Author: Sahed

November 27

A Prayer about Crouching, Pouncing Sin  

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Gen. 4:6–7)

Lord Jesus, I’m always vulnerable to the destructive power of sin, but it seems like I’m especially vulnerable when there’s some kind of emotional upheaval in my heart. Like Cain, when I’m angry and sulking about something or someone, I can be easily “had” by sin, giving in to its desire— its seductive and destructive ways. I wish there was no such thing as “the fleeting pleasures of sin.” (Heb. 11:25)

Jesus, thank you for pursuing me today and asking me questions like, “Why are you angry?” “Why are you so sad?” “What are you afraid of?” and “Why are you so quiet and distant?” Though you know the answers to these and every question you ask, I need to think about these things. Show me my heart, Jesus. 

I wish I had to think about only the sin that’s crouching just outside my door— the tempter and temptress without, just waiting to pounce. But the truth is, Jesus, until you return to finish making all things new, I’ve got to be wise to the sin that’s crouching inside of me as well. Like Paul, the very things I don’t want to do, I still do, and the very things I want to do, they’re not easily done (Rom. 7).

I long for more freedom to live and to love as I am loved by you, Jesus. How I praise you that there’s no condemnation hanging over me for my sin, for you hung on the cross in my place.

How I praise you that to be tempted is not an act of sin, for even you, Jesus, were tempted. I would despair if this were not the case. You’ve mastered sin for us, Jesus. You’ve exhausted its penalty and broken its power. Sin will not have dominion over us ever again.

In this good news, in this gospel, I trust today. As you show me my vulnerable heart, Jesus, show me your compassionate and loving heart ten times over. That will more than meet my need. I pray in your strong, present, and redeeming name. 

Amen. 

November 28

A Prayer about Second-Coming Loving  

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Pet. 4:7–10)  

Dear Jesus, may Peter’s words sink and settle deep into my heart. If I really believed “the end of all things is at hand,” if I really believed your return could happen with- in my lifetime, it seems it would make a significant difference in how I live and love.

Whenever I attend a funeral, I always go away with a sense of my mortality and the fragility of life. At least for a few days, I hug loved ones a little tighter and linger a little longer in conversations. But then it’s “back to normal,” and the same old harried pace takes over and the same old broken patterns in relationships resume. 

Normal sinners go on loving as normal sinners do: rather than covering sins, we get irritated with one another’s sins; rather than welcoming one another without grumbling, we guard our own space with complaining; rather than using your gifts to serve each other, we hoard your gifts to satisfy ourselves; rather than administering your multifaceted grace to one another, we withhold it from one another. Yet “the end of all things is at hand.” God, have mercy on me, the sinner. 

Jesus, please bring the gospel to bear in fresh and powerful ways in my way of relating to others. I don’t want to love by guilt but by grace. I don’t want to love by fear but by faith. I don’t want to love with a heart of manipulation but with a heart of ministry. I don’t want to love with a view to another funeral but with a view of your second coming. I don’t want to love to get anything but because I’ve received everything in you. 

Jesus, you’re the one who loves us deeply. You’re the one who has covered not just a multitude but all of our sins. You’re the one who always offers us hospitality without grumbling. You’re the one who’s always serving us and giving us more grace in all its forms. Live in us and love through us, whether you return in fifteen minutes or fifteen hundred years. We pray in your faithful name.

Amen. 

November 29

A Prayer for Marriages  

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall be- come one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. (Eph. 5:29–32)

Lord Jesus, I’m greatly saddened about the growing number of my friends who are disconnected, despairing, or dying in their marriages. I’m saddened, but not shocked, for two reasons. 

It makes complete sense that the powers of darkness would assault the one relationship meant to tell the story of your great love for your bride. Of course marriage is going to be a war zone— the front lines of spiritual warfare until the day you return. Satan hates you, he hates the gospel, and therefore he hates your bride and he hates marriage. 

But knowing my own heart also decreases the shock factor. Like most of us, I came into marriage with a little gospel and big naïveté. I had no clue about the depths of my brokenness, the degree of my selfishness, or the devices of my sinfulness. I had no clue about what it would take to love one person well the rest of my life— a person who needs the gospel just as much as I do. 

And I certainly had no clue that your love alone is better than life; that your love alone can slake the deepest thirst of my heart; that your love alone can provide the depths of intimacy I crave and for which I’ve been made; that your love alone can free me to love another sinful spouse the way you love me as your spouse— for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forgiving and forbearing, accepting without acquiescing, doing the hard and heart work of the gospel. 

Jesus, I pray for my friends, and I pray for myself. Protect us from the evil one, and rescue us from ourselves. Give hope to the hopeless, conviction to the foolish, nourishment to the famished, grace to the betrayed, and godly sorrow to the betrayers. I pray sobered yet expectant, in your loving and powerful name.

Amen. 

November 30

A Prayer about the Radical Generosity of Grace  

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have over flowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave them- selves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. (2 Cor. 8:1–5)

Heavenly Father, we come before you today challenged by this picture of radical grace. This one story alone underscores why we can never emphasize your grace too much. Grace is never to be counterbalanced with law, only multiplied with more grace. Indeed, through Jesus you continue to give us grace upon grace (John 1:16).

What an amazing story— the severely afflicted and extremely poor Christians of Macedonia became a model of radical generosity to the much wealthier believers in Corinth. And according to you, their motivation wasn’t fear and guilt; it was plied grace. For you love cheerful giving, not reluctant giving compelled by pres- sure from without. (2 Cor. 9:7)

Father, only your grace is powerful enough to give us abundant joy in the absence of affluence, coupled with hearts that beg to give sacrificially beyond our means for the benefit of strangers! The law cannot produce that kind of people— not even grace plus law, but only grace upon grace. 

For the glory of Jesus and the advancing of your kingdom, we ask you to give us the same grace you gave the churches of Macedonia. The needs all around us are exponential, but your resources are endless. Indeed, help us to excel in the grace of giving. For you are “able to make all grace abound to [us], so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, [we] can abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). Enrich us in every way that we might be generous in every way (2 Cor. 9:11)— with our time, talents, and treasures, and with great forbearance and extravagant forgiveness. 

Jesus, you are the ultimate cheerful giver. That is what the gospel is all about. Though you were rich, you gladly became poor for us, that by your poverty we might become joyfully rich through you (2 Cor. 8:9). Make your gladness ours. Make your generosity ours. We pray in your great and gracious name.

Amen. 

December 1

A Prayer about Burying My Dad  

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, 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. (1 Cor. 15:55–58)  

Dear Jesus, on the calendar, Thanksgiving has just passed and Advent is about to begin. But in my heart, it’s the day I’ll bury my dad next to my mom. The promise of sufficient grace is one I’ll selfishly grab all this day long. 

As I pray, I’m sitting in Dad’s favorite chair— the one in which he worked thou- sands of crossword puzzles to keep his mind sharp and subtle. The same chair from which he began to look at me with confusion until the day he simply couldn’t connect my face and name any longer. 

I praise you that though we may forget one another’s names, you’ll never forget us— never. Alzheimer’s robbed Dad of a lot, but you robbed the grave of its fear- holding, heart-ripping victory. You’ve turned death’s sting into a harmless noodle, a fangless threat, even a portal to heaven. Your death on the cross was the death of death. The comfort and joy I have in knowing dad is with you is simply immeasurable. 

But I also have great comfort and joy in remembering what took place before you took Dad home. Jesus, I praise you for working in our relationship way beyond what I could’ve asked or imagined. For decades Mom’s death had more power over us than your life. Jesus, thank you for bringing healing to that wound before Dad disappeared into Alzheimer’s. Thank you that Dad and I were finally able to weep together over the loss that ripped us apart. Thank you that we were finally able to return to her grave together ten years ago for the first time. Thank you that your name is Redeemer, not only of the grave but before the grave.

And thank you that as we return to Mom’s grave together again today, it will not be a day of grieving as those who have no hope, but as those with a living hope and an unspeakable joy. I treasure knowing Dad and Mom are with you. Hallelujah, what a Savior! Hallelujah, what a salvation! I pray with great joy, in your gracious name, with wet eyes and a full heart.

Amen. 

December 2

A Prayer about the Advent Arms of God  

You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up,
do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
(Isa. 40:9–11 NIV)

Gracious Father, Advent is upon us— the cherished season when we remember and celebrate the coming of Jesus, the promised Messiah, your beloved Son, our gracious Savior. Grant that it will prove to be much more than Advent-as-usual. 

Surprise us, Father. Let us engage with the story of Jesus’ birth as though for the very first time. Rescue us from the sentimental and the predictable. Bring familiar Scriptures alive in fresh ways. Reshape how we do Christmas this year by the power of the gospel. 

Already this morning I’ve been arrested with Isaiah’s picture of your “Advent arms.” The promise of the Messiah carries with it the promise of the embrace we all need but scarcely believe. In Jesus, you come near to us as the sovereign Lord, with your sleeves rolled up as the great ruler. Your arm rules over all history, all nations, all kings, all circumstances. Nothing and no one can alter, subvert, or change the story you are telling through Jesus and the kingdom you are advancing through Jesus. 

In Jesus, you come near to us as the most compassionate Shepherd, gathering and carrying your lambs in your arms. The image and hope are staggering. To be tended as a dumb sheep, to be held close to your heart, to be gently led— what more could we possibly long for? 

These aren’t mere metaphors, Father. Metaphors cannot save us, only inspire us. You really are this kind of God and you really are this kind. The coming of Jesus puts all nations on notice: there is only one true King. And the coming of Jesus puts all your people face down in adoring love, for Jesus is a most wonderful, merciful Savior, Immanuel, the God who is with us and the God who is for us. I pray with Advent wonder, in Jesus’ matchless name.

Amen. 

December 3

A Prayer about Loving from the Heart  

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. (1 Pet. 1:22–23)  

Dear Jesus, this is an awesome morning: good coffee, a fire in the fireplace, Christmas music playing, and a Scripture about loving well. 

It’s only because you came into the world for me that I have the slightest clue about what loving well— having a “sincere love”— looks like. Jesus, it’s only because you lived for me and died for me that I have any experience of being loved deeply from the heart— your heart. 

I need to sit still and marinate in this good news as my day begins: O joy beyond all delightings, O peace beyond all understandings, O hope beyond all imaginings— Jesus loves you deeply from his heart . . . and there’s nothing you can do about it. You can’t add to his love for you and you can’t diminish his love for you. You can simply enjoy it, be changed by it, and share it with others. 

Jesus, I never could have “purified myself.” I never could have gained a relationship with God through purgings, penance, and promises of doing more and trying harder. What religion could never do for me, you’ve done for me. That’s what we celebrate at Advent: your coming to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. “Born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth —Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King!’” 

It’s only because I was given the “second birth,” only because I was born again of the “imperishable seed” of grace, that I discovered my need of the gospel and was able to obey the truth of the gospel by believing it. You get all the credit, Jesus, from beginning to end. 

So as I celebrate your incarnation this early morning, I surrender to its implications. Love in me and love through me, Jesus. There’s no other way I will love anybody well. Make my love for my brothers and sisters sincere and observable. Teach me how to love deeply from my heart, just as you love us. I pray in your holy and loving name.

Amen. 

December 4

A Prayer about Jesus’ Broad Shoulders  

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice
and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
(Isa. 9:6–7 NIV)

King Jesus, knowing the government of the whole world already rests on your shoulders profoundly humbles and gladdens us. It fills us with a joy second only to knowing your shoulders fully bore our sin. 

Jesus, in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. You are Wonderful Counselor. We look to you for knowledge of great mysteries and insight into things eternal, but you’re also the one to whom we look for counsel on loving well— handling fresh disappointments, old hurts, and unfulfilled longings. You care about everything.

Jesus, you uphold all things by the power of your Word. You are Mighty God, the one who created and sustains the entire universe. You also give us power to boast in our weaknesses when we’d rather be self sufficient.

Jesus, to see you is to see the Father, and by your work we know God as Father. You care so tenderly for the needs of the world— even the flowers of every field and the birds in every sky. But you also care about us. We are no longer orphans. Jesus, no one else can pretend to be the Prince of Peace, for you alone paid the price of peace on the cross. Even as you are bringing the increase of your government and peace to all things, so you are advancing the reign of your grace in our lives. Forgive us when we look for wholeness, contentment, and healing some where else, for it cannot be found except in you. 

For your broad shoulders, big heart, and coming kingdom, be glorified, O blessed Messiah and Redeemer. We pray in your matchless and merciful name. 

Amen. 

December 5

A Prayer about Not Being Afraid  

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the peo- ple. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Mes- siah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8–12 NIV)  

Gracious Jesus, I’m confronted with the command “Do not be afraid” at both your birth and your resurrection (Luke 2:10; Matt. 28:5), like bookends of glory. Ever since our first parents sinned, feared, and hid, I’ve helped to keep the family tradition alive. At times fear has more power over my life than your love, and though I already know myself to be clothed in your righteousness, I still reach into my closet for fig leaves. 

I join shepherds in hurrying off to come to you, Jesus, for you alone bring the good news of great joy for which my heart longs every day. You alone can charm my fears and set this prisoner more fully free. 

Because the gospel is true, I can tell you what you already know to be true, Jesus. My fears aren’t all that noble. I’m not really afraid of angelic hosts. I’m not really afraid to die. You’ve already set me free from that defining fear. I’m not even afraid of facing the final judgment, for I humbly cling to your cross as my judgment day. You’ve exhausted God’s judgment against all my sins— past, present, and future. Hallelujah!

So what fears haunt me? For what fears do I need to obey the command “Do not be afraid”? I’ll start with “the fear of man.” Jesus, there are some people whose praise and disdain at times have more power over my heart than the gospel. It hurts to say it, but it’s true. 

Then there’s the fear of redundancy— the fear of disappearing into a cloud of not mattering anymore. Jesus, even as I acknowledge this fear, I praise you for your non condemning gaze. It’s not easy to confess such weakness. May the joy of being used by you never supersede the much greater joy of simply being known and loved by you. 

Jesus, I have other fears that need gospel charming. I bring these to you today with joy, for I’ve come to know you are not only a baby wrapped in cloths lying in a manger. I’ve also found you to be a Savior outside an empty tomb and now at the Father’s right hand, ever living to advocate and pray for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I pray in your liberating name.

Amen. 

December 6

A Prayer about God’s Favor Resting on Us  

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13–14 NIV)  

Heavenly Father, I’ve got to sit in these words for a bit: “peace to those on whom his favor rests.” It’s all right there in this doxological declaration, this angelic proclamation, this gospel-filled affirmation—everything my heart longs for, more than I could have ever hoped for or imagined. I know with certainty that you are at peace with me— that I’m someone upon whom your favor permanently rests — all because of what you’ve done for us in Jesus. 

Father, if unredeemed angels were in awe of such good news, how much more should I be staggered and astonished, humbled and grateful, liberated and transformed? 

We invest so much of our lives looking for favor— wanting to be wanted, longing to be celebrated, and seeking to be acceptable. Personally, I’ve looked to people and work, to education and exercise, to money and things, even to spiritual disciplines and ministry to give me what you alone give us so freely and fully in the gospel. 

And what a freeing paradox, Father: the more we come alive to the riches of the gospel, the less we obsess about our own lives. We don’t end up thinking more of ourselves or less of ourselves. We just think of ourselves less often. How liberating! 

Jesus, may this old host of angels drive us into a new worship of you this Advent season. It’s only because you submitted to the fullness of God’s disfavor for us that we can boast of having the fullness of God’s favor resting on us. We praise, honor, and adore you. We dare not look at your cradle without gazing at your cross. We pray in your holy and loving name.

Amen.