The Pastor’s Corner

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.

1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 11:36; Ps. 73:25-28.

Prayer: Our glorious God in heaven, we thank you for granting us another day in which we have the privilege to serve you and love you with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We are reminded that we are here to serve you, honoring you in all that we do and say. We confess our tendency to stray from our primary purpose. We grieve the sin that indwells us, and we long to be free from it so that we may fully enjoy you. We rest confidently in that hope of the new heavens and the new earth where we will be fully blessed in the full enjoyment of you for all of eternity. Until then, please grant the Eternal Spirit to persevere us and help us, equipping us to glorify you in all that we do. We pray these things in the name of Christ. Amen.

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NOTE: Several months ago, I was writing the daily prayer using the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I got away from that practice. Today, I am renewing my effort to do so.

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.

1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 11:36; Ps. 73:25-28.

Prayer: Our God in heaven, you who are the alone creator and sustainer of heaven and earth and the one who has made man in your image, we bless your name today. We know that as your creatures, we have been made to glorify you in all we do. Your word tells us whether we are eating, drinking, working, resting, reading, talking -- whatever it is, that our actions and attitudes should honor you and your holy Word. We confess that we do not always have this central truth firmly established in our minds. We know that if we did, we would sin less against you. Forgive us for failing to make this a priority in our daily living. Please help us, by your Spirit, to honor you with all of our being in thought, word, and deed. We pray these things n the name of the Savior, our Lord. Amen.

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Prayer: Our God in heaven, we confess and acknowledge that nothing happens in your creation that you have not ordered and designed for our good. All that happens, the good or evil, suffering or calamity, victory or loss, is designed for the good of your church. Though we say these words, we also confess that we are often bewildered at your labors, and we sometimes wrestle with trusting you. These emotions are born out of a lack of true faith and total confidence in your divine providence. Though we know the theology, we find it difficult at times to practice it as we should. Forgive us for our lack of faith and trust in you. We know that your Word tells us that you are our Father, and you stand able and ready to help us. Please grant to us an unwavering faith and an abiding trust in what you are doing. Cement in our minds the promises you have offered your people -- that you will never leave us or forsake us, and you will bring us safely to our heavenly rest. We pray these things in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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Prayer: Grant, Almighty God, that since thou hast once stretched forth thy hand to consecrate us a people to thyself, -- O grant, that thy paternal favor may perpetually shine on us, and that we may, on the other hand, strive always to glorify thy name, so that having once embraced us thou mayest continue thy goodness, until we shall at length enjoy the fullness of all blessings in thy celestial kingdom, which has been obtained for us by the blood of thine only-begotten Son. Amen
-- John Calvin

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Prayer: Our Father, we look out across this world that you have made, and we take note of the effects of sin and the misery that comes from living in a fallen world. We mourn the mess wicked and depraved men have made, and we sometimes wonder why the heart of man is so desperately wicked. Because of sin, man rebels against you and all that you command. In their arrogance, they profess to be wise and, yet, they are fools because they refuse to bow the knee to the only true God of heaven and earth. We know that man will rebel, and we know that the only solution is the gospel of your Son. Therefore, we plead with you to work in a mighty way in our land. We pray for true revival that comes when your people humble themselves and pray. We ask that you would cause your church to seek first your kingdom and righteousness and point men to the only hope that they have -- the Lord Jesus. We pray for our nation, her leaders. We pray for our loved ones who are facing a tragic end. Please open our leaders' eyes and the eyes of our friends and family that they might behold you in all of your beauty and glory. We pray these things in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Prayer: Our great God in heaven, you who are full of loving-kindness and compassion, we thank you for your church and the fellowship of the saints that we enjoy as we pilgrim through this world. In your wisdom and grace, you have provided us brothers and sisters, purchased by your Son and our Savior. We are grateful that we can lean upon our fellow family members and count on their acts of kindness and grace. We are thankful that we can reach out to them and ask for prayer and help whenever we need it. We know that we do not always behave like a family, and we confess that we sometimes act selfishly. Yet, we bless you for granting to us fellow pilgrims as we all labor together to reach our heavenly rest. Thank you for forgiving us. Help us to love one another with brotherly love as Christ loved us as our elder brother. We pray this in the game of the Savior. Amen.

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Prayer: Our God in heaven: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise your name today because you have been patient and kind to your people. Your Word tells us of the love that you have for your people and how you demonstrated that love by being pleased to crush your Son for those you choose to redeem. We thank you for the love of Christ. We are thankful that his love is patient and kind, that it is not boastful or arrogant. We thank you that his love is not rude and that he ministered to others insisting on your glory and honor. We thank you that his love does not keep a record of wrong but is quick to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We pray that you would increase our love for you and others. Please help us to love as the Lord Jesus loves. We pray these things for the sake of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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