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VERSES FOR VIGILS
Think about all the incredible things that happen in the Bible just before dawn. The Holy Spirit made sure those powerful moments were recorded so we could learn about the intense spiritual battles fought during those quiet hours. God's trying to get our attention, showing us that praying at night, especially in the wee hours of the morning, is different, special. The Word tells us to pay attention to what the Spirit is revealing to us.
Ephesians 6:181 talks about "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." A vigil, staying awake all or part of the night, was a way to keep watch, like a sentinel standing guard. But it also reminds us to stay spiritually alert, awake to the darkness around us in the world.
When you're going through a tough time, those late-night hours can be a powerful time to seek God's comfort. Lamentations 2:192 says, "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him..."
Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.
But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
I yearn for the Lord, more than watchmen do for the morning, yes, more than watchmen do for the morning.
And do this because we know the time, that it is already the hour for us to awake from sleep, for our salvation is now nearer than when we became believers.
Blessed are those slaves whom their master finds alert when he returns! I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, have them take their place at the table, and will come and wait on them!
Listen, your watchmen shout; in unison they shout for joy, for they see with their very own eyes the Lord’s return to Zion.
Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give an account for their work. Let them do this with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you.
But our citizenship is in heaven – and we also await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.
All their watchmen are blind, they are unaware. All of them are like mute dogs, unable to bark. They pant, lie down, and love to snooze.
Wait patiently for the Lord! Wait confidently for him! Do not fret over the apparent success of a sinner, a man who carries out wicked schemes!
You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.
And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back.
Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, blessed are those slaves!
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that forsakes the living God.But exhort one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” that none of you may become hardened by sin’s deception.
Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching at my doors day by day, waiting beside my doorway.
Certainly O Lord, you are kind and forgiving, and show great faithfulness to all who cry out to you.
Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.
In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.
For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says: “Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!”
So he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation!”
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing,so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the worldby holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.
I will not even consider doing what is dishonest. I hate doing evil; I will have no part of it.
Wake up! Wake up! Clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful clothes, O Jerusalem, holy city! For uncircumcised and unclean pagans will no longer invade you.
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock.The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because it had been founded on rock.
When I saw this, I gave careful consideration to it; I received instruction from what I saw:“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to relax,and your poverty will come like a bandit, and your need like an armed robber.”
For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.
And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works,not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep right on going and suffer for it.
For God alone I patiently wait; he is the one who delivers me.Do not trust in what you can gain by oppression! Do not put false confidence in what you can gain by robbery! If wealth increases, do not become attached to it!God has declared one principle; two principles I have heard: God is strong,and you, O Lord, demonstrate loyal love. For you repay men for what they do.He alone is my protector and deliverer. He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.But while they had gone to buy it, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went inside with him to the wedding banquet. Then the door was shut.Later, the other virgins came too, saying, ‘Lord, lord! Let us in!’But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour.“For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them.To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work and gained five more.In the same way, the one who had two gained two more.But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money in it.After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled his accounts with them.Five of the virgins were foolish, and five were wise.The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, ‘Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’The one with the two talents also came and said, ‘Sir, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more.’His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed,so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’But his master answered, ‘Evil and lazy slave! So you knew that I harvest where I didn’t sow and gather where I didn’t scatter?Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest!Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten.For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.When the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take extra olive oil with them.
“Shout loudly! Don’t be quiet! Yell as loud as a trumpet! Confront my people with their rebellious deeds; confront Jacob’s family with their sin!
Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day.
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been alert and would not have let his house be broken into.
He died for us so that whether we are alert or asleep we will come to life together with him.
How blessed are those whose actions are blameless, who obey the law of the Lord.With all my heart I seek you. Do not allow me to stray from your commands!I am more discerning than those older than I, for I observe your precepts.I stay away from the evil path, so that I might keep your instructions.I do not turn aside from your regulations, for you teach me.Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!Your precepts give me discernment. Therefore I hate all deceitful actions. נ (Nun)Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.I have vowed and solemnly sworn to keep your just regulations.I am suffering terribly. O Lord, revive me with your word!O Lord, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise! Teach me your regulations!My life is in continual danger, but I do not forget your law.In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.The wicked lay a trap for me, but I do not wander from your precepts.I claim your rules as my permanent possession, for they give me joy.I am determined to obey your statutes at all times, to the very end. ס (Samek) ֹ119:113 I hate people with divided loyalties, but I love your law.You are my hiding place and my shield. I find hope in your word.Turn away from me, you evil men, so that I can observe the commands of my God.Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live. Do not disappoint me!Support me, so that I will be delivered. Then I will focus on your statutes continually.You despise all who stray from your statutes, for they are deceptive and unreliable.You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag. Therefore I love your rules.You deserve praise, O Lord! Teach me your statutes!My body trembles because I fear you; I am afraid of your judgments. ע (Ayin)I do what is fair and right. Do not abandon me to my oppressors!Guarantee the welfare of your servant! Do not let the arrogant oppress me!My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance, for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.Show your servant your loyal love! Teach me your statutes!I am your servant. Give me insight, so that I can understand your rules.It is time for the Lord to act – they break your law!For this reason I love your commands more than gold, even purest gold.For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts. I hate all deceitful actions. פ (Pe)Your rules are marvelous. Therefore I observe them.With my lips I proclaim all the regulations you have revealed.Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the untrained.I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commands.Turn toward me and extend mercy to me, as you typically do to your loyal followers.Direct my steps by your word! Do not let any sin dominate me!Deliver me from oppressive men, so that I can keep your precepts.Smile on your servant! Teach me your statutes!Tears stream down from my eyes, because people do not keep your law. צ (Tsade)You are just, O Lord, and your judgments are fair.The rules you impose are just, and absolutely reliable.My zeal consumes me, for my enemies forget your instructions.I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules as if they were riches of all kinds.Your word is absolutely pure, and your servant loves it!I am insignificant and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.Your justice endures, and your law is reliable.Distress and hardship confront me, yet I find delight in your commands.Your rules remain just. Give me insight so that I can live. ק (Qof)I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, O Lord! I will observe your statutes.”I cried out to you, “Deliver me, so that I can keep your rules.”I am up before dawn crying for help. I find hope in your word.My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours, so that I can meditate on your word.Listen to me because of your loyal love! O Lord, revive me, as you typically do!I will meditate on your precepts and focus on your behavior.Those who are eager to do wrong draw near; they are far from your law.You are near, O Lord, and all your commands are reliable.I learned long ago that you ordained your rules to last. ר (Resh)See my pain and rescue me! For I do not forget your law.Fight for me and defend me! Revive me with your word!The wicked have no chance for deliverance, for they do not seek your statutes.Your compassion is great, O Lord. Revive me, as you typically do!The enemies who chase me are numerous. Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.I take note of the treacherous and despise them, because they do not keep your instructions.See how I love your precepts! O Lord, revive me with your loyal love!I find delight in your statutes; I do not forget your instructions. ג (Gimel)Your instructions are totally reliable; all your just regulations endure. שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)Rulers pursue me for no reason, yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.I rejoice in your instructions, like one who finds much plunder.I hate and despise deceit; I love your law.Seven times a day I praise you because of your just regulations.Those who love your law are completely secure; nothing causes them to stumble.I hope for your deliverance, O Lord, and I obey your commands.I keep your rules; I love them greatly.I keep your precepts and rules, for you are aware of everything I do. ת (Tav)Listen to my cry for help, O Lord! Give me insight by your word!Be kind to your servant! Then I will live and keep your instructions.Listen to my appeal for mercy! Deliver me, as you promised.May praise flow freely from my lips, for you teach me your statutes.May my tongue sing about your instructions, for all your commands are just.May your hand help me, for I choose to obey your precepts.I long for your deliverance, O Lord; I find delight in your law.May I live and praise you! May your regulations help me!I have wandered off like a lost sheep. Come looking for your servant, for I do not forget your commands.Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!I am like a foreigner in this land. Do not hide your commands from me!How blessed are those who observe his rules, and seek him with all their heart,
Let your eyes look directly in front of you and let your gaze look straight before you.Make the path for your feet level, so that all your ways may be established.Do not turn to the right or to the left; turn yourself away from evil.
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us insight to know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This one is the true God and eternal life.
Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.”
Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
“But be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap.For it will overtake all who live on the face of the whole earth.But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For he is the one who gives me confidence.He alone is my protector and deliverer. He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
Lord, in the morning you will hear me; in the morning I will present my case to you and then wait expectantly for an answer.
Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
The Lord deserves praise! Day after day he carries our burden, the God who delivers us. (Selah)
Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them!For these are the kind who do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive.
“Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves.You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness.Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it.Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees,and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed.Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled.And see to it that no one becomes an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.For you know that later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing with tears.For you have not come to something that can be touched, to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwindand the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words such that those who heard begged to hear no more.keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
She had lived as a widow since then for eighty-four years. She never left the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy.A voice cries out, “In the wilderness clear a way for the Lord; construct in the desert a road for our God.Even youths get tired and weary; even strong young men clumsily stumble.But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.
(See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children – and indeed we are! For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know him.
Guide me into your truth and teach me. For you are the God who delivers me; on you I rely all day long.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
“I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God.
All these continued together in prayer with one mind, together with the women, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.
Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.
Is anyone among you ill? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up – and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints.
So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people,
At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.