The Prize

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Father, the Faithful One, El Emunah, You have called us heavenward because Jesus was our sacrifice. Give us the wisdom to look ahead and forget what was, teach us to stretch and reach for what is ahead. We press on to the prize of that You have promised, our eternal life with You. We have made mistakes with our families, we have sinned when we should have loved, we have fainted at the enormity of our failings. But You have commanded us to look ahead and to forget our past lives and sins and instead strain toward You, to press on. We ask that our children, our families press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called them. Give them the healing to forget what was behind and forgive them for the sins that keep them looking backwards and not ahead. Give them the heart to strain toward You and let go of the past. What they were has been covered under the blood of Jesus, let them turn away from the old selves and reach out to You. Bless them with wisdom and give them friends who will show them the way to reach ahead and receive a new beginning.

Bless Israel with wisdom and unity and courage. Strengthen them as they fight. Surround them with Your protection and let them live in peace in Your land.

Bless our nation with unity. Give us a refreshing from Your Holy Spirit and quiet the enemy from the constant divisions, Give us compassion on one another and wash away our bitterness with Your Holy Spirit. Let us hope together for a life with You.

You are our Holy God, let us all strain, and desire to win the prize of everlasting life with You.

In Christ alone