Psalm 16:1, 5-11 – a prayer of David

 

Keep me out of harm's way, O God,

for I’ve come to You for safe haven.

 

You alone are my legacy,

my cup of blessing.

You guard all that is mine.

 

What a pleasant place You have given me!

What a wonderful inheritance!

 

God bless You, Lord, for guiding me.

Even at night, You instruct my heart.

 

I know You are always with me.

With You right here, I will not be shaken!

 

No wonder my glad heart rejoices,

for I rest in safety, knowing

You will not abandon my soul to death,

nor let Your Holy One decay in a grave.

 

You will show me The Way of Life in You,

granting me joy in Your presence

and the pleasure of living with You

forever.

 

 

from the Book of Bible Prayers

Mary Harwell Sayler 

Praying for those who labor

 

Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus promised, “Come to Me you who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

How often do we place unnecessary loads on our own shoulders, Lord, or struggle to do jobs that aren’t ours but Yours? How often do we let our ambitions and egos get in the way of Your Way?

Help us to be kindly taskmasters toward ourselves and other people over whom we have influence.
 

Help us to recognize and receive Your easy yoke without squirming or flinching or trying to shift the light weight we’re to carry onto someone else.

Thank You, Lord, for promising a reward of rest to Your followers. Help us to rest easy in You.

 

 

from Kneeling on the Promises of God 

Mary Harwell Sayler 

 

 

A prayer of Abraham

 

Fads change. Technology continues to advance. Cultural customs and social traditions don't approve of something one year, but later say it’s okay. 

However, God does not change, and neither do the basic needs of people. We all need water, food, clothing, shelter, and love. No matter the time or place, caring parents want the best for their children.

This brief Bible prayer of Abraham undoubtedly speaks for parents, grandparents, and other caretakers today.

 

Genesis 17:18

Oh, that my child
might live in Your
presence, Lord,
and be under Your
blessing!

 

Yes! Amen!

 

Mary Harwell Sayler
from the Book of Bible Prayers