365 Days of Prayer for Men 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: 358

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 loves you, and he is 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.  

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365 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR MEN

© 2020 BroadStreet Publishing

978-1-4245-6095-0

978-1-4245-6096-7 (ebook)

Prayers composed by D. E. Gregory.

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.

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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: Renewed Strength

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: In Tune

February 26: Sit and Wait

February 27: Releasing Kindness

February 28: Awe Inspired

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: Empathy

May 14: As It Should Be

May 15: Living on Camera

May 16: Glorified

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 Big

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: All Authority

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: Only Home

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

“PRAY TO ME, AND I WILL ANSWER YOU.

I WILL TELL YOU IMPORTANT SECRETS YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE.”

JEREMIAH 33:3 NCV

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 big words or recite long passages of Scripture. Just talk to God. Open your heart. He is 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 through prayer.

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

You will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

JEREMIAH 29:12 NIV

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

Almighty Father, King of the heavens and the earth, I magnify your name and exalt you for your wisdom and faithfulness. You have established your creation and set forth your plans of restoration. You are most powerful, and no one can thwart what you have decreed, despite their best efforts. Your will absolutely will be done, your people will be established as the head of all nations, and all people will be blessed through Abraham’s seed. You will raise up a righteous remnant of people from all nations—people who have sworn their allegiance to your kingdom and sovereignty.

Lord, may I be found as one of these. I place my hope in you, give my dreams and plans to you, and trust that you will mold me into the man that you have desired since the dawn of creation. I look forward to the crown of righteousness you have prepared for those who diligently follow your leadership and await the day of your promised restoration. Be glorified in all the earth, oh Lord my God. Hallelujah and amen!

What purpose lies at the heart of God’s will and actions in your life?

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

Oh Father, I praise and glorify you as God and King. Your wisdom is wonderful beyond what I could imagine, and the way you have orchestrated redemption and restoration for the people of the world is magnificent. The more your Spirit highlights the intricacy and beauty of your plan, the more appreciation I gain for how inadequate my plans are. I trust in you, for your love is good, your plan is wise, and your rulership unquestioned.

Direct me down the path of righteousness, my God, and mold my heart. Increase my faith, Father, and cause me to more deeply await the fulfillment of the promises you have made. You know my desire to be active. Please give me the patience to wait on you and do as you desire, not as I would; to go where you point me, not in the direction I would choose. I entrust myself to you. May my offering be pleasing to you.

Which direction is God’s path headed? What is he leading you toward?

JANUARY 3

WORK THAT MATTERS

Whatever you do, work heartily,

as for the Lord and not for men.

COLOSSIANS 3:23 ESV

King of the heavens and the earth, I give you my heart, my soul, my mind, and my strength. In all my ways I want to see you satisfied with my work. I want you to see me as a man faithful in my commitment to your rulership. May my work be satisfying to you as you lead me by your Holy Spirit down the path of righteousness in this life, doing as you have ordered and trusting in your goodness. May I be a trustworthy caretaker of the tasks you set before me daily and may that help to serve as a reliable witness to others of my hope in your sovereign plans of restoration.

Lord, I pray as Jesus did that your kingdom would come soon, and that your will be done fully on the earth as it is done in the heavens. I pray that my desires would align with yours, and that you will be glorified in my life.

Why is it important to work at all things as if for the Lord?

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

God, you have set me to be a bearer of your image in the earth. Fill me with your Spirit so I may shine the truth of your character to all I encounter. May they see your goodness and be drawn to it. May people turn from the ways of the world and devote themselves to you. May they know the good news of your coming kingdom because of the example they see in me. You have molded me into your image.

Fill me with your love and compassion, with your faithfulness and devotion. May my calls to righteousness be tempered with care and empathy. May your light reflect off me like a mirror to all you would like to call to your kingdom.

How is God glorified in the eyes of others by your good works?

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

Father, nothing is better than walking together with friends of like mind and pursuits. You know how wonderful it is to walk in fellowship with others; you created humans to be able to do it. You desire companionship and the ability to share life with others. I ask for this in my own life. May I always have strong friends who walk with me, sharing in my joys and struggles.

Sometimes it can be too easy for a man to go his own way thinking he doesn’t need anyone else, but you know this is false. Fill this need in my life, oh Lord. Set together friends who may be encouraged by each other and joyfully press each other toward the day of your coming. Thank you that you provide all my needs including this one.

Consider how this passage relates to the idea that God “made them one” because he desired godly offspring.

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

Lord, you have called all people to devote themselves to you. In the beginning, humanity turned from you to seek after their own desires and sensibilities. You have put forth the message to all nations that they should turn from this path and return to the one true God. You are drawing out a remnant of people from all nations who will have sworn their allegiance to you and who cry out to you for restoration and renewal.

Hear our cries, oh Lord. Restore your creation, fulfill your promises, and renew your people in your holy faithfulness. I long for your presence and need your sanctuary. Rescue me from the trials of this life and bring me through them in righteousness. Glorify your name in me.

What might a delay in God’s deliverance signify?

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

Father, I love that your Word reminds me of your good gifts and great promises. You are the worker of miracles. I receive my provision from you and every need is provided. Keep me near to you and give me the strength I need to continue to place my trust in you. You sustain those who hope in you, and you keep them through trials and through difficulty.

I give you my allegiance and place my hope in the certainty of your faithful promises. Produce in me the fruit of your Spirit and grant me the privilege of yielding other faithful adherents to the great promise of your coming kingdom. I am pleased to serve you, my God, and to act in anticipation of your coming.

What fruit do you see as a result of abiding in him?

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

I am so thankful to you, Father, for the goodness you have shown me, for the offer of peace you have extended, for the mercy you have poured out, and for the forgiveness that paves my path. I give myself to you with all my hopes and desires.

I love to show you honor through the commands you have set down; may your Holy Spirit strengthen me to maintain my allegiance and to endure fully along this path of life. I choose devotion to you over the things of this world. Deliver me safely to the day when you establish your righteous rule in the earth so I may enjoy the fruit of your power. Hallelujah and amen.

What does it mean to be devoted completely to the Lord?

JANUARY 9

DELIVER ME

“Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.”

MATTHEW 6:13 NIV

Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit and provide the means of escape from temptations whenever the enemy presents them. Magnify the hope of your coming kingdom in my eyes so I remain steadfast in my pursuit of your promises. Then, I will not turn after the fleeting distractions with which the evil one attempts to entice me.

Skillfully guide me along the path of life and sustain me with the nourishment of your instruction. I will glorify you in the day of your visitation and exalt your name to the nations. May your great mercies be renewed every day and your leadership prove faithful each morning.

What makes the evil one’s temptations so frequently effective?

JANUARY 10

ACCOUNTABLE

Each one must answer for himself

and give a personal account of his own life before God.

ROMANS 14:12 TPT

My Lord, I am humbled that you have established humans to govern the earth as your image bearers. You have given us the responsibility to rule righteously in accordance with your wisdom. You have not left us without instruction, giving us your Scriptures and pouring your Holy Spirit on all who ask for it. You have desired godly governance to bless the people of the earth and wisely utilize its resources.

Give me the gift of your wisdom to know how to act appropriately in the jurisdiction you have given me, no matter how small that area is. Grant me the ability to make wise decisions and to take this responsibility seriously, loving and caring for others as I direct them to the wisdom and mercy of your good news. Fill me to overflowing with the goodness of your hopes and desires, so I will reflect them in the choices I make. Thank you for the great honor of entrusting me with this task.

Why are we held responsible for the things we have done in this life?

JANUARY 11

SO MUCH GRACE

From his fullness we have all received,

grace upon grace.

JOHN 1:16 NRSV

Father, you have been so kind to your people, though all the nations have been so faithless to you. You have set down your instruction; you pour out your Spirit, letting us know your desires and plans. Even the stars declare the majesty of your good news and grand promises. I give you glory for the magnitude of your power and goodness, for how pervasive they are, and for the depths of your wisdom in the way you have set creation to work.

Teach me the depths of your ways so I may better understand the gift you have promised and maintain this path of righteousness more diligently. Above all else, thank you for the mercy you have extended to me to allow me to approach you despite my great unworthiness. I come from people who have rejected you and turned to gods who have not served you. Continue to grant me mercy until the day of your return, for I long to glorify you amid the joyous assembly.

What is the purpose behind God’s multitude of good gifts?

JANUARY 12

LONELINESS

Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the LORD will hold me close.

PSALM 27:10 NLT

Father you are good to me and have granted me the right to be called according to your name. Give me the strength to maintain my allegiance to you and the promise of your coming kingdom. Remain with me even if my friends and family abandon me for your sake and vindicate your name in their eyes because of your faithfulness. May your ways be magnified before the nations as you fulfill your promises to establish your people.

May your blessing flow to all nations as the mighty rivers flow to the seas. Your promises are yes and amen because of the nature of your love and faithfulness to your creation. You will establish those you call yours. I long to be counted among them when you come. Be exalted and magnified in the earth, so that both heaven and earth sing your praises in a unified voice.

Who does the Lord call his friends?

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

My Lord and King, I put my trust in you to care for my daily needs. You have the power and the faithfulness to look after your own, and you even pour out your blessing on your enemies, so I have no need to fear for my life. Your promises of provision to those who remain faithful to your good news are beyond compare.

Teach me your way and show me the path you have set before me, guiding me to the work you desire me to complete in this life instead of constantly striving merely to preserve this fleeting life. You have set us to work with our hands to bring forth our food, yet that should not be my all-consuming focus. Mold and shape me into the man you want me to be so I glorify you and thank you in all your ways.

Upon what is your hope ultimately fixed?

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

I give myself to you and devote myself to your commands and edicts, oh great King. Be pleased with the offering I give you, though I am not much in myself. You have given and you may take away, and I am at your mercy and your service. Accomplish your good works in me and through me to all the people you have set in my path.

Give me the wisdom and ability to be faithful to your commands and help me to continue working to see others devote themselves to your promises. May the resources you entrust to my care produce an ample return; show me the way to utilize them in your service. I am eager to set my attention on the tasks you see fit to give me and to complete them to your glorification.

What kind of work does God find pleasing?

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 fill me with the desire to befriend and be kind to my fellow believer. Help me to defer to their needs and not assert my own rights when these things conflict. Remind me of the love and care you have given me and how you have not asserted your right to treat me the way my actions deserve. If anyone is worthy of getting their way, it is you, Father, yet you refrain from making it happen so your wrath does not consume us all.

You have desired godly offspring to fill the earth with righteous people, so you have set out to draw those who mistreat you to turn from their ways and be saved. Set my desires to treat others similarly so you may have the time to mold them—and me—into the people you will be pleased with. Thank you for your goodness and for giving me favor that I don’t deserve.

Why is it important to restrain the desire to assert our rights in this world?

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

Train me and strengthen me, my Lord, so I may be diligent and live my life fully devoted to attaining life in the next age. Don’t let me get complacent with small victories in this life as if they were the objective at which I was aiming. I am not aiming to see miracles happen, though they empower me. I am not aiming to be a prophet, though prophecy propels me. I am not aiming to be a preacher, though teaching equips me.

Give me righteous instruction and sound discipline that prepares me to endure the pain and weariness I will inevitably face. I won’t be satisfied with the temporary rewards of this life but will press forward to receive the full promises you have set before those who will endure in cultivating righteousness until the end of the age.

Have you ever thought that receiving the prize of life was a foregone conclusion? What is the reason for the Scriptures continuous reminder to keep running?

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

Forgive me of my affronts to your rulership and sovereignty, mighty King. I bow before you in humility with the knowledge of the ways I have worked against your will. I have not kept your authority in the forefront of my mind but have instead taken my own path to fulfill my own desires. To you and you alone am I indebted, for you are the ruler over all things.

Lord, grant that I will also forgive my neighbors for things I perceive have been done against me. Help me to treat them with the honor and respect I am seeking from you. Fill my heart with your forgiving attitude and conform my spirit to your compassionate ways. Be glorified in the earth, oh Lord, because of your great love.

What is it about forgiving others that opens the door for God to forgive us?

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

Father, I am thankful to you for your great mercy and love that you have poured out through the good news of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and return. How good you have been to me is difficult even for me to pinpoint, and my heart gives you praise and thanks for your goodness. Help me to also thank you in those times when I do not see any good, helping me to recognize that you are using the circumstances of life to mold and shape me into the kind of human you have always meant me to be.

You have said that you work all things together to benefit those whom you have called according to your purpose. Thank you that you remain by my side, working all things to such an end, so that in the day of your coming, I will be rewarded by you with everlasting life.

What are some things you are experiencing right now that don’t seem good or helpful? Can you see how they might be used to form a righteous heart within you?

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

Your works are magnificent and deserving of praise. Your power and creativity are amazing. You are without equal, oh Lord, and your majesty is exceedingly wonderful. I am moved by your works and the way you have set creation in motion; you sustain it by your will and your desire is to see it prosper. You have established your plans with amazing wisdom and the path you have set for salvation is inspiring in how it builds righteous character.

I thank you for your Holy Spirit that encourages and strengthens me. It also reminds me of the wonder of your works and the multitude of ways you have been faithful to your Word and your people. Keep me focused on your good works and the majesty of your coming kingdom so I won’t become anxious about the troubles of the world. I rejoice to see you at work, oh Lord. Be glorified!

How has God’s creativity inspired your own imagination?

JANUARY 20

NO COMPROMISE

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”

JOHN 14:15 NLT

Oh Lord my God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Your commandments inspire wonder and amazement in me. You have established goodness and righteousness by your great wisdom. I ask for your Spirit to fill me with the desire to obey you, to show forth my devotion to you and your rulership by my willing obedience to your ways.

Help me to stand strong in the dictates of your righteousness, Father, for they are not burdensome or tiring, but they will lead me along the path to the refreshing time of your promised restoration. I hope to follow you with all my desire and strength, so help me to love you with everything I have.

What are the commandments Jesus refers to here?

JANUARY 21

RENEWED STRENGTH

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

Oh Lord, I long for you and ache for the revelation of your great work in the earth. I cry out to you to fulfill your promises. How long must we wait, oh God? Yet I will wait for you and look for you; I will anticipate your arrival. Like a child awaiting the arrival of their father from a long trip, I am eager with anticipation. The day of your coming will be filled with rejoicing and glory.

Give me the grace and patience to remain faithful until your arrival. Help me to be steadfast and not fall asleep as I so often can. May your Spirit be a favorable gift to me that strengthens me while I wait. I long to be satisfied with you and your great promises.

What is the purpose of waiting on the Lord?

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

Loving Father, you know my heart right now, how it aches for my lost loved one. The hole that their absence creates is significant, and I don’t always know how to deal with it. I long for their presence once again. Father, I don’t understand why we are made to create such bonds with other people to then have those relationships torn apart through death. It is a great pain to endure!

Father, I pray your Spirit would remind me of the good news of your restoration and resurrection. It is so easy to fall into the trap of believing that this separation is permanent even when my mind tells me I will be reunited one day. Help me to see this separation as a temporary departure so I may be comforted by your good news. Magnify the truth of your restorative promises within me so I will not wither away under this cloud of grief. Thank you for understanding what we face in this life and providing a means of comfort and reunion.

In what way can seeing the loss of a loved one as akin to a lengthy road trip rather than a permanent departure change the way we deal with that separation?

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

Father God, when I consider the ways you show your love to me, in the various ways you provide for my basic needs, in the fact that you have remembered me even though my ancestors forgot you, in the extravagance of how you have provided for me to be restored, and in the way you give of yourself—I stand in awe! How can I love others in such a fashion? How do I follow your example?

Strengthen my Spirit to reach out with what I have to offer. Help me to care for my neighbor even when it is not necessary for my own benefit. Open my eyes to truly see others rather than allowing my self-interest to narrow my perspective. May others see your love in the way I love.

How is this command Jesus gives a new command?

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

Dear Lord, take from me the burdens I so easily carry. Remind me of your goodness and the temporary nature of this life and the cares of this world, considering the greatness of your promises for the age to come. You are more than able to care for me in times of need now, but even if you don’t always come through in the ways I think I need, you have promised to sustain me and to help me find my way. Help me to rest in that knowledge and not be moved to worry about the difficult things I face and endure now.

I pray you will be lifted in my thoughts as the great King you are, so I can rest assured of the goodness of your promises which are certain and true because of your power and authority to bring them to pass. Magnificent Lord, I am so grateful for your ways and your support.

What burdens do you carry that seem so big now but actually pale in light of God’s promised hope?

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 Father, strengthen me to be merciful with my words, with my attitudes, and with the way I treat others. Remind me of your mercy so I will live mercifully with others. You are the greatest of all, and from you all good things have come; yet, you have been affronted more than any other. You have received more animosity and rebellion than any, but you treat your creation with mercy, restraining your justice and calling people to a saving repentance.

I want to be like you, Father, doing good to all, including those who mistreat me or who are careless in their ways. May my merciful demeanor help attract others to your graciousness for their benefit and salvation.

How does your merciful attitude affect God’s attitude toward you?

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

Father, you are grand in all your ways and in your majesty. What am I before you? I hope to learn from the wisdom of your Holy Spirit. Help me to wait patiently before you and listen to what you have to say. Help me to listen to people’s experiences and process things that I have not personally seen. Let my words be few before you and others, not eager to exalt my own experiences and thoughts as of first importance.

Prepare me, Lord, to receive instruction that is in accordance with your Word and the Spirit in which it was given. May I also be slow to grow angry with others, but instead treat them as better than myself, not willing to disparage others easily without knowing more about their own plight. Fill me with your graciousness and patience as a sign of my belief in your promised judgment and restoration.

What could be the consequence of being slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry?

JANUARY 27

FOREVER GIFTS

When God chooses someone and graciously imparts gifts to him,

they are never rescinded.

ROMANS 11:29 TPT

God, you are a good father and creator showing kindness to me in so many ways, small and large. You have made me in your image and have given me gifts that are uniquely mine. Thank you for your favorable disposition toward me. Help me to make use of these gifts and not to squander or take them for granted. Fill me with desire and ideas of how to utilize the gifts you have given me. You had a purpose for me receiving them; I ask for your help in using them.

I am amazed at how fearfully and wonderfully you have made me, and I want to make good use of the resources you have put at my disposal especially to glorify you with them. Glorious Father, make your will and plans clear to me so I will not use these gifts in a meaningless fashion. Exalt your name in the earth and help me to declare your good news with the tools you have provided me.

How does the steadfastness of God’s gifts encourage you as you walk in faithfulness today?

JANUARY 28

WHILE I WAIT

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

all you who wait for the LORD!

PSALM 31:24 ESV