11/17/25 Prayer

Many times I wrestle with what’s going on in my life. If I’m honest, in those times, I’m wrestling with You. You are allowing it all to happen and I don’t know why. I want to understand and I want to know how it’ll all work out. I want Your help figuring it out. But I also have my own ideas of how things should go. I can’t fully rest in the situation or in You. 

Jacob wrestled with You and it went all night long. He asked You to bless Him and You did. But there was a price to pay—his hip was forever injured and his name was changed to Israel. Yet, he awoke from that encounter blessed. He had lost something but gained even more. And he was remade into Israel, forever changed.

Jesus tells me that I must take up my cross and follow Him. Again, there is a price to pay. I bear a cross. Sometimes the cross is light and other times it’s heavy. Yet I follow 

anyway.

You promise to love me in the good and the bad. And I have a whole lot of good—a whole lot to be thankful for. Yet my mind goes to the less pleasant, the bad. I focus on the wrong things. Why is that? Is that part of the remaking process—changing my name?

How does that happen? Well, Jacob wrestled with You all night long. He also obeyed You and spent other time with You. I think I must do the same—to change my perspective, what I focus on, and how to interpret the goings on of my life. This includes wrestling with You when I don’t understand and my trust wanes. I love that You tell me in Your Word the story of the father who said “I believe but help me overcome my unbelief.” You see the fragility of my flesh, my spirit and my hope. 

But time spent with You—especially consistently over weeks, months and years—my heart and mind change and are renewed. I am remade. While not external to the world, my name is changed. I recognize more fully my new name—beloved child of God. Your love transforms me.

You blessed Jacob/Israel, and You will bless me. I will walk on holy ground. 

It may require some toil, but it’ll be worth it in the end. I just know it. Your love and grace are unmatched.

In the Name of Jesus, with Whom I Wrestle, but Who Patiently Awaits and Blesses, I pray.

Amen.

11/10/25 Prayer

Forgiving Father … You are loving, merciful and so patient. I am rebellious and want my own way. I want things to go the way I think they should go, and how I think is best. I want to control and I want to be comfortable. I don’t want to surrender. I think I’m right … pretty much all the time. 

Why is that? What is that all about? I say I love You. I say I trust You. I say You know best. Yet, I rebel. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 

At the same time, I can’t use that as an excuse. Your Spirit, The Holy Spirit lives in me and the more time I spend with You, the more You rub off on me. I begin to change, The Holy Spirit transforms me. I become more loving. I give people a little more grace. I feel more compassionate and act less selfishly.

In life there is a lot of conflict and struggle; a lot of anger and selfishness. All this results in hurt. Your love covers it all. You did it by the cross, when Jesus was hung on the tree and then rose from the dead. In Jesus’ resurrection, we have the truth of forgiveness and reconciliation.

How can that play out in my life? How can I forgive more? How can I reconcile with the people and things with which I struggle? I think the answer is You. I think it’s spending more time with You, allowing You to change me; seeking You out … seeking space in my day to include You more in my life. 

That way Your love, Your mercy, Your grace … Your gentleness, Your generosity, and patience embed themselves more and more into my being. Otherwise I’m living life white knuckling it, trying to do it in my own strength and power. I can do this for a while, but the time comes when I burn out. 

The more I surrender to You, the more transformed I am, and the more naturally Your gifts of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness bubble out of me. It is then when I become more Christ like. Holy Spirit help me do that. Help me make more space in my life for You. Help me seek You.

In the Forgiving and Ever Faithful Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

11-3-25 Prayer

Almighty and Majestic Father, You made, You promised and You delivered. You created me and everything that exists by mere word and breath. You created people to be in relationship with You, just as it was in the Garden of Eden.

You promised me and all creation that You would be with us, though not for a while. The promise was made to Abraham. The wait was long.

Then You delivered on the Promise by the birth of Your Son, Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us. When Jesus ascended into heaven, You sent the Holy Spirit to be with us—always, never to leave us alone.

Before, people had to travel to a temple to be with You. Ceremonial sacrifices were necessary to please You and for sins to be forgiven.

Today, because of the long awaited fulfillment of Your promise, I can be present with You anytime and anywhere. I am unrestrained in asking for forgiveness. I take this beautiful Truth for granted; or maybe I don’t spend enough time marveling at how truly amazing it is.

My life is a microcosm of this Truth. You want me to be in relationship with You. You promise that it’s possible—but it takes a long time for it to begin, evolve, grow and increase … to show itself prominently in the daily living of my life.

I want it to happen quickly … it doesn’t. You’re patient, You wait. You’re merciful, You forgive. You want me to keep trying … to keep looking for You and how You’re working and showing up in every corner of my life, even the nooks and crannies. You tell me “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

While there is the seeking, there is the waiting. I definitely feel the waiting with respect to my prayers—at least those when I ask for stuff. I forget that prayers also include just talking to You, saying “hi, thanks for being with me today.” Or, “I love You.” Hmm, maybe the waiting for my “asking prayers” will not seem as long if I talk to You more often, more naturally, less formally. Maybe I’ll see You working in different ways and that’ll encourage me, increasing my faith and trust in You.

Maybe that’s why You tell us “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” In that seeking, I may find other treasures that You’ve given me; our relationship will blossom, and I’ll more clearly see the Beauty of the God that You are.

In the Always Faithful, Despite the Waiting, Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

10/27/25 Prayer

Beautiful God, Faithful Lord, Loving Father, not once have Your promises failed. It may take a really, really, really long time, but You always answer at the exact right moment in time. Your timing is perfect.

Your Word reminds me “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

In the abstract that seems easy to do, but when facing what seems like a mountain or a circumstance that has rattled me so much that I can’t think straight, it’s much harder to put into practice. 

You know … l need to give myself some grace! I do eventually get there. It just takes some time. It used to take me weeks or months, but now that window of time has shortened. Holy Spirit, please continue to work in me to shorten that period of disquiet, and strengthen the immediacy of my trust—such that it becomes automatic and absolute.

When I focus on the phrase “my understanding,” it reminds me that Your thoughts are higher than mine, and Your ways are as well. Holy Spirit, please make me aware that there is a huge difference between what I know and understand and what You know and understand. Call to mind when You’ve been there for me … whether as a listening ear, or an answered prayer. You have shown Yourself trustworthy and faithful. And since You NEVER change—You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow—I can always count on that, despite how impossible it may seem.

This week, I pray to just sit and be with You, even if it’s for 3, 4 or 5 minutes. I want to learn how to more clearly hear You, Your voice and the unique way You to speak to me. 

It’s going to be hard to do. I’ll feel compelled to talk, my mind will wander. But You, Holy Spirit can help me come back to that open canvas of a mind. I’m betting that the more I do this, the easier it will become. I’m also betting that during those first few tries I may not hear anything. My ears are not yet tuned to Your whisper, Your soft voice and subtle promptings. But I know that You want me to put myself in Your Holy Presence. And I believe that You will speak to me. I must believe. Why would You answer my prayer if I don’t? You have nothing to prove, but I have everything to gain—to grow in the wonder of being Your child.

In the Always Present and Ever Faithful Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

10/20/25 Prayer

You are the God of Abraham and my God. You are the God of Isaac and Jacob, and my God. You are the God of all people—the rich, the middle class and the poor. You are the God of all whom are in the East, the West, the North and the South. You are the God of those who live a charmed life and those who struggle. You are the God of all. 

You are Almighty and Good. And I am Yours.

As Your child, I am not only to have faith in You but to act and do with You. In whatever lot I find myself, whether rich or poor, whether happy or struggling, whether in the West or in the East. Just as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were nomads following You in whatever circumstances they found themselves, so am I to do.

You tell me in Your Word “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

So, today … this week, I want to focus on deeds that demonstrate my faith. It may very well include feeding the poor, giving clothing to one in need, but it may also be allowing You to lead me in other ways and then obeying. I am to serve You. I am Your servant, indeed as Paul says in The Bible—Your slave. You died so that I might live eternally.

Holy Spirit, please give me a servant’s heart—a servant that sees the world as You do. Awaken in me an awareness as to the breadth and expanse of what serving means. It could be as simple as being extra kind to the cashier that’s being super slow interrupting the hectic flow of my day. It could be doing my job with integrity as if I were doing it for You personally. It could be being a friend to the one who is difficult to love or is just different. Open my eyes to all the possibilities, the multitudes of opportunities.

Yet always keep top of mind that this daily service can only flow from being with You. My tank must be filled with Your love and goodness for it to overflow to others. I need to spend time with You to be loved and reminded that I was made in love to love others. When I’m feeling empty, remind me to return to the Eternal Wellspring that You are.

In the Name of the One Who Loved and Served Humanity First, Jesus, I pray.

Amen.

10/13/25 Prayer

Father Abba, You have blessed me beyond my understanding—what I can see and know at this very moment in time. My experience, vision and perception are limited by time and space. I remember what You’ve already done, but cannot fathom what You will do—how You will work in my life and how that will advance Your Kingdom, with some who I know, others I have yet to meet, and even those I’ll never meet personally here on earth.

You are such a mystery. That’s part of Your beauty. We know much about You through Your Word, what You’ve done throughout history, our own personal experience as well as those of others from whom I’ve heard. Yet, there is so much unknown, so much I don’t understand, or have yet to discover. That’s part of the fun of being Your child—waiting expectedly to see how You’ll show up. Even expecting that You’ll bless me in an unanticipated way.

I must confess, it doesn’t feel fun when what awaits me is hardship or struggle. I really have to claim—and even fight to believe—that You are with me, that You want good for me, that You are fighting for me. I don’t necessarily feel it. In those times, I must trust that You’ll show up again—like You’ve done so many times before, as detailed in The Bible and even in my life and in those who’ve shared their own stories with me.

Hmmm, maybe that’s why we need to share our God stories we each other—and quite frankly, with anyone who’ll listen—our experiences with You, how You’ve showed up. This builds an alter, of sorts, to reinforce and commemorate Your Faithfulness and continued Presence. You have blessed me and I want to pass that blessing on to others. I want others to know that You can do this for them.

Holy Spirit open my eyes, unharden my heart, give me curiosity and childlike faith to believe in your blessings, to believe that yes I am blessed as Your child—that You’ll show up when I need it and that I’ll see and experience Your blessings in a new and fresh way. Awaken in me a new awe and the Majesty of Who You are.

In the Trustworthy Name of Jesus, the Giver of Blessings, I pray.

Amen.

10/6/25 Prayer

If I go into nature—particularly that untouched by the human hand—I see Your Beauty and am in Your Presence. Your creation reflects it. If I were to take time to sit patiently in it, to be fully absorbed, my heart would fill with awe and amazement. My heart would beat closer and more in sync with Yours.

That’s what You want—for my heart to be in sync with Yours. That’s why You made me in Your image. That’s why You want me to live in communion with You. That’s what You are doing in my life, transforming me slowly but surely. 

Thank You for never giving up on me. I sometimes give up on me, but Your love is eternal, enduring, and faithful. You never give up.

This makes me think of others and my relationship and actions towards them. Like Your Creation, do I reflect Your Presence and Beauty? Do I give up on them? 

Hmmm … I really need to think about that. How about yesterday, last week, last month … even last year? Being made in Your image, does Your light—Your goodness, Your forgiveness, Your generosity, Your grace, Your faithfulness—always shine through me?

How do I respond to those I don’t like, with whom I get angry or I don’t agree? How do I treat them? Do I share, am I inviting or do I reject them outright? Am I willing to sacrifice for them as You clearly did for me and continue to do?

My first instinct is to treat others badly if they treat me badly. But that’s not what You did while You were here on earth, or even now. No, Your grace surpasses my selfishness, bad behavior, and rebellion. In fact, instead You invite me in, offering forgiveness, peace and grace. You give me more than I deserve. 

I should have that mindset and attitude of heart. When someone comes to me in need—whether they deserve it or not, whether they are a friend or a foe—I should reach out my hand to help, not to condemn, but to share and even to sacrifice. You’ve changed me that way.

I have a lot to think about this week, to pray about, to talk to You about. 

Holy Spirit, keep me focused, keep me accountable. Keep these questions and contemplations prominently in my heart and on my mind. Give me awareness of my own behavior and interactions with others, especially with those with whom I will get angry at, annoyed, disagree with, or resent.

I’ll never be totally like Jesus, but that’s not the point. I can, as Your Prayer says, bring Your Will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. I can allow You to change me. I can let Your light shine through me. Please help me do this.

In the Awe Inspiring and Forgiving Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

9/29/25 Prayer

Heavenly Father, Abba. You created me in love—in the community of love shared among You as the Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I stand in Victory with You, by the blood of Jesus Christ.

This is something I need to remember—to intentionally tell myself daily, to set time aside to meditate on. But what exactly does this mean?? I need to think about that.

I want to remember the Promises that You gave me and Your children. I want to remember why there is a rainbow when there is rain and clouds; that the sun will shine again! You are faithful!

Jesus came down from heaven as an infant to demonstrate Your unconditional and eternal love for us—Your faithfulness. He came to show us the promise of the rainbow and to bring Your new covenant of grace and mercy.

How do I remember? What can I actively do to remember and live into your covenant. Well, in addition to going to church to worship You; I can listen intently to the sermon to hear what You are speaking directly into my heart. I can fellowship with other believers to encourage and share our God stories so that we are reminded of Your continual Presence in our lives. This spurs us all along and strengthens our faith and trust in You.

I can sit daily and tell myself that You made me “in love” with a God given purpose of letting Your light show through me—so that others can see Your goodness. I can read Your Word, allowing it to penetrate my heart and be etched into my mind and soul. I can listen to music that speaks of You and Your goodness. I can journal, sharing my thoughts and feelings.

Me, my life path, how I traverse this earth and all its ups and downs—these experiences can, and should, rest on You and Your goodness. If I allow it, I will see Your faithfulness, Your grace, Your provision, and You fighting for me.

Holy Spirit, help me to choose You daily, to sit with You and talk. Give me ears to hear what You are saying. Show Yourself to me; lead me. Unharden my heart to allow You to work in my life and transform me into the child of God that You made me to be. 

I trust You. I love You. I want to live life more fully, but I will only be able to do that with You by my side.

In the Faithful and Covenant Making Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

9/22/25 Prayer

Holy Lord, Creator of all things, come rest in my heart. My mind wanders, it seeks its own pleasures and leads me down a path of selfishness. Spontaneously, I’ll have thoughts that are not in keeping with Your ways and Your Word.

My mind also likes to introduce ideas of self-doubt, anxiety, that I’m not enough, or that I’m unlikeable or unloved. It cannot be. I come from You. I was made by You in that secret place, knit together so lovingly in my mother’s womb. 

Why o why do I resist Your love and Your ways? For You designed me with a beautiful and particular purpose in mind. You gave me free will, reflecting Your love and desire for me to choose You as my God and The Lord of my life.

I give You the scraps of my attention, time and resources. You deserve more … how Holy and Mighty You are! Especially when I remember how dearly You love me! You became a man, lived a life shunned by those in power (those who most seek to befriend and impress), and then died at their hands—proving Your unconditional love for me and them. Your love is astounding and beyond comparison.

I get angry when You don’t do or react the way I think You should. This life is hard and it doesn’t play fair. But You never promised fairness; but rather love, companionship, mercy, grace, compassion, forgiveness, peace and faithfulness. And when I return to You and rest in You, I find—and can experience—these things. My heart quiets and it becomes more confident.

You are my Savior and You are my Friend—Holy Spirit, please open my eyes to see, open my ears to hear, move my heart to understand, and quiet that unruly mind of mine. 

I love You.

In the Life Giving and Sustaining Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

9/15/25 Prayer

You have given me all I need. You love me just as You made me. You have even given me instructions for my life—in Your Word. Yet I choose otherwise. I look to the world for worth. I seek out more than I truly need. And I look to the culture, what the world thinks, for how to live. 

Am I living in faith in You? Am I truly trusting You? 

There is good and evil in the world. It’s clear from the daily news. Honestly, I don’t even need to go there. It’s abundantly clear when I truly listen to my own heart and conscience. My thoughts may lead me astray—but my heart knows.

Holy Spirit, I pray that You let me know—somehow, some way—when evil (I don’t like that word, it scares me) is knocking or tempting me. It started in the Garden of Eden with the serpent and, whether I admit it or not, it persists today.

But God! I am not alone. I am not a victim or indefensible. No, I am absolutely not! You are teaching me, showing me how to fight the wrong and choose good (You). 

I am to trust You; that You ultimately control everything. You don’t make bad things happen—that’s the broken world we live in—but You work it out for good and Your purposes. You make good out of bad. You redeem it … EVERY single time, whether I see it or not. 

You have the ultimate vantage point.

You are good and You love me. You are fighting for me. You went so far as to die on a cross to show me. Holy Spirit, help me understand the depth of that truth. I need help seeing and understanding. Help me notice those little things that You do in my life—illuminate them for me. Remind me to talk to You more often; drop in on my thoughts. Convict me to read Your Word, which is living and has the power to speak to me in the moment—to tell me exactly what I need. And give me the courage to reach out to my family of believers, to be encouraged and strengthened.

You are good—that I’m certain of. You want good for me. That’s a truth. I may not see it all this side of heaven, but eventually I will. 

You defeated evil when Jesus died and rose again. I don’t need to fear it nor let it rule my life. Be strong and courageous! Again You tell me, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”

In the Victorious Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen

9/8/25 Prayer

From dust and Your breath I was formed and have life—“Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person.” 

It would probably serve me well to meditate on that a bit. And not only to knock a little pride out of me, but to be in awe of You. I was made by You—not by myself, no matter how hard I have worked or how much I have done. I was made to live in relationship with You. You made me in Your image.

You placed me in a beautiful garden to enjoy and live in dependence on You, not by my own efforts. I was just to obey. The broken world I live in reminds me that we, as humans, didn’t obey and don’t usually.

In Your image, You gave me free will—I can do whatever I want. It’s a great thing, but so many times I’m shortsighted, have clouded vision or simply have bad judgment. You tell me in Your Word, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Definitely a verse I should commit to memory—and reflect on frequently.

Even in the hard, when I live intentionally and fully “awake” with You, life is better. The great things are more joyful. The good is more satisfying. I’m content with what I have, not pining for more. And the hard, the bad, the ugly—it’s doable, not crushing. I’ll take it!

With You Lord I am complete. With You Lord I can walk through life. I just have to use that free will You gave me, and to choose to do so daily.

In the Ever Present and Life Giving Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

9/1/25 Prayer

Majestic and Mighty God, Holy and Righteous. It is truly a privilege to be Your child, lovingly made in that secret place.

You called me to Yourself, You’ve set me apart. And You are always with me, whether I am aware of it or not. Your love doesn’t depend on me; it’s unconditional and unfailing. It’s steadfast and unshakable. How treasured am I!

You tell me in Your Word “The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

If I engage with You, put in some time and effort—just as with any human relationship—I hear Your voice more clearly, I see You more clearly, I understand Your ways just a tad bit more. I learn who You are and why You have so many Names in The Bible—Yahweh, Immanuel, Adonai, Abba being just a few. You are my Creator and also my Friend.

As I walk with You, the riches of our relationship unfold in my life. You carry me when I need it; You hold my hand as I pray. The Holy Spirit groans for me when I have no words—in unsettling or desperate times. You laugh with me when I’m tickled and sing with me when I am overjoyed. You smile on me lovingly as I sit in contentment.

In the hard and in the good, You are with me—You comfort me, You guide me, You never leave me alone. Now that I think about it—that’s what reveals a true and lasting relationship. And I can have that with You—Most Holy LORD and Creator of all that is. It’s really quite remarkable, especially because I am imperfect and a sinner. You love me just as I am, though You love me too much to not clean me up a bit. In Your Presence, because of Jesus, I am radiant.

You tell me “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, Who summons you by name.”

Praise God!

In the Holy and Kingdom Making Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

8/25/ 25 Prayer

You are a good God. You are a beautiful God. And You are a merciful God. You are compassionate beyond my understanding.

I know this in my mind and even in my heart, but sometimes I don’t “feel” it, sometimes I have trouble living into this Truth.

This busy, distracting world doesn’t reflect Your Glory—Your goodness, Your beauty, Your mercy and compassion. And my life circumstances don’t necessarily help—they cloud my judgment and understanding.

But God! That’s what I tell myself. Is anything too hard for You? You tell me this multiple times in Your Word. One time You say it so plainly … “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?” No! Nothing is too hard for You.

My sight, my horizon is short and narrow; I only see the immediacy of things.

Nothing surprises You; indeed You’ve planned for it and how to work it in a way that is good and glorifying to You.

Do I trust You? Do I believe that You want good for me? Yes, I think the answer is yes. Then why does my heart wander? Why does it get so anxious? Why does it get sad?

I want to control. I want to know. I want assurance. But that’s not faith. That’s trusting in myself, what I know and what I control.

I am to live trusting You—beyond the immediate, beyond what I can be assured of, beyond what I understand.

Sigh … that’s so hard! Maybe that’s why You tell me so many times in Your Word, “be strong and courageous,” “trust in The Lord ,” “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with You.”

I need to keep telling myself these Truths. I need to meditate on them. I need to spend time with You to be refreshed and renewed—in my faith. I need to call or text my believing friends for encouragement and strengthening.

I believe. And I trust You.

When I look back on my life I see Your Hand at work. I see how You made good out of messes. As Your Word says, “not one of Your good promises has failed.”

Today I pray that Your Word be written on my heart. That it’s committed to memory, indelibly etched in my being. May I live all my days strong and courageous, knowing that You are with me and will never leave me.

Whatever life circumstance … may my mind and heart immediately say “but God”.

In the Glorious, Trustworthy and Faithful Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen

8/18/25 Prayer

You, Lord, are my Rock and my Salvation; my hope is in You all day long. You are my strength and my song. Where can I go Lord to find true help and direction? Who knows the path of life but You? You are the Creator of everything that is. In fact, Your Word says …

“Long ago You laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with Your hands. They will perish, but You remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. But You are always the same; You will live forever. The children of Your people will live in security. Their children’s children will thrive in Your Presence."

Aaahh, I can breathe a little easier. Indeed, not only are You good all the time, but simultaneously, You want good for me. You tell me “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Holy Spirit, it is virtually impossible to live in continual peace—holding onto these Truths while meeting daily demands, distractions and challenges. My mind immediately goes to trying to figure out how to control, how to respond, what I must do. I may worry or be preoccupied. Life can feel like an obstacle course. 

I don’t think I’m designed to live life all on my own. I think I’m supposed to live in communion with You, in a community that lives with You—believing and living into the Truths You’ve revealed. 

We all need You, Holy Spirit. Please breathe faith, trust, love, peace and joy into each of us, individually and collectively—every single day, and even throughout the day. Jesus told us that You would come to help us. You, Holy Spirit, are mentioned many times—meaning that You being with us is really important. 

Praying in The Spirit is the lifeblood of following You, Lord. I need it daily. I think that’s also true for my community of believers. Help me—actually us—be disciplined to do this daily. Help us invite You, Holy Spirit, into our prayers, indeed, into the daily living of our lives. 

You are my Rock, my strength and my song. My hope is in You all day long. I want to live joyfully in Your Presence.

In the Holiest Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

8/11/25 Prayer

Thank You Lord, that I can call You my God, Savior and Wellspring; and that Your love and faithfulness never run dry. You are my friend, my refuge, my fortress … You are my provider, my strength, my deliverer and my protector. You love me completely and want good for me. Indeed, You fight for me!

The culture today says that thankfulness is good for my health and wellbeing. I definitely think that’s true. But I think it goes beyond that. Thankfulness in You—who You are—it engenders hope and trust … peace. I know that I’m not going through life alone. You are not only with me, You are providing for me—bringing into my life who and what I need. If I ask, and then listen intently, You’ll tell me the path I should go.

You give me so much to be thankful for. I need only sit for 5 minutes to write out dozens of things I am blessed to have or have experienced, even in the midst of hardship. 

Sometimes I need to scrape away the angst, bitterness, or self-pity I’ve let control my thoughts or attitude. Sometimes I need to lift my head from seeing only that which is directly in front of me. Holy Spirit, in those times, unharden my heart, soften my gaze, open my mind—remind me to invite You into that moment. In Your Presence, I see more clearly. Trusting You, I loosen my grip of what holds me. I’m thankful for You, my relationship with You and even more, what it can be.

Thank You for the breath I have. Thank You that I have food I eat. Thank You that I have a place to live, and family and friends. 

If only I focus on You—who You are, You attributes and what You’ve already done in my life—You give me hope. You are my friend, my refuge, my fortress … You are my provider, my strength, my deliverer and my protector. You are my Savior.

Holy Spirit, put in me a desire to sit with You daily to give thanks … for even one thing, if that’s all I’ve got in that moment. And in that moment, may I experience Your Presence and peace that transcends understanding.

You are my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.

In the Trustworthy and Peace Giving Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

8/4/25 Prayer

Hello Father. It’s so cool that I can approach You so easily and without pretense or formality. You’re that close to me and that merciful. You’re also Holy and Perfect. Your humility and grace astound. I don’t fully understand how You can be so Beautiful this way.

When I look around this world, I don’t see holiness, yet I see lots of judgments—lots of expectations of people being a certain way, believing a certain thing, and doing things in a particular way. Funny thing is, is that those certain ways and things are different depending upon the person making the judgment.

Huh, all the more reason to know the Truth—You are God, King and Savior. You are the starting point and ending place of all things (the Alpha and Omega); and Your Word and Way are the models for my life.

You are merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to forgive and embrace me.

I’m not so sure that I am that way with others. I should probably meditate on that a bit—reflect on my thoughts, feelings and actions of the past week, and honestly assess whether they’re in line with You.

Was I slow to get angry? Did I show unconditional love for all who I encountered? Was I merciful to the one who didn’t deserve it? Did I show compassion to the needy, the unwanted, the unworthy and the ungrateful? Hmmm, that’s convicting.

Holy Spirit, I need help here. Open my eyes so that I may see and be aware of my thoughts, feelings and actions towards others—in all domains of my life. Fill my heart with compassion and unconditional love—even for those who I don’t like or agree with, more than I’ve ever experienced before. Convict me when I get angry too easily, and remind me of my own behavior that may anger others. And when an opportunity to show mercy presents itself, make my heart swell with love, kindness and a desire to be merciful, not judgmental or expectant.

You are The Lord of my life. Help me, Holy Spirit, to live into that truth.

In the Beautiful Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

7/28/25 Prayer

Father, Holy Father, Abba. I am Your child, dearly loved and treasured. You made the ultimate sacrifice for me. You died on a cross, a criminal’s death. For me. Thank You. And what am I to do? You want me to love You with all my heart, mind, body and soul. And …

You want me to love others as You loved me. You are my role model. Your Word reveals that You cared for the most unloved—the leper, the tax collector, the maimed and the one with no voice. Yet, You didn’t reject others—the well off, the healthy, those who rejected You, even those in authority (the Roman soldier). You embraced them. So, “others” means everyone—friend, stranger and foe.

And then there’s “love.” What does that mean exactly? Well, You fed, You healed, You shared meals with, You prayed for, You celebrated with, You cried with, You defended, You taught, You scolded when needed, You even humbled Yourself to serve, and so much more.

Would I do those things for others—my friend, the stranger and my foe? Would I humble myself to, or for them? Would I care for them in a self sacrificing way? I’m pretty sure I would feed, share, and celebrate with them. But what about the hard stuff? You did the hard stuff for me.

Holy Spirit, work in me this week to reveal what You want me to do in response to Your command—loving others as You love me. What does this entail? Who are the “others”? What are the ways to love that I may not have considered? When should I do it—even when it’s inconvenient? Show me this week.

Father God, You are my strength and my salvation. I need You to do this. Today, I invite You into my heart, my mind, my body and my soul. Saturate me in Your Presence and lead me into and through this week to love others as You love me.

In the Awe Striking Love of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

7/21/25 Prayer

Pure joy, God. It is pure joy to be Your child. While I don’t always feel joy, I can have this settled feeling in my soul if I simply come into Your Presence.

I keep coming back to the truth that You, You who created everything—the world I live in, the sun, the sky and nature, as well as my person, family and friends—that You care deeply about me and love me immensely. That You are intimately familiar with and involved in the details of my life. You care about the big things as well as the small, the most private—those that may be insignificant to others, those that occupy my mind and affect my mood, even when I don’t realize it.

That always brings me such comfort, even when things aren’t necessarily going well. Why? Well, because I’m not alone, and my view of my circumstances—the present moment and the future—is skewed and incomplete. You have a greater understanding than I do. You tell me in Your Word, that I should trust You and not my own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

I need to remember to get into Your Presence—to be with You. In that place, I can get grounded, feel safe and experience peace. I can speak out loud to You my joys, my worries, my sorrows and what occupies my mind.

You go before me, whatever I am experiencing, You knew it would occur. You are not surprised and You already have a plan. If I ask and do as the Proverb says—submit to You, You’ll show me the way and straighten my path. And because You don’t leave me to my own devices, You’ll give me the strength to walk it.

Thank You Jesus that You came to earth as a man, suffered, died on the cross, and rose again. Thank You for abolishing the old way of worshiping You; that I don’t have to do anything special; I don’t need to go to a special place or go through a ritual. That I can talk to You anytime and any place. You are with me always. I need only recognize Your Presence.

Holy Spirit, help me remember this, bring it to mind when I need it. In You I can have complete confidence and quietness of soul. This is the path I want to walk in life, to walk with You.

Joy, pure joy, Lord, it is to be with You, in Your Presence.

In the Precious Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen

7/14/25 Prayer

My Gracious and Faithful Father, how long and wide is Your love for me! So much so that it’s immeasurable and beyond the capacity of my mind to understand. That’s the backdrop of the life I live. How cool is that!

Some exciting stuff awaits me and my church this week. Our new Pastor, Pastor Joe, will preach his first sermon to my church. He’s been working with staff, but the congregation at large is just meeting him. You have good things planned for us. You tell me in Your Word “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” That truth applies to every facet of my life, which includes my church, whether I see it at this moment in time or not.

I pray that You fill our church with joy, love, and excitement, welcoming Pastor Joe, his wife, Morgan, and their daughters Malia, Miller, and Mollie. I also pray for Pastor Joe, that You fill him with joy, love, excitement—along with peace. It must be a little nerve racking to preach to a new church for the first time. I know I would be nervous. I’d be thinking what do they expect, how will I meet their expectations, will they like me!?!

But You, Lord, are God. You are the One leading him. You are the One guiding Pastor Joe’s heart and mind. I pray Pastor Joe obeys You and shares with us what You put on his heart. I pray that he pastors our church as You would have him do. I’m excited to see, hear and experience what You have planned for us.

Holy Spirit, open my mind and heart, encourage me as to what lies ahead, and move me to draw closer to You, to seek You like I’ve never sought You before.

You, God Almighty, are good and generous. How will You not give me and my church what we need. In that I have complete confidence.

May You bless Pastor Joe as he leads Your church. May he clearly hear Your voice and be stirred by The Holy Spirit in his heart and mind. May You bless Him and keep him. May You make Your face shine upon him and be gracious to him. May You turn Your face towards him and grant him peace.

In the Always Faithful Name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Amen.

7/7/25 Prayer

Heavenly Father, maker of all things, thank You for the freedom that we enjoy in our country. I don’t think about it all that often, but it’s an amazing blessing. So many in the world don’t have this or the luxuries of plentiful food, clean water, sturdy shelter, as well as the many opportunities I have here.

I can worship You openly. I have the freedom of speech and choice. I can assemble and meet up with whoever I want, whenever I want. These are privileges that are not widely enjoyed throughout the world. May I use them to bring a little bit of heaven to earth.

May I see those who have needs and choose to share with them. May I see those who cannot worship You and choose to pray for them. May I see those who are aching or otherwise suffering and choose to tend to them.

You put me on this earth with a purpose—a purpose of representing You. I am part of the Body of Christ. I am a steward of the gifts and blessings that You’ve given me. Jesus tells us a story of bags of money given to servants (Matthew 25:14). The ones who were given 5 bags and 2 bags, who then put them to work and doubled them in earnings, were praised with “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

I was made to do that—to take what You’ve given me and make it multiply for Your Kingdom. Holy Spirit, stir my mind and my heart when I see, remember or experience a gift or blessing that You’ve given me. Let desire well up in me to steward them well; so that one day I’ll hear You say “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

In the Giving Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen