Heavenly Father, you are the model of what it means to be a father. From you we learn how to live as family. Make us good mates, parents, children, brothers and sisters. Let our families be important to us, so that no distractions or impediments keep us from devoting the time and energy they deserve. Put a kind, constructive word in our mouths to speak to our family members. Remind us of our sacred duties, to be carried out with joyful and peaceful hearts. Make us servants to our families, and help us show such a spirit at home. Because Jesus was the perfect Son. Amen.

Our Father in Heaven, many are coming to faith and putting their trust in the ancient gospel. Many are being born again of water and the Spirit. We see your power evidenced in the conversion of all kinds of people, in all parts of the world.

We pray, Lord, for those new babes in Christ, that they may grow in love, faith, hope, and good works. May they increase their certainty of the truths of the gospel. Let no one lead them astray with strange doctrines. Use us today to encourage them in their trials, point them constantly to Christ, and teach them their responsibilities as members of the body. Because Jesus is the head. Amen.

Lord who sees great and small, you know each one and the suffering that the forgotten, neglected, and abused children suffer, through no fault of their own. May Jesus continue to bless the little ones through our ministrations.

Make our religion pure and undefiled in your presence by the care we give to orphans and other needy persons. May our care meet true needs, not only physical, but emotional and spiritual. Make us unsatisfied with giving just money, but let us give of ourselves and our time to teach and serve as examples of adults who truly put you first above everything else. Amen.

Pertinent passages: Matt. 19:13-15; Jas. 1:27

Sovereign God who gave man free choice, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Let us not become entangled again with sin, with legalism, with harsh, negative spirits, with useless arguments and strife, with anger, with worldly pursuits and defilements. Strengthen us to insist upon the truth which sets us free. Let us stay with the truth and reject falsehood which would enslave us.

May we use our freedom, Lord, to serve with love, as did Jesus, and not to indulge ourselves. May we speak the gospel freely, with every person, that all may have opportunity to obey the Master.

Such freedom is our most precious possession, Father, for it permits us enter into your presence, where we may boldly ask anything. As we have done today. Amen.

[Pertinent passages: Prov. 22:25; John 8:31-32; Gal. 5:1, 13; 2 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 2:20 ]

Lord of the written word, many have undertaken to write about the faith or some aspect of the salvation in Jesus Christ. Bless each worthy effort that would contribute to the progress of the gospel.

Raise up effective writers, authors, poets, and lyricists. Give them the discipline to prepare and learn more of their craft, as well as research their subject well.

Provide Christian publishers with the means to edit, print, and advertise. (Yes, Lord, give them profits, too, so they can keep on publishing.)

And give the brethren a desire to study, read, and learn more of the Final Word you have given us.

Because Jesus himself is the Word. Amen.

[Pertinent passages: Matt. 9:38; Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1; 2 Tim. 2:15]