Heavenly Father, I praise You for today and for the salvation that came through Christ and was offered to all, but especially for me. I praise You that I do not have to be perfect or work to gain this salvation. I praise You for how You created me and gave me not only a purpose but the gifts, ministry, and wisdom of how to fulfill that purpose. Help me today to take command of my day and shake all the evil from it.
Holy Spirit, I understand, “that I was once dead in my trespasses and sins, in which I used to walk according to the age of this world and according to the prince of power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…But You, Oh God, being rich in mercy, because of Your great love for me, even when I was dead in these sins, made me alive together with Christ [by grace I have been saved], and You have raised me and seated me in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages You might show the surpassing riches of Your
grace in kindness towards me in Christ Jesus. For by grace I have been saved through faith, and this is not of or by myself, but it is a gift of God, not works, so that I can not boast. For I am Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which You ordained before I was created so that when I came to life through faith I would be able to walk in Your Spirit to do Your will and good works.” [Ephesians 2:1&2, 4-10]
Holy Spirit, You inspired Paul to write: Since I am raised with Christ, I will learn to desire those things that are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Help me to set my affection on things above, not be consumed or love for things on the earth. For I am dead, and my life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is my life, shall appear, then I also shall appear with Him in glory. Teach me to put to death the parts of my earthly nature: sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because I am learning these things, the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience. I used to live that life with them. I must now
put away all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of my mouth. I no longer can lie to others, for that was part of my old nature or way, because I am embracing the new nature to emulate Christ, who has and is becoming my all in all. Thank You for being my guide and prompter as I grow in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. [Colossians 3:1-11, MEV and paraphrased by me]