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The Holy Spirit … my partner in prayer!

In the Word

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18a).

Of the Word

Do you have an active prayer life? Are your prayers long or short? Can you comfortably voice your prayer concerns to God? The Holy Spirit comes to our aid as we pray. He comes with open arms and places them around us to guide us in truth. (John 16:13) The Holy Spirit is our greatest support in prayer.

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

What great comfort to know that the Holy Spirit is our guide to truth and that He is within us! He is our prayer partner. If you’re having a difficult time praying, remember the Spirit is in you, to support you. You are not alone in prayer!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit. No longer will I need to worry over the correct words or proper form because I know the Spirit will help guide my thoughts and words to You in prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 13/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Sacrifice

In the Word

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).

Of the Word

Sacrifice is defined as the surrender of one thing for the sake of another. It is a term that makes many uncomfortable because it often involves giving up something that is very precious.

We are motivated to sacrifice for others by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us. He came to earth to give Himself unto death on the cross for the salvation of all. He gave wholly of His love and always looks for ways to serve His friends on this earth. His love for us fills us with love for others.

Parents make sacrifices for the sake of the family. They lovingly give their time and resources for their children’s welfare. Jesus empowers parents to love sacrificially, beyond themselves, through the love He has given us all.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Read the newspaper or listen to a newscast with your child and find an example of sacrifice. Then discuss it together.

Walking with my Lord

Sacrificing Savior, You gave Yourself into punishment and death on the cross for me. Make me ready to sacrifice anything that would keep me from believing in You. In Your ever-giving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 11/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.

In the Word

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt … If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:21a, 22).

Of the Word

Have you ever heard a young child say something like this? “Jesus puts the baby in Mommy’s tummy and then when it’s big enough, Mommy will go to the hospital and the doctor will help get it out.” If someone asks the child how he knows about all of this, the answer will be, “’Cause Mommy told me!” The child exhibits complete faith in what his parents told him.

Faith is having unquestioning belief, complete trust and confidence. Do we have that kind of faith in God? Hebrews chapter 11 is all about that kind of faith. By faith Noah built his ark; by faith Abraham and Sarah had a child; by faith Moses was able to free his people from Egypt. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). We can have complete faith in God that He will do what is best for us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father, I come to You in prayer. Strengthen my faith and help me to focus on You. Give me the confidence to stand up to those who spread unbelief. This I pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 11/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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It’s true! Believe it! God cares!

In the Word

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Of the Word

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Have you ever found yourself so anxious about the “what if’s” that you closed your eyes to today’s blessings? Anxiety runs high in our society today. We’re anxious about world peace, financial security, family relationships and so much more. God gives us a simple plan to deal with our anxiety: pray about it! Yes, in everything, at all times, in all circumstances, bring your anxious thoughts and concerns before the Lord in prayer. And then leave them there because God’s peace, which is beyond our human understanding, will keep us focused on what truly is important, Jesus our Savior.

Walking with my Lord

Gracious Heavenly Father, when this world’s concerns and my personal frustrations bring about only anxiety and stress, lead me through the difficult times and grant me Your peace. Help me to remember Your promise to supply all my needs so worrying is unnecessary. You’ve got it all covered! In the saving name of Jesus. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 10/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Patience

In the Word

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Of the Word

Isn’t it strange that patience is often tested most in the family setting? So much is expected from loved ones, and many times we do not meet expectations. It is assumed that family members should know what to say, how to react, or when to stay silent.

Isn’t it a blessing that God is patient with us? He forgives us, even when we repeat the same wrongs over and over again. He loves us for the sake of His Son Jesus, the Savior of the world. God patiently works in our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit, teaching us through His Word and guiding us along the way.

Christian parenting involves much patience: parents with their children and children with their parents. All of us can say, “Please be patient. God isn’t finished with me yet!”

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Identify those times when you have lost your patience. Ask God to give you more patience in similar situations in the future.

Walking with my Lord

Patient Christ, move me to draw on the Spirit’s fruit of patience, especially when that gift is wearing thin in my life. Remind me of how patient You are with me. In Your blessed name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 10/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Wash me … Cleanse me … I am clean!

In the Word

… no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you clean as freshly fallen snow (Isaiah 1:18b LB).

Of the Word

When the prophet Nathan confronted King David about his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, David broke down and confessed his grievous sin before God. He said, Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin (Psalm 51:1–2).

Have you ever just had a “great cry” — one in which your soul poured out all your deepest sorrows and your tears cleansed your heart? Perhaps that was David’s experience when he was confronted with his sinfulness. After confession, David’s spirit was cleansed. That is what happens to us, too, when we come before our Lord in confession, seeking His forgiveness. God’s forgiveness brings us a cleansing, a washing that rejuvenates and restores our relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Walking with my Lord

Cleanse my heart, O Lord, and draw me close to You so I may teach others Your ways and Your praise will be ever on my lips and in my heart. In Jesus’ forgiving name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 8/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked LB are taken from The Living Bible, Copyright © 1971, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187. All rights reserved.

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Humility

In the Word

… he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8b).

Of the Word

Jesus delivered us from sin in a state of humility, … he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8).

Jesus told a parable about two men praying in the temple (Luke 18:9–14). The first, a proud Pharisee, thanked God that he was not as sinful as the other man. He recited his good deeds to God. The humble tax collector simply prayed, “‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner’” (Luke 18:13b). Jesus concluded the parable by saying that the humble tax collector’s sins were surely forgiven.

Parents strive to be humble examples in the home as they serve, forgive, and confess their own sins and shortcomings. They do not use their position of authority as a weapon, but rather find opportunities to show loving humility.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Ask your child for a definition of humility. Discuss Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, recorded in Luke 18:9–14.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Savior, remind me that in Your humility You delivered me from sin. Encourage me to remain humble as I express Your forgiveness to my family. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 9/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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