in to visit with King Herod thinking that the "King of Israel" would know where the Messiah was.

 

But Herod did not know. As a matter of fact, he feared that someone would compete for the throne with him and his heirs. So he feigned a pleasant disposition and called for the Bible scholars. These men knew where Jesus would be born, for the Old Testament is clear in Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

 

So Lord, today there are people who pretend to be believers or pleasantly disposed, but sometimes they are like Herod, putting on a front to serve their own purposes. Help me not to be such a person.

 

Sometimes I confess that I have put on false fronts. I am a different person in different environments and it frustrates me that I am this way. May sincerity be my habit and integrity my mainstay.

 

And Lord, Jesus’ family was content with humble means. Help me to be content with my lot and to live within my means, not my credit limit! Lord, materialism and things can be like a drug that gives me a temporary high until my next fix. Deliver me from it, O Lord. Even this Christmas season, help me to enjoy the simplicity of the Nativity and the blessings of family and people. It is You and others that bring real joy to my life. Remind me that the best things in life may not be free but neither are they expensive.

 

I pray for the nation of Denmark. Thank You for the 4.8% of the population that claim to be born-again evangelical Christians. Many of the people claim a formal form of Christianity, but they do not attend church and do not have a personal, living relationship with the Risen Christ. Please use the Jesus Film, the Danish Bible Society, and may Your Spirit empower the new and promising Christian youth movement.

 

I pray today for doctors around the world. They have a tough job with a lot of stress and they must deal with many ethical issues. Help them to do what is right as You define right. May many come to know You and help the doctors who do know You to share their faith with both patients and peers.

 

Now lead me today and may I cheer someone, I pray, in Christ's Name, Amen.

 

 

December 17

by Ed Vasicek

 

Heavenly King,

 

When Jesus was worshiped by the Magi, they bowed down before Him. They did not merely show respect to Him, but the text says they worshiped Him (Matthew 2:11). They recognized Him as God in the flesh, for the Scripture says, "You shall worship the Lord Your God and serve Him only" (Matthew 4:10).

 

Their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh would provide for the family when they had to flee to Egypt because of Herod's persecution. Although these gifts were rich in symbolical value, they were also practical and needed.

 

Thank You, Lord, that You are the God of Reality. Sometimes others look at us as though we were escaping reality by believing in You. But, Lord, You are the God of real life. You paint a realistic picture of mankind: marred by sin but also capable of good (because of Your image in them, tainted as it is). This world is under a curse and so it is. Even our ability to reason is affected by our sinful predisposition, so that all sorts of wrongs are rationalized and justified.

 

And, Lord, You know we need our daily bread. We are vulnerable human beings. We are vulnerable physically, relationally, emotionally and spiritually. Thank You that as we hold Your hand, You help us go on with confidence. I ask You to meet my needs, O Lord.

 

Lord, I have some disappointments and burdens in life. A few of them hurt me and have left scars including: ______________. I turn them over to You. Help me to find Your purpose and joy in life.

 

There are many things I cannot change, but I can share all my thoughts with You. Thank You that You do not stifle me or pressure me to "get over it." You are not in a hurry and You can hear my recitations of woe over and over again. You are a God Who feels with me. But, Lord, You are also the God of victory. Help me get to a point where I am ready to move on.

 

Father, I pray for our president, governor, federal and local senators and representatives, and judges of all kinds. Help them to do what is right, to seek You and to please You.

 

Today I remember the nation of Djibouti. It is a dry and impoverished land and this is even truer in the spiritual realm where only one-tenth of one percent claims to be born-again evangelicals. Thank You that even though Muslims make up 91% of the population there is a relative level of religious freedom. Lord, please see to it that this continues. We pray that the Bible-oriented churches would grow fifty times over the next decade. Create a hunger in this land for You.

 

I thank You for the ministry of the Gideons as they distribute tens of millions of Bibles every year free-of-charge throughout the world. Thank You that they supply hotels, military personnel and students among others with the Word of God.

 

I ask Your blessing and guidance today. Like the psalmist, may I look to You as my Light and Salvation (Psalm 27:1). I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

December 18

by Ed Vasicek

 

God Most High,

 

When the wise men bowed before the infant Savior, they brought Him a gift of gold. Gold was the most valuable substance in that day and still is near the top two thousand years later. Gold is a gift fit for a King. Biblical Kings amassed great supplies of gold: Pharaoh, Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar. They had golden cups and golden bowls.

 

By traveling a great distance and referring to Jesus as "King of the Jews," there is little doubt that the Magi recognized that Jesus is a King. He is not only "King of the Jews," but also the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

 

Speaking of God, 1 Timothy 6:15 reads, "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen."

 

Speaking of Jesus in Revelation 19:15-17, we read, "Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

 

Jesus is King of Kings because He is God Almighty! Praise His Name!

 

Thank You, Lord, that as a follower of Jesus Christ, I enjoy fellowshipping with other believers and working together as a family. Help me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ in practical ways (1 John 4:11-12).

 

Lord, help those looking for work. Guide Your children into fields and places of employment based upon Your purposes. Especially prosper those who work honorably.

 

Today I remember the Asian nation of Myanmar, just north of Thailand. Although freedom of religion exists on paper in this nation, the military regime has a track record of forcing others to convert to Buddhism. Thank You that the evangelical church has grown to 5.2%, despite this pressure and despite the expulsion of missionaries in 1966. Thank You that missionaries have been allowed in. We pray that You would bless the translation work as 14 translations are started – but another 14 need to be started as well. O Lord, may the number of believers double within the next decade. Use Christian radio, the Jesus film and the testimony of believers. Provide solid education for church leaders and may the government become more tolerant.

 

Thank You for the ministry of Caring for China whose vision "is to share the love of Christ with the people of China by sending Christians to work alongside them. [They] do this by placing teachers of English in positions at universities and secondary schools in China where there is a great need for teachers and by providing suitably qualified, motivated and experienced personnel to care for orphaned, handicapped, abandoned and sick children in cooperation with appropriate local authorities. In addition to providing practical help and care, the outworking of [their] vision involves training local personnel to assist [them] in this work of compassion." O Lord, bless their efforts, give them unity of Spirit, provide for and protect them and may they reach many.

 

Help me avoid being critical and negative today, I pray, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

December 19

by Ed Vasicek

 

My wonderful Lord,

 

The Magi brought the baby Jesus gifts of gold (symbolizing His Kingship), frankincense and myrrh. These gifts seemed to be prophetic of His Person and Ministry. The frankincense was a rare form of incense. This implies that they recognized Him as God in the flesh.

 

In the tabernacle and later, the temple, the priest would offer prayers in the holy place near the altar of incense. In Revelation 5:8, we see that in heaven, prayer is represented as incense: "When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

 

Prayer is the ultimate act of worship, which is why we should pray to no one other than You, my Lord God. For only You are everywhere. Only You, O God can hear and answer every prayer. And so we perform our acts of worship for You and You alone, Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

 

I pray for my lost friends and family members including: ______________. Father, please send Your Spirit to draw them to Yourself and grant them the repentance that leads to life.

 

I pray for the elderly, sickly and shut-in people I know or know of including: ______________.

 

Father, help me to value my conscience. When it speaks to me, help me to be online. The new nature you've given me has intensified my conscience, making the Law of God written on my heart more pronounced. Help me to align my conscience with Your will. I do not want to become the weaker brother by cringing under the false guilt of an unhealthy conscience. I do not want to harden my heart and dull the whisper of conscience.

 

I remember the African nation of Namibia. Thank You that over 10% of the population claim to be born-again Christian evangelicals. Many people claim some form of Christianity, but theological liberalism has overtaken many churches. As a result, people are turning away from liberal "Christianity" while others are Christians in name only; the youth are turning to drugs and rejecting Christian values. Thank You that the evangelical Christianity is on the increase. Thank You, Lord, but the challenges are great. May Your Spirit work mightily in this nation, recall it from a "post-Christian era" and may the percentage of evangelicals double over the next decade, I ask.

 

Lord, bless Medical Ambassadors International as they share Christ’s Gospel and "teach specific methods to prevent disease, improve agriculture and develop economic resources. Volunteer 'medical ambassadors,' selected by the community to receive this training, share what they are learning with others. In this way, a process of transformative change is initiated that is community-owned, sustainable and which enhances human dignity....Medical Ambassadors is a community of people now extending across more than 70 countries, and numbering in the tens of thousands." O Father, give this ministry harmony, success and the power of Your Spirit. May they see entire communities change both spiritually as they share Christ, socially and economically. Please keep Your hand on this ministry.

 

Now, Lord, I commit this day to You in the Messiah’s Name, Amen.

 

 

December 20

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

Christmas is approaching. Soon we will celebrate the birth of our Savior and His first coming. Lord, the Magi’s gifts teach us much about that first coming.

 

Jesus is King, as represented by the gold. Jesus is God and is to be worshiped, as signified by the gift of frankincense. But He would also be a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, as represented by the myrrh. Although myrrh was sometimes used as a perfume, it was also used as a drug for those in pain.

 

This tells us that Jesus was born to die that we might live. His painful death on the cross was accepted by the Father as a sweet sacrifice. Jesus came not only to set an example, to found the church and to teach, He came to give His life as a sacrifice. As He put it in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Praise Your Name!

Lord, I empty myself before You so that Your Spirit may fill me. May I find my strength in His power, not my own. May Your Spirit control me today.

 

First John says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me those sins and You will purify me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I confess the sins I am aware of now and I ask Your Spirit to search my heart. (Pause to admit them to God.)

 

My Father, pride is such an awful thing. That I constantly need to remind myself of Who You are. Familiarity breeds contempt, or so they say. But I do know that it is possible to get too familiar with You. There is such a difference between becoming familiar and getting to know You better which breeds respect. For the more I learn about You, the more I marvel.

 

Today I pray for the massive nation of Russia. O Lord, how complex this land is. On the one hand, religious freedom has been greatly expanded since the fall of Communism; on the other, some of those gains are being lost. So many millions have died in concentration camps for their faith, O Lord. May those days never return! But now the government and particularly the Orthodox Church is promoting intolerance of other faiths. Less than 1% of the population claim to be evangelical and the challenges are many. Lord, may Your Spirit sweep across this land and draw a large number of people to saving faith, I ask. Give the church wisdom.

 

I pray for MECO, Middle East Christian Outreach. Bless them as they seek to nurture evangelism, discipleship, servant-hood and prayer within evangelical Middle Eastern churches. Their burden is to reach the main "21 cities with populations of over a million people, including some of the world's largest: Cairo (10m+), Tehran (8m+), Istanbul (8m+), Baghdad (nearly 5m), Alexandria (3m+) and Ankara (nearly 3m)." They are also burdened to work among "the refugees meeting physical needs...demonstrating God's love and grace." O Lord, bless this mission's work. Empower them with Your Spirit, grant them harmony among themselves, safety, wisdom, provision and great fruit for their labor.

 

Dear God, Help me remain faithful to You, thus proving myself to be “wheat” and not a “tare.” I commit my day to You, in the Savior's Name, Amen.

 

 

December 21

by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear God and King,

 

 

When Jesus was presented at the Temple when he was 40 days old, before the Wise Men had visited Him, Joseph and Mary offered the sacrifice of a dove, the prescribed sacrifice for one who was poor but not totally destitute. Although Joseph and Mary were not wealthy, they held the greatest treasure in the universe: the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Simeon was an unusually godly man. You, O Lord, had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple complex, Your Spirit prompted Simeon to meet them there. Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and blessed Him and prophesied that He would be, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to [His] people Israel" (Luke 9:32).

 

Indeed, Simeon was right. The Lord Jesus Christ has brought redemption to both believing Jews and believing Gentiles. Thank You, Lord, that I am among the multitude of those who believe! Thank You also, Lord, that the same Holy Spirit who guided Simeon both guides and dwells within me!

 

Lord, I remember my marriage (if I am married) and the marriages of my extended families, friends and church families. Lord, hold them together. Help married couples to lean upon you and to work hard at addressing problems and experiencing harmony. I also pray for those who are divorced that You would help them to go forward with Your hand in theirs.

 

Today I pray for missionaries that my church or I support including: ______________.

 

Father, Your Word tells me that, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Help me to run from pride and to pursue humility which is simply sanely seeing reality from Your perspective and looking at things in proper proportion.

 

I pray for the Asian nation of Nepal, the world's only Hindu Kingdom. Even today, persecution is still a problem in this nation though it has lessened since 1990. Thank You for the 1.6% of the population that claims to be born-again evangelical. Thank You for the new opportunities to train leaders. Bless the outreach of individual Christians, literature ministries, tape ministries, radio and the Jesus film. May the number of born-again evangelicals triple over the next five years, I ask.

 

Lord, bless the mission of Christian Outreach International, which is "concerned about the spiritual needs of the lost people of the world. The task is twofold: reaching the lost and the development and training of believers who are called to 'go into all the world and preach the Gospel.' [Their] aim is to aid believers in being witnesses to the world by reaching people where they are on the streets, in sports arenas, at places of business and in their homes." Bless them, Lord, by empowering their efforts by Your Spirit. Provide for them, protect them, grant them fruit for their labor and help them to work harmoniously, I pray.

 

Help me to be at peace with You today, I request in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

December 22

by Ed Vasicek

 

Father,

 

While Joseph and Mary were dedicating Jesus to You at the Temple, an elderly widow named Anna who was also a prophetess beheld the baby Jesus. She was so excited because she knew that Jesus was the promised Messiah. She told everyone she knew that the Messiah had been born.

 

Decades later, a Samaritan woman ran into Jesus at a well. "The woman said, 'I know that Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.'"

 

"Then Jesus declared, 'I who speak to you am he.'"

 

This woman was so excited that she left her water vessels behind, returned to her hometown and began telling everyone that she had found the Messiah.

 

Lord, we have not met Jesus physically nor beheld His outward appearance. But those of us who know Christ have certainly met Him. And we too rejoice that we have experienced the Messiah's saving grace in our lives!

 

Lord, like everyone else, I have fears and insecurities that haunt me. Sometimes they get me depressed or worried. They rob me of the joy You want me to experience. I give them to You and ask You to help me constantly do so. Help me with my thought life today. Help me think positive and pleasant thoughts today, thoughts that please You.

 

Father, You are sovereign over world events. Lord, I ask that You would grant us a time of peace, safety and freedom, if this is Your will. I know that near the end, things will get worse and worse; there will be no ultimate peace until the Prince of Peace returns to reign. I also pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

 

Lord, help me to be friendly and sociable. May I make the effort to know my neighbors or folks I see regularly. Help me to be a team player within my church, neighborhood and community. If I am to love my neighbor and others, I need to get to know them! Help me overcome social anxieties and may others enjoy my company because Christ has brought me joy.

 

I pray for the European nation of the Netherlands. Thank You that 4.5% of the population claims to be born-again evangelical. In a way, this is sad because the Dutch nation was at one time one of the most evangelical nations of the world. Raise up a new and invigorated generation of believers. Use them, we pray, to make a big difference. May the number of evangelical Christians double over the next decade, I ask.

 

Lord, bless Engineering Ministries International and its mission "to mobilize Christian design professionals to serve the poor in developing countries”[they] proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ by empowering people to transform their world” through the design and development of hospitals, schools, orphanages, bridges, water supplies, wastewater facilities and more." Use these engineers to lead people to Christ, testify to the grace and compassion of God and to show the love of Christ, I pray.

 

Use me to show compassion today, I ask in the Master's Name, Amen.

 

 

December 23

by Ed Vasicek

 

My Regal God,

 

After the Magi had left Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, You warned Joseph in a dream to take Jesus out of the country and to sojourn in Egypt for some time. You had provided them with plenty of wealth to make the trip and sustain themselves through the precious gifts of the Wise Men.

 

Just as Israel found refuge from the great famine in Egypt, so the Messiah found refuge there. Just as You called Israel out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses, so You called Jesus and family back to Israel from Egypt.

 

After they had left, Herod massacred the infant boys in that region. But Lord, no one can thwart Your ordained purposes. Yet it brings tears to us to think of the many who have or will die out of hatred for Jesus Christ. Many of Your children are suffering right now, O Lord. Please bring them relief and release!

 

Father, I move toward some personal needs. Lord, help me to handle anger as a gift from You. Like atomic power, anger can be used to help others and provide a needed energy for me to address problems. Or it can be used to destroy and contaminate. If I stuff it, I become depressed or eventually explode. Instead, help me use anger to energize me to tackle problems in a reasonable and effective way. Help me address offenses as they occur so that I do not accumulate "straws," with one eventually breaking the back of the proverbial camel. Help me distinguish between sinful anger, legitimate anger and the type of anger known as righteous indignation.

 

Lord, sometimes the devil tempts me to misdirect anger. Help me to resist the fiery darts of the devil by taking up the shield of faith. Help me to go on the offense with the sword of the Spirit. May I stand firm, O Lord. Remind me that the Christian life is often a battleground, not always a playground.

Thank You Lord for Norway. Father, Norwegian Christians have been among the most missions-minded in the world and they still are! Thank You that over 9% of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals, while about 5% claim to be born-again but attending non-evangelical churches.

 

I thank You that the renewal seems to be taking place. I pray that it would result in great progress for Your Kingdom. May the percentage of born-again believers double over the next decade and help Norwegian believers to reach Muslim immigrants for Christ. Thank You for the remarkable fact that the State Church is very evangelical in belief. May Your Spirit move mightily in this land.

 

Bless the ministry of Gospel for Asia, O Lord, as they seek to "plant churches among the unreached....Gospel for Asia trains and sends native missionaries because they have proven extremely effective. They are already familiar with the language and culture and they live at the level of the people they serve, thus removing many social barriers." Lord, Asia is one of the most unreached sections of our world. Bless this ministry. Empower them by Your Spirit, provide for them, protect them and grant them harmony and efficiency, I pray.

 

Now use me as a native witness in my community, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

December 24

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

We welcome the memory of Your Son's first coming as we celebrate Christmas Eve. Like the great hymn, we sing, "Hark! The herald angels sing: 'Glory to the newborn King.'" Philippians 2:5-9 tells us that God the Son was fully God, with all the glory and privileges that only You have, O Lord. Yet He set aside the use of those privileges to become a man, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross.

 

Indeed, Jesus was born to die that man might live. He emptied Himself for me. He became a baby and grew to be a man for me. He humbled Himself to save and rescue me. That's what Christmas is really about.

 

Lord, as carolers sing the verse, "Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second births," may that expression, "born to give them second birth" lodge in their minds. Help those who sing these words to examine their own hearts to see if they have truly been born again.

 

But thank You that though the Lord Jesus came the first time to be the Lamb of God (John 1:35b), He will come a second time to reign and be exalted. Indeed, all creation will one day bow before Him and acknowledge that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

 

Lord, for many folks, this is a lonely time of year. Father, I have to admit that I feel lonely at times too. I remember Christmases past and long to see loved ones who have departed from this life. While many of us are running around to party after party, some folks have few friends or family. O God, comfort the lonely. I especially remember the single, the widow, widower, the unhappily married, the divorcee, and the orphaned, abused or neglected. O God, reach out to these with Your love this Christmas.

 

This time of year also reminds me that the things of earth cannot satisfy. Though I can be excited for a short period over a fine gift, I remember that the greatest gift of all is the "gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

 

Lord, I ask that Your Spirit would draw many to Jesus this holiday season. Open the eyes of the lost and help them realize that they need Jesus. Use church service sermons, religious programming, Your Word and the testimony of believers to draw them to Yourself, I pray. May we see a mighty harvest over the next few days, I pray.

 

My Father, I especially appreciate the ministries whose services are associated with Christmas. I thank You for Samaritan's Purse and the tens of thousands of Christmas boxes they deliver to the world's neediest places. O God, bless the children who receive these packages of love. Bless those who receive nothing! Bless Angel Tree as they seek to provide gifts to children whose parent is incarcerated. Bless the Salvation Army and local rescue missions throughout our world.

 

Now, Lord, I commit this day to You. May the Spirit of Christ within me help me to enjoy the true meaning of this holiday. And whether others understand or not, I can rejoice in God my Savior! Also please help me and my family to be healthy and safe for the holidays. In Yeshua’s Name, Amen.

 

 

December 25

by Ed Vasicek

 

Father,

 

I say Hallelujah! You sent Your Son to be my Savior over 2,000 years ago. As I reflect on this event, I marvel at Your love and care for me. Your word says, "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." Whether today is actually Jesus’ birthday or not does not matter. What matters is He came.

 

The time was right, the virgin Mary miraculously conceived and God the Son became a man! He was born "under law." He was of the people of Israel, the tribe of Judah and the house of David. He came to buy us back from the curse of the Law because we are all lawbreakers and under that curse. And now, we are heirs together with Christ. We are Your privileged children!

 

Today we celebrate and well we should. For You, O Lord, have given us all things to enjoy. We join hands with others who know Christ and the real meaning of the holiday and we sing our songs of praise and joy.

 

Today I pray for those who are not as blessed as I am: the poor, the downcast, the depressed, the abused, the ignored, the broken-hearted, the infirm and the ill. O Father, please send some Christmas cheer their way today.

 

I pray for my loved ones, those who are nearest and dearest to me. May they all come to know You if they do not; if they do know You, may they stand firm in You and be serious about growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

I pray for the leaders of our world. O Lord, we know the promise of Christmas is "peace on earth." Yet we know that this peace will only occur when the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ, returns to reign. But in the meantime, O Lord, grant us a great measure of peace.

 

Father, help me to serve You faithfully. Holidays sometimes change my routine and it is easy to turn into a different person. Perhaps I am tempted to be impatient, or I let relatives upset me over trite issues or quirks. Help me exemplify godliness for the rest of this year and into the next.

 

Lord, today I pray for my church and evangelical churches everywhere. I pray for Bible-believing pastors, that they might walk closely with You and take their calling to teach Your Word with utmost seriousness. Provide for them, protect them, guide them and empower them by Your Spirit.

 

I pray for missionaries who are longing to be at home and with their extended families this Christmas. Lord, missionaries – and their families – make so many sacrifices. I especially pray for lost family members who cannot understand why their kin would move to a foreign land; may they come to know You and then embrace the Great Commission.

 

Now, Lord, help me to enjoy the wholesome pleasures of Christmas to Your glory I pray, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

December 26

by Ed Vasicek

 

O Lord,

 

When You worked Your wonders in Egypt before Pharaoh and the Egyptians, You were not merely content to deliver Your people Israel from Egyptian bondage. You had a full plan: to prove that You were God, to judge the arrogance of the Pharaoh and the cruelty of the Egyptians, to judge the false gods of Egypt and demonstrate how impotent they were, to deliver the Hebrews and any others who wished to join them, and to provide them with wealth (Exodus 6:6-7, Exodus 3:21-22).

 

Lord, though they had to wait 400 years, when deliverance came it came thoroughly and decisively. So we too await the return of our Savior, the Lord Jesus. We have just celebrated His first coming; we eagerly await His second. Eventually, He will establish His Kingdom. His will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. When He returns, He will likewise do a thorough job as He brings in righteousness.

 

Lord, it is sometimes frustrating to know how to deal with people. Some people are sincere, open and forthcoming; others are deceptive, dishonest and manipulating; yet others are so tight-lipped that I have no idea what is really going on. On the one hand, You want me to make an effort to encourage or help those who are on the level and open to truth; on the other hand, You warn me not to waste my time by casting my pearls before the swine. Please, Lord, give me discernment when it comes to determining where I should place my efforts.

 

I pray for my lost friends and family members, including: ______________. Father, please send Your Spirit to draw them to Yourself and grant them the repentance that leads to life.

 

I pray for Christians who are straying from their first love or compromising their walk with You. Rekindle the faith they once professed and help them fervently love the Savior once again. Remove their boring view of serving You and help them see the adventure and fulfillment of walking daily in Your light. Stir up their hearts and help them make the routines of godliness a part of their lives. I especially remember: ________________.

 

Abba, I pray for the Pacific island nation of New Caledonia. Thank You that 7.5% of the population claim to be born-again evangelical Christians. May that number double over the next decade, I ask.

Bless the seven Bible translation efforts that are ongoing among these language groups and provide survey and translators for the other twenty-one, if that is Your will, O Lord. May the Christian churches that have strayed away from the faith of the Bible return to their roots.

 

I pray for the missionaries my home church supports. Bless, prosper, use and empower them, I pray. Help these families to function well as families. May Christ be honored at home as well as on "the field," for our homes are our most important mission field.

 

Now help me trust in You today when I am prone to worry, I ask in Yeshua's Name, Amen.

 

 

December 27

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

When Solomon dedicated The Temple, he prayed, "But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence" (2 Chronicles 6:18-19).

 

Father, we dare not limit You to a building, an image, or a symbol. In our quest to control You, we try to reduce You down to manageable size. We want to believe that we can get You to do what we want You to do. Instead, O Lord, You remind us that You are God, not us. You are the Master, not us. Not only can our puny buildings not contain You, the entire universe cannot do so.

 

You meet our needs out of Your grace, not our controlling power. Even the faith we have is a gift from You. So instead of seeking to control You, O Lord, help me to trust in You.

 

O, Lord, please bring help to the hurting, the emotionally wounded and the devastated. Strengthen those stung by disappointment, encourage the demoralized and bind up the emotionally wounded.

 

Especially help: ______________.

 

Father, I pray for those who go from marriage to marriage, job to job, church to church, credit card to credit card. Perhaps this includes me. Others are tossed when it comes to belief; again, perhaps I have this tendency. May I decide once and for all that my life is first and foremost about You, not me. Unite my divided heart, O Lord.

 

Lord, help me to be cautious myself, for I am prone to wander. I am not above falling away from You or being ensnared. Your Word warns, "Let him who thinks He stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). My own vulnerability and propensity to sin is easy to rationalize or deny. Please keep me from such foolishness. Help me make no provision for my sinful nature.

 

My King, today I pray for the Indonesian island of Sumatra with its 40 million people. The overwhelming majority of the people claim to follow Islam, but thank You that perhaps 10% of the people are born-again evangelicals. O Lord, help these ones to find Your wisdom and direction. May they grow strong in You and share the Word effectively. I ask that the percentage of believers would double over this next decade.

 

Thank You for the tentmaking (serving as a missionary while working at a secular job) ministry of Global Opportunities whose mission is to "mobilize and equip missions-committed lay Christians to serve abroad as effective tent-makers, primarily to least-reached peoples. [They] provide prospective tent-makers with overseas job resources, job and missions' counsel, training and mentoring to increase effectiveness, connections with coworkers in country and limited support on the field. Global Opportunities seeks to partner with individuals, churches and mission agencies to accomplish this task." Bless this work and make it effective for You, I pray.

 

I commit my friends, family and life to You today, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

December 28

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

Thank You that You are the God of mercy! Like the Psalmist, I can pray, "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed" (Psalm 57:1).

 

The imagery is just what I need. As a mother hen shelters her chicks under her wings, so You shelter me when life is overbearing or disaster is near. And Lord, it warms my heart to know that you are comforting millions of Your children in this world at any given moment. You have comforted Your children ever since this world of ours was cursed. Thank You for being there for us!

 

Father, I have so many things I think I should do: chores around the house, errands to run, things to clean or organize, people I really should invite over, assignments I should be working on, matters of exercise or diet.... O Lord, sometimes I am overwhelmed and do not know where to begin. I always feel behind, under the pile and crave a simpler life. Yet, on the other hand, I need purpose and dislike being bored. Help me to accept that it is a no-win situation and that most of us struggle with these same things. So give me peace and guidance. Help me to prioritize responsibilities and choices based upon Your will. Let me take time to smell the roses.

 

Lord, I am thankful for many things two of which are: ______________.

 

Lord, I present myself before You; may Your Spirit fill me. I trust in His power, not my own. I surrender control of my life to Your Spirit today.

 

I pray for the Indonesian island of Java with its 125 million people! While fewer than 3% of the population would call themselves born-again evangelical Christians, that number represents great growth. O God, please keep working mightily in this region! Thank You for the cooperation between believers. Lord, may the percentage of those who know You double over the next decade, I pray.

 

Praise Your Name for Operation Mobilization with "over 4,000 people working in over 100 countries are serving with Operation Mobilization to bring a message of hope to the peoples of the world.... Working in every continent and on every ocean (via two ocean-going ships), Operation Mobilization seeks to demonstrate and proclaim the love of God.... Through literature, the creative arts, friendship, Bible studies, videos and cassette tapes, correspondence courses, relief and development work...by all means possible [they] will tell people how...lives have been changed...and how they can meet Jesus."

Empower these missionaries by Your Spirit, grant them harmony, safety, provision and Your wisdom.

I pray for the world's diplomats. I pray that they might find fair and peaceful solutions to the constant barrage of conflicts we face.

 

So I commit the next 24 hours to You, dear Lord, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

December 29

by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear God,

 

You are great and awesome! You keep Your promises, for Your gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). You especially bless Your children who walk closely with You, who have learned to trust and obey.

 

Lord, I am a sinful person. I participate in a church made up of sinners saved by grace. I live in a sinful nation. You are right to bring wrath and judgment upon our nation, O Lord. And were it not that Jesus took my sins upon Himself, it would be right for You to take wrath upon me and my church as well. But even though we have fled to Your mercy to escape Your wrath, we know Your hand of discipline can be heavy upon us.

 

And so, by Your grace and with Your help, I repent of the sin in my life and ask You to renew my walk with You. I want to be cleansed. I want to be close to You. I want to walk with You that I might be pure in all my ways. Help me to close out this old year, to settle old accounts with You, O Lord, that I might prepare to enter the New Year with renewed vigor and zeal.

 

Help my nation likewise turn to You. May many come to saving faith and I ask that You would guide our leaders and officials. Create a climate of repentance and work by Your Spirit who both regenerates the saved and restrains the lost.

 

O Lord, make me a person who easily forgives those who ask for forgiveness. Remind me that asking for forgiveness is a bridge that I too have to cross. Remind me how the sting of guilt feels and how the remorse of brokenness works in one's soul. Help me to be good at both forgiving and asking for forgiveness.

 

Lord, we all have burdens to bear. Your Word tells us to cast all our cares upon You, for You care for us (1 Peter 5:7). I give You my burdens, my heartaches, my fears.

 

Your Word also encourages us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). This means I have to be on the lookout to care for others. It is rather counter-intuitive, but when I help bear another's burdens, mine are lessened. And when others help me, theirs are lightened.

 

Lord, thank You for You have done on the island of Kalimantan, part of Indonesia. Praise Your Name that perhaps 9% of the population would claim to be born-again evangelicals. Although literacy, poverty and travel difficulties have held back the church, please develop strong leaders, O Lord. Help the believers and missionaries to reach the many unreached peoples there, O God. May the percentage of evangelical believers double over the next decade, I ask.

 

Father, thank You for the UK based Leprosy Mission, the aim of which is "to minister in the name of Jesus Christ to the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of individuals and communities disadvantaged by leprosy; working with them to uphold human dignity and eradicate leprosy."

 

Now, Lord, help me to finish out this year in a way that pleases You, I ask in the Name of the Christ, Amen.

 

 

December 30

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

Your Word tells me, "Cursed is everyone who trusts in man, who depends on the flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord" (Jeremiah 17:5). Lord, You want to be the source of my strength; You want me to learn to depend upon You; You want me to turn my heart toward You, not away from You.

 

Father, Your desire for me is completely reasonable. You encourage me, "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him" (Jeremiah 17:7). Lord, I can understand this principle; it is not only reasonable, but also easy to grasp.

 

Yet, Lord, I admit that I am predisposed against this. Because my "heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure" (Jeremiah 17:9), I find that I am often a divided person.

 

On the one hand, I want to depend upon You and walk closely with You; on the other hand, I am afraid to trust in You and would rather trust in what my eyes can see or what I have determined in myself.

 

And when You haven't give me my way, I find it easy to put distance between You and myself; it is my subconscious attempt to protest that I do not like some of the things You do or allow. I will not face that I am doing this, because my deceitful heart will not let me see how ugly I am. But then I realize we are not as close as we used to be and Your Spirit focuses His spotlight on the evil within me.

 

Like Paul the Apostle, I cry out, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" But like Paul, I also cry out with joy, "Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25).

 

My King, I remember the island of Sulawesi, part of the nation of Indonesia. This island is home to over 15 million people with its great variety of people groups. Thank You that about 16% of the population might identify themselves as born-again evangelicals. But, Lord, there are so many who do not know You! In addition, there are somewhere between 30 and 110 language groups which do not have a Bible in their native tongues.

 

An additional challenge is the problem of violent confrontations between language groups. O God, bring peace, freedom and, most of all, Your Gospel to this entire island! May the number of believers double over the next decade, I ask.

 

Lord, today I remember in prayer all the true ministers of the Gospel within a 50-mile radius of my home. O God, grant them protection, provision, harmony within their own families, within their churches and, most importantly, in their relationship to You. Keep them true to Your Word, correct them, empower them and give them hearts devoted to You, I ask. Grant them great wisdom and give them fruit for their labors.

 

I commit these last two days of the year to Your glory, in the Savior's Name, Amen.

 

December 31

by Ed Vasicek

 

O Lord,

 

Where has the year gone? The older I get, the faster time seems to go by. I can now understand the idea that for You, a thousand years is like one day (Psalm 90:4). Lord, You have been good to me. You are a faithful God.

 

Father, although we designate another holiday for thanksgiving, as I look back over the past years, I must cry out, "Thank You, Lord!" Yet I am a realist: not everything has lined up with my preferences. I would be pretending if I claimed otherwise. In Your sovereign will, You only sometimes answered many prayers in the manner in which I asked them. In other instances, You chose not to answer my prayers. Instead You always granted the Holy Spirit's petitions on my behalf because He never fails to pray outside Your will, as I sometimes do (Romans 8:26-27). But in both cases, I praise You because Your way is the best way.

 

Like the hymn writer, I agree that, "through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come." Yet I look forward to where Your "amazing grace" will lead me in the next year – and the years to come.

Father, as I stand on this marker between years, I can hope that our Lord Jesus will return soon. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. I am waiting for You!

 

I pray that this year will be a pleasant and blessed year; I ask for health, provision and good relationships for me and those I love. I pray that, a year from now, I will have grown in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). May this be a year of great spiritual strides and new levels of service!

 

So today I dedicate my life anew to You. I ask that You help me learn the hard lessons from last year's "school of hard knocks" so that I will be a wiser, humbler and more godly Christian. Keep my vulnerability ever before me so I do not become reckless or arrogant.

 

I pray for my nation, that its people would seek You and true righteousness. I pray that You would restrain the ungodly and bring freedom to people everywhere. Please put a halt to all religious persecution, I beg. I ask that more and more people would come to know You in this world and that Your Gospel would spread more quickly and powerfully than ever before. I pray that Your children would mature in their walk with You at faster rates and with firmer progress than has ever been seen. I pray that zeal and a growing maturity would become the norm, not the exception. Begin in my life, O Lord.

 

Father, as I close the books on this year, I approach the New Year with the mentality Paul encouraged Your children to embrace: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

 

I thank You for the past year and I boldly walk into the New Year holding Your hand! In the majestic Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.