365 Days of Prayer for Women E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: 365 Days of Prayer
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 291

Beschreibung

Do you ever sit down to pray and struggle to find the right words? You want to spend time with God, but you don't know where to begin? 365 Days of Prayer for Women is a beautiful book of topically arranged, guided prayers and complementary Scriptures that will enhance your prayer life and offer you peace, joy, and strength every day. God hears your voice when you direct it to him. He will step into every struggle and be your very present help in trouble. He will give you the words to say even when you find yourself lacking. "He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25 NASB

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BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

365 Days of Prayer for Women

© 2019 BroadStreet Publishing

ISBN 978-1-4245-5815-5eISBN 978-1-4245-5816-2

Prayers composed by Stephanie Sample.

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.

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Compiled and edited by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com

Printed in China.

18 19 20 21 22 23 24   7 6 5 4 3 2 1

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

JEREMIAH 29:12 NLT

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: Your Plan Is Perfect

January 2: Choosing Well

January 3: This Work Matters

January 4: A Positive Influence

January 5: Please Send Friends

January 6: Brought Low

January 7: Abide in Me

January 8: Fully Committed

January 9: Deliver Me

January 10: Hold Me 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: I’m Weary

January 22: Season of Grief

January 23: Loving Well

January 24: Casting My Burden

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 Your Love

January 31: Gentleness That Defies

February

February 1: The 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: You 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: Calm, 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: A Place for Me

March 5: For My Mistakes

March 6: Greater Meaning

March 7: Strength from You

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 to Hold

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: Where Contentment Lives

March 23: No Need to Fear

March 24: Your Will Be Done

March 25: Not Helpless

March 26: With Your Joy

March 27: Surrendered Mind

March 28: Repentance Matters

March 29: Cannot Be Tempted

March 30: Not My Home

March 31: Selfish Ambition

April

April 1: Who Can Criticize

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: My Real Future

April 13: You Are Present

April 14: Still Promised

April 15: No Room for 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: The Glorified Me

May 17: Father of Goodness

May 18: Life Gets Busy

May 19: With You

May 20: Stay in the Fight

May 21: Absent of Judgment

May 22: Honored

May 23: A Break from Striving

May 24: Lesser Things

May 25: Better Than Winning

May 26: Increase My Faith

May 27: This Unmerited Favor

May 28: Yet 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: You Are 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: A 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: Take This 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 the 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: Bring Them Near

September 15: You Are 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: This Is Temporary

October 3: Connection

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-Control

October 26: Accountability

October 27: Forget Fear

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: Life of Blessings

November 9: What If

November 10: Just Decide

November 11: The Greater Good

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: Who Gives Power

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’ve been a person of prayer for many years or this is your first prayer devotional, we hope you are blessed and inspired by 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

Your Plan Is Perfect

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

PROVERBS 19:21 NIV

God, as I sit here imagining the coming year, I can’t help but reflect on the last one. I think of the plans I made, and I see your fingerprints on every memory. Thank you for knowing what I truly need, regardless of what I might plan. Every time I succeeded—and each time I failed—you were right there keeping me safe and pointing me to you. Forgive the selfish ambitions and poor choices of last year, and plant in me a desire to do your will, to want what you want. Your plan for my life is perfect; let me remember that as I consider the coming year.

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

God, you are completely faithful, and I trust you with my life. Every decision matters to you: from the words I say and the food I eat, to where I live and work. Even though I sometimes choose selfishly—what would be easy, lucrative, or fun—you always forgive me. You chose to send your perfect son, Jesus, to pay for my sins; how can I doubt that you’ll hear my prayers and lead me to the best decisions? Guide me now, Father, to choose well how to spend this moment, this day, this life.

Are you ready to trust God completely with your life?

JANUARY 3

This Work Matters

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

COLOSSIANS 3:23 ESV

God, I know your ways are perfect and that you placed me exactly where I am for a reason. There are moments though, that my life seems like endless drudgery. How can this work matter? These dishes, this sidewalk that needs clearing of snow. Help me remember all I do is for you. Let me clear the sidewalk as if you were about to walk on it—to wash the dishes as if you were going to eat from them. Give me a glimpse, when I need it, of the many thankless tasks you’ve done for me, and the energy to do the job before me as if for you.

What is your reason for doing all your tasks?

JANUARY 4

A 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

Jesus, thank you for your perfect example of how to live in the light. Your goodness inspires me to be a positive influence in my home and community. Sometimes I forget this and behave in ways that don’t reflect your beauty and brilliance, and I’m sorry for that, Lord. Help me remember to keep my lamp on a stand, burning brightly, and encourage others to do the same. Let me live in a way that draws others to you. Let them see me and hear me and know that I am yours. Let my life bring you glory!

How will your light shine today?

JANUARY 5

Please 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

God, you are such a faithful friend! No one could care more about me than you do. I know you designed us for relationships, and I do long to be around people—especially people who love you. I thank you for the friends you’ve given me: people to give a hand to and to get a hand from, and I ask your forgiveness for the days I don’t appreciate them as I should. I ask you, Lord, to continue enriching my life with friends. Lead me into relationships that stretch me as I see other ways to live, to love, and to pour into one another.

How can you be a faithful friend?

JANUARY 6

Brought Low

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.

PSALM 34:17 NKJV

Father, there are days I just want to crawl into your lap and stay. When those days string together and I find myself brought low, it comforts me to know you see my sadness and you want nothing more than to take it from me. You don’t consider me ungrateful or selfish on these days; you just love me. Thank you for the shelter of your arms, the comfort of your embrace, and the deliverance of your perfect love. Hold me close today, Abba Father. Hear my cries and remind me what it means to be your dearly beloved child.

Do you need to be held close today by your Abba Father?

JANUARY 7

Abide in Me

“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

Lord Jesus, I can’t understand why I sometimes try to do things apart from you. Only bitter, unripe fruit comes from those efforts, yet I seem to forget this over and over. And you seem to forgive me just as often. You are so patient with me as I struggle to make my own way, knowing full well that to abide in you is the only way. Jesus, keep me close! Remind me how much I need you when I start to think I can do it on my own. The fruit that comes from a life with you is the sweetest taste I’ve known, and it’s the only way I want to live.

Are you abiding in God alone?

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

Lord, I belong to you. I adore you, and I want to live my life fully committed to you. I realize there are days—maybe more than not—when I don’t behave as though this were true, but that is not what is in my heart. Knowing Jesus laid down his perfect life for me, I want only to honor his sacrifice by doing the same. Because I am weak, I know that even though I want this, I can’t do it without your help. Strengthen me, God, to live my life for you. I surrender all I am and all I have to your will.

How can you be completely devoted to the Lord?

JANUARY 9

Deliver Me

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

MATTHEW 6:13 NIV

Lord, there is so much evil in this world. Every day a new danger, disaster, or form of depravity conspires to lure me from the peace of a life lived with you. It’s tempting to give in—to worry, to fear, even to my own pleasure—and sometimes I do. But this is not your way, and yours is the only way I want to live. So please forgive me. Forgive and deliver me, God, from the evil sights, sounds, and thoughts that bombard my senses. Deliver me to your perfect peace, that place where none of it can touch me.

Are you ready to be delivered into God’s perfect peace?

JANUARY 10

Hold Me Accountable

Each of us shall give account of himself to God.

ROMANS 14:12 NKJV

Lord, I recognize your authority over all. I know that if I were to give account of myself today—my thoughts and actions—and compare it to the wonderful plans you have for my life, I’d come up short. You would forgive me and welcome me as your child, but I would know I could have done so much more to honor you and build the kingdom. Hold me accountable, Father! Hold me to your high standards, and plant in me a desire and a drive to meet them so that when I meet you face-to-face, I’ll know you are well pleased with me.

How do you find ways to be accountable?

JANUARY 11

So Much Grace

From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

JOHN 1:16 NRSV

God, how do I begin to thank you for your grace? By definition I am unworthy, and daily I prove this to be true. Every poor decision, every unkind thought, every sin—large or small—magnifies your grace until it’s so immense, it’s all I can see. Impossibly, you love me no matter what I do. I don’t even have to ask; I think that’s what amazes me most of all. Before I even know I need it, it’s already given. Freely, gratuitously, wonderfully, you lavish me with your love and forgiveness. How wholly inadequate are the thanks I offer in return, yet what else can I do? I thank you over and over and over again for your grace.

Have you thanked God for his grace lately?

JANUARY 12

Loneliness

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

PSALM 27:10 NLT

How amazing it is to remember I am never alone! You, Holy Spirit, are my constant companion. You are always here to help, guide, and comfort me. Still, there are days I get lonely. Whether I’m truly by myself or simply in a group where the conversation is superficial, I find myself aching for connection and coming up empty. Forgive me for forgetting you are there, Spirit of God! Please remind me that loneliness is a gift designed to point us to the only one who can truly fill us up. Only you can take away the ache of aloneness, Lord. The closer I am walking with you, the fuller my life becomes—regardless of who is with me.

How do you feel knowing that you are never alone?

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

God who never sleeps, I am in awe. Sometimes I try to trade places with you, working as if I need no rest and determined to meet everyone’s every need. And there you are, tireless, ready to catch me as I collapse from the effort of it all. Thank you for your endless effort on my behalf. You designed us for times of great accomplishment—and times of replenishment. Remind me that I need rest and reassure me it’s okay to take it, Lord. Refresh and restore me as I break from all my striving and help me remember that even in the light of my best effort, it is you who truly provides.

Do you need God’s rest and refreshment today?

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

Father, I want to thank you today for the people, living and past, who have sacrificed on my behalf. When I consider all the public servants who daily risk their lives, so I can live safe and free, my gratitude overwhelms me. Would I step into harm’s way for them? I am aware that people I will never know sacrificed their wages, their time, and their talents so I can seek and connect with you freely. Would I sacrifice my resources to ensure the next generation will find you here? Create in me a heart that would, God. Willingly, joyfully, and filled with gratitude, give me a heart that would.

Do you have a heart that would?

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

Like the perfect Father you are, you accept us as we are. Why, then, is it so hard for us to accept one another? It seems so easy to find fault, cast blame, and criticize—but this is not what you want. This does not bring you glory, this competitive spirit we’ve adopted. When I imagine Jesus picking and choosing who is “worthy” of his acceptance the way I sometimes do, I am filled with remorse. Who am I to decide who is worthy when you have already decided: all are worthy. All are welcome.

Did you feel worthy today? Did you make others feel worthy?

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

Lord, when I think of Jesus’ incredible humility, how every moment in his life was one in which he could have easily “won,” I can scarcely comprehend it. I like to win; I also like to be right. Will you help me to discern when these desires are appropriate, and when I need reigning in? When there is a prize worth having at stake—when you want me to run to win—please give me the strength, courage, and ambition to give it everything I’ve got to win the crown. And when the so-called prize comes at the expense of a relationship, or when it simply doesn’t matter, nudge me, Lord, to prefer the other person and slow it to a jog.

Are you running to win the ultimate prize?

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

Sinless, perfect Lord, you’ve forgiven every wrong I’ve ever committed, along with those sins still to come. No wonder you ask that before I ask for anything for myself, I forgive those who have wronged me. With a heart so open to forgiveness, how it must grieve you when I hold onto a grudge or nurse my anger. Will you help me? Show me anywhere bitterness has taken hold; inspire me to reach out in love and reconciliation and mend every relationship that’s been broken due to an old hurt. This is all I ask of you in this moment: help me forgive, that I may be forgiven.

What unforgiveness might be lurking in your heart?

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

God, there is no end to your gifts. From the breath in my lungs to the roof over my head to every small mercy I receive today, you are a good gift giver. Thank you so much, Father, for the attention you pay to me. When things like a red light or a broadcast interruption during my favorite show send me into a fit of grumbling, thank you also for your patience. That traffic light is a chance to catch my breath and connect with you, and the static-filled screen a chance to read your Word: gifts disguised as inconveniences. In every circumstance, I thank you.

In what circumstance do you need to be thankful?

JANUARY 19

Inspire Me

God created great sea creatures and every living thing t hat 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

Wonderful, God, everywhere I look I see signs of your inventiveness, your playfulness, and your creativity. How did you decide the mallard’s head would be green, the lemur would hang from its tail, and the lion would have a massive head of hair? I take this beautiful world for granted, Lord, when I should be using it for inspiration. God, will you inspire me today? Give me a fresh idea, a new perspective, an infusion of passion so that my work will be a delight to us both. Lift me out of my rut, Lord, and tilt my chin upward to the dozen shades of blue in the sky above me. Inspire me, God, and then send me off to inspire.

How are you inspired by God today?

JANUARY 20

No Compromise

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”

JOHN 14:15 NLT

Jesus, I love you. How can I not, when you have done so much for me and ask so little in return? You want me to love you and to prove it by loving others. Each time I pass up an opportunity to help, to forgive, to sacrifice, I compromise my love for you. This is not how I want to live! Help me, Holy Spirit, through temptation. Remind me of the love I have in and for Jesus and let that bind me to make choices that honor that love. Like a child who wants to please a parent, let me choose to please you.

How can you please Jesus today?

JANUARY 21

I’m 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

Lord, your power knows no limits. When I think of how boundless your strength, how endless your ability, I stand in awe. Considering how easily I tire, how quickly I become overwhelmed, it is clear I am not calling upon your power enough. I’m weary, Father. Responsibilities mount and threaten to overwhelm me. Instead of giving in and lying down, I call upon your supernatural power. Infuse me, Lord! Spring up a well of energy in this empty vessel. With your help, exhaustion will not win. Allow me to finish strong so I can shout of your provision to all who can hear.

How have you experienced God’s supernatural power?

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 in heaven, today is one of those days I wish I were there. I miss the people who have gone before me. Though I know I will be reunited one day with all who knew you and loved you, sometimes I can’t help wishing I didn’t have to wait. A familiar scent, a laugh or gesture from a passing stranger, and it all comes back: the longing, the aching for the way it used to be. Let me feel your presence today, Lord. Let me experience your comfort. Let the memories make me smile, and the promise of future days cause me to rejoice. I trust your timing, and I rest in your promise because grief will pass.

When have you most felt God’s comfort?

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

Nothing is more amazing than your love, Father. The depth is so vast, I get lost in it—and what could be better? From this place, swimming in your love, it is easy to love others. Then, reality hits. All it takes is an ill-timed interruption or an unintended slight, and I find myself out of the ocean, wallowing in a puddle of self-righteousness. Help me to love as you love, Jesus! Deeply, without hesitation or thought of self. I know this is what you ask of me—how you will know that I love you—yet still I struggle. Pull me from my puddle as often as you must; plunge me into the sea of your love again and again, so that I may love as you do.

Have you experienced God’s love for others recently?

JANUARY 24

Casting My Burden

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, how strong your arms must be! How sturdy your back, to carry the burdens of all who are wise enough to hand them over. I sometimes hold onto my sadness as though I need it survive. Why do I do that? It’s heavy, and my arms ache from the weight. Can I give it to you? I ask not because I’m not sure if you are willing, but because I’m not sure I’m strong enough. Will you pry open my aching arms and remove it from my chest when I cannot? Then will you stay with me, holding me up as I learn to balance without it?

How will you let God carry your burden?

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, your compassion astonishes me. You show me how to live by how you love, and you love with such mercy it moves me to tears. How can it be that a heart so strong is also so tender? Every morning you wipe the slate clean, just because you love us. How can I give that back? I cannot, though I wish to keep trying. Every merciful act on my part comes back to me multiplied. That’s so like you, piling mercy upon mercy, grace upon grace, gift upon gift. How can I thank you, but to grow in mercy myself?

Did you sense God’s mercy today for yourself or others?

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

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