O God of the Bible Whose Son Jesus died to save us,

          You are the merciful God who longs to bless us. Every one of us has enjoyed innumerable good things poured out by you – everything from food, shelter and safety to economic prosperity. Yet unbelievably we have turned our backs on you, refusing to obey the instructions for daily living found in your Word. We live however we want. We do what feels right to us instead of obeying the things you say are right.

          We live as though you aren’t watching.

But you are.

And unless we repent, not only is our status as a world power at stake, our very existence as a nation is at stake. Yet you are compassionate and never willing to see anyone suffer unnecessarily. If you had found ten righteous people in Sodom, you would have spared that city. If you find enough righteous men, women and children in our country, if you see individuals turning from sin and calling out to you, we will be spared. We will continue to be blessed.

          Open our eyes to our sins. Show us that our problems lie far beneath the surface. We confess that

·       Our problem is not a weak stock market and a failing economy; our problem is that we have rejected the One True God.

·       Our problem is not simply joblessness and homelessness; our problem is that we have ordered the Ten Commandments out of all public places.

·       Our problem is not a school system that rates lower than it should and tolerates bullying; our problem is that we have outlawed prayer in our schools.

·       Our problem is not simply an epidemic of divorce; our problem is that the average American shrugs at sexual immorality and shame has disappeared.  

·       Our problem is not just violence in the streets and schools; our problem is that parents no longer understand how to teach or enforce right from wrong.

·       Our problem is not a corrupt government; our problem is that we the people prefer, and vote for, economic security over righteousness.

We confess these sins, Jesus. We take the responsibility to pray for our nation on our own shoulders. We believe one person can accomplish great things and change our nation, but only through obedience and prayer. Amen.

Supporting verses:

Several thousand years ago, in the book of Lamentations the prophet Jeremiah wrote about the fall of a great world power:

“How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow she has become, she who was great among nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave. . . . because the LORD has afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions . . .

Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore she became filthy; all who honored her despise her. The LORD is in the right for I have rebelled against his word.. . . Because I have been very rebellious. . . . And on the day of the anger of the LORD no one escaped or survived; those who I held and raised my enemy destroyed . . .”

Yet there is hope: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. . . . Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD! Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven. . . . The LORD is good to those who wait for him to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. For the Lord will  not cast off forever, but though he cause grief; he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.. . . Give yourself no rest, your eyes no respite! Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord!” 

Holy God, Father of Truth,

You see each of us. You watch every action and hear every thought. You are completely aware how often we fall short of your plans for us . . . and yet you still love us and call us to come you. You invite us to belong to you.Your Word tells us to imitate you so we can be holy as you are holy.

You are Truth, Father, and you want us to speak Truth – not just to one other but in our in own hearts. Thank you for providing the tools for us to search for and find Truth. You gave us your Word, which is Truth. All your commandments are true. You sent the Spirit of Truth to dwell in us and reveal Truth to us.

Help us value your Truth and not turn from it. Teach us to examine ourselves and be willing to acknowledge Truth in our hearts. Give us the courage to face the Truth about ourselves and others even when it is painful. We give you permission to call us up short when we’re tempted to be dishonest and twist the Truth. Give us the wisdom not to be fooled by deceitful smooth words and help us accomplish that without judgment or rancor. We pledge to seek out and speak Truth. Please guide us to think noble thoughts and speak pure honest words. We pray these things in the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.

Supporting verses:

“God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” Psalm 53:2,3

“Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.” Psalm 15:2

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16, 17

“But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true.” Psalm 119:151

“Sanctify them in your truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17

“Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth.” Proverbs 8:6,7

O Jehovah, Holy God of the Bible,

           We stand in awe of you. You name is great, your works impossibly magnificent. Since the beginning of time there has been no other God. You made the stars and named each one. You have even numbered the hairs on our heads.

We should fear your awesome power, Lord, because fear of you is where wisdom begins. Instead, we take your love for granted and do whatever feels good to us, whatever we decide is right.We ignore your Word and flaunt our evil choices. We’re more influenced by friends and the media than by you.

That is not okay, Jesus. As a matter of fact, you warn repeatedly of disaster if we continue to disobey – calamity both for individuals and nations. Despite prevailing opinion to the contrary (even in many churches) you won’t always “fix” things for us. Yes, you love us and forgive if we turn back to you. You are merciful and give us more time to change than we deserve.

But if we continually harden our hearts by refusing to listen to your counsel and obey you, we will eventually reap what we have sewn. We’ll eat the fruit of our own choices and have our fill of our own devices. You will withdraw your hand of protection. We’ll suffer the consequences of our own actions. Our own complacency will destroy us.

Help us, Lord! Show us how to change our own lives and hearts. We need your strength and wisdom. Open our ears to hear your voice calling out to us. Soften our hearts so that they yearn to follow you; give us wisdom to recognize our failings and show us how we can fill our responsibilities.

We believe that if individuals return to you, our nation can be restored one godly person at a time. Though we don’t deserve it, allow us more time to repent and seek you; Jesus. Save us! Amen.

Supporting verses:

“To whom will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers. To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see, who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.” Is. 40:18, 25, 26

Purpose of the Solomon’s teaching: “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth. Let the wise hear and increase in learning; and the one who understands obtain guidance. The fear if the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Prov. 1:2-7

“Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer, they will seek me diligently will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat of the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Prov. 1:24 - 33

Father in Heaven,

I sit in front of the television tonight weeping and praying as I watch killer tornadoes sweeping across the middle portion of our country, headed for friends and loved ones. I cover them with fervent prayer as I write and I know many, many other Christians are also praying. And I know you hear our prayers.

News from the aftermath of the storms breaks our hearts. The unbelievable numbers of injured, missing and dead staggers us. Pictures of destroyed homes and lives are difficult to view. It’s nearly impossible to wrap our minds around the thought that each number represents a human being. Each destroyed building once housed a family.

We know that this breaks your heart, too, Jesus, because you created these people. They’re our brothers and sisters, but they’re your children. You love them and you know your children are grieving, Lord. You know their pain won’t go away anytime soon.

But you see what we don’t see. You see all the ways you will work things out for their good. You how you will bring good out of this evil. You know the ways you will comfort and heal them. You know how you’ll provide for their physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

We can trust you to help them.

I’m so thankful for the strong character I see in the survivors. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear someone say they prayed to God during the tornado. I feel humbled when they express gratitude for their own survival and for the other lives you protected -- even though they lost everything. Obviously they value life more than possessions. You see that attitude, Lord, and I believe it blesses you, too. We thank you because we know you will not forsake them. We trust you completely, Jesus. Amen.

Supporting verses:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:1-3

“I, I am he who comforts you.” Isaiah 51:12

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.” Colossians 1:3

O Lord, Maker of Heaven and Earth,

            We reach out in a big group hug to those reading this who need your comfort and assurance about financial, emotional, relational and health worries. Bless them, Jesus. Comfort them. Help them remember they aren’t alone. Enable them to soak up the warmth of our unified love and prayers for them, but more importantly remind them that it is you, the Creator of the Universe, we seek on their behalf. And we know you hear our prayers and will comfort and help them.

            Let them feel your strong presence and love during this time. Teach them to draw close to you as you bless them in the spiritual realms in ways they couldn’t even imagine.

Thank you that there is real help when we call out to you, and thank you that you have compassion on us when we’re in need and promise to grant our requests. In the name of your Son Jesus, amen.  

Supporting verses:

“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place – no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:7-9

 “In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come.” Psalms 71:1-3

“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:19,20

“Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.” Psalm 49:13

Father God,


You told us long ago that as long as we live in this world we will have troubles. You simply promised to rescue us when problems make an appearance. Though you did not cause the evil that makes us suffer, you graciously teach us endurance and develop our character through those troubles.

Today we call out to you on behalf of our brothers and sisters in the South who are suffering because of tornadoes and flooding.

• You are the God of Love. Allow them to feel your love.

• You are their Refuge. Safely shelter them during these storms. Keep them from danger, illness, wild animals, snakes, disease and anyone who would take advantage of the situation.

• You are their Comforter. Please comfort them.

• You are the God of Peace. Use these troubles to still hearts and heal faltering relationships.

• You give supernatural strength when needed. Give the mental, physical and emotional strength they’ll need to deal with the storms.

• You are their Provider. Provide food, shelter, as well as the funds and supplies they will need to rebuild lives.

• You are the God of Wisdom. Clear up any confusion that presses down on them and show them where and how to proceed.

Help them stand on the sure knowledge that you have never and will never abandon

them or let them down. Give them determination to face trouble with courage.

Thank you for allowing us to pray in your name for these precious people. Please show those of us who can, exactly how we should help. We pray in your name, Jesus, amen.


Supporting verses:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1,2

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28 - 31

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Josh. 1:9

“But that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” Phil. 1:20

Though this prayer is an encore from my unpublished book Addict Prayers, I believe it applies to most of us.



Holy God,
I admit I am powerless over my entrenched habits and addictions and my only hope for healing comes from you. You are not simply a nameless higher power. You are the Only God and there is no other god. You are Creator, Jehovah, the I AM, powerful God of the Old Testament, Father of Jesus Christ the Messiah. You are King over all the kings who ever lived.


Yet, because of the death and resurrection of your precious Son Jesus, you allow me to approach you boldly. How incredible! Thank you!


You are omniscient — you knew me before I was born, you still see everything I do, you know my thoughts. You know how weak I am. You know that I am only dust and prone to wander from you and your ways. I am awestruck that you could know all that and still love me, but you do.


Thank you!


You are omnipotent — you can do anything you want. You are the only one who has the power to take away and forgive my sins. I completely submit myself, my will, to you. Heal me. Transform me into your masterpiece. Teach me your truths as I read the Bible. Send wise friends who can advise me. I am willing to obey you — make me willing to obey you. You have rescued me. I know victory comes through you. I owe you my deepest love and gratitude. Thank you that instead of seeing me as someone unworthy – the way I view myself so often – you treasure me as your beloved child. Because your son lives inside me you impute his righteous to me. Thank you!






Supporting verses (the majority from the ESV) . . .


“O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You . . . are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1, 4


“For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103: 14


“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Eph. 2:10 NLT


Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6