Oh God!

Father in Heaven, how great is Your name? How wonderful is the love You have for us?   Lord, I offer this prayer, that will hopefully touch the souls of all who can hear my voice or see these words.  Oh God, I offer this prayer to You, on their behalf.  Father, I lift up those who are hurting, hurting because they lost loved ones, because they are in pain, because they are torn about decisions that must be made, because they are unhappy, or because they don’t know the One who can take their hurt away.  I pray for those who are lonely, who need provisions, sustenance, prayer, and love.  May they have the courage to turn to someone and ask for assistance, ask for prayer, ask for help.  Oh God, You tell us in your word that we have not because we ask not.  Please help us to put aside pride or whatever holds us back, and ask. 

Your word says whatever we pray for in faith we will receive.  Help us to ask for wisdom, for Your word tells us if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask You for it, and You will give generously.  May that wisdom guide our actions as we face more trials in our journey home.  Oh God, help us to pray for love, for love cancels a multitude of sins.  Help us to pray for justice, kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.  Lord, help us to pray for forgiveness, and to have a heart of mercy that forgives others.  Help us to pray for protection from the temptations of the evil one and things of the world that draw us away from You.  Father, show us a way out as one of our daily provisions.  Oh God, help us not to be afraid of no, because sometimes no, is what we need.

Help us realize, Father, that when we ask, we enter into a relationship with You.  Through relationship, our faith (the reality of things hoped for; the evidence of things we cannot see) is increased.  You tell us in your word, that without faith it is impossible to please You.  We must believe that You are, and You will reward those who diligently seek after You.  Oh God, as a deer pants for water, help our souls to thirst after You.  Help us to talk to You more and want to be more like You.  Help us to love You Lord with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Oh God, grant us and help us to show more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Lord help us to be more like Jesus, to seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and use them to edify the church.  Help us to realize there are different kinds of gifts, but in all of them and in everyone, the same God is at work, and each of us is part of the body of Christ.  Oh God, help us to come boldly to the throne of grace, and receive mercy in time of need.  Help us to have a heart of gratitude and be grateful for all You do in our lives.  As Jesus came to serve and not be served, help us to be servants.  Help our fruits to be evident for the world to see, and cause repentant hearts to join the flock.  Oh God, together the church can change the world; I pray You will help us to become one, and be the church You intended.  In Jesus’ name, Your will be done, amen.