Petition

Introduction
1.0 Pray for Forgiveness
1.1 Plead with God to Forgive Sin
1.2 Plead with God the Merit of Christ
1.3 Plead with God for Pardon
1.4 Plead with God your Misery
1.5 The Condition of Pardoned Sinners
2.0 Reconciliation with God
2.1 To Know His Peace
2.2 To Be in Covenant with Him
2.3 To Know His Favor
2.4 To Have His Blessing
2.5 To Have His Presence
3.0 Assurance and Reconciliation
3.1 Evidence of Forgiveness
3.2 Peace of Conscience
4.0 The Grace of God
4.1 Fortify you Against Evil
4.2 To be Equip for Good
4.2.1 Grace for New Life
4.2.2 Grace May Sustain Life
4.3 Particular Grace
4.3.1 Instruct in Godly Things
4.3.2 To Keep Us in Truth
4.3.3 Truth in our Memory
4.3.4 To Make you Wise
4.3.5 Sanctify your Nature
4.3.6 Pray for Faith
4.3.7 Pray for Fear of God
4.3.8 Pray for the Love of God
4.3.9 Pray for a Tender Conscience
4.3.10 Pray for Love
4.3.11 Pray for Self Denial
4.3.12 Pray for Humility
4.3.13 Pray for Contentment
4.3.14 Pray for Hope
4.3.15 Pray for Preservation from Sin
4.4 Grace to Control the Tongue
4.5 Grace to Assist in Duty
4.5.1 Walking Wisely
4.5.2 Honest in your Duty
4.5.3 Diligent in your Duty
4.5.4 Courageous in your Duty
4.5.5 Cheerful in your Duty
4.5.6 Do your Duty Everywhere
4.5.7 Universally Conscientious
4.6 Grace to be Wiser
4.7 Grace in our Afflictions
4.8 Preserving Grace
4.9 Grace Needed to Die Well
4.10 Grace to Fit in Heaven
4.11 Good Things of Life
4.11.1 Preservation in Calamities
4.11.2 Daily Supplies of Comfort
4.12 The Promise of God for our Petitions

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Introduction to Petition

Of the Third Part of Prayer, which is Petition and Supplication for the Good Things that we Stand in Need of

Having opened the wounds of sin, both the guilt of it and the power of it, and its remainders in us, we must next seek unto God for the remedy, for healing and help, for from him alone it is to be expected, and this also he will let us ask him to do for us. Ezekiel 36:37(ESV) And now we must affect our hearts with a deep sense of the need we have of those mercies which we pray for, that we are undone, forever undone, without them; and, with a high esteem and value for them, that we are happy, we are made forever, if we obtain them; that we may like Jacob wrestle with him in prayer, as for our lives and the lives of our souls. But we must not think in our prayers to prescribe to him or by our importunity to move him. He knows us better than we know ourselves and knows what he will do. John 6:6(ESV) But thus, we open our wants and desires, and then refer ourselves to his wisdom and goodness; and hereby we give honor to him as our Protector and Benefactor, and take the way which he himself has appointed, of fetching in mercy from him, and by faith plead his promise with him: And if we are sincere in this, we are, through his grace, qualified according to the tenor of the new covenant to receive his favors, and are to be assured that we do and shall receive them. Mark 11:24(ESV)

And now, O Lord, for what do we wait? Truly our hope is in you. Deliver us from all our transgressions. Do not make us the scorn of the fool. Psalm 39:7-8(ESV)

Lord, all our longing is before you, and our sighing is not hidden from you, Psalm 38:9(ESV) even the sighs and groanings too deep for words; for, he who searches the heart knows what is the mind of the Spirit. Romans 8:26-27(ESV)

We do not think that we will be heard for our many words, for our Father knows what we need before we ask him; Matthew 6:7-8(ESV) but our Master has told us that whatever we ask of the Father in his name, he will give it to us. And he has said, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24(ESV)

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15(ESV)
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Earnestly Pray for the Forgiveness of your Sins

1.0 We must earnestly pray for the pardon and forgiveness of all our sins.

Lord, we come to you, as the poor tax collector that stood far off and would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast; and we pray his prayer, “God, be merciful to us sinners.” Luke 18:13(ESV) The God of infinite mercy be merciful to us!

O wash us thoroughly from our iniquity, and cleanse us from our sin; for we know our transgressions, and our sin is ever before us. Psalm 51:2-3(ESV) O purge us with hyssop, and we shall be clean; wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow; Psalm 51:7(ESV) hide your face from our sins, and blot out all our iniquities. Psalm 51:9(ESV)

Be merciful toward our iniquities, and remember our sins no more. Hebrews 8:12(ESV) O forgive us that great debt. Matthew 18:32(ESV)

Let us be justified by your grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Jesus, Romans 3:24(ESV) from everything from which we could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:39(ESV)

O let not our iniquity be our ruin; Ezekiel 18:30(ESV) but let the Lord take away our sin, that we may not die, 2 Samuel 12:13(ESV) not die eternally; that we may not be hurt by the second death. Revelation 2:11(ESV)

Blot out our transgressions like a cloud and our sins like mist; for we return to you, because you have redeemed us. Isaiah 44:22(ESV)

Enter not into judgment with your servants, O Lord, for no one living is righteous before you. Psalm 143:2(ESV)

Take away all iniquity, accept what is good, heal our apostasy, and love us freely; let your anger be turned away from us, for in you the orphan finds mercy. Hosea 14:2-4(ESV)

Though our sins have been like scarlet, let them be as white as snow; and though they have been red like crimson, let them be like wool; that being willing and obedient, we may eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:18-19(ESV)

We will say to God, “Do not condemn us, Job 10:2(ESV) but deliver us from going down into the pit, for you have found the ransom.” Job 33:24(ESV)
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Plead with God His Goodness and Readiness to Forgive Sin

For the encouraging of our faith and the exciting of our fervency in this petition for the pardon of sin, we may plead with God:

1.1 The infinite goodness of his nature, his readiness to forgive sin, and his glorying in it.

You, Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Psalm 86:5(ESV) You are a God gracious and full of compassion, longsuffering and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 86:15(KJV)

You are a God ready to forgive, merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, Nehemiah 9:17(ESV) who does not always chide nor keep his anger forever. Psalm 103:9(ESV)

You, you are he who blots out our transgressions for your own sake, and will not remember our sins, which we are here to put you in remembrance of and to declare, in order to plead for mercy in Christ. Isaiah 43:25-26(KJV)

And now, please let the power of the Lord be great as you have promised, saying, “The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression.” Please pardon the iniquity of your people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven us even until now. Numbers 14:17-19(ESV)

For who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of your inheritance? You do not retain your anger forever, because you delight in steadfast love. O that you would have compassion upon us and tread our iniquities underfoot and cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19(ESV)
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Plead with God the Merit and Righteousness of Jesus Christ

1.2 The merit and righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ, which we rely upon as our main plea in our petition for the pardon of sin.

We know that as you are gracious and merciful, so you are the righteous God who loves righteous deeds, Psalm 11:7(ESV) and will by no means clear the guilty. Exodus 34:7(ESV) We cannot say, “Have patience with us, and we will pay you everything,” Matthew 18:26(ESV) for we are like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. Isaiah 64:6(ESV) But Jesus Christ has become to us righteousness from God; 1 Corinthians 1:30(ESV) being made to be sin, though he knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21(ESV)

We have sinned, but we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2(ESV)

It is God who justifies, who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us, Romans 8:33-34(ESV) and whose blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:24(ESV)

We desire to count everything as loss for the sake of Christ, and as rubbish, in order that we may gain Christ and be found in him, not having any righteousness of our own, but that which comes through faith in Christ. Philippians 3:7-9(ESV)

This is the name whereby we will call him, THE LORD IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:6(ESV) In him, Lord, we believe; help our unbelief. Mark 9:24(ESV)

Remember, O LORD, in David’s favor, all the hardships he endured; Psalm 132:1(ESV) the Son of David, remember all his offerings and regard with favor his burnt sacrifices; Psalm 20:3(ESV) and do not turn away the face of your Anointed One, 2 Chronicles 6:42(ESV) who by his own blood has entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Hebrews 9:24(ESV)

Have you not yourself put forward your Son, Christ Jesus, as a propitiation for sin by his blood, to be received by faith; to show God’s righteousness for the remission of sins, to show your righteousness at the present time, so that you might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus? Romans 3:25-26(KJV) And so, we now receive reconciliation.
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Plead with God His Promises of Pardon

1.3 The promises God has made in his word to pardon and absolve all those who truly repent and unfeignedly believe his holy gospel.

Lord, is not this the word which you have spoken: that if the wicked man forsakes his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and returns to the LORD, even to our God, that you will abundantly pardon, Isaiah 55:7(ESV) will multiply to pardon?

To you, the Lord our God, belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against you. Daniel 9:9(ESV)

Is not this the covenant which you have made with the house of Israel: that you will take away their sins; Romans 11:27(ESV) that you will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more; Jeremiah 31:34(ESV) that iniquity shall be sought in Israel, and there shall be none, and sin in Judah, and none shall be found? Jeremiah 50:20(ESV)

Have you not said that if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep your statutes, he shall live; he shall not die; all his transgressions shall not be remembered against him? Ezekiel 33:15-16(ESV)

Have you not appointed that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in Christ’s name to all nations? Luke 24:47(ESV)

Did you not promise that when the sins of Israel were put upon the head of the scapegoat, they should be sent away into the wilderness, into a remote area? Leviticus 16:22(ESV) And as far as the east is from the west, so far do you remove our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12(ESV)

O remember these words to your servants, in which you have made us hope. Psalm 119:49(ESV)
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Plead with God your Misery Because of Sin, Along with the Blessed Condition of Pardoned Sinners

1.4 Our own misery and danger because of sin.

For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon our guilt, for it is great; Psalm 25:11(ESV) for evils have encompassed us beyond number; our iniquities have overtaken us, and we cannot see. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver us! O LORD, make haste to help us! Psalm 40:12-13(ESV)

O do not remember against us our former iniquities, let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake! Psalm 79:8-9(ESV)

Remember not the sins of our youth or our transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember us, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! Psalm 25:7(ESV)
1.5 The blessed condition which they are in whose sins are pardoned.

O let us have the blessedness of those whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; of that man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2(ESV)

O let us have redemption through Christ’s blood, even the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of your grace, which you have lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight. Ephesians 1:7-8(ESV) That being in Christ Jesus, there may be no condemnation for us; Romans 8:1(ESV) that our sins, which are many, having been forgiven us, Luke 7:47(ESV) we may go in peace: Luke 7:50(ESV) For no inhabitant will say, “I am sick,” if the people who dwell there have been forgiven their iniquity. Isaiah 33:24(ESV)
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Pray for Reconciliation with God that you may Know His Peace

2.0 We must likewise pray that God will be reconciled to us, that we may obtain his favor and blessing and gracious acceptance.
2.1 That we may be at peace with God and his anger may be turned away from us.

Being justified by faith, let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through him let us have access into that grace in which believers stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2(ESV)

Be not a terror to us, for you are our refuge in the day of disaster. Jeremiah 17:17(ESV)

In Christ Jesus let us, who once were far off, be brought near by the blood of Christ; for he himself is our peace, who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between us, that he might reconcile us to God through his cross, thereby killing the hostility, and so making peace. Through him, therefore, let us, who have made ourselves strangers and aliens, become fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:13-19(ESV)

You have no wrath: would that you had thorns and briers to battle? You would burn them up together; yes, you would burn them up together; but you have encouraged us to lay hold of your protection, that we make peace, and have promised that we shall make peace. Isaiah 27:4-5(ESV) O let us therefore agree with you and be at peace, that thereby good may come to us. Job 22:21(ESV)

Heal us, and we shall be healed; save us, and we shall be saved, for you are our praise. Jeremiah 17:14(ESV) Do not be angry with us forever but revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you. Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.
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Pray for Reconciliation with God that you may be in Covenant with Him and Know His Favor

2.2 That we may be taken into covenant with God and admitted into a relationship with him.

Be to us a God, and take us to be your people; Hebrews 8:10(ESV) and make us offer ourselves freely on the day of your power, Psalm 110:3(ESV) though we are no longer worthy to be called your sons. Luke 15:19(ESV) For how would you set us, who have been rebellious, among the sons, and give us the pleasant land? But you have said that we shall call you, Our Father, and not turn from following you. Jeremiah 3:19(ESV)Shall we not therefore from this time call to you, “Our Father, you are the friend of our youth”? Jeremiah 3:4(ESV)

Lord, we hold fast your covenant; Isaiah 56:4(ESV) to you we join ourselves in an everlasting covenant; Jeremiah 50:5(ESV) O that you would make us pass under the rod and bring us into the bond of the covenant, Ezekiel 20:37(ESV)that we may become yours. Ezekiel 16:8(ESV)

Make with us an everlasting covenant, your steadfast, sure love for David. Isaiah 55:3(ESV)
2.3 That we may have the favor of God and an interest in his special love.

We entreat your favor, O God, with all our heart; be gracious to us according to your promise, Psalm 119:58(ESV) for in your favor is life; Psalm 30:5(ESV) yes, your steadfast love is better than life itself. Psalm 63:3(ESV)

LORD, make your face to shine upon us and be gracious to us; LORD, lift up the light of your countenance upon us and give us peace. Numbers 6:25-26(ESV)

Remember us, O LORD, with the favor you show to your people. O help us with your salvation, that we may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones and may rejoice in the gladness of your nation and may glory with your inheritance. Psalm 106:4-5(ESV)
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Pray for Reconciliation with God that you may Have His Blessing and Abiding Presence

2.4 That we may have the blessing of God.

O God, be gracious to us and bless us and make your face to shine upon us; Psalm 67:1(ESV) yes, let God, our God, give us his blessing. Psalm 67:6(ESV)

May the LORD, he who made heaven and earth, bless us from Zion; Psalm 134:3(ESV) bless us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:3(ESV)

O that you would bless us indeed! 1 Chronicles 4:10(KJV) Command the blessing upon us, even life forevermore; Psalm 133:3(ESV) for you bless, O LORD, and it shall be blessed. 1 Chronicles 17:27(ESV)

Let us receive blessing from the LORD, even righteousness from the God of our salvation. Psalm 24:5(ESV)

Have you but one blessing? Indeed, you have many blessings! Bless us, even us also, O our Father; Genesis 27:38(ESV) yes, let the blessing of Abraham come to us, which comes to the Gentiles through faith; Galatians 3:14(ESV) and the blessing of Jacob, for we will not let you go unless you bless us. Genesis 32:26(ESV)
2.5 That we may have the presence of God with us.

If your presence will not go with us, do not bring us up from here; Exodus 33:15(ESV) never leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5(ESV)

O cast us not away from your presence, or ever take your Holy Spirit away from us; Psalm 51:11(ESV) but let us always dwell with the upright in your presence.
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Pray for a Sense of Assurance

3.0 We must pray for the comfortable sense of our reconciliation to God and our acceptance with him.
3.1 That we may have some evidence of the pardon of our sins and of our adoption.

O let us hear joy and gladness; let the bones that sin has broken rejoice. Psalm 51:8(ESV)

Say to each of us, “Take heart, my son, my daughter; your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2(ESV)

Let the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our consciences from dead works to serve you, the living God. Hebrews 9:14(ESV)

Let your Spirit witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Romans 8:16-17(ESV)

Say to our souls, “I am your salvation.”
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Pray for a Well-Grounded Peace of Conscience

3.2 That we may have a well-grounded peace of conscience, a holy security and serenity of mind arising from a sense of our justification before God and a good work wrought in us.

The Lord of peace himself give us peace, all peace, at all times in every way: 2 Thessalonians 3:16(ESV) That peace which Jesus Christ has left with us, which he gives to us; such a peace as the world can neither give nor take away; such a peace as that our hearts may not be troubled or afraid. John 14:27(ESV)

Let the effect of righteousness in our souls be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. Isaiah 32:17(ESV)

Speak peace to your people, to your saints, and let them not turn back to folly. Psalm 85:8(ESV)

O create the fruit of the lips, Peace, peace to those who are far off and to those who are near; and restore comfort to your mourners. Isaiah 57:18-19(ESV)

Where the sons of peace are, let your peace find them out and rest upon them. Luke 10:6(ESV)

Let us hear of your steadfast love and taste that you are good, 1 Peter 2:3(ESV) for in you do we trust. Psalm 143:8(ESV)

Let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus; Philippians 4:7(ESV) and let that peace rule in our hearts, to which we have been called. Colossians 3:15(ESV)

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope.
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Pray for God's Grace to Fortify you Against Everything Evil

4.0 We must pray for the grace of God, and all the kind and powerful influences and operations of that grace.

We draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive not only mercy to pardon, but grace to help in every time of need: Hebrews 4:16(ESV) grace for seasonable help.

From the fullness that is in Jesus Christ (in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell), Colossians 1:19(ESV) let us receive, grace upon grace. John 1:16(ESV)
4.1 We must pray for grace to fortify ourselves against every evil thought, word, and work. Having been earnest for the removing of the guilt of sin, that we may not die for it as a crime, we must be no less earnest for the breaking of the power of sin, that we may not die by it as a disease, but that it may be mortified in us.

O let no sin have dominion over us, because we are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14(ESV)

Let the flesh be crucified in us, with its passions and desires; Galatians 5:24(ESV) that walking in the Spirit, we may not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16(ESV)

Let our old self be crucified with Christ that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:6(ESV) And let not sin reign in our mortal bodies (in our immortal souls), to make us obey its passions, Romans 6:12(ESV) but having been set free from sin, let us become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:18(ESV)

Let the law of the Spirit of life set us free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2(ESV)

Give us grace to put off our old self, which is corrupt through deceitful desires, Ephesians 4:22(ESV) and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24(ESV)

Let the world be crucified to us, and we to the world, by the cross of Christ.
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Pray for God's Grace to Fortify you Against Satan's Temptations

And that the temptations of Satan may not overcome us.

We pray that we may not enter into temptation; Matthew 26:41(ESV) or, however, that no temptation may overtake us that is not common to man. And may the faithful God never let us be tempted beyond our ability, but with the temptation provide the way of escape for us. 1 Corinthians 10:13(ESV)

Put upon us the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil; Ephesians 6:11(ESV) to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Fasten on us the belt of truth, put on us the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for our feet, put on us the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Give us the shield of faith, with which we may extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one, and the helmet of salvation; and let the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, be always ready to us. Ephesians 6:13-17(ESV)

Enable us to resist the devil, so that he may flee from us; James 4:7(ESV) to resist him firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:9(ESV) And may you, the God of peace, tread Satan under our feet, and may you do it soon.
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Pray for God's Grace to Equip you for Everything Good and to Beget and Sustain New Life

4.2 We must pray for grace to equip us for every good thought, word, and work, that we may not only be kept from sin, but may be in everything as we should be, and do as we should do.

Let Christ be made of God to us not only righteousness, but wisdom, sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30(ESV)

Let us be planted together in the likeness of Christ’s death and resurrection, that just as he was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so may we too walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4(ESV)
4.2.1 That the work of grace may be wrought where it has not yet begun.

Lord, teach transgressors your ways, and let sinners return to you; Psalm 51:13(ESV) and let the disobedient be turned to the wisdom of the just, and make ready for the Lord a people prepared. Luke 1:17(ESV)

Let those be quickened who are yet dead in trespasses and sins: Ephesians 2:1(ESV) Say to them, “Live!” Yes, say to them, “Live!” Ezekiel 16:6(ESV) And the time shall be a time of love. Ezekiel 16:8(KJV)

Open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified. Acts 26:18(ESV)

Because of the blood of the covenant, set the prisoners free from the waterless pit, that they may return to the stronghold as prisoners of hope. Zechariah 9:11-12(ESV)

Let the word of God prevail to the destroying of strongholds and the destroying of arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and let every thought be taken captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5(ESV)
4.2.2 That where it has begun it may be carried on and at length perfected, and the foundation that has been well laid may be happily built upon.

Fulfill in us every resolve for good and every work of faith by your power. 2 Thessalonians 1:11(ESV)

Let the God who began a good work in us bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6(ESV)

Fulfill, O God, your purpose for us; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever: do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8(ESV)

Lord, let your grace be sufficient for us, and let your power be made perfect in weakness, that where we are weak, there we may be strong, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10(ESV) strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10(ESV)
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Pray for Grace to Instruct you in the Things of God

4.3 More particularly, we must pray for grace:
4.3.1 To teach and instruct us, and make us knowing and intelligent in the things of God.

Give us so to call out for insight and to raise our voice for understanding, to seek for it like silver and to search for it as for hidden treasure, that we may understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3-5(ESV)

Give us all to know you, from the least even to the greatest, Hebrews 8:11(ESV)and to press on to know you; Hosea 6:3(ESV) and so to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent, that it may be eternal life to us. John 17:3(ESV)

Give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ, that, having the eyes of our heart enlightened, we may know what is the hope to which he has called us and what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and may experience what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward those who believe, according to the working of his great might. Ephesians 1:17-19(ESV)

Open our eyes, that we may behold wondrous things out of your law and gospel. Psalm 119:18(ESV)

Give us to have certainty concerning the things we have been taught; Luke 1:4(ESV) and let our knowledge grow up to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ. Colossians 2:2(ESV) Deal with your servants according to your steadfast love, and teach us your statutes. We are your servants; give us understanding, that we may know your testimonies! Psalm 119:124-125(ESV) Let our cry come before you, O LORD; give us understanding according to your word, Psalm 119:169(ESV) that good understanding which they have who do your commandments, whose praise endures forever!
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Pray for Grace to Keep you in the Way of Truth

4.3.2 To lead us into and keep us in the way of truth; and if in anything we are in error, to rectify our mistake.

Let the Spirit of truth guide us into all truth, John 16:13(ESV) and make us understand how we have gone astray. Job 6:24(ESV)

Teach us what we do not see; Job 34:32(ESV) and enable us to test everything, so as to hold fast to what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21(ESV)

Lord, grant that we may not be as children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning; rather, speaking the truth in love, may we grow up in every way into Christ, who is the head. Ephesians 4:14-15(ESV)

Lord, give us so to do your will, as that we may know that the teaching is from God; John 7:17(ESV) and so to know the truth, as that the truth may set us free, John 8:32(ESV) may set us free indeed. John 8:36(ESV)

Enable us, we pray, to follow the pattern of sound words that we have heard in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:13(ESV)and to continue in what we have learned and have firmly believed. 2 Timothy 3:14(ESV)
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Pray for Grace to Bring God's Truth to your Memory

4.3.3 To help our memory, that the truths of God may be ready to us whenever we have occasion to use them.

Lord, let your Spirit teach us all things and bring to our remembrance all that you have said to us, John 14:26(ESV) that the word of Christ may dwell richly in us in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Colossians 3:16(ESV)

Lord, grant that we may pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it; Hebrews 2:1(ESV) and may we hold fast to the word that has been preached to us, and not believe in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:2(ESV)

Lord, make us ready and competent in the Scriptures, Acts 18:24(ESV) that we may be competent, equipped for every good work; 2 Timothy 3:17(ESV) and, being well trained for the kingdom of heaven, may we, like a good master of a house, bring out of our treasure what is new and what is old.
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Pray for Grace to Direct your Conscience and Make you Wise

4.3.4 To direct our consciences, to show us the way of our duty, and to make us wise, knowing, judicious Christians.

Lord, give us a wise and understanding mind, 1 Kings 3:9(ESV) that wisdom which in all cases helps one to succeed; Ecclesiastes 10:10(ESV) that wisdom of the prudent which is to discern his way. Proverbs 14:8(ESV)

This we pray, that our love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment, so that we may discern things that differ and may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11(ESV)

O that we may be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of God, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10(ESV)

Teach us your way, O God, and lead us on a level path because of our observers. Psalm 27:11(ESV)

When we do not know what to do, our eyes are on you; 2 Chronicles 20:12(ESV)then let us hear the Lord behind us, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when we turn to the right or when we turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21(ESV)

Keep steady our steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over us. Psalm 119:133(ESV)
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Pray for Grace to Sanctify your Nature

4.3.5 To sanctify our nature, to plant in us all holy principles and dispositions, and to increase every grace in us.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify us completely, and may our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls us is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24(ESV)

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit away from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and uphold us with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12(ESV)

Write your law on our hearts and put it within us, Jeremiah 31:33(ESV) that we may be letters from Christ, written by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts; 2 Corinthians 3:3(ESV)that the law of our God being in our heart, none of our steps may slip; Psalm 37:31(ESV) and that we may delight to do your will, O God; Psalm 40:8(ESV) may delight in the law of God in our inner being. Romans 7:22(ESV)

O that we may become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which we desire to be committed, as into a mold, Romans 6:17(ESV) that our whole soul may be leavened by it; Matthew 13:33(ESV) and that we may not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewal of our mind; Romans 12:2(ESV) may not be conformed to the passions of our former ignorance, but as obedient children, may be holy in all our conduct, as he who called us is holy. 1 Peter 1:14-15(ESV)
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Pray for Faith

4.3.6 We must pray for faith.

Lord, let it be granted to us to believe; Philippians 1:29(ESV) for the faith by which we are saved is not our own doing, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8(ESV)

Lord, increase our faith, Luke 17:5(ESV) and supply what is lacking in it, 1 Thessalonians 3:10(ESV) that we may grow strong in faith, as we give glory to God. Romans 4:20(ESV)

Lord, give us so to be crucified with Christ, as that the life we now live in the flesh, we may live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us; Galatians 2:20(ESV) and so to carry in us continually the death of Jesus, as that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:10(ESV)

As we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, enable us so to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as we were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7(ESV)

Let every word of yours benefit us, being united by faith, Hebrews 4:2(ESV) by which we receive your testimony and set our seal to this: that God is true. John 3:33(ESV)

We beg you, work in us that faith which is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1(ESV) by which we may look above the things that are seen, that are transient, and may look at the things that are unseen, that are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18(ESV)

Enable us by faith to set the LORD always before us, Psalm 16:8(ESV) and to have our eyes ever towards him, Psalm 25:15(ESV) that we may act in everything, as seeing him who is invisible, and may look to the reward. Hebrews 11:26-27(ESV)

Let our hearts be cleansed by faith, Acts 15:9(ESV) and let it be our victory to overcome the world; 1 John 5:4(ESV) and let us be kept from fainting by believing that we shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13(ESV)
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Pray for the Fear of God and for the Love of God to be Rooted in you

4.3.7 We must pray for the fear of God.

Lord, work in us that fear of you, which is the beginning of wisdom, Psalm 111:10(ESV) which is instruction in wisdom, Proverbs 15:33(ESV) and which is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27(ESV)

Unite our hearts to fear your name, Psalm 86:11(ESV) that we may keep your commandments, which is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13(ESV)

O put the fear of you in our hearts, that we may not turn from you. Jeremiah 32:40(ESV) Let us be devoted to your fear; Psalm 119:38(KJV) and let us continue in the fear of the LORD everyday and all the day. Proverbs 23:17(ESV)
4.3.8 We must pray that the love of God and Christ may be rooted in us and, in order to that end, that the love of the world may be rooted out of us.

Give us grace, we beg you, to love you, the Lord our God, with all our heart and soul and mind and strength, Mark 12:30(ESV) which is the great and first commandment; Matthew 22:37-38(ESV) to hold fast to you in love; Psalm 91:14(ESV) and to delight ourselves always in you; and therein we shall have the desires of our hearts. Psalm 37:4(ESV)

Circumcise our hearts to love you, the LORD our God, with all our heart and with all our soul, that we may live. Deuteronomy 30:6(ESV)

O that God’s love may be poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5(ESV)

O that Jesus Christ may be very precious to us, as he is to all who believe; 1 Peter 2:7(KJV) that he may be in our account distinguished among ten thousand, Song of Solomon 5:10(ESV) and altogether desirable; and that he may be our beloved and our friend: Song of Solomon 5:16(ESV) That though we have not seen him, yet we may love him; and though we do not now see him, yet we may believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. 1 Peter 1:8(ESV)

Let the love of Christ to us control us to live, not to ourselves, but to him who for our sake died and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15(ESV)
And, Lord, grant that we may not love the world or the things in the world, because if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 1 John 2:15(ESV) that we may set our minds on things above, and not on things that are on earth.
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Pray for a Tender Conscience and God-Wrought Love

4.3.9 We must pray that our consciences may be always tender and that we may live a life of repentance.

Lord, remove the heart of stone from our flesh and give us a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19(ESV)

Make us afraid of every form of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22(ESV) and careful not to be outwitted by Satan, since we are not ignorant of his designs. 2 Corinthians 2:11(ESV)

Lord, give us the happiness which they have who fear always; Psalm 128:1(ESV) that when we think we stand, we may take heed lest we fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12(ESV)
4.3.10 We must pray to God to work in us charity and brotherly love.

Lord, put upon us that love which binds everything together in perfect harmony, Colossians 3:14(ESV) that we may maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Ephesians 4:3(ESV) and may live in love of peace, that the God of love and peace may be with us. 2 Corinthians 13:11(ESV)

Lord, give us to love our neighbor as ourselves with that love which is the fulfilling of the law; Romans 13:9-10(ESV) to love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 1 Peter 1:22(ESV) that by this all men may know that we are Christ’s disciples. John 13:35(ESV)

And as we are taught by God to love one another, give us to abound therein more and more; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10(ESV) and as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone; Galatians 6:10(ESV) and so far as it depends on us, let us live peaceably with all men, Romans 12:18(ESV) always pursuing what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19(ESV)

Lord, make us able to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to pray for those who despitefully use us, and to do good to those who hate us; Matthew 5:44(KJV) bearing with one another and forgiving one another in love, as Christ has forgiven us. Colossians 3:13(ESV)
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Pray for the Grace of Self-Denial and Humility

4.3.11 We must pray for the grace of self-denial.

Lord, give us grace to deny ourselves, to take up our cross daily, and to follow Christ; Matthew 16:24(ESV) to discipline our bodies and keep them under control. 1 Corinthians 9:27(ESV)

Lord, keep us from being lovers of ourselves, 2 Timothy 3:2(ESV) from being wise in our own eyes and leaning to our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-7(ESV)

Lord, give us to seek, not our own good only, but also the good of our neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24(ESV)

And grant that we may not live to ourselves or die to ourselves, but whether we live or die, we may be the Lord’s, and may live and die to him. Romans 14:7-8(ESV)
4.3.12 We must pray for humility and meekness.

Lord, give us to learn from Christ to be gentle and lowly in heart, that we may find rest for our souls; Matthew 11:29(ESV) and that herein the same mind may be in us that was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5(ESV)

Lord, conceal pride from us, Job 33:17(ESV) and clothe us with humility; 1 Peter 5:5(ESV) and put upon us the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in your sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:4-5(ESV)

Lord, give us grace to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2(ESV)

Let anger never lodge in our bosoms, Ecclesiastes 7:9(ESV) nor the sun ever go down on our anger; Ephesians 4:26(ESV) but enable us to show perfect courtesy toward all people, because we ourselves were once foolish and disobedient. Titus 3:2-3(ESV)

Let us be clothed as becomes the elect children of God, holy and beloved, with compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, Colossians 3:12(ESV) that being merciful, even as our heavenly Father is merciful, Luke 6:36(ESV) we may be perfect as he is perfect. Matthew 5:48(ESV)
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Pray for the Graces of Contentment and Patience

4.3.13 We must pray for the graces of contentment and patience, and a holy indifference to all the things of sense and time.

Lord, teach us in whatever situation we are to be content; let us know how to be brought low and how to abound; in any and every circumstance, let us learn the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12(ESV) And let godliness with contentment be great gain to us, 1 Timothy 6:6(ESV) and a little with the fear of the LORD and quietness, be better than great treasure and trouble with it. Proverbs 15:16(ESV)

Lord, grant that our life may be free from the love of money, and we may always be content with what we have, Hebrews 13:5(ESV)ever saying, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” Acts 21:14(ESV)
Enable us in our endurance to possess our own souls; Luke 21:19(KJV) and let steadfastness always have its full effect, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4(ESV)

Lord, give us grace to mourn as though we were not mourning, and to rejoice as though we were not rejoicing, and to buy as though we had no goods, and to deal with the world as though we had no dealings with it, because the appointed time has grown very short, and the present form of this world is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31(ESV)
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Pray for the Grace of Hope

4.3.14 We must pray for the grace of hope; a hope in God and Christ, and a hope of eternal life.

Let endurance produce character in us, and character produce hope – such a hope that does not put us to shame. Romans 5:4-5(ESV)Through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, let us have hope, Romans 15:4(ESV) and be saved by hope. Romans 8:24(ESV)

Let the God of Jacob be our help, and our hope always be in the LORD our God. Psalm 146:5(ESV)

Let us be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:3(ESV) and let that hope be to us as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, entering into the inner place behind the curtain, where the Forerunner has gone on our behalf. Hebrews 6:19-20(ESV)

Let us have Christ in us, the hope of glory, Colossians 1:27(ESV) and never be shifting from the hope of the gospel; Colossians 1:23(ESV) but enable us to show earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end. Hebrews 6:11(ESV)
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Pray for Grace to Preserve you from Sin

4.3.15 We must pray for grace to preserve us from sin and all appearances of it and approaches towards it.

We pray to God that we may not do wrong, 2 Corinthians 13:7(ESV) but may be blameless and innocent, as children of God, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. Philippians 2:15(ESV)

Turn our eyes from looking at worthless things; and give us life in your ways. Psalm 119:37(ESV) Put false ways far from us and graciously teach us your law! Psalm 119:29(ESV)

Do not let our hearts incline to any evil, to busy ourselves with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let us not eat of their delicacies! Psalm 141:4(ESV)

O declare us innocent from hidden faults; keep back your servants also from presumptuous sins: Let them not have dominion over us, but let us be blameless and innocent of great transgression; Psalm 19:12-13(ESV) and grant that hereby we may prove ourselves blameless before you, by keeping ourselves from our own guilt. Psalm 18:23(ESV)

Let your word be stored up in our hearts, that we might not sin against you; Psalm 119:11(ESV) and your grace be at all times sufficient for us, 2 Corinthians 12:9(ESV) ready to us, and mighty in us; and never give us up to our own hearts’ lust, to walk in our own counsel. Jeremiah 7:24(ESV)

Enable us to walk carefully, not as unwise but as wise, Ephesians 5:15(ESV) so carefully, that we may cut off occasion from those who desire occasion to blaspheme that honorable name by which we are called; James 2:7(ESV) and by doing good may we put to silence the ignorance of foolish people, 1 Peter 2:15(ESV) and may we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything.
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Pray for Grace to Govern your Tongue

4.4 We must pray for grace to enable us both to govern our tongues well and to use them well.

Lord, enable us to guard our ways, that we may not sin with our tongue, and to guard our mouth, as if with a muzzle, Psalm 39:1(ESV)that it may not be hasty to utter a word. Ecclesiastes 5:2(ESV)

Set a guard, O LORD, over our mouth; keep watch over the door of our lips, Psalm 141:3(ESV) that we may not stumble in what we say. James 3:2(ESV)

Let our speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, Colossians 4:6(ESV) and enable us always, out of the good treasure of our heart, to bring forth good. Matthew 12:35(KJV) Let our mouth utter wisdom, and our tongue speak justice; Psalm 37:30(ESV) and let not your words depart out of our mouth, or out of the mouth of our offspring, or our children’s offspring, from this time forth and forevermore. Isaiah 59:21(ESV)

Enable us always to open our mouth with wisdom, and let the teaching of kindness be on our tongue. Proverbs 31:26(ESV) Give us to know what is acceptable, Proverbs 10:32(ESV) that our tongue may be as choice silver, and our lips may feed many. Proverbs 10:20-21(ESV)
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Pray for Grace to Direct, Quicken, Strengthen, and Assist you that you may Walk Wisely

4.5 We must pray for grace to direct and quicken us to, and to strengthen and assist us in, our duty, in the whole course of our life.

Let the grace of God, which has appeared, bringing salvation for us and for all people, effectually train us to renounce all ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, waiting for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14(ESV)
4.5.1 That we may be prudent and discreet in our duty.

You have said, “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5(ESV) Lord, we want wisdom; make us wise as serpents and innocent as doves, Matthew 10:16(ESV) that wisdom may make our faces shine, Ecclesiastes 8:1(ESV) and may be better to us than weapons of war. Ecclesiastes 9:18(ESV)

Enable us to walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of the time. Colossians 4:5(ESV)

Give us to order all our affairs with discretion and to behave ourselves wisely, to ponder the way that is blameless and to walk with integrity of heart. Psalm 101:2(ESV)
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Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Honest in your Duty

4.5.2 That we may be honest and sincere in our duty.

Do not let our wisdom be that from beneath, which is earthly, unspiritual, demonic; James 3:15(ESV) but wisdom from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17(ESV)

O that we may always behave in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God. 2 Corinthians 1:12(ESV)

Lord, uphold us in our integrity, and set us in your presence forever; Psalm 41:12(ESV) and may integrity and uprightness preserve us, for we wait for you. Psalm 25:21(ESV)

May our hearts be blameless in your statutes, that we may not be put to shame; Psalm 119:80(ESV) and let our eye be healthy, that our whole body may be full of light. Matthew 6:22(ESV)
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Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Diligent in your Duty

4.5.3 That we may be active and diligent in our duty.

Lord, quicken us to work the works of him who sent us while it is day, because night is coming, wherein no one can work; John 9:4(ESV)and what good our hands find to do, enable us to do it with all our might, for there is no work or knowledge in Sheol, to which we are going. Ecclesiastes 9:10(ESV)

Lord, grant that we may never be slothful in zeal, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Romans 12:11(ESV) steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58(ESV)

Lord, make us zealously affected in every good work; Galatians 4:18(KJV) and in whatever we do, enable us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23(ESV)

Lord, enable us to do the work of every day in its day, as each day requires, Ezra 3:4(ESV) making the best use of the time, because the days are evil; Ephesians 5:16(ESV) that when our Master comes, he may find us so doing.
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Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Courageous in your Duty

4.5.4 That we may be resolute and courageous in our duty, as those who know that though we may be losers for Christ, we shall not be losers by him in the end.

Lord, teach us to share in suffering as good soldiers of Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:3(ESV) that we may not fear the reproach of men or their revilings, Isaiah 51:7(ESV) nor be ashamed of Christ or of his words, Mark 8:38(ESV)knowing whom we have believed, even one who is able to guard until that Day what we have entrusted to him. 2 Timothy 1:12(ESV)

Though imprisonment and afflictions should await us, Lord, grant that none of these things may move us, and that we may not account life itself as precious to us, if only we may finish our course. Acts 20:23-24(ESV)

Enable us in every way to commend ourselves to God; 2 Corinthians 6:4(ESV) and then to pass through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise, clad with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left, 2 Corinthians 6:7-8(ESV) as those who account it a very small thing to be judged by any human court, for it is the Lord who judges us.
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Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Cheerful in your Duty

4.5.5 That we may be pleasant and cheerful in our duty.

Lord, enable us to rejoice always, 1 Thessalonians 5:16(ESV) to rejoice in the Lord always, because he has again said to us, Rejoice; Philippians 4:4(ESV) that we may go on our way rejoicing, may eat our bread with joy and drink our wine with a merry heart, as we shall have reason to do if God has already approved what we do. Ecclesiastes 9:7(ESV)

Give us grace to serve you, the LORD our God, with joyfulness and gladness of heart in the abundance of all things; Deuteronomy 28:47(ESV) and to sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of our God. Psalm 138:5(ESV)

Let us have that cheerfulness of heart which is like good medicine, Proverbs 17:22(ESV) and deliver us from that anxiety which weighs down the heart, Proverbs 12:25(ESV) and that worldly grief which produces death.
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Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may do your Duty Always and Everywhere

4.5.6 That we may do the duty of every condition of life, every event of providence, and every relation wherein we stand.

Lord, enable us in a day of prosperity to be joyful, and in a day of adversity to consider, because God has made the one as well as the other; Ecclesiastes 7:14(ESV) to add to our knowledge self-control, and to self-control steadfastness. 2 Peter 1:6(ESV)

Give us grace to remain with you in whatever condition we have been called, 1 Corinthians 7:24(ESV) and in all our ways to acknowledge you; Proverbs 3:6(ESV) and be pleased to establish our steps. Proverbs 16:9(ESV)

Let those who have been called, being slaves, be freedmen of the Lord; and those who have been called, being free, be slaves of Christ. 1 Corinthians 7:22(ESV)

Let all in every relation dwell in unity, Psalm 133:1(ESV) that it may be like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. Psalm 133:3(ESV)O that we may dwell together as joint heirs of the grace of life, that our prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7(ESV)

Give us grace to honor everyone, to love the brotherhood, to fear God, 1 Peter 2:17(ESV) and to be subject to the governing authorities, Romans 13:1(ESV)not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Romans 13:5(ESV)
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Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Universally Conscientious

4.5.7 That we may be universally conscientious.

O that we may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12(ESV)

Oh that our ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then we shall not be put to shame, having our eyes fixed on all your commandments. Psalm 119:5-6(ESV)

Teach us, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and we will keep it to the end. Give us understanding, that we may keep your law and observe it with our whole heart. Lead us in the path of your commandments, for we delight in it. Incline our hearts to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Psalm 119:33-36(ESV)

Grant us, we pray, according to the riches of your glory, that we may be strengthened with all power through your Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith; and that being rooted and grounded in love, we may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and be filled with a divine fullness, Ephesians 3:16-20(ESV) and may partake of a divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4(ESV)

And let the love of Christ control us to live not for ourselves, but for him who for our sake died and was raised.
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Pray for Grace to Make you Wiser and Better Every Day

4.6 We must pray for grace to make us wiser and better every day than another.

Lord, give us to grow with a growth that is from God; Colossians 2:19(ESV) to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; 2 Peter 3:18(ESV) to hold to our way; and, having clean hands, to grow stronger and stronger. Job 17:9(ESV)

Let our path be as the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18(ESV)

We have not yet obtained, nor are we already perfect; Lord, grant that therefore, forgetting what lies behind, we may strain forward to what lies ahead, for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14(ESV)

Be like the dew to us, that we may blossom like the lily and take root like the trees of Lebanon; that our shoots may spread out and our beauty may be like the olive. Hosea 14:5-6(ESV) And let the sun of righteousness rise upon us with healing in its wings, that we may go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2(ESV)
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Pray for the Support and Comfort you Need in your Afflictions

4.7 We must pray for effectual support and comfort under all the crosses and afflictions that we meet with in this world.

We know that we are born to trouble as the sparks fly upward; Job 5:7(ESV) but in six troubles be pleased to deliver us, and in seven let no evil touch us. Job 5:19(ESV)

Let the eternal God be our dwelling place, and underneath be the everlasting arms; Deuteronomy 33:27(ESV) that the spirit you have made may not grow faint before you, nor the soul that you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23(ESV)

Let us be strengthened with all power, according to your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Colossians 1:11(ESV)

Let your statutes be our songs in the house of our sojourning; Psalm 119:54(ESV) and let your testimonies, which we have taken as a heritage forever, be always the joy of our hearts. Psalm 119:111(ESV)

When we are afflicted in every way, let us not be crushed; and when we are perplexed, let us not be driven to despair; 2 Corinthians 4:8(ESV) but as sorrowful, let us be always rejoicing; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10(ESV)
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Pray for Preserving Grace

4.8 We must pray for grace to preserve us to the end and to fit us for whatever lies before us between this and the grave.

Lord, rescue us from every evil deed and bring us safely into your heavenly kingdom; 2 Timothy 4:18(ESV) being kept from stumbling, may we be presented blameless at the coming of your glory with great joy. Jude 1:24(ESV)

Lord, make us increase and abound in love for one another and for all, so that our hearts may be established blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13(ESV)

If Satan demands to have us that he may sift us like wheat, yet let Christ’s intercession prevail for us that our faith may not fail. Luke 22:31-32(ESV)

Until we are taken out of the world, let us be kept from the evil one, John 17:15(ESV) and sanctified through your truth: your word is truth. John 17:17(ESV)

Build us up, we pray, in our most holy faith, and keep us in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21(ESV)

Grant that we may continue to call on you as long as we live, Psalm 116:2(ESV) and until we die, may we never put away our integrity from us; let us hold fast our righteousness and never let it go, and may our hearts not reproach us for any of our days. Job 27:5-6(ESV)
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Pray for the Grace Needed to Die Well

4.9 We must pray for grace to deliver us from death* and to carry us well through our dying moments.

Lord, make us know our end and what is the measure of our days; let us know and consider how fleeting we are, that our days are as a few handbreadths and all mankind stands as a mere breath! Psalm 39:4-5(ESV) Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. 1 Chronicles 29:15(ESV)

Lord, so teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12(ESV) and make us to discern our latter end! Deuteronomy 32:29(ESV)

Lord, make us always ready, dressed for action with our lamps burning, Luke 12:35(ESV) for the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect. Luke 12:40(ESV)

Keep us all the days of our service, waiting till our renewal comes; and then shall you call, and we will answer. Job 14:14-15(ESV)

Bring us to our grave like a sheaf gathered up in its season; Job 5:26(ESV) satisfy us with life, whether it be long or short, and show us your salvation. Psalm 91:16(ESV)

And when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, be with us, that we may fear no evil; let your rod and your staff comfort us. Psalm 23:4(ESV)

Let goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life, and let us dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6(ESV) May steadfast love and faithfulness be with us. 2 Samuel 15:20(ESV)

Ransom our souls from the power of Sheol, and receive us; Psalm 49:15(ESV)guide us with your counsel, and afterward receive us into glory. Psalm 73:24(ESV)

(* We must all die (save those alive when the Lord comes), so the author directs us to ask for deliverance not from the inevitable fact of death, but from the fear and power of death. Editor.)
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Pray for Grace to Fit you for Heaven

4.10 We must pray for grace to fit us for heaven, and that we may at length be put in possession of eternal life.

Lord, qualify us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light; Colossians 1:12(ESV) let God himself prepare us for this very thing, and give us the Spirit as a guarantee in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 5:5(ESV)

O that we may know that our citizenship is in heaven, and that from there, with comfort, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus, who shall transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21(ESV)

O that we may set our minds on things that are above, and that our life may be hidden with Christ in God; that when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, we also may appear with him in glory; Colossians 3:2-4(ESV) that when he shall appear, we may be like him, may see him as he is, 1 John 3:2(ESV) may behold his face in righteousness, and when we awake, may be satisfied with his likeness. Psalm 17:15(ESV)

When we fail, let us be received into the eternal dwellings, Luke 16:9(ESV)in the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God; Hebrews 11:10(ESV) that we may always be together with the Lord, 1 Thessalonians 4:17(ESV) to see as we are seen and know as we have been fully known; 1 Corinthians 13:12(ESV)and, in the meantime, help us to encourage ourselves and one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:18(ESV) And hoping in Christ, may we purify ourselves as he is pure. 1 John 3:3(ESV)

And now, may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort our hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
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Pray for the Good Things of Life and Preservation in Calamities

4.11 We must pray for the good things of life, with a humble submission to the will of God.

Lord, you have told us that godliness holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come; 1 Timothy 4:8(ESV) and that if we seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, other things will be added to us; Matthew 6:33(ESV) and therefore, we cast all our anxieties about these things on you, who cares for us; 1 Peter 5:7(ESV) for our heavenly Father knows that we need them all. Matthew 6:32(ESV)
4.11.1 We must pray to be preserved from the calamities to which we are exposed.

You, Lord, are our refuge and our fortress, Psalm 91:2(ESV) and under your wings will we find refuge; your faithfulness is a shield and buckler; let us therefore not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91:4-5(ESV) Having made the Lord our refuge and the Most High our dwelling place, let no evil befall us nor any plague come near our tent. Psalm 91:9-10(ESV)

Let the LORD be our keeper, even he who keeps Israel and neither slumbers nor sleeps. Let the Lord be our shade on our right hand, that the sun may not strike us by day, nor the moon by night. Let the Lord keep us from all evil; the Lord keep our life; the Lord keep our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 121:4-8(ESV)

Lord, put a hedge around us and our houses and all that we have on every side; Job 1:10(ESV) and take sickness away from us. Exodus 23:25(ESV)
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Pray for Daily Supplies of Comfort and Support

4.11.2 We must pray to be supplied with the comforts and supports we daily stand in need of.

O that the favor of the LORD our God may be upon us; prosper the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17(ESV) Save us, we pray, O LORD! O Lord, we pray, give us success! Psalm 118:25(ESV)

May our sons in their youth be as plants full grown, and our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace. May our granaries be full, providing all kinds of produce; and may there be no breaking in or going out, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD! Psalm 144:12-15(ESV)

Let us be blessed in the city and blessed in the field; Deuteronomy 28:3(ESV) let our basket and our kneading bowl be blessed; let us be blessed when we come in and when we go out. Deuteronomy 28:5-6(ESV)

Let your good providence so order all events concerning us that they may be made to work for good for us, as you have promised they shall for all who love you and are called according to your purpose. Romans 8:28(ESV)

Give us to trust in the LORD and do good, and then we shall dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness; Psalm 37:3(ESV) and be pleased to bring forth our righteousness as the light, and our justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:6(ESV)

Let us be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and not fear destruction when it comes; Job 5:21(ESV) let us be in league with the stones of the field, and let the beasts of the field be at peace with us; let us know that our tent is at peace, and let us inspect our fold and miss nothing. Job 5:23-24(ESV)

And if God will be with us and will keep us in the way that we go during our pilgrimage in this world, and will give us bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that we may come to our heavenly Father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be our God. Genesis 28:20-21(ESV)
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Plead the Promises of God for the Enforcing of your Petitions

4.12 We must plead the promises of God for the enforcing of all our petitions, put these promises in suit, and refer ourselves to them.

Lord, you have given us many precious and very great promises, 2 Peter 1:4(ESV) which are all Yes and Amen in Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:20(ESV) Now be it to your servants according to the word that you have spoken. 2 Samuel 7:25(ESV)

Give us to draw water with joy from these wells of salvation, Isaiah 12:3(ESV) to nurse and be satisfied from Jerusalem’s consoling breast; Isaiah 66:11(ESV) and now, O LORD God, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servants be established forever, and do as you have spoken. 1 Chronicles 17:23(ESV)

Deal with us according to the tenor of the everlasting covenant, which is well-ordered in all things and secure, and which is all our help and all our desire. 2 Samuel 23:5(ESV)

Turn to us and be gracious to us, as is your way with those who love your name; Psalm 119:132(ESV) do more for us than we are able to ask or think, Ephesians 3:20(ESV) and supply all our needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(ESV)
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