Author: timewithourcreator

2022 New Year’s Prayer: Trusting in God’s Sovereignty for the Future

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Author: Ali, Contributor: Elton Streyle, Photography and Editing: Ali

Lord, I come to You in Jesus’ Name to thank You for Your sovereignty over my circumstances. No matter what this new year will hold, or the difficulties I experienced in 2021, remind me that You are still God and You are still good. James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” Whether I am looking toward 2022 with excitement and anticipation, or with dread and anxiety, direct me to depend on You. John 15:4-5 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.“

This year, guide me to become more like Christ in my conduct towards others and in my relationship with You. Like Jesus did, help me to love and pray for my enemies, as well as my friends, during this coming year. Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Just as Jesus made it a priority to pray during His life on Earth, direct me to prioritize conversation with You in 2022. Luke 5:16 “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.”

May this be the year that I let Your transforming power work in my life like never before. Open my eyes to see how You are already working, and expand my expectations of how You will answer my prayers. Like the prophet Habakkuk, my circumstances now or in the coming year may cause me to cry out to You and ask “why?” or “how long?” Habakkuk 1:3 “Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention arises.”

In such situations, direct me to be fully content in You so that I can say with confidence what Habakkuk said in Habakkuk 3:17-19. “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.“

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

2021 Christmas Prayer: God’s Special Gift of Salvation for Believers

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Author: Ali, Contributor: Elton Streyle, Photography and Editing: Ali

Gracious Lord, thank you for giving me the best gift of all: the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Make the Christmas story come alive for me this year in ways that I have never experienced before. Direct me not to get so wrapped up in the details of presents, parties, decorations, and being with family and friends that I miss out on what You are wanting to speak to me about in this season.

Like the shepherds, direct me to see and respond to Your presence and direction with immediate action. Luke 2:15 “So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.” Like the wise men, give me the courage to follow You, even in a culture that is becoming increasingly hostile to the things of God.

Thank you for the many reminders the Christmas story brings about Your character. You can do the impossible (like causing a virgin to bear Your Son). You use ordinary, unexpected people and circumstances to accomplish Your plan (like Mary and the shepherds, and Jesus being born in a stable). You are Immanuel (God with us). You understand what my life is like (because Jesus was born and grew up on Earth, fully man and fully God). And You speak personally to me (like when you spoke to Joseph in a dream). Guide me to enjoy all the fun activities of the holiday season, yet keep You at the center of them all.

For those who find Christmas difficult because of the reminders of departed or estranged family members and friends, I ask that You will fill them with Your peace and joy, and allow them to connect with You and with fellow believers to make it through this emotional time. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Remind me of Your love for me, first presented in the form of a crying baby in a dingy manger, later fulfilled in that same baby’s sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection. Thank you for everything Christmas means, and for all of the traditions and celebrations that come along with it.

In Jesus’ holy Name, Amen.

Miniature Specific Scripture Prayers #37

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Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Being a Shining Light

Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, direct my life to be a reflection of You. Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.“

Christian Character

All wise Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, I ask that You develop in me what is expressed in 2 Peter 1:2. “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.“

Communing with God

Hearing Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you that as in Jeremiah’s day, You desire to communicate with ​me. Jeremiah 29:12-13 “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.“

God’s Call for Repentance

Saving Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you for Your great desire ​expressed in 2 Peter 3:9. ” The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Maturing in Jesus

Instructing Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, direct me to develop more of 2 Peter 3:18. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.“

Power of God’s Word

Powerful Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you for the power of Your Word. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.“

Prayer About the Lord, My Peace

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Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I lift up my words to You through the great and powerful Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. You created all things ​to be perfect and to exemplify Your glory. However, man has made Your perfect creation take on the stains of our transgressions, and sin has left the world in a state of perpetual chaos. Thank you that You are our peace and comfort in the storms of life. It is because of Your Son (Jesus) dying on the cross and being resurrected that I can have “peace with God” and “the peace of God.”

In Isaiah 9:6b in the Bible, You describe Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.” What a beautiful description that is. It is a great blessing that You show me in Philippians 4:4-6 how to have the peace that is expressed in verse 7. Direct me to practice verses 4, 5, and 6 to be blessed with Your peace. Philippians 4:4-6 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.“

Thank you that when all else around me is crumbling, I can turn to You, “The Prince of Peace,” knowing that Your love never fails, and no one can separate me from Your love. Remind me often that the same power that resurrected Jesus from the grave is available today to give me peace with others. Psalm 29:11 “The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.” I ask that You bless me with Your perfect peace. Amen.

Dwelling in the Rest That God Provides (Based on Hebrews 4:1-12)

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Photo taken in Hawaii.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Loving Heavenly Father, I come into Your presence, which was made possible through Your Son Jesus Christ’s Name. In a world filled with chaos and distractions, I thank You and marvel at the stillness and rest that Your presence brings to believers in Jesus Christ. Your presence is the place of peace that I desire and long for. Verse 9: “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” It is a blessing that I do not have to wait until my life in Heaven to enjoy Your rest and peace. It is something I can enjoy now. Despite the circumstances I may be facing, I can always turn to You to find peace and comfort.

Direct me to have a heart and mind to be obedient to You and Your Word so that I may find true rest in Your perfect plan for me. Keep me on the right track so that I do not fall into the example of unbelief the Israelites had and the consequences they had to suffer. Verse 11: “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.“

Remind me constantly that it is utilizing the power of Your Word that allows me to develop a life that is resting in You. It is Your Word that is living, powerful, life changing, and discerns both good and evil. Verse 12: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.“

Thank you for providing a way for me to shape my life to be filled with rest, peace, and joy simply by accepting the rest You provide. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

2021 Thanksgiving Prayer

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Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Ali, Contributor: Elton Streyle, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus’ Name to thank You for how easily accessible You have made Yourself to me. Unlike the believers during and before the time Your Son lived on Earth, I have 24/7 access to You through the Holy Spirit dwelling within me. John 16:7b “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” Thank you for the way the Holy Spirit convicts, guides, and leads me. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

It is a great blessing to know that whatever the Holy Spirit communicates to me comes straight from You. John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” Encourage me not to take this precious gift for granted.

I also want to thank You for all of the physical blessings You have given me this year, like my health, safety, family, friends, and job. Thank you for giving doctors and scientists the wisdom to develop medicines to prevent and treat the symptoms of the worldwide pandemic. Direct me to listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings about how to express gratitude to You and others. Motivate me to be grateful even for the difficult circumstances and people I experienced this year, because I know that You will ultimately work all things for my good. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.“

Thank you for hearing and listening to my prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Prayer About the Power and Danger of Enticement

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Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

All wise and powerful Heavenly Father, I come in the name of my Savior Jesus Christ to admit to You that in my own strength, I am weak and frail. Thank you that in my desperate times of need, I can come to You who has open arms waiting for me at all times. There are times I am enticed by the evils of this world to drift away from Your good and perfect plan for me. Sometimes I find myself straying from Your light, thinking about momentary pleasure and worldly gain. Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.“

However, my desire is to be in perfect communion with You, developing Matthew 26:41. “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” It is a blessing that in my weaknesses and shortcomings, Your glorious perfection and grace shine through all the brighter.

How wonderful it is to know that even in my weakness, You will never forsake me. With each enticement, You provide a way of escape if I am willing to follow Your Word, the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.“

Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for a world filled with brokenness and enticement. He knows what I go through each day and has felt the same things I do. I ask that whenever I am having to wrestle with worldly enticements, You will direct me to come to You to overcome them. It is only through You that even what seems impossible is possible to accomplish. Matthew 19:26b “‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’“

To God be the glory. Amen.

Giving Thanks in the Midst of Chaos, Confusion, and Heartache in the World (Based on 1 Thess. 5:18 and Eph. 5:20)

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Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father in Jesus’ Name, thank you for sharing Your instruction and desire on the subject of thankfulness. As difficult as it may be to be thankful in some situations, You obviously know that it is the best thing that I can do to get my focus from problems back onto You, who is sovereign, all knowing, all powerful, everywhere present, merciful, and gracious. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.“

According to Your Word, the Bible, You see thankfulness as so important that You instruct me to come into Your presence at the beginning of my prayer instead of starting out with all my requests and needs. Psalm 100:4 “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Remind me daily to give thanks for the ultimate, great gift of salvation that You gave me as a believer in Jesus Christ.

“Thank you Lord for saving my soul
thank you Lord for making me whole
thank you for giving to me, thy great salvation so rich and free.”

Remind me to be thankful each day for some of the many things that I take for granted. Some of those are: protection from evil, forgiveness and repentance, power of the blood and the light of Christ, and Your mercy, grace, wisdom, love, and patience. In addition, some of the critical items for life: sleep and rest, shelter, food and water, my job, the joy of having relatives and friends, peace, comfort, and a measure of health. Direct me to develop and practice more and more the command in Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.

Miniature Specific Scripture Prayers #36

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Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

God, My Hope

Unlimited Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you for the promise in Psalm 3:3 when all seems lost and broken. “But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.“

A Believer’s Inheritance

Giving Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you that as a believer in Jesus Christ I have a perfect future inheritance. 1 Peter 1:4 “To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.“

Cure for Sleeplessness

Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you that when I can’t sleep, I can do like David did in Psalm 3:4-5. “I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.“

Control of the Flesh

Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, direct me to be obedient to Your warning in 1 Peter 2:11. “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.“

Deceitfulness of the Heart

Compassionate Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, direct me to be conscious of the fact that I constantly need Your leading because of Jeremiah 17:9. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?“

Overcoming Anxiety

All wise Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you for caring about my anxieties, and that I can give them to You. Psalm 94:19 “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.“

God’s Promise to Uphold Believers in Jesus Christ (Based on Isaiah 41:10)

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Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you for this verse that You gave to Israel, and all of us who are believers, as Your chosen people. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” It is a great comfort for me that You, the Creator of the universe, want to encourage me by telling me that You are present everywhere I go (“for I am with you“).

You are also reminding me not to be anxious or worry whether You can handle my life situations. Direct me to focus on You, the unlimited One, who is speaking in this verse (“for I am your God“). In these chaotic and uncertain times we are living in, it gives me peace to know that You promise strength and help (“I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you“).

Direct me to keep in the front of my mind that it is You who holds on to me, and not me holding on to You. Remind me often that it is my responsibility to take in Your Word and be obedient to what You tell me to do in order to develop righteousness in my Christian walk (“I will uphold you with my righteous right hand“). Obviously, You knew that we as Your children would have to deal with many fears throughout life, causing You to reference the subject over 300 times in different contexts in the Bible (“fear not“).

Thank you for encouraging me in so many ways not to fear, but to trust in Your presence to overcome my fears. Amen.