“When I heard this, I sat down and cried. I mourned for days. I continued to fast and pray to the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4 (GW)

On the back page of my prayer journals, I list the names of those on whose behalf I pray. Many of these people are known to me and others are not, but need the ear of God. As prayers are answered, I refer back to my initial inscription of their name to record how God has answered prayers as a reminder that God does hear and answer prayers. He is always working on our behalf. His ways are beyond our understanding but always keeps His promises to love and show mercy on those who believe through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ.

My Prayer:

In the anxious hours of our lives, day or night, I repeat the following prayer as translated into my own prayer from Nehemiah: 

“Lord God of heaven, great and awe-inspiring God, you faithfully keep your promises and show mercy to those who love you and obey your commandments. Open your eyes and pay close attention with your ears to what I, your servant, am praying. I am praying to you day and night about those who are close to my heart and yours. I confess the sins that we have all committed against you as well as I have committed. We have done you a great wrong. We have not obeyed the commandments, laws, or regulations that you gave to us to follow. Please remember what you told us through Your Word that if we return to you and obey your commandments and place our faith through Jesus Christ, we shall be saved. Lord, please pay close attention to my prayer and to the prayers of all your other servants who desire to worship You in the name of Jesus Christ. Show us Your mercy and compassion as You know the contents of our hearts and the needs of our minds, bodies, and spirits. I lift up this prayer in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.”

The Lord taught us to pray:

As expressed from Jesus Christ, The Sermon on the Mountain, Matthew 6:9-13 (GW). He taught us how to pray:

“Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name; they kingdom come; they will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day your daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil as thy is kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen”

Calming my spirit

Psalm 119 is the great psalm of God’s Word. God’s Word is our beloved guide to life. The Gospel radiates through this psalm describing God’s trustworthy promises which save His people and gives us eternal mercy. 

“Let your blessings reach me, O Lord. Save me as you promised.” Psalm 119:41 (GW)

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and light for may path.” Psalm 119:105 (GW)

“Give me a new life through your mercy so that I may obey the written instructions, which came from your mouth.” Psalm 119:88 (GW)

Prayer Journal Prompt:

“COME CLOSE TO GOD, AND HE WILL COME CLOSE TO YOU.” JAMES 4:8 (GW)

Write out a prayer to memorize when I am anxious or when I cannot sleep.

Where is my current path leading me? 

Do I accept God’s answer to my prayer? Why or why not?

Who do I pray for?

What does this phrase in the Lord’s prayer mean to me? “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

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