Apr21 - Day 111. Fear God and keep His Commandments.

Welcome to another episode of our EBC Prayer Podcast. Our scripture today will be taken from Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, and it reads, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

The Lord is encouraging us to revere and follow his commandments, for he encompasses the entirety of our responsibilities as human beings. God will bring every action to light, examining even the hidden deeds that lie deep in our hearts, whether good or bad. 

As we pray, let us remember that there will be a time when God makes a solution, a conclusion for our lives. 

Transcript

Dear Heavenly Father, our Lord, God, and Savior. Gracious and holy God, we come before you in gratitude and humility. Thank you for granting us another moment to pray. We recognize that prayer is a gift, an open door through which we can lay down our burdens, share our gratitude, and draw closer to you. Lord, we acknowledge that every day you allow us to see is a new opportunity to trust in your promises and to live in obedience to your will. 

Father, thank you for reminding us that we need to: “Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Lord, the conclusion of all things, of what truly matters when everything else fades away, is you. You call us to fear you and to keep your commandments, not out of terror or obligation, but out of reverence, love, and trust. Teach us what it truly means to fear you in a way that draws us closer rather than pushing us away. Help us to see you as a holy and powerful God, who is also gentle and compassionate, a God who desires a relationship with us, his people.

Lord, so often we are distracted by the noise of life. We chase after success, comfort, approval, and control, thinking these things will give better meaning. But time and again, we find ourselves restless and unsatisfied. In your mercy, remind us that our true purpose is found not in what we accumulate or achieve, but in walking humbly with you. Reorient our hearts toward what lasts beyond this moment and beyond this world.

Father, teach us to keep your commandments with willing hearts. Not as a checklist or a burden, but as a response to your love and wisdom. Help us to understand that your commands are not meant to restrict us, but to guide us into freedom, peace, and wholeness. When obedience feels difficult, give us strength. When we are confused, give us clarity. When we are tempted to compromise, give us the courage to choose what is right.

We ask for your forgiveness for the times we have known what was right and chosen otherwise. Forgive us for the words spoken in haste, for the thoughts we allowed to linger, and for the actions we tried to justify. Cleanse us not only from what is visible, but from the hidden places of our hearts. Lord, you see every secret thing, both good and evil, and yet you still call us to come to you. Thank you for your grace that meets us even in our weakness.

God, you are a just judge, and we acknowledge that every work will one day be brought into your light. This truth humbles us. It reminds us that nothing is wasted, nothing is overlooked, and nothing is beyond your awareness. The good done in quiet faithfulness matters to you. The struggles endured with integrity are seen by you. Even the choices we think no one notices are known by you. Help us to live with this awareness, not in fear, but in wisdom.

We pray that this truth would shape how we live each day. Let it influence how we treat others, how we speak, how we serve, and how we love. May we be people of integrity, the same in private as we are in public. When no one is watching, may our hearts still be aligned with your will. Teach us to value faithfulness over recognition and obedience over applause.

Lord, for those who are weary or burdened by guilt, remind them that your judgment is not separated from your mercy. You are a God who corrects, but also restores. You expose what is hidden not to shame us, but to heal us. Give us the courage to bring our whole selves before you, trusting that you are faithful to forgive and to transform.

Lord, give us wisdom, because we cannot walk this path on our own. Teach us how to fear you rightly and to live in obedience with joy. Shape our desires so that what pleases you becomes what we long for. Let our lives reflect gratitude for all you have done and hope for what you are still doing.

As we leave this time of prayer, help us carry your assurance with us. For the whole duty of our lives is found in honoring you. Let this awareness bring simplicity to our decisions and peace to our hearts. May we live each day mindful of your presence, confident in your grace, and committed to walking in your ways.

We offer this prayer with humility and trust, grateful that you hear us, that you know us, and that you continue to guide us. We place our lives in your hands, knowing that you are faithful. Father, keep us faithful. Keep us humble. And keep us steadfast until that day when we stand before you.

We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Everyone. Have a great day, and by God’s grace, we will pray again tomorrow…Bye-bye.