Heavenly Father, thank You for these instructions to church elders, to feed the flock of God with sound, biblical doctrine, and to take responsibility for the nurturing and encouragement of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help each one of us to grow in grace and in a knowledge of You, and may all Your children live humbly and walk circumspectly before You, throughout our Christian life. Thank You, Father, that You are no respecter of persons and are ready to use any one of us who is willing to be used, and looking to Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith - even me. Give me opportunities to shepherd and nurture those that are weaker in the faith than I, and excite in me a desire to learn from elders and officials in the church, who are fulfilling their God-given role within the body of Christ. Give me a spirit of humility and grace to finish the race that is set before me, and may I do all to Your greater praise and glory. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithful pastors and elders in our churches who humbly care for the people in their congregations, as they gently shepherd the flock of God in their charge. We pray for all those who have been called to be the under-shepherds of Your people, and pray that You would empower each one with the gifts and graces they need to minister to those You have placed in their charge. Keep them from developing an attitude of pride or superiority, and may they all rejoice with the saints in heaven, when they receive their crown of glory that will not pass away. Help each one to pattern their life on Christ, and may each one set a godly example to those in their care. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, I pray that I may be self-controlled, willing to serve, gentle in spirit, and humble of heart. Help me to carry out all that You have entrusted to me, not because I have to but because it is the desire of my heart to love and serve you with all my being. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, develop in me humility of heart and graciousness of spirit. Thank You for the example of Christ's humility. May I become more and more like Him in the days that lie ahead. I pray this in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, I confess that for too long, I have tried to work out my own problems and carry my own cares in my own strength. Thank You that You care so much for me that I can cast all the burdens, hurts, disappointments, and worries that seem to be flooding my life today upon You, in the sure knowledge that you have promised to carry them. I admit I am weak, but I praise You that I can draw on Your amazing strength, today and in the days that lie ahead, because You care for me. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, keep me clear headed and watchful in these last days before Jesus returns. I know that Satan is prowling around seeking to destroy my witness and cause me to stumble. I pray that I may take this warning seriously and rely on You in all things so that I may not stumble and fall but stand fast in this evil day. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, help me to resist the devil and stand firm in the faith, through Christ Who is my life. I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are going through the same types of trials and difficulties that I am facing and I thank You that You have given each one of us the sufficient strength to resist the devil in this evil day. May we all be enabled to stand fast on the promises of God our Saviour. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the God of all grace. Thank You that Christ suffered once for all on the Cross for me, not only paying the price for my sins, but also breaking the power of sin and Satan in my life. Continue to perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish me, and may I never forget that You Who started a good work in me will continue until the day of Christ Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.
Praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! AMEN.