Our Heavenly Prize

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Dear Almighty God!

I lift all those up to you who greet this day in pain and illness, sorrow, loss, grief, confusion, and stress. Those who are lonely, uncertain, unsteady, anxious, and fearful: the unsaved. This is not how you intend us to live. This is not the life that Jesus Christ came to give to the world. This is not the gift that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection freely gives each one of us. The Bible tells us, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36)!

Father, draw each one burdened and laid low by the fiery darts of the enemy, close to you.
Whisper affirmations of unconditional and inseparable words of love into their heart. Give them total reassurance that you are with them, wherever they go (Joshua 1:9). You know every detail of their trial and you will not allow them to stand alone. Your love for your children compels your mighty hand of mercy and grace to prevail in all things. Not one is without your guidance and protection. Father, bring to their remembrance your Word of Truth, past blessings where you have announced yourself in their lives and brought victory into a situation where they only saw defeat and failure. You are our only hope, and we call on you this morning to restore hope into the hearts of those who see none.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging…The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11).

Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name (1 Chronicles 29:11-13).

Hallelujah!

Father, bless each one with peace, love, joy, comfort, healing, a great knowledge of you, and an undeniable, uncontainable, ever-seeking desire and closeness with you. No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me declares the LORD (Isaiah 54:17).

We have trust and great faith that you have spoken. Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless (Psalm 119:89-96).

It is You, Almighty God, the One whom we love and serve, who delivers us from the fire. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel, we say the very same to our enemy today, “We do not need to defend ourselves in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace [hardships: trouble, pain, sickness, emotional distress, and dysfunction], the God we serve is able to deliver us [Salvation and Glory] from it, and he will deliver us [deliverance here on this earth or deliverance into our permanent home with Him in heaven], we will be delivered…we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up [sin and hardship, the enemy who distracts and steals our attentions and adorations for God] (Daniel 3:16-18). All glory is given to God for He has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14).

How sweet are your words to my taste [how awesome is your comfort and peace, your love and joy in those times of discontent and battle, your rescue, redemption, and restoration], your words are sweeter than honey to my mouth [to my heart, to my life]. Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way (Psalm 119:103). Nothing compares to you! You are more than enough for us! How satisfied, and full we are in You, our Daily Provision, Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides.

Thank you, Father, for taking tender care of all those who greeted this day downtrodden. Thank you, Father, that the power of your love, your Truth, and your Holy Presence has lifted each one so that they can taste your goodness, a piece of Heaven.

Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near; 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 your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4-9).

How we love you Father and thank you for this day! Thank you for your inspired Word! Thank you for hearing our prayers and answering! In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen!

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All Scripture taken from the New International Version (NIV).

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