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Welcome and thank you for joining us for tonight's our daily bread evening meditation.
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God welcomes you to come to Him.
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Gently rest your head on your pillow knowing that God knows you and loves you.
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As you allow your body to relax, remember God is trustworthy and good.
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He sees your battles and He knows your needs.
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Acknowledge His peaceful presence right now.
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As we begin our reflective time tonight, try to get as comfortable as possible.
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Take some deep, calming breaths.
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The God of all creation has words to encourage you and strengthen you for the days ahead.
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Give Him this time and trust in His healing power.
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And over tonight to Him and prepare your heart to receive what He has for you.
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Heavenly Father, you know my battles, whether they are battles to do what is right in my mind,
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or are calling to bring good where there is injustice in the world.
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You God are on the side of all that is good and true.
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You have beaten death and sin, you have overcome evil and have the victory over injustice.
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One day every knee will bow before you and acknowledge that you are the God over all
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things, the Creator and sustainer of all life.
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Until that day there are struggles to overcome and choices to make.
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Some twenty verses five to eight says, may we shout for joy over your victory and lift
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up our banners in the name of our God.
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May the Lord grant all your requests.
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Now this I know, the Lord gives victory to His anointed.
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He answers Him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.
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Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
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They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
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In ancient times when armies went to war, they held identifying banners aloft as they
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Its colors and patterns like a national flag or a team jersey unified them under their
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They were marching with a singular aim, victory over their enemies.
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As Christians we have spiritual enemies and sometimes we try to fight this raging battle
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It is exhausting and we often end up defeated.
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But in reality, the ultimate battle against evil is already won in Christ Jesus.
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He defeated sin and death at the cross and He is still living in that victory today.
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The psalmist rejoices to think of lifting the Lord's banner and declaring His victory
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to all who will hear.
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It had joy to be on the winning side, the battle over and the enemy defeated.
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Of course we still face battles, but now in Christ we need never fight alone.
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Picture a beautiful banner filled with glorious colors and patterns, declaring truth to millions.
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A banner that is huge and visible to everyone you know.
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What truth would you announce over the battles in your life?
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What would your banner say?
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I am forgiven and redeemed.
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Lift your banner high in your heart tonight.
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Come and take your place under the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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You can be assured that the victory already belongs to Him.
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You can stand firm on His promises.
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You can march forward with confidence.
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Like the psalmist, you can shout for joy, knowing that the outcome is secure.
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And God also lifts a banner, a sign that calls everyone to come to Him.
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The prophet Isaiah says in chapter 5, verse 26.
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He lifts a banner for the distant nations.
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He whistles for those at the ends of the earth.
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They come swiftly and speedily.
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As we turn to prayer, allow every part of your body to relax, starting at your feet,
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and working your way up.
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Feel the comfort of knowing you are on the winning side.
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God is more powerful than every enemy.
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Drawing close to God brings you closer to life and hope, love and peace.
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Let's begin our time of prayer with the psalmist's words in Psalm 28 verse 7.
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The Lord is my strength and my shield.
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My heart trusts in Him and He helps me.
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My heart leaps for joy and with my song I praise Him.
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Breathe deeply following this pattern of long, slow exhales.
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As you inhale, say, the Lord is my strength and as you exhale, say, with my song I praise
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Breathe in, the Lord is my strength.
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Breathe out with my song I praise Him.
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Breathe in, the Lord is my strength and out with my song I praise Him.
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Breathe in, the Lord is my strength and out with my song I praise Him.
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Heavenly Father, may my life and especially my trials and battles declare your faithfulness
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and goodness to everyone around me.
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Let me to lift high the truths that I live by, that you are my creator and savior, my
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guide and my comforter.
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May others see in my life your forgiveness and mercy and give you glory.
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Lord, may I step confidently into tomorrow knowing that with your name over my life I am
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on the winning side and have nothing to fear.
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You have the victory.
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Lord, thank you that you too hold a banner, one that calls everyone to you.
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Lord of love, may my friends and family, colleagues and neighbors be drawn to you and
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your offer of a purposeful life of worship and service.
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You are patient and gracious, waiting for people to respond to your call.
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May your truth be declared all over the world and your love soften even the hardest of hearts.
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Song of Songs 2 verse 4 says, Let him lead me into the banquet hall and let his banner
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Let's close with the final prayer.
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Loving Lord, may you be exalted in my home and workplace amongst my relationships and
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May I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Declare your truths through my life.
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May I sleep peacefully knowing you have the victory and hand over to you all my battles.
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Loved wins, love beckons, Jesus is the name above every other name and in your name
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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May I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you and be drawn towards you.
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Lord of love, may I unashamedly lift your name high so that others will see you.