Years ago I began expanding my own concluding benediction remarks. The process has been enjoyable and thought-provoking for me.
Prayer
Pray. Pray. Pray. (Philippians 1:19–20)
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;
we are perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted but not forsaken;
cast down, but not destroyed.”
Cast Your Burden (Psalm 55:22)
Tell him what’s happening and then keep your eyes and your heart open, waiting to see how he’ll sustain you.
Call to Me and I Will Answer You (Jeremiah 33:3)
Pray without ceasing.
Correct me, O LORD (Jeremiah 10:24)
Who wants to be corrected by God when He’s angry? Not Jeremiah and not me, either. No way.
Praying for Others (Colossians 1:3)
Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he wrote to the Colossians. Despite his own challenging circumstances, he thought about the Colossians and prayed for them.
Whatever You Ask from God (John 21:21–23)
Sometimes our prayers are answered immediately. Sometimes they are answered over a period of time.
Praying for Something Wonderful (Acts 9: 1–4)
What did the early Christians pray for when Saul of Tarsus was persecuting them? Did they pray that something wonderful would happen to him?
