365 Days of Prayer for Life E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: 365 Days of Prayer
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Seitenzahl: 385

Beschreibung

Whether you have made prayer a habit for many years or this is your first prayer devotional, inspiration is waiting for you in the daily prayers written here.   Ultimately, prayer is a conversation with God. You don't need to use fancy words or recite long passages of Scripture. Just talk to God. Open your heart. He adores you, and he's listening to every word you say. Some days your prayers may be filled with gratitude, some days with repentance, and some with need. Just lay your heart and your prayers at the Father's feet and wait for his powerful response.   Be blessed as you connect daily with God.  

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing

Group LLC Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

365 Days of Prayer for Life

© 2020 BroadStreet Publishing

978-1-4245-6013-4

978-1-4245-6014-1 (ebook)

Composed by Sara Perry.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Design by Chris Garborg | garborgdesign.com

Compiled and edited by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com

Printed in China.

20  21  22  23  24  25  7  6  5  4  3  2  1

Don’t worry about anything;

instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need,

and thank him for all he has done.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 NLT

CONTENTS

Introduction

January

January 1 Perfect Plan

January 2 Choosing Well

January 3 Work that Matters

January 4 Positive Influence

January 5 Send Friends

January 6 Brought Low

January 7 Abide

January 8 Fully Committed

January 9 Deliver Me

January 10 Accountable

January 11 So Much Grace

January 12 Loneliness

January 13 Refresh and Restore

January 14 A Heart that Would

January 15 Accepting Others

January 16 Run to Win

January 17 Forgiven

January 18 Gifts in Disguise

January 19 Inspire Me

January 20 No Compromise

January 21 Weary

January 22 Season of Grief

January 23 Loving Well

January 24 Casting Burdens

January 25 Mercy upon Mercy

January 26 Quick to Listen

January 27 Forever Gifts

January 28 While I Wait

January 29 Every Good Thing

January 30 Speak of Love

January 31 Gentleness

February

February 1 First Stone

February 2 All I Need

February 3 Simple Pleasures

February 4 Power Supply

February 5 No Small Miracle

February 6 Inspired to Please

February 7 Confidence

February 8 Remain Faithful

February 9 Everything Changes

February 10 Light, Love, and Truth

February 11 The Mirror

February 12 Not Good

February 13 Let You In

February 14 You Are Love

February 15 One Heart

February 16 Every Opportunity

February 17 Illusion of Control

February 18 Anger Rising

February 19 Measured Steps

February 20 Pursued by Goodness

February 21 Separated from Guilt

February 22 Far Away

February 23 Restraint

February 24 Move Me

February 25 Tune Me

February 26 Sit and Wait

February 27 Releasing Kindness

February 28 Awe Inspired

February 29 Replacing Worry

March

March 1 Change Is Good

March 2 Buckling Knees

March 3 Faith Spilling Over

March 4 Place for Me

March 5 My Mistakes

March 6 Greater Meaning

March 7 Strength

March 8 Deepest Desire

March 9 Child of the King

March 10 My Help

March 11 Drawing Me Back

March 12 Though I Fail

March 13 Too Much

March 14 Laying Down Weapons

March 15 The Sweetest Fruit

March 16 Break My Heart

March 17 Your Motives

March 18 Live on Purpose

March 19 Before I Speak

March 20 What Is True

March 21 Light of Approval

March 22 Contentment

March 23 No Need to Fear

March 24 Your Will

March 25 Not Helpless

March 26 With Joy

March 27 Surrendered Mind

March 28 Repentance Matters

March 29 Tempted

March 30 Not My Home

March 31 Selfish Ambition

April

April 1 No Criticism

April 2 Prone to Wander

April 3 You Are Perfect

April 4 Source of Hope

April 5 Desiring Humility

April 6 Cannot Be Lost

April 7 Renew My Mind

April 8 Made to Be

April 9 Wise Enough

April 10 Willing Submission

April 11 Self-Discipline

April 12 Real Future

April 13 Present

April 14 Still Promised

April 15 Jealousy

April 16 My Reconciliation

April 17 Beauty in Pain

April 18 Already Won

April 19 Carrying Enough

April 20 Defeat Is Impossible

April 21 As I Know It

April 22 Matching Wisdom

April 23 Each Holy Act

April 24 It Will Be Done

April 25 Born of Pain

April 26 Beautiful Reflection

April 27 My Safety

April 28 Accept the Waiting

April 29 Thankful in Trials

April 30 Where You Are

May

May 1 A Glimpse

May 2 Captives Set Free

May 3 All I Carry

May 4 Enemies Will See

May 5 Within the Walls

May 6 Inside Out

May 7 When We Doubt

May 8 Fear No Evil

May 9 My Inspiration

May 10 All I Am

May 11 You Get Me

May 12 Whole Again

May 13 Sensitivity

May 14 As It Should Be

May 15 Living on Camera

May 16 Glorified Me

May 17 Father of Goodness

May 18 Life Gets Busy

May 19 With You

May 20 In the Fight

May 21 Absent of Judgment

May 22 Honored

May 23 Striving

May 24 Lesser Things

May 25 Better than Winning

May 26 Increase My Faith

May 27 Unmerited Favor

May 28 You Stay

May 29 Lessen My Grip

May 30 Unconditional Acceptance

May 31 Aim for Harmony

June

June 1 Dependable

June 2 I Will Rejoice

June 3 With All

June 4 Every Moment

June 5 All Grace

June 6 Humble Help

June 7 Before Confessing

June 8 We Are Family

June 9 My Deepest Pain

June 10 Pay It Forward

June 11 Security

June 12 For Your Glory

June 13 Reason for Success

June 14 My Parachute

June 15 Bloom

June 16 Thoughts Captured

June 17 Choose Your Way

June 18 Good Sense

June 19 Contentment

June 20 Ultimate Guide

June 21 Nothing to Condemn

June 22 Never Too Much

June 23 Selflessness

June 24 Make You Proud

June 25 Take Courage

June 26 Forgive Me

June 27 New Heart

June 28 By Your Grace

June 29 How Much

June 30 Joyful Surrender

July

July 1 Deleting Criticism

July 2 Your Reasons

July 3 While I Wait

July 4 I Am Free

July 5 Simplicity

July 6 A Season

July 7 Not Defeated

July 8 Willingly Tethered

July 9 Whatever I Ask

July 10 Much Need

July 11 Bearing Gifts

July 12 Beloved Child

July 13 Sadness

July 14 Beautiful Future

July 15 A Voice

July 16 Obedience

July 17 My Strength

July 18 God Bless You

July 19 All My Desire

July 20 A Giving Heart

July 21 It Is You

July 22 The Same Wall

July 23 Surrender Again

July 24 Compassionately

July 25 Resource of Hope

July 26 Gratuitous Love

July 27 Exercise in Hope

July 28 Compared to Glory

July 29 Turn Away

July 30 Constant

July 31 My Endurance

August

August 1 Lead Me

August 2 Suffering

August 3 With Patience

August 4 Wise Enough

August 5 These Dreams

August 6 As I Love

August 7 No Reason

August 8 Help Me

August 9 Unshakable

August 10 Growing Wiser

August 11 Enough Today

August 12 Burning Joy

August 13 Everything

August 14 Humble Servant

August 15 Distant Meaning

August 16 Equal Trust

August 17 With Help

August 18 Hope Wins

August 19 Rest Awhile

August 20 If I Quit

August 21 Let Go

August 22 My Comforter

August 23 Your Faithfulness

August 24 Some of Heaven

August 25 Protect My Heart

August 26 Paved Road

August 27 Words of Life

August 28 It Makes Sense

August 29 Wise Words

August 30 For Good

August 31 My Intercessor

September

September 1 Hope in the Light

September 2 Brave Enough

September 3 Great Things

September 4 The Right Path

September 5 One Thing

September 6 Open Door Policy

September 7 Only Love

September 8 More Like You

September 9 Adversity

September 10 Love Never Ends

September 11 The Same Hands

September 12 No Words

September 13 When Glory Comes

September 14 Brought Near

September 15 Abba

September 16 Access to Wisdom

September 17 You Alone

September 18 Every Chance

September 19 Delight in Weakness

September 20 All Honor

September 21 Just Us

September 22 Powerful Presence

September 23 Life of Integrity

September 24 What I Would Do

September 25 Greater Impact

September 26 The Source

September 27 Anchored

September 28 Meet Me

September 29 Staying Focused

September 30 Reconciliation

October

October 1 Guard My Heart

October 2 Temporary

October 3 Empathy

October 4 My Name

October 5 Joy Is Medicine

October 6 Get It Right

October 7 Not Worried

October 8 Wealth of Character

October 9 Call to Love

October 10 Strength Revealed

October 11 The Only Judge

October 12 Faithful in Little

October 13 Honest Worship

October 14 Show Me Beauty

October 15 Bold Confidence

October 16 Redemption

October 17 I Have Faith

October 18 Goodness Itself

October 19 Willing to Listen

October 20 Better than Life

October 21 Without Regret

October 22 No More Boulders

October 23 Seize My Heart

October 24 Too Much

October 25 Self-Discipline

October 26 Accountability

October 27 Take Courage

October 28 No Despair

October 29 Beyond Reason

October 30 Surrendered

October 31 Lean in Closer

November

November 1 There Is Hope

November 2 Pray for Others

November 3 Until I Do

November 4 Not Alone

November 5 Golden Rule

November 6 Let Love Rule

November 7 I Am Yours

November 8 Greater Good

November 9 What If

November 10 Just Decide

November 11 Life of Blessings

November 12 You Remain

November 13 Let Them Choose

November 14 Out of Hiding

November 15 Family Matters

November 16 Celebrate Perfection

November 17 Friend of God

November 18 Thank You

November 19 Always Hope

November 20 Deserved Thanks

November 21 What Better Gift

November 22 In Kindness

November 23 Humility of Jesus

November 24 Have Mercy

November 25 Made New

November 26 Miracle Enough

November 27 A Way Home

November 28 Not Feeling It

November 29 Waiting for Me

November 30 First and True

December

December 1 Make Me Wise

December 2 Ever Brighter

December 3 Striving

December 4 At Your Word

December 5 Leading Me

December 6 Free to Serve

December 7 Indescribable Gift

December 8 No More Sorrow

December 9 Hypocrisy

December 10 Take Me Deeper

December 11 Not Slow

December 12 Peace on Earth

December 13 Plan to Please

December 14 Doing My Thing

December 15 Harder Tests

December 16 Just that Much

December 17 Before this Moment

December 18 Slow Down

December 19 Bold and Yielding

December 20 Conduit of Comfort

December 21 Finishing

December 22 Blessed Words

December 23 Cannot Lose

December 24 Extravagant Love

December 25 Vulnerable

December 26 Power Infused

December 27 Fruitful and Fulfilled

December 28 Perfect Father

December 29 Increased Humility

December 30 I Praise You

December 31 Journey Together

Introduction

Whether you have made prayer a habit for many years or this is your first prayer devotional, inspiration is waiting for you in the daily prayers written here. Ultimately, prayer is a conversation with God. You don’t need to use fancy words or recite long passages of Scripture. Just talk to God. Open your heart. He adores you, and he’s listening to every word you say.

Some days your prayers may be filled with gratitude, some days with repentance, and some with need. Just lay your heart and your prayers at the Father’s feet and wait for his powerful response.

May God bless you as you connect daily with him.

As you develop a habit of prayer, think about this:

PRAISE

Begin by telling God how wonderful he is. Focus on which of his many attributes you are grateful for.

REPENTANCE

Before you present your needs to God, pause. Take a moment to examine your heart. If God reveals any unconfessed sin, bring it before him and ask for forgiveness.

ASK

What do you need from your Father in heaven today? Ask him boldly; he is waiting to grant you the desires of your heart.

YIELD.

Ask as if it will be done and yield to his will. Acknowledge he may know something you don’t or have something even better in mind for you. Trust and accept whatever answer you receive.

January

The earnest prayer of

a righteous person has

great power and produces

wonderful results.

JAMES 5:16 NLT

JANUARY 1

Perfect Plan

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

PROVERBS 19:21 NIV

Father, I am so grateful for the reminder that your mercies are new every morning. I feel that in a real way on this New Year’s Day. God, you know the plans that have been forming in my heart for the days, weeks, and months ahead. Some are small and some are big, but whether these plans work out or not, help me to always yield my heart to your purpose. Help me to see the ways that you are working when things are working out well and especially when my plans fall apart.

Whatever this year brings, I begin it with the intention of leaning into you, no matter what. Today, I join my dreams to yours and invite you into the nitty-gritty of the present moment. May my heart stay joined with yours through both the mundane and the changes that life brings. You are the Lord of my life.

What would you like to see change this year?

JANUARY 2

Choosing Well

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

PROVERBS 3:5-6 NKJV

Lord, I come to you today with an open heart and mind, trusting you to lead me. My go-to move is to try to work things out in my own understanding, but that often leads to worry and exhaustion. I know that your ways are higher than my ways and that you see the bigger picture. Today, I’m letting go of my need to control how things turn out. I lean into your love and trust that you know what you’re doing much better than I do. Help me to remember that you are a good father, always directing me with gentleness and wisdom.

When I start to feel anxious about the future, I will take a deep breath and remember that you are the one who guides me. I am not alone, and I can trust you to be with me every step of the journey. Thank you, God.

Are you ready to trust God completely with your life?

JANUARY 3

Work that Matters

Whatever you do, work heartily,

as for the Lord and not for men.

COLOSSIANS 3:23 ESV

Good Father, you are the author and sustainer of my faith. Help me to keep you at the forefront of my mind when I could so easily get frustrated by tasks that go unseen, are overlooked, or are taken for granted by those around me. When I feel the temptation to throw up my hands and say, “What’s the use? What is this for?” help me to remember that even if no one else sees the value of what I’m doing, you see it.

I so often get caught up in the never-ending to-do list on the hamster wheel of life. When it comes to work, it all matters to you, not because that’s where I find my worth, but because you see it all and give it value. Nothing is overlooked by you. May I keep a humble heart that is connected to your love in every moment. Let every act I do be as a fragrant offering of worship to you.

What is your reason for doing all your tasks?

JANUARY 4

Positive Influence

“Let your light shine before men in such a way

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

MATTHEW 5:16 NASB

Wonderful God, you are brighter than the sun; your ways shine brilliantly in a dark world. Lord, I have joined my life to yours. May my life reflect your glory! I will not hoard the goodness you’ve placed in my life, living as if my interests are the only ones that matter. If I keep my light hidden, what’s the point?

Lord, I know that you have given me everything I need to live a life like yours. As I love others with mercy, may they realize how incredibly merciful you are. As I live with a heart of compassion toward all, may others catch on to how compassionate you are. When I treat others with kindness, no matter their station or attitude, may it be a reflection of your own inclusive kindness. Let all I do line up with your character. When it doesn’t, let me be quick to repent and seek forgiveness and reconciliation, revealing your magnanimous heart that is swift to forgive. Be glorified in my life.

How do your actions reflect the heart of the Father?

JANUARY 5

Send Friends

If either of them falls down,

one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

and has no one to help them up.

ECCLESIASTES 4:10 NIV

Compassionate One, you are an ever-present help in time of trouble. Whenever I stumble, there you are with your strong arms to catch and hold me. I have known your faithful presence as my constant support in every season. No one matches your grace, but let your people do their best. I’m so grateful for a community of friends who have stuck with me through thick and thin. They have been there through my darkest days and are a constant source of encouragement, solidarity, and aid. I see you in them!

For those going it alone with you, I pray that you send friends so they would know the beauty of life shared with others who are seeking to live for you. Let your mercy flow through us, to one another and out into the world. A shared load is lighter. May I walk intentionally sharing my own burden as well as helping others with theirs. Thank you that we are strengthened in family and community. Let me not be isolated from your people.

Who are your true friends?

JANUARY 6

Brought Low

When holy lovers of God cry out

to him with all their hearts,

the Lord will hear them and come to rescue them

from all their troubles.

PSALM 34:17 TPT

Yahweh, you are the one in whom I find all my longings fulfilled. There is not one good thing that could satisfy me the way that you do. Though other things may gratify me for a time, your love is consistent all the days of my life, never losing its luster. I will not hold back my heart from you today; I need you more than I can express. Come into the places of my life laid out before you. I need your restoration power in my relationships. I’m desperate for your peace to bring calm to the chaotic situations that threaten my emotional stability. Bring your wisdom into situations that are confusing, and the ones that have no easy answers. I need your love to drive out the anxieties that build in the pressure cooker of my nervous system.

God, you are everything I need. Don’t turn your back when I cry out to you. I know you won’t. You don’t grow weary of kindly reassuring your children when they start to squirm at the unfamiliar. You are my help and my hope!

What help do you need from the Lord today?

JANUARY 7

Abide

“Abide in me, and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself,

unless it abides in the vine,

neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

JOHN 15:4 ESV

Faithful Companion, I am so grateful that I am not meant to do life in my own strength. I can only give you a limited offering of skills, time, and resources. Yet you say that fruit is born out of abiding, of being connected. I remember today, that whatever I do, if I am connected to and rooted in you, fruit will come in time. It is so easy to get caught up in the frenzy of life and forget that you are the source of all life.

Today, I center my mind around the reality of your goodness and I remember that being connected to you is enough to produce fruitfulness. I don’t need to conjure it up and work to the bone to make fruit appear. God, would you produce fruit that lasts in my life? Help me to see with fresh eyes today what leaning into you looks like.

What can you let go of today that keeps you from resting inthe knowledge that you are abiding in God and he in you?

JANUARY 8

Fully Committed

“Devote yourselves completely to the LORD our God,

walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments,

as at this day.”

1 KINGS 8:61 NRSV

Son of God, I am so grateful that I have in you the perfect example of what it looks like to be devoted fully to the Father. When it feels impossible to give you everything, I am reminded that walking with you is an epic journey, not a short stroll. Thank you that you are incredibly patient with me, even in my wandering and failures. Devotion does not require perfection, only a heart and life yielded to your love. In keeping with that, I will not live under the weight of shame that declares if it isn’t perfect, it isn’t worth anything.

Thank you, God, that as I keep coming back to you, I am reminded that your grace and mercy are what keep me connected to your loving heart. That is the only way I can remain in you, pouring out my love and walking in your ways. Here I am again, Lord, committed to you, because, oh Faithful One, you are committed to me.

What has been holding you back frombeing fully devoted to the Lord?

JANUARY 9

Deliver Me

“Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

MATTHEW 6:13 NIV

Constant One, as long as I live, I will find myself faced with temptations to turn away from you. I am grateful that you are not aloof, unconcerned and hands-off with your people. You constantly draw me back to you with loving-kindness.

As I face this day, help me to resist the temptations that are bound to come my way and keep my heart set on you. Deliver me, oh God, from things that seem beneficial but are actually parasitic—slowly sucking the life right out of me. Let your loyal love keep me rooted in the wisdom that walking with you brings. May I taste your goodness, and may that goodness sustain my heart, strengthening me to choose you time and time again. When I face temptation and resist, I find that the fruit of self-control and peace are worth it every time. You always know better, and I will lean into your wisdom.

Do you trust that God gives the strengthyou need to resist temptation?

JANUARY 10

Accountable

Each one must answer for himself and give a personal

account of his own life before God.

ROMANS 14:12 TPT

God who sees all, you alone know the true state of my life and heart. Everything I do is laid plainly before you, and all that I am is mine to own. Thank you that your requirement is not perfection; rather, it is a submitted life. I ask that you keep my heart sensitive, and I give you permission, Holy Spirit, to hold me accountable in the here and now. May I be quick to repent when you show me the error of my ways. With your Spirit living in me, I can trust you to convict me when I am wrong.

You are kind in correction, leading me to repentance. Let me be a person who humbly admits my faults and submits to the process of being made whole. You, as always, are better than I’ve known. I align my life with your law of love today and every day.

What keeps you accountable in your daily life?

JANUARY 11

So Much Grace

From his fullness we have all received,

grace upon grace.

JOHN 1:16 NRSV

Lord, in the craze of life and responsibilities, it is so easy for me to forget the grace that I undeservedly live under. Gracious God, you give out of the fullness of your being. You are not lacking in love or running low on mercy. You are like a rushing river of life, ever-flowing, never receding.

Today I am reminded that where I have seen lack, you see an opportunity—a place that is ready to receive kindness out of the abundance of your character and kingdom. It makes no difference to you if my need is spiritual, physical, or emotional, you have more than enough to fill every dry and arid place and make it new. You make it into a place of growth and beauty. I invite you into these hard places and spaces in my life. Don’t hold back, God, you have access to all of it!

What areas of your life need God’s grace to flood them?

JANUARY 12

Loneliness

Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the LORD will hold me close.

PSALM 27:10 NLT

Constant Companion, even when I feel utterly alone in this life, I know that you are with me. You don’t stay with me simply out of obligation. No, you lovingly hold me together when I feel like my world is falling apart. You take what looks broken beyond repair and make it completely new-no one would know that it was ever broken. When it seems like no one understands me or is interested in who I am, you are the one who sticks closer than a brother.

Your loyal love wakes me up from the slumber of disappointment and apathy. I want to experience the confidence of your presence today, Lord. Flood my day with reminders of your nearness; even now, I can’t help but thank you for your kindness. As you have been with me until now, so you will always be. I am so grateful.

How have you seen the Lord’s presence in your life?

JANUARY 13

Refresh and Restore

It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

for he gives to his beloved sleep.

PSALM 127:2 ESV

Restorer, you are the source of peace that I long for. It is like second-nature to get caught up in endless working, but your way is so much better. Creator, when you formed this world and breathed life into flesh and bone, you took time to revel in your work. You patterned us for rest, and I must admit that I have not been taking that seriously. Thank you that we are not slaves, endlessly toiling for a cruel master.

You are a good father, gently instructing and guiding us. I will not eat of the bread of anxiety today that says there is so much more to do; I will partner with you, and when my work is done, I will rest and play and be restored. Help me to take rest seriously, especially living in a society that is always demanding more than can ever be done.

What can you do today to establish restas a ritual and not a luxury?

JANUARY 14

A Heart that Would

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of

all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy

sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly

the way to worship him.

ROMANS 12:1 NLT

Holy God, I offer you all I am today. I cannot hold back from you, knowing the extent of your loving goodness poured over my life. May my life be an offering to you, poured out in love. As I walk through my day, I will choose to walk in the way of compassion. I will choose kindness over selfish gain. I will choose trust instead of control. I will choose peace over pushing my own agenda.

Lord, I trust that as I live intentionally with my heart offered to you, you will be glorified. May the fragrance of my life of worship be pleasing to you. You are worthy of everything in my life. When I start to get caught up in the to-dos, remind me that it is the inner world from which everything flows. May the fingerprints of your goodness mark my heart and my life as I journey with you.

Is there any part of your heart thatyou’re holding back from God?

JANUARY 15

Accepting Others

As it is in your heart, let it be in mine.

Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other,

which will bring glory to God.

ROMANS 15:7 NCV

God, I’m so grateful that you are not exclusive with your love. I, on the other hand, have limits to the love that I naturally give to others. But how can I refuse to accept others when you have welcomed me with open arms? I want to be like you, Jesus, welcoming my brothers and sisters without condition. According to your Word, there isn’t a difference between slave or free, male or female, Jew or Greek—they are all the same in you.

God you don’t set a precedent of favoritism, so why should I? As you have loved, so let me love. Your beautiful example of compassion and acceptance broke the mold of expectation, cultural norms, and religious rites. Your kingdom is not about my comfort, and I will not let my biases keep me from seeing others as you do. Fill me with your love that I may see others whom the world overlooks.

Is there someone in your life that youhave been struggling to accept?

JANUARY 16

Run to Win

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run,

but only one gets the prize?

Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:24 NIV

God of my days, I commit all I am to you; my life is yours. As I run this race of life, I am so grateful for your constant presence that fills me with everything I need right when I need it. I will not give up hope when the weather changes; I won’t lose heart when obstacles come. Will you coach me to know when to rest and when to run; when I should go hard with everything I have and when to take it slow and steady? I know that when I ask you for help, you won’t ignore me.

You are the best teacher I could ever have; I depend on you. Keep me in my lane when I would rather jump into someone else’s. Give me all the wisdom and discernment I need to keep my eyes fixed on the end goal not on the challenge of the present terrain. I trust you, God. All this is for you.

Are you caught up in the cares of the present,or are you living with the end in view?

JANUARY 17

Forgiven

“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have

anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven

may also forgive you your trespasses.”

MARK 11:25 NRSV

Merciful God, you are full of forgiveness for those who humble themselves before you. You know that I want to live in the light of your truth. I repent of my selfish ways. I don’t want my own way just so I can live pleasing myself. It’s not worth it! Give me the grace I need to extend forgiveness to those who hurt me. I don’t want to hold grudges, God, knowing that they are like rust, eating away at my own soul. I have been forgiven of so much; I live in the freedom that your compassion extends.

Lord, when I am struggling to forgive those who have wronged me, would you give me the grace to choose it—and choose it again—until my heart is not triggered in anger or sadness by the thought of them. I lay down every complaint I’ve been holding onto. The weight is not worth it.

Who can you forgive today?

JANUARY 18

Gifts in Disguise

Give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 ESV

Good God, today I come to you with an open heart and intentions set on you. Where I would normally react in negativity to unexpected challenges in my day, help me to turn it into gratefulness. I know that you can use anything to better me, and I want to be more like you. When testing comes, may I learn to creatively turn it into an opportunity to find something to be thankful for. There is no circumstance that does not have potential to be turned into a place of praise.

May I become a master praise-spinner, seeing the openings for your love to shine through. As I practice the habit of gratitude, I know that it will come easier; I will more quickly see the areas that whisper your mercy. However big or small, every situation can be turned on its head in my thought-life by finding a path of appreciation. Jesus, may you be glorified in my mind.

Can you practice gratitude in the challenges in your life?

JANUARY 19

Inspire Me

God created great sea creatures and every living thing

that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of

bird—each producing offspring of the same kind.

And God saw that it was good.

GENESIS 1:21 NLT

Creator, you are the most innovative being that exists. Since I was made in your image, I realize that makes me creative. You made me with a unique creativity that doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Inspire me today to see the goodness around me. When I am lacking in imagination, I will look to your creation to see the great diversity on display. There is no shortage of ideas in you, no lack of new approaches. God, in you I find the resources that the world longs for free of charge. There isn’t an angle that you haven’t looked at. When I am stumped, I look to you. Whether or not I feel like I need a fresh perspective, you have a new one to share whenever I ask.

Today, Lord, I recognize that I do need a new view—an aspect of creation I’ve never seen before. I want to constantly learn and grow in you. Open my eyes to your wonders expressed in magnificent ways!

Where do you find inspiration?

JANUARY 20

No Compromise

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”

JOHN 14:15 NLT

Consistent One, you do not change your requirements of us from day-to-day. You are consistent in your expectations. It is so easy to think about a list of directives as a way to control others. However, you, in your infinite wisdom, know what is for our benefit and for your glory. You don’t require that we live to the letter of the old law; in Jesus, it’s found its fulfillment! But your greater command is that everything we do be done in love, showing mercy to those who persecute us, welcoming in the stranger, and practicing a life of compassion toward those in need, not forgetting that we were once them.

Lord, in all I do, may I love you with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, holding nothing back from you. Love is not simply a feeling; it is proven in love, in action. Your affection is unfailing; I bind myself to your loyal love. May the strength of it keep me going and living according to your Word.

Have you grown lax in following Jesus’ instructions for life?

JANUARY 21

Weary

Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.

ISAIAH 40:31 NRSV

Almighty God, you have all the strength I need. You see me and how tired I am. You see how weary I am in showing up in the same capacity to the same-old over and over again. I am worn-out and don’t feel like I have anything to give. But you renew those who wait on you. So, here and now, I’m waiting. I quiet the chaos of my mind in your presence, breathing deeply. Bring your peace, Lord. My body needs renewal; I’m sore and I don’t have the strength to do what I could yesterday. In my weakness, I come to you. I can’t pretend to have it all together right now because I certainly don’t! I know that’s not what you’re looking for anyhow.

God, your grace gives me the strength I need to keep going. I will trust in your unfailing love that fills my tank when it is running low. Renew me. I have no hope without you.

When you are weary, where do you turn for strength?

JANUARY 22

Season of Grief

Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again,

even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those

who have fallen asleep.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:14 ESV

God of all comfort, I am so grateful that you meet me in the depths of my sadness. When grief breaks my heart to pieces, you are there holding it together. You don’t ask that I would get over heartbreak; you meet me in the middle of it. I am thankful for the hope of seeing my loved ones again, knowing that Jesus broke the chains of death. However, in this temporal place of suffering, you do not rub my nose in the hope to come; you let me know the depth of feeling. I know that there is healing in grief, and I will not resist it. When it feels overwhelming, though, and like I’m doing a free-fall into a deep, dark cavern with no floor, I need you to shore up the walls of my heart and create a vessel for the sadness. There is a mysterious beauty in grief, and I will embrace it, even as I hate the loss that it indicates.

God, only you can truly know the depth of our losses, and you are with us in them. Thank you for your presence at every point.

When grief sweeps into your life, how do you deal with it?

JANUARY 23

Loving Well

“A new commandment I give to you,

that you love one another, even as I have loved you,

that you also love one another.”

JOHN 13:34 NASB

Gracious God, your love is endlessly dependable; it doesn’t shift with the winds of the changing seasons. Your constant affection is the best thing I’ve ever known. I can’t rightly compare it to anything else. It is better than the best love. When I consider how you require your children to love each other in the same way you do, I am speechless. Your love laid itself down over and over again, faithfully choosing the benefit of others over your own desires and whims.

Lord, I realize how selfish I am when you put it into flesh and blood terms like that. Even so, help me, God. I want to be like you which means I want to love like you. I am grateful that you don’t require perfection just a willing and humble heart. Your love covers a multitude of sins, so as I practice loving others, a part of that process is humility, forgiveness, and quick repentance. Keep me focused on your incredible kindness when I want to give up and walk away—I know your way is better!

How can you choose love that prefers othersover its own interests?

JANUARY 24

Casting Burdens

Cast your burden on the LORD,

And He shall sustain you;

He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

PSALM 55:22 NKJV

God of my heart, you are my sustainer and helper. You are the strong rock on which I stand. My feet are planted on you, and I will not be shaken. I cannot pretend that I am full of vitality right now. I have been carrying burdens, weighed down by the bulk of them. I can’t handle the weight of them anymore, Lord; I’ve tried to carry them for as long as I could. I hear your invitation to give you my problems because I was never meant to carry them on my own. Why do I constantly forget that? I seem to pick up new ones along the way, just as I have handed off others.

Lord, my sustainer, you are the one I cling to in the storms of this life. When I lift my eyes, I see that you have been holding onto me the entire time. As a child goes to their parents with problems, I will come to you. May I be quicker to hand them over as I grow closer to you. Thank you for your faithful love.

What are you weighed down by?Can you give your burdens to the Lord today?

JANUARY 25

Mercy upon Mercy

“They are blessed who show mercy to others,

for God will show mercy to them.”

MATTHEW 5:7 NCV

Merciful God, you give away your lovingkindness to all without worrying that you’ll run low. You delight in showing mercy; I want to be more like you. Your love flows from you like a neverending river whose source is deep and pure. I am confident that as I soak in your presence, I will be filled up to pour out. When I have no resources, what am I to offer?

With you, God, I have access to all the grace I could ever need to show forgiveness, kindness, and compassion to everyone who hurts or offends me. I won’t hold grudges, for what good would that do? Your law of love is better than the law that requires retribution. I will rejoice in your better way that offers life to all who would receive it. I can’t help but be filled with joy as I align myself with your kingdom, knowing that even in my hardest moments and days, you are worth laying my rights down for.

Have you been holding onto a grudge?How can you extend mercy instead?

JANUARY 26

Quick to Listen

Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and slow to become angry.

JAMES 1:19 NIV

Holy One, you are the example that I hold my life up to. When I look at the world around me, it’s easy to spot those who are doing better than I am in temperance, and others who it’s clear need a lot of grace and healing to get there. If I were to measure myself by others, the standard would change based on who I was looking at. I won’t fall into that trap! When I look at you and your ways, I find the perfect measure. What a glorious mystery that I am not required to match your perfection on my own, but in you, I have become perfected. It’s almost too much to comprehend!

Lord, when others are quick to speak their minds, you are patient in listening, truly hearing us out. May I be the same way, patient in listening and slow to anger. Oh, Lord, that my heart would respond, as yours does, in understanding, drenched in compassion.

Are you quicker to speak or to listen?

JANUARY 27

Forever Gifts

When God chooses someone and graciously imparts

gifts to him, they are never rescinded.

ROMANS 11:29 TPT

Faithful One, you are the giver of all good gifts. As a good father, you give out of the generosity of your heart and the bounty of your resources. You always have more than enough. Lord, your gifts, when imparted, are never taken away. Even the best things I’ve ever received pale in comparison to what I’ve received from you. There’s so much, where do I even begin? Your boundless mercy and faithful love, your all-encompassing presence that is always with me—these are just a few of the myriad gifts every child of yours has been given. There are more that are specific to my life, and I am so thankful for each one.