Forthright Magazine » Today’s Prayer

We know not when nor how

J. Randal Matheny — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:13:11 +0000

We do not know the when nor how,
But sure we are of who and why;
Though answers be not near nor now,
The heart can see what escapes the eye.

Amen!

One step beyond

J. Randal Matheny — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:18:33 +0000

Heavenly Father, make me go one step beyond my strength, one thought farther than my possibilities, make me speak one word of faith to my mountains.

Lord, I can’t do it!

J. Randal Matheny — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:09:06 +0000

Lord, I can’t do it! Help me walk
In righteous paths, for Jesus’ sake;
Prod me forward when I balk,
Keep my focus fixed, my eyes awake.

Lord, I’m not up to this! How weak
My flagging strength, a quivering reed;
Set me upright and make me speak,
For you supply my every need.

I confess my selfishness

J. Randal Matheny — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:54:52 +0000

How clear to me, Lord — I confess,
My life consumed by selfishness;
What good to satisfy the flesh
And crucify the Christ afresh?

To take each step for self-desire
Offends your grace, provokes your ire;
So cleanse the heart of every trace
Of all that’s vile, corrupt, and base.

Stoke anew that righteous zeal
To do your will, for others’ weal;
Lord, make this day, for posterity,
Matter for eternity.

by J. Randal Matheny

Lord, here am I

admin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:28:00 +0000

I’m available. Isn’t that what the ancients were saying when they stated, “Here am I”? I’m at your disposal. Do with me as you will. What is it you would have me do?

So this is what I say this morning. It’s what I’ll say at every point along the way, throughout the day. I am here for you, to be your man in the midst of mindless idolaters.

This my prayer, O God, and this my mission.

Lord, here am I!

The way my Savior went

J. Randal Matheny — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:37:23 +0000

The struggle between spirit and flesh is great, Father of lights, between self-will and your purpose, for it caused drops of sweat as blood on the brow of my Savior.

The battle seems most fierce at the end, as it was for him.

The moment of truth, in the dark, alone.

Alone but for the dew from heaven upon the ground, but for your ear to welcome a plea for delivery and a choice to follow your will.

Raise me up, Lord, from the soil of pain and turmoil, that I may go steadily to suffer for your name.

Because that is the way my Savior went.

This is faith, and I stand in need of it

J. Randal Matheny — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:50:02 +0000

God who acts in the fullness of time, let me trust that you will glorify yourself in my service, that you will make fruit multiply through my sowing, that you will make things happen and fulfill your promises when the moment is ripe. This is faith, and I stand in need of it.

Prayer: You know our needs

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:06:53 +0000

Lord, our refuge and strength, listen to our praise at the beginning of this day,
–teach us to praise you without end.
In you we place our faith and hope,
–that our waiting might be rewarded.
You know our needs and come to our aid,
–without you we can do nothing.
Remember the poor and unfortunate,
–may this day not be a burden to them.

–Daily Prayer

Prayer: Lest we drift into a contemptful familiarity

J. Randal Matheny — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:12:53 +0000

We thank you, Holy Father, that it has been your will and good providence that we, more than many others, should have free access to your word and opportunity to know your will. Make us more appreciative of this great privilege. May the fact that you, God, have spoken fill us with reverence and awe when we come to study the word, lest we drift into a contemptful familiarity with it and handle it as a profane thing, as we are too prone to do. And inasmuch as your speaking calls for our hearing, may our ears be open, our hearts receptive and willing. Let your word be unto us a light indeed and become in us the power for the enlightening of others and for the final obtaining of the promise through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

–Robert H. Boll

Our evening prayer

J. Randal Matheny — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:50:12 +0000

O God who rested on the seventh day,
bless us so that this night
may be holy, good and peaceful.
As our evening prayer rises before you,
send your mercy down upon us
to cleanse our hearts,
clear our consciences,
and free us to sing your praise
now and for ever.
May the peace of Christ rule over us
as we rest.
Amen.