Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:34:56 +0800WeeblySun, 05 Apr 2020 08:15:53 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/praying-scripture-during-a-pandemic-or-world-disaster

As you watch the news, keep your Bible close. God has words of hope and authority to flow into you and out of you as you pray out Scripture. It is important to be more consumed with what He says than with the perspective of man. Do not succumb to fear, but overcome that fear with faith. This happens as you begin to speak out God's truth in the midst of the disaster. Keep Reading...

​Use the following Scripture references to pray into the pandemic or disaster that is facing your nation and the nations around you.

Psalm 3:3-4 - But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.

Pray: Dear Lord, You are our shield. Surround us with Your protection at this time. Reveal Your glory to me. Reveal it to the world who desperately needs to know You. Hear our prayer. We believe You will answer us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 18:16-19 - He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Pray: Dear Father, please reach down from on high and take hold of us. Draw our community out of the deep waters. We trust in You to rescue us in this day of disaster. For You are our support. Out of Your great delight in us, bring us into that spacious place of safety. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 19:1-4 - The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

Pray: In this day of disaster, we look up and recognize that You are the Creator. Your beauty is still on display for all to see. Today, let people look up and realize that You are alive, that You are faithful. In my community, draw people to Yourself as they look outside and see Your beautiful creation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 20:6-7 - Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, I believe in Your saving power. Answer me as I call to You. Save us in the midst of this disaster with Your strong right arm. We do not trust in man to save us. We trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 21:1-2 - O Lord, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give! You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips.

Pray: Dear Lord, we pray for the leader of our nation. Let him/her receive wisdom from You for how to lead in these turbulent times. Please hear and answer the silent prayers from his/her lips that would bring peace and safety to our nation. Thank You for our leaders. Protect them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 23:1-4 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Pray: Dear Lord, You are our Shepherd. You provide for us during this time of testing. You are the One who leads and restores us in the midst of dark times. I will not fear the evil around me, because You are close at hand. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 25:12-14 - Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, I want to walk in the fear of the Lord. In this time, I want to hear Your instructions and obey right away. I trust that You will keep Your promises to the generations coming after me. Please show me Your perspective in the midst of this disaster. Whisper Your secrets to me. I am listening. Amen.

Psalm 27:4 - 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.

Pray: Thank You, Father, that I can dwell in Your house even as I might feel isolated from the world. I want to spend my time gazing upon Your beauty. I want to seek You in greater earnestness. Help me not waste this time and miss Your beauty. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 46:1-3 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Pray: Dear God, You are our refuge in this day of disaster. Let those who don't know You look to You for strength in this time. Be close to them and reveal Yourself as the ever-present God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Isaiah 60:1-3 - Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, there is a darkness covering our earth. It is the disease of sin and rebellion against You (more than the physical pandemic among us). Rise up, oh Lord. Reveal Your glory. Let people come to You who have not known You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Isaiah 62:6-7 - I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.

Pray: Oh Lord, we will keep praying and not stay silent. Our greatest desire is that You are worshipped in all the nations. More than the elimination of the disaster, we pray that You are glorified by men and women across the earth who have yet to worship You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Habakkuk 2:14 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Pray: Dear Lord, let many come to know You personally during this time of disaster. Let Your name become famous. Fill the earth with the revelation of who You are. We pray for multitudes of salvations across the earth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Matthew 9:35-36 - Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Pray: Dear Jesus, show Your compassion again at this time. You care, and You heal. Please stretch out Your hand again to heal those afflicted with sickness. We trust in Your power. In Your name, Amen.

Matthew 10:7-8 - As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Pray: Dear Jesus, move through Your church at this time to exercise Your authority - to preach, heal, and draw many into Your kingdom. Do not allow us to fall back into fear and isolation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Pray: Father of Compassion, we call out for Your comfort. Please reveal Your comfort to those who desperately need You. Let me be one that You use to bring comfort to others today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for your promised strength in this time of weakness. You will provide all the grace that we need to come through this disaster. Come, give us Your power. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Philippians 4:4-7 - 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.

Pray: Dear Jesus, we rejoice in You. We choose joy in the face of this disaster. And we ask that You would remove the sickness and bring an end to this pandemic. We pray for Your peace that You have promised. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Philippians 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Pray: Dear Jesus, You have promised to meet all our needs in this time. When so many have great financial and physical needs, will You come and keep Your promise? We look to You as the Provider and Promise-keeper. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for our leaders. We will submit to their leadership through this crisis. Please lighten the load on them. Give them strength for the road ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

James 1:2-3 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, we will rejoice in You during this crisis. Though the world would think this is ridiculous, we know the truth that You are good, and You care. That's why we rejoice. Strengthen our faith and perseverance during this time. In Jesus' name, Amen.

]]>Tue, 01 Oct 2019 03:12:56 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/praying-scripture-for-purity-of-mind

God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice to make us holy, cleansing us by the washing with water through the word (Ephesians 5:25-26). God’s Word purifies us. Our best efforts to bring purity into our minds fall short. But, as we learn to wash our minds with his Word, we will notice a new attraction toward purity. Begin washing your mind today as you read and pray out the following Scriptures.Keep Reading...

1 Chronicles 28:9 - [David’s charge to Solomon] “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
 
Pray: Dear Father, I believe that You search and see my thoughts. So, today, I run after You and seek You with all my heart. I know that I will be found by You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Psalms 10:4 - In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, I want to make room for You in my thoughts. I will remember Your goodness and Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Psalms 19:14 - May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
 
Pray: Dear Jesus, I want the hidden places within me - the meditations of my heart - to be pure. You see the places within that no man sees. I want to be pure on the inside and outside. Amen.
 
Psalms 24:3-4 - Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, I want to worship You. Purify my hands and heart. Show me if there is any impurity within me so that I can worship You in freedom. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
 
Psalms 26:2-3 - Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, search my mind for areas of impurity. As You convict me, I will repent. I want to walk continually in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Psalms 51:6 - Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, I surrender the secret thoughts of my mind to You. I know that You desire complete purity. That’s what I want to give You. Thank You for Your strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Psalms 119:9-11 - How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
 
Pray: Dear Father, thank You for Your Word. I will not only read it but also live by it. Do not let me stray from Your commands. I want to keep my way pure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Psalms 139:1-2 - O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, You know my thoughts even before I think them. I want to please You with my thoughts today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Psalms 139:17-18 - How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
 
Pray: Dear God, I am amazed that You are thinking precious thoughts of me… so many that they outnumber the grains of sand. I want my mind to reflect Your purity of mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Psalms 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
 
Pray: Dear God, I surrender my anxious thoughts to You. I do not want to offend You, even in my thoughts. Lead me in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, I will guard the gates of my heart and mind today. I will not allow intruders of impurity to come in. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 5:7-9 - Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. Keep to a path far from her [impurity, lust, sexual immorality], do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel.
 
Pray: Dear God, I will stay away from impurity and lust in my mind. That is the starting point of sin. I will listen to Your commands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 15:26 - The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, I want to please You with my thoughts, not just my actions. I surrender my mind to You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, I will forsake wicked thinking today. Thank You that I have the power to run from impurity and run to You. Have mercy on my mind. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
 
Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
 
Pray: Dear Lord, I recognize that Your thoughts are so much greater than mine. Teach me how You think. Purify my with Your thoughts. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Romans 8:5-6 - Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, take control of my mind. I want the Spirit of life and peace to be ruling within me. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
 
1 Corinthians 2:16 - “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
 
Pray: Dear Lord, I believe that I have been given the mind of Jesus. Help to think Your thoughts today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
 
Pray: Father, I want to focus my mind on what is good in Your creation and in people. I will put aside negativity in my thinking. Thank You for beauty all around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
1 Timothy 1:5 - The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
 
Pray: Dear Jesus, I want to love like You do. This will come from a pure heart and a good conscience. So please purify me. Please change my thought patterns. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Hebrews 3:1 - Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.
 
Pray: Dear Jesus, I fix my thoughts on You today. You sacrificed Yourself for me. You made a way for me to walk in purity and freedom. Thank You. In Your name, Amen.
 
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
 
Pray: Dear Jesus, I cast the anxiety of my mind upon You. I don’t want it. I will trust You today. In Your name, Amen.

]]>Sat, 27 Jul 2019 07:52:06 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/praying-scripture-for-your-workplace

How can you see God transform your workplace into a place of joy and peace where God is honored? Learn to pray out God's Word over your colleagues, bosses and clients. Instead of fighting flesh and blood, deal with the enemy who brings contention, fear and apathy into your workplace. Keep Reading...

​Use the following Scriptures in prayer to bring transformation to your workplace.

For Peace
Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

Pray: Dear Lord, bring peace into our relationships at work. I pray that Your peace will rule and reign over us. Let people come to know You, the Giver of Peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Purity in Conversations
Ephesians 5:4 - Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Pray: Dear Jesus, purify our mouths at work. Bring conviction to those who tell rude jokes or ridicule others. Let my mouth be filled with purity and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Hunger for God
Isaiah 55:1-3 - Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.

Pray: Dear Lord, stir up hunger for You at work. Let my co-workers recognize their need for You. Give them a holy discontentment for life without You. Draw out conversations about spiritual things, and ultimately about You. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

For Integrity
Ephesians 5:11 - Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Pray: Dear Jesus, expose any areas of deception within my workplace. Where there is lying, cheating or stealing, let it be seen and dealt with. Bring purity of motivation and conduct into my workplace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Purity in Relationships
Ephesians 5:3 - But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Pray: Dear God, let my workplace be one of real purity. I pray that all hints of sexual immorality - in conversations, on phones, in magazines and in videos be exposed and cleaned out. Let men and women be honored, not abused. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Salvations
Acts 2:36-37 - Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?

Pray: Dear Jesus, I pray for conversations that will lead to salvations at work. Give me divine appointments with people today. I will use the opportunities that You bring me to speak out Your name. Let people at work be "cut to the heart" just like in the book of Acts. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Healings
Acts 4:29-30 - Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, stretch out Your hand today to perform healings and miraculous signs at work. Please give me opportunities to pray for people and see Your power at work. I commit to looking for opportunities and praying healing over people. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Perseverance
Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Pray: Dear God, help me to persevere with the tasks given me. I want to bring You glory by completing my responsibilities with a whole heart and excellence. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Servanthood
Ephesians 6:7-8 - Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Pray: Dear Lord, I want to serve You at work. Please pour out a spirit of servanthood around me that goes above and beyond the call of duty. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Unity
Ephesians 4:16 - From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Pray: Dear Jesus, let my workplace be one of love and support for one another. I rebuke the enemy that would bring judgement, comparison and contention in the relationships around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Prosperity in Business
1 Chronicles 4:10 - Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Pray: Dear God, I recognize that the ability to produce wealth comes from You. I cry out to You to bring success to our business so that You will receive the most glory through us. Thank you in advance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Generosity
Matthew 5:42 - Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Pray: Dear Jesus, let my workplace be one of real generosity. Let us take on Your value of giving freely. You are the most important One at work - not money! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Against the Love of Money
Matthew 6:24 - No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Pray: Dear Lord, please clarify our love. Do not let us love money more than You. Let the idol of money fall down at my work. May You be worshipped alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Against Worry
Matthew 6:33-34 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Pray: Dear Jesus, I will not allow worry to dominate me today. Please bring Your spirit of contentment to my workplace. Let us seek You first and trust You for the rest. In Jesus' name, Amen.

]]>Thu, 20 Jun 2019 00:46:49 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/praying-scripture-for-children

Be led by God through His Word in your prayers over your children - even the unborn ones. Let Your prayers hit the mark! Keep Reading...

​God responds to your prayers as a mother or father. He hears your cries for the safety, wisdom and direction of your children. Be led in prayer by God's voice through Scripture. Let your prayers for your children be power-packed. Use the following Scriptures below for new effectiveness in prayer. 

For Hunger for God's Word
Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Pray: Dear Lord, I pray that (child's name) will hunger for Your Word... that it will fill his/her life. Let (child's name) live a prosperous life built on the foundation of the Bible.

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

Pray: Father, fill (child's name) with courage today to obey everything that You have said. Do not let him/her fall into anxiety and fear.

For Protection
Psalm 91:9-12 - If you make the Most High your dwelling–even the Lord, who is my refuge– then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Pray: Father, I pray protection over (child's name). Let him/her stay within Your boundaries and know true safety. Surround him/her with Your angels today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

For Unborn Children
Psalm 139:13-16 - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Pray: Dear Father, You see what people cannot see. You are knitting this little one together in the unseen places. Thank for your detailed involvement. Continue Your work of creation in the secret place. I trust You.

For Submission to God's Way
Proverbs 4:10-13 -  Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Pray: Father, draw (child's name) into deep submission to You and Your ways. Let (child's name) hunger to hear You and obey You above all else. Thank You for being the best Father. Amen.

For Purity
Proverbs 4:23-26 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

Pray: Dear Father, I pray the protection of Your purity over (child's name). Let (child's name) make right choices in guarding their own purity of heart, what they say, what they look at and where they go.

For a Godly Spouse
Proverbs 31:10 - A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Pray: Dear Father, I pray that you would find the right spouse for (child's name)... that this person would have noble character... that You would protect this spouse even now and develop within them a great desire for You.

For a Life of Fulfillment through Hearing God's Voice
Isaiah 55:2-3 - Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.

Pray: Dear Lord, open up (child's name) to hear Your voice. Bring a hunger in his/her heart to know You and the fulfillment that You bring.

For Filling of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:38-39 - Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.

Pray: Let (child's name) obey Your command to walk in repentance. I believe in Your promise that my son/daughter will receive the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Pour Yourself on them.

For Hope
Romans 15:13 - 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.

Pray: Oh God, You are the God of hope. Fill (child's name) with Your overflowing hope today. Let your power flow so that he/she can experience this hope.

For Wisdom and Revelation
Ephesians 1:17-19 - I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Pray: Dear Jesus, give (child’s name) your Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Help him to know You so much better. Open his eyes to see You. Open his spirit to understand You and really desire You.

For Direction
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Pray: Dear Father, (child’s name) is your workmanship. Thank you that you have already planned good works for him to step into. Let him see what you are doing and walk with you.

For Exposure of Sin
Ephesians 5:11-13 - Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible.

Pray: Heavenly Father, if there is any darkness that (child's name) is walking in, please expose it. Let Your light shine and bring conviction of sin wherever it is needed.

For Submission to Parents
Ephesians 6:1-3 - ​ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise– “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.

Pray: Dear Lord, I pray that (child's name) will grow in heart submission to us as his/her parents. I pray for a softness and tenderness toward us. Grant (child's name) a long life of enjoying the rewards of honor and submission. Amen.

For Completion of God's Work
Philippians 1:6 - ...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Pray: Father, I hold onto Your promise that You will complete what You have started in (child's name).

For Discernment
Philippians 1:9-11 - And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God.

Pray: Dear Father, let your love grow in (child’s name). Give him increasing revelation. Help him to discern Your best for every aspect of his life. Help him to keep growing and persevere until Jesus comes back.

To be a Light in the Darkness
Philippians 2:15 - ...so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

Pray: Father, let (child's name) become like a shining star in this dark world. Help them to escape the corruption of this world and walk in purity before You.

For Blamelessness
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Pray: Father God, I pray that (child's name) will be kept blameless in body, mind, spirit and soul all the way until Jesus comes again. I depend on your promises. You are the faithful One who will secure my children forever.

]]>Mon, 27 May 2019 04:13:00 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/praying-scripture-identity-in-christ

Stop basing your identity on your own opinions or that of the world. Get God's truth within you. Begin praying out Scriptures that will seal in your God-given identity. Keep Reading...

As the world around us tries to define us according to its own standards, it is so important to get God's truth within us. Learn God's definition, design and opinion of YOU. Your identity will become solidified as you pray out the truth of God's Word. Get His identity in you and declare his truth over your life.

Click on the references to read the actual Scripture passages.

Matthew 5:13-14 - I am the salt and light of the earth.
Matthew 16:19 - I am entrusted with authority from Jesus.

John 1:12 - I am God's child.
John 14:16 - The Holy Spirit lives with me.
John 15:1, 5 - I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of his life.
John 15:15 - I am a friend of Jesus.
John 15:16 - I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

Acts 1:8 - I am a personal witness of Jesus, filled with his power for missions.
Acts 3:6 - I have power in the name of Jesus.

Romans 5:1 - I have peace with God.
Romans 6:4-5 - I am raised with Jesus.
Romans 6:7, 18, 22 - I have been set free from sin.
Romans 8:1-2 - I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 - I am assured that all things work together for good.
Romans 8:31 - I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Romans 8:35 - I cannot be separated from the love of God.
Romans 12:4-8 - I have been gifted by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:1 - I have been justified.
Romans 15:7 - I am accepted by God.
Romans 16:20 - God will soon crush Satan under my feet.

1 Corinthians 2:16 - I have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16 - I am God's temple.
1 Corinthians 6:17 - I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with him.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - I have been bought with a price. I belong to my Father.
1 Corinthians 13:7 - God always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres with me.
1 Corinthians 13:12 - I will see Jesus face to face one day.
1 Corinthians 15:22 - My body will be resurrected when Jesus comes back.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - I am a minister of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 6:1 - I am God's co-worker.

Galatians 2:20 - I have Jesus Christ living within me.
Galatians 4:5-7 - I am God's child and have full rights of a child.
Galatians 5:1 - I have been set free.
​
Ephesians 1:1 - I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:5 - I have been adopted as God's child.
Ephesians 1:7 - I am forgiven.
Ephesians 1:13; 2:19 - I am included in God's family.
Ephesians 2:5 - I am alive in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6 - I am seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 2:10 - I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 2:18 - I have direct access to my Father through the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:12 - I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:18-19 - I am overwhelmingly loved.
Ephesians 5:1-2 - I am worth the sacrifice.
Ephesians 6:10 - I am protected by God's armor.

Philippians 1:6 - I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be completed.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:19 - I am provided for.

Colossians 1:14 - I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 1:16 - I am qualified to share in the inheritance.
Colossians 1:22 - I am presented before God as holy, without blemish and free from accusation.
Colossians 2:10 - I am complete in Christ.
Colossians 3:1 - I am seated on a throne with Jesus in the heavenly realm.
Colossians 3:3 - I am hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:4 - I will appear with Jesus in glory.
Colossians 3:12 - I am chosen, holy and dearly loved.
Colossians 3:15 - I am a member of Jesus' body.

1 Thessalonians 5:10 - I am always with Jesus, whether awake or asleep.

1 Timothy 4:12 - I can set an example for the believers in my speech, life, love, faith and purity.

2 Timothy 1:7 - I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

Hebrews 4:16 - I can find grace and mercy from Jesus in time of need.
Hebrews 6:19 - I have a rock solid hope in Jesus.
Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus is interceding for me right now.
Hebrews 10:14 - I have been made perfect positionally and am being made holy practically.
​Hebrews 12:7 - I am disciplined by my Father.

1 Peter 2:9 - I am chosen, a royal priesthood, a holy nations. I belong to God.
1 Peter 2:10 - I have been given purpose - to declare God's praises.

2 Peter 1:3 - I have everything I need for life and godliness.

1 John 3:1 - I am a loved child of God.
1 John 4:4 - The One who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 5:18 - I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.

Revelation 12:11 - I can overcome the evil one by the blood of Jesus and my testimony.

]]>Sat, 25 May 2019 09:48:35 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/praying-scripture-the-names-of-god

 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are saved." Proverbs 18:10 Learn to cling to God's character by praying out his names as revealed in Scripture. Strength will rise within you as you remember and speak out the truth of who God is. Note the original Hebrew (OT) or Greek (NT) behind each name. Keep Reading...

Meditate and pray out the names of God below. There are thirty names of God listed here.

Eternal (El Olam)
Genesis 21:33 - Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.

Pray: Dear God, You have no beginning and no end. You have such amazing capacity to see all and know all. I trust You as the eternal God. There is no one like You.

Provider (Jehovah Jireh)
Genesis 22:14 - So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

Pray: Dear Jehovah Jireh, You are my provider. I look to You for my support. Thank You for always providing just what I need at the right time.

Healer (Jehovah Rapha)
Exodus 15:26 - He said, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

Pray: Dear Lord, I call out to You as the healer. Please bring healing to __________ today. I trust in Your name and Your power.

Banner (Jehovah Nissi)
Exodus 17:15 - Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.

Pray: Dear Lord, I lift You up today over my home, my workpace, my relationships and my life. I want You to be my banner. I am on Your side - Your team. I align myself with You.

Yahweh (Yhvh)
Exodus 34:6 - Then the Lord (Yahweh) passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin....

Pray: You are the Great I Am. There is no one higher or greater than You. Today I bow at Your feet. I surrender myself to Your greatness.

Jealous (Qanna)
Exodus 34:14 - Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Pray: Thank You, Lord, that You care so deeply. You desire so strongly for my loyalty. I will be faithful to You.

Compassion (Rachum)
Deuteronomy 4:31 - For the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.

Pray: Thank you, Lord, that You are compassionate. You see me and remember me. Even though I fail, You will not give up on me.

Faithful (El HaNe'eman)
Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Pray: You always keep Your promises, Lord. You are faithful. Thank You for Your consistency in my life. You never leave. You always show up. Your love is new every morning.

Peace (Jehovah Shalom)
Judges 6:24 - So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Pray: Dear Lord, You not only give peace, but You are peace. I need You today. I trust in Your promise of peace that will calm the anxiety swirling about me. Come, Jehovah Shalom.

Forgiving (Selichah)
Nehemiah 9:17 - ...but You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and You did not forsake them.

Pray: Have mercy on me, oh God. You are full of forgiveness, grace and compassion. Thank You for not pouring out anger on me, but choosing forgiveness. I want to be like You.

Rock (Tsur)
Psalm 19:14 - May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Pray: Dear Lord, my Rock, I depend on You. Thank You for Your strength and consistency. I cling to You for safety.

Shepherd (Jehovah Raah)
Psalm 23:1-3 -  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Pray: Lord, I want to be shepherded by You. I draw close to You today. In You I find safety, comfort and fulfillment. Thank you for being a loving Shepherd.

Lord of Hosts - Armies (Jehovah Sabaoth)
Psalm 24:9-10 -  Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty– he is the King of glory.

Pray: God, You are the great One. Lead me out today. Surround me with Your heavenly hosts. I ask for breakthrough in salvation and healing around me.

Most High (Elyon)
Psalm 57:2 -  I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me.

Pray: Oh God, You are higher than any other power or being. I am on Your side. I cry out to You for protection and provision today.

Strong Tower (Migdal)
Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are saved.

Pray: Dear Lord, You are my safe place. I run to You for protection today. There is power in Your name and all your actions on my behalf.

Our Righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu)
Jeremiah 23:6 -  In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.

Pray: Dear Lord, I trust in You as my righteousness. The sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient for me. Thank You for gifting me with Your holiness. I am now right with You.

Jesus - Savior (Iesous)
Matthew 1:21 - She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Pray: There is power in Your name, Jesus. At Your name, demons flee and every knee bows. I will live under Your name today. I surrender to Your power, Jesus.

God With Us (Emmanouel)
Matthew 1:23 - The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel–which means, “God with us.”

Pray: Thank You, Jesus, that You are with me. You chose not to stay far away in heaven. But You come close. Thank You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit who is with me now.

Son of Man (Huios to Anthropos)
Matthew 8:20 - Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Pray: Thank You, Jesus, that You relate to me as a human. You understand my human frailty, concerns and desires. You are incredibly "down to earth." Thank You for coming so close.

Word of God (Logos)
John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Pray: Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You are the speaking God. You always communicate. Thank You for Your written and spoken word. You never leave me wondering what Your directions or intentions are.

Lamb of God (Amnos)
John 1:29 - The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Pray: Dear Jesus, You are gentle and humble like a lamb. You never dominate me with Your power. Thank You for Your sacrifice as the Lamb of God.

Bread of Life (Artos tas Zoas)
John 6:35 - Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

Pray: Dear Jesus, You are my source of nourishment - more real than actual bread. I need to be filled by You today. Teach me to feed on You and Your presence. Thank You, Jesus.

Counselor, Comforter (Paraklētos)
John 14:16-17 - And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– the Spirit of truth.

2 Corinthians 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.

Pray: Thank you, Spirit, that You come alongside and whisper Your words of hope to me. Open my ears to hear Your voice today.

Holy Spirit (Hagios Pneuma)
John 14:26 - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Pray: Holy Spirit, You are God. I want to interact with You as the real personal God. Please open my ears to hear Your voice. I am listening.

True Vine (Ampelos)
John 15:1 - I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

Pray: Dear Jesus, I want to stay connected to You today. I will remember Your words and actively remain in Your presence. You are my source of life.

Abba Father (Abba)
Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father."

Pray: Dear Father, I draw close to You today. You understand me and care for me. Thank you for making me Your child. I love You.

High Priest (Archiereus)
Hebrews 4:14 - Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Pray: I trust You, Jesus, as my great high priest. You have made a way for me to run to the Father. I will run to my Father today to receive His mercy and grace.

Light (Phōs)
1 John 1:5 - This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Pray: Lord Jesus, You are always clear in Your intentions and words. Thank You for the clarity You bring. I want to walk in Your light today.

Love (Agape)
1 John 4:16 -  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Pray: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your love. You not only give love, but You are love. I am so grateful for Your sacrifice and unconditional acceptance. I receive Your love today.

Alpha and Omega (Protos / Eschatos)
Revelation 1:17 - When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last."

Pray: Dear Jesus, You have me covered. You know what has happened and what will happen. I trust You with my life.

]]>Thu, 16 May 2019 13:57:44 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/praying-scripture-overcome-temptation

Don't battle temptation using your will power and words. Use Scripture to overcome the advance of the evil one. Read below for more...

Jesus combated the enemy's temptations using Scripture. Luke 4:1-13 Why would you think you could just overcome temptations by sheer will power? Find Scriptures below that match specific temptations you face. Speak these Scriptures out loud. Memorize them and keep speaking them out. Remember - your sword was meant to be used, not just studied!

Temptation to Be Greedy
Matthew 6:19-21 - Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Temptation to Be Proud
1 Peter 5:5-6 - All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Temptation to Cheat
Luke 19:8-9 - But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house...."

Temptation to Commit Adultery (in mind, body or emotions)
Matthew 5:27-30 - You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Temptation to Compare Yourself with Others
Psalm 139:13-14 - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Temptation to Get Angry
James 1:19-20 - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Temptation to Gossip
Proverbs 20:19 - A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

Proverbs 16:28 - A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

Temptation to Harm Self
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

Temptation to Hate (parents, authority, self, etc.)
1 John 2:9-11 - Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Temptation to Hoard (food, drinks, internet, entertainment, etc.)
Deuteronomy 8:3 - ...man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Temptation to Hoard Sleep
Proverbs 6:9-11 - How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest– and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

Temptation to be Lazy
Hebrews 6:11-12 - We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Temptation to Lie
Colossians 3:9-10 - Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Temptation to Listen to Ungodly Music
Matthew 12:35 - The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

Temptation to Lust
Proverbs 7:21-23 - With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

Proverbs 9:17-18 - Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.

Temptation to Practice Witchcraft (occult games, fortune telling, etc.)
Revelation 21:8 - But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

Temptation to Procrastinate
Proverbs 6:6-8 - Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 24:27 - Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

Temptation to Rebel Against Authority
Romans 13:1-2 - Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Temptation to Steal
Leviticus 19:11 - Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.

Temptation to Swear
Exodus 20:7 - You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

James 5:12 - Above all, my brothers, do not swear–not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.

Temptation to Tell Rude Jokes
Ephesians 5:4 - Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:8 - But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Temptation to Worry
Matthew 6:25 - Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Philippians 4:6-7 - 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.

]]>Mon, 13 May 2019 04:40:00 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/living-with-gods-glory

Is the glory of God one of those concepts that you sing and talk about, but don’t really understand? Take a closer look at this important theme in Scripture. See how close God wants to come. Keep Reading…

What is God’s Glory?
The glory of God can sometimes feel quite intangible. We sing about it and preach on it. We tell people that we are living for his glory. But what does that really mean? When we think of God’s glory, our minds are often filled with vague thoughts of clouds and unapproachable light. But when the purpose of our lives - God’s glory - is just an inaccessible ideal, we become more Buddhist in our practice than Christian.

Though glory seems to be this inaccessible concept, it was never meant to be that way. In fact, the whole point of God’s glory was to reveal himself in a tangible way to his people. God’s glory does not stay beyond the clouds. It comes close.

Although God sits enthroned above the circle of the earth (Isaiah 40:22), he has always made a way to be close with his creation. The Great One confines himself in small spaces so that we could know his nearness. Throughout the Bible we read of God revealing himself in a tangible ways to his people. This tangible revelation is his glory.

God’s Glory in the Old Testament
After God led the Israelites out of Egypt, he brought them to Mount Sinai. There he gave them his law - his fatherly boundaries - from which they could establish a new nation. He also gave them detailed instructions for his tent-house, the tabernacle. At this time, the Israelites were living in tents. And he would live in a tent too.

God instructed the Israelites to set up his tent in the middle of the Israelite camp. He wanted everyone to know that the God of the universe lives WITH his people. Once his tent (tabernacle) was finished, God came in a cloud and filled the tabernacle with his glory. Exodus 40:34-35 All of Israel knew where their God was. He was visibly present in their midst.

Later in Israelite history, when God’s people had settled in the Promised Land, King Solomon built a temple for God. The people now lived in houses, and God would too. Again God brought his manifest presence into the middle of Israel. His glory filled the temple. 1 Kings 8:10-11

God’s Glory in Jesus and You
Jesus, the centrepiece of history, embodied the glory of God (and still does). The Father no longer needed a tabernacle or temple. He sent his most precious Son, Jesus, to live with us. His body was the temple of God.  He told the Pharisees, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” (indicating his death and resurrection) John 2:19 God’s glory did not remain beyond the clouds. It got very personal. It was and is housed in a man - even one who had no external beauty or majesty. Isaiah 53:2

When Jesus told his disciples that he would be leaving them (John 14:1-4), they feared abandonment. For without Jesus’ daily presence (his glory), what would they do? Jesus calmed their fears by telling them that his Father would send another One - the Holy Spirit. He would not leave them as orphans. John 14:18  Indeed the Spirit of glory would rest on them (1 Peter 4:14) and would be with and in them. John 14:17

Think about this: the Father gave us the same glory that is in Jesus - the Holy Spirit. We are now the containers of his glory. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says, ”Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Living with the Holy Spirit or God’s glory inside changes us. Just like God lived in the center of Israel’s camp, he now lives in us. Like Jesus, we house the glory of God in our very human, frail bodies.

The Filling of God’s Glory
You will notice a theme throughout Scripture regarding God’s glory. Wherever God goes on earth, he looks for structures to inhabit. He fills the tabernacle, then the temple. God fills Jesus, then his disciples with glory. Ultimately, God’s goal is revealed in Habbakuk 2:14 - “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” He will fill the whole earth with his glory. In the end, the new heavens and earth will be full of his manifest presence. Revelation 21:23

God always looks for a structure that has been prepared for his arrival. ”Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 He longs to fill your body, to inhabit you with his Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:18 Will he find a space prepared within you?

Living with God’s Glory
Consider the immense privilege of containing the glory of God. The very thing that the Israelites saw at a distance as the cloud of glory enveloped the tabernacle, you have within you. Will you determine to keep your structure (body, eyes, ears, spirit) pure? God wants his beauty to be seen through you. Although he could fill the earth right now with his glory, he has chosen to fill you with himself.

God wants the unbelieving world to take notice of glory - his manifest presence - within you. Would people notice glory on or in you? This doesn’t mean that your appearance or abilities have to be glorious. But the ongoing movement or filling of the Holy Spirit in your life is the hallmark of God’s glory. The more you surrender to the Holy Spirit and keep in step with him (Galatians 5:25), the more you will reveal God’s glory to a world who desperately needs to see him.

]]>Thu, 09 May 2019 16:06:29 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/praying-scripture

Learn to pray out Scripture. Save this page to your homescreen for quick reference. Keep Reading...

Use God's Word in your intercession over friends, communities, nations and yourself. His Word has power. So use it as the sword that it is meant to be. After praying out these passages, then go back and personalize the words into your situation. Cry out to God for the truth of the following passages to be made real in your life.

Remember - there is power in your voice. Pray God's Word out loud, as you are able. As you speak out truth, it will be confirmed in your spirit. Don't hold back. Get it out of your mouth.

Read below for suggested Scripture passages to use related to various topics of prayer.

Prayer for Unsaved Family / Friends
2 Corinthians 4:4-6 - The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Prayer for Boldness in Evangelism
Acts 4:29-31 - Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

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.

Romans 1:16 - I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Prayer When Tempted
1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Prayer When Worried
Matthew 6:31-34 - So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Prayer When Stressed
Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Psalm 103:1-5 - Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Prayer for Power
2 Peter 1:3-4 - His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Prayer to Cut off the Advance of the Enemy
Psalm 118:10-12 - All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off.

1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Prayer to Cast Out Fear
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Prayer to Experience the Love of God
Ephesians 3:14-21 -  For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Prayer for Wisdom
James 1:5-8 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Prayer for More Missionaries
Matthew 9:36-38 - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Prayer for Healing
James 5:14-16 - Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Prayer for Faith
Hebrews 11:1-6 -  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Prayer for Perseverance
James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Prayer to Get Rid of Anger
James 1:19-20 - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Prayer for the Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 2:1-5 -  My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Prayer Before Work
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 make your paths straight.

Prayer Before Sleep
Psalm 3:3-6 - But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.

The Lord's Prayer
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."

Prayer of Repentance
Psalm 51:1-4 -  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. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

Prayer for Provision
Philippians 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Prayer for Purity
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Prayer for Humility in Evangelism
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 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.

Prayer Over Identity in Jesus Christ
Ephesians 1:3-8 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will– to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Prayer of Celebration
Psalm 33:1-5 -  Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Prayer for Completion of God's Work
Philippians 1:6 - ...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Prayer When Alone
John 14:16-18 - And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Prayer of Authority
Matthew 16:18-19 - And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Prayer for Freedom in Jesus Christ
Galatians 4:6-7 - Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Prayer for No Fear of Man
Galatians 1:10 - Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Prayer for Family Members and Friends
Ephesians 1:15-19 - For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

]]>Thu, 02 May 2019 02:52:26 GMThttps://www.stepstudyteach.com/bible-notes/the-importance-of-writing

You've wanted to start writing. But, life gets too busy. Are your words really that important to be recorded? Take another look at what God says. Keep Reading...

1 John 1:1-4 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched–this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

As the Apostle John looked back on his life, he had a wealth of principles and lessons to draw from. From fishing to discipleship to church planting, John could have passed on volumes of wise words to the early Christian community. Yet his writing was very simple and had a specific focus. At the start of his first epistle, John tells us the point of his writing and why it is so important.

The Point
“That which we have heard, seen, looked at, touched - this we proclaim….” John’s point was clear. Though he could wax eloquent on many principles, he centered his writing on a person - Jesus Christ. And his writing was not a third person account. He wrote about his interactions with Jesus on a very personal basis.

What can we learn from this? Does all good writing need to be about Jesus? Not exactly. But an author or journalist that has not had a first-hand experience with Jesus will be muted in creativity and held back from maximizing true potential. A writer produces work out of his or her personal walk and outlook. Though a writer can hide behind a pen name or other-worldly literature, the character of the writer will always come through. So too, the character of a writer who has met Jesus will produce work that has been touched by the divine.

As a side note - it seems that true stories from a writer's personal experience draws a crowd. Readers desire authenticity - something that relates to their real world. Sure, everyone loves a good piece of fiction or fantasy. But, journalism that covers real issues in our world is read and re-read on mobile phones around the world.

The Importance
"We write this to make our joy complete." When God's stories in our day go unnoticed, joy is diminished. When his revelations to men and women living in this age goes unwritten, something is lost. It is when observations, experiences and God-moments in our lives are recorded, that is when truth gets solidified.

It is interesting that Jesus is called the Word (John 1:1). This Word did not remain on a page. The Word is a person - Jesus Christ. But, Jesus chose to have his revelations to mankind recorded on pages (stones, papyrus, scrolls, paper, digital media). He did not leave us with a voice from heaven. But, he gave us writings - the Bible - to solidify his truth in our lives.

When truth is written, the circle is complete. But, more than that - joy is complete. For truth-filled writing is prompted by the joy of testimony. And this same writing ensures that the joy will be remembered. Writing is never to be a lifeless, monotonous affair. It is to be full of life and incredible joy. 

Writing has the potential to seal in the joy of God's revelation. How grateful are we for the Holy Spirit who prompted John, Luke and Paul (among many others) to pass on the joy of God in their writings? We can be a part of this line of writers who make the joy of revelation complete.

So, start writing. Keep writing. Your recorded words of God's revelation to you as you observe and experience his wonderful world is of utmost importance. You are passing on his truth and joy to future generations.

]]>