Sipping Psalm 16

There is nothing sweeter than beginning each day with a CUPP of TEA and sitting down with Jesus to read a Psalm. If you’ve been wanting to begin a prayer time, this is a great way to begin!  Heat your kettle, pour your TEA, and open your Bible, inviting Jesus to join you.  The Psalms aren’t too long, so reading one a day is do-able for most busy ladies.  Today I have Psalm 16 for you, broken up into the parts of the TEA CUPP.  You might also read the Psalm in order, scrambling the TEA CUPP in favor of the beauty of this Psalm.

T is for Thanksgiving

The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.
Psalm 16:6 (NKJV)

E is for Exalting

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. Psalm 16:7 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting

O my soul, you have said to the Lord,
“You are my Lord
, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
Psalm 16:2 (NKJV)

C is for Calling

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope. Psalm 16:9(NKJV)

U is for Understanding

  I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8 (NKJV)

P is for Promises (claiming God’s)

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning (pouring out my heart)

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. Psalm 16:1(NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Pray Psalm 16 for your TEA time with Jesus today.  You can read the Psalm straight from your Bible or pull out individual verses to pray.  Be blessed as you immerse yourself in one of God’s beautiful Psalms today.

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust
2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord,

“You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
As for the saints who are on the earth,
“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;
Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
Nor take up their names on my lips.

O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  Psalm 16 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

TEA with ACTS

And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:26 (NKJV)

How would you like to have TEA with Jesus while praying the Word of God from the first Christians?  The Book of Acts tells the story of the early Christians who lived right during and after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  These disciples actually walked with Jesus, learning from Him before He died.  Others saw Him after He rose from the grave.  Others believed because of the testimony of these witnesses.  Their story is told in the Book of Acts.  Here we find some wonderful verses to use in our prayer time with Jesus.  See how these verses will help you start a conversation with Jesus as you share a CUPP of TEA today:

T is for Thanksgiving

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8 (NKJV)

E is for Exalting

…Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them. Acts 4:24 (NKJV)

When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God Acts 11:18 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting

Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy SpiritActs 2:38 (NKJV)

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.  Acts 3:19 (NKJV)

…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.  Acts 16:31 (NKJV)

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.  ACTS 22:16 (NKJV)

C is for Calling

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 (NKJV)

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  Acts 5:29 (NKJV)

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding

Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. Acts 4:10 (NKJV)

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:37 (NKJV)

…We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.  Acts. 14:22 (NKJV)

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.  Acts 20:24 (NKJV)

P is for Promises (claiming God’s)

And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved. Acts 2:21 (NKJV)

For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:39 (NKJV)

Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.  Acts 10:4 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning (pouring out my heart)

…Lord, what do You want me to do?…  Acts 9:6 (NKJV)

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. Acts 12:5 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Grab your Bible and turn to the book of Acts in the New Testament today.  Underline these and your other favorite verses.  Pick a verse to memorize and start a conversation with Jesus today. God bless you, dear TEA CUPP friend!

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

The Cup TEA CUPP

j0155If you’ve been following My TEA CUPP Prayers for awhile, you know I enjoy finding a theme for Bible verses. In my first book, My TEA CUPP Prayers, I gave a week of verses to use as conversation starters when praying with Jesus.  I hope to include these themed collections in my next book, More TEA CUPP Prayers. And what better theme for our TEA CUPP prayers, than a group of verses about cups!  Please enjoy these verses as you have tea with Jesus today!

T for Thanksgiving: 

Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. Mark 14:23 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
Psalm 16:5 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. Matthew 23:26 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

I will take up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the Lord.
Psalm 116:13 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding our story:

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)

…Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me? John 18:11 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. Mark 9:42 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Pull out your favorite cup for this special TEA CUPP Prayer time!  Let these verses about cups be conversation starters as you pour out your heart to Jesus.  You can use one verse each day of the week, or pray them all every day. Here’s a sobering verse: Look up Psalm 75:8. It’s a good reminder to pray for the lost. Be blessed in your cup time with Jesus, my friend!

And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”  Mark 14:36

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

TEA CUPP in Song

musicMake a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2 (NKJV)

The other day I was driving a half hour to a doctor appointment for my son. Finding myself a little overwhelmed and not sure how to pray, I started singing songs in the order of My TEA CUPP Prayers. As I poured out my heart to Jesus in song, He comforted my soul, and my son’s doctor appointment went well. Did you know even Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn before He was betrayed and sent to the cross? God uses music to touch our souls. Here are a few of my favorites:

T is for Thanksgiving
Once Again I Thank You

E is for Exalting
Every Knee will Bow before the Lion and the Lamb

A is for Admitting
Amazing Love

C is for Calling
Here I Am, Lord

U is for Understanding
In Christ Alone

P is for Promises
On Eagles Wings

P is for Petitions
The Lord’s Prayer

Today’s TEA CUPP: You can do this, too! Collect your favorite praise songs and put them in order for your own TEA CUPP time in song. Load them on your iPod or smartphone to play at such times as driving in the car, exercising, or doing household chores. Come before His presence with singing!

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26 (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

My Joy TEA

joy Even them I will bring to My holy mountain,
And make them JOYful in My house of prayer… Isaiah 56:7 (NKJV)

Dear TEA CUPP friend, What we need today is a CUPP of JOY! Perhaps you have a happiness to celebrate with Jesus, or you have a sadness you need Him to carry. Go to the kitchen, fill your kettle with water and turn on the stove. While the water heats, look in the cupboard for your favorite mug and TEA bags. Find the TEA that’s labeled, “JOY.” That’s the one you want today! Hmmm, you don’t have that exact flavor in your cupboard? Well, just pour the hot water and let Jesus bring the TEA. Here are some JOY verses to use as conversation starters for your prayer time together today:

T for Thanksgiving: 

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout JOYfully to Him with psalms.
Psalm 95:2 (NKJV)

E for Exalting:

Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding JOY;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God.
Psalm 43:4 (NKJV)

Shout JOYfully to the Lord, all the earth;
Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Psalm 98:4 (NKJV)

A for Admitting:

I say to you that likewise there will be more JOY in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7 (NKJV)

Restore to me the JOY of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12 (NKJV)

C for Calling:

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for JOY, all you upright in heart! Psalm 32:11 (NKJV)

Let the saints be JOYful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds. Psalm 149:5 (NKJV)

Be JOYful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

U is for Understanding our story:

Weeping may endure for a night,
But JOY comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)

To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of JOY for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your JOY no one will take from you. John 16:22 (NKJV)

P is for Promises:

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of JOY;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in JOY. Psalm 126:5 (NKJV)

For you shall go out with JOY,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12 (NKJV)

P is for Petitioning:

Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for JOY and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your JOY may be full. John 16:24 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Enjoy your CUPP of JOY TEA with Jesus, today!

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 (NKJV)

 

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,

And Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011

TEA with the Romans

RomansYou just received an invitation to TEA with the Romans!  

Who: You

When: Tomorrow morning

Where: Your house

What:  TEA with Jesus and the Romans

Come as you are!

But you just aren’t sure, do you really want to have TEA with these ancient dudes in white sheets?  The Romans are the ones the Apostle Paul was writing to when he penned the New Testament Book of Romans.  All the words in this book are God’s Word, read first by the Roman Christians.  What a blessing for us to share in these inspired verses, using them as conversation starters as we have TEA and prayer with Jesus.  Won’t you join in?

T is for Thanksgiving
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8 (NKJV)

I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:25 (NKJV)


E is for Exalting
Oh, the depth of the riches both of  the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Romans 11:33 (NKJV)

 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 (NKJV)

To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. Romans 16:27 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23(NKJV)

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14(NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

 That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

C is for Call
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 (NKJV)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NKJV)

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, Romans 1:9 (NKJV)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

P is for Promises
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 (NKJV)

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 (NKJV)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV)

 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 (NKJV)

P is for Petitions
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

…The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Wrap up in a white sheet if you like!  Sit down with Jesus and the Romans for TEA today!

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

My TEA CUPP Prayers: The Book

book cover

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers: The Book!

Dear TEA CUPP Friends,

I’m so happy to announce My TEA CUPP Prayers Book is finally here and has won the devotional category of the Christian Author Awards!  So many years and so many prayers went into this book. All praise and glory to Jesus!

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Psalm 103:1 (NKJV)

 My TEA CUPP Prayers is available in print from the publisher Xulon and from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You may view your ebook right now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  Apple users may find it on iBooks. Thank you for all who are interested!  I’ve listed a few more ways to get my book at the end of this article, including how to recieve an autographed copy :-).

These 77 Devotions were compiled over the past 15 years as I prayed and raised my children.  The book invites you to a daily TEA time with Jesus.  Each week I share with you a different part of the TEA CUPP acronym, helping you pray by using God’s Word. Every message includes a “Today’s TEA CUPP,” encouraging you in your prayer life.  I pray this book brings you closer to Jesus as you meet with Him each day for TEA.

A peek at the back of the book jacket:

Who: You
When: Today
What:  TEA with Jesus
Where:  Your house
Why:  Because Jesus longs to hear from you
How:  Just open your BIBLE and your heart

Dear Friend, 
YOU are invited to TEA with Jesus TODAY!!!  “Come to Me,” Jesus calls in Matthew 11:28.  Please accept!  Allow God to draw you into a daily TEA time with Jesus through this 77-day devotional.

My TEA CUPP Prayers is an invitation to women everywhere to sit down daily with Jesus for a cup of tea.  The TEA CUPP acronym provides the parts of prayers, as we use the BIBLE to talk with our Lord.  Here new Christians discover a way to draw nearer to Jesus and old Christians taste a new flavor for their prayers. Women will dig deeper into God’s Word, come closer to Jesus by meeting with Him each day, and unleash the power of the Holy Spirit through their prayers.

T = Thanksgiving
E = Exalting His Name
A = Admitting my sins
C = Calling for my life
U = Understanding my story
P = Promises (Claiming God’s)
P = Petitions (Pouring out my heart)

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

What’s next? Now I am compiling Mom’s TEA CUPP Prayers as a second devotional book, with more recent writings. I also have dreams of other projects as God allows. I’m available to come speak to your ladies’ group and invite them to TEA with the King of kings. Thank you for praying for me!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Remember, if you feel unworthy of an invitation to TEA with our Lord, Jesus shared water with a scandalous Samaritan woman when Jews did not associate with Samaritans, and men did not speak to the women.  Jesus certainly is ready to meet with you.  Behold, He stands at the door and knocks.  My friend, please say, “Come in, Lord Jesus, come in.”

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

p.s.  A few more ways to get a copy of my book:  In Big Timber, Montana, it is available at The Coffee Stop, Touch of Sunshine, The Fort and Tumblewood Teas for $15.  If you’d like me to mail you a copy, please send a check for $20 (for postage) to my address on the contact page and I will mail you one. It will include an autograph and bookmark.  May God bless you!

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Mark up your Bible with Psalm 103

Psalm 103Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
Psalm 103:4 (NKJV)

Dear Friends,

Today I want to encourage you to mark up your Bible!  I know, it’s hard to write in books if you’ve been taught all your life not to.  Ever get in trouble for coloring in a library book with a crayon?  Well, this isn’t a library book, it’s YOUR Bible!  It’s God’s Word to teach and instruct you (2 Timothy 3:16).  And, if you took classes in college, you likely marked up your textbook with a highlighter.

Sometimes I’ll write in my Bible when a pastor is giving a sermon.  I’ll underline key verses and write notes in the margin, reminding me of the message.  Other times I’ll underline verses during my TEA time with Jesus, those that really speak to me that day.  I’ve been reading the same Bible for years, and there are still new verses that jump out at me for underlining almost every day.

When I underline verses, I like to code them with the letters of My TEA CUPP Prayers acronym, so I can use them in prayer later.  I’ll label them T for Thanks, E for Exalt, A for Admit, C for Call, U for Understand, P for Promises, and Pet for Petitions.  Often there will be several verses all on the same page.  Psalm 103 is one of those places where I found my whole TEA CUPP.  I’d like to share it with you today:

T is for Thanksgiving
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits.
Psalm 103:2 (NKJV)


E is for Exalting
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Psalm 103:22 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting
 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases.
Psalm 103:3 (NKJV)

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 (NKJV)

C is for Call
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Psalm 103:1 (NKJV)

U is for Understanding
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children.
Psalm 103:17 (NKJV)

P is for Promises
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:5 (NKJV)

P is for Petitions
Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Psalm 103:20 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Pick a Psalm today, perhaps Psalm 103.  With pen in hand, underline your favorite verses.  Label the verses how you might use them in prayer with Jesus.  Then, pray your underlined verses as conversation starters when you meet with the Lord.

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

 

Sipping your TEA

j0155

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP friends,

Some of you might just be getting started with prayer, or perhaps you want a fresh way to communicate with God. So today I want to share a few more ways you can use the TEA CUPP.

The basic idea is to meet each day with Jesus, the King of kings, for TEA.  As you share your TEA CUPP with Jesus, you use His Word as conversation starters and the TEA CUPP acronym to remind you of things to talk about:

T = Thanksgiving
E = Exalting
A = Admitting
C = Calling
U = Understanding my story
P = Promises (Claiming God’s)
P = Petitions (Pouring out my heart to the Lord)

At various times I’ve sipped my TEA with Jesus in different ways.  My favorite method is to do it all every morning before my family wakes up.  There is always something to be thankful for, praise Jesus for, some sin needing forgiveness, etc.

After the birth of a child, or during a long illness, when time was short or I just didn’t feel well, I prayed one part for each day of the week (Sunday – Thanks, Monday – Exalt, Tuesday – Admit, etc.).  Then I would still pray my petitions each day, too.

Another way to sip the TEA CUPP might work well for busy moms and working ladies.  This method is to sandwich your day in prayer.  Try having TEA in the morning when you first wake up and the CUPP at night right before you go to bed.  Soon, you will be talking to Jesus throughout the whole day!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Remember, there is no “magic” method for prayer.  This is just a way that works for me, and God put it on my heart to share it with you.  Jesus is knocking, will you invite Him in for TEA?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

p.s.  For examples of prayer verses to use for conversation starters, please check out these recent links:

Revelation Verses

James Verses

Isaiah Verses

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Praying Forever Prayers or TEA with Isaiah

2x8nIt’s a delightful day when I sit down to read my BIBLE, and the section I’m reading has all the verses I need for my TEA time with Jesus. It’s such a blessing to underline my favorite verses and then pray them back to Jesus, while pouring out my heart to Him. I THANK Him for His many blessings, I EXALT Him as my Savior, I ADMIT my sins and ask His forgiveness, I listen for His CALL, I UNDERSTAND my story, I claim God’s PROMISES, and I lay before the Lord my PETITIONS, all using God’s Word.

Isaiah promises, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)
Wow! That’s an amazing promise for praying BIBLE verses! God’s purposes will be achieved!

And Isaiah also proclaims, “The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
God’s Word is forever! So when we pray God’s Word, we are praying forever prayers. Now that is awesome.

And so today I give you TEA TIME with ISAIAH. It was inspiring to pick the verses, because there are so many good ones. I challenge you to read Isaiah with pen in hand and underline even more verses for your prayers. You will have a very precious TEA CUPP with your Savior.

T is for Thanksgiving
O LORD, You are my God.
I will exalt You,
I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things; (thank You, Lord, for these wonderful things…)
Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1 (NKJV)

E is for Exalting
Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory! Isaiah 6:3 (NKJV)

… And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

A is for Admitting
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;
And I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25 (NKJV)

C is for Call 
“You are My witnesses,” says the LORD,
“And My servant whom I have chosen,
That you may know and believe Me,
And understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
Nor shall there be after Me.” Isaiah 43:10 (NJKV)

U is for Understanding
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hand. Isaiah 49:16(NKJV)

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”  Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)

P is for Promises
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

P is for Petitions
Then I said, “Lord, how long?” Isaiah 6:11 (NKJV)

O LORD, be gracious to us;
We have waited for You.
Be our arm every morning,
Our salvation also in the time of trouble. Isaiah 33:2 (NKJV)

Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see...Isaiah 37:17 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Use the above verses for a special TEA TIME with Jesus today. Read the book of Isaiah over the next several days, underlining even more verses and promises. Thank the Lord for His Word.

It shall come to pass
That before they call, I will answer;
And while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24(NKJV)

He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry;
When He hears it, He will answer you. Isaiah 30:19 (NKJV)

… For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. Isaiah 56:7 (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.