"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." - Genesis 1:1
Creator God,
Your design is so evident in this season. I am in awe when I look at the mountains, sunsets, and changing colors around me. Today, I ask that you remind me to take time out of my busy schedule to reflect on You and Your creation. Help me to develop an appreciation for Your world and to pass it on to my child. Let me instruct him/her to respect Your creation and to care for it. Show me ways to teach aesthetics in a godly manner. Thank You, Lord, for the evidence in nature that points us to You. Amen.
Showing posts with label values. Show all posts
Showing posts with label values. Show all posts
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Week 31 and Proverbs 31, Part 3
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." - Proverbs 31:25
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wisdom, insight, and inspiration You have provided throughout the book of Proverbs. I pray that I would resemble the "wife of noble character" in Proverbs 31. I know that a close walk with You brings such nobility, so I ask that You draw me closer and closer to You in the coming days. Wrap me in strength and dignity. Let Your reflection shine through me during this pregnancy. Help me to trust in You and not fear the days ahead. Instead, let joy, laughter, and peace flood my soul in this hour. Thank You for the confidence I can have in You. Amen.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wisdom, insight, and inspiration You have provided throughout the book of Proverbs. I pray that I would resemble the "wife of noble character" in Proverbs 31. I know that a close walk with You brings such nobility, so I ask that You draw me closer and closer to You in the coming days. Wrap me in strength and dignity. Let Your reflection shine through me during this pregnancy. Help me to trust in You and not fear the days ahead. Instead, let joy, laughter, and peace flood my soul in this hour. Thank You for the confidence I can have in You. Amen.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Man's Gifts vs. God's Gifts
"Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord." - Proverbs 19:14
Dear Lord,
Thank You for placing me right where You want me to be in life. It is so awesome to experience the things that You have ordained for me from the beginning. I ask today that You guard my heart from focusing on the worldly gifts that we could try to provide for our children. If it is in Your will to bless us with certain financial opportunities, let us recognize it and be good stewards. However, let my main focus be on providing a solid spiritual foundation for my family. I ask specifically that You help me to be prudent. Holy Spirit, fill me with discipline and sound judgment. Help me to be creative and frugal in the use of resources You have given us. Show me how to use my talents to the best of my ability. Allow these characteristics to be a blessing to my husband, children, and extended family. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for placing me right where You want me to be in life. It is so awesome to experience the things that You have ordained for me from the beginning. I ask today that You guard my heart from focusing on the worldly gifts that we could try to provide for our children. If it is in Your will to bless us with certain financial opportunities, let us recognize it and be good stewards. However, let my main focus be on providing a solid spiritual foundation for my family. I ask specifically that You help me to be prudent. Holy Spirit, fill me with discipline and sound judgment. Help me to be creative and frugal in the use of resources You have given us. Show me how to use my talents to the best of my ability. Allow these characteristics to be a blessing to my husband, children, and extended family. Amen.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Treasures Reflect the Heart
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." - Luke 12:34
Father,
I thank You for the treasure that I have in my relationship with You and for the other blessings You have provided in my life. Today, I ask that You help me be an example to my child in the area of priorities. Let my priorities line up with Your will. When adjustments are needed, illuminate them. Help me to reorganize my treasures, even if it means putting fun, work, money, and others to the side. I want my heart to be fixed on You and Your will in my life. In Your name, amen.
Father,
I thank You for the treasure that I have in my relationship with You and for the other blessings You have provided in my life. Today, I ask that You help me be an example to my child in the area of priorities. Let my priorities line up with Your will. When adjustments are needed, illuminate them. Help me to reorganize my treasures, even if it means putting fun, work, money, and others to the side. I want my heart to be fixed on You and Your will in my life. In Your name, amen.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Imitating Jesus
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children." - Ephesians 5:1
God,
I praise You today for leaving me an example that I can follow. As a child sometimes imitates his/her parents, help me to be an imitator of You. Holy Spirit, examine my heart and guide me to remove any words or actions that don't reflect You. Let me be a good example that my child can follow after. Raise us both up in Your image. Continue to reveal Your character to me on a daily basis so that I may relay that character to my child. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
God,
I praise You today for leaving me an example that I can follow. As a child sometimes imitates his/her parents, help me to be an imitator of You. Holy Spirit, examine my heart and guide me to remove any words or actions that don't reflect You. Let me be a good example that my child can follow after. Raise us both up in Your image. Continue to reveal Your character to me on a daily basis so that I may relay that character to my child. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Beauty of the Heart
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the marvel that is happening within me. Let me see myself through Your eyes. Let me at no time regard myself with a harsh eye in relation to my physical appearance. I pray that You will guide me in teaching my child this same concept. Help me show him/her that purity of the heart is what truly matters. Protect him/her from the trap of vain thinking and over-emphasis on outward appearance. Let his/her confidence be in You, not in he way he/she looks. Help this child to appreciate others for how You made them and to look at others the way that You do. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the marvel that is happening within me. Let me see myself through Your eyes. Let me at no time regard myself with a harsh eye in relation to my physical appearance. I pray that You will guide me in teaching my child this same concept. Help me show him/her that purity of the heart is what truly matters. Protect him/her from the trap of vain thinking and over-emphasis on outward appearance. Let his/her confidence be in You, not in he way he/she looks. Help this child to appreciate others for how You made them and to look at others the way that You do. Amen.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Being Content
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake You.'" - Hebrews 13:5
Dear God,
I acknowledge that all money comes from You. You are the One who gives us the ability to earn, and we are responsible to You for our finances. Your Word says that we are to be content with what we have. Today, I ask for a spirit of contentment (in me and in this child). Help me to provide our child with a healthy view of money and its purpose. Let us be examples of how to give, save, and spend. May our child be generous at all times, looking to You for provision and not his/her own efforts or accomplishments. In Your name, amen.
Dear God,
I acknowledge that all money comes from You. You are the One who gives us the ability to earn, and we are responsible to You for our finances. Your Word says that we are to be content with what we have. Today, I ask for a spirit of contentment (in me and in this child). Help me to provide our child with a healthy view of money and its purpose. Let us be examples of how to give, save, and spend. May our child be generous at all times, looking to You for provision and not his/her own efforts or accomplishments. In Your name, amen.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Potential Spouse
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." - Genesis 2:24-25
Lord,
Today, I thank You for three years of wonderful marriage with Adam. You have given us an awesome opportunity to become sanctified through our relationship with one another and now through the process of raising a child. I pray that if our child's future involves this type of opportunity that You will raise up that special someone in his/her life in Your time. I ask that you would allow his/her spouse to come from a Christian home and that he/she would love You with all of his/her heart, soul, mind, and strength. I pray that you would help Adam and I to provide our child with a loving legacy of a long, lasting, committed marriage. Make our household a place in which love and affection flow freely. Let us show our child what dating relationships should be like and what to look for in a spouse. Give our child patience and endurance to wait on Your perfect will. Protect them as they seek to remain pure at heart throughout this process. Amen.
Lord,
Today, I thank You for three years of wonderful marriage with Adam. You have given us an awesome opportunity to become sanctified through our relationship with one another and now through the process of raising a child. I pray that if our child's future involves this type of opportunity that You will raise up that special someone in his/her life in Your time. I ask that you would allow his/her spouse to come from a Christian home and that he/she would love You with all of his/her heart, soul, mind, and strength. I pray that you would help Adam and I to provide our child with a loving legacy of a long, lasting, committed marriage. Make our household a place in which love and affection flow freely. Let us show our child what dating relationships should be like and what to look for in a spouse. Give our child patience and endurance to wait on Your perfect will. Protect them as they seek to remain pure at heart throughout this process. Amen.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Daily Tasks and Work
"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." - Proverbs 22:29
Heavenly Father,
I pray that my son/daughter will excel in whatever work he/she does and that he/she will do it with all of his/her might. Let good habits develop early in life that will set the standard for a strong work ethic. Help us and other mentors to provide him/her with school work, chores, and other day-to-day tasks that require focus, dedication, and diligence. May whatever my child does, whether a big or small task, be done in a manner that will bring glory to You. Let him/her seek You for direction concerning any task, realizing that the strength and opportunities to work are given by You. Lastly, allow my child to find some way to minister through the job that he/she will have. In Your name, amen.
Heavenly Father,
I pray that my son/daughter will excel in whatever work he/she does and that he/she will do it with all of his/her might. Let good habits develop early in life that will set the standard for a strong work ethic. Help us and other mentors to provide him/her with school work, chores, and other day-to-day tasks that require focus, dedication, and diligence. May whatever my child does, whether a big or small task, be done in a manner that will bring glory to You. Let him/her seek You for direction concerning any task, realizing that the strength and opportunities to work are given by You. Lastly, allow my child to find some way to minister through the job that he/she will have. In Your name, amen.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Entertainment
"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. BUt everything exposed by the light becomes visible. This is why it is said: 'Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.'" - Ephesians 5:11-14
Dear God,
I thank You for Your Holy Spirit, that provides me with guidance and discernment at all times. Today, I ask that You show me truth and give me wisdom when it comes to entertainment. Help me know what criteria certain forms of entertainment must meet before I allow it in my home. Make me aware of the truths and untruths that are presented on television shows, movies, games, and the internet or in books, magazines, and music. Let me not be passive about what is going into the mind and heart of my little one. Help Adam and I guard our own hearts as well, so that we can be a good example to our child. Amen.
Dear God,
I thank You for Your Holy Spirit, that provides me with guidance and discernment at all times. Today, I ask that You show me truth and give me wisdom when it comes to entertainment. Help me know what criteria certain forms of entertainment must meet before I allow it in my home. Make me aware of the truths and untruths that are presented on television shows, movies, games, and the internet or in books, magazines, and music. Let me not be passive about what is going into the mind and heart of my little one. Help Adam and I guard our own hearts as well, so that we can be a good example to our child. Amen.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Purity
"But there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." - Ephesians 5:3
God,
Thank You for giving us direction so that we can fully enjoy life. We know that You only want what is best for us. Lord, help our child to understand that these are our intentions as well. In a culture where purity is almost obsolete, let us be living examples of purity in mind, heart, and deed. Show us where he/she may be receiving messages that are contrary to Your desires, and help us to intervene when it is according to Your will. If he/she falls short in this area, help us to be agents of restoration in his/her life. We ask for wisdom and knowledge in teaching our child about purity and other life-giving character traits. Guide us, Lord. Amen.
God,
Thank You for giving us direction so that we can fully enjoy life. We know that You only want what is best for us. Lord, help our child to understand that these are our intentions as well. In a culture where purity is almost obsolete, let us be living examples of purity in mind, heart, and deed. Show us where he/she may be receiving messages that are contrary to Your desires, and help us to intervene when it is according to Your will. If he/she falls short in this area, help us to be agents of restoration in his/her life. We ask for wisdom and knowledge in teaching our child about purity and other life-giving character traits. Guide us, Lord. Amen.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Work Ethic
"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'" - 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Dear God,
Thank You for the knowledge, strength, and giftings You have given me. Because of You, I am able to work and accomplish life goals that are important to our family. As I raise this child, I pray that You will help me display a strong work ethic in everything that I do. I pray that our child will be diligent and rewarded for a job well done. Show me, even as he/she is little, what things he/she can do that would encourage him/her to complete a task. Help me to build upon these tasks little by little so that he/she can reap a harvest of helpfulness, consistency, dependability, and diligence. Keeping a healthy balance, however, let our child not find his/her identity in work, but his/her purpose and rest in You. Amen.
Dear God,
Thank You for the knowledge, strength, and giftings You have given me. Because of You, I am able to work and accomplish life goals that are important to our family. As I raise this child, I pray that You will help me display a strong work ethic in everything that I do. I pray that our child will be diligent and rewarded for a job well done. Show me, even as he/she is little, what things he/she can do that would encourage him/her to complete a task. Help me to build upon these tasks little by little so that he/she can reap a harvest of helpfulness, consistency, dependability, and diligence. Keeping a healthy balance, however, let our child not find his/her identity in work, but his/her purpose and rest in You. Amen.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Praise to Him
"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise." - Psalm 8:2
Dear Lord,
I praise You today for everything You are to me and for everything You have given me. You have blessed me spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I thank You for this little baby growing inside of me. I pray that praise would flow from my mouth continually, not only to You, but to everyone around me. Let it radiate into my family, friend groups, career, finances, and community. When I give praise to my child, let it bring life and blessing to him/her. In turn, let this little one understand that praise is something that people of any age can do. Let him/her praise You all of his/her days. Amen.
Dear Lord,
I praise You today for everything You are to me and for everything You have given me. You have blessed me spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I thank You for this little baby growing inside of me. I pray that praise would flow from my mouth continually, not only to You, but to everyone around me. Let it radiate into my family, friend groups, career, finances, and community. When I give praise to my child, let it bring life and blessing to him/her. In turn, let this little one understand that praise is something that people of any age can do. Let him/her praise You all of his/her days. Amen.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Giving
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:38
Lord,
Thank You for this principle and precept that we know to be true. I ask today for a heart that will give freely out of love for You and others. Help me to start by giving in my home, where our child can learn by example. I know that it is important to You and to the Kingdom that I give my time, attention, and energy to my family and to others that you call me to serve. Give me the strength and patience to do so, and let our child learn that our purpose in giving is to bring glory to You, the Provider of these things. Amen.
Lord,
Thank You for this principle and precept that we know to be true. I ask today for a heart that will give freely out of love for You and others. Help me to start by giving in my home, where our child can learn by example. I know that it is important to You and to the Kingdom that I give my time, attention, and energy to my family and to others that you call me to serve. Give me the strength and patience to do so, and let our child learn that our purpose in giving is to bring glory to You, the Provider of these things. Amen.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Integrity and Honesty
"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You." - Psalm 25:21
Dear God,
I pray that my son/daugther will rise up to the principles set forth in Your Word. I know that these virtues are impossible for anyone to fully accomplish without Your Spirit living in them. May my child walk close to You, know Your ways, and strive to please You in everything that he/she does. Help honesty and integrity be bound to his/her heart. When there is temptation, let him/her feel warned and Your presence be known. May others who know my child not question his/her integrity, but know him/her by the fruit that he/she bares. Let honesty and integrity flow into every area of his/her life, and let others see Christ radiating through him/her. Amen!
Dear God,
I pray that my son/daugther will rise up to the principles set forth in Your Word. I know that these virtues are impossible for anyone to fully accomplish without Your Spirit living in them. May my child walk close to You, know Your ways, and strive to please You in everything that he/she does. Help honesty and integrity be bound to his/her heart. When there is temptation, let him/her feel warned and Your presence be known. May others who know my child not question his/her integrity, but know him/her by the fruit that he/she bares. Let honesty and integrity flow into every area of his/her life, and let others see Christ radiating through him/her. Amen!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Obedience in the Lord
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." - Ephesians 6:1
Father,
Thank You for Your call to obedience in Your children. Let that obedience begin in us. Help us to listen to Your prompting when it comes to teaching our child how to obey. Direct us with Your Spirit. When he/she disobeys, show us how to teach and correct him/her effectively in a gentle and loving way. Help us teach our child about the fruitfulness of obedience, and let him/her experience it. We pray that he/she will be obedient to You and Your Word. Give us all strength to make wise choices daily. Amen.
Father,
Thank You for Your call to obedience in Your children. Let that obedience begin in us. Help us to listen to Your prompting when it comes to teaching our child how to obey. Direct us with Your Spirit. When he/she disobeys, show us how to teach and correct him/her effectively in a gentle and loving way. Help us teach our child about the fruitfulness of obedience, and let him/her experience it. We pray that he/she will be obedient to You and Your Word. Give us all strength to make wise choices daily. Amen.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Value in Christ
"What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." - Luke 16:15
Heavenly Father,
I praise You for being the giver of all things. Thank You for the material possessions and blessings that You've allowed us to enjoy. I ask, however, that they do not become the focus of our family. Bring our family a revelation in the area of "success". Let us focus on being successful in Your eyes. Help us have a healthy balance in our home concerning wealth and material things. Let our child learn that his or her value is not in dolars and cents, but is in You. You alone are our only source of hope, and we place our confidence completely in You. Amen.
Heavenly Father,
I praise You for being the giver of all things. Thank You for the material possessions and blessings that You've allowed us to enjoy. I ask, however, that they do not become the focus of our family. Bring our family a revelation in the area of "success". Let us focus on being successful in Your eyes. Help us have a healthy balance in our home concerning wealth and material things. Let our child learn that his or her value is not in dolars and cents, but is in You. You alone are our only source of hope, and we place our confidence completely in You. Amen.
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