PRAYING THE WORD

IN THE SECRET PLACE

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A DEVOTIONAL BOOK

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By Joan Whitacre Royer

INTRODUCTION

PERSONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE LORD ON PRAYING SCRIPTURES

One morning during my Quiet Time (time set apart to spend with the Lord in Bible Study, prayer, and writing) the Holy Spirit told me that reading and decreeing/proclaiming Scripture that He had given me was like opening a portal over me so that He and I could connect there. He told me to do this every time I was under spiritual attack, discouraged, felt I was a victim, or needed encouragement. He said He would never leave me and that He would always talk to me. This is His way of strengthening me in the tough times. I am to do this each morning to start off my day. He said that doing this, and trusting and resting in Him, opened the way to allow Him to work out His plan in my life and His plan for what I am to do.

Words in italics designate ideas spoken by the Holy Spirit.

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THE SECRET OF PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES
(From the book Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge, pp. 80-83)

The Bible is one massive Prayer Book. Virtually every page contains prayer prompts. As you take time to soak in His word, not only is your meditation sweet, but you find yourself spontaneously expressing your heart back to God in response to the text.

Praying God's word back to Him is powerful for several reasons:
•	God's word itself "is living and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12) so when we pray with God's word on our lips, we know we are praying prayers that are living and powerful.
•	When the language of our prayers is shaped by the Scriptures, we gain confidence in knowing that we are praying according to the will of God - a confidence that means "we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:15).
•	As we pray God's word back to Him, the language of His word becomes the working language of our daily dialogue with Him. A powerful transformation begins in your soul when your everyday conversation starts to reflect God-language. 
•	We are equipped to pray according to the will of God in ways we would not have considered on our own. The word will tip us off to things we can pray, profoundly widening the breadth and diversity of our prayer life.
•	Praying the Scriptures adds a dimension of creativity and surprise to our prayer life, which in turn makes prayer much more fascinating and enjoyable.

Prayer, in the true biblical sense, is the full spectrum of human expressions to God. Prayer is the all-encompassing title to describe the entire gamut of expressions we offer up to God. Therefore, prayer includes praise, thanksgiving, adoration, intercession, worship, supplication, shouts of joy, lifting of hands, bowing, honor, exaltation, intimate affection, repentance, surrender, dancing, mourning, contemplation, spiritual warfare, prophesying, etc.

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DEVOTIONALS

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1. BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO LISTENS TO ME

Proverbs 8:33-34

Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. 

My prayer

Lord, it is my desire to listen to You each day in my Quiet Time as well as throughout the rest of the day. Thank You for this Scripture which shows me that You WANT me to come to you each day to listen, to watch, and to wait. That way I find You, and I find life, and I obtain favor from You. I praise You for showing this to me in Your precious Word.

Your prayer

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2. WHAT YOU KEEP IN YOUR HEART

Proverbs 4:20-23

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

From the book Atonement by Derek Prince: "Whatever you keep in your heart, in other words, will determine the course of your life. You cannot hold the wrong attitude in your heart and live right, nor can you have the right attitude in your heart and live wrong. The course of your life is determined by what fills your heart. God was saying to me, If you will receive My Word through your ear gate, through your eye gate and admit it to your heart, it will do everything I have claimed."

My prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I choose to pay attention to what You say. I choose to read Your words of life from the Bible and listen carefully to them. I also choose to listen carefully to what You speak into my mind and heart, and to write those words in my journals. Then I can review them and not lose sight of them. Penetrate Your words deep into my heart, Lord, so they will bring life and healing to me. I choose to guard my heart because it determines the course of my life.

Your prayer

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3. WE HAVE TO LEARN TO FIGHT OUR OWN BATTLES

Judges 3:1-2, 4

These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience)….they [the nations] were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses. 

I saw through this Scripture that each generation must learn how to fight the battles needed for them to be tested. I had to learn to fight my own battles. My parents' battles were theirs, not mine. My children need to learn to fight their own battles also. We can learn from our parents' experiences and how they withstood what battles they faced, but we still have to fight our own. God doesn't seem to give any generation a 'free ride' or an easy life without battles based on what their parents did. He tests us to see if we will obey His commands. These commands are and can be passed down through our parents, but we need to be tested to see if we will obey them.

My prayer

Lord, I realize you test each of us to see whether we will obey Your commands. I pray today for the wisdom and understanding to stand firm when those tests come. I pray for Your help and guidance each day of my life. Instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. Guide me in what I read and what I listen to and watch so I will have Your commands reinforced in my life.

Your prayer

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4. WHAT GOD CALLS YOU IS WHAT YOU ARE

Judges 6:12

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." 

And I am with you, My child. When I call you "My child," then that is what you are - a child of the Lord God on High. What I call you is what you are. That tells you who you are and in what position you are - just as "mighty warrior" spoke to Gideon who he was (even though he didn't think he was!) and how I viewed him. You are a child of the King, a king who has everything belonging to Him and is willing to share it all with His children whom He loves.

My prayer

Thank You, Lord, for calling me Your child, for that is what I am in Your sight - and therefore in my sight. You, God, have everything belonging to You, and You are willing to share it all with Your children whom You love. Thank You for sharing everything I need with me, and thank You for loving me and all Your children.

Your prayer

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5. SURROUNDED BY A HUGE CROWD OF WITNESSES

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

My prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for that huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith that surrounds me day by day. Thank You for all those people of faith who have gone before me and now wait in heaven for me to join them. I want to strip off any weight that might slow me down, and any sin that might trip me up. Show me anything that might do that in my life so I can confess those sins to You and be forgiven of them. I wait before You and listen to hear what You want to show me today. I will keep my eyes on You, Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. Thank You for beginning my faith, Jesus, and I am trusting in You to finish that good work in me.

Your prayer

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6. IN THE SAME WAY YOU JUDGE OTHERS, YOU WILL BE JUDGED

Matthew 7:1-2

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

I am asking God: what are the standards we should use in judging others, since we will be judged by the same standards. He has been showing me that the standards we use are in our minds, and we use those to judge others. Then we also judge ourselves by those same standards and expect others to judge us by those standards also. So, in our thoughts and expectations, we ARE being judged by other people by those standards. We think they look at us the same way we look at them. In that sense we are being judged in the same way we judge others. If we don't measure up to those standards ourselves, we "feel" judged or looked down upon by others for not measuring up, even though they may not think that way at all. Still, in our own minds, we are being judged by others by those same standards of judgment.

When I asked Him what standards we should use to judge others, He said we were to look into their eyes and look at their hearts and judge by what we "see" in their hearts, as He does. We are not to judge by what kind of clothes they wear, or what kind of house they live in, or what kind of car they drive, or even if they drive a car, but by their hearts. God is the One who can give us the ability to see into people's hearts, and I am to ask Him to give me that ability.

My prayer

I asked Him for forgive me for judging by standards taught me by the world and not by His standards. I asked Him to put His mind and thoughts in me to judge/evaluate others by. Then he said:

The gold standard, the gold standard, that is what I use to judge/evaluate who people are and where they are in their attitudes and relationships with others and Me. The gold standard is the one that is pure, very valuable, and has eternal value. That is part of what your dream was about - hearing about the gold standard and knowing that it was important to learn the value of it. You are forgiven, for judging most of your life by a standard taught to you by society which may not necessarily be My standard. 

Your prayer

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7. THE RIGHTEOUS WILL FLOURISH LIKE A PALM TREE

Psalm 92:12-15

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.

My prayer

Thank You, Lord, that I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Thank You that Christ died for me and took my sins upon Himself, so that, in believing, I am forgiven of those sins and am righteous in Your sight. Thank You that, according to this Scripture, I will flourish like a palm tree, grow like a cedar of Lebanon and flourish in the courts of God. I am so glad you said I will still bear fruit in old age and stay fresh and green. I proclaim that You are upright and You are my Rock!

Your prayer

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8. THE WORD OF GOD STANDS FOREVER

Isaiah 40:8

But the word of our God will stand forever.

You pray My Word onto someone and it stands forever. Even if they don't receive it, My Word stands forever and it waits with that person for him to receive it and believe it. So pray My Word onto your loved ones and prayer bundle, and it will stay with them until they die as an influence over them.

My prayer

Oh, Lord, Your Word stands forever. Thank You for your precious Word. I pray Your Word upon my family today. Your Word says:
•	Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household. (Acts 16:31)
•	But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 14:15)
•	He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. (Proverbs 14:26)
•	All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace. (Isaiah 54:13)
I pray these Scriptures over my family today in Your name, Jesus. According to Your Word my household (family) will be saved, they will serve the Lord, the fear of the Lord will be a refuge for them, they will be taught by You, Lord, and great will be their peace. I proclaim this in Your name, Jesus, and pray these Scriptures over them.

Your prayer

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9. THOSE WHO SEEK ME FIND ME

Proverbs 8:17-21, 34

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full....Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 

You see, I am “yielding” something in you which surpasses choice silver and is better than fine gold. I am giving you My BEST gift, and it is BETTER than silver and gold. It is like silver and gold inside of you. Declare these Scriptures.

My prayer

I declare righteousness and justice upon me and upon my finances. I declare wealth on me as I love You, Lord, and I declare You are making my treasuries full. These are natural and spiritual treasuries You are bestowing on me. Thank You, Lord!

Your prayer

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10. THE LORD OPENS WHAT NO ONE CAN SHUT

Revelation 3:7-8

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.

I have opened what cannot be shut - your finances, your ministry, your writing, your good health. I have closed what cannot be opened - Satan cannot get to your finances any more, or to your health any more, or to your ministry, or to your writing. That is closed to him now and from now on.

My prayer

Thank You, Lord, for this Scripture from You and for this Rhema Word from you. You have truly opened my finances, ministry, writing, and good health. You have brought good to me in each of these areas. I am so grateful that You are in charge of all of these, and of my whole life. I renew my pledge to You, Lord Jesus, and commit this day to You. Come, Holy Spirit, and guide me in Your way today. I love You, Lord!

Your prayer

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11. JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE THE APPOINTED TIME

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

My prayer

This is an amazing Scripture, Lord! It tells me that I do not have all the facts and evidence to be able to judge or evaluate things rightly, but I need to wait until You come. You will bring to light and reveal what is hidden and will expose the motives in people's hearts. You know each of us inwardly, Lord, and what we think, and what we try to hide from others. Come, Lord Jesus, and reveal to me anything inside me that is hidden in darkness that You want me to see, understand, and confess before You. I want to be cleansed from any wrong motives in my heart so I can be clean and pure before You. Holy Spirit, You are the One who can do this in my life, so I invite You to do that today. 

Your prayer

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12. LIVING WITHOUT FEAR OF HARM

Proverbs 1:33

Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.

My prayer

Lord, You say in this Scripture that if I listen to you I will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm! Amazing! Fear is one thing I want to be freed from. The key is to listen to You. I choose to listen to You, Lord, every day, every hour, and every minute of my life. You are my safety. You are my strong tower. You are my refuge. Thank You for being all of these things to me, Lord, and much more. 

Your prayer

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13. THE FEAR OF THE LORD AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Proverbs 2:1-5 NLT

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.

My prayer

Lord, this is a wonderful promise that You have given me in this Scripture! There are several things that are my part of this promise. They are the conditions I must meet to receive it. First I need to be "Your child." And I am, because I have given my life to You, Jesus. Then I must listen to what You say, treasure Your commands, tune my ears to wisdom, concentrate on understanding, cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.  I am to search for and seek these like hidden treasures - which they are until You reveal them to me. I come to You today, Lord, and seek these hidden treasures. Then I will understand what it means to fear the Lord. And I know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This Scripture says I will gain knowledge of God. And I want to know You, God. So this is my prayer today. I come now to listen to what You say and treasure Your commands.

Your prayer

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14. THE LORD PROTECTS THE WAY OF HIS FAITHFUL ONES

Proverbs 2:6-8

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. 

My prayer

Thank You, Lord, for telling me in this Scripture that You guard my course and protect my way. I declare that, today, in Your name. I also thank You for the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that comes from You as I wait before You right now. It's such a blessing to know You hold victory in store for the upright who belong to You. I confess my sins before You right now as You reveal them to me. I want to be clean before You. I declare that my walk is blameless through the forgiveness of my sins through You, Jesus. Therefore You are also my shield. 

Your prayer

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15. THE LORD RESCUES THOSE WHO LOVE HIM

Psalm 91:14

"Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”

My prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for this promise in Your Word…that You will rescue me because I love You, and you will protect me because I acknowledge Your name. What a wonderful promise! I do love You, Lord, and I do acknowledge Your name! Your name, Jesus, is above all other names. I praise You this morning and all the rest of this day. I choose to praise You all of my life, and acknowledge that You are my Lord and Savior. I love You, Lord!

Your prayer

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16. TEACH ME YOUR WAYS, LORD

Exodus 33:13-14

If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. The Lord said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 

My prayer

Dear Lord, teach me Your ways. I want to know You more, and I desire to continue to find favor with you. So, if You are pleased with me, Lord, teach me Your ways. Thank You for doing this, Lord. I believe this is what You want to do. Thank You for Your presence with me, and thank You for Your rest. I rest in You, Lord, all the days of my life.

Your prayer

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17. THE LORD IS MY TOWER OF SAFETY

Psalm 144:1-2 NLT

Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. 

My prayer

I praise you, God, for You are my rock! And I need a rock to stand on today so I can stand firmly and safely. Thank You for training my hands for war and giving my fingers skill for battle. Be with me in any battle or difficulty that might come my way this day. You already know what that battle might be, since You know all things. Thank You that You already have trained me to face that. I'm so thankful that You love me and are my loving ally. That means to me that You will walk by my side and go with me throughout anything that this day holds. I declare that, according to Your Word, You are my fortress, my tower of safety and my rescuer. You are my shield also and that means You shield me from the words and looks and thoughts sent against me today. I take refuge in You, Lord! I declare, Lord, that You are my rock!

Your prayer

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18. BATTLE FOR YOUR INHERITANCE

Joshua 11:25

So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.

My child, you have a battle to fight to get your inheritance too. As Joshua fought his battle under My instructions to Moses, so you must fight My battles for Me also in your time of living on this earth. You are about finished with the battle to get your inheritance from Me for you on this earth. It’s health and finances - the two areas for which Satan has fought so hard against you, and tried to keep My provision from you.

Keep fighting day after day. By that I mean keep praying and declaring what I have promised you. My word is right and will be fulfilled, but you must fight the battle for Me. You fight it by speaking forth My Word as you were taught yesterday at church by Carol and Walter. Now speak forth My Word today about provision, the words I’ve given you. Don’t give up the fight; the new is coming!

My prayer

Dear Lord, just as You gave Joshua and the Israelites the inheritance You had for them in their time of living on this earth, so You also have an inheritance You want to give me in the areas of finance and health. I declare in Your name, Jesus, that You have provided the inheritance of good health for me while living on this earth. And I also declare in Your name, Jesus, that You have already provided an inheritance of abundant provision for me while living on this earth. Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven - right now in my life. Thank You, Lord, for the provision and the rest You give me.

Your prayer

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19. MEDITATE ON THE BOOK OF THE LAW

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 

What does it mean to meditate in God's word? It means to slow way down the reading pace, and to contemplate every word and phrase, looking for deeper and fuller meanings. We uncover various layers of rich understanding as we go deeper and deeper. Meditation is the art of digging out the most that we can from each and every word. The written word of God is revealed by the Living Word, through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Bob Sorge, Secrets of the Secret Place page 72)

My prayer

Thank You, God, for the Book of the Law that You have given Your people. Your Word shall not depart from my mouth. I speak Your Word, and I meditate on it day and night. I do according to that which is written in it. And then You, Lord, make my way prosperous, and then I will have good success. Thank You for this promise, Lord. I speak it forth in Your name, Jesus.

Your prayer

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20. ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

All Scripture is inspired by God, and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

My prayer

Dear Lord, I believe that all Scripture is inspired by You. So when I read the Scripture, I am reading what You had someone write for us to learn from. Guide me, Lord, to learn from Your Word what is true. I want to learn the truth and You, Jesus, are the Truth. Show me from the Scripture what is wrong in my life as I read it. Correct me when I am wrong and teach me to do what is right. Prepare me, Lord, and equip me to do every good work You have for me to do. Thank You for Your Word.

Your prayer

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21. GIVE AND IT WILL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU 

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

What I "give" can refer to money, but it also can refer to thoughts and attitudes I "give" towards others. The Lord is teaching me that we are taught by society and our families what is ok and what is not ok. We are taught what is good and acceptable according to them. This includes what looks good in clothes, hairdos, makeup, houses, cleanliness, styles, colors, etc. We are taught that things that are outside this "acceptable" box, are not as good. But the real truth about what is good and not good comes to us from Your Word, Lord.

My prayer

Lord, I believe Your Word for today that as I give it will be given to me. You tell me that with the measure I use, it will be measured to me. Lead me today, Lord, in what You want me to give to others - money, time, caring, loving, help, teaching, etc. 

Your prayer

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22. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF

Matthew 22:39 NIV
Love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 7:12 NIV
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.

My prayer

Today the Lord led me to ask Him to give me His love for the people in the small group I belong to. It is in preparation to participate in the Agape Reformation. He reminded me that I am to do unto others as I want them to do unto me. Also I am to love my neighbor as myself. And I can expect to be judged in the same way I judge others. So I am asking for His love to fill me for others so I can love them as myself. I know I really care about myself, so I want to really care about others too. But I surely don't have that within me as part of my human nature. It has to be something given to me supernaturally by the Lord. I cannot confer it upon myself or grow it myself. But I can ask, believing I will receive. How did You love others so much, Jesus?

The Father, God, gave it to Me daily as I asked Him daily for it. It is surely not something humans are born with or grow into naturally. You are right. It is supernatural and comes out of My kingdom. So it is near. But you must seek it daily and sometimes even moment by moment. Keep doing this and keep working on this all the rest of your days on earth. I will help you and remind you. Even if someone really irritates you, ask Me to give you My love towards them. This will change you profoundly. Yes, it is part of the Agape Reformation you heard about. It is what I am doing right now on earth…bringing My people into a profound God-given love for one another and for others outside the Church. This will display My glory. Remember, they will know you are Christians by your love. They will know you are My disciples by your love. Keep seeking to be filled with My love daily. This is My desire and task for you right now. This is My best for you right now. This is My goal for you right now. This is My goal for your church too…to be filled with and led by My love.

Father, today I ask You to give me love for others as I meet them. Guide me in caring for them as I care for myself. Fill me with Your love and lead me with Your love. Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done in me today. Let this love display Your glory today, Lord.

Your prayer

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23. THE LORD WILL MAKE YOU WELL

James 5:14-15 NLT

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. 

My prayer

Thank You, Lord, for this Scripture that You led me to back in 1990 when I was diagnosed with cancer. You quickened this Scripture to me then, so I asked my church elders to anoint me and pray for my healing. Later, sometime after the surgery for cancer, the doctor told me they could hardly find any cancer cells in the tissue removed. She said that if there were any cancer cells, it was one or two at the most. I realize now that You really healed me when the elders prayed for me! Thank You for Your Word and the power of its promises!

Your prayer

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24. GOD KNEW ME AND CHOSE ME

1 Peter 1:2

God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. 

My prayer

Thank You, God, for knowing me and choosing me long ago! Thank You, Holy Spirit for making me holy and set apart unto God! Thank You, Jesus, that I am cleansed by Your blood given for me!

Your prayer

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25. GOD SPEAKS IN MANY WAYS INCLUDING DREAMS AND VISIONS

Job 33:14-16

For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds, then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction.

My prayer

Thank You, God, that You speak to me in many ways. I especially thank You that You speak to me and give me instructions during the night in visions and dreams. Thank You for opening my ears and sealing my instructions during that time. Guide me in perceiving when and how You speak to me so that I may listen and obey Your instructions.

Your prayer

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26. A FATHER'S WISE ADVICE

Proverbs 4:1-27

My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my instructions…

My father taught me, take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! Whatever else you do, develop good judgment, If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.

My prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I have read these words of instruction to us, Your children. I pray them now for those in my "prayer bundle" - that group of people You have me cover with prayer daily. I pray that we listen when You correct us and that we pay attention and learn good judgment, for You are giving us good guidance. I pray that we don't turn away from Your instruction and that we take Your words to heart. I pray that we follow Your commands and we will live - that we get wisdom, develop good judgment and don't forget Your words or turn away from them. I pray that we don't turn our backs on wisdom but will love her, embrace her, and prize her. She will protect us, guard us, make us great, and honor us. She will even place a crown on our heads. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Your prayer

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27. A LESSON IN TRUSTING

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

My question to the Lord this morning: How do I pray, and ask others to pray, about the medical things discovered in the ultrasound last Thursday and reported to me yesterday by my doctor.

The Scripture He brings to my mind is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” 

He says: This is a lesson in trusting. 

My prayer

I am to pray for the ability to trust Him completely in all of this. And He will direct my path - to the right doctor, the right treatment, the right timing. I am to pray that He is my Healer and for Him to heal me any way He likes. That can be through direct miraculous intervention or through medical treatment - as He wants to use this for His purposes.

God, I trust in You with all my heart. I know whatever way You want to heal me is the best way because You want the best for me. I ask You to guide me, and I acknowledge that You will direct my path as You said in this Scripture. This is a lesson in trusting You. I choose to trust You, Lord. Bring about my healing in Your way and Your timing.

Your prayer

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28. CONSECRATE YOURSELF

Joshua 3:5

Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.

It is time to go into the Promised Land. You have been wandering around in the wilderness for a long time and now I say it’s time to go in. Consecrate yourself to this and to Me. I will lead you to “cross the Jordan” into the Promised Land of what I have for you. Consecrate yourself.

My prayer

Today, Lord, I consecrate myself unto You. You are my Lord and Savior. You are first in my life. I choose You, Lord, over all others and over all things. I come before You, seeking You, to set myself apart unto You for whatever it is You have for me. You have some plan, some destiny, some purpose for my life that You want to complete and accomplish while I am here on earth. I prepare myself to cross the Jordan into that Promised Land you have for me. I look forward to the wonders you will do in and through my life. Thank you, Lord!

Your prayer

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29. BUILDING AN ABIDING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

Psalm 91:1

He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I can go as far as I can see in my “vision.” I can see in my vision spending more and more time listening to the Lord, sitting at His feet (as Mary did) and learning from Him. As I hear the secret desires of His heart, I can share in those dreams and pray for them. This is what I am to spend my time doing rather than “things” (like giving out tracts, soup kitchen, etc). My call is to build a deep and abiding relationship with the Lord.

My prayer

Lord, I want to dwell in the secret place of the Most High all the days of my life. It is my desire to always abide under the shadow of the Almighty. You have shown me that my call is to build a deep and abiding relationship with You, Lord, and that is what I pray for today. I am dwelling in Your secret place and therefore I am abiding under your shadow. I pray for vision to see what You desire for me to see. I pray for You to share with me the secret desires of Your heart so I can pray for them. Thank You for wanting a relationship with me.

Your prayer

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30. BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO LISTENS TO ME

Proverbs 8:34-35

Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.

My prayer

This is what He wants me to do for the rest of my days. The Lord says if His choice for me is to live the rest of my days in peace and happiness, not in spiritual battle and struggle, that I should accept that in faith from Him, and be thankful for it. It does not mean I am wasting my time here on earth. He is still using me in the ways He chooses, and I am to be content with that. And that IS what He is saying to me right now. Right now what He wants for me is to develop greater intimacy with Him and that comes through prayer/talking/communing with Him - and that is happening in my life now. This is what I really will want to have developed when I get to heaven.

I say “Yes” to you, Lord! I choose Your revealed choice that I live the rest of my days on this earth before the Rapture in obedience to You and that means quietly and peacefully. I thank You for this revelation and accept it in Jesus’ Name.

Your prayer

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31. IF YOU WOULD FOLLOW AFTER JESUS

Luke 9:23

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

One of the ideas in a recent dream indicated there would be three areas we would be tested over. Today I am thinking about that and feel those three areas might be from Luke 9:23...with the three areas being:
1.	Deny myself
2.	Take up my cross daily
3.	Follow Him

My real life comes when I give up my life (deny myself), take up my cross daily (take up what He gives me to do just as He took up what His Father gave Him to do), and follow Him (go where He leads me, do what He guides me to do). My cross involves being vulnerable and open to all that goes with what He guides me to do as I follow Him.

Deny yourself: Put aside self concerns, lay aside all self interest, and self thoughts and self desires

Take up your cross daily - your cross is your purpose in life. My purpose is to continue to grow in a close intimate relationship with the Lord and to worship and praise Him.

Follow Me - Listen attentively to God. As He speaks in this time together, I am to follow Him.

My prayer

Lord, today I pray this prayer because I desire to come after You. Therefore I must deny myself first. I put aside concerns for myself so I can focus on You. I take up the cross of growing in a close intimate relationship with You, and worshiping You, and praising You. I listen attentively to You to hear what You speak to me, and say "yes" to following You as You enable me. These are not things I can do by myself but only by Your enabling grace. So I pray for grace to deny myself, take up my cross daily and follow You - for I do desire to come after You.

Your prayer

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32. I WILL PROTECT YOU FROM THE GREAT TIME OF TESTING

Revelation 3:10

Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.

My prayer

Lord, I believe that a great time of testing is upon the world right now, and soon will become even greater. You are testing all of us to see if we will stand for You. The decisions are being made daily. I pray for protection during this time for all who belong to You, and all who are soon to belong to You. Bring every single person to Yourself who is to come to You. I pray for each of them. Thank You that You promise protection to us, Lord, and specifically to me and my children. Help us to keep persevering in our relationship with You and to be a testimony to others as You lead us. I receive this promise from You today - the promise of being protected from the great time of testing of those "who belong to this world." We who belong to You do not belong to this world but to Your Kingdom.

Your prayer

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33. SOME OF GOD'S MESSENGERS

Matthew 11:10

I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. (Matt 11:10)

My prayer

Today He is revealing to me that some of the "messengers" He has sent ahead of me are the authors who learn something, then communicate it by book, CD, talks, etc., and they prepare the way before me to learn that too, to go there too. There are SO MANY who have gone before me and are sharing their revelations with me. Thank You, God, for sending these messengers ahead of me to prepare the way before me. I am so blessed by You through them.

Your prayer

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34. THE WORD OF GOD IS NOURISHMENT FOR ME

Psalm 1:2-3

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

"As we meditate and feed in the Word of God, we are like trees that produce fruit because we have nutrients flowing into us." (Secrets of The Secret Place by Bob Sorge, p. 119)

My prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is food for us which we can "eat" each day and be nourished. I love Your Word, Lord. When I meditate on Your Word each day I find that Your Presence comes to me and we get connected together for today. Thank You that Your Word brings forth fruit in its season. I desire to be like the farmer who waits patiently for the seeds he planted to grow. Your Word is like a seed which takes root and grows inside me and produces a fruitful harvest in me. Then I can share that fruit with others in Your name. I delight in Your Word, Lord. Thank You for giving it to us.

Your prayer

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35. A FOUNTAIN OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIVE

John 4:14

Jesus said, "But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

"The Holy Spirit is like the water that helps us swallow the manna of the word. Feeding in the Word must always be complemented with drinking of the Spirit." (Secrets of The Secret Place by Bob Sorge, p. 119)

My prayer

Holy Spirit, I come to be refreshed by You today. You are my fountain of water springing up in me into everlasting life. Thank You, God, for Your precious Holy Spirit who lives in me and satisfies my thirst for You each day. Come, Holy Spirit, and be present with me this day. Shine through me, speak through me, love others through me, and bring glory to Jesus through me today.

Your prayer

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36. THE HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF WILL TEACH YOU

Hebrews 8:11

None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, "Know the Lord," for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

"God wants to lead you into a hidden place in Him where you develop your own unique connection with Him, and you come to know Him totally independently of everyone else. He wants you to develop your own secret history of communing with Him and knowing Him. No man is to teach you how to find this knowing relationship with God; the Holy Spirit Himself will be your teacher." (Secrets of The Secret Place by Bob Sorge, p. 119)

My prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, and be my Teacher. Teach me Your ways that I may know You, God. Your Word says I will know You myself. I come to You today to get to know You better and more. As I come now to this Secret Place, I come to meet with You - to know You. I know You want to be known by me. And I know that You know me completely and totally. So let's talk together right now as I read Your Word and listen to You in my heart.

Your prayer

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37. DO IT ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

1 Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

My prayer

Lord, may everything I do this day, whether I eat or drink or whatever I do, be done for Your glory. May others see Your glory shining forth in all that I do and say. "For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

Your prayer

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38. WAIT FOR THE LORD

Psalm 27:13-14

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

The secret place is a time machine, transporting us from our time zone to His. Here we step into the eternal and begin to view all of life from the perspective of the Ageless One who is without beginning or ending of days…To wait successfully, we must come to derive more fulfillment by being with Him than by working for Him. When being with Him fully satisfies us, we can wait for as long as necessary - just as long as He stays with us… (Quote from Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge, p. 128-131)

My prayer

Thank You, God, for teaching me to wait on You. I desire to derive more fulfillment by being with You, Lord, than by working for You. I desire to step into the eternal and view life from Your perspective as I wait on You, Lord. Please keep growing these desires in my life and fulfilling them. I come now to wait on You, to seek You, and to listen to You. Thank You for wanting me! I love You, Lord!

Your prayer

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39. WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

Psalm 27:1-6 NIV

The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me. 

My prayer

Today I am beginning to see why I don't need to fear when my enemies come against me - it is because I have asked the Lord that I may dwell in His house. Then, in the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling. He will hide me; he will set me high upon a rock. He will exalt me above the enemies who surround me. The place of safety is "dwelling in His house" This is a promise that I am to believe exists - by faith. Lord, I choose to believe this promise from You, by faith. You are my light and my salvation. You are the stronghold of my life. So fear, be gone! Do not come near me. For I dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Thank You, Lord, for Your protection and Your presence.

Your prayer

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40. EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS 

Philippians 2:8-11

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lord, I want to know your Word and to pray it.

Yes, I know, and I am teaching you to do that, and I am putting that in your heart. I will give you Scriptures to learn and to pray as you seek Me for this. I want you to pray this Scripture today. That’s what I am doing today, right now. We are at the climax of that process. You are living in the latter days of this process. It has been coming about slowly over many centuries and now we are very near the end. You know that. I have put that knowing and the desire for that ending of the process in your heart - to pray for it to come. And I want you to pray for that now. That is My desire. That is what I want you to participate in now.

Remember the dream where you saw yourself sitting at the forefront in a line of people “playing together in an orchestra led by Jesus?” That is where you are now--the one who is living now, in the climax time of this long process. I want you to pray for it and know that when you pray “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” that you are praying for THIS: “that every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

My prayer

I pray this Scripture back to You, Lord. I pray that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Jesus, Your name is above every name! You humbled Yourself and became obedient to death, even death on the cross. Therefore You are now exalted. I praise You and exalt Your name today, Jesus. I pray that Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven today, God. And may all this bring great glory to You, Heavenly Father!

Your prayer

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41. LIVING BY WHAT GOD WILLS

1 Peter 4:1-2 in four translations

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God], so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills. (AMP)

Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.  
(THE MESSAGE BIBLE)

Since Christ suffered while he was in his body, strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking Christ had. The person who has suffered in the body is finished with sin. Strengthen yourselves so that you will live here on earth doing what God wants, not the evil things people want.   (NCV)

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.  (NIV)

Just keep going day after day listening to Me and obeying Me and trusting Me to provide everything needed to accomplish My purpose for you (and that includes writing this book, but much more also). I will be with you and I will do it all - if you let Me by waiting for Me and trusting in Me…faith. Your faith will please Me and I will act in response to it. Keep having faith.

My prayer

Heavenly Father, I choose to keep on obeying You and trusting You to provide everything I need to accomplish Your purpose for me. Thank You that You will be with me and You will do it all if I let You.  I want to live out my days free to pursue what You want, God, instead of being tyrannized by what I want. I choose You, and I choose Your way and timing. I'd rather patiently suffer than to fail to please You, God. I choose Your will, God. I choose to keep having faith in Your glorious plan.

Your prayer

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42. COME AGAINST TEMPTATION

Matthew 6:9-13

This, then is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

(Joyce Meyer, The Word, The Name, The Blood, p. 80)  “I believe you and I are also near the end of our ministry on this earth. The end of all things is shortly about to come to pass in my opinion. The Second Coming of Christ is near, and we can expect the spiritual warfare to increase. Just as Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray that they not fall into temptation, I encourage you to do the same. As soon as you sense temptation, pray in His name that you not fall into it….Yes, come against those temptations with which you wrestle in the name of Jesus, and I believe you will have good results. You do not have to fight your battles alone. There is power in the name of Jesus. Use it!” 

My prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray against temptation today. I ask You to reveal to me any temptation that is coming to me that I don't even recognize as such. Deliver me from evil, Lord. I know evil is very deceptive and cunning. Keep me from being deceived. You are the Spirit of Truth, Holy Spirit, so I ask You to keep revealing the truth to me day by day. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Your prayer

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43. YOUR POSITION IS TO TRUST THE LORD

Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.

You have everything that I have, My child, everything. You do not need to fear not having enough money to live on. I will give/bring you all you need. Your position is to trust Me. I gave you that Scripture this morning: “In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust is your strength.”  Walk in quietness and trust all the rest of your life. Herein lies your strength - resting in Me. Repent whenever you don’t rest in Me. I want you to rest in Me all the time. Rest in Me this day and you will receive My very best for you.

My prayer

Dear Father, Thank You that I have everything You have. You have blessed me so much! Thank You! I repent of being worried about the provision I need to live on. I choose to trust in You as my Provider. I choose to walk in quietness and trust all the rest of my life. Thank You for giving me Your very best for me. You are my strength!

Your prayer

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44. I AM WHO I AM 

Exodus 3:14 (AMP)

And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE; and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites, I AM has sent me to you! 

(Joyce Meyer said on pg 86 of THE WORD, THE NAME, THE BLOOD):  “It was as if God was saying to Moses, ‘You don’t have to worry about Pharaoh or anybody else, I AM able to take care of anything you encounter. Whatever you need, I AM it. Either I have it or I can get it. If it doesn’t exist, I will create it. I have everything covered, not only now, but for all time. Relax.’”

Yes, that is My Word to you today. “I have everything covered, not only now, but for all time. Relax.” Know this, My child. I am sending you to Lee’s Summit. I am sending you to CTC. I am sending you to write the book together with Me. It’s all ME. And you are just being obedient as you have told your friends. You are following where I lead.

My prayer

Lord, I believe what You told Moses: that You are I AM. I believe You can take care of whatever I encounter this day and every day. So I rest in You today and trust You to guide me in all that I do. Thank You for reminding me of who You are.

Your prayer

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45. THE TIME IS NEAR

Revelation 1:3 NIV

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. 

My prayer

Lord, You say that the time is near, and I believe it. I have read the words of the prophecy in the Book of Revelation, and I take it to heart. Thank You for giving us this prophetic picture of what You are doing and what is coming. 

Your prayer

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46. THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

John 16:13

But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you in all truth.

My prayer

That’s what I pray today...guide me in all truth, Holy Spirit. I know, if I follow Your guidance, You will guide me in what is God’s best for me. Thank You! Come, Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth. Change me in every way You want to change me so I conform to Your truth. 

Your prayer

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47. FAITH RESTING ON GOD'S POWER

1 Corinthians 2:1, 3-5 NIV

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God...I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 

My prayer

Today I come to You, Lord, desiring that My faith not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.  I am not coming in superior wisdom or in eloquence, but I am praying for the Spirit’s power to invade each word in this prayer and this book, and communicate to each person who reads it exactly what that person needs to hear and understand to grow spiritually. Thank You, Lord!

Your prayer

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48. THE MAN WITHOUT THE SPIRIT

1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

If you are reading this book and find you just don’t grasp what is being said or just don’t find anything here which encourages you in your inner person, perhaps you need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in that. Or perhaps you have never really invited Jesus to come into your life and be your Lord and Savior. If you want to know how to do that, please read Appendix A at the back of this book to learn how. If you are not sure whether you have clearly asked Jesus to come into your life and be your Lord and Savior, you can read that also, and go through that commitment, so you can be absolutely sure you belong to Him and therefore, have His Spirit in you. 

My prayer

Father in Heaven, I pray today for each person who is reading this book. I pray for them to give their lives to You, Jesus, and be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, I ask You to fill their lives and give them spiritual discernment so they can understand the things that come from You.

Your prayer

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49. THE WINGS OF MY DOVE 

Psalm 68:13 NIV

Even while you sleep among the campfires, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold. 

And what does My dove represent? (It represents You, Holy Spirit.) Now read it again. “The wings of my dove (Me) are sheathed with silver, its feathers with gold.”  I am covered with silver and gold. I bring silver and gold with Me when I come to you - even while you sleep. When you sleep, then you are not aware of what I am doing, but it is being done while you are unaware. That is My message to you today. That is why that Scripture passage intrigued you so. I wanted you to stop and ponder it so I could use it to bring you this message: I am bringing silver and gold to you even while you are unaware of it.

Today I looked up silver and gold in the dream book. Silver stands for knowledge, knowledge of God. Gold stands for wisdom, glory.

My prayer

Heavenly Father, Your Word is teaching me today that even when I sleep You bring things to me. You bring silver and gold. Silver and gold can mean provision, and it can also mean knowledge and wisdom. I need both, Lord. I need provision daily from You, and I need knowledge and wisdom. Thank You for bringing both to me. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for being active in my life, even when I am not aware of it.

Your prayer

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50. SPIRITUAL ARMOR

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

The Spiritual Armor is what we use as protection for ourselves and our loved ones. We use it as protection against those spiritual forces of darkness in the heavenly realms. Did you know there was a “heavenly realm?” It is a spiritual realm that exists right along with the natural realm in which we function daily. It has in it the forces of evil and the forces of good. We can influence that heavenly realm with our prayers, petitions, and declarations.

The Apostle Paul tells us about it in this passage from Ephesians. He tells us that our struggle is not against people, but against this spiritual realm which has in it rulers, authorities,  powers, and forces of evil. And he tells us that our armor of protection consists of salvation, righteousness, truth, the gospel of peace, faith, and the Word of God. He tells us to “put this on.” Why? So that “when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” Do we each have “a day of evil” come in our lives? Oh, yes! That is what he is teaching us. Do we want to “stand our ground” and not lose these battles? Well, I do, don’t you?

So I need to put on this spiritual armor and so do you. How do we put it on? I put it on in prayer by speaking out loud each piece of the armor and declaring it over myself and my loved ones whom I also want protected. I say something like this in my prayer: 

My prayer

Lord, I place the helmet of salvation on mind. I declare that I belong to You and I have your salvation from sin and sickness because of Your body and blood given for that on the cross. I ask for Your mind to be in me today. 

Lord, I place the breastplate of righteousness on myself. I declare by Your Word that “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.” You, Jesus, became sin and took my sin upon Yourself that I might be free from it. If there is any sin in my life, please show it to me right now, that I may confess it before You and be cleansed.

Lord, I place the belt of truth on myself. I declare You are the truth and that Your Word is truth, and I stand on those because I belong to You. Guide me in speaking truth today.

Lord, I place the gospel of peace on my feet. Everywhere I go today, I declare peace will go with me. Guide me to those whom You want me to share the gospel of peace with this day.

Lord, I place the shield of faith in my hand as a shield from all the fiery darts of the evil one. I declare faith in You, Jesus, and in Your victory over that evil one. Guide me in recognizing any fiery darts sent to me from the enemy, that I might deflect them with the shield of faith. My faith is in You, Jesus.

Lord, I take up the Sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God. I declare Your Word as true and alive and active and powerful. I use Your Word to fight against the evil one. I ask You to place that Word in my mind and heart throughout this day that I may speak it forth as the Sword of the Spirit.

Lord, I pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and petitions. I ask You, and I  declare that You, Holy Spirit, will put those prayers in my heart and mind as I go throughout this day.

Thank You, Lord, for this spiritual armor which You have given us to put on for protection against the forces of evil in the spiritual realm that we may be able to stand.

Your prayer

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51. WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

Job 12:12 NIV

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

My prayer

Father, it was like You gave me this Scripture to emphasize and reconfirm to me that I now have the wisdom and understanding You want to put together in this new book which I wasn’t fully ready to write before. You have impressed me how this book is the harvest or fruition of all I’ve learned from You for all these years. Guide me in this, Holy Spirit, so the book will say all You want in it and will omit all You don’t want in it. I pray for the wisdom that You have been imparting to me for my whole lifetime to be written in these books You have called me to write. I pray for the understanding that comes from living a long life and learning from You during that life. Thank You, God, that You have all wisdom and understanding and place that in me as I seek You daily.

Your prayer

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52. FEAR NOT FOR I HAVE REDEEMED YOU

Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV

But now, this is what the Lord says... “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior....Do not be afraid, for I am with you. 

This means to you that I am with you (and your children) at all times, and I save you in all situations. When you drive cars places, I am with you. When you take airplane trips, I am with you. When you walk places (like in corporate parking lots) I am with you. “Don’t be afraid, because I am with you.”

And if I use that situation to allow your life to be snuffed out, then it is because it is time for you to come and be with Me in heaven. I know that special time (and it is truly special) for each person. But I have promised you that you and your children will be kept safe on the earth right up to the Rapture, and I WILL do that. Trust Me for this.

My prayer

Dear Father, You say to fear not because You have redeemed me, You have summoned me, and I am Yours. You will be with me when I pass through the waters, through the rivers, and through the fire. So I declare that this day: I fear not because You are saving me every day from whatever comes against me. I am not afraid because You are with me. You are my God and my Savior. You love me and look out for what's best for me every day. Thank You, Father God.

Your prayer

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53. A SMALL HARVEST OR A LARGE HARVEST

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NCV

Remember this: The person who plants a little will have a small harvest, but the person who plants a lot will have a big harvest. Each one should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily. And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything--enough to give to every good work. 

My prayer

I want a large harvest, Lord, so you say that I need to plant a lot of seed to gain that harvest. I have decided in my heart to give to You and to Your work in this world. I am not forced to and I am not sad to give, but I rejoice for the opportunity and privilege of giving. And Your Word says that You can give me more blessings than I even need and I will always have plenty of everything - enough to give to every good work. Thank You, Lord, for this principle from Your Word. I seek Your guidance about where to plant the seeds of finances, prayer, and time that You have given me to plant. I ask that it blesses and increases Your Kingdom work.

Your prayer

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54. LET US NOT BECOME WEARY IN DOING GOOD

Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

My prayer

Thank You, God, for this encouraging Word from You. I choose not to become weary in doing good. I believe that a harvest will come at the proper time. Guide me today to do good to all people as I have the opportunity, especially to the family of believers.

Your prayer

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55. WISDOM

Proverbs 9:10, 12

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you.

So you see, you do have wisdom because you fear Me, and you do have understanding because you have knowledge of Me. You live in wisdom and understanding daily as you walk with Me.

My prayer

Lord, I desire wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from You. I desire "the fear of the Lord" as Jesus had that fear. I desire the knowledge of You, God, as Jesus had it. Guide me in Your wisdom this day. I choose to walk daily with You.

Your prayer

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56. A CHRISTMAS BLESSING

Luke 2:11 KJV

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

My prayer

Good Morning, Jesus, and Happy Birthday! Thank You for coming as that little child to the earth to die for me. Thank You for teaching us, healing us, loving us, dying for us, and redeeming us back to You. Thank You for loving us soooo much! I celebrate Your birth, Lord Jesus! Thank you for the "peace on earth, good will to men" that is coming upon the earth through You. Thank You for soon bringing Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, and I pray for that today.

This is My Christmas promise to you today. I will bless you all the days of your life:
•	with My Presence - as much of the Son as you can take and not be burned up
•	with My provision - that includes financial provision, but all other provision needed too
•	with My love - and this will never diminish, but only grow stronger within you
•	with My anointing for all I want you to do
•	with favor from Me and others - in all situations you encounter
•	with closeness and nearness to Me every day - and this includes writing My words
•	with joy bubbling up within you, My joy - more than you have ever felt so far in your life
•	with every good thing that I have for you especially - things unique to your wants/needs
•	with healing - I shall arise with healing in My wings as it says in Malachi 4:2
•	and I will prove Myself to you, as in Malachi 3:10, that I will pour out more blessing on you than you can contain, and you will give this out to others - in My Name

Your prayer

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57. IT IS GOD WHO ARMS ME WITH STRENGTH

Psalm 18:28, 32, 36

You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. 

My prayer

Imagine! God makes my way perfect! Not I, but God. You, God, keep my lamp burning! Yes, that’s true. How could I keep going except for You. You give me the strength inside me to keep going. Thank You, Lord, for keeping my lamp burning! Thank You, Lord, for turning my darkness into light. Thank You, Lord, for broadening the path beneath me so my ankles do not turn. Thank You, Lord, for arming me with strength and making my way perfect! I praise You, Lord!!!

Your prayer

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58.  THE LORD HAS PLANS FOR ME

Jeremiah 29:11-14

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. 

I promise - I will be found by you!

My prayer

Thank You, Lord, for this promise that when I seek You with all my heart, then I will be found by You. It's such a comfort to know that you have plans for me - plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. I declare today that You have plans for me and they are good. I call upon You, Lord, and I come and pray to You. You tell me here that You will listen to me. I believe You, Lord!

Your prayer

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59. BUILDING AND PLANTING IN MY LIFE

Jeremiah 31:28

Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, declares the Lord. 

I have taken you through much uprooting and tearing down, overthrowing, and destroying, both in your own life and in relationships with others, so I will also now build and plant in your life and through your life to others.

My prayer

You have watched over me all the days of my life, Lord. You have torn down things in my life that were not of You. You have destroyed things that were not good for me. You love me enough to do all that! And You are now building and planting in my life Your best for me. Thank You for such great love and grace poured out upon me.

Your prayer

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60. HE WHO HAS AN EAR LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS

Revelation 3:7-13

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  

And that open door for you is this deep, intimate, every-moment relationship with Me, and all the revelations I will be taking you into because of it. It is an open door into the spiritual/heavenly realm like you have longed for. It is now birthed in you, and you are ready to write what I show you and tell you for others to read at some time in the future. This is what I want you to do; this is My destiny plan for you - to write these things for Me to use in other people’s lives from now on.

I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 

This means many who have thought they were Christians, or have acted like they were Christians, but are really not—they will acknowledge that they are not really Christians. "Fall at your feet" may mean they will read your books and then become aware they are not Christians. It may come at the feet of your book messages you have worked so diligently on for these months and birthed them out into the world of existence from inside of you -acting on My guidance.

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 

I promise. I will keep you from the hour of trial, the tribulation, that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God, and I will also write on him my new name. 

I have already written on you the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, and also My new name. It is already on you. I can see it but you can’t. But the angels can see it, and I can see it, and the cloud of witnesses can see it. We are all rejoicing over you.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

You have an ear; you CAN hear what the Spirit says to the churches. I have given you this “ear” to hear Me, and you have committed and set apart yourself to listen and obey what you hear from Me. This is good! I am well pleased with you, My child.

My prayer

God, I'm so excited that you are coming soon! I'm looking forward to coming to Heaven and being with you, and I'm looking forward to Your Kingdom coming to the earth soon. Thank You for the new name You will share with me. I declare that You have placed before me an open door that cannot be shut and I will walk through that open door as I follow You. I pray that You continually enable me, by Your grace, to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Your prayer

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61. SOWING GOOD SEED

Proverbs 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

The Lord taught me this morning about how He deposits seed in us, how He does planting in us:

1.	Through the spoken Word which is alive and active and sharper than any two edged sword
2.	Through prophetic words spoken/prayed over us
3.	Through a dream depositing the word/idea in us

Once these seeds are planted in us, then they grow and eventually produce fruit for harvest. That's one reason it is important to "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6)  That child will have seed deposited in him that grows and produces right fruit eventually. 

My prayer

Thank You, Lord, for the good seed which you deposited in me when I was a child - from church, Sunday School, church camp in the summers, and from my parents. I am so blessed to have been born into this situation. I now pray for my own children, that the seeds of Your words which were planted in them as children will continue to grow and produce good fruit in and through their lives.

Your prayer

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62. HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU

Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. 

My prayer

What a wonderful promise this is to those who belong to You, Lord. You go before me and will be with me. You will never leave me nor forsake me. Therefore I do not need to be afraid or discouraged. Many times you have brought this Scripture to my mind in situations when I might have been afraid. You are always with me! Thank You, Lord!

Your prayer

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63. WATCH YOUR WORDS

Proverbs 18:21 NLT
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Proverbs 18:21 THE MESSAGE
Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.

Proverbs 18:21 NCV
What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded.

We must continually be careful what seed we sow into our own lives and into the lives of others through the words we speak, because they produce an effect. That's why it is important to speak and pray out loud the Word of God over us and others--it deposits a seed of that Word in us so it can grow and produce fruit. 

(Quote from The Word, The Name, The Blood by Joyce Meyer, pg. 37) "Words are containers for power! They can carry creative or destructive power. Since God's Word is full of life and life-giving power, a wise person will learn and speak the Word of God rather than any other word."

My prayer

Lord, I want to be constantly aware of what words I speak, and only speak words of life to myself and to others. I want to be one who speaks with care. Guide me daily, Lord, to remember this.

Your prayer

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64. MY SHEEP LISTEN TO MY VOICE

John 10:24b-30

“If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered. “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”  

My prayer

I pray this verse today for all who are Your sheep, Jesus, that they all listen to Your voice and follow You, and no one can snatch them out of Your hand. I pray this gathering of your sheep is completed soon, and You return soon for all of them. Thank You, Jesus, for the miracles You did in Your Father's name. I pray for all who are Your sheep to hear You and believe You.

Your prayer

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65. BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND

Romans 12:2 NIV

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

(Quote from The Word, The Name, The Blood by Joyce Meyer, pg. 12) "God has a good plan already laid out for each of us, but we will never enjoy it unless our mind is renewed with the Word, which is His thoughts and ideas about things. When our mind is renewed with His Word, we think His thoughts and not our own."

My prayer

Lord, I do not want to conform any longer to the pattern of this world. I ask to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. You renew my mind, Jesus, and Your Word renews my mind. Renew me now, Lord, renew me today. Change me in any way that would make me conform to your Word. I want to be like You.

Your prayer

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66. SEPARATING TRUTH FROM LIES

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

(Quote from The Word, The Name, The Blood by Joyce Meyer, pg. 14) "When we begin to learn the Word, it starts dividing things for us; it begins separating truth from lies. As a result, we begin to realize what is of the Spirit and what is of the soul. Soon we know what actions are approved of God and what actions are not. The Word exposes wrong motives, wrong thoughts and wrong words. 

My prayer

Lord, I know Your Word is alive and active and sharper than a double-edged sword. I speak Your Word today into my life trusting it to do the dividing and judging needed in my thoughts and attitudes. 

Your prayer

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67. GOD'S WORD IS A SPIRITUAL WEAPON

John 6:63 NIV

The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I [Jesus] have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

(Quote from The Word, The Name, The Blood by Joyce Meyer, pg. 37) "God's Word is a spiritual weapon. From this Scripture we can learn that His words operate in the spiritual realm, and they bring life.

My prayer

Come Holy Spirit and give life into me. That is what counts for eternity. Thank You, Jesus, for Your words you have spoken to me in the Bible, through the mouths of others, and directly to me in my thoughts. Those words are spirit and life to me. 

Your prayer

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68. A GOOD NIGHT'S REST

Psalm 4:8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

My prayer

Thank You, Lord, for the intense sense of Your Presence with me and in me this morning, for giving me a good night's rest, and for keeping us with peace and quiet and protection throughout the night. I feel a sense of Your love upon me today and I am so grateful for that, Lord. I love you, and want to tell You that today. 

Your prayer

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69. THOSE WHO WAIT FOR HIM

Isaiah 30:18, 21 AMP

And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!” 

Wow! That is one powerful Scripture, Lord! This describes so much what You are like - One who waits to be gracious to us, One who wants to have mercy on us, One who wants to show loving kindness to us. And, for those who wait for You, the blessings are great - victory, favor, love, peace, joy, companionship with You! That’s what I want, Lord. I wait for You! And as we wait for You… 

And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left. 

My prayer

Dear Father, Thank You for waiting to be gracious to me, and for having mercy on me and showing me loving-kindness. Thank You for being the Lord who is a God of justice. I am blessed as I wait for You and expect and look and long for You. I trust that my ears will hear a word behind me, saying, This is the way; walk in it. I wait for You today expecting Your guidance.

Your prayer

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70. STAND BEFORE THE LORD IN THE GAP

Ezekiel 22:30

I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land...

I want to keep working with you. Morning by morning I will awaken you to come apart with Me, and I will show you what I want you to pray for Me. Will you do this? I know you will. That's why I am asking you to. I know you have a willing heart to do that which I have put within you - intercession for Me. I want you to keep asking as I put that in your mind and heart. Praying My Word is My heart's desire for you. That's why I have taught you that idea over and over until you finally learned it and know it. Now you will do that for the rest of your days on this earth. I will give you the Scriptures to pray each day. Expect that. Intercession - this is going to be the focus of your life for the rest of your life. You are now qualified and equipped to do so - to "stand in the gap" (Ezek. 22:30) for those I tell you to intercede for. This is the way you will earn your heavenly rewards - by intercession, not by giving money. I will give you the names of those I choose for you to specifically intercede for. You just follow My lead on whom to pray for, how often, and how many days.

My prayer

Lord, I want to be an intercessor for You. I choose to build up the wall and stand before You in the gap on behalf of the land. I ask You to give me the people You want me to pray for, and the land You want me to pray for. I am praying for the land of America and Israel today, Lord. I come before You seeking Your mercy and favor and grace for our countries. I ask You to show me throughout this day which people You want me to specifically pray for and what Scriptures to pray for them.

Your prayer

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71. I WILL INSTRUCT YOU AND TEACH YOU

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

My prayer

Oh Lord, so many times you have brought this Scripture to my mind when I needed instruction. I truly believe this Word. You will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. Thank You for doing that! Thank You for counseling me and watching over me. This shows me Your great love for me, Your child. Father, I adore You; I lay my life before You. How I love You!

Your prayer

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72. ABIDING IN CHRIST

John 15:4-5 RSV

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by 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, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

(From Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge, p 211)  “When Joseph found this river, he found a lifesource in God that goes deeper than the seasons of life. Whether it’s flood season or drought season, there is a river available to the saint providing a constant source of divine life and Spirit empowerment. Very few seem to find this great underground river, but when you find it, it is called “abiding in Christ.”

My prayer

Lord, I come to You today to "abide" in You. I know that I cannot bear fruit by myself. To bear fruit for Your Kingdom, I have to abide in the vine. I have to be in that River of Life and You are that River. I come to You for Spirit empowerment and divine life.

Your prayer

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73. COME UNTO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

(Quote from When Heaven Invades Earth, by Bill Johnson, p 66) “I now pray until I come into a place of faith for that situation. When that happens, my perspective on the problem changes. I begin to see it from heaven’s view. My role also changes. Instead of asking God to invade my circumstances, I begin to command the mountains to be removed in His name. It is from this place of faith (or rest) that I discover my role as the pray-er.” 

My prayer

Thank You for saying this, Lord, for sometimes I need rest. Sometimes I try to do things in my own power rather than resting in You. Please remind me when I do that. 

Your prayer

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74. LORD, YOU LOVE US BY TEACHING US 

Exodus 16:4, 17-18 NIV

“I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.”  

 “The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed.”

My prayer

Lord, You love us by teaching us. You teach us lessons in the different situations we face each day. As we learn the lesson, You take us on to new ones. If we don’t learn the lesson, You repeat it. I want to learn today just the lessons You have for me this day. I choose to go out and gather enough bread from heaven for today - not too much and not too little. You are that bread from heaven, Jesus. Guide me in gathering as much as I need today.

Your prayer

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APPENDIX A

HELPS FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

HOW TO GIVE YOUR LIFE TO CHIRST
 (Ideas from message by Ben Hogue on TBN)

The purpose of this is to give people an opportunity to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. This is about telling you of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a very specific and wonderful message. 

And this is the message: that 2000 years ago in real human history, God came. He came in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, so that you and I could know Him as our personal Lord and Savior. 

The Scripture teaches that all of us have sinned, every one of us. Because of that we’re separated from God. But because Jesus came 2000 years ago, because of who He was, the Son of God, and because of what He did on the cross--pay for our sin, enter into hell, be raised from the dead, ascend to the Father--because of what he did, you and I can know Him as our own Lord and Savior. 

Now, think of what that means. That means that regardless of who you are, regardless of what you’ve done, regardless of the mistakes you’ve made, regardless of what you’ve been like, Jesus Christ can come into your life, He can forgive you for all those sins, and you can become a child of God. That’s the gospel, the good news, that regardless of what you’ve done in your life, you can be forgiven, and Jesus can now be Lord and Savior of your life. 

I want to invite you to receive Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior. And I want you to pray this prayer. If you will pray this specific prayer, according to the Word of God, the Lord will come into your life, He will forgive you of your sin, and you can become a Christian.  

How do I know that? Here’s how. The Scripture says in Romans 10:13 that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. That means if you’ll pray and you’ll invite Jesus to come into your life, and you’re willing to genuinely surrender your life over to Him, and receive Him as Lord and Savior of your life, that means you can be saved right now, right where you are.

So I’m going to write here a prayer which you can pray. If you’ll pray this and mean it, upon the authority of the Word of God, you can be a Christian right now, so pray this prayer now:

Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask You to come into my life;
I ask you to forgive me of my sin;
And I ask You to make me a Christian.
Father, I believe Jesus is Your Son;
I believe He came to this earth;
I believe He died on the cross;
I believe He was raised from the dead;
And I believe You would forgive me of my sin if I would ask You to do it.
So right now, in Jesus’ name, I ask You to forgive me of my sin, 
And make me a Christian. Amen.

And if you prayed that prayer, and you meant it, I promise you, on the authority of the Word of God, that God just came into your life, and your sin has just been forgiven, and you’ve just been made a Christian. 

If you prayed that prayer, and you invited Jesus to come in to your life, call the telephone number for Trinity Broadcasting Network telephone counselors at 1-888-731-1000. Call that number and behind that number, answering that phone, there will be some wonderful folks who will love you and pray with you and minister to you as long as it takes until you get all your questions settled. The reason they are there is so that you can receive the ministry that you need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Now if you are a Christian, and you’re away from the Lord, and you need to return to the Lord today, then you call that number also. Those folks know how to help you to get back into a real powerful relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Four Things To Know In Regard To The Gospel of Jesus Christ
1. God loves you and has a wonderful purpose and plan for your life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

 “I have come that they may have life, and might have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

2. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s plan for us, so we deserve death and hell This separates us from God so we cannot know and experience His love and plan for our lives.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

“For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)

3.	God made a provision for us to be free from sin through Jesus giving His life on the cross to pay the penalty for that sin. He is the only provision for man’s sin.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“Christ died for our sins...that he was buried...that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:3-4)

“Jesus answered: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

4. Our response to what Jesus did is to repent of our sin, ask Jesus to take away our sin, and have faith in Jesus and what He did. We must do this individually. Then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives.

A prayer we can pray to receive Jesus into our hearts:

“Lord Jesus, I need You. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. I know I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my life right now. Take control of my life and make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

“To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:1)

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:11-13)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

FOR YOUR CHRISTIAN GROWTH

1.	Go to God in prayer daily
2.	Read God’s Word daily - begin with the Gospel of John
3.	Find a church where God is honored and His Word is preached.
4.	Obey God, moment by moment
5.	Witness for Christ by your life and words
6.	Trust God for every detail of your life

HOW TO HAVE A QUIET TIME

For a believer Christ needs to be at the center of your life. Spending time with Him in your daily Quiet Time will help keep Him there. In my own “Spiritual Journey” I know of nothing else that has been as important to me as the daily Quiet Time for keeping my life focused, for giving me strength for each new day, for encouraging me when I am weary, and for developing over my lifetime a personal intimate relationship with Jesus. So, because I believe it is so important to my own “Spiritual Journey,” I want to share with you how to have a personal Quiet Time in your life too.

1.	Set aside about 15 minutes (or as much as you wish) each morning. (I like to do an hour) This is more than a discipline, it is a personal appointment with Jesus. If you look at it that way, you will be more likely to keep that appointment.
2.	Prepare for it the night before by setting the alarm to get up in time for that extra time. After I get up I find it helps me to do some things to wake up more fully... things like  putting on my makeup, dressing, etc.
3.	The place is important so find a place where you can be alone and not interrupted. Make this a special prepared place with your Bible there, a notebook and pen for writing ideas that come, and good lighting. 
4.	Ask God to be with you and guide you in this time.
5.	Read the Bible according to the plan that suits you. There are some plans listed later in this Quiet Time article. As you read, ponder what you are reading, and possibly read it over more than once.
6.	As you read, talk to Jesus, ask Him questions, write down your questions and the ideas He brings to your mind, and listen for His answers. Your purpose is to be with Jesus, so focus on Him. It’s a time of communication and connection. You want that connection to continue all throughout your day. So talking and listening is an important part of growing that relationship.
7.	Pray in relation to the Scripture you just read. The Word of God is powerful, so pray it out loud back to God.
8.	Bring before him anything else that is on your heart but intersperse it with thanking Him, loving Him, telling Him about who He is to you and what He means to you. That’s what you would do with a loved one, right? And He loves you more than anyone else!
9.	Be sure to write down in your journal:
•	The date
•	The Scripture you read
•	What you said to God
•	What God said to you
10.	Do this each day in the morning. Don’t feel terrible if you miss a day, but return to having the Quiet Time the next day.
11.	This will develop a habit in your life that will reap great rewards, new understandings, and the friendship with your Best Friend, Jesus. 
12.	God’s love for us is not affected by our failure to return it; but our love for Him is. If we don’t keep our communication with Him fresh, it may diminish or grow stale. The daily Quiet Time nourishes that fellowship.
13.	We receive direction and guidance in our Quiet Times. This is a time and place where we learn God’s will for us through His Word and communing with Him. It is important for us to present our needs to Him and receive His wisdom and direction. It was in my Quiet Time that He guided me to write this book for you.

BIBLE READING PLANS

1.	Start at the beginning of the Bible and read it straight through about a chapter a day.
2.	Read Old Testament on Monday & Tuesday, Psalms and Proverbs on Wednesday, New Testament on Thursday and Friday, your Sunday School lesson on Saturday
3.	Divide your Bible into sections and read a portion from each section each day: (e.g. a chapter or portion from the Old Testament, a portion from Psalms and Proverbs, and a portion from the New Testament). This way takes a longer Quiet Time, but helps keep your reading balanced.
4.	I have had many different Bible reading plans through my years of Quiet Times. Right now I am using a plan whereby I divide the Bible into 4 sections: Old Testament, Psalms and Proverbs, Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and the rest of the New Testament. I read from the Old Testament one day, Psalms and Proverbs the next day, the Gospels the next day, and the rest of the New Testament the 4th day, then I begin again with the Old Testament the 5th day, etc.
5.	It might be helpful to list the books of the Bible and the chapters in each book, then cross off each chapter as you read it.
6.	Some publications may have a suggested plan printed in them.
7.	There is a Bible that is divided into daily readings in such a way that you cover the whole Bible in a year. If you want to see this ask at your local Christian bookstore.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Before you give your life to Christ you are traveling the pathway of life as an unbeliever, on your own. After you hear the good news of what Jesus did for you (that He died on the cross for your sins), and after you give your life to Him, you become a believer at the beginning stage of your “Spiritual Journey.” 

You might think of yourself as a little baby who starts getting nourishment by drinking milk. The milk of God’s Word is what nourishes you daily. This milk can come through your daily Quiet Time, and through learning at church from the Pastor and from Sunday School classes. It might come through participating in a fellowship group or Bible Study group. Growth can come through watching Christian television, through reading Christian books, through sharing and praying with other Christians. If you are not helped with your growth, you could remain as a spiritual baby as long as you live. So it is very important to do things for your own growth. 

In the Scripture it mentions the spiritual baby in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 where it says: “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly--mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.”  

During this stage you need people to teach you and mentor you. I had wonderful mentoring during this stage from my sister, Joyce, and from many books and tapes she loaned me to listen to. The apostle Paul said we are like babies who need to grow or like a field in which seeds are planted or like a foundation for a holy temple.

During your “Spiritual Journey” it is important to have contacts with people ahead of you on the pathway who can mentor and teach you. It is also important to have contacts with others who are about the same distance along the spiritual pathway as you are. These are people with whom you can share, and pray, and with whom you can grow together.  There are also people who will be behind you on the journey. They are those you can help and witness to about things which you have learned. When you begin your journey, you can witness to others who are still unbelievers and tell them about how you gave your life to Jesus. As you grow you can share what you have already been taught with others to help them grow too. 

Eventually, as you grow and mature, you could become a discipler or mentor to someone else. Then your ministry could begin to multiply others into disciplers also. Perhaps you could become a Bible teacher, or have a helping ministry, or minister to the poor, depending on the gifting God gives you. You will find that your interests will coincide with your gifting. God will begin to build a passion in you for that which He purposes for you to do in serving Him. Your church may have a class or way of identifying your spiritual gifting. Seek this and learn all  you can about ways God might want to use you.

Think about ways you could grow as a Christian. Be sure to include these ways in your daily life so you won’t become stagnate. Here are some things to consider doing:
•	Have a daily Quiet Time, read the Word, pray
•	Attend church regularly and learn from the pastor and teachers there
•	Participate in a Bible Study group
•	Listen to Christian television and learn from leaders there
•	Read good Christian books 
•	Attend special conferences or camps where you spend an extended time learning
•	Ask another Christian to be your prayer partner, then learn and pray together
•	Ask someone to be your mentor and teach you what they have already learned
•	Listen to Christian videos, cassette tapes, or CD’s
•	Receive emails from Christian contacts such as ElijahList.com, etc

Keep stirring up your enthusiasm for growing as a Christian. Don’t expect someone else to do it for you, even though they can help. The main thing to do is read the Bible and do what it says.

vvv