Dear Sisters in Christ,
These are serious times that we live in. Prayer is essential to every believer’s life. Thus, it is crucial that women come together in prayer corporately and that they seek a deeper life of prayer privately.
We hope that this experience leads every woman into a deeper more personal and private time of communion with the Father.
Prayer is a time for us to move from a relationship strained by disobedience to a relationship where He is Lord and we, as His servants, are humbly submissive to His Word, His Will, and His way.
If healing is what you need, pray about it. It is available to God’s children. Provisions sufficient for our journey are available but you must pray. Strength for difficult times is available to those that love God and are in accordance with His desires. Yet, prayer remains the key to it all.
God wants to bless us. What He wants to give us is only for us. No one can stop His plans from manifesting in our lives. However, if we walk in disobedience to His Way, His Will and His Word He will not hear us. (Is. 59:2)
We are the bride of Christ. We must become more of what He desires us to be, by faithful obedience to Him through His Word. His Word says His house is a house of prayer. Therefore, we are to pray always. You pray for us and we will pray for you.
Pastor Michael and First Lady Vernetta Randle
A Spiritual Journey among Women
Week One: Seeking God’s Presence (Fasting)
Getting closer to the Father begins when we enter into a more intimate relationship with Him. The blessed man in Psalms 1 is blessed because “He delights in the law of the Lord…He meditates in the law of the Lord Day and Night…”
Believers should thrive to find ways to increase their intimacy with the Lord. In the book, “The Sacred Romance” by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge there is a principle which basically states that our relationship with God should have moments when the veil of time and eternity is removed and our hearts are opened to His presence. This is what we are after this week. You are to look for God’s presence in your time of fasting and praying. Dedicate time to seek God in ways you have never done before. This can only be done in private. What good is public worship, prayer, or praise that has not been saturated by the private moment of fellowship with your heavenly Father?
Remember Christ made it clear in Matthew 6 that private times of prayer are more significant than public prayer that is insincere. Therefore, as a woman of prayer you are to follow the instructions below to move into the presence of God and seek His face.
Days 1-7: Seek His Presence Through Fasting:
- Read the statements and the Bible references below. (Read one each day)
- Each day take time to pray and ask God to help you do what the text suggests. (See Appendix for guidance concerning fasting).
- Write about your experience in the space provided below.
Statements and Verses
- I must humble myself through fasting. (Ps. 35:15)
- I must remember that some things only happen through fasting. (Matt. 17:21)
- I must make total sacrifice of myself for the sake of my soul. (Ps. 109:24)
- I must approach fasting rightly and sincerely. (Matt. 6:16-18)
- I must remember that this period of time is about God not me. (Zec. 7:5)
- I must consider that the time of fasting is now. (Matt. 9:15)
- I must keep fasting sacred among the people of God. (Joel 1:14)
| Week One: Write about your experience in the space provided. | |
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A Spiritual Journey among Women
Week Two: Learning to Pray Fervently
The Bible teaches us that the people of God should have a fervent prayer life. James reminds his readers that prayer is something that can happen amidst all of God’s people. As a matter of fact James suggests that like the great prophet Elijah our prayers can avail much.
If our prayer life is yielding little fruit it could mean that our prayer life is not as fervent as it ought to be. Without an active, fervent, and energetic prayer life the people of God are leading empty and weak lives. It then becomes imperative that women pray all the time.
Something powerful happens in a church when women come together for prayer. Men ought to pray also. However, their fervency in prayer can be under girded by the powerful and fervent prayer of women.
Our history is filled with praying women. When women begin to seek God, and men are in prayer as well, the church is bound for spiritual power. God is waiting to have a dedicated time of communion with you. He wants to meet you in your private prayer closest. Take the time to get there and share your heart with Him. On the sheet provided, list your request and use them as the subjects you will pray about this week. (See instructions below).
Prayer Instructions
In your time of prayer let the chart provided serve as a guide to comprise your list of prayers. Simply let the list headings prompt you in what you are to pray. (Ex: List 1-I want God…to remove my fears). You are welcome to use a separate sheet of paper to comprise your own list for any particular needs you may have.
Spend time before you pray reading the statements and Bible verses below. After you’ve done the reading take your list to the Lord and talk to Him alone. Keep in mind that Jesus promises that those things taken to God in private will be rewarded openly. He’s waiting…why not seek Him now.
Statements and Prayers
- I must remember that my Lord said that I should pray always. (Luke 18:1)
- I must pray with humility, making confession for and repenting of sin. (2 Chr. 7:14)
- I must be real before God and not hypocritical. (Matt. 6:5)
- I must prefer private prayer above public prayer. (Matt. 6:6)
- I must use simple and everyday words in my prayers. (Matt. 6:7)
- I must pray with a sincere and open heart. (Dan. 4:29)
- I must pray believing that God knows what I need. (Matt. 6:8)
| List 1 I want God to… | List 2 I pray that I will… | List 3 I want to feel… |
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A Spiritual Journey among Women
Week Three: Freely Worshipping God Both Privately and Corporately
More than anything there is a need for free spirited worship. This is not a license to do whatever we want to do in worship. The Bible is clear that corporate worship is an organized event to be led by those responsible for its spiritual enhancement. The Pastor has his responsibility, church officers have their responsibility, and the music ministry has their responsibility. Nevertheless, this doesn’t hinder the responsibility that the membership has. All of God’s people should enter into the sanctuary of the Lord prepared to actively get involved in worship.
Every individual should come to the sanctuary with a prepared heart for worship. No one should have to prompt the congregation into being active in worship. At the appropriate time the believer should feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit to lift their hands in worship and adoration unto God.
The Psalmist says that we should desire to be in the presence of God as the deer thirsts after water. This is a beautiful picture of God’s people literally panting, exasperated by their search to find His presence.
Your charge for this week is to seek His presence in private worship. Simply follow the instructions below to help you gain an appreciation for private and personal worship. You may have to sing, but don’t worry the only one that will hear you is the host of heaven. Also, read the statements and Bible verses below as you prepare to enter into your time of worship. They are meant to help you focus on God’s glorious presence as you walk into His throne room.
- Psalms 42:1-This verse prompts us to seek God with passion. We are called upon to yearn for Him like the deer yearns to quench their thirst. We should thirst after God.
- Isaiah 6:1-5-This passage suggests that we should never allow anyone or anything to hinder our personal worship experience. In this passage Isaiah finds himself seeing God in ways he had never done before. Most of what the prophet expresses comes from what he experienced after Uzziah died. What or who is your Uzziah? Whatever or whoever it is loose it and let it go.
Spend time every opportunity you get to praise God. Remember that praising God means that you tell Him what you appreciate about Him. It is also a form of bragging on Him. Also, spend time worshipping God whenever time allows and especially during the corporate time of worship. The key here is to actively express what He is worth to you, both privately and corporately, whether alone or at the moment you walk into the sanctuary. Get engaged in the overall experience of worship and watch Him bless your life.
Appendix: For use as a guide and a tool to help enhance this experience.
- Seeking God’s Presence: This means to look for God in all of His glory. This is to be done in private. Here are the things you are to do to conduct this search:
- Fast-Simply give up something for a period of consecrated sacrifice. (Generally food or beverages). Caution: Those that take medicines should be careful to maintain proper dietary requirements for their prescribed medicines.
- Choose a schedule. When will you fast?
- Choose a partner. (At least to pray with you).
- Choose the period of fasting. (2, 4, 6 or 8 hours but no more than 8).
- Do it.
- Effectual and Fervent Prayer-This means to be serious and full of energy during your times of prayer. Prayer must be filled with passionate energy. Here’s what to do:
- Spend designated time in consecrated prayer.
- Prepare a list of things to pray about and use it in your time of prayer. (See instructions on page 4 and page 5 for the list)
- Pray with a partner regularly.
- Freely Worship God Corporately and Privately. This calls for active participation during regular worship among other believers. When the music is going forth, listen to the words and open your heart to the melody. When preaching is going forth, keep your bibles in front of you and actively listen to the message. For private worship do the following:
- Schedule time to be alone with God.
- Be free and open with your expression of His worth.
- Sing hymns or songs of praise and worship.
- Focus on prayer. This is such an important time in the life of our church that your active involvement in prayer is only the beginning of God’s movement. As the Spirit of the Lord moves through our prayer life, other areas of your life will be affected. You must keep your focus to be blessed by this experience. Thus I am asking you to:
- Stay away from all things that are negative. If someone is speaking negatively, regarding anything cut them short and insist on changing the tone of the conversation. (Read Phil. 4:8)
- Ask God to cause all women to burn with a passion for lost women. Ask Him to remember those that are hurting, suffering at the hands of injustices, and those that are being abused.
- Finally, ask God to enlighten your heart concerning His will for all women.
- Journal your thoughts during the experience. This is just as crucial as the other things you are to do. Why? Because in order for the experience to make a deep spiritual impact on all women it has to make an impact on you. As it impacts your life it will inspire thoughts and feelings. Those thoughts and feelings are the testimony of your experience with God before other women. Recording your feelings creates great opportunities to touch others. Here’s what you do:
- Remember thoughts are like birds, if you don’t cage them up they will fly into someone else’s cage. Write things down.
- Share your experience with a woman you feel will be blessed by hearing it.
- Invite a friend to share the experience with you.
Dear Brothers in Christ,
I cannot begin to tell you how trying these times are for all people, especially for men. Over the last 6 months MSNBC has run a special on child internet sexual predators. In the special sex crazed men are drawn to a house by their lustful desires for sex with teenaged girls and boys.
To me it is an indictment against the social fiber of our country. It proves that men; whether preacher, priest, school teacher, bus driver, police officer, soldier or garbage truck driver, are hiding a demon that lurks behind the cyber walls of their late night chat room exploits; all the while targeting innocent children to use for sexual pleasures.
The truth of the matter is that it is the lustful and drawing power of the flesh that pulls men into the life of internet seduction. It is also only symptomatic and under girded by a greater cause-sin. James says, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (Ja. 1:14)
When we look at the condition of our community, city, and country, it is not hard to see why there is such degradation and dysfunction. Like the first man-Adam, we’ve have allowed the God ordained order for responsibility in the home to be usurped while our families are being torn to pieces. We leave our women to fin for themselves. Furthermore, we leave our children to grow up in homes without the balanced presence of manhood.
The urgency of our condition calls for prayer. More black men are being enslaved in prisons than ever before. Today’s prison system is more about the business of money than it is about reconditioning the person. If you are an African American man under 30 years of age, your outlook on life is probably colored by Hip-hop moguls driving Phantoms, Bentleys, and Maybachs.
My ambition in ministry is to call men (the male species specifically) and women into repentance. We have fallen short. Men have abdicated their role in the home as priest. While women, in an effort to fill the vacancy abandoned by the man, seized the reigns of matriarchal headship, leaving the life-giving/nurturing role as man’s partner open and vacant. (Gen. 2:18)
This journal raises the significance of men being in their place, so that women can feel comfortable holding up their place as ministers unto one another and to their households. Before God made the woman He made the man. He took a little dust and made Adam, and then took a little Adam and made Eve. Her perfection was taken from his essence. (Gen. 2:22-25; 1 Cor. 11:8-9)
Thus, there is a dual role of interdependence and spiritual submission one to another in the Lord. (Eph. 5:22-33) Men thus operating as priest of the home will lead their families in prayer, worship, giving, and service to the local church. Women, supporting the headship of their husbands in all things, will literally free herself and household to be what God has called them all to be.
The dilemma of manhood impacts the home, church, and community. Solving the problem begins with sounding the trumpet of hope. When the blast of hope rings aloud ears of anticipation will awaken to its piercing call. Men everywhere will recognize the toll for manhood to rise and will not allow deafening ears to be excused.
Part of the answer to our problem is when men step forth and lead in prayer. Men that pray bring hope to a home that is in dysfunction. Praying men understand that teenagers require more than just the mother’s ruling hand, but also knows that the authoritative presence of a father balances the home.
This is my aim. I want to help every man in our church be what the Bible says he should be. By taking time to read through this journal and discovering what the Word of God designates as the role of the man in the home, church, and community, we men will do more of what God has called us to do as men.
My personal philosophy is that when men know who and whose they are they will create portals of freedom for their families to be all that scripture calls them to be. The misnomer in church life is that one group is superior while the other is inferior, when God says all humans are interdependent of one another and dependent upon Him. (1 Cor. 11:11-12)
This journal will enlighten you and raise a Biblical principle for all men to be actively involved in the total worship program of the church. Therefore, men are encouraged to get to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Men are to edify one another in the Lord. Men are to learn how to be priest in their homes through mentoring and discipleship. Men are to lift the down trodden and minister to the infirmed man.
We will fail God if we are not active in the worship experience. Our text for this study is first Timothy 2:8-15 and is directed toward men. Paul’s mention of women is not to disallow the role of women in active ministry, but to help open the doors for all people to be free to worship by asking the women to allow their men to pray, worship, and believe openly.
Take this journey with me my brother. At the end of our trip we will disembark this spiritual boat into broader waters and will travel on the sea of spiritual liberation while maintaining Biblical integrity for all God’s people. I look forward to praying with you.
Pastor Michael L. Randle
Illuminating the Passage
Scholars note that Paul wrote one third of the New Testament. He is the Apostle to the Gentile Church and the spiritual father to most of the churches in the New Testament era. He likewise is the organizing pastor of the churches that his protégé’s Timothy and Titus where shepherds over. Paul’s writings are highly respected by many. (2 Pet. 3:15-16)
When Paul dealt with a spiritual matter he dealt with it all the way to the core. He deals with salvation in Romans chapter 10 by going all the way to its core; “Faith…cometh…hearing by…word of God…with the heart…mouth…believe and confess unto salvation” are all part of his theological perspective on salvation. (Rom. 10:9-17) Paul made sure that the church at Rome got it right when it came to salvation. Chapter 1-2 is only the beginning. Chapter 3 sheds light on the depth of the sin problem. Chapters 4-6 put us all on the same page. Chapters 7-10 tell us how Paul Himself is a sinner and how we all are more than conquers. By the end of the book you have the Roman’s Road to Salvation.
Such is the case in First Timothy 2:8-15. Paul is addresses a church matter at its core. He is trying to help Timothy learn how to deal with the worship gathering. He helps the young fledgling pastor see that leading the people of God involves learning how to conduct ourselves in the gathered worship experience.
The Bible is clear that the church is God’s primary vehicle for accomplishing His work in the earth. (Matt. 16:18-20) Paul is helping the young pastor understand how he is to help the church conduct itself. (1 Tim. 3:15) He calls God’s church, “The church of the living God and pillar of hope…” which implies that the church is so significant in the earth that we are the tabernacles where He resides and a place of hope for the world.
The problems with the first century church are squashed by the issues that peril the 21st century church. Today we are still facing issues that Paul addressed in this letter to Timothy. First, “No other doctrine…” (1 Tim. 1:3) Here Paul told Timothy that part of his job would include making sure that false teaching was straightened out.
Paul also told Timothy that he was to wage a good warfare. (1:18) He then rushes into the center of his letter and explains how to live as a Christian in a world with non-believers who have ruling authority? Paul’s answer is to pray for them. (2:1-3) Paul then addresses his call to preach in light of Jesus being the “One mediator between God and man.” (2:5-7) He then comes to our text under study. (2:8-15) Read this passage several times for clarity.
Whereas most men use this text to defend their position against women in ministry, I want to argue that it is more about men in ministry than women. My personal feelings is that there is no either/or but a both/and factor concerning ministry applications in the local church. I feel that when men get their roles right women will automatically have their roles right. Thus, I believe that Paul helps Timothy to help other men get their roles right.
Meditating on the Passage:
Be sure to read all references. Pray that God would give you clarity on the teaching points below. In the passage Paul gives Timothy these seven points of reference especially for men: (1 Tim. 2:8-15)
- Be Men of Prayer: Vs. 8-Paul instructs Timothy to encourage men to “pray everywhere.” Men of prayer are generally accompanied by women of prayer. That’s the partnership in Christ Jesus that we should all strive to have. Our church must be a place where men pray in public worship, at home, and wherever the opportunity avails itself.
- Be Men of Worship: Vs. 8-Paul urges Timothy to encourage men to be active in worship. Paul’s statement, “Lift up holy hands…” is an admonition for men to not sit somber and silent in worship, but to engage themselves in the spirit of worship through the active gesture of lifted hands.
- Be Men of Peacefulness: Vs. 8-Paul tells Timothy to help men see that their temperament is a gage for the atmosphere in the home and church. Brawling men create an atmosphere of fear not freedom. Paul says that men should worship without “Wrath.” In other words, men should show themselves as peaceful beings, especially during the gathered assembly of the church and in their own homes.
- Be Men of Faith: Vs. 8-Paul says that men should worship without “Doubting.” It goes without saying my brothers if we have no faith we cannot please God. (Heb. 11:6) How can we worship Him whom we do not trust? Furthermore, how can we honor Him with a song if in our hearts we doubt His power to change our lives? When men begin to worship, without doubting God’s presence and power, the church will become a power source for all that attend.
- Be Men of Holiness: Vs. 9-Paul begins to address women here. However, the key to understand what he says to them is to keep in mind that he started out addressing men and the transition word for women is, “Likewise…” Here Paul says that women are to be involved in doing everything he just instructed the men to do. If men are to pray, so are the women. If men are to lift holy hands so are the women. If men are to be peaceful, faithful, and people of honor, so are the women. In this verse he takes issue with women, perhaps a particular group contextually, but all women ultimately; to dress moderately as becoming one that professes godliness. If women are to dress appropriately then “Likewise” should all men. Attire speaks of inner character.
- Be Men of Responsibility: Vs. 12-13-Here Paul presents an argument that has divided the church for years. Some say he silences women totally and for good. Others teach that he was just presenting a personal distaste for the women of a particular church in the 1st century. I say that both sides miss the truth hidden in Paul’s position concerning women in ministry altogether. As we consider the whole counsel of God we see that women are gifted and liberated to be active in ministry. Thus, Paul may not be silencing women totally and for good, but rather reminding both men and women that God has given them both specific responsibilities in the home and church and those that are responsible for headship are in error when they neglect their roles as was Adam at the time of the fall. Neglecting our divinely appointed responsibility is a sin in itself-both for men and women.
- Be Men of Accountability: Vs. 14-15-Here is another point where clarification is required. Again as the dividing forces for and against women in ministry war against one another, peaceful harmony in the home and church is being neglected. As a result, weak men are afraid of strong minded women; overbearing women are ripping their homes apart just to say, “He ain’t my daddy!” On the other side of the coin are men with spiritual potential who are missing the opportunity to lead their homes spiritually because their spouse considers them less spiritually in-tuned than she. So she orders him around to prove her point. Far worse is that some strong willed men are beating their wives to maintain what he thinks is order and control. All the while the peaceful partnership that God designed in creation is lacking and dying. Here are some major points Paul makes about the accountability of manhood:
- First he compares Adam’s created position to Eve’s. (2:13) Paul leads into this argument by making it clear that the ancient Old Testament principle of “First Position” never died. He says, “Adam was formed first, then Eve.” Paul is not saying that Eve’s position makes her second citizen, but rather partner along side of him who was first. Eve like Adam has dominion in the earth; Adam as the man, Eve as the “wo-man.” If they would have been born in the same household, Eve would have been Adam’s little sister. First born always have special responsibilities in the home.
- Then Paul says that Adam’s responsibility was different than Eve’s. (2:14) Paul says, “Adam was not deceived.” His argument here says that both are guilty of sin; one through deception and the other disobedience. Paul’s direct reference is just that, Adam disobeyed a direct order from God. (Gen. 3:17) Judgment for sin belongs to all guilty parties, but those with more responsibility shall be judged severely. In Adam’s case his disobedience brought all mankind into sinfulness. (Rom. 5:18-19) In our case, our sin is to refuse to take headship in our homes as priest by allowing our families to determine for themselves what is right. Men should know who they are in Christ so that they can be leaders in a partnership God has designed. (Gen. 1:26) But for men to do this Paul urges them to be responsible not disobedient like Adam.
- Eve’s Motherhood is a Special Point of Reference. Keeping the theme that Paul has been using we come to another need for clarity in scripture. Paul’s thought concerning women in ministry is not the only issue in this book. He’s dealt with the matter of false teaching; he’s dealt with Timothy preparing for a spiritual battle as a pastor. He then begins to lead the young pastor to a point of clarity for the partnership of men and women in the home and church. Paul speaks in terms of women “learning…believing…worshipping
…living holy…and being self-temperate…” throughout this book. (2:11, 15) Yes he does mention that women should be silent. However, we must be clear that Paul is not speaking from a chauvinistic platform trying to keep women bear foot, pregnant and in the kitchen, but helping both men and women remember that their role is special and unique. First, child rearing is what sanctifies us. Second, women are life givers. They are nurturers of our children and partners to all men in taking dominion over our communities. The role of the women is essential in making life manageable and meaningful, but so is the man’s. Paul is speaking in terms of our future state in salvation when he suggests that women are saved through child rearing. In other words, Paul argues that she was created for the nurturing and life-giving role assigned to her (Gen. 2:18; Prov. 31:12-13) by God so that there is balance in the home and church.
Reading and Journaling Schedule
This reading schedule will guide you through the material in this journal. Please be sure to read this schedule before reading the material.
Day 1: Read the letter from Pastor Randle first. It will help you understand the premise from which he wrote this journal. After reading spend a few moments doing the following:
- Take time to think about the condition of our communities. On a blank sheet of paper write down a few of the things you feel have contributed to the negative things going on in our neighborhoods.
- Consider the letter and the issues you jotted down and take a few minutes to ask God to help our church be part of the answer to the problems in our community.
- Be sure to spend a few minutes in prayer with someone else about these issues.
Day 2: Read the “Illuminating the Passage” section of the journal. Be sure to read all the Biblical references. After the reading take five minutes to ask God to help you see the significance of these verses in scripture and what they mean for manhood. Stay in the spirit of prayer throughout the day. Asking…
- God to clear your mind to receive the truth of His Word.
- God to make known to you the principles of manhood.
- God to help you be free from the failures of other men in our world.
- God to help you be healed from any hurt you have experienced as a man.
- God to help you grow in your own manhood.
- God to give you the wisdom to nurture and disciple the men/boys in your family.
- God to teach you how to be more like His “Son” Jesus Christ.
Day 3: Read through the “Meditating on the Passage” section of the journal. Read all seven points of reference throughout your day. Take time to ask God for clarity and understanding of the passage. Pray that He would make known to you what He wants you to see in this passage. Make sure that you spend a few moments jotting down any special thoughts that come to mind. Also, please answer the following questions:
- Do you see yourself as priest of your home? [] Yes [] No
- Does your family hold you accountable for their spiritual well being? [] Yes [] No
- Are you the person that family members come to for advice? [] Yes [] No
- Describe your grip on God’s Word: Check one. [] Strong [] Mediocre [] Weak
- Describe your prayer life: Check one. [] Serious [] Willy Nilly [] Non-existent
- Do you and your wife pray together at home? [] Yes [] No
- Do your children speak only of your faults? [] Yes [] No
- Do you have anyone that you get your spiritual support from? [] Yes [] No
Day 4: Spend this day in total meditation. Take time to fast. (Use the guide for instructions). Be sure to share your experience with another brother. Ask him to answer the questions from day 3 and talk about the difference and similarities in your answers.
Day 5: This is like wise a day of prayer. However, pray about the seven points of reference given in this journal. You are to ask God to help you be all that scripture calls you to be as a man. Use the guide to lead you in your time of prayers. Begin your prayers with…
- Lord, help me to be a man of prayer. Help me to spend time alone with you in prayer. Help me to learn how to pray your word back to you. Help me learn how to call on you for guidance in my daily life. Help me to enjoy my prayer time. Help me to pray for other people.
- Lord, help me to be a man of worship. Help me to feel free to worship you in the gathered assembly of your people. Help me not to be ashamed to show my emotions at church. Help me learn to be a man of praise. Help me lift my hands and lift my voice. Help me learn to be actively involved in the total worship experience. Help me to give my time, talent, and treasure in worship.
- Lord, help me to be a man of peacefulness. Help me to learn to be a man of self control. Help me learn how to treat people that are mean and cold hearted. Help me learn how to be a man of patience with other people. Help me learn to be observant but not judgmental of other people. Help me learn to speak to my family with love and honor. Help me to learn to respect the women in my life. Help me learn to treat the elder women and men as mothers and fathers. Help me to learn to treat younger men and women as brothers and sisters. Help me learn to lead my family into peace and harmony.
- Lord, help me become a man of faith. Help me learn to trust you in everything. Help me learn to look to you for strength and well being. Help me learn to believe that you alone are able to rescue me and my household from the grips of debt. Help me to trust you when people have turned their backs on me. Help me learn to see you in my daily life. Help me learn to know that you are leading and guiding my every step. Help me to look to you when I don’t have answers to my problems.
- Lord, help me to be a man of holiness. Help me to walk upright before other people. Help me to live right in front of my family and closest friends. Help me to do the right thing at all times. Help me to make right choices. Help me to not fall into the trap of sexual sins. Help me to find my pleasure in you and my household. Help me to put away the sins that have become habits in my life. Help me to not harbor hateful feelings and thoughts toward other people. Help me to be holy.
- Lord, help me to be a man of responsibility and accountability. Help me to take the reigns of my family and lead them to spiritual fortitude. Help me to take the responsibility more seriously. Help me to know that as father I am supposed to see after the affairs of my home. Help me to work in conjunction with the women of my life in their giftedness and strength. Help me to see my family as part of my responsibility. Help me to keep in mind that you will judge me for how I lived in front of my family and that I am supposed to lead them with righteousness. Help me to know that one day I will stand in front of you and have to give an account for how I lead my household.
Day 6: Spend today in free meditation. Simply let you mind think naturally on the things you have been praying about. Take a few moments throughout your day to pray and ask God for more understanding concerning your role in the home and church.
Day 7: This is the day of worship for you. Take a few moments to tell another brother what you have learned through this journal. Pray with another brother about his household needs. Ask him if he would consider spending time going through the journal himself.
