There are many types of prayer.
Using different types of prayers helps you have a balanced prayer life. Some forms of prayers may be easier for you; others harder. But as you relate to God in different ways your relationship will deepen. One of the easiest ways to deepen your prayer life is
ACTS I stands for: ADORATION CONFESSION THANKSGIVING SUPPLICATION INTERCESSION We will learn more about these each day and practice each using the Scriptures.
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Prayers and Prayer Guide for October 2
C is for Confession. These prayers tell God how sorry we are for our sins. We talk to God about our struggles with sin,
and seek God’s help overcoming these sins. It is not just saying “sorry” but involves true repentance. Biblical repentance involves a change in direction, a change in behavior, a change of heart. In Hebrew the word for repentance means a literal U-turn – a fleeing from sin and a placing oneself squarely on God’s path. Confession is made in the assurance of God’s grace, but also knowing sin is a serious action that requires a change in behavior.
Morning Prayer:
High and Holy God, who lives forever, who lives in a high and holy place, but who also lives with us if we are
humble and repentant: restore our confidence and hope,
give us life and do not continue to accuse us;
do not be angry forever. You were angry with us
because of our sin and greed, because we were stubborn
and kept going our own way; But now you heal us and help us. You comfort those who mourn, you offer peace to all,
both near and far. Based on Isaiah 57:15-19
Ever since I was a child, you loved me. You called me - but the more you called to me the more I turned from you.
Yet you were the one who taught me to walk.
You took me up in your arms, but I did not acknowledge that you took care of me.
You drew me to you with affection and love.
You picked me up like a little child and held me to your cheek.
You bent down and fed me. Yet I insisted on turning away from you.
But you have cried out concerning me even as I deserved destruction.
How can I give you up? How can I abandon you? All my compassion is aroused. I will not carry out my fierce anger For I am God, and not human - the Holy One among you. Therefore, help me to return to you, Lord,
for my sins have been my downfall. Forgive all my sins and receive me graciously for in you the fatherless find compassion.
Heal my waywardness and may I love you freely.
For the ways of the Lord are right. Based on Hosea 11 and 14
I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins e higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.
But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage. Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.
But now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commands you gave through your servants the prophets… What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. Shall we then break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.” Ezra 9
(A Prayer of Ezra)
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Based on Isaiah 57:15-19 In this passage of Scripture the prophet Isaiah is comforting those who are humble and have repented of their sins. God’s people have been engulfed by their own idolatry and as a consequence they are harming themselves and others. Oppression and immortality are destroying them. But in the midst of this chaos, there is hope and peace. God will build up, comfort, heal and grant hope and peace to all those who seek Him.
Based on Hosea 11 and 14 Hosea was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom known as (Israel or Samaria). A prophet speaks the Word of God. It is not telling the future and often prophets are called to literally live God’s Words by using their lives as an illustration. Therefore, Hosea was called to love and marry Gomer, a prostitute who was untrue to him. This was a vivid way to show the nation of Israel that she had forsaken her true husband, God, for idols. Yet God continued to love Israel as Hosea did Gomer. This Scripture passage shows God as a caring parent to a wayward toddler and shows God’s incredible love for us despite our worst behavior.
Ezra 9 Ezra was a powerful priest who was serving the kings of Persia during the exile. He requested to return to Jerusalem in Judah (the old southern kingdom) and rebuild the temple. But in the midst of this great miracle of the people returning home just as the prophets foretold, there is sin and disobedience. The people continue to intermarry with pagans and take on their customs and gods. This prayer is a confession of this sin and it reflects Ezra’s anguish over this situation.
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