Give Us This Day our Daily Bread

"...And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him..." 1 John 5

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Evening Prayers - 12 August 2014

Dear Father, Thank You for this day, thank You for all my brothers and sisters praying with me today. Today we focus on the fruit Joy. It always reminds me of King David and how he celebrated the return of the Holy Grail by dancing in his inner garments in front of the whole kingdom. And he said, "I will become more undignified than this." When he was criticized. Let us find similar Joy in You dear Lord. May we never forget to give You thanks and praises as we go from day to day. Because every day is a new miracle :) But even in the difficult times, when nothing seems to be going right, as we hold steadfast to You, help us to have joy in every day too. Help us to find joy in living for You that we may smile through the storm :) Lord may Your Name be praised on high. Amen.

[dlyvrence]

Evening Prayers - 11 August 2014

Dear Lord, We give You thanks Lord for Your presence in our lives and for everyone praying with me today. As we go further into our week, Lord just want to focus on the fruits of the Spirit. That as we think about them, they might be personified in our actions and words and even thoughts. The first fruit is Love - and what greater example than that which You have given us? It says in the Word 'Love others as you love yourself'. Foremostly, teach us to love our family and friends - our parents and siblings and friends we meet. Thank You for surrounding us with people who love and care for us. Things might not have been completely smooth with our families or friends, but let us continue to treat each other with patience and understanding - no matter how hard it is for us to give in. All praise be unto You, Lord, for the good and bad times alike. Then, teach us to show love to acquaintances and people we will meet in future. They might not be as nice to or accepting of us, but let us 'turn the other cheek' towards them and return their actions with kindness and acceptance instead of contempt. Even when our day isn't going well and we don't 'feel' like showing concern, grant us strength to be nice anyway. For Your Glory, not ours. Amen.

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Evening Prayers - 10 August 2014

Dear Lord Jesus,

Your Name be praised for yet another week past. We give You praise for the happy times we had and even for the sad times. No matter how much or how little we have, we would like to give You thanks for we do have. I give You extra thanks for each and every brother and sister praying with me today. 

I have an examination next week and this is crunch time for me. But as we all struggle with our personal challenges and problems, Your Word is the best place of refuge. Sometimes we struggle too hard and we are worn out; we try to find comfort in physical, worldly things - the embrace of a lover, the embrace of silk-velvet duvets, food, or even a small corner in the toilet. 

Let us instead turn to the comfort provided by Your Word and promises. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; My Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world does. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid." We humbly bow our heads in prayer today and ask for that Peace. The calmness of mind that we might hold our ground even as the storm rages around us. 

So as this week starts and we go back to our studies and work, Lord, let us be courageous - standing on the strength given to us by You, Father. We set forth in faith and strength!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Amen.

[dlyvrence]

Evening Prayers - 9 August 2014

Dear Lord and King,

Thank You for this day. Today is National Day here in Singapore and I give You thanks for all my brothers and sisters here praying with me on this special day.

Today we are reminded of how far Singapore has come from her earlier days as a fishing village. Now that we are independent, one of the safest countries in the world and at the fore-front of development and economic progress, I give You thanks Lord, for Your presence here in Singapore, guiding our leaders and looking after the citizens. 

No matter where we are Lord, we continue to pray for our countries and their leaders. There are so many countries in turmoil now, gird us all for the times ahead - to stay together, united and informed. Lead us to pray for other countries and their people. That Your Peace and Mercy might be with them.  Continue to grant our leaders wisdom and love for the people. 

We humbly pray today, that Your Peace that transcends all understanding might guard our minds and hearts too. Because all around us, the storm might rage, but with faith and belief, we can walk on water too. 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

Amen.

[dlyvrence]

Evening Prayers - 8 August 2014

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this beautiful day past. I give thanks for all the brothers and sisters praying with me today. 

Tomorrow marks the birth-day of our nation - Singapore. I know my brothers and sisters do not all come from Singapore, so today we pray humbly for the progress of our individual nations. Especially during these tumultuous times, Father, we place our countries and governments into Your Hand - that our leaders may be blessed with wisdom and discernment. That You will prevent them from becoming corrupt and drive away the devil even as he tries to influence them. 

You are Lord over all nations - the same God who directed Joseph, who instructed David and Solomon, who saw the rise of Hezekiah's kingdom and the fall of King Ahab. May Your Grace be upon our leaders; and also the citizens. As You bestows upon us Your Presence and Mercy, may our lands prosper in Peace and Harmony and not discord. Let our leaders be wise and courageous, our citizens supportive and our nations strong under Your Rule. 

Just and true are Your ways, of King of Nations - Revelations 15:3

Amen.

[dlyvrence]

Evening Prayers - 7 August 2014

Dear Father Lord,

Lord may Your Name be praised. And thanksgiving in the utmost for bringing us all together to pray today. 

There is this song Lord, that goes, "Lord You are, more precious than silver. Lord You are, more costly than gold. Lord, You are, more beautiful than diamonds and nothing I desire compares with You." It just got me thinking about our mindset as Christians. 

Indeed Father, You are more important and more precious than anything on this Earth. As You should be in our lives. Carrying on the lesson in Colossians that says, "Set your mind on things above", help us Lord, today, to desire You and our place in Heaven more than anything else. 

Our loss of desire for You and Heaven has turned us lukewarm. Relight the flames of our first Love, dear Father, that we might come to find excitement and joy in doing Your Work and reading your Word. Let worshiping be our bread and praying be our water - One step at a time. 

And let us start first by fervent prayer. 

Thank You precious Father. Indeed, nothing I desire compares to You.

Amen. 

[dlyvrence]

Morning Dlyvry - 7th August 2014

Morning everyone! Here's this morning's verse:

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

—1 Timothy 6:7-8

I'm 24 this year, and at 24, you hit a quarter-life crisis. You wanna get successful, you wanna make big money, drive big cars (I'm not a fan of cars though, but just saying, it's quite common to want that). You want to strive work hard for earthly things. And guess what, there's nothing wrong with that. 

Having said that, I think this verse serves as a really potent reminder that we should be content with what we have. That means to say, to be content with what God has provided you, and spend the time worshiping and growing spiritually and producing good harvest for his kingdom, rather than spending your time working hard on things that don't actually matter:

... ... we can take nothing out of it. ... ...

So today, as we go along our daily business, keep in mind God's will for you. Be loving, be graceful, be merciful, just as how our Lord Jesus Christ was for us. Amen.

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Evening Prayers - 6th August 2014

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You Father for the half week past. Time passes so quickly. We give You thanks for each second that passes. Thank You Lord for each brother and sister here with me today. Thank You uniting us in prayer. Today Father, I would like to ask You to teach me how to handle my money. Living in a world where we could even spend money shopping on our phones, help us to put the money we have been given to good use and to save when we can for a rainy day. Thinking about this prayer reminded me of the story of Joseph. When the drought came upon Egypt, You bestowed wisdom upon him, to help him manage the Egyptian food rations that they might survive the drought. We humbly ask that You bestow the same wisdom upon us, dear Lord. Your Word says in Colossians 3:1-2 to 'seek those things which are above' instead of worldly things. Besides helping us not to spend recklessly, grant us a spirit of discerning to see where we should put our money. Father thank You for Your patience and love, that You would be willing to teach us. As we go from day to day, continue to guide us Father, that we might cultivate a heart that beats after Your very own. One day at a time, one aspect at a time. Amen

[dlyvrence]

Morning Dlyvry - 6th August 2014

Hi everyone! Mid week Wednesday! Hope things has been going well for you! Let us look at this morning's verse:

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

—1 Corinthians 13:6

This verse feels almost like a given, but do we practice it as much as we understand it to be? Have we not ever wished for bad things to happen to the people we dislike? Or hoped that our enemies fall and fail?

With that, have we also not felt fear when truth we try to hide is about to be revealed? I have. Many times. Because I'm a sinner. And I dare say that all of us have. 

Well the good news is that Jesus has given us an unfailing love. The love that does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. One that is so graceful and merciful that he saved us from our eternal doom. Take a moment to realize and appreciate what our God has done for us.

This morning as we read this, let us put aside all our earthly business and pray a short prayer together.

Dear Lord Father in heaven,

thank you for sending you son to die on the cross for us. Thank you for all the love, grace and mercy that you have given us. Thank you for letting us be your children once again. 

Amen. 

Happy Wednesday morning (=

[dlyvrence]

Evening Prayers - 5th August 2014

Dear Father,

Thank You once again for this time of prayer, where we can quieten our hearts to focus on talking to You. Because You are our God and mighty to be praised! Let us persevere in prayer, that we might cultivate hearts that beat in accordance to Yours.

Today we reflect on the verse Psalms 10:4: "In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." Oh how it impacted me Lord - how often I've thought I could do things on my own and in my way that I forget to include You into the equation. And when I fail, I cry and weep and ask 'Where were You Lord?".

Help us Lord, today, to stop and think about what we are doing and how You factor into all of it.

First of all: It may be work, studies or even simple projects, but let us continue to seek You for strength, wisdom and guidance. That in everything we do, we do it as if doing for God not men (Colossians 3:23-24).

Secondly: No matter whether we are in rough times, or just had a victory in our work, let us give You praise at every step of the way! Help us remember where our help comes from. 

Third: Keep us humble Lord, and help us to recognise that we succeed because of You - Your Strength, Your Power and especially, Your Love. 

It is so easy to forget to acknowledge You when our heads are filled with pride, that we tend to lock You out of our daily lives. Sorry Father for all the times we ignored You and kept You out of a our daily lives. As we set off today, let us make a larger effort to include You in our lives!

Amen.

[dlyvrence]

Morning Dlyvry; 5th August 2014

Good morning everyone! I hope your Monday went well. If it didn't, all the more to present this day to the lord.

This morning's verse comes from Zechariah 4:6

So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: `Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.

Many times in life, we will face challenges, tasks that we have to complete that may seem way too daunting for our own doing. This verse reminds us that it is not by our own might or power that one may accomplish his goals. The Lords says it is by the Spirit, that one can achieve greatness.

Let us pause today to think: In our personal lives, our work and career, our ministry efforts, where do we place our trusts and what is our source of confidence? Is it in our own abilities, skills, insight and strength? Or is it in our God Almighty.

Let us humble ourselves and dedicate this day, and the many others to come, to invite our God to take the lead in our lives, that by his spirit, greatness can be achieved. 

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Evening Prayers - 4th August 2014

Dear Abba Father,

Thank You for this beautiful new day. I am so glad that we are all alive and well. Some better than others, but still, I am so grateful that we can be here to pray together.

Yesterday there was a lady who fainted face-first in a public place. As I rushed to help her, she was responsive, but weak and disoriented. I tried to pray for her and found myself thanking You for our health. 

1 Corinthians 6:19 says, "Do you not realise that your bodies are temples of God?...". More than just our spiritual growth in You, we have to treat our bodies well by staying healthy. Dear Father, help us to be conscious of our bodies and stay healthy by eating the right foods, exercising and in times of illness, to rest well and trust in You for our healing.

In 2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah was gravely ill, even after being told he would not survive, he trusted in You and was completely healed! Let us be as trusting. 

Thank You for our health. For watching our us and our loved ones. You are our mighty Healer. 

Amen. 

[dlyvrence]

Morning Dlyvry; 4th August 2014

Good morning everyone! Hope you had a good weekend! Here is this morning's verse.

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

—1 John 5:4

Very interestingly, if you read yesterday's Morning Dlyvry, this verse pretty much complements that. Perhaps this is really a strong reminder, and also a much more positive one, that God's power can be with us, and we will overcome the world. veryone! I hope you had a good weekend! Here's this morning's verse.

Perhaps another question one might ask is, who would be considered to be born of God? Does that if one is not born a christian, that he will never overcome the world? Well, let us also read 1 John 5:1, which says:

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.

So good news for everyone! As long as we believe, there is hope for us. Let us dedicate this day to telling someone about the good news that Christ has for all of us!

#ibelieve

[dlyvrence]

Morning Dlyvry; 3 August 2014

It's Sunday! It's an awesome day!

This morning's verse comes from Romans 8:31.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

I really like this phrase. It reminds me of the absolute power of our God. That being said, I would also like to share a personal story, that sheds a slightly darker side to this verse.

A few years ago, I decided to start a business of my own. On hindsight, I did so only because it was a romantic idea. I was no where near prepared. My mind was focused only on myself and what I could get out of owning a business - money, fame, pride, freedom; possibly a brighter a better future if I succeeded. I didn't love my customers, or cared what they really felt. In fact I even rejected feedback that my friends gave me, all because of my prideful ego. 

Throughout that journey, I remembered telling myself many times. If God is with me, who can be against me. But again, on hind sight, why would God be with someone as greedy, prideful and as sinful as me back then (not saying that i'm pure and holy now, but definitely a more mature and a better person).

The lesson here is that it is really God who is in control not us with our own human ideas. And if one were to take on the world with his own powers, methods and ideals, then God is not with you and you are bound to fail. Carry out the will of God and he will be with you, no matter how unprepared you are; and you are bound to succeed.

Let us challenge ourselves today, to pray to God about his plan for us and start working out how we can carry out God's work, not just our own ideas of success.

[dlyvrence]

Evening Prayers - 3rd August 2014

Dearest Father,

May Your Name be praised! Today was a beautiful Sunday. Thank You for the message we received at church today and thank You for all my brothers and sisters who are now engaging in fervent prayer here with me.

Today we are focused on Proverbs 10:11, 14 that says "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of Life, the mouth of the wicked conceals violence... the mouth of a fool invites ruin." (KJV). Indeed, Lord, a person's caliber is shown in the way he/she speaks. Although we might be comfortable with the way we speak and with the way people react to our words, we will never know how it will affect the people around us. The things we say might make or break someone's day. 

Teach us this day, loving Father, to watch what we say. We might be accustomed to swearing or saying bad things about others (gossiping). Help us to remember that we carry the name of the Lord with us, and that our words should reflect the Spirit within us. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. Let us make a conscious effort to cultivate those fruits, starting with the way we speak.

Dear Father, give us the strength to overcome our urge to curse and swear and eliminate that compulsion in us to say unnecessary hurting things about people around us. Forgive us, Abba Father, for those times we gave in and hurt people around us, or You, with our words.

From this moment on, help us to be fountains of life!

Amen. 

[dlyvrence]

Evening Prayers - 2nd August 2014

Dear Father in Heaven,

Thank You for this time of prayer. Thank You even more for all the sisters and brothers who have decided to put time aside to pray with me. 

Yesterday was International Girlfriends' Day! But you already know that. Days like these remind me of important things in life. I am a girlfriend, and so are many of my sisters out there. In our lives we all strive to find a life partner, someone to share our lives and to walk with us as we trace Your Hand. 

This reminded me of the story of Hosea and Gomer. Although Gomer left Hosea and her children to pursue her own ambitions, the love of Hosea brought her back. He searched for her even after so many years and used all he had to buy her from the marketplace. 

Help us to also have patience and unceasing love for our partners - to be understanding and long-suffering when treating each other. And to persevere especially during the difficult times. 

We also give You thanks for that love You gave and sacrifice You made to buy us from the grasps of eternal death. Even though we abandoned our First Love, You searched for us and bought us back with everything You had - Jesus Christ. 

Thank You again,dearest Father.Today we are reminded of that Great Love. Now as it has been given to us, let us go forth and share it with the world, starting with our partners.

Amen.

[dlyvrence]

Morning Dlyvry; 2 August 2014

Today's verse comes from Isaiah 61:1-2a

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn...

These verses remind me very much about the mission that God has given everyone of us - to share and preach the good news to the poor. It also reminds me how good a God we have. Not only does he provide for us, he provides so much in abundance that we may share his boundless love with others as well! This is something we should all be doing. 

Thus today, let us spend some time to think about people in our lives who we love. Let us take the effort to tell them about the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, let us also pass on the love that our Lord Jesus Christ so readily gave us. Let us forgive someone who had sinned against us. Let us pray for someone in need. Whatever you do, us challenge ourselves to pass on the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, into the world. That, in my humble opinion, would be preaching the gospel with your actions, not just your tongue. 

I pray you have a fruitful weekend! Have a great day!