Mar 18 – Day 77. Doorkeeper

“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10)

Welcome to another daily prayer. Keep on praying. Spending just one day in your sacred presence is far more precious than a thousand elsewhere. I would choose to be the simplest doorkeeper in the house of my God, serving humbly and devotedly, than to live in the lavish comforts of those who dwell in wickedness and unrighteousness. The fulfillment found in serving God, even in the most modest capacity, outweighs the fleeting pleasures of a life lived away from His grace.

Transcript

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another episode of the EBC’s Prayer Podcast. Today is March 18, marking the 77th day of the year, and God is still blessing us. Today, let us give God thanks for the opportunity to surrender to him and to pray with assurance. 

I’m your host, Dr. Victoria Haddad, the First Lady and Prayer Leader at Elyon Bible Church Apostolic in Salem, New Jersey. Every day, it fills my heart with joy to connect with each of you during our daily prayer.

As mentioned in previous episodes, our prayers throughout the year will be rooted in the 66 books of the Bible. Started in Genesis and will conclude in the book of Revelation by the end of this year.

Today, we are continuing in the book of Psalms. Our scripture will be taken from Psalm 84:10, which reads: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” 

God has been good to us. Today, let us continue in prayer, for a day in God's courts is better than a thousand. 

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father. Our Gracious and Marvelous Savior.

Father, we come before your throne today with our hearts overflowing with gratitude. Thank you for another day, and another moment to draw closer to you. You are reminding us of your faithfulness, for without you, we are nothing, for in you, we find strength, hope, and joy.

Lord, as we gather in your presence, help us to set aside every distraction, every worry, and every burden that weighs heavily on us. Teach us to understand that time spent with you is never wasted. It is the most priceless treasure, far beyond gold or silver, far beyond earthly pleasures.

Lord, you are reminding us that one day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. Help us to believe with all our hearts. May we hunger and thirst for your presence more than for anything else the world could ever offer. So often we run after empty pursuits, temporary satisfactions, and brief pleasures, and they leave us dry. Father, forgive us, for every time we have chosen. Draw us back to you, O Lord, for only in you do we find rest for our souls.

Heavenly Father, we desire to abide in your house all the days of our lives. Even if it means being only a doorkeeper in your temple, for we would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of our God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

Father, it is an honor to be in your temple, for there is no greater place for us to be than near you. For true joy is not found in success, riches, or recognition, but in our fellowship with you. Where our hearts desire what you desire and love as you love.

Lord, strengthen our faith so that when we gather for worship, it will be out of a genuine hunger for you. Let our church services be filled with reverence, unity, and joy as we lift our voices to glorify you. Help us remember the sacred moments when your spirit moves and our hearts are transformed.

Lord Jesus, may we never take the privilege of prayer lightly, for your arms are always open wide to receive us. Lord, you hold galaxies in place and bend your ear to hear our cries. Thank you for being a Father who listens and a Savior who cares.

Lord, teach us to number our days, to live wisely, and to cherish every opportunity you have given us. To reflect your goodness, so that others can see you in us. And provide us with endurance to keep pressing forward even when the road feels long.

Father, as we close this prayer, we rest in the assurance that you are with us. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior…Amen.

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