Forgive My Transgressions

Ever-forgiving Savior, my guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. By concealing my sins, I do not spiritually prosper. But I will confess my sins and renounce them that I may obtain Your mercy. For who is a God like You, who pardons my sin and forgives my transgressions? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. Lord, have compassion on me. Tread my sins underfoot and hurl all my iniquities into the depths of the sea. (Ps. 38:4; Prov. 28:13; Mic. 7:18-19, all paraphrased)

1. Confess your sins. 

2. What areas of your life do you need the Lord's compassion and mercy?

Rest Securely in Him

Lord, let Your hand rest on me. Then I will not turn away from You; revive me, and I will call on Your name. Restore me, O Lord God Almighty; make Your face shine upon me that I may be saved. As Your beloved child, I will rest secure in You, for You shield me all day long, and because of Your love for me, I will rest between Your shoulders. (Ps. 80:17a, 18-19; Deut. 33:12, all paraphrased, A Woman’s Walk with God, 24)

My Refuge and Hiding Place

I will take refuge in You, Lord; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in Your righteousness. For the sake of Your name lead and guide me. Free me from the traps I’ve set for myself; be my refuge and safe haven. Hide me in the shelter of Your presence. You alone are my refuge and hiding place; protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Ps. 31:1, 3b-4, 20a; 32:7, all paraphrased)

1. Do you have any traps that prevent you from finding refuge and a safe haven in the Lord?

Godly Fruit

Lord, fill ___________________ with the wisdom that comes from heaven, which is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Enable them to live by the fruit of Your Spirit—by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Make them peacemakers who sow in peace in order to raise a harvest of righteousness. Then they will be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through You, Jesus Christ, and to Your glory, honor, and praise, O God. (James 3:17; Gal. 5:22-23a; James 3:18; Phil. 1:11 paraphrased)

1. This is a prayer for another person. Fill in the name of the person on the blank line.  

Rest for My Soul

Lord God, my Protector, because I know Your name I will trust in You, for You have never forsaken those who seek You. Teach me the right way to live. Then my soul will find rest in You alone. I will trust in You at all times. I will pour out my heart to You, for You are my refuge. Hear my voice in accordance with Your love. O Lord, renew my life. (Ps. 9:10; 2 Chron. 6:26b; Ps. 62:1a, 8; 119:149, all paraphrased)

1. Pour out your heart to the Lord. 

Soar On Wings Like an Eagle

Everlasting Lord, Creator of the ends of the earth, do I not know? Have I not heard? You do not grow tired or weary. You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. When I grow tired and weary, and stumble and fall, I will hope in You, Lord, for You will renew my strength. Then I will soar on wings like an eagle; I will run and not grow weary; I will walk and not be faint. (Isa. 40:28-31 paraphrased)

 1. It is wonderful to think that when we grow weary and weak the Lord will renew our strength.  In what areas of your life do you need renewed strength?

Wholehearted Devotion

O kind and loving Lord, satisfy me in the morning with Your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad throughout this new year. “Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.” “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” I acknowledge You, O God, and will serve You with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for You search my heart and understand every motive behind my thoughts. (Ps. 90:14 paraphrased; Ps. 25:6; 77:11-12 not paraphrased; 1 Chron. 28:9a paraphrased)   


1. List the mighty deeds the Lord has done for you and your family. 


2. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal your motives. Pray for deliverance from poor motives. 

Apply My Heart to Instruction

Lord, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law. Teach me Your ways so that I may walk in Your paths. Put Your laws on my mind and write them on my heart. Lord, I will apply my heart to what I observe and learn a lesson from what I see. I will apply my heart to instruction and my ears to words of knowledge. (Ps. 119:18; Isa. 2:3b; Heb. 8:10b; Prov. 24:32; 23:12, all paraphrased)

1. In what areas of your life do you need to apply your heart to godly instruction?

2. Commit to learning a verse this week. Type or write the verse out three times. Post the verse in the place you are most likely to be working, and every time you see it practice saying the verse.

He Knows the Plans of My Heart

Many are the plans of my heart, O Lord, but it is Your purpose that prevails. Please direct my steps. How can I possibly understand my own way? All of my ways seem right to me, but, Lord, You weigh my heart. I will seek Your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise. I will consider my ways and turn my steps to Your statutes. (Prov. 19:21; 20:24; 21:2; Ps. 119:58-59,  all paraphrased)

1. What are the plans of your heart?


2. What do you believe are God's plans for you? 

He Knows the Plans of My Heart

Many are the plans of my heart, O Lord, but it is Your purpose that prevails. Please direct my steps. How can I possibly understand my own way? All of my ways seem right to me, but, Lord, You weigh my heart. I will seek Your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise. I will consider my ways and turn my steps to Your statutes. (Prov. 19:21; 20:24; 21:2; Ps. 119:58-59,  all paraphrased)

1. What are the plans and goals of your heart for this year?


2. Seek the Lord with all your heart, asking Him to direct your steps. 

Set My Heart at Rest

Lord, in my heart I plan my own course, but You determine my steps. I know, O Lord, that my life is not my own; it is not for me to direct my steps. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Then I will know that I can set my heart at rest in Your presence. (Prov. 16:9; Jer. 10:23; Ps. 143:10; 1 John 3:19b, all paraphrased.)

1. In what ways is the Lord directing your steps?


2. Can you set your heart at rest in the Lord's presence? Explain your answer.

Create in Me a Clean Heart

I delight to do Your will, O my God: yes, Your law is within my heart. I seek Your  favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Examine me, Lord, and prove me by looking closely into my heart and mind. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your free spirit. (Ps. 40:8; 119:58; 51:11; 26:2 paraphrased;  Ps. 51:10 not paraphrased; Ps. 51:12 paraphrased, all kjv)

1. What do you desire from God in regard to your heart relationship with Him?

2.. Expand the above prayer by making specific requests and confessions regarding your spiritual condition and relationship with God.

A New Heart

Jesus, You have been teaching me in regard to my former way of life to put off my old self, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of my mind and to put on a new self, created to be like You in true righteousness and holiness. Lord, give me a new heart and put a new spirit within me; remove from me a heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh. Fill me with Your Spirit and move me to follow Your decrees and to be careful to keep Your laws. For Your eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to You. (Eph. 4:22-24; Ezek. 36:26-27; 2 Chron. 16:9, all paraphrased)

1. Our attitude is the one thing we can change when faced with problems that cannot be fixed. What changes in attitude do you need to make?

2. What kind of a heart does God desire you to have? 

My Heart Rejoices

How good it is for me to draw near to the heart of God, for I have put my trust in Him that I may tell of all His wonderful works. I will sing to You, Lord, because You have dealt bountifully with me.  For great is Your loving mercy toward me. I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.  For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. I have not hid Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth. I praise You, Lord. Throughout this new year I will praise You, Lord, with my whole heart. (Ps. 73:28; 13:6; 86:13a; 13:5; 26:3 40:10a; 111:1a, all kjv paraphrased)

1. Looking back over your past, list all of the wonderful works of God in your life.

2. Of all that God has done in your life, what is the most wonderful work of God?

God’s Good Work

Author and Perfecter of our faith, Your way is perfect; Your Word is flawless. You are a shield for (names of those for whom you are praying) ______________, and I pray they will take refuge in You throughout this new year. For who is God besides You, Lord? Who is their rock except You? Arm them with strength and make their ways perfect. Encourage them to be confident of this, that You who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. And I pray, O God, that they will stand perfect and complete in all Your will. (2 Sam. 22:31-33; Phil. 1:6; Col. 4:12b, all kjv ­paraphrased)

1.  If you need to, add more specific requests for the person about whom you are praying here.

Teach Me to Revere You

Father God, in this new year, I will come and listen to You; for You will teach me to revere and worshipfully fear You. I desire life and long for many days that I may see good. Therefore, I will keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceit. I will keep my heart from idols. I will be careful so that my heart will not be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. I will submit to You, O Lord, and be at peace; thereby good will come to me. I will receive the law from Your mouth and lay up Your words in my heart. For then I will delight in You, Almighty One, and will lift up my face to You, O God. (Ps. 34:11-13 amp; 1 John 5:21; Deut. 11:16; Job 22:21-22, 26, all paraphrased)

1. Listen to what the Lord is saying to you through this Scripture prayer, and then write it in your journal.

2. Choose a verse you can memorize this month, and write it here.

A Thousand Years in God's Sight

Everlasting Father, a thousand years in Your sight are but as yesterday when they are past and as a few hours in the night. Behold, God, You are great and beyond understanding; Your years cannot be numbered or searched out. You appointed the moon for seasons; the sun knows its going down. And You change the times and the seasons; You remove and set up kings; You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to them that have understanding. Therefore, in these times and in this new year, I commit my spirit—my heart and my life—into Your hand; for You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. I commit my way to You, Lord; I also trust in You. (Ps. 90:4; Job 36:26; Ps. 104:19; Dan. 2:21; Ps. 31:5; Ps. 37:5a, all kjv paraphrased)

1. In what ways can these truths about God, help you in your present situation and give you hope?

2. Write a prayer committing your spirit, your heart, and your life unto the Lord.

Crown This Year with Goodness

Crown this new year with Your goodness, Lord. Be mindful of us, O Lord, bless us; bless our house. Bless those who fear You, both small and great. All Your works shall praise You, Lord, and Your saints shall bless You. Every day I will bless You; and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Seven times a day I will praise You because of Your righteous judgments. I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart. At all times throughout this new year, I will continually praise You. I praise You, Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. (Ps. 65:11a; 115:12a, 13; 145:10, 2; 119:164; 9:1a; 34:1; 146:1, all kjv paraphrased)

1. Offer seven praises to the Lord about your life today. 

2. Name the one thing you are most grateful for in your list of praises.

3. Now write a prayer of thanksgiving unto the Lord based on your seven praises.

Near to the Heart of God

As this new year begins, I will draw near to Your heart, O God, with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Teach me to number my days that I may apply my heart to wisdom. Yes, Lord, I will get wisdom and understanding; I will not forget nor turn away from Your words. I will trust in You with all my heart rather than lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I will acknowledge You and trust You to direct my paths. Now may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. (Heb. 10:22a; Ps. 90:12; Prov. 4:5; 3:5-6; Ps. 19:14, all kjv paraphrased)

1. When we ask the Lord to help us number our days, we are asking Him to help us use our time wisely.  In what areas of your life do you need wisdom? 

2. What concerns do you have that you need to trust the Lord for and not lean on your own understanding?

3.  List the ways you will acknowledge the Lord and trust Him to direct your path this coming year. 

Introduction to Prayer Journal 2013

The daily personalized Scripture prayers will help you present your requests to the Lord, confess sin, express your deepest needs, find comfort, worship the Lord, and offer praises and thanksgiving. Prayers for New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and for various other themes are also included. 

Do you long for a more meaningful prayer life? Do you often feel at a loss to know how to express your heartfelt concerns to the Lord? In this Scripture prayer journal, you will find the words you need to talk to the Lord and to draw near to His heart in His Word. 

This devotional journal provides lined spaces for you to record “Praises, Prayers, and Personal Notes.” Feel free to write the thoughts and requests that are on your heart even when they don’t match the theme of the prayer for that day. 

Like Scripture itself, on some days the prayers will speak to your need while others won’t seem to fit at all. At another time the prayer may be exactly what you needed. As you pray, listen for what the Lord desires to say to you. Then write how the Lord spoke to your heart or helped you express your desires through the Scripture prayer.

This is a private prayer journal, one for yourself alone. If you feel uncomfortable writing detailed requests, you may want to write one word or a brief phrase, or use an initial for the name of the person for whom you are interceding. 

When you write abbreviated requests, make sure to use an easy clue that will help you remember what you desire to pray about. Some prayers are specifically worded to express intercession for others, with blanks to fill in the name of the person(s) for whom you are praying.

        

Though our prayers are not always answered the way we desire, we can be assured that the Lord deeply loves us, cares about our heartfelt needs, and is always present with us to comfort and support us. We have this confidence that Jesus “is at the right hand of God . . . interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34).  

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (Rom. 8:26-27). 

Regularly go back and pray the requests in your journal. Be sure to record answered prayers with the date near the request, including your praises and perhaps an explanation as to how the answer came about. 

You’ll be surprised and blessed afresh by how God has answered. You’ll be reminded of the ways God has led you safely through trials you had long forgotten about. You’ll be encouraged and strengthened by His never-failing presence in your life—and you’ll be adding more praises!

This devotional prayer journal provides you a place where you can meet with your Savior. And as the hymn Near to the Heart of God promises, you will find a place “of quiet rest,” “where sin cannot molest.”  

You will find a place of comfort and full release, “where all is joy and peace,” where Jesus, our blessed Redeemer, sent from the heart of God holds us near to the heart of His Father.

        

Note: Copy and paste each day’s prayer and question into a document so you can answer the question/s and write your prayer requests, personal notes and praises.