Have you ever come to a crossroad in your life and wondered if you can really trust God to show you the right way? Will God really deliver on His promise to direct your path?
I don’t know how it is for you, but God always has better plans for me than I have had for myself. When I was eighteen years old and thinking about what my life’s occupation would be, I was sure that I would be a school music teacher. God had other plans. He wanted me to travel and use my musical abilities in evangelism.
Later on, when I turned thirty, God directed my path to lead worship in a church. I had never considered leading worship. But again, God knew me better that I knew myself
Later on in life, (in my forties). I thought I would write music full-time for a living and stop leading worship. God had other plans. He wanted me to travel again and lead worship all over the world. He wanted to be involved with seeing thousands of people accept Jesus and to see some amazing miracles and healing. God has always had a better plan for my life than I have!
My life’s verse, the Bible passage that God brings to my memory again and again, is Proverbs 3:5-6… ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.’
God has shown me, time after time, that He will direct my paths. If I try to figure things out using my own wisdom, I am invariably wrong. I have learned that God just wants me to trust Him and acknowledge Him in everything I do (i.e. put Him first place in all my activities). He has promised to show me the right path from there.
I love the part of the verse that says ‘don’t lean on your own understanding’. That is often very hard to for me to do! My human mind wants to figure things out for myself, to make my own goals and plans. But, I’ve learned that God goals and plans are so much better than mine.
So take my advice. Trust God. When you get to those crossroad in your life, learn to trust what God is saying to you. Seek God, spend some time reading the Bible, praying and maybe even fasting. God really does have a better plan for your life than you can imagine!
As I was reading Romans 12 this morning, Paul’s words, “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically,” challenged me. They reminded me of the essential role that a strong work ethic plays in worship ministry. Too often, we may find our teams stagnating—not because of a lack of talent or resources, but because we aren’t fully committing ourselves to the work with the enthusiasm and diligence Paul speaks of.
One of the key ways we demonstrate this commitment is by serving our teams well. It’s not just about what happens on stage during a worship set; it’s about the preparation, organization, and leadership that go on behind the scenes. Hard work and intentionality create an environment where teams can flourish and reach new levels of excellence. Here are some practical ways to serve your music team well:
1. Serve by being organized
Give your team song lists and charts at least 4-7 days before rehearsal. This allows them time to practice and come prepared. Being ahead of the game creates space for creativity and fosters a sense of confidence.
2. Serve by scheduling early
Schedule your team a minimum of 3-4 weeks in advance. This helps them plan their time and prioritize their ministry involvement. When people know their commitments ahead of time, they can offer their best with a sense of peace, not scrambling to fit things in.
3. Serve with quality resources
Provide great charts and clear recordings for your team to work from. When your musicians have the right tools, they can focus on honing their skills and nailing their parts rather than being confused by unclear resources.
4. Serve by preparing the space
Set up the rehearsal space and gear each week, so that everything is ready and organized when your team arrives. This simple step shows respect for their time and removes distractions, helping everyone focus on the music and the mission.
5. Serve by respecting time
Start and finish rehearsals on time. Time management communicates that you value your team’s commitments. It also instills discipline and creates a rhythm that benefits the entire team.
6. Serve by being prepared yourself
Know your personal musical parts well and be ready to assist others with theirs. Whether it’s helping with vocal harmonies or instrumental sections, your preparedness will elevate the rehearsal experience and inspire confidence in your team.
7. Serve by being spiritually prepared
Finally, don’t neglect the spiritual preparation. Spend time with God before you lead or rehearse. Lead from a place of spiritual overflow, so your team knows you care about them not just as musicians, but as individuals growing in Christ.
Hard work in music ministry isn’t just about playing the right notes or executing a flawless set—it’s about offering our entire lives as living sacrifices to the Lord. Music is a very powerful way to glorify God and build His church. Paul’s challenge to “never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically” is a call to approach every aspect of our ministry with reverence, diligence, and passion.
When we give our best, we allow God to work powerfully through us. And when that happens, it’s a beautiful and transformative thing for the entire church.
This is a question many of us wrestle with at different points in our lives. It’s a question that often arises when we’re faced with illness or watching someone we care about suffer. As a pastor and someone who has experienced healing personally, I, too, have pondered this difficult issue. While we may not fully grasp why God chooses to heal some and not others, there are a few biblical truths that can anchor us as we navigate this profound mystery.
1. God Still Heals
One thing I know for certain is that God still heals today. The Bible is filled with accounts of miraculous healings, from the Old Testament to the New. In fact, Jesus spent a significant portion of His earthly ministry healing the sick. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The same power that healed the blind, the lame, and the leprous still heals today.
I’ve experienced healing in my own life, and I have personally seen many others who have been miraculously touched by the hand of God. This gives me confidence in God’s ability and willingness to heal. When we approach God with faith, we can trust that He hears our prayers and has the power to intervene in supernatural ways.
2. The Mystery of God’s Will
Despite the clear reality that God heals, we also must face the fact that not everyone is healed—at least not in the way we expect or hope for. This can be incredibly difficult to understand, especially when we are praying fervently for ourselves or others.
God’s will is often a mystery to us. Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” Sometimes God’s purposes in allowing suffering or withholding healing are beyond our comprehension. This doesn’t mean God is indifferent to our pain, but it does remind us that His wisdom is infinitely greater than our own.
One biblical example that comes to mind is the apostle Paul. He prayed three times for God to remove a “thorn in the flesh,” but God did not take it away. Instead, God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). In Paul’s case, God allowed him to live with this weakness to teach him greater reliance on divine strength. In the same way, God’s purposes in our lives might involve something deeper than physical healing.
3. The Role of Faith in Healing
Throughout Scripture, faith is often tied to healing. Jesus frequently told those He healed, “Your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22, Luke 17:19). James 5:15 tells us, “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.” Faith is a powerful force that connects us to God’s healing power.
But faith is not a magic formula. It’s important to remember that healing is not dependent solely on the strength of our faith, nor does a lack of healing indicate a lack of faith. There are people of tremendous faith who have not received the healing they’ve sought, and we must be careful not to add to their burden by implying that they are at fault for not being healed.
4. Healing Comes in Many Forms
While we often think of healing as being purely physical, the truth is that God’s healing can take many forms. Physical healing is just one aspect of God’s restorative power. Emotional, relational, and spiritual healing are equally significant, and sometimes more so. A person may not be physically healed in this life, but they might experience a deeper healing in their soul—a peace, a joy, or a closeness to God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Additionally, as believers, we hold onto the promise of ultimate healing in the life to come. Revelation 21:4 gives us this assurance: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Even when healing doesn’t come in this life, we can rest in the hope of resurrection and eternal restoration.
5. Our Responsibility to Keep Praying
Although we may not always understand why some are healed and others are not, we are called to keep praying. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In heaven, there is no sickness, no pain, and no death. When we pray for healing, we are asking for a glimpse of that heavenly reality to break through into our earthly lives.
The Bible encourages us to be persistent in prayer. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow, illustrating the importance of continuing to ask and not giving up. When we pray for healing, we do so in obedience to God’s Word, trusting that He hears us, loves us, and has our best interests at heart.
Conclusion
In the end, we may never fully understand why God heals some and not others. But we do know this: God is good, God still heals, and we are called to keep praying in faith, trusting His wisdom and sovereignty. Our prayers may not always be answered in the way we expect, but we can trust that God is at work, both in our lives and in the lives of those we pray for.
As we navigate the complexities of sickness, suffering, and healing, may we find comfort in the fact that God is always with us, providing grace and strength, even in the midst of unanswered prayers.
This is a message not only of faith but also of trust—trust that God’s ways are higher than ours, and trust that His love for us remains constant, even in the face of mystery.
My pastor recently asked me to participate in his message on Sunday by answering this question: Mark – You are a husband, a father and a grandfather, you have served in ministry with your wife, you have raised your kids and now they serve in ministry, you have grandkids now. How have you balanced serving and family, and what has been the impact on your family that you still see to this day?
Here is my response:
Thank you for this opportunity to share. As a husband, father, and now grandfather, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is the value of daily time with God, reading His Word, and being faithful to His house. My wife, Anna, and I prioritized having a healthy, loving marriage, fostering a peaceful home, praying daily for our children, attending church weekly, and involving our children in serving in God’s house.
We also made it a point to enjoy life with our kids, planning yearly holidays and family outings like sailing, house-boating, skiing, amusement parks, and camping. We were blessed to give them a broader perspective of God’s work around the world by taking them on mission trips to Africa, Europe, Asia, and the US.
At home, we encouraged our children to use their gifts and talents to glorify God and serve the church. We reinforced the importance of reading the Bible daily, attending and serving in their youth groups, loving the church, and being part of worship teams whenever opportunities arose.
Even after they grew up and moved out, we continued our tradition of weekly family dinners, where we kept the conversation positive about the church and its leaders. We celebrated their spiritual milestones, such as water baptisms, and prayer remained a key part of our family life, especially before meals. Our goal has always been to model what it means to follow Jesus, both in private and in public.
Today, we see the fruit of those efforts in the lives of our children and grandchildren. My daughter, who is married to a pastor, serves as a worship pastor at a large campus in Napa, California, and my son and his wife are part of the worship team and children’s ministry at their church in Toronto.
It’s a blessing to watch my 15-year-old granddaughter lead worship in her youth group, and my 13-year-old grandson play drums. We eagerly anticipate how God will work in the life of our 3-year-old granddaughter.
I love the words of the Old Testament Joshua when he declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” As grandparents, we believe deeply in authentically modeling God’s faithfulness, encouraging, and teaching our grandchildren. I now have the joy of teaching my grandkids piano and guitar weekly, and I can see the seeds of faith and service that were planted in our family through our commitment to loving and serving God.
I am deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness and how He continues to work in the lives of each of our kids and grandkids. He truly is a good, good Father.
I love to compete in sports, especially racquet sports and I also love to lead worship. I have discovered that humility is a foundational principle in both life and faith, and it plays an essential role in the worlds of music and sports. Whether we are engaging in worship through music or competing on the court in a racquet sport, humility paves the way for personal growth, better performance, and deeper connection to God and others.
Drawing from both biblical wisdom and sports psychology, let’s explore how humility shapes our experience in these two areas.
Biblical Foundations of Humility
The Bible places a high value on humility, often linking it to wisdom, strength, and favor. Proverbs 22:4 says, “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.” Whether in music or sports, this wisdom holds true. Humility allows us to recognize our need for growth and grace, preventing pride from blocking our progress.
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul encourages believers, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” This humility isn’t about belittling ourselves but about recognizing our need for God’s grace and others’ contribution to our journey. As musicians, we serve the congregation by pointing them to God. As athletes, we respect our opponents and understand that the game itself can teach us lessons in perseverance and strategy.
Humility in Sports: A Path to Excellence
In sports, humility has a profound impact on performance. Sports psychology teaches that athletes who approach their sport with humility are more open to learning, improving, and adapting. This mindset aligns with the growth mindset theory, where athletes who believe they can always improve are more likely to push through challenges and setbacks. Humility opens the door to resilience, helping athletes avoid complacency or overconfidence, which often leads to underperformance.
When I play racquet sports, I notice that my game improves when I acknowledge that my opponent could beat me. This forces me to stay focused, work hard, and remain adaptable. If I allow pride to creep in—believing I am unbeatable or too skilled to fail—I lose focus and my performance suffers. Humility, however, keeps me in a state of readiness, where I am constantly refining my skills and strategies.
Sports psychologists also highlight the danger of overconfidence. While confidence is crucial for success, overconfidence often blinds athletes to their weaknesses, making them vulnerable during competition. Humility acts as a safeguard against this, ensuring that we stay grounded, keep learning, and respect the challenge before us.
Humility in Music: A Path to Worship
In music, particularly in the context of worship, humility has a unique role. As musicians leading others into God’s presence, it’s vital to remember that the purpose is not to showcase our talent but to point others toward God. Psalm 95:6 reminds us, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Worship is a humble act, acknowledging that God is the source of all talent and creativity.
Humility in music means being open to feedback, learning from other musicians, and recognizing that every song or service is a collaborative effort. Just like in sports, pride in music can hinder growth. A musician who believes they’ve “arrived” or mastered their craft may become stagnant. By contrast, a humble musician constantly seeks to improve and allows others to shine alongside them.
Worship leading, in particular, requires humility because it’s not about us. It’s easy to get caught up in how well we play or sing, but true worship comes when we focus on God’s glory, not our own. Humility opens our hearts to be vessels through which the Spirit can work, making our music more impactful.
Common Ground: Humility as a Path to Growth and Connection
Both in sports and music, humility fosters growth and connection. In sports, humility drives us to improve, respect our opponents, and learn from every game. In music, humility helps us stay open to creative collaboration, constructive feedback, and deeper spiritual connection during worship. Whether on the court or in the sanctuary, humility is key to bringing out the best in ourselves and others.
Finally, humility allows us to see the bigger picture. In sports, it’s not just about winning, but about enjoying the game and learning from it. In worship, it’s not about how well we perform, but about connecting with God and leading others into that connection. The more we humble ourselves, the more we make space for growth, grace, and excellence—both in our performance and in our hearts.
Conclusion
Whether you’re competing in a sport or leading worship through music, humility is a key to success and personal growth. From the sports arena or court to the stage, this virtue helps us remain focused, resilient, and open to the lessons and challenges that unfold along the way. As the Bible teaches, humility leads to honor, long life, and wisdom—and sports psychology shows us that it leads to excellence in performance as well. So let us embrace humility in every aspect of life, trusting that it will guide us toward greater fulfillment, purpose and excellence.
In a world obsessed with the pursuit of happiness, joy often feels elusive. We chase after success, relationships, experiences, and possessions, only to find that true joy remains just out of reach. Yet, the Bible speaks of a joy that transcends circumstances—a joy rooted not in fleeting pleasures, but in something eternal and steadfast. What is the secret to this kind of joy?
1. Joy is Found in God’s Presence
Psalm 16:11 reveals a profound truth: “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
The secret to joy begins with recognizing that it is not something we manufacture on our own. True joy is found in the presence of God. When we draw near to Him, when we walk closely with Him, we find the kind of joy that cannot be shaken by the ups and downs of life. This joy comes from knowing that we are loved, accepted, and cherished by the Creator of the universe.
2. Joy Comes Through Trusting God
In Romans 15:13, Paul writes: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Trust is essential to joy. When we trust God with our lives—our worries, our plans, our future—we experience a deep sense of peace. That peace opens the door to joy because it allows us to rest in the knowledge that God is in control, and He is good. Even in the face of uncertainty, we can rejoice, knowing that God’s plans are for our ultimate good (Jeremiah 29:11).
3. Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22 lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…”
Joy is not merely an emotion; it is the supernatural result of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. As we surrender to God’s Spirit, He produces joy in us. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but flows from a heart transformed by God’s grace. It is the kind of joy that endures through trials, challenges, and even suffering.
4. Joy in All Circumstances
One of the most surprising truths about biblical joy is that it is possible even in the midst of difficulty. The Apostle Paul, who endured immense suffering, wrote these astonishing words: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
How could Paul rejoice while imprisoned and persecuted? His joy was not tied to his circumstances but to his relationship with Christ. He knew that no matter what happened in this life, his hope and identity were secure in Jesus. This is the secret to joy in every season—our joy is rooted in the unchanging character of God.
5. Gratitude Fuels Joy
A grateful heart is a joyful heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Gratitude is a powerful tool in the pursuit of joy. When we focus on what we have—God’s love, His blessings, the gift of salvation—it shifts our perspective from what we lack to what we’ve already been given. This attitude of thankfulness transforms our hearts, allowing joy to flourish even in challenging times.
6. The Joy of Serving Others
Another key to joy is found in serving others. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). When we serve and love others as Christ did, we experience a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. Our lives become less about our own desires and more about living for God’s purposes. In pouring ourselves out for others, we find joy that is far more satisfying than anything we could seek for ourselves.
Joy in Every Season
The secret to joy is no mystery to those who seek it in the right place. It is found not in the temporary pleasures of this world, but in the eternal, unchanging presence of God. It is a joy that grows as we trust Him, as we walk in the Spirit, and as we serve others with grateful hearts. This joy is available to everyone, in every season of life—whether in times of abundance or in times of trial.
As we turn our hearts to God, let us remember the words of Nehemiah 8:10: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The joy of the Lord is not just a fleeting emotion—it is a source of strength, endurance, and hope. And that is the secret to a life of lasting joy.
One of the most profound truths of the Christian faith is the reality that God not only created us but desires to dwell within us. The idea of God living in us is more than just a theological concept; it is the very foundation of how we experience life, faith, and spiritual transformation. This divine indwelling is central to our relationship with God and our identity as His children.
God’s Presence: From Creation to Indwelling
Throughout Scripture, we see a God who is not distant or disengaged but deeply involved with His creation. From the moment God breathed life into humanity in Genesis, His intention was to be with us. The psalmist echoes this truth:
Psalm 139:7-10: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?”
This recognition of God’s omnipresence—His ability to be everywhere at once—extends beyond creation. While God is present in all things, the New Testament reveals an even more intimate relationship: God living within us. Through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, God moves from being around us to being within us.
Christ in Us: The Hope of Glory
Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, speaks of a “mystery” revealed through the Gospel:
Colossians 1:27: “To them God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
What does it mean for Christ to live in us? It means that through the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God—His love, wisdom, and power—takes residence within us. This truth transforms the way we view our lives. No longer are we simply human beings trying to live for God. Instead, we are vessels through whom God works, shaping our lives from the inside out.
This divine presence is the source of our strength, the core of our identity, and the assurance of our salvation. We are never alone because the living God is with us and in us.
The Holy Spirit: God’s Power Within
The Bible teaches that when we come to faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. Jesus promised this to His disciples before His death and resurrection:
John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”
This indwelling of the Holy Spirit means that God is no longer external—guiding from a distance—but internal, actively transforming our hearts and minds. The Spirit empowers us to live out our faith, convicts us of sin, leads us into truth, and fills us with the very presence of God.
Through the Holy Spirit, we are connected to God in a profound way. This relationship is personal, dynamic, and life-changing. The more we yield to the Spirit’s work, the more our lives reflect Christ.
God Living Through Us: The Call to Action
The indwelling presence of God is not just for our benefit. It is also the way God works through us to impact the world. When Paul says that “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13), he reminds us that we are vessels of divine power. God’s love, grace, and truth are meant to flow through us into a world in desperate need of hope.
As believers, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. This means that God’s presence within us should overflow into our actions, words, and relationships. When we live in the power of the Spirit, we become agents of change, shining the light of Christ wherever we go. It’s not by our strength, but by His presence within us.
Unity in the Body: God in All
Paul’s declaration that “there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all” (Ephesians 4:5-6) emphasizes not only the personal nature of God’s indwelling but also its communal aspect. God lives in each believer, creating a unity that binds us together as His family.
This unity is essential to the mission of the Church. The same Spirit that dwells in me dwells in you, and together we are part of God’s plan to bring His kingdom to earth. Our shared connection to the living God empowers us to love one another, serve one another, and work together for His glory.
Embracing the Presence of God in Us
The truth that God lives in us changes everything. It redefines how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we view our purpose in life. With God dwelling in us through His Spirit, we are never alone, never powerless, and never without hope. Christ in us is the hope of glory—the assurance that we are being transformed day by day into His image.
As we embrace the reality of God’s indwelling presence, we can live with confidence, knowing that He is working in and through us. Our lives are no longer our own; they are filled with the very life of God. May we daily seek to surrender to His Spirit, allowing God to live, move, and work through us for His glory and the good of the world.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20
Are you starting to lead worship in a new church? Has God called you to a new ministry? It can be intimidating! I have been working in music ministry for over thirty years. Let me share what I’ve learned from my personal experience.
1. God has called you and He has given you what you need to be successful.
When God calls you, He gives you the ability to do the job. My first full-time church job was conducting and writing for a 100 voice choir and 25 piece orchestra. I was 27 years old and totally intimidated. But God was faithful.
Time after time I have seen the hand of God challenging me to the next level of the ministry that He has called me to. Trust God, He is with you. He will give you the ability to do what is needed.
“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”~ Philippians 1:6 NLT
2.Take time to know the pastoral staff.
This is the team that God has called you to work with. Go for coffee with them. Get to know them as individuals. They are great people with great hearts. Learn to love them.
If you can, have a weekly meeting with the Lead Pastor. You need to know his heart and vision. And you need his support and help.
3. Make a list of the songs that the congregation has sung over the last year.
Start where the congregation currently is. Find the songs that they have been singing that also work for you. You never want to sing a bunch of songs that the congregation doesn’t know.
4.Make a list of all the musicians and singers and learn all their names.
The worship team (or choir and orchestra) is your flock, your spiritual responsibility. Learn to know them. Find out what they do and like as individuals. Learn their names. Learn to love them.
Recently, I asked each of the worship team to be my friends on Facebook. Then I used their Facebook pictures to make a list, so I could memorize their faces and names.
5.Get to know the culture of the church
Every church is different. Their music is different, their worship is different. You need to adapt to their culture. Sometimes it’s not the congregation that needs change, sometimes it’s us. Find out what the church does well and embrace it. But, also learn where they need to improve and slowly work on change.
6.Make changes slowly.
Congregations traditionally don’t like a lot of change. But, it is amazing how much you can change a congregation and worship team, if you are willing to do it slowly. Think long-term, think months and years instead of weeks.
7. Go for it!
When all is said and done, you have a job to do! They have asked you to lead because they think that you’re the best person for the job. Lead with boldness. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear, God is with you. Go for it!
This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal.
I love the prayer that Jesus used to teach us how to pray. Years ago I made a small laminated copy of this teaching on the Lord’s Prayer to help my prayer life. I still refer to it frequently when I am in extended times of prayer… Here is a copy for you.
“OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME”
Meditate on the reason that you can approach God as your Father, that reason being the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.
Thank God that you can call Him “Abba” and “Father” by virtue of that blood.
“HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME”
Listed below are eight of the compound Names of God. Jesus came in the Name of God.
“I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not accept Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? ~ John 5:43-44
Each of the eight Names is identified, passages of scripture are listed and possible prayer suggestions are given. Use this sheet as a resource for your own personal fellowship with God in the power and strength of His Name.
“JEHOVAH-JIREH”
“The Lord will provide.” Genesis 22:14
Jesus is my Provision. Galatians 3:13; Romans 8:1-2
Prayer: “Father, You are Jehovah-Jireh, my Provision. I praise Your Name that Jesus has become my Provision from the curse of the law and sin, and that He has become my source of blessing and success in Your Name.”
“JEHOVAH-ROPHE”
“The Lord Who heals.” Exodus 15:26
Jesus is my Healer. I Peter 2:24
Prayer: “Father, You are Jehovah-Rophe, my Healer. I praise Your Name that Jesus is the Healer of the hurts in my flesh, in my heart, in my spirit and in my body. I thank You that He wants to make me whole.”
“JEHOVAH-NISSI”
“The Lord is my Banner.”
Jesus is my Banner. Isaiah 11:10; Romans 1:3
Prayer: “Father, You are Jehovah-Nissi, my Banner. I praise Your Name that Jesus is the Standard I look to so that I can find my way back home to You.”
“JEHOVAH M’KADDESH”
“The Lord Who sanctifies.” Leviticus 20:8
Jesus, my Sanctifier. I Corinthians 6:11; I Thessalonians 5:23
Prayer: “Father, You are Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, the One Who sanctifies. I stand before You and ask to be conformed into the image of Your Son Who also is at work in me to break sin’s power over me.”
“JEHOVAH-SHALOM”
“The Lord is Peace.” Judges 6:24
Jesus is my Peace. Colossians 1:19-20
Prayer: “Father, You are Jehovah-Shalom. You are my peace. I praise Your Name that Jesus made the peace with You possible by His shed blood on the cross. And I praise Your Name that because of that reconciliation to You, I can have Your peace which passes all understanding and keeps my heart and mind in You.”
“JEHOVAH-ROHI”
“The Lord is my Shepherd.” Psalms 23
Jesus is my Shepherd. John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20
Prayer: “Father, You are Jehovah-Rohi, my Shepherd. I praise Your Name that Jesus has become my Shepherd and that He feeds, leads, protects and cares for me. I thank You that with Jesus as my Shepherd, I do not have to fear death.”
“JEHOVAH-TISIDKENU”
“The Lord, our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:5-6
Jesus our Righteousness. II Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:17-19
Prayer: “Father, You are Jehovah-Tsidkenu. You are my righteousness. I stand before You forgiven because of the blood of Your Risen Son. I have been made Your righteousness in Him.”
“JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH”
“The Lord is there.” Ezekiel 48:35
Jesus is my presence. Hebrews 13:5; Ephesians 2:19-22; Galatians 2:20
Prayer: “Father, You are Jehovah-Shammah. You are there and You have filled me with Your overflowing presence. And I praise You for the presence of Jesus which indwells me, and that You will never leave me nor forsake me.”
Make declarations of faith based upon what God has done for you.
Submit yourself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ
Pray in the Spirit, worshiping and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20; Ephesians 5:19
CONCLUSION: “Thank You, Jehovah Father, that Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ, came in Your Name. May He, by the power of the Holy Spirit, be entirely and completely the Lord of all of my life.”
“YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN”
Make a declaration of faith: “Come Kingdom of God, be done will of God.” (Read Romans 14:17 very carefully)
Major areas of your life that the declaration applies to:
a. Your Church
The Pastor’s
Elders:
Deacons:
Teachers:
Faithfulness of the people
The harvest: Lord use us to reach our city.
b. Your family
Your spouse:
Your children:
Other family members:
c. Yourself
Be sure you are right before the Lord
Ask Jesus to be seated on the throne of your life and to rule in every area, your work, , how you treat people, how you show love, your giving, etc.
Ask for strength from God through the Spirit to help you develop a consistent daily time of prayer
Seek the face of God – ask for eyes that see and ears that hear His voice.
Pray for a task in God’s Kingdom and in the local church.
d. Our Nation
City, state or province and national political leaders
Spiritual dominion
Revival
e. Worldwide missions
Specific missions
Specific nations
Your Christian brothers and sisters world-wide.
“GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD”
1. Trust the Lord for His provisions for you.
Base any requests on scriptural promises. Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:19; James 4:1-3
Study God’s word and add to your knowledge of the material promises of God then ask “in God’s will.” I John 5:14
2. Be specific
Bring specific needs daily before God. Luke 11:5-6. (The “neighbor asked not just for bread but for three loaves of bread!”)
Lay the need at His feet and trust Him instead of worrying
3. Be tenacious
Persevere in your requests. Luke 18:1-8; Hebrews 11:6
Praise God because He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord our Provider.
“AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE ALSO HAVE FORGIVEN OUR DEBTORS.”
1. Ask God to forgive you.
Part of this has been dealt with in “kingdom come, will of God be done in me.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life that are not pleasing to God.
Confess your sin – simple statement – difficult task!
Praise God that He is Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, the God that sanctifies.
2. Forgive as often as you want to be forgiven.
Acknowledge your great debt of sin that God has forgiven you.
Realize that your sins put Christ on the cross, and that as surely as His blood covers your sin it covers other people’s sins.
By an act of your own will, forgive those who have sinned against you and release them to God.
Pray for those who you perceive have wronged you.
3. Set your will to forgive anyone who sins against you this day.
Make up your mind to return good for evil by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit within you.
Make Matthew 5:44 a declaration of faith.
Pray that you will begin to experience the fruit of the spirit in your life in great measure. Galatians 5:22-23
“AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE.”
Put on the whole armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-18 – put each piece on with purpose and deliberation!
Build a hedge of protection – Psalms 91:2, 9, 14
Because you have made the Most High your dwelling – Psalms 91:9
Because you love the Lord – Psalms 91:14
Because you acknowledge the Lord’s name – Psalms 91:14
“FOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER”
1. The Kingdom:
Luke 12:32 – To give you the Kingdom
Colossians 1:12-14 – We are partakers in the Kingdom
II Timothy 4:18 – Brought to the heavenly Kingdom
2. A prayer of thanksgiving for being brought into His Kingdom
3. A declaration: “I am delivered from every evil work and will be brought safely to His kingdom.”
When I was a teenager, I played saxophone and clarinet in an old-fashioned church orchestra. This rag-tag group was at my home church, Glad Tidings, in Vancouver, Canada. A local millionaire (later he became a billionaire and one of Canada’s richest people) named Jimmy Pattison, attended our church and was asked to come and direct our very unpolished group of musicians for a season.
His leadership changed everything! Mr. Pattison was, and is, a fantastic motivator. First, he didn’t tolerate people being late. If you were one minute late, then don’t bother coming. Suddenly, everyone was early for rehearsal.
Secondly, Mr. Pattison knew how to bring fun and passion to a rehearsal. We didn’t have proper orchestration and written out parts like I write out for people now. We just winged it. He would photocopy some upbeat hymn and we learned to transpose our parts ‘on the fly’ . Then he would suddenly point at someone during our rehearsal and you were expected to stand up and play a solo.
If your solo bombed, you were out. But if your solo had potential than he would let you play it in the live church service that night in front of 800-1000 people. It got so I was always thinking ahead about what I would play, when and if he pointed at me. I bombed a few times, but for the most part I got better and better at improvising a solo on the spot. It was fun!
That ‘play it well’ or ‘bomb under pressure’ got to be a great challenge. There were a number of us who became regular soloists. He would point to a strong violinist, or ask for a drum solo, or point to an accordion, piano, sax or trumpet player. It was always fun to see who would rise to the occasion and who would bomb. You would get some friendly ribbing if you bombed. It was all part of the fun and excitement of playing with Mr. Pattison.
I also learned about generosity from Mr. Pattison. His giving is legendary. One Sunday morning, when we were raising money to build a new church. He came to the front and gave his personal testimony on giving, and then he donated a half a million dollars. His donation was matched by another family in the church and together they challenged the rest of the church to match their donations. The total pledges that morning were over 2.7 million dollars.
When Glad Tidings had it’s 75th Anniversary. I was asked to come back home and lead worship. Later on in the service, I introduced Mr. Pattison to do a trumpet solo. Earlier in the service, there had been an offering taken to put a new roof on the church. I believe the goal was to raise $125,000. When Mr. Pattison came up to play, he told the chairman of the board that he would top off whatever didn’t come in that offering. Off the top of his head, he probably donated $50,000-$70,000. Wow!
I remember his testimony about talking to his chief financial officer when his business was in a slump. He wanted to find out how much they had been giving. He realized that his success came from the Lord. He didn’t want to get behind in his giving.
My children and family benefited immensely from Mr. Pattison’s generosity and vision. He built and funded Pacific Academy, one of the premier Christian schools in Canada. I have no idea how many millions he poured into that institution, but my kids reaped the benefits of a world-class Christian education in a world-class facility. Thank you, Mr. Pattison. You are an inspiration!
Question: What people have influenced and motivated you? Do you believe in the power of giving?
