Verses and Prayers for God's Warriors in Training
I’ve spent too much of my life being ineffective for God. My eyes were too often on my personal ambitions rather than God’s. Where I lived, who I wanted to hang out with, the kind of novel I wanted to write … I was focused on what would make me happy rather than what would glorify God.
But no longer.
God, I’m committed to doing your will.
In some ways it’s kind of a scary thing to pray because who knows what God will call me to do. But even if it’s unusual, uncomfortable, unimaginable to me at the moment, I know that if God calls me to it then he will provide. And if God’s hand is on it then … how could I not want to do that over my own plan?!
Because of my current zealousness aha (thanks, God, for working in me), it makes me sad when I see Christians rebelling against God. No judgement or anything because I get it. I’ve been there. Waaay too many times. But as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit in us and he’s always guiding us to the right path. So if a Christian is rebelling or disobeying, it can’t be a comfortable place to be. When I was in those situations, I wasn’t reminded of my sin all day, everyday. But … I was reminded and it gnawed at me. And when I was dealing with the consequences of disobeying … boy was I sad that I missed those opportunities to obey.
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. (John 16:13)
So today I’d like to write up some gentle reminders (for anyone that wants to read, but also for me and future me) that we are Christ’s sons and daughters and what that means. He doesn’t love us more if we obey more but it’s for our good that we do.
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:4-5)
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
No temptation [trial in some translations] has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Lord, you LOVE us! And you reign.
I pray...
that we know deep in our hearts that there’s nothing we could ever do that would make You not love us. In You we can conquer our battles … God please show us Your way out, a rope to help us escape the storm(s) … help us to see it and hold on tight!
that Your tender love overflows in our hearts so we have the strength and understanding to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading over man’s advice or inner self-doubt.
that we ask for and accept the fullness of what You have for us, today and always.
that we can be all You’ve called us to be and thus effective WARRIORS for Your kingdom.
that You reveals to us any lies we’ve believed and shows us how to overcome them so we can walk in Your truth and light.
for the courage to make the changes we need to make in our lives.
against pride, confusion, disobedience, fear.
that we spend our time effectively and efficiently so we can learn all You have for us in the season we’re in.
that You change our hearts to be in line with what You want.
that we can be good witnesses for You everywhere we go, not waiting until things are going well but showing Your work in us maybe even especially during times of difficulty.
that deep thankfulness takes root in our hearts so we can honour and serve You with love, reverence and respect for the rest of our lives.
that we can love, support and forgive one another in every season.
that You give us deep love and hunger for You and Your Word.
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28)
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8)
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
You’ve got us, God. Please help us, and help us help each other, to be warriors for Your kingdom. All for your glory.
In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
