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Living in Prayer: Show me, Lord!

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Show me, Lord!

In the Word

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths (Psalm 25:4).

Of the Word

What is your home state? North Carolina or North Dakota? Oklahoma or Oregon? Maine or Montana? Those who claim Missouri say they live in the “Show Me State.”

According to the psalmist, God would have all of us claim the “Show Me” address. With the psalmist we can pray: Show me your ways … teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:4–5). It isn’t always easy to stay at the “Show Me” address. Sometimes Satan tempts us to try other, more appealing places. Our own sinful nature can pull us in directions that are not pleasing to God. But we are not to fear. Listen and pray to the Lord. Our loving God keeps calling us back. The Holy Spirit helps by creating in us a new, teachable heart and helps us to see God’s roadmap for our lives.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, show me Your ways for my life, the life You have given me through Jesus Christ. Forgive me when I wander onto paths that are not pleasing to You. Lead me back to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 26/31 ©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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Living in Prayer: Why Lord, why?

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Why Lord, why?

In the Word

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? … Look on me and answer, O Lord my God (Psalm 13:1a, 3a).

Of the Word

Why, Lord? Why is life stolen from the unborn? Why did death come in the midst of a vibrant, productive life? Why doesn’t death come for the one whose eyes no longer see, whose body is wracked with pain? Why is peace elusive in the world, in my country, even in my own heart?

Ever since that fateful day in the Garden of Eden, God’s people have had trouble and heartache resulting from sin. But at the same time, God’s promises are clear. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b). Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b). Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine (Isaiah 43:1b). When clouds of uncertainty hang low, when answers seem far away, our loving God has comfort for us. When nothing else makes sense, His love is still strong and sure. When all else fails, God never fails.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, when I am filled with pain, questions, uncertainties, and frustrations, help me to find peace and comfort in Your Word and in Your promises. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 24/31 ©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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Walking with My Lord: Life is a tense war …

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Life is a tense war, an ancient battle. And I am my own worst enemy. Help!

In the Word

… O God … put a new and right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10 RSV).

Of the Word

Conflict is everywhere. Between spouses, siblings, coworkers, interest groups, races, and nations. But conflict also often lives within — in our hearts and minds. How often, we must admit, we are at war with ourselves. St. Paul put it this way: I know that good does not live in me — that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. I don’t do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do. … My inner being delights in the law of God. But I see a different law at work in my body — a law that fights against the law which my mind approves of (Romans 7:18, 19, 22, 23a GNT).

How often we regret our unkind words, angry outbursts, or indifferent worship! Why do we give in to selfish behavior, hurtful gossip, or hateful thoughts? We grieve with St. Paul when he cries: What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body? (Romans 7:24 GW). The answer is Christ! I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ rescues me! (Romans 7:25a GW).

Walking with my Lord

Father, Christ died for me! Christ rose for me! Christ lives in me to cleanse and empower me to live for You! In His name, I pray. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 5/30  ©2007 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.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the REVISED STANDARD VERSION, Thomas Nelson and Sons, New York, NY. Copyright © 1952.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

Scripture quotations marked GW are taken from GOD’S WORD, God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society, Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 1995.

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Walking with My Lord: Have you lost this … ?

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Have you lost this sweet assurance? Hang on to the promises of God.

In the Word

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life (John 3:16 GNT).

Of the Word

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” So begins Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous sonnet to her beloved. Perhaps her list included all the superlative qualities she thought made her husband, Robert, worthy of her love.

Yet, in our relationship with God, nothing we are, nothing we have done, is truly worthy of His love. We have no list of “superlative qualities” at all. Still, … God has shown us how much he loves us — it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8 GNT). See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God’s children … (1 John 3:1a GNT). But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God’s friends (Romans 5:11 GNT).

God loves sinners and has sacrificed His own Son to draw us back to Himself as His children, His friends. 

Walking with my Lord

Father, thank You for Jesus, my Savior. Thank You for Your constant love. Help me love others as You love me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 2/30  ©2007 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.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION — Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

Sonnet 43, Elizabeth Barrett Browning as printed in Familiar Quotations, John Bartlett, 14th edition, Little, Brown & Co., Boston, MA, 1968, page 618

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Walking with My Lord: Life with God is good!

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Life with God is good!

In the Word

You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever (Psalm 16:11 GNT).

Of the Word

“Where’s your walk taking you?” The headline splashed across the magazine cover caught Deb’s eye. “To your best body ever!” read the next line. “Melt fat, boost metabolism, burn calories!” The article outlined the benefits of regular walking. Deb was motivated to give it a try. Maybe she could convince her neighbor to walk with her.

While walking leads to a healthier life, nothing compares to walking with our Lord throughout our Christian life. Close, daily companionship with Jesus yields the greatest joy! St. Paul urged the Philippian Christians, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4–7).

Jesus has shown us the path that leads to life. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Walking with my Lord

Jesus, my walk with You leads to life. The journey gives me joy! Bring me to my heavenly home where there is pleasure forever. In Your name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 1/30  ©2007 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.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION — Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

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Living in Prayer: I want to listen to you, Lord!

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I want to listen to you, Lord!

In the Word

Speak, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:10b).

Of the Word

“Mom, you’re not listening to me!” “Son, you didn’t listen when I told you.” “Class, listen carefully as I read.”

Our days are filled with listening — the jangle of the morning alarm clock, the buzz of the dryer, the ding of the microwave, the voice of the newsman, the shouts of neighborhood children, the roar of traffic. Samuel’s nighttime visit from God came at a quiet time, and yet Eli had to remind him to listen for God’s voice. (1 Samuel 3) In the bustle of day-to-day activities, it’s sometimes hard to stop and listen for the quiet voice of our loving God.

Is your listening time early in the morning or late at night? Is it at a desk or in a garden? Is it at a stoplight or in a checkout line? Wherever and whenever it is, God is speaking words of love, words of direction, words of comfort. Listen to Him. 

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to take time to listen to You today. When I am busiest, I need You most of all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 23/31 ©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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Living in Prayer: only God can make it happen!

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I pray — but only God can make it happen!

In the Word

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (Acts 4:31).

Of the Word

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors few open, and everybody’s chains came loose (Acts 16:25–26).

Can you imagine the reactions of the other prisoners when the chains fell off and the doors flew open? Shock, elation, puzzlement would be a few — but Paul and Silas had a different response. They didn’t move. They had prayed boldly, and they knew God would handle the situation. It wasn’t their place to break the chains and run for it. They had done all that was necessary by praying boldly. Now they awaited God’s magnificent answer and continued their work of telling others of Christ’s love.

Why does an answered prayer surprise us? God does answer prayer! That shouldn’t surprise us. Rather, it should give us courage to continue to pray boldly. 

Walking with my Lord

Lord, You are a faithful God. What You promise You deliver. Make us bold to bring before You our petitions, thanksgivings and pleadings. Then help us to listen to Your will and direction for our lives. In Your holy name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 20/31 ©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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