PrayerBits for Friday

Scripture lesson: Psalm 148

Time to reflect: The entire universe should be praising God. If you were to list the component parts of the universe, what would you name? “Praise the Lord all you Quarks” “Praise the Lord all you synapses” “Praise the Lord all the Social Structures of the world” -- well maybe the list in the Psalm is good enough...

Moving Throughout the day: Since inanimate objects can only praise God through their mere existence, pray a prayer of praise in behalf of the universe.

Scripture:

Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,

young men and maidens,
old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.

PrayerBits for Thursday

Scripture lesson: Isaiah 63:7-9 “... all that the Lord has done for us”

Time to reflect: We can see God's willingness to stay with Israel through every insult, every act of disobedience, every wrong turn. This should help us to understand that similarly God will not give up on us.

Moving through the day: Thank God for this steadfastness.

Scripture:

I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD,
the deeds for which he is to be praised,
according to all the LORD has done for us—
yes, the many good things he has done
for the house of Israel,
according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

He said, "Surely they are my people,
sons who will not be false to me";
and so he became their Savior.

In all their distress he too was distressed,
and the angel of his presence saved them.
In his love and mercy he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them
all the days of old.

PrayerBits for Monday

Scripture lesson: 1 Peter 4:7-11 A good church person

Time to reflect: Practical advise for being a good church member

Moving through the day: Item by item, think about how this applies to you and pray for the ability to carry out each command.

Scripture:

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

PrayerBits for Wednesday

Scripture lesson:	Ezekiel 33:10-11 "That All Should Turn"
Time to reflect:	Are there times when you feel like you've really blown it with God? Be assured that God is just and merciful and ultimately desires for all of us to live forever.
Moving through the day:	Pray for God's forgiveness for your sinfulness. Pray that God will help you to live more lovingly and within God's favor. Ezekiel 33:10-11 Now you, mortal, say to the house of Israel, Thus you have said: "Our transgressions and our sins weigh upon us, and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?" 11Say to them, As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?

PrayerBits for Tuesday

Scripture lesson:	2 Cor 5:20b-6:10 ?...be reconciled to God?
Time to reflect:	Are you ?reconciled to God? What does this mean to you? What are some possible obstacles to this reconciliation?
Moving through the day:	Pray about your relationship with God and any possible causes of estrangement.

PrayerBits for Sunday

Scripture lesson:	Matthew 4:1-11 The Temptation of Jesus
Time to reflect:	What do you think of the idea of Jesus being tempted to sin? What are the types of sin given here? Are you ever tempted similarly?
Moving through the day:	In prayer ask God for help and support to resist temptation.

PrayerBits for Monday

Scripture lesson:	Joel 2:1-2;12-17 ?The day of the Lord?
Time to reflect:	Who needs to fear the second coming, and why?
Moving through the day:	Pray a prayer of confidence in God's grace and mercy.