Author: Sahed

October 28

A Prayer about Nonstop Good  

And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. (Jer. 32:38–40)  

Gracious Father, here you go again, exposing the brokenness of my heart and the bounty of your mercies. Don’t stop, please, until the day you bring to completion the good gospel work you’ve begun in us and even in the whole cosmos. 

I want what you’ve promised— a singleness of heart— for much of the time my heart feels rather divided. It is parceled to lesser gods, too easily charmed by foolishness, fickle and fragile rather than faithful. You alone are worthy of my heart’s affection and adoration. 

I want singleness of action, seeking first the kingdom of redemption, restoration, and righteousness— the kingdom of your beloved Son, Jesus. Too many of my thoughts and too much of my energy is spent on the little fiefdom of me; it is squandered, frittered, wasted. 

I want to fear you, Father, now that I no longer have to be afraid of you. Through the work of Jesus, you have eternally freed me from the fear of death and judgment. Now give me awe and reverence consistent with the measure of your mercies and grace that are mine in the gospel. Give me astonishment and wonder worthy of your great love and endless compassion for me in Jesus. 

Lastly, Father, I want and I need you to convince me, over and over and over, of your commitment to never stop doing good to me. Such a promise is simply over whelming, almost too much to wrap my heart around, and would be groundless apart from Jesus. 

You’ve forgiven my unbelief; now free me even more from its pillaging presence. You are good, all the time, and all the time, you are good. Even when you discipline me, it is a kiss from heaven. Everything you do is for your glory and therefore good for me. I do believe this, but I long to believe it more. I pray in Jesus’ glorious name.

Amen. 

October 29

A Prayer about Restored Sanity  

At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are ac- counted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” (Dan. 4:34–35)  

Lord Jesus, it’s one of those seasons again when I need to be reminded of which kingdom and which King is actually in control. This world feels so out of control. All the suicide bombings, all the covert attempts to develop nuclear weapons, and all the overt rhetoric of political evil and global domination— it’s a recipe for fear- mongering, Bible twisting, and crazy-making. 

But I flat-out refuse to capitulate to the earlier days when I used to allow the newscasters, pundits, and prophecy pirates to interpret world history for me. You are God, and there is no other god. You’ve spoken in your Word, and you haven’t stuttered. 

You have no rivals, contingencies, or concerns. There’s no sweat on your palms, vacancy in your eyes, or vexation in your heart. You set up kings and you sit them down at your discretion. You live forever, your dominion is eternal, your kingdom endures, and you do as you please . . . period!

Even as you brought King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to his theological and political senses, so keep me in gospel sanity as you show me more and more of the occupied throne of heaven. 

Today, right now, I affirm that you, Lord Jesus, are already the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I’m not waiting for the day you will become the true King, for you are already reigning over all things at the right hand of God the Father. The government of all things is on your shoulders. Your kingdom of redemption and restoration is the only unshakable kingdom. Of the increase of your government and peace there will be no end, for you will reign forever and ever! 

You play no national favorites, for you are the pan-national Savior and the pan- universal Lord. So I bow down, I humble myself, and I honor you as my King, my Sovereign, my Lord. And I raise my hands and heart in adoration of you, for though you are the true King, you have made me a part of your beloved bride. What wondrous love is this, indeed, that you would conquer, capture, and enrapture the dark nation of my heart! I pray with astonishment and surrender.

Amen. 

October 30

A Prayer about Losing and Regaining the Gospel  

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom. 3:21–26)  

Dear Jesus, how did it ever come to pass that there was even a need for the Reformation? What circumstances created the necessity for Martin Luther to nail his Ninety-Five Theses to the front door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg on October 31, 1517? 

All my questions are rhetorical, Jesus, for I know quite well why we needed the Reformation and why we’ll always need to be rediscovering and reaffirming the gospel of your sovereign and saving grace. I know this because I know my own proud and foolish heart. 

Jesus, the gospel declares me to be a whole lot worse off than I can imagine, and certainly a whole lot worse than I want to acknowledge. Jesus, I never needed you merely to be a moral model for me to follow. I never needed a religious experience or rules to obey. I needed you to live a life of perfect obedience for me. I needed you to fulfill all the demands of the law for me. Thank you for doing this perfectly, Jesus. 

And I needed you to take my place upon the cross, receiving the punishment I deserve for all the ways I fall short of God’s glory: breaking, ignoring, and going way beyond his law, and worst of all, worshiping other gods. I needed you to exhaust God’s just and holy wrath against me and my sin— lest I despair of my guilt or foolishly try to curry God’s favor by anything of my own. Thank you for doing this perfectly, Jesus. 

Jesus, I even needed you to give me the very faith I needed to receive this free and full justification. This you have done perfectly as well. I praise you. I worship you. I once again affirm today that my hope is built on nothing less, nothing more, and nothing other than your blood and your righteousness. On you, Lord Jesus, the solid and saving Rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. Keep bringing me back to the gospel, Jesus; keep bringing me back to the gospel plus nothing. I pray in your most holy and gracious name.

Amen. 

October 31

A Prayer about Gospel Heroes 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with en- durance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. (Heb. 12:1–2)  

Lord Jesus, on the ancient church calendar, this is the weekend we celebrate All Saints’ Day— a time for remembering our faithful brothers and sisters who have gone on before us into heaven, leaving us examples of commendable spirituality. It’s also Halloween— a celebration of hideous attire, doorbell ringing, and tooth decay. I never really thought about how much these two seemingly antithetical dates have in common until now. 

For a good part of my life I thought the “cloud of witnesses” referred to in this passage was to be understood as a huge crowd of spiritual giants peering down from heaven onto the earthly playing field of Christianity, cheering me on in the righteousness race, pulling for me to make it across the finish line. Noah, Abraham, Moses, King David, the apostle Paul . . . all winners now motivating me to do well, persevere, and finish strong. 

Jesus, all that led to was pride in my performance or despairing of my failures, depending on the day. I got the “treat” if I performed well. I got the “trick” if I per- formed poorly. I now understand that there’s no more ghoulish or ghastly costume to wear than my own efforts to appease and please you. The one thing Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul all had in common was their abject brokenness and consuming need of your grace— which you freely gave them. 

So this weekend, Jesus, I purpose yet again to fix my gaze on you, the author and finisher of my faith. I’m only a saint because the Father has hidden my life in yours. My only “dress” is your righteousness, plus nothing. I will run and finish the race because in you, Jesus, I live, move, and have my being. I will make it to heaven not because of my efforts but because of yours. I’ll not busy myself with tricks or treats, because everything that is yours is now mine, Lord Jesus. What wondrous love and eternal inheritance is this, indeed! 

And I will remember, with great joy, the gospel heroes you have given me: the men and women who have turned away from unrighteousness and self righteousness to Christ-righteousness, those dear saints who make me hunger and thirst for more gospel astonishment and gospel righteousness. I pray in your name, Jesus.

Amen. 

November 1

A Prayer about Gospel Words and Gospel Works  

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (1 Thess. 1:2–5)  

Heavenly Father, it’s a great time to be alive, for even as there’s growing turmoil in the world, there’s unruffled triumph in heaven, a peaceful certainty that the gospel will win the day, the nations, and the cosmos. I am overjoyed today as I consider the gospel of your grace, the gospel of the kingdom, the great story of redemption and restoration.

In fact, I don’t remember a time when there’s been a greater proliferation of gospel speak. Everywhere I look I find an openness and earnestness to reexamine and rethink what the gospel is all about. All the public discourse about the gospel, by believers and nonbelievers alike, is a very good thing. 

But as I look at my life, the body of believers with whom I walk, and the community in which I live, I’m praying that the gospel will increasingly impact us the way it impacted the men and women of Thessalonica. What a stirring image: “Not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction” (1 Thess. 1:5 NIV). 

Dear Father, may gospel words lead to gospel works in my heart. In particular, I’m praying for the power of the gospel to be at work in my marriage and other relationships. It’s still easier for me to live in the world of words than to really invest in the complexities of heart to heart engagement. I’m committed to loving one spouse well for the rest of my life, but I need the power of the gospel to do so to your glory. 

May the love you’ve lavished on me in Jesus, and the love you have given me for Jesus, really work in me. May the gospel prove its resurrection power in turning me further from my idols to serve you, the only true and loving God. To be specific, I acknowledge and repent of the idols of control and self-protection.

Lastly, Father, may the great hope you’ve given us in Jesus, including the hope of the new heaven and new earth, deepen and lengthen my endurance. I pray in Jesus’ matchless name.

Amen. 

November 2

A Prayer about My Plank-Filled Eye  

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matt. 7:1–5 NIV)  

Heavenly Father, when I rubbed my irritated eyes this morning, I soon realized it was not a speck of dust but a rough hewn board stuck there. I didn’t realize it till now, but I went to bed last night having made myself the chief prosecuting attorney in the supreme court— the judge and jury and executioner. Just because I don’t throw things or scream and yell doesn’t mean I’m not a critical person. Condescending smugness is just a synonym for clanging cymbals. (1 Cor. 13:1)

Have mercy on me, Lord Jesus. You are so forbearing, kind, and gracious. Have mercy on me, the self-righteous sinner. 

My self-righteousness usually shows up not in trying to merit more of your love but in withholding your love from others. The dark irony is that the sins that offend me most in others are the very sins most pronounced in my own life— a lack of mercy, unbelief, a critical spirit . . . I wish those were the only ones. 

Lord Jesus, as cardiologist and ophthalmologist, bring your grace and truth to bear in my heart and my eyes. I want to love as you love and see as you see. I do not want people to feel pressure to change who they are around me, nor do I want them to feel my indifference and disengagement. Teach me and lead me in the third way— the way of the gospel. 

Since you do call us to help one another with our “specks of sawdust,” help me be a first responder to the life-giving rebukes of friends; a humble recipient of the feedback and reproof of those who long for my freedom; and someone who anticipates, welcomes, and acts on the daily, evenly hourly call to repentance. I pray in Jesus’ gracious name.

Amen. 

November 3

A Prayer about a Gospel Tattoo  

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4–7 NIV)  

Heavenly Father, if I were into tattoos and this Scripture weren’t so long, I might consider having it inked onto my body. I need to have this amazing summary of the gospel ever before my eyes. I just too easily forget. Much better than getting a tattoo, however, is knowing you’ve already written this truth on my heart with indelible ink. 

You’re such an outrageously generous God. Your kindness and love appeared to me out of nowhere, like a giant full moon on the horizon of a very dreary night. I wasn’t seeking you, Father, but you were seeking me— running to me, running after me, not to harm me but to rescue me from both paralyzing guilt and foolish pride. I praise you for your multiplied mercies. 

And what a “bath” in the gospel you gave me— washing me, once and for all, through the new birth. Now you continue to renew, revive, and refresh me through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, poured forth like a healing waterfall. All of these blessings come so freely because you’ve given Jesus so fully. 

Now that you’ve justified me by your grace, the rest of my life is defined by heir- ship and hope. Though I sometimes feel and act like a fatherless, futureless orphan, nothing could be further from the truth. The saints in heaven are happier but no more secure than I am. You will bring to completion the good work you’ve begun in us and in the entire universe. I pray in Jesus’ glorious name.

Amen. 

November 4

A Prayer about Being Needed Yet Empty  

But he [Jesus] said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)  

Dear Jesus, thanks for the freedom to acknowledge when life feels like it’s just too much. It’s so good to remember today that the gospel calls us to hope, not to hype; to believe, not to make believe; to intercession, not to presumption. 

Sarah laughed at the thought of having a baby in her nineties. Mary was shocked at the thought of giving birth to you, as a virgin. Though overwhelmed, she believed, and I want her cry to be mine: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Jesus, I need the resources you’ve promised and you alone can give. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a few weeks. I’m irritated, I’m scared, and I’m out of gas. I’ve got friends who are on the equivalent of a spiritual life-support system, and they’re looking to me for life. Breathe enough grace into my heart that I might have something to give my friends who are knocking on my door at midnight. They’re desperate, and I don’t want to turn them away. 

For my friend so destructively hooked into a pornography addiction, give me wisdom, Jesus. I want to strangle him— not literally, but I’m worn out by his madness. Where do I take him for the best care? What do I say to his wife and kids? 

Jesus, O God of the possible, I also bring to you three marriages that “have spent everything they have on a multitude of doctors and cures” but are no better. Have mercy . . . have mercy, dear Lord. 

Though I want to run away, I choose to run to you. There’s a whole lot that is impossible with me, Jesus. So however you choose to bring glory to yourself in these situations, you will most definitely get all the credit. I pray in your merciful and mighty name.

Amen. 

November 5

A Prayer about Enemy Love 

If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:32–36)  

Dear Father, if I were ever in doubt about the power of your law to drive me to Jesus, all doubt is removed by this one Scripture. I cannot and I will not love like this apart from union and communion with Jesus. So as I pray through this pas- sage today, I do so convinced of your love for me in Jesus and comforted to know that you have hidden my life in his.

Father, I’m the ungrateful and wicked one to whom your kindness has been wondrously expressed in the gospel. Indeed, it was while I was your enemy that you reconciled me to yourself through the death of your beloved Son, Jesus (Rom. 5:10). Every time I try to excuse myself from loving difficult people, remind me of these truths. I’ve never been “choice,” just chosen by your sovereign grace. 

Who are my enemies, real or imagined? Forgive me for labeling some people “the enemy” simply out of my bruised pride, hurt feelings, and fragile self. Bring the power of the gospel to bear. Gentle me in those relationships. Simply avoiding them will do no good, and rehearsing their failures will only fertilize my bitterness. 

Father, for real enemies— those who’ve been instruments of great harm in my life, by their words or with their own hands— for these situations, give me wisdom and courage. I’ll seek to revoke all revenge as I wait on you, gracious Father. 

Lastly, in the situations where I’ve been labeled an enemy, help me to care more about your glory than my reputation. I don’t want to obsess over their gossip. I don’t want to be paralyzed by their distance and disdain. Where I need to own my sin and repent, please make it clear to me, loving Father. Where their anger has very little or nothing to do with me at all, sustain me in the chaos while you do your work of redemption. 

I praise you for not rewarding me according to my sins, Father, and I praise you for fully rewarding me according to Jesus’ righteousness. I pray in Jesus’ strong name.

Amen. 

November 6

A Prayer about the Gospel and Dancing  

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Ps. 30:11–12 NIV)

Jesus, how could there ever have been a king more into dancing than King David? His victory over Goliath was the inspiration for singing and dancing by many in Israel (1 Sam. 21:11). When the ark was returned to Jerusalem, he danced before the Lord with all his might and very little modesty (2 Sam. 6:14). It’s obvious he wrote this psalm as a dancer, for other dancers, whose joy at the dedication of the temple was uncontainable. 

But King Jesus, you’re the real Lord of the Dance. Though David didn’t realize it, his work and joy simply prefigured yours. Only you can turn the wails of our sin and brokenness into the dance of hope and joy. By your cross, you’ve removed the filthy garments of unrighteousness that we might be clothed with the white robe of your own righteousness. Astounding . . . astonishing . . . and so very true. 

How can we not sing and make music to you in our hearts? How can we possibly remain silent and still in response to who you are and everything you’ve done for us? Cause us to hear the Father speaking to us right now: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours” (Luke 15:31).

Forgive us when we, like the elder brother, remain smugly on the outside, off the dance floor. (Luke 15:25) Forgive us for confusing reverence with rigor mortis. Forgive us for living more by our temperament tests, Myers Briggs profiles, and personality types than by the lyric, music, and dance of the gospel.

One day, King Jesus, we will give thanks to you with all our might. All personal inhibitions, cultural limitations, and sinful prohibitions will be gone. May that coming day have much greater impact on this day. We pray in Jesus’ gladsome name.

Amen.