Two months ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I am mostly recovered from the surgery and am undergoing treatment. A lot shifted for me the day the doctor said, “cancer”. As has been my practice in such challenging times, I changed some things in my prayer life for this new reality. Bible verses came to mind that I read regularly now to ready and steady me for this journey.
As I watched the
Presidential Debate last night and consider how contentious and divisive the
times are, the Lord brought a key Bible verse to mind, “Guard your heart
above all else, for it is the source of life. Don’t let your mouth speak
dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. Let your eyes look
forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your
feet, and all your ways will be established” (Proverbs 4:23-26). I will be
prayerful and informed and engaged in the many issues of our day but my
ultimate goal, regardless of cancer or election results must be to run well
this race of life before a Holy God and to finish the race well for and with
Him.
This morning, I changed
up some things in my prayer time to again, ready and steady my heart and my
focus for this season. You may have other scriptures or additional words from
God’s word buy I thought I’d at least share my list for meditation today. “This
is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm
118:24).
The Great Commandment - Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This the great and foremost commandment. And a second thing like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets. (Matthew. 22:36-40).
The Great Commission - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20).
Psalm 51:10-13 – Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.
Romans 15:4 – For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Psalm 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalms 103: 2-4
– Praise the Lord, 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
Romans 8:28 – And
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.
Matthew 11:28-29 –
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls.
Psalms 33:20-22 –
Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is
glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O
LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
1 Timothy 2:1-6
- First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and
prayers of thanks for all people, for rulers, and for everyone who has
authority over us. Pray for these people so that we can have a quiet and
peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way. This is good and pleases
God our Savior. He wants all people to be saved and to learn the truth. There
is one God. There is also one mediator between God and humans—a human, Christ
Jesus. He sacrificed himself for all people to free them from their sins. This
message is valid for every era.
Philippians 4:6-9 – Don’t
worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally
brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is
any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.
Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and
the God of peace will be with you.
Ephesians 6:10-18 –
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the
devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up
the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of
truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
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