A Biblical Case for Training Desire Toward One’s Spouse Few marital confessions feel more hopeless, or more guilt-laden, than this one: “I love my spouse, but I’m just not physically attracted anymore.” In our therapeutic and cultural moment, such a statement is often treated as a trump card. Attraction is assumed to be involuntary, immutable,…
“They are not of the world — even as I am not of the world.” John 17:16 O my Father, I desire to come into Your gracious presence this night, beseeching You to bless me. Let my prayer come before You as incense. May the incense-offering of gratitude and thanksgiving ascend from a grateful heart. How manifold are the proofs I have to…
“We have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry: Abba, Father!” Romans 8:15 Blessed Lord! I desire to draw near this night with holy boldness to the footstool of Your throne, rejoicing that I can look up to You as my Father in Heaven. “Behold what manner of love is this which the Father has bestowed on…
“Therefore being justified by faith — we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 Gracious God, I would seek to end another day with You; I would desire to look up to You through Jesus Christ, Your well-beloved Son, and to be made partaker of that peace which passes all understanding. There…
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all those who believe.” Romans 3:22 Almighty God, Father of all mercies, I desire to draw near into Your sacred presence on this the evening of another day, under a deep sense of my own great unworthiness. What am I,…
“Quicken me according to Your love, and I will obey the statutes of Your mouth.” Psalm 119:88 O my Father, on this the close of another day, I desire to approach the footstool of Your throne. Glory be to Your holy name that I can enjoy freedom of access into Your presence, and with the confidence…
“Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.” Psalm 51:12 Blessed God, I rejoice to know that the gates of prayer are ever open — that for the sake of Jesus Christ, my adorable Redeemer, You are waiting to be gracious — not willing that any should perish. Come in the plenitude of Your love this evening, that…
“Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins.” Psalm 19:13 Blessed God, You have in Your mercy permitted me to see the close of another day. With what unwearying watchfulness have You been compassing my path —defending me from danger,guarding me from temptation,hedging up my way with thorns,sustaining me with the blessings of Your goodness! I…
“Sanctify them through Your truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:17 Blessed Lord, bend Your pitying eye of love and mercy upon me this evening. Draw near to me, as I venture once more on praying and on pleading ground. I desire to feel that I am one night nearer to glory. Oh, enable me to feel, as…
“Renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 Blessed God, I desire anew to end this night with You! Enkindle my soul as with a live coal from off Your holy altar! Let all unhallowed and obtrusive thoughts and cares be set aside — that I may enjoy a season of fellowship with the Father and…