asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom1:17 Or to give you the Spirit of wisdom. and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

Lord God my Father,
Give me your wisdom so I may grow in your peace. Only in you will I be purified from my way.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

“Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!”

‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’

Lord God my Father,
I am such a sinner and I am tired of my way. Come and walk with me and open my eyes to your truth. Close my eyes from the past where I strayed and allow your word to be real to me, allow me to understand. I turn to you and away from my past and delight in your way.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

“Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind:

Lord God my Father,
Clear my spirit so I will come when you call, remove the fear of this world and protect me from the spirit of Satan. Give me a willing spirit to do your will and grant me your understanding to believe wholeheartedly.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’”

“All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.”

Lord God my Father,
I want to follow but it is hard, I have sinned against you and held back acting on your desire. Help me to obey and look forward. The past drags on me, I want to be free. Open my eyes so I can see, give me faith that heals the self inflicted wounds. Remove my guilt. May this day only bring you glory.

Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released,

Lord God my Father,
Hear my prayer, feel my heart. I am broken and stupid, I want to bring you honor but I struggle to do your will above mine. I know the truth but seem stuck in my way. Take from me the sin I carry and deliver me to a ruthless change of my way and deliver me to your way. Sin owns me and I am tired. You are all I need, remove my earthly desire and prepare my path free from the bondage of my past.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

But Jesus knew their thoughts.

“Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Lord God my Father,
You know my thoughts, allow me to know them. You are my authority, help me to follow you wholeheartedly. Cure me from my own way and place your healing power on my sinful way. Give me faith only in you and keep me focused on you at all times.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!

But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Lord God my Father,
May I listen to you as to where to place my efforts. I wish to bring you glory but only fail at the smallest task. Allow my faith to be based on you, not my self image. May my energy come from you alone.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.

Lord God my Father,
I pray for your wisdom and wish to be obedient only to you. Deliver me from my struggles and give me focus on your path. Allow the power you place in me to overcome my struggles and bring Peace to my soul.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.

Lord God my Father,
Create in me a spirit that honors you and is eager to follow you. I wish to obey you completely but still struggle. Your will be done in spite of temptation.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

“I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.”
“What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.”

The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.”

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Lord God my Father,
Free will so often separates me from your will for me. I pray you work in me to build power over temptation and keep me in your will alone. Give me discernment to your truth and your power to resist sin.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen