Truth to remember when the day before you feels too daunting to face:
God is always with me and never leaves my side. (See Joshua 1:9)
God has given me all I need in Christ. (See Philippians 4:19)
God is my strength when I am weak. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
God's Word lights my path and directs my steps. (Psalm 119:105)
God is glorified when I do small things with great love for him. (See Matthew 22:37)
Written by Gretchen Saffles (Well-Watered Women Co.)
Precious Lord Jesus,
Thank you for who you are! Protector, Shield, Provider, Savior, Healer, Comforter, Prince of Peace, Shepherd, the Lord who prays for us! You never give up on us. Thank you Jesus! You fill us and provide all we need. Thank you Lord God! We long to be made right; for our hearts to beat with yours! Thank you Jesus for enduring the cross, defeating death once and for all! We love you and need you! As we walk, or run through this life, help us live the abundant life you came to give us. We need you Lord. Left on our own, we tend to mess things up. Thank you that you never mess up or leave us! Help us quickly forgive wrongs to be forgiven. Shine your light so brightly in our hearts that people see you. For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory now and forevermore. Amen
Lindy Bettis
Heavenly Father, You are majestic, all-powerful, yet gentle and humble. How beautiful that You can hold all good together. You don’t lord Your power over us, in fact, You give us free will. And when we come to You, Your arms are wide open, ready to receive us just as we are.
We pray that You draw us to You, that You lead us into a closer more intimate relationship with You. Please help us Holy Spirit invite You into our daily lives, thinking of You more frequently—giving You thanks, asking for help in even the most small and menial tasks, and seeking Your counsel and direction in decision making. There is nothing too small or big for You; there is nothing outside of Your purview. And why wouldn’t we, You care so much about us.
Well…
Sometimes we are scared. We may not like what You want or where You are leading us. We may want to be the “bosses” of our own lives. We may fear losing our own identities.
Yet, you are gentle and humble. You are for us. You want good for us. You hold all good together. You can be the boss of our life and do so in a way that is good for us and glorifying to You. And we are fearfully and wonderfully made, each of us unique. You don’t want to change the essence of what You made. And since You made us and the world around us, You would know how best it works together. Help us trust that and You.
We pray this in Your Holy and Gentle Name, Jesus Christ.
Patty Covington
Almighty and gracious God, thank you for the gift of a new day and a new week! Your goodness and greatness is all around us in the beauty of the flowers, the warmth of the breaking sun and the drizzle that is replenishing the earth. Although so much of our world, community and church can seem unsettled, it is wonderful to experience the stability of your presence, for you are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. You are all-wise, faithful, dependable and reliable, so we lean on you to guide and direct us in the way that is best for us today. There is no one who knows better, has more experience, or has better intentions for us than you. May your love, joy, and peace fill us to overflowing. We long to point others to you and through our thoughts, words and actions bring you glory, honor and praise! We pray all this In the marvelous name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Pastor Mike Maxwell
There is so much hope for those of us who believe. You are our God, the only One True God. And You are for us! How awesome is that!
The Creator of everything that exists cares for each one of us, so much so, You know how many hairs we have on our head.
It still blows my mind that in carrying out Your will, You do it in a way that is also for our good. We should be constantly praising and worshipping You because You created us. And yet we don’t. Thank You for caring for us so much!
A person can love someone but not extend care for him or her. Love and caring are two very different things. You tell us in Your Word to cast all our anxiety on You because You care for us. (1 Peter 5:7). Thank you for telling us this.
In caring, You are constantly interested in us and in being in relationship with us. If we only understood how much so!
This world and our sin distorts our view of Your goodness and the good things You give. Our viewpoint is self-directed, self-centered, revolving around what we think, feel or want. You have the bigger picture in mind—our entire lives as well as those around us, as coalesced with Your Glory and Your Good Plan.
If we think about it, how small minded are we to just think of ourselves.
But we do—at least I do. But You get it. You understand and forgive us. Thank You Jesus!! You came to this earth to walk as a mere man, to experience what we experience. Not only do You know as God, the Omnipotent, but as a man who experienced.
You also tell us that Your Power is best expressed in our weakness. We don’t like having weaknesses or vulnerabilities. We like to be in control. That coupled with our self-centeredness is a recipe for not wanting to be in need, not wanting to make room for You to do Your work.
We need You whether we realize it or not. We’re blind to see that or even to want it. But there is so much beauty and richness in experiencing Your Presence and provision.
I live that way now. I need and my life has been so enriched. I’ve experienced tremendous overwhelming beauty in it. You’ve brought so many people into my life, from my church family, to co-workers, to close as well as long lost friends, to HVAC workers, to call center representatives, to random people I’ve talked with on the phone to take care of bills, to medical professionals—the list goes on and on.
We’ve talked about You, we’ve lifted up Your name up, prayed for each other, shared life experiences, helped and encouraged each other. Beautiful. Your power is truly best expressed in our weakness.
And in these experiences, You’ve provided all that I need. I no longer fear needing because in that weakness, You will show Your strength and provide.
So, let us all say “help me, Lord.” Let us not want to be self-centered or self-dependent. Let us delight in seeing You show up. Let us share these experiences with others to encourage and spur each other along. This journey on earth is hard. But, You are there and provide if only we ask.
Let us praise You. Let us delight in You. You are always good. Let us invite You into our lives more and more.
In our Precious Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
Patty Covington
Majestic Lord,
Thank you for who you are! Thank you that your eyes are on all the earth! Thank you for your finished work on the cross! Thank you for your Holy Spirit! We need you so! There are so many times that we have not honored you. Please forgive us and lead us in your way everlasting. Search us and know our hearts. Show us what we need to change and give us all we need to do it! Thank you Lord God that you are the Lover of our souls! When the circumstances of life seem too much for us to handle, help us turn to you, for you are our strength and our hope and our peace. Your Word says, blessed are those who hunger for righteousness, the miraculous healing of our hearts and souls. Help us understand our need for your healing presence in the here and now so that somehow we bring more friends to you. In your loving spirit, send us and always bring us home to you.
For your honor and glory and praises for all time.
Amen
Lindy Bettis
“Through Jesus we discover, by faith, absolute trust: that which we turn over to God is secure. He is not careless or absent-minded with the precious treasure of our lives. God takes care of that which we give Him. I commit myself and those I live with into your safekeeping, dear Father. Permit no evil to ruin our faith, no testing to damage our obedience, no unbelief to diminish our love, no anxieties to weaken our hope. You bought us with a great price; now keep us for eternity. Amen.”
Eugene Peterson
Dear Lord, it’s been a hard week. There have been lots of ups and downs, joys and disappointments, strong moments of faith and weak moments of worry. But nonetheless, it’s been good. Not because of me, but because of You. You have walked with me through each day and each moment. You’ve held me and You’ve led me. You’ve brought me peace in the midst of challenges, and times of joy where You’re light and love have shone through.
This is not just my story, it’s that of every one of Your believers—those who follow You.
We must cling to You. We must rest assured that You will carry us through. We must count on You showing up. It won’t be easy. We’ll have times of worry and doubt—however, we are never alone. Thankfully, You’ve shown us this in Your Word. There are so many life stories in The Bible of people who struggle like us. We just need to read and remember.
You instruct us to read and know Your Word. You’re not a teacher giving us homework or being a demanding God who wants us to prove that we obey You. No, it’s so that we learn and know that You are there with us, that we can lean on You and count on You for coming through for us.
You tell us in The Bible—You are “for us”! We cling to that! You tell us that You’ll work everything together for our good according to Your purpose. We’re counting on it!
Help us remember and believe these promises. And help us be okay with Your plan, however it works out.
Our hope is in You. You are our true source of strength and joy.
In the Precious Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Patty Covington
Dear amazing, almighty and marvelous Lord!
Thank you for the ways you continue to delight, dazzle and inspire us! We join our voices to that of all creation that sings your praise! You are so worthy and full of glory!
What a blessing to be in relationship with the God who raises the dead! We don't fear sin and death any longer! We rest in the work you did on the cross and how you have left the grave empty! Your resurrection changes everything!
We acknowledge that in many ways, the struggles, challenges, frustrations, disappointments and discouragements remain real and all around us. However, because of you we have hope! Because of you we have salvation! Because of you we have freedom!
In these days following Easter, we know they are the days of Peter's reinstatement (John 21:15-19), the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), the Ascension (Luke 24:50-51), Pentecost and the birth of your Church (Acts 2:1-13). We marvel at how you continued to meet and encourage people and it reminds us of how you continue to do so today!
Thank you for your presence, power and promises. As we cling to you, help us to know how to faith-fully represent you in all we think, say and do. In all our encounters, guide us in demonstrating your love, grace, mercy and compassion. Help us to share your strength, peace and hope. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and lead us into the beautiful unknown of the days ahead. We are committed to follow you!
We pray all this In the name of the risen Christ!
Amen!
- Pastor Mike
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you that your timing is always on time. As I fretted over lint that was left on our roof from a dryer lint cleaning event last fall, the rain that we’ve had recently, finally washed it down on our driveway. As a little bird has quickly built a beautiful little nest in my front door wreath, I realized that she had used all that lint to line her perfect little nest. If it had blown away or been washed down earlier, she wouldn’t have had it to use.
Thank you God for providing for each of us and knowing that there is a time for everything and a season and that your timing is perfect. You do not forget those who have been faithful, and you do not have to conform to what we expect.
Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross at the perfect time to save each of us.
In your most precious name I pray.
Amen
Billie Wallace
Heavenly Father, Abba, thank You that You made us to be in relationship with You. That we are never alone. That You want to be a part of our lives; that’s why You made us. And, even when we turned away from You, You sent Jesus, Your Son, to get us back in right relationship with You. You clearly love us more than we can understand or deserve.
We need You, even when we don’t think we do—both when things are going well and when they’re not. Sadly, when things are going well, we’re content with it and may not think to thank You and praise You. Forgive us for that.
And sometimes when we’re overwhelmed with life or a particular situation, we’re running ourselves into the ground trying to control it or fix it. Forgive us for that too.
In all these situations, You know the beginning, the middle and the end. You know how it will play out at this particular time and season, and more importantly over the course of our entire lives.
Trust, that is what we must do, trust You. It’s so hard, because we want to control and know the outcome. We want it to go the way we think is best. But, really, what do we know as compared to You? You created the world, all that fills it, our solar system, all galaxies, everything that exists, and us.
Hmmm, do we really need to control things all by ourselves, or just relax a bit and rely on You to lead us through?
Please help us do this, to see Your Presence in our daily lives. Please help us seek You!
Holy Spirit, open our ears and eyes to be attentive to hear You speak softly in our minds and hearts, and even through other people; to see You open doors, bring us opportunities, place people in our lives.
Let us actually look for You and Your work and give You the credit and the glory!
Thank You for being so patient with, and faithful to, us. You love us more than we understand, and though meager in comparison, we love You. And that delights You!
In the Precious Name of Jesus we pray.
Patty Covington
Precious Lord Jesus,
Thank you for who you are! Protector, Shield, Provider, Savior, Healer, Comforter, Prince of Peace, Shepherd, the Lord who prays for us! You never give up on us. Thank you Jesus! You fill us and provide all we need. Thank you Lord God! We long to be made right; for our hearts to beat with yours! Thank you Jesus for enduring the cross, defeating death once and for all! We love you and need you! As we walk, or run through this life, help us live the abundant life you came to give us. We need you Lord. Left on our own, we tend to mess things up. Thank you that you never mess up or leave us! Help us quickly forgive wrongs to be forgiven. Shine your light so brightly in our hearts that people see you.
For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory now and forevermore.
Amen
Lindy Bettis
Glorious Heavenly Father, Creator of heaven and earth, we praise your Holy Name. All the days of my life, I praise you and give you honor and glory. Lord Jesus, You are the Light spilling out in dark places. In the midst of pain and hurt, disappointment, stress and anxiety, You are present. We thank you, God, that darkness does not overcome the light.
Lord, when my heart is troubled and my head is full of anxious thoughts, help me to remember to be strong and courageous, because You chose me by name, and You are with me wherever I go. I am yours. Steer me away from self-reliance and into your Word. May hymns of praise and scripture bring peace and joy to my heart and strengthen my relationship with you so I may be a witness to others in my words and actions. Help me to trust in You and be held.
I love you, God, and I thank you for providing me with loving church friends who guide me closer to you. Be with my friends and family this week. Hold them in your care and help them to feel your love. Thank you.
Amen.
Mallory Smith
Heavenly Father,
I come before you with a prayer for our New Life family and friends. Please watch over them with your boundless grace and protection. Grant them strength in times of weakness, courage in moments of fear, and clarity in times of doubt.
Bless our New Life family and friends with health, happiness, and abundance in all aspects of their lives.
Amen.
Savannah
Our Beautiful God, thank You for loving us unconditionally! No where and with no one person is that truly experienced. We walk in freedom when we walk with You! May we be continually aware of Your Presence. You are always with us! May we longingly seek to be with You.
Let us not only soak that up, but may our hearts and minds know and believe of Your good desire and design for us. May You open our eyes to see Your hand working in our lives. May You open our ears to hear the whispers You speak into us. May You soften our hearts to trust You and not necessarily need to understand all that is happening to us.
We cannot do any of this on our own. It is only through the Power and work of The Holy Spirit. You are in us and Your Power is in us. And the beautiful thing is that we can access it by simply asking. In fact, You want us to ask! You love when we go to You in faith, even if we have doubts.
Please Lord, build and strengthen our trust and faith in You. Help us, through the Power of The Holy Spirit, love You more, go to You more, trust You more, include You more in our lives, and be with You more! We need Your help, we cannot do this on our own! We want to live lives glorifying to You!!
And thank You God that You desire good things for us!! You tell us in Luke 11:11-13
"You fathers-if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."
And You also tell us in Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Please help us remember and believe Your Word and scripture with all our hearts and all our minds!
For Your Glory, and in the Precious Name of Jesus we pray.
Patty Covington
Dear my Good and Gracious God, Provider, Creator, and Abba Father,
Thank you, Lord, for today and this week. I strive to give myself fully to you this week. As this week is a week of love, affection, hearts, and a chance to show those we care, I thank you for caring for and loving me.
This week I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Today, I seek your assistance in helping me put myself in place of love. I seek to live out these characteristics not just today and this week, but every day.
I am patient, I am kind. I do not envy, I do not boast. I am not proud. I do not dishonor others, I am not self-seeking. I am not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs. I do not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. I always protect, always trust, always hope, and always persevere in you Father.
These are not easy in this crazy world, but with your help, I know I can do better. Allow me to make you the priority of every day, to see you in the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Thank you for my church family, thank you for the freedom I have to worship freely, and thank you for my blessing.
Amen.
Jason Mabe
My heavenly Father,
It is evening-my dark time and the loneliness creeps in and sometimes darkness. It feels as though I am the only person on the earth that feels this way. No human to talk to and the “ping” of the phone does not erase the pit that I find myself in.
The things that are shining through now are the sins that are evident from the day. Why didn’t I reach out to that person that you put on my heart? Why won’t I forgive that friend that said those mean and hurtful things? Why were those words so easy to say today in traffic? Why did I watch that tv show just because I could not find anything else better to watch? Why didn’t I do what was right in that situation? Please Jesus, forgive me!
Then…a moment of silence….and finally I realize that I am NOT alone.
You, my Abba, are here with me. I just have to let your light shine through the darkness. I allow your arms to envelop me with your protection and rest.
My merciful Savior, I give you all the sins of today, knowing full well, that I will add to the list tomorrow –even sometimes repeating those of today.
You listen, nod your head in agreement and say “sleep well my child. I love you and forgive you once again.”
Thank you gracious Lord, I love you.
Amen.
Patti Davis
Almighty and gracious God, you are the Good Shepherd, Righteous Judge, Loving Father, Creator and Sustainer. You are our Personal Savior and Mighty Deliverer. Thank you for leading us through this journey of conversations with you over the past month!
Forgive us for the times when we got caught up in the things calling for our attention and didn't pursue focused time with you. We confess that at times we thought there would be more time in the day, so we put you off in order to get a few things done first. We admit that we thought accomplishing those things was more important than talking with you. Please forgive us and fill our hearts with a deep longing to connect with you.
We have learned so much about prayer and about you. However, the best part has been actually meeting with you and talking with you. Thank you for moving from a concept in our minds to the reality we know in our heart and soul. Because of these regular encounters, we have grown and matured. Your Holy Spirit has awakened us to be more aware of you, those around us and what you are doing in us. Continue that work, so we might be all you intended us to be as individuals and as a church.
Stir in us a dissatisfaction with convenient, comfortable or status quo Christianity. Cause our hearts to burn for you and awaken a fresh love for those around us. Thank you for all you have given us and all you are helping us become. Help us to have the courage to leverage everything you have entrusted to our care on behalf of others for the sake of your kingdom. Don't let us settle for anything less than all you have for us.
We long to represent you in this broken world. Refresh, revive and renew us so that we might be overflowing with your grace, love, kindness, mercy and forgiveness. We are humbled by the way you live in us and delight in us. Use us all for your glory and honor.
We pray all this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Pastor Mike
A Prayer for Pain
Physical.
God, heal my body. Take the pain that I feel, that is telling me something is wrong, and correct what needs correcting. I am made so intricately. You know every part of me. Renew me and wash me with your Holy Spirit. Breathe newness in my body.
Mental.
God, heal my mind. Bathe past trauma, anxiety, and hurt with your Holy Spirit. Let me see your goodness and grace in every aspect of my life. Even in the darkest parts, let me see your light. Lead me to people who will my hold arms up when I am low and heavy. Help me trust others with my vulnerability. Breathe newness over my mind.
World.
God, heal our world. It is broken due to our desires, greed, ambitions, and sin. Where violence dominates, give me wisdom to be a lamb. Where scarcity is felt, give me hands that are open to share. When I feel like I want to turn away, and ignore the pain of others, give me a new heart that longs to see New Creation and then acts. Breathe newness into our world.
I hold these things in hope.
If today is a rough day and I ache physically in my body: you are still good and trustworthy.
If today is a dark day, and I struggle with heaviness in my mind: you are still good and trustworthy.
If today the world still turns violently and out of rhythm with your design: you are still good and trustworthy.
Through it all your son, Jesus, is with me.
Amen.
Victor Neal
Lord, give me wisdom to choose to focus on during the next year. With your help, I know I can make the changes You’re calling me to make. Help me to have eyes to see others the way You see them, to love and forgive others they way You’ve forgiven me, and to use my influence all for Your glory. This year, I pray You would help my family to be closer, my leadership to be sharper, my faith to be deeper, and my heart to be larger. Thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus. This year, I choose to put my hope and trust in You. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Pastor Craig Groeschel, Life Church
