Tuesday, Sept. 6

Welcome to the daily prayer guide for the month of September! Today is Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Morning

Once again, remember that you pray to Holy God Almighty, establishing the right mindset as you begin prayer. Be reverential; be in awe; be in worship.

Perhaps these words will help: God Above All, God of this World, God in My Heart, be first in my life today. May you be glorified throughout the day as I praise you with thoughts, words and actions. May all I do align with your desire for a world restored and remade. Amen.

Having praised God, move to any petitions you may have, but be sure to pray for others first. Remember your family, asking that the truth of Jesus Christ be firmly implanted in their hearts. Continue to remember the sick, the lonely, the anxious, the needy and the spiritually lost. Pray for them by name.

Take time to read these Bible verses in a contemplative and meaningful way: Psalm 101; Jeremiah 19:1-15; 1 Timothy 4:6-16.

Pray for your church and its role in the world, remembering its leaders in particular today.

Give yourself a few minutes of silence before resuming your day.

Noon

Like yesterday, pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly, thinking about the pattern it establishes:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” (Remember, God is holy!)

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (This is an act of submission.)

“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Ask God to help with immediate needs day after day, not for extravagant long-term provision up front. Feel free to bring those up now.)

“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (The first part is rooted in what Christ has done for us on the cross; the second part may be harder, as we are called to forgive those who have wounded us physically, spiritually or emotionally in some way.)

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Don’t just avoid doing really bad stuff. Instead of settling for what society might call “good,” choose Best, the action most aligned with God’s will. Really challenge yourself as you make moral choices.)

Again, give yourself a few minutes of silence before resuming your day.

Night

As you review your day, pay attention to how conscious you were of God’s presence.

I hope you are continuing the meditative prayer time in the evening. Don’t be surprised if you have a breakthrough in this area this week. If you are just beginning to try meditative prayer, you can review “Life and Breath” and “Under Water.“

Rest well, knowing God works even in our dreams to grow us in understanding and faith.