Friday, Sept. 9

Welcome to the daily prayer guide for the month of September! Today is Friday, Sept. 9.

Morning

For our time of praise, pause to consider the many names ascribed to God, and why we use those names. Here are some examples from Scripture: I Am; Lord Over All; The Lord My Shepherd; The Lord Our Healer; The Lord Our Banner; The Most High God; God Everlasting; God Almighty; The Ancient of Days; Lion of Judah; Horn of Salvation; The Vine; The Word.

We’ve been reminded the past few days that confession is an important part of prayer. Take time to release to God what needs to be removed from your life, and allow the Holy Spirit to rush into the void created. Again, you may want to use Psalm 51:1-10 as your guide. Hear the good news: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

Having praised God and confessed sin, move to any petitions you may have. Try moving from broad global concerns to very personal requests, along these lines: from global, to national, to local, to church, to family and finally, to petitions for yourself.

Take time to read these Bible verses in a contemplative and meaningful way: Genesis 7:6-10, 8:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-10.

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

Noon

Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Let me also offer you a prayer specifically for the middle of the day:

“Lord of All Our Days, keep me connected to your desires for the world around me as I proceed with the tasks before me. I feel I have much to accomplish, but do not let my plans interfere with yours. If I feel sidetracked by what otherwise seems holy, help me to understand that I have found the true path. Amen.”

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.

Continue the meditative prayer time in the evening. At a minimum, practice symbolically inhaling grace and exhaling sin.

Sleep well; dream of full union with God and the reunions that will accompany that glorious day.