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

6/30/25 Prayer

Holy Father, there’s so much that’s uncertain, but there is one thing that is for sure—You. You are good. You are faithful. You are trustworthy. And You love me. On that, I can bet my whole life.

Change is happening. And I don’t always like it. Change is uncomfortable. It requires effort; I can’t do what I’ve always done. It requires an open mind. I have to be intentional to not expect it to be the way “it’s always been,” and instead, be curious and even interested in learning a new way.

You’ve shown me that change can be good. It keeps me fresh and livens things up. It introduces new ideas and opens new doors of opportunity. But it’s scary not knowing what’s on the other side of the door.

But again, You are the same yesterday, today and forever. You have a plan for me and my church, and You will never let us down. You’ll never forget us or forsake us. Indeed, You have good things planned for us. You say in Your word “I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not disaster, for a future and a hope.” That’s super promising, super exciting. I should be like a little kid, expectedly looking forward to the fun to come.

Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to wait excitedly for change. Calm my fears; indeed, set them aside—as only You can do. Nudge me when I get dug into my “old thinking.” Remind me that You want to grow my faith, to stretch me, and that You want me to trust You.

Yeah, this is also about trusting You. Trusting that You know what is best. That You are the God of the universe, not me. That You have divinely orchestrated this change and that I am a beneficiary of Your goodness and an intentional part of Your greater plan.

Let my heart and mind rest on this truth: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.”

On this I can be assured.

In the Beautiful and Trustworthy Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

6/23/25 Prayer

Lord Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, You are the King of kings, and The Lord of lords. That’s why it’s so astonishing that You, the great I AM, care so purely and deeply about me and all humanity. You have a plan and purpose for each of us.

You tell me in Your Word that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Well, I’m in a season, a season where the pastor of my church is changing. I’ll be saying goodbye to my current pastor, and will soon be saying hello to a new one.

I find such deep comfort during this time of uncertainty and change that You’ve got this! This isn’t a surprise to You, rather it’s divinely orchestrated. 

You have set Pastor Mike’s heart on fire for a new ministry, using him to do Your work in a different capacity in the bigger church community. I pray that You lead Mike and Maria in their new ministry and that You set their hearts, minds, bodies and souls on fire for this new passion. 

I pray that You lead them in developing this ministry, that You provide the resources and wisdom they’ll need. I pray that the right people come into their lives at the right time. I pray that You open the hearts of those that they’ll be serving to receive what You desire to provide through Mike and Maria. 

Lord, sustain Mike and Maria during any times of doubt and questioning, reminding them that they stand in Victory with You. I pray their new ministry will be wildly successful—refreshing, renewing and restoring those with whom they will work, all for the glory of Your Name.

Please bless and keep Mike and Maria, make Your face shine on them and be gracious to them. I pray that You turn Your face towards them and give them peace.

In the Restoring and Transforming Name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Amen.

6/16/25 Prayer

I love being in Your Presence, Lord. It is good to just sit and be with You—not talk, but rather invite You to enrobe me. Some may not do this, but You invite us all to do so. We learn a new practice, one that brings stillness and peace. You tell us “Be still and know that I am God.”

In those times, I may hear one word from You. You may give me insight into a problem. You may encourage me in a particular area of my life. Or You may simply remind me profoundly that You love me just the way I am. I need not strive.

Your Word—You speaking into me, it’s life giving. 

You want me to be that way. You designed me uniquely to do this in other people’s lives. Not only do my actions matter, but my words do as well. I pray that Your Presence floods my mind as I talk with people of all kinds. I pray The Holy Spirit gives me the words a person needs to hear in a particular moment. I pray to be intentionally encouraging to others as I go through my day. Also, please give me awareness of the words I use and the messages I convey, whether intentional or not.

And let me not stop there! You have given me so many gifts and good things. I don’t necessarily know or fully understand the importance of even the most seemingly insignificant things I have. But You gave them to me for Your purposes. 

Before the world was created, You knew me and You had a plan and purpose for me. Help me not to try to figure it out all at once, but rather, to live daily going to You, my Wellspring. May I spend time being renewed, refreshed and fueled for my day. May that time with You open my eyes, mind and heart to see where You want me to step in and shine Your light. 

It may be as simple as giving a pleasant greeting and compliment to someone having a hard day. It may be as bold as asking someone if I can pray with them in the midst of struggle. I don’t know Lord, but I do know that I want to be that person. I want to serve You with all the gifts and good things You’ve given me. And in all this, I pray that You get all the glory.

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

Amen.

6/9/25 Prayer

Holy Spirit, You are so ever present in me. When I step back and think about this, it’s quite remarkable, even stunning. The Creator of everything that is, has been and will ever be, is present and alive in me. Emmanuel, God with me. That’s a name You were called, Jesus, when You came to earth.

I need to tell others about this—that they’re not doing life alone. That even when they’re not actively aware of it, it’s true. You are with us; You are with me personally! How beautiful is this. How faithful You are to me. I hardly deserve it, and that’s part of the reason this truth is a treasure.

And oh the good things You’ve done for me and given me. My breath, to start with, family, friends, food and shelter. You’ve given me a church family that really wants to be a part of my life experience. They want to support and love on me. They want to be a partner to go through life with me. This is unusual in this day and age. Most folks are only out for themselves and making their own life and experience better. Wow, I should really look into this.

I go through my days not really appreciating that You, God Almighty, are my true treasure. Life is so distracting and there are so many shiny objects that call out for my attention. I forget about You. I forget that You want to be an active and vibrant part of my experience. That’s why You are in me Holy Spirit!! And the beautiful thing is that even when I forget, You don’t. You’re still with me, still loving me, still providing, still waiting for me to turn my attention to You.

You, Lord Almighty, You are the biggest and most extravagant treasure in my life. I want to share You with others.

In the Ever Present Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

6/2/25 Prayer

You are a good God—all the time! You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. You are good to all. You have compassion on all You have made. Every good and perfect thing is from You.

You are the richest of all treasures and You have shared some with me. I am blessed beyond my understanding, and so grateful to be Your child—perfectly made and just where You want me at this moment in time.

Open my eyes and mind to see more clearly and frequently Your beauty and goodness. Reveal to me this week a new thing, a new truth about You.

May who You are—all Your attributes—open like a flower as I walk through this week. May I taste and see Your goodness, experiencing Your blessings.

You are my treasure—my greatest asset—from which any and all good comes. May I live fully into this truth, unshackled, not timid, but boldly in power and love—all for Your glory and the good You have for me.

In the Good, oh so Good Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

5/26/25 Prayer

God, You are of action! You actively love, You create, You provide and protect. You never stop acting. You are not a passive God that just created humankind to wander aimlessly. You go before us and are actively with us, especially when we seek You.

As the Psalmist tells us “Those who know Your Name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for You.”

May I be of action as well. May I live out my faith in You, Your goodness, Your faithfulness, Your mercy and grace, and Your promise—leaving a trail of crumbs and seeds pointing to You.

When I see a need, may I step in to fill it. When I see an injustice, may I be courageous and defend against it. When I see the lonely, may I be a friend and accompany. When I see someone struggling, may I make the time to help—meeting them wherever they are.

You’ve given me certain gifts—be it qualities, skills, insights and/or resources. May I not leave them on a shelf unused, or hoard them for myself. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the times and places where my gifts could be helpful or are needed. Stir my heart, flood me with compassion—moving me to act.

You loved me first. I love because You love me. May the pure love that You have for me be evident in my actions. May there be no doubt that the gifts You’ve given me are being used to bring a little bit of Heaven to earth.

In the Loving Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

5/19/25 Prayer

What You’ve created, Lord, is beautiful—including me! When I walk outside and see the trees, the flowers, the squirrels, the ants, the sky, the sun, and feel the breeze, I’m in awe of Your creativity, the expanse of Your Power, and the tremendous work that was required to create our world. Don’t get me started on the marvels of how a human body works!

I love to sit in Your creation and just be. I think there is something to that—being in the moment. Feeling Your Presence and being content. Most of the time, I’m planning ahead, figuring out what I need to be doing, or actively doing it. I can get caught up in looking too far ahead and then worrying about how I’ll get there or how things will be. Then other times, I think too deeply about what I really should be doing, what my goals should be, what’s next in life.

I don’t think that’s how You designed humankind to be. If I think about the Garden of Eden, we were supposed to live walking and talking with You—enjoying what You created and not concerned about what or where our next meal would come from. Instead we would experience life in each moment. Sounds amazing and life giving.

You want me whole—You designed me for shalom.

I live in a broken world, where society and culture do not put You front and center. I have to choose to follow You; make a conscious decision to include You in my days. Unfortunately, You do not come to mind automatically.

Holy Spirit, please help me change that. Convict me and bring my mind to You throughout my day. Help me to invite You into what’s happening, the good, the mediocre, the mundane, the bad and the sad.

I’ve noticed that when I spend time with You, I’m renewed. I have more patience, I show love more readily, I’m in a better mood. All around, my inner being is better (even if my circumstances are not). Huh.

I want to walk closely with You. I want to spend time in Your Presence. I don’t have to do it perfectly. But I can certainly do it more than I am right now.

Help me Holy Spirit! Help me make choices based on Your will and not mine.

Help me with motivation, determination, and the occasional push to get me going. But I have to do my part—to create the conditions and routines to make this happen. I want to live one day at a time enjoying Your Presence, Your Peace and Your Goodness. I want to live into the full measure of what You have for me. You made me for that. Indeed, You want that for me.

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

Amen.

5/12/25 Prayer

Eternal and unlimited, that is You. You have always been—are—and will always be. You are the Great “I am.” Abundance flows from You, and it never ceases to be. How mighty is my God!

You are the perfect demonstration of selflessness. You loved me first, even when I was (and, so many times, continue to be) unlovable. I am loved in this world by others, but never perfectly like You. It’s impossible for a human to do.

You also love me through others. And You use me to love others. That love is demonstrated in so many beautiful ways. It may be as simple as taking the time to talk to a friend on a busy day, or as elaborate as orchestrating an outing for the family to go serve in a food pantry when what we really want to do is go to the beach. It could be choosing to do what a family member wants when I had planned to do something else for myself.

The point of showing love is to put the other person first. To set myself aside for another. The most grand example was Jesus on the cross. Selflessness personified.

While I am finite on earth—with You and after death, I will live eternally. What I do here on earth has eternal consequences. Obviously, the first is choosing to accept You in my heart by faith. But also, by what I do and don’t do as relates to others.

My relationships have eternal impact—sharing Your love, doing as You would do. Your light shines through me, illuminating Your Presence. It also shows how You’ve impacted me and my life. I’ve been transformed by Your love and want to be a transformative vessel of Your love in the lives of others.

I pray that a desire wells up in me, to do for another—in exchange for nothing. That I do just because I love, even for a stranger or someone I may not like. Holy Spirit, this is not continually possible in my own selfish strength, but it is immensely possible in Your Power. I pray for this to be the pattern of my life.

You loved me first. You love me now. You’ll love me tomorrow and forever. May I live fully into Your love and may that love pour out into the lives of others.

In the Loving Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

5/5/25 Prayer

Thank You Almighty Lord for the opportunity to be Your hands and feet—to go out into the community and represent You, not necessarily by what I say, but what I do, how I love.

This world needs Your love. In fact, this world was made to be loved by You. I am Your disciple, and as Your disciple, I want to represent You well. I want the love that You pour into me, to spill out and pour into others. My cup overflows.

You made me in abundance, not in scarcity. Your love for me is endless and immeasurable. Holy Spirit, please help me to feel and be that way with others—to live abundantly, not fearing scarcity. It could be time, it could be money, it could be love, it could be compassion, or even sharing an interest. Let me not act in scarcity with these things and others. Sometimes I fear that if I give them away, I won’t have enough for when I need them. But that’s not true! You’ve provided them to me in abundance for the purposes You designed me. 

You have said “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” And also, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

May I be as generous with others as You are with me. And may I remember that this begins at home with my family and spreads from there—to my neighbor, to my co-worker, to my friend, to the stranger, to my community, to other communities, to other countries, to the world. And even to the one I do not like. That person was created in love by You. It is not my place to judge but to love.

In the Endlessly Generous Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

4/28/25 Prayer

My Beautiful God, You are so patient with me. You are grand—yet gentle and humble. You wait on me and never turn me away. You pursue me, but oh so quietly and unhurriedly. You wait as long as it takes for me to turn my life to You.

Sometimes when I’m with You, a peace fills me, calms clothes me and I feel complete. But not always. I wish it were true always.

You tell us to seek You. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” You want my heart. You want me to seek to be with You, to spend time with You—in true desire, not in obligation. That’s what puts a smile on Your face.

What I’m learning is that I don’t have to “do” to be with You. I can just “be.” Yes, reading Your Word draws me closer to You and can speak into my heart when I’m curious and open to listen. Singing to You and listening to Jesus music is another form of worship. But so is just sitting or standing and asking to be in Your Presence, purposely being with You in quiet.

At first my mind thinks, jumps around, trying to fill the silence. But then I realize that it’s unnecessary. I don’t need to “do.” You did it all on the cross. You loved me first. I can simply respond and “be” loved. That opens my heart to love You back. It makes me feel good to just sit with You in silence, to receive Your love and share in Your glory—the place of shalom.

You are inviting me. You’ll wait as long as it takes. Your hand is always open. Holy Spirit, I need Your help to understand more fully my relationship with You. I need to more fully accept that there is no earning or performing. I want to feel the desire to want to spend more time with You. I want the desire to read my Bible, to learn more about You. I want to be looking for You throughout my days, to discover Your treasures and wisdom. I want to talk to You throughout my days. I don’t want it to be a chore, but a delight. I can’t do this fully on my own. 

I need You to change my heart—to take what I know is true in my head and let it blossom in my heart. While I usually want what I want—I want to want what You want. Help me Holy Spirit. Open my mind, body and soul to live and be with You more fully.

In the Patient and Gentle Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

4/21/25 Prayer

My Most Beautiful Savior, You rose from the dead to save me … little ‘ole me! You died for me. You rose from the dead for me. You saved me from my sin, You saved me from myself, You called me from this world to be Your own. I am Your child, whole and complete—just as I am today. I don’t need to do anything to earn this standing, to be Your beloved child. While everything else is performance based, not with You.

I don’t fully understand or appreciate the depth and immensity of this truth. I pray You reveal it to me slowly over time. Holy Spirit, help me reflect and meditate on it, help me experience this truth practically in my daily life, help me grow in understanding. Imprint this truth on my heart. Let it echo forever in my soul. May each day I remember to receive this gift and to live into it.

And You have no favorites. You died and rose again for all others as well. Oh, what a wonderful world it would be if we all lived into this truth. Many don’t believe, others don’t live into this truth (I know that happens to me). Yet, all is not lost this side of heaven. You made me. You revealed Yourself to me. You’ve empowered me. I am Your disciple. I am Your representative here on earth. I’ll hardly do it perfectly, but I’ll get it right much of the time. You’ll personally guide me in this process.

Open my eyes and ears to see people and this world as You do. Let me see those with needs, though they themselves may not realize it. Draw out compassion from my heart and soul—not as in pity, or in a way that immobilizes me—but rather that motivates, encourages and strengthens. Convict me when I’m complacent. Rile me up when I’m hunkered down for myself. Assuage my fears and embolden me with courage. Lord, transform me into the person You made me to be.

In the Saving Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

4/14/25 Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are almighty, yet gentle as a dove. So gentle and close to us that we can call You Dad. 

It’s remarkable that the Creator of everything that is, cares about every single detail of my life; and wants to be intimately involved in it. You want to provide for all my needs. You want me to be filled with joy and contentment. You want me to live into the full measure of what You have for me. You, God, are “for” me!

I pray to believe this truth with all my heart. I pray to not only know this truth in my heart and head, but to live based on it. To trust You with my secrets, to trust You with my fears, to trust You with my longings and heartaches, to trust You with my dreams, to trust You with my money, to trust You with those whom I love, to trust You with my future.

I pray to know—in the depths of soul and being—that I am not going through this life alone, that You are not only with me, but for me. I want that. Holy Spirit, remind me of this truth unceasingly—write it on my heart. 

Encourage me to share this truth. Open my eyes to someone who needs to hear it. Give me the courage to speak it out loud. And as I speak it, give me more confidence and conviction in its truth.

There are those who are physically limited, physically challenged. They struggle even more with the things and doings of this world. Simple things are harder for them. Things I take for granted may seem like mountains to climb. Holy Spirit, reveal to me their particular struggles, let me know of their practical issues—give me the eyes to see their needs, their desires, their hearts.

And just as You care about every detail of my life, give me the heart, mind and actions, to care and do in the details of their life and their particular physical challenges. Please use me to bless them in Your Name.

In the Gentle and Compassionate Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

4/7/25 Prayer

Gracious and Loving Father, You are Beautiful and Wondrous. You love us unconditionally and Your love will never cease. Though I search for it in this world—for something similar, I don’t find it. It’s simply not available through anything else or anyone here on earth. This world is broken and all humans are flawed. 

I have this yearning—to be loved perfectly, to be accepted, to feel that I am valued, to feel secure, to feel complete. I don’t even know what I yearn for sometimes. But I am learning that nothing can truly satisfy it but You. In You, I can find deep rest.

I love walking with You. I love that when I wake, You are with me. I love that as I go throughout my day—at any given moment—I can be with You. I love that You lay my head down to rest at night. Sure, sometimes I don’t feel it, but nonetheless, You are there. 

Open my senses, my awareness, my soul, to feel Your Presence. Give me the desire, the perseverance, the courage, to each day choose to live with You, to seek Your Presence. 

In living with You, I pray for a clear mind, calm spirit and peace—shalom. That’s what I was made for, to live in communion with You. While everything may not be “right” or as I want it, I feel more peace. It’s all more doable. I’m more secure. You are my refuge, my fortress and my shield. 

Lord, I can’t be the only person who feels this way. May I have compassion on those who struggle for peace, who may be mentally distressed—whether it be depression, anxiety, discouragement, feeling unsettled, or restlessness. I feel that way from time to time. When I do, I’d love for someone to be Your hands and feet and be there for me. 

Lord, show me who needs Your loving touch, who needs to know that they are loved, are valued, are accepted, are secure. While we can never be complete without You, we can soothe each other and be the hands and feet of Jesus. May I seek to share the kindness, the patience, the love and compassion that You embody.

Your love is enduring and unfailing. May I, and those who I minister to, rest in that truth.

In the Kindhearted Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

3/31/24 Prayer

Praise The Lord oh my soul, praise The Lord! Forget not that He forgives all our sins and that He sits with us in our times of need. Praise The Lord oh my soul, praise The Lord.

I am never alone. You are always with me! It’s kind of cool—how as a Triune God, You are never alone. You, God, Holy Spirit and Jesus are always together. You continually love and glorify each other. I was made to live in that, to commune with You.

But Lord, this life can be hard. Emotionally it can rock my world—my soul. I experience fear, sadness, anxiety, anger, grief, frustration, confusion; and sometimes I don’t even know what emotion or set of emotions I’m feeling. That’s not always the case. I feel calm, joy, excitement and happiness as well. But it’s those moments of emotional distress that get me. I can get stuck in it, or I don’t know how to navigate through them.

Others experience this as well. I see it on the faces of family, friends and strangers.

Thankfully, You have not left us to go through it alone. We have You. I know this; You remind me in the Psalms.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

And leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

I can rest in You. You lead me to peace when I trust You. It’s not always a straight line, but I eventually get there—my soul restored and renewed. Many times You do this through other people. It could be friends, family or even strangers. Thank You for never forgetting me, for always providing.

Lord, use me to help others. May I notice when someone is in emotional need, whether it’s something simple or complex. Open my heart to be like Yours, wanting no one to feel abandoned and left alone. Holy Spirit, help me to know what to say. Give me the desire, the courage, and the compassion to walk with them through the desert they are experiencing.

May Your light shine through in those times. May I remember to call upon You, to ask You to give me the words and the way. Holy Spirit, drench us in love, kindness, faithfulness and peace.

Thank You for always rescuing me from my emotions. May I do it together with You for another.

In the Faithful and Compassionate Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.