Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

An Advent Prayer: Rejoice!

“Let the just rejoice, for their Justifier is born. Let the sick and infirm rejoice, For their Saviour is born. Let the captives rejoice, For their Redeemer is born. Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born. Let free men … Continue reading

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An Advent Prayer: A Pledge of Peace

“The feast day of your birth resembles you, Lord, Because it brings joy to all humanity . . . Your day is a means and a pledge of peace. At your birth heaven and earth were reconciled, Since you came … Continue reading

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An Advent Prayer: Awake to Righteousness

“Stir our hearts, we beseech you, to prepare ourselves to receive your Son. When he comes and knocks, may he find us not sleeping in sin, but awake to righteousness, ceaselessly rejoicing in his love. May our hearts and minds … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Zeal for God’s House

Good morning, Lord. Sometimes, I’m sad to say, going to church is just one more thing on my to-do list. Forgive me for failing to prioritize this sacred time with You and like-minded believers.   May I hunger and thirst … Continue reading

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Zeal for God’s House

  Psalm 69:9 (NIV) Zeal for your house consumes me.   We associate this Old Testament verse with the New Testament story of Jesus clearing the profiteers out of the Temple courts (John 2:14-17). Jesus also demonstrated his zeal for … Continue reading

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Zeal for the Work

  The third chapter of Nehemiah lists who did what and where to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. One verse includes a unique descriptor.   Nehemiah 3:20 (NIV) Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Discipline

Good morning, Lord. Your discipline is a sign of Your love. Forgive me for trying to sneak past discipline, like teenagers trying to slip a misdeed past their parents. Teach me to respect Your Word and its wisdom. Teach me … Continue reading

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Zeal for Discipline

  In John’s vision, God had strong words for the church of Laodicea:   Revelation 3:15, 19 (NASB) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! … Those … Continue reading

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Morning Prayer: Zeal for the Lord

Good morning, Lord. Why is it that I’m more zealous about my to-do list than I am for You? My priorities are out of order, I know. Tune my ears to hear Your Word, tune my heart to sense Your … Continue reading

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Zeal for the Lord

The zeal of the Lord has accomplished much for me. What has my zeal accomplished for Him? Romans 12:11 (NIV) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Lacking in zeal, me? You bet. I’m … Continue reading

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