Books Read in 2013*

Happy New Year!

Listed in no particular order here is a list of the best books I read in 2013.


The Hour That Changes The World

This book was first published in 1978 but I was not familiar with the book. The title caught my eye on a vendor's table at the Georgia Home Education Conference in 2013. I downloaded it to my tablet and immediately wondered why I had never heard of the excellent book on prayer.


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And When You Pray: The Deeper Meaning of the Lord's Prayer

A closer look at the prayer Jesus gives in the first 5 verses of Matthew 6 written by Ray Pritchard of Keep Believing Ministries 



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Through The Eyes of C.H. Spurgeon

This book is a collection of powerful quotes from C.H. Spurgeon.



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Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church

This message was preached on October 22, 2008 by Paul Washer who served as a missionary in Peru for ten years. Powerful word for the Church.


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Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart: How to Know For Sure You Are Saved

Don't let the title fool you, this is an excellent book on the assurance of salvation based on the finished work of Christ not on praying a one time prayer. Easy-believism is a blight on the modern church. This book can help a lot of people: saved and lost.



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Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 1 & 2

Edited by Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis, has provided Christians with an excellent resource to help equip them be able to "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you"



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The Insanity of God

Powerful! See how God is working through His Church around the world. Persecution and suffering is a very real and normal part for many around the world. God is faithful. Their faith is strong and vibrant. Would our "faith" here in America stand or would it be exposed as a shallow fake?



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Total Truth

Addresses how Christians have developed a wrong way of looking at life.  In the culture war your worldview does matter.



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The Masculine Mandate

A book that calls men back to biblical manhood - masculinity.  Not very popular in 21st century America but very much needed in a the confused culture of our day.



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Discover the Mystery of Faith

How worship shapes believing.



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Walking East to West: God in the Shadows

Ravi Zacharias, distinguished Christian apologist, tells his story.



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50 People Every Christian Should Know: Learning From Spiritual Giants of the Faith

Warren Wiersbe provides brief biographies from church history.



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*  I am not including the Bible in this list. I strive to read through the Bible every year.  I agree with Tony Reinke (author of Lit!), there are two genres of books:  genre A - The Bible and  genre B - All other books.  The books included in this list are from genre B.

THINGS NEEDFUL

Thou Eternal Source,

Author of all created being and happiness,

I adore thee for making man capable

of religion,

that he may be taught to say:

‘Where is God, my Maker, who giveth

songs in the night?’

But degeneracy has spread over our

human race,

turning glory into shame,

rendering us forgetful of thee.

We know it is thy power alone

that can recall wandering children,

can impress on them a sense of divine things,

and can render that sense lasting and effectual;

From thee proceed all good purposes and desires,

and the diffusing of piety and happiness.

Thou hast knowledge of my soul’s secret

principles,

and art aware of my desire to spread the gospel.

Make me an almoner to give thy

bounties to the indigent,

comfort to the mentally ill,

restoration to the sin-diseased,

hope to the despairing,

joy to the sorrowing,

love to the prodigals.

Blow away the ashes of unbelief by

thy Spirit’s breath

and give me light, fire, and warmth of love.

I need spiritual comforts

that are gentle, peaceful, mild, refreshing,

that will melt me into conscious lowliness

before thee,

that will make me feel and rest in thee

as my All.

Fill the garden of my soul with the wind of love,

that the scents of the Christian life may be

wafted to others;

then come and gather fruits to thy glory.

So shall I fulfil the great end of my being –

to glorify thee and be a blessing to men.

from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

A Prayer for the New Year

2013
 

NEW YEAR

O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed

in Thy presence, in Thy service, to Thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains,

sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
but may rely on Thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth Thy praise;
testify Thy love,
advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with Thee, O Father as my harbour,
Thee, O Son, at my helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to Thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
Thy comforts to cheer,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear be my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.

From The Valley of Vision page 112.

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What a great old prayer from The Valley of Vision as we start this new year.  In 2013 may we all "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18 ESV)

Soli Deo Gloria
ah

We Live in a Boken World ...

The horrible brokenness of this world is on full display today in the horrible evil that happened at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

My heart is so heavy for the victims of today's shooting in Connecticut. Praying for all the families and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. May they receive the grace and peace that can only come from the "Father of mercies and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3)
It is so senseless and unexplainable other than to say we know it is because of SIN.  Words are so in adequate for tragedies like this.

This horrible evil is a terrible reminder that we live in a dark time and Satan is  still on the prowl. It brings to mind the reality that Paul told us in Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."  This is the season we celebrate His first Advent, but it is also a time we should be looking forward to His second Advent. We know that Satan is still on the loose and spreading his carnage on this sin cursed world. Praise God, Satan's days are numbered. He is ultimately a defeated foe. Thank you Jesus!

Horrible evil like we saw today also reminds us that Satan especially hates children. The taking  of any life should "provoke outrage but there is something especially condemnable about the murder of children."(see Russell Moore's article on School Shooting and Spiritual Warfare)

 

Thus says the Lord:

"A voice is heard in Ramah,

lamentation and bitter weeping.

Rachel is weeping for her children;

she refuses to be comforted for her children,

because they are no more."

Jeremiah 31:15 ESV

Last, this tragedy is a reminder that America desperately needs a spiritual awakening and revival.
The days are dark and seem to be getting darker.

God help us! Have mercy on us and send revival.  Help us to be "salt and light" and make an impact on our dark world for Your glory.

 

 

Soli Deo Gloria,
ah

Thanksgiving 2012 (November 25 - 30)

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;

you are my God; I will extol you.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 118:28-29 ESV

Give thanks to the God of heaven,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 ESV

"Give Thanks

With A Grateful Heart!"

 

When I consider that I deserve punishment because of my sinfulness, and instead God gives to me His love and mercy, my only response should be one of thankfulness.

 

 

A few of the things I am thankful for:

 

 

Click here to view November 1 -10

 Click here to view November 11 -17

Click here to view November 18 - 24

NOVEMBER:

25 - the great hymns of the faith:

A Mighty Fortress is Our God (1529), Come Thou Fount (1758), How Firm A Foundation (1787),
 Blessed Assurance (1873), How Great Thou Art (1885), Great is Thy Faithfulness (1923),
Because He Lives (1971), In Christ Alone (2002),
just a few of my favorites but this list could go on and on.
 

the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,

singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16 ESV

26 - new songs of worship:

Currently on the piano at home: 10, 000 Reasons (2011),
Forever Reign (2009), Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (2012)
 

I will sing a new song to you, O God;

upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,

Psalm 144:9 ESV

27 - Our blessed Hope
 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14 ESV

28 - 4th Grade Boys in Bible Fellowship Class (Sunday School)
 

Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:11-12 ESV

29 - AWANA Blue Team (3rd, 4th, 5th grade boys)
 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

 a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

30 - Weedend getaways with my wife
Asheville, NC in late November or December is a favorite getaway destination.
 

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,

Proverbs 12:4 ESV

 

December 1 - the Season of Advent

Looking back to His first Coming

Looking forward to His second Coming!

Helps keep the focus on Christ!  He came as a baby, but didn't remain a baby.

He grew up and died to be our Savior.  We can't stop with Christmas, we must remember the Resurection!  You can't have Christmas without Easter. He is Returning for His Bride!

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 ESV
 

 

Remember to Count Your Blessings Everyday!

We have much to be thankful for!



Thanksgiving 2012 (November 18 - 24)

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
1 Chronicles 16:8 ESV

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1 ESV

 

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking,

 which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:4 ESV

"Give Thanks

With a grateful heart!"

When I consider that I deserve punishment because of my sinfulness, and instead God gives to me His love and mercy, my only response should be one of thankfulness.

 

 

I am thankful for:



Click here to view November 1 -10

Click here to view November 11 - 17

NOVEMBER
 
18 - Operation Christmas Child and  all the ministries of Samaritan's Purse

19 - the Bible, God's Holy Word
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

20- my church, Blackshear Place Baptist Church
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

21 - my country, the United States of America
God has truly blessed America and we have much to be thankful for as Americans. 
With all of her flaws, I am still proud to be an American!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Psalm 33:12 ESV

22 - my extended family: aunts, uncles and cousins
It is always great to see family on Thanksgiving Day every year.
When we are all together you can always count on great food and alot of laughter.
Thankful for the memories of loved ones that are no longer with us,
but have joined the celebration in heaven!

23 - Laughter
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV

24 - my Lord who daily bears me up.
Blessed be the Lord,

who daily bears us up;

God is our salvation. Selah

Psalm 68:19 ESV

"Count your many blessings!"  What are you thankful for?

 

Praise & Thanksgiving

Praise and Thanksgiving from Arthur G. Bennett’s The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions (p.15)

O My God,

Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects, my heart admires, adores, loves thee, for my little vessel is as full as it can be, and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.

 

When I think upon and converse with thee ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up, ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless thee for

• the soul thou hast created,
  • for adorning it,
  • for sanctifying it, though it is fixed in barren soil;
• for the body thou hast given me,
  • for preserving its strength and vigour,
  • for providing senses to enjoy delights,
  • for the ease and freedom of my limbs,
  • for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;
• for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,
  • for a full table and overflowing cup,
  • for appetite, taste, sweetness,
• for social joys of relatives and friends,
  • for ability to serve others,
  • for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
  • for a mind to care for my fellow-men,
  • for opportunities of spreading happiness around,
  • for loved ones in the joys of heaven,
• for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.

I love thee above the powers of language to express, for what thou art to thy creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

Thanksgiving 2012 (November 11 -17)

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;

to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

and your faithfulness by night,

Psalm 92:1-2

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 ESV

When I consider that I deserve punishment because of my sinfulness, and instead God gives to me His love and mercy, my only response should be one of thankfulness.

 

Here is just a few of the things that I am thankful for:



 

Click here to view my list from November 1 -10!

 

NOVEMBER 

 

11 - our Veterans!

 

The men and woman serving and who have served in the military in the face of great danger to protect our great country. Thank you for our freedom.

 

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

Psalm 33:12 ESV

  

12- rainy Mondays in the Fall

 

he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields;

Job 5:10 ESV

 

13- His mercies that are new every morning!

 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

Because of the steadfast love of the Lord, we are not cut off

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul,

therefore I will hope in him.

Lamenations 3:22-24 ESV

 

14 - 6:00a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study!

 

Thankful for Clayton, Ryan & Larry and our time in God's Word

every Wednesday morning at Papa Jack's.

 

Iron sharpens iron,

and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV

 

15 - Tillman, Joyce & Lori Hill

 

Thankful for a godly father-in-law, mother-in-law and sister-in-law! Blessed!

 

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,

Philemon v4

 

16 - The fact that He knows my name!

 

"He knows by name,

He knows my every thought,

He sees each tear that falls,

and hears me when I call."

 

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14 ESV

 

17 - Today!

 

This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 ESV

 

What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving 2012 (November 1 - 10)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Psalm 100:4 ESV

 

giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Ephesians 5:20 ESV

 

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

 

When I consider that I deserve punishment because of my sinfulness, and instead God gives to me His love and mercy, my only response should be one of thankfulness.

 

Each day in November I will list some of the things that I am thankful for:

 

 

1 - Salvation Full and Free!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV

 

 

2 - Wendy, my wife and best friend!

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 18:22 ESV

 

3, 4, 5 - Olivia, James & Elijah!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 4 ESV

 

6 - Mama (Betty E. Harden)

She went to her heavenly reward on November 6, 2011. Happy for her gain but I sure do miss her. Thankful for the years I had her in my life.

Her children rise up and call her blessed

Proverbs 31:28a ESV

 

7 - Daddy (James Roscoe Harden)

Daddy went to heaven in 2005. Thankful for the influence of a godly father in my life.

Still miss him too!

Listen to your father who gave you life,

Proverbs 23:22a ESV

 

8 - Stephanie Merritt, my sister!

Thankful for the godly woman that she is. Thankful that the three of us remain close.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Colossians 1:3 ESV

 

9 - Derek Harden, my younger brother!

Thankful for the godly man that he is. Thanful that the three of us remain close.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Colossians 1:3 ESV

 

10 - Lori Millwood and the Respite Care Ministry at BPBC!

Thanful for Mrs. Lori and this great ministry to families with special needs kids.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:8 ESV

And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the

least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Matthew 25:40 ESV

 

PRAYER FOR HIS PEACE

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
2 Thess 3:16 (ESV)


"In Paul's writing, he refers to God the Father with six different titles:
1. God of patience and consolation
2. God of hope
3. God of all comfort
4. God of our Lord Jesus Christ
5. God of love
6. God of peace
Of these, he refers to only one more than once- "the God of Peace," which he uses five times. Here in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Paul attributes this same quality to our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul must have realized the role "peace" plays in our understanding of the nature of God and Christ's victory on the Cross.

Today we often think of peace as being the absence of conflict between individuals or nations, or the feeling of serenity we might have in a quiet moment. Yet in Hebrew, the word peace - shalom- has a much deeper and richer meaning. The word shalom means literally "completeness, soundness, welfare, peace...safety, soundness (in body)...health, prosperity... quiet, tranquility, contentment... friendship of human relationships and with God especially in covenant relationship. Shalom is one of the key words that describes our new covenant relationship to God through Christ's blood and sacrifice, and it is the term through which, when we enter back into covenant with God through Christ, we become His friend."
- David Bordon

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all.
2 Thess 3:16 (AMP)


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Love Lustres at Calvary

My Father,

Enlarge my heart, warm my affections,

      open my lips,

   supply words that proclaim ‘Love lustres

     at Calvary.’

There grace removes my burdens and heaps them

     on thy Son,

   made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;

There the sword of thy justice smote the man,

     thy fellow;

There thy infinite attributes were magnified,

   and infinite atonement was made;

There infinite punishment was due,

   and infinite punishment was endured.

Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,

   cast off that I might be brought in,

   trodden down as an enemy

     that I might be welcomed as a friend,

   surrendered to hell’s worst

     that I might attain heaven’s best,

   stripped that I might be clothed,

   wounded that I might be healed,

   athirst that I might drink,

   tormented that I might be comforted,

   made a shame that I might inherit glory,

   entered darkness that I might have eternal light.

My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped

     from my eyes,

   groaned that I might have endless song,

   endured all pain that I might have unfading health,

   bore a thorny crown that I might have

     a glory-diadem,

   bowed his head that I might uplift mine,

   experienced reproach that I might receive

     welcome,

   closed his eyes in death that I might gaze

     on unclouded brightness,

   expired that I might for ever live.

O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou

     mightest spare me,

All this transfer thy love designed and

     accomplished;

Help me to adore thee by lips and life.

O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise,

   my every step buoyant with delight, as I see my

     enemies crushed,

   Satan baffled, defeated, destroyed,

   sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood,

   hell’s gates closed, heaven’s portal open.

Go forth, O conquering God, and show me

   the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort and save.

from The Valley of Vision

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer for the Patience of Christ

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thess 3:5 (ESV)

The prayer of the apostle was, that they might have the love of God in their hearts, and "the patience of Christ;" that is, the same patience which Christ evinced in his trials. They were then suffering affliction and persecution. They needed patience, that they might endure their trials in a proper manner. It was natural for the apostle to refer them to the Saviour, the great example of patience, and to pray that they might have the same which he had.—Barnes' Notes on the New Testament

"...the Christian life is more than a 100-meter dash; it was now time to set in for the marathon.

To this end, Paul prayed for them: May your active pursuit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

(a) Lead you more and more into the fullness of God's love.

(b) Lead you into patience, endurance, long-suffering, and steadfastness of Christ himself as you await His return.

2 Thessalonians 3: 5, Paraphrased"

- David Bordon

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer to Stand Firm in Truth

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
2 Thess 2:16-17 (ESV)

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Need of Grace

O Lord,

Thou knowest my great unfitness for service,

         my present deadness,

         my inability to do anything for thy glory,

         my distressing coldness of heart.

I am weak, ignorant, unprofitable,

     and loathe and abhor myself.

I am at a loss to know what thou wouldest have me do,

     for I feel amazingly deserted by thee,

     and sense thy presence so little;

Thou makest me possess the sins of my youth,

    and the dreadful sin of my nature,

    so that I feel all sin,

    I cannot think or act but every motion is sin.

Return again with showers of converting grace

    to a poor gospel-abusing sinner.

Help my soul to breathe after holiness,

    after a constant devotedness to thee,

    after growth in grace more abundantly every day.

O Lord, I am lost in the pursuit of this blessedness,

And am ready to sink because I fall short of my desire;

Help me to hold out a little longer,

    until the happy hour of deliverance comes,

    for I cannot lift my soul to thee

    if thou of thy goodness bring me not nigh.

Help me to be diffident, watchful, tender,

    lest I offend my blessed Friend

    in thought and behaviour;

I confide in thee and lean upon thee,

    and need thee at all times to assist and lead me.

O that all my distresses and apprehensions

   might prove but Christ’s school

   to make me fit for greater service

   by teaching me the great lesson of humility.

from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, page 99

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

Prayer to Fulfill His Purpose

11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thess 1:11-12 (ESV)


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer for Sanctification (To Be Set Apart, Holy)

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24  He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

1 Thess 5:23-24 (ESV)


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Continual Repentance

O God of grace,

T hou hast imputed my sin to my substitute,

          and hast imputed his righteousness

     to my soul,

   clothing me with a bridegroom’s robe,

   decking me with jewels of holiness.

But in my Christian walk I am still in rags;

   my best prayers are stained with sin;

   my penitential tears are so much impurity;

   my confessions of wrong are so many

     aggravations of sin;

   my receiving the Spirit is tinctured with

     selfishness.

I need to repent of my repentance;

I need my tears to be washed;

I have no robe to bring to cover my sins,

   no loom to weave my own righteousness;

I am always standing clothed in filthy garments,

   and by grace am always receiving change of

     raiment,

   for thou dost always justify the ungodly;

I am always going into the far country,

   and always returning home as a prodigal,

   always saying, Father, forgive me,

   and thou art always bringing forth

     the best robe.

Every morning let me wear it,

   every evening return in it,

   go out to the day’s work in it,

   be married in it,

   be wound in death in it,

   stand before the great white throne in it,

   enter heaven in it shining as the sun.

Grant me never to lose sight of

   the exceeding sinfulness of sin,

   the exceeding righteousness of salvation,

   the exceeding glory of Christ,

   the exceeding beauty of holiness,

   the exceeding wonder of grace.

From The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

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Soli Deo Gloria

ah

Prayer for the Church

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
1 Thess 3:11-13 (ESV)



_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Prayer for Hope

 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 (ESV)


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Soli Deo Gloria
ah

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

pray without ceasing,

1 Thess 5:17 (ESV)

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Phil 4:6 (ESV)

Joseph M. Scriven

1855

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer! Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged— Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge— Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear; May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer. Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer— Rapture, praise, and endless worship Will be our sweet portion there.

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Soli Deo Gloria
ah