Tracy's Blog

Ever wonder how to pray for those you are concerned about? In his letters, Paul often prays for the recipients. In the next few weeks, we are going to pray through a few of these prayers. Our first one is from Ephesians. It is a beautiful prayer asking for two things we all need: Christ dwelling in our hearts and to know His love. Ephesians 3:16-19 (New International Version, ©2011) 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Suggested Exercise: Pray this prayer for someone you know who needs the strength and love of God. To do this simply replace the "y...

Since our focus for this Lent is praying prayers from the New Testament, I thought it would be very appropriate to pray the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. Now this will take more concentration than you may expect because of the familiarity of the prayer. Even Timmy, our two year old, can be heard mumbling the words to this prayer when we pray it as a family. Although it is wonderful that he is starting to learn to pray the "Our Father", the reality is that he doesn't understand the meaning of many of the words and is just saying it by rote. Often I'll find myself starting the Lord's Prayer and not quite remembering if I finished it or not because I don't even have to think about it to say it. My hope is that this Lenten exercise will facilitate faith-filled, honest prayer to our Gracious God. Matthew 6:9-13 (New International Version, ©2011) 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, you...

The prayer for this week comes from a parable Jesus told about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the temple. As he tells the story, Jesus compares both the postures and the content of the men's prayers. Jesus tells us that it is the penitent one who is justified before God not the man who was confident of his own righteousness. To read the full story click here . Let us, those who are not righteous in ourselves, who need the Lord's forgiveness, join with the tax collector in humbling ourselves before God as we pray: ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ Luke 18:13b (New International Version, ©2011) Suggested Exercise: Each evening as you go to bed take time to confess your sins and ask for forgiveness using this prayer. Step 1: Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of sin Step 2: Confess any sin that comes to mind by saying: "Lord, I have sinned by.... (admit the specific thought, word, or deed). Step 3: Pray for pardon: "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Ste...

Each week in Lent, I am going to share prayers from the New Testament and ask that you consider praying that prayer daily throughout that week. The blog may end up containing spiritual exercises more than personal reflections although I'd love to hear from you on your experiences and reflections in the comments section. Today, being the start of Lent is a little different. The passage I want us to consider is one that calls us to repentance and submission, to cleansing and movement toward God, to sorrow over sin and a humble posture before God. It is not a prayer per se but contains several imperatives that are obeyed in prayer. James 4:6-10 (New International Version, ©2011) 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-min...

to read the passage, click here . In this last section of Philippians, Paul's main focus is the gifts the Philippians have sent to him via Epaphroditus. I find this to be an stimulating portion of Scripture to think through our needs, God's provision, and the role of others (specifically the church) in meeting our needs. Included in this reading is the famous passage: "11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength." which separates our contentment from our needs being met. We are content in Christ (see November 3 ). But Paul doesn't deny that we have real needs which require the help of others (4:16). What is interesting to me is the interdep...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6,7) Most people have experienced some sort of anxiety and long for peace. The above passage gives us a promise of peace that is beyond our comprehension. It is sourced in God and has the power to protect both heart and mind. I rely heavily on the promise of this verse when I struggle with worry. Here I am, over 20 years since I first memorized this passage, and I'm more confident now that God can give me His peace. I'm also more aware of the immediate context of the verses and that the appropriation of the peace of God is not some random occurance but a gift given as part of the larger gift of God Himself. To read Philippians 4:2-9, click here . The first thing I notice in this 2011 edition of NIV is that "agree...