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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for the Ministry and Other Ordinances

Thanksgiving 4.29 | ESV

For the institution of ordinances, and particularly that of the ministry.

I thank you that you have not only declared your word to Jacob, but your statutes and rules to Israel, to your people: You have not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know your rules. Psalm 147:19-20(ESV)

That the dwelling place of God is with man, and he will dwell with them; Revelation 21:3(ESV) and that he has set his sanctuary in their midst forevermore, Ezekiel 37:26(ESV) and there will meet with the people of Israel. Exodus 29:43(ESV)

I thank you that you have made known to your people your holy Sabbaths, Nehemiah 9:14(ESV) and that there still remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. Hebrews 4:9(ESV)

And that when the Lord Jesus ascended on high he gave gifts to men, Ephesians 4:8(ESV) not only prophets, apostles, and evangelists, but shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all the people of God attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; Ephesians 4:11-13(ESV) and that while they teach your people to observe all things which Christ has commanded, he has promised to be with them always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for the Scriptures

Thanksgiving 4.28 | ESV

For the writing of the Scriptures and the preserving of them pure and entire to this day.

I thank you that I have the Scriptures to search, and that in them I have eternal life, for it is they that bear witness about Christ; John 5:39(ESV) and that all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16(ESV)

That whatever was written in former days was written for my instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures I might have hope; Romans 15:4(ESV) and that I have this sure prophetic word, as a lamp shining in a dark place. 2 Peter 1:19(ESV)

That the vision has not become to me like the words of a book that is sealed, Isaiah 29:11(ESV) but that I hear in my own tongue the mighty works of God. Acts 2:11(ESV)

I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that the things which you have hidden from the wise and understanding and which many prophets and kings desired to see but did not, 1 Peter 1:10(ESV) are revealed to little children like myself; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. Luke 10:21(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for the Covenant of Grace

Thanksgiving 4.27 | ESV

For the covenant of grace made with us in Jesus Christ and all the exceedingly great and precious privileges of that covenant, and for the seals of it.

I thank you that in Jesus Christ you have made an everlasting covenant with me, your steadfast, sure love for David; Isaiah 55:3(ESV) and that though the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, yet this, your covenant of peace, shall never be removed. Isaiah 54:10(ESV)

That you have given to me precious and very great promises, that through them I might become a partaker of the divine nature; 2 Peter 1:4(ESV) and that the covenant Jesus Christ mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:6(ESV)

That though you punish my transgression with the rod and my iniquity with stripes, yet you will not remove your steadfast love or be false to your faithfulness; you will not violate your covenant or alter the word that has gone forth from your lips. Psalm 89:32-34(ESV)

That being willing to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of your purpose, you have guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, I who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before me. Hebrews 6:17-18(ESV)

That baptism is appointed to be a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, as circumcision was; Romans 4:11(ESV) that it assures me of the forgiveness of my sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit; and that this promise is for God’s people and their children. Acts 2:38-39(ESV) And that the cup in the Lord’s Supper is the blood of the covenant, which was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for the Sending of the Holy Spirit

Thanksgiving 4.26 | ESV

For the sending of the Holy Spirit to supply the want of Christ’s bodily presence, to carry on his undertaking, and to prepare things for his second coming.

I bless you that when the Lord Jesus went away, he sent his people another Helper to be with them forever, even the Spirit of truth, John 14:16-17(ESV) who shall glorify the Son, for he will take what is his and declare it to them. John 16:14(ESV)

That being exalted at the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:33(ESV) he poured it forth as rivers of living water. John 7:38(ESV)

Blessed be God for the signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, with which God bore witness to the great salvation. Hebrews 2:3-4(ESV)

And blessed be God for the promise that as earthly parents, though evil, know how to give good gifts to their children, so my heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him, Luke 11:13(ESV) that promised Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of my inheritance until I acquire the possession of it. Ephesians 1:13-14(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for the Assurance you have of Christ’s Second Coming

Thanksgiving 4.25 | ESV

For the assurance we have of his second coming to judge the world.

I bless you that you have fixed a day on which you will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom you have appointed; and of this you have given assurance to all by raising him from the dead. Acts 17:31(ESV)

That in that day the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8(ESV) And he will come to be glorified in his saints and to be marveled at among all who have believed; 2 Thessalonians 1:10(ESV) for, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:14(ESV)

That he shall then send his angels to gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, Matthew 13:41(ESV) and to gather his elect from the four winds; Matthew 24:31(ESV) and then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Matthew 13:43(ESV)

And I then, according to your promise, am waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells: Lord, grant that, since I am waiting for these, I may be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace; 2 Peter 3:13-14(ESV) and then Come Lord Jesus! Come soon! Revelation 22:20(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for the Dominion and Sovereignty to which the Redeemer has been Exalted

Thanksgiving 4.24 | ESV

For the dominion and sovereignty to which the Redeemer has been exalted.

I thank you that because the Lord Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross, therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of JESUS every knee should bow and every tongue confess (as I do at this time) that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11(ESV)

That all authority has been given to him both in heaven and on earth; Matthew 28:18(ESV) that you have set him over the works of your hands and have put everything in subjection under his feet, and so have crowned him with glory and honor. Hebrews 2:7-9(ESV)

That he is King of kings and Lord of lords; Revelation 19:16(ESV) that the Ancient of days has given him dominion and glory and a kingdom, an everlasting dominion and a kingdom that shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14(ESV)

That the government is upon his shoulders, and that his name is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace; and of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7(ESV)

That you have set him as a King upon Zion, your holy hill; Psalm 2:6(ESV) and that he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, Luke 1:33(ESV) will reign until he has put down all opposing rule, principality, and power, 1 Corinthians 15:24-25(ESV) until all his enemies are made a footstool for his feet; Hebrews 10:13(ESV) and then he will deliver the kingdom to God, even the Father, 1 Corinthians 15:24(ESV) that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for Christ’s Intercession

Thanksgiving 4.23 | ESV

For the intercession which he ever lives to make in the virtue of his satisfaction.

I thank you that having bore the sin of many, Christ makes intercession for transgressors, Isaiah 53:12(ESV) and prays, not only for those who were given to him when he was on earth, but also for all those who will believe in him through their word; that they may all be one. John 17:20-21(ESV)

That I have an Advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous, 1 John 2:1(ESV) who is therefore able to save to the uttermost all those who draw near to God as a Father, through him as a Mediator, since he always lives to make intercession for his people. Hebrews 7:25(ESV)

That I have a High Priest chosen from among men and appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifice for sin, who can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward; Hebrews 5:1-2(ESV) and that he has become the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. Hebrews 5:9(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for Christ’s Ascension into Heaven

Thanksgiving 4.22 | ESV

For his ascension into heaven, and his sitting at God’s right hand there.

I bless you that my Lord Jesus has ascended to his Father and my Father, to his God and my God; John 20:17(ESV) has ascended on high, having led a host of captives in his train, and has received gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. Psalm 68:18(ESV)

That as the Forerunner he has for me entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on my behalf: Hebrews 9:24(ESV) a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, in the midst of the throne. Revelation 5:6(ESV)

That he is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, Hebrews 8:1(ESV) with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. 1 Peter 3:22(ESV)

That he has gone before, to prepare a place for me in his Father’s house, where there are many rooms; John 14:2-3(ESV) and though where he has gone I cannot follow him now, yet I hope to follow him hereafter, John 13:36(ESV) when he shall come again to take me to himself, that where he is, there I may be also. John 14:3(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for Christ’s Resurrection

Thanksgiving 4.21 | ESV

For his resurrection from the dead on the third day.

I thank you that as he was delivered up for my trespasses, so he was raised for my justification, Romans 4:25(ESV) and was declared to be the Son of God in power by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:4(ESV)

That though he was dead, yet he is alive and lives forevermore and has the keys of Death and Hades; Revelation 1:18(ESV) and being raised from the dead, he will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Romans 6:9(ESV)

That in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep; 1 Corinthians 15:20(ESV) that as in Adam all died, so also in Christ all might be made alive, and each in his own order. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23(ESV)

That God did not let his Holy One see corruption, Acts 2:27(ESV) but loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it, Acts 2:24(ESV) and so declared to all the house of Israel that this Jesus whom they crucified is both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36(ESV)

And that to this end Christ both died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living, Romans 14:9(ESV) and that whether I am awake or asleep I might live with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10(ESV)

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ESV First Person Method for Prayer

Thank God for the Cross of Christ and All Its Benefits (continued)

Thanksgiving 4.20 | ESV

That appearing to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, Hebrews 9:26(ESV) Christ did through the eternal Spirit offer himself without blemish to God, Hebrews 9:14(ESV) and by his own blood entered once for all into the holy places, thus securing an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12(ESV)

That he has disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in his cross, and has cancelled the record of debt that stood against me with its legal demands; this he set aside, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14-15(ESV)

That he himself is my peace, who, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, has made in himself one new man in place of the two, has reconciled both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. Ephesians 2:14-16(ESV)

That he has loved me and has freed me from my sins by his blood, and has made his people a kingdom, priests to his God and Father. Revelation 1:5-6(ESV)

O the height and depth and length and breadth of that love of Christ that surpasses knowledge! Ephesians 3:18-19(ESV) O that great love with which he loved me! Ephesians 2:4(ESV)

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing; Revelation 5:12(ESV) for he was slain, and by his blood has ransomed me for God. Revelation 5:9(ESV)