Mainstreet | Daily Prayer Guide

Chapter twenty-four of Genesis tells of the servant of Abraham seeking a bride for Isaac. Many interpreters see a story behind the story in these verses, where Abraham is an example of Father God, Isaac is a picture of His Son, Jesus Christ, and the servant sent to find the bride corresponds to the Holy Spirit.

This unnamed servant had one characteristic in mind as he looked for a bride for Isaac. It was not natural beauty, though Rebekah was beautiful. It was not strength, though she was strong. It was most important for the servant to find a person with the spirit of giving, for a giving person would bless the son, Isaac. Rebekah’s generosity in not only giving him a drink, but offering to water his camels (which might take hours, by the way!), convinced him that he had found the one for Isaac.

Like this servant, the Holy Spirit waits in the background to see your response to the opportunities for giving in your life. When the spirit of giving becomes evident, then the Father’s plans are revealed. (Genesis 24:12)

The Holy Spirit will graciously confront you with the opportunity to give, often in ways that are not expected. (Genesis 24:17)

Rebekah was willing to give. She had come to take care of her own needs, but was then willing to share what she had available. (Genesis 24:18)

Rebekah was even willing to go beyond the ordinary. Who knows what blessings might lie ahead, if you are willing to go beyond the ordinary for God! (Genesis 24:19)

Prayer Focus:
Pray that Dunwoody Baptist Church possesses a spirit of giving above the ordinary. Ask God to bless you with a giving spirit.

A Prayer from Jim Hickey:
Father God, You have so richly blessed our family and our church. You have brought joy and peace to our lives. You have loved us and given us strength during difficult times. Please help us commit to sharing your love with those who do not know You yet. Help us to focus on our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. Help us to be willing to invest our time, money and effort in such a worthy cause; and help us to recognize the sacrifices that we make now are not sacrifices at all, but rather investments in our eternal future, Amen.

Chapter fourteen of Genesis records for us a significant event in the pilgrimage of Abraham. This godly man became a warrior as he joined in defeating four kings who had united against five kings of the valley. War would not have interested Abraham, except for the fact that Lot, his nephew, was captured and taken into captivity. Today’s text picks up with Abraham returning as a conquering hero. His already high esteem, in the eyes of others had gone higher. He was now known throughout the land.

At this point in his prosperity, he could have chosen wealth over his promise to God. He chose to honor God, the giver, rather than to accept the material possessions offered.

Life is all about making the right choices. In this Bible passage, Melchizedek is a picture of Jesus Christ. With that in mind, you can see that Abraham made a wise choice by giving back to God a tenth of what God had given him. In your own prosperity, which comes from God, what measure do you use to express your worship?

Prayer Focus:
Pray that our church is a giving church. Pray that we will reach beyond our walls and our members to touch the world with God’s love through our talents, time, and treasures. Ask God to reveal ways that we can grow in our giving. Pray about your personal commitment and how you can become more generous—discerning how the LORD would have you contribute support for our church.

A Prayer from Lonice Barrett:
Dear Heavenly Father, the One who has given us the heavens and earth and all that we are, know and love, my fervent hope is that You will accept our prayers to move Your Kingdom forward as we lay our monetary gifts and our human efforts at Your feet. We want to move toward fulfilling Your plan for Dunwoody Baptist Church and bringing more souls to feel the power of Your great love. Help us to understand what is pleasing to You and to be a blessing in your sight as we undertake to do Your work. In Your name I pray, Amen.

There are at least two essentials to the Spirit-filled life—prayer and the Word of God.

Prayer finds its very foundation in the Scripture. It helps you to pray with purpose, conviction, and direction when God is revealed to you through the Bible. Therefore, studying the Bible and being a person of prayer gives depth and meaning.

Have you ever considered that God desires to guide every step you take—major decisions, as well as the mundane? He will also guide you to the friend who needs encouragement, the neighbor who needs Jesus, and the co-worker who needs a witness of God’s love.

Prayer Focus:
Thank God for guiding our church through Scripture and prayer. Ask the Lord to continue to give the pastor, staff, and church leaders the wisdom and discernment needed to accomplish everything He has placed before us. Thank God for His guidance, and ask Him to continue to inspire you by making the Scripture you read become alive and personal.

A Prayer from Bo Bowen:
Thank You, O God, for this life. When we wake up each morning, may we scan our day for possibilities of time spent in communion with You. During the day may we be aware of the ways we can use our lives to serve You. When we come to the end of the day, may we pause and reflect on the grace that has sustained us. Our hearts are grateful beyond measuring for what we have received from You. We give You all the glory, Amen.