Sunday, March 18, 2012

Extension on Chapter 3 & Prayer

Spring break was so enjoyable that I did not take time to read my chapter. Now it is time to go back to work and start back up on reading. Since I did not see any other posts this week, I decided that maybe everyone needs another week to read Chapter 3. I look forward to reading your posts this week and seeing you at Bible study on Friday.

This came to me in an email from Renee Swope of Proverbs 31 Ministries. It was written for her Bible study group, but as I read it this morning I thought of our Bible study group.

"My prayer for you

Lord, we gather together from so many corners of the world to seek You. I sense many of us feel like we are suffocating under the weight of the world and all of our worries.The enemy would love to keep us there but YOU have come to carry our burdens and give our hearts a place to breathe.
Even though we haven't all had time to read Chapter 3 and some are still a few chapters back, we receive your grace and know that we are right where You knew we'd be today! Help us take a few minutes to care for our hearts tonight. We ask that YOU would help us to feel the power of Your love, peace and grace as we pray these promise together:
Jesus, I pray that you would search me and know my heart; try (examine) me and know (show me) my anxious thoughts. Reveal to me if there is any hurtful way in me (towards myself or others), and lead me in Your ways. When concerns consume me, please remind me that You are with me, holding me by my right hand and guiding me with Your sweet counsel. It's so hard for me when my flesh and my heart fail, but I know You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever - and in that promise I find peace and comfort. Help me turn my burdens over to You tonight, knowing that You will take care of me and all that I care about.
Remind me that You are my shepherd, and my Provider so that I shall not be in want. You promise that when I dwell in the shelter of You, the Most High, I can rest in the shadow of You, the Almighty. You are my refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes (and my worries and doubts), and with Your right hand You save me. Lord, I want to seek you and trust You to show me the path You have for my life so that I can be filled with joy and peace in Your presence.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Based on Psalms 139:23–24; 73:23–26; 55:22; 23:1; 91:1–2; 138:7; 16:11."

1 comment:

Julie said...

Some of us have read Chapter 3, but just haven't blogged about the questions yet. It's probably a good thing for us to go over it this Friday, it's a good chapter. :)