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"Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13 NIV Jesus said we can do all that he did in his ministry on earth and even more if we believe in him. This is no small statement! Jesus performed large displays of God's power through miracles, signs, and wonders. We were never meant to stay small in prayer or in faith. When Jesus said whatever you ask, it included the big, bold prayers that would be impossible to accomplish on our own. As you read these Scriptures, short devotions, and prayers, pray in Jesus' name with faith! Take him at his word and ask for greater things. Grow bold in the way you ask him to move in your life and in the world around you. He loves to save, heal, comfort, and amaze. We catch a glimpse of the glory and goodness of God through answered prayer. He has not stopped moving in power, so let's keep asking him to show up in wonderful ways. Features: • High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. • Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. • Metallic and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. • Sturdy Smyth-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. • Matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. • A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.
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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.
Savage, Minnesota, USA
Broadstreetpublishing.com
IN JESUS’ NAME FOR WOMEN
© 2023 by BroadStreet Publishing®
9781424566396
9781424566402 (eBook)
Prayers composed by Cayla Winger.
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 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. www.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 nlt are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked esv are taken 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 csb are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked nasb are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. 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 ncv are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked tpt are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing®. All rights reserved.
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“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
JOHN 14:13 NIV
Introduction
January
January 1: Sing Praise
January 2: All Generations
January 3: A Big List
January 4: Changed Heart
January 5: A Clear Guide
January 6: Delicate Balance
January 7: Description of Glory
January 8: A Gift
January 9: Good Father
January 10: A King’s Dream
January 11: Written Words
January 12: A New Song
January 13: New Thing
January 14: Risk-Taker
January 15: Song of David
January 16: Warm Welcome
January 17: Way Out
January 18: Abba
January 19: Abundance Follows
January 20: Acceptable Speech
January 21: Alert Mind
January 22: All About God
January 23: All About You
January 24: All for Jesus
January 25: Worthy One
January 26: All Praise
January 27: Amazed by Talent
January 28: All That Is Within
January 29: Always Near
January 30: Always Ready
January 31: Rejoice
February
February 1: Answers
February 2: Prayer and Peace
February 3: Anxious Hearts
February 4: Applause
February 5: Appreciated
February 6: Approach
February 7: Wishing Well
February 8: Ark of Strength
February 9: Break Every Chain
February 10: Requesting Wisdom
February 11: Just Ask
February 12: Ask Seek Knock
February 13: Assurance
February 14: Astonishing
February 15: At a Loss
February 16: At All Times
February 17: Awesome God
February 18: Be a Blessing
February 19: Be Aware
February 20: Still Before Him
February 21: Beautiful Song
February 22: Wonderfully Sovereign
February 23: Beauty
February 24: Because He Is God
February 25: Being an Encouragement
February 26: Being Heard
February 27: Believe in Faith
February 28: Balance
March
March 1: Most Important
March 2: Better than Sleep
March 3: BFF
March 4: Seen Later
March 5: In Admiration
March 6: Boast in God
March 7: Bold Prayers
March 8: Make Your Request
March 9: Bones
March 10: Both Necessary
March 11: Bottled In
March 12: Breakthrough
March 13: Breathtaking
March 14: Bring Everything
March 15: Bubbling Over
March 16: Burdens
March 17: Life and Healing
March 18: Time for Singing
March 19: Call Upon Him
March 20: A Loving Mother
March 21: Calling God
March 22: Calming
March 23: Caring for Others
March 24: Celebrate
March 25: Faithful Friends
March 26: Celebrated
March 27: Changes
March 28: Astounding Privilege
March 29: Optimism
March 30: Choose Wisely
March 31: Deciding to Praise
April
April 1: Chosen by God
April 2: Clay
April 3: On the Surface
April 4: Clear Views
April 5: Comfort in Stress
April 6: Spilling Over
April 7: Confident Prayer
April 8: Considering the Creator
April 9: Consistent Effort
April 10: Constant Praise
April 11: Contagious Kindness
April 12: Continued Devotion
April 13: Perpetual Praise
April 14: Continuous Faith
April 15: Counted as Righteous
April 16: Cry Out to God
April 17: Prayers of Thanks
April 18: Sunshine and Storm
April 19: Deep Yearning
April 20: Deserved Glory
April 21: Despite Feelings
April 22: What We Know
April 23: Digging Holes
April 24: Distracted
April 25: Don’t Stop
April 26: Draw Near
April 27: Drawing Closer
April 28: Dwelling Within
April 29: Each New Morning
April 30: Embrace the Day
May
May 1: Encouragement
May 2: Enduring Kingdom
May 3: Enemies
May 4: Enemy Tactic
May 5: Eternal Song
May 6: Free My Soul
May 7: Home in My Heart
May 8: Even Though
May 9: There He Is
May 10: Everlasting Contentment
May 11: Everyone Talking
May 12: Juggling Act
May 13: Everything Made Right
May 14: Exalted
May 15: Exciting Adventure
May 16: Expressions of Praise
May 17: In the Cloud
May 18: Extent of God’s Love
May 19: Eyes Open
May 20: Face of Jesus
May 21: Faithful Direction
May 22: Faithful Forever
May 23: Fast Strong or Brave
May 24: Father Time
May 25: Peace in Chaos
May 26: Finding Words
May 27: Sunrise Reflections
May 28: Forgiveness
May 29: Joy
May 30: Fragrant Offering
May 31: Free from Chains
June
June 1: Freed by Love
June 2: From the Heart
June 3: Fulfilled Hopes
June 4: Full Attention
June 5: Fully Restored
June 6: Gaining Understanding
June 7: Get Up and Pray
June 8: Glad for Each Day
June 9: Glorious Meditation
June 10: Grace Extended
June 11: Glory Origin
June 12: God Heard Me
June 13: God’s Creation
June 14: Goodness of God
June 15: Good Hearts
June 16: Goodness in Store
June 17: Great Love
June 18: Good and Faithful
June 19: True Superhero
June 20: Hard Knocks
June 21: Hate Evil
June 22: He Is So Good
June 23: He Is Worthy
June 24: He Listens
June 25: Satisfied Hunger
June 26: Still Praying
June 27: Love not Sacrifice
June 28: Healer
June 29: Believe in Miracles
June 30: Hear and Protect
July
July 1: My Request
July 2: Hear My Prayer
July 3: Still the Storm
July 4: Better than Fireworks
July 5: Heart Motives
July 6: Greater Hope
July 7: Heart Posture
July 8: Heavenly Comfort
July 9: Help Guaranteed
July 10: Highways to Zion
July 11: His Mercy Endures
July 12: Mighty Works
July 13: Humble Servant
July 14: Humility
July 15: Hurled into the Sea
July 16: I Will Praise
July 17: Meet with Him
July 18: Call on Him
July 19: I Wish
July 20: Immeasurably More
July 21: In His Name
July 22: My God
July 23: In the Secret
July 24: The Valleys
July 25: Lovely for You
July 26: Incredible
July 27: Brave Belief
July 28: Listen to Nature
July 29: Intimate Companion
July 30: It Matters
July 31: It Is Time
August
August 1: Joyful Song
August 2: Just Today
August 3: Never Give Up
August 4: Keep Things Simple
August 5: Keeping Pace
August 6: Know for Yourself
August 7: Knowing and Powerful
August 8: Lacking Wisdom
August 9: Lavished with Love
August 10: Laying Down Dreams
August 11: The Rest Will Follow
August 12: Learn about Me
August 13: Knocking
August 14: Let It Go
August 15: Wisdom Poured Out
August 16: Shameless Joy
August 17: Call for Help
August 18: Life’s Song
August 19: Leader
August 20: Lifted Up
August 21: Limitless Power
August 22: Search Me
August 23: Listen to Me
August 24: Look for Me
August 25: What He Thinks
August 26: Relationship Breakdown
August 27: Lost
August 28: Joy Will Follow
August 29: Love Wins
August 30: Loving Intercession
August 31: Mail Joy
September
September 1: Make Haste
September 2: Make It Happen
September 3: Marvelous
September 4: Moment of Solitude
September 5: Mountaintops
September 6: Music for the Soul
September 7: Creative Expression
September 8: Holy Helper
September 9: My Praise
September 10: Needs Met
September 11: Never Give Up
September 12: Eternal Food
September 13: Laugh at Days Ahead
September 14: No One Else
September 15: Not Abandoned
September 16: Near
September 17: Not in Vain
September 18: To Your Name
September 19: Numbers
September 20: Oceans
September 21: Unbroken Gratitude
September 22: Only Pray
September 23: Open Door
September 24: Opportunity to Praise
September 25: Father in Heaven
September 26: Our Present Hope
September 27: Overconfident
September 28: Party Time
September 29: Patient Decision
September 30: Waiting
October
October 1: Pause
October 2: Paying the Bills
October 3: Perfect Timing
October 4: Persist
October 5: Petitions
October 6: The Antidote
October 7: Please Answer
October 8: Position for Rescue
October 9: Powerful Kingdom
October 10: Gratitude Focus
October 11: Let Hope Arise
October 12: What Wins
October 13: Praising Together
October 14: Crossing Warden
October 15: Pray Boldly
October 16: Prayer Always
October 17: Lifting Up Leaders
October 18: Remembered in Prayer
October 19: Pray with Hope
October 20: Rescue Plea
October 21: Power of Prayer
October 22: I Do Believe
October 23: Proclaim His Name
October 24: Promised Grace
October 25: Adoration
October 26: Purposeful Life
October 27: Quietly Waiting
October 28: Radiance
October 29: Reflections
October 30: Join in Song
October 31: Remain Upright
November
November 1: Reputation
November 2: Respect and Fear
November 3: Reverence
November 4: Rhetorical
November 5: Always Near
November 6: Righteous Prayers
November 7: Good Answers
November 8: Sacrifice of Praise
November 9: Safety Guaranteed
November 10: Saving Grace
November 11: Secret Places
November 12: Set Your Mind
November 13: Shield of Faith
November 14: Shift Our Focus
November 15: Shout for Joy
November 16: Showdown
November 17: Gratitude in Hardship
November 18: Result of Righteousness
November 19: Simple Pleasures
November 20: Sing to the King
November 21: Skilled
November 22: Skillfully Made
November 23: Sleep Like a King
November 24: Much Love
November 25: So Pretty
November 26: Speak Well
November 27: Spiritual Achievement
November 28: Stand Victorious
November 29: Stormy Weather
November 30: Stretched Out
December
December 1: Stubbornly Redeemed
December 2: Sun Rising
December 3: Support Team
December 4: Grace for Leaders
December 5: Teachable Spirit
December 6: Tenant Farmers
December 7: Thankful for Everything
December 8: Life’s Breath
December 9: Final Kingdom
December 10: The First Thing
December 11: Great Mystery
December 12: The Hand Off
December 13: The Lord Hears
December 14: He Sees Me
December 15: More Important One
December 16: Power of a Name
December 17: The Storyteller
December 18: Waiting Principle
December 19: The Will of God
December 20: Time to Rest
December 21: Transformed by Renewal
December 22: Unending Blessings
December 23: Carrying the Story
December 24: Peace Is Here
December 25: Importance
December 26: Unending Chorus
December 27: Resources Unlimited
December 28: Unwrap Grace
December 29: Use Your Head
December 30: What to Do
December 31: Praise Party
Jesus said we can do all that he did in his ministry on earth and even more if we believe in him. This is no small statement! Jesus performed large displays of God’s power through miracles, signs, and wonders. We were never meant to stay small in prayer or in faith. When Jesus said whatever you ask, it included the big, bold prayers that would be impossible to accomplish on our own.
As you read these Scriptures, short devotions, and prayers, pray in Jesus’ name with faith! Take him at his word and ask for greater things. Grow bold in the way you ask him to move in your life and in the world around you. He loves to save, heal, comfort, and amaze.
We catch a glimpse of the glory and goodness of God through answered prayer. He has not stopped moving in power, so let’s keep asking him to show up in wonderful ways.
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
JAMES 5:16 NLT
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening.
PSALM 92:2 NLT
Without an agenda, give thanks to the Lord today. How has he been good to you? How have you witnessed his strong mercy in your life? Pour out your praises to him. Let your heart swell with wonder as you remember how faithful he has been. His unfailing love has not left you yet, and it never will. Proclaim it over your day, your family, your life. His unfailing love covers you all the days of your life.
Thank you, Jesus, for everything you have blessed me with. Your mercy has been evident in my life from my first breath, and it will continue to remain until my last. You have always been faithful to me, and I am so grateful for your unfailing love. I praise you today because you are worthy of being praised with my every breath.
This forever-song I sing of the gentle love of God!
Young and old alike will hear about your faithful, steadfast love—never failing!
PSALM 89:1 TPT
God is constant in compassion, and full of second chances. In fact, he doesn’t put a limit on his mercy at all. It is never failing, never ending, and powerful to save. Why would we hide our joy when he is the pure delight of our lives? He is too marvelous for words, yet we shouldn’t stop declaring his goodness to all who will listen.
Jesus, I will sing about your goodness. The song of my heart overflows to the melody on my lips. You are wonderful. You are glorious! You are full of love that never ends. Your everlasting kindness is my assurance and my strength. You do not leave even one of your loved ones behind. You are the God who leaves the ninety-nine on the path of life to rescue the one who has gone astray.
Let all that I am praise the LORD;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
PSALM 103:2 NLT
The person who wrote this Bible verse was thankful for everything that God had given him. He was thankful for little things like flowers, surprise gifts, and quiet mornings, as well as big things like healing, relationships, and forgiveness of sin. Remember to praise God for all these wonderful things today.
With my whole heart I thank you, most wonderful Jesus. I will praise you forever for each thing you have given me. Through all you have blessed me with, you have shown me unconditional love. A love that is never failing, even when I think it is so. I pray I never listen to the lies that say you do not love me. Not only have you died for me, but you have also given me everlasting life. For these gifts, I must praise your name forever more!
“I say to you, love your enemies.
Pray for those who hurt you.”
MATTHEW 5:44 NCV
It is not easy to love your enemies. Jesus did not command that we tolerate our enemies or peacefully avoid them, but that we actually change our hearts to love them. The way we can do this is by actively praying for them. When we genuinely pray to God, our hearts begin to soften and change. We are invested in that for which we are praying. We were Christ’s enemies when we were outside of grace. He suffered the cross for our sake because he loves us. Now, in response to that unimaginable love, we are told to love others including our enemies.
Jesus, you have forgiven me, so who am I to not forgive others? Help me to soften my heart toward my enemies. Remind me to continuously pray for them, so that I may love them in the best way possible. Do not let me be a coward; help me build courage to face my enemies but to do so in gracious love.
The LORD has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
MICAH 6:8 NLT
Fortunately, as Christians, we don’t have to question what God requires of us. He has written it in the Bible. We have a plan book that shows us the way and gives us specific instructions on how to live right, love mercy, and walk with God. Any time we question the right thing for us to do, we can search the Scriptures and find the answer.
You are the living Word, Jesus. Thank you for your example and for what you have taught me through the Scriptures. I now know how to live my life. What you have taught me is locked in my head; please let it be brought to my heart, so that I may truly live the way you have intended for me.
Set your minds on the things that are above,
not on the things that are on earth.
COLOSSIANS 3:2 NASB
Isn’t creation incredible? Isn’t God’s handiwork infinitely glorious? Our world is dazzling in its beauty, bursting with opportunity, and dizzying in its variety. It’s also a tremendous distraction. We can get so caught up in our own possessions and problems, and in the vast wonders God supplied to the earth, we fail to remember the Supplier. Instead of being grateful for our homes, we become proud and possessive. The purpose we get from our worldly tasks can morph into obsession. Treating our bodies with respect can veer us into vanity. Remember, none of these earthly things define us. Only the Lord does that. Let him, and his love, be all that consumes us.
Dear Jesus, I am thankful for your earthly creation. You have shown me wondrous beauty, and I have seen small snippets of you here on earth. I ask that you would not let me stray from your heavenly beauty. Do not let me be distracted by earthly desires but fill my heart with only desires of love for you and your kingdom.
All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.
EZEKIEL 1:28 NLT
When we finally meet Jesus face to face, we might have a different way to describe what he looks like, but Ezekiel’s description is pretty magnificent. The human language is limited, yet we need to appreciate the beauty of descriptions. It is true that Jesus is our hope for the future; he is like that promise represented by a rainbow on a rainy day. Yes, he is our friend, but he is also the King of kings, and he is worthy to be worshipped.
What a beautiful God you are. There is no one like you. I have only a few words to describe the relationship between us. You are my friend. You are my family. You are my creator. You are my redeemer. You are my God. How delightful that I can choose to have this relationship with you! You have given me free will and with it, I choose you.
LORD, every morning you hear my voice.
Every morning, I tell you what I need,
and I wait for your answer.
PSALM 5:3 NCV
Every time our sun has moved its way over the horizon line into our skies, it can be defined as one thing: a gift. It doesn’t matter what season it is, or if those skies are cloudy, full of storms, crystal clear, or speckled with fluffy white marshmallows. When our eyes flutter upon that first light, God himself is there holding the gift. Anticipation is full. Let the beauty of this sink into your heart for a moment. The God of the universe is presenting you with extraordinary gifts. What do you need?
You have always reminded me of the warm sun. Maybe it is because you fill my soul with warmth, and you have brought me to the light. Whatever the reason may be, I know that even during a cloudy day or a season of hardship, you are there. The sun is always there. You are constant. While I wait for the clouds to disappear, let me continue to ask you for my needs but don’t let me forget to worship your goodness.
“Don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply
about even the smallest detail of your life.”
MATTHEW 10:30-31 TPT
Worry is a thief, and this generation is being robbed blind. Do you realize what is being stolen from you? The smallest moments as a whole make up your life. When you succumb to worry, you lose your life. But you do not have to live in the poverty of worry. You serve an all-powerful, all-knowing God who cares so deeply for those small moments. He wants to tend to the moments that are being stolen by anxiety and redeem them. He can change all those circumstances that are haunting you.
I know you have heard my worries and have seen my anxiety. It is so easy to get caught up in my thoughts and emotions. Jesus, please wipe away all of my fears and ease my anxieties. Guide my mind to thoughts of you, so that I may live in constant joy. I want to remember that at the end of the day all that matters is loving you.
Daniel replied, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret.
But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future.
Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed.”
DANIEL 2:27-28 NLT
Daniel could have presented himself as some kind of skillful mind reader, but he gave all the glory to God. He could have used his gift of interpretation to make himself great in the king’s palace, but with sincerity of heart he directed the king toward the one true God who knows all things. There are times when you might be tempted to take the glory for yourself. Remember who gave you your gifts and allow your accomplishments to point toward the magnificence of your God.
Pride is a deadly sin. Jesus, I want to be more like your loving servant Daniel. Rid me of my pride. I want to give you all of the glory, so when I am sitting before you on judgment day there are no secrets to be revealed. Everything that has been done within me, the praise belongs to you. Everything that is good is because of you. All glory to you, Jesus!
As soon as I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me strength.
PSALM 138:3 NLT
The written word is mostly digital these days which makes it very efficient to get your thoughts down. But there is something almost sacred about using your hands to write—the way scribes would have done for the kings. Consider this Psalm and how you might have written a prayer of gratitude. What, or who, do you have to be thankful for in your life?
Jesus,you are always here with me. When I wake up, I see your light coming through the cracks in the curtain. The blankets remind me of your warm embrace. I sit up and feel your strength within me. My feet touch the floor, and a cool excitement runs through my body—another day closer to eternity with you. In every way, you are with me today. When I speak, you listen. When I ask, you answer. That’s when I realize I have you to be thankful for everything.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
PSALM 40:3 ESV
Since the beginning of time, songs have been written. One could assume that every topic has been covered: sorrow, heartache, hope, joy, healing—the list goes on. With the millions of songs written, could there truly be a new song? God’s knowledge and wisdom are unmeasurable, and no created being will ever fully grasp the depth of his persona even if they have walked with him for their entire life. So there is always something new to sing about him!
Jesus, thank you for the gift of music! There are billions of songs here on earth. But I cannot wait to sing your praises in heaven with your choir of angels, where I am sure the song of praise is much more glorious. As I wait for this day to come, I continue to glorify you through music!
“Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”
ISAIAH 43:19 ESV
The prophet Isaiah recorded many of God’s reminders to the people of Israel. They readily forgot his miracles and abandoned his ways, so he constantly reminded them of who he was and what he had down for them, proving that he was worthy of their praise and worship. When we were all lost to sin with no hope of redemption, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to make a way for us: a way in the wilderness. This is the “new thing” he was doing.
Just like a father must constantly remind his children what is right and wrong, you are doing the same for me. I am your child, and you are my Father. I am sorry that you always have to capture my attention because it is drawn elsewhere. Without you, my mind would forever be lost in a daze. Thank you for saving me and for making the impossible possible.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
PSALM 119:105 NLT
There will be opportunities that arise that might be surprising to us. We might suddenly be presented with something that feels kind of terrifying. We view it as an opportunity because we see the benefit in it somewhere along the way. Stepping through the unknown takes courage, and courage isn’t always readily available. Through the power of prayer, we come to the point where our hearts feel the peace we’ve been looking for. That makes the task of accepting the opportunity much easier.
I am a scared little child and I need you. Dear Jesus, please give me the strength and courage to do what you ask of me. Help me decipher whether it is your will or if I am being deceived. Guide me in prayer so that each step I take is one step closer to you. Give me assistance with choosing the narrow path because I know that is where I will find you.
My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
PSALM 108:1 NLT
The Psalms communicate the highs and lows of life: the mountaintops and valleys. This Psalm is a mountaintop moment. These are the moments you feel self-assured, confident of what lies ahead, and optimistic for the future—you almost boast about it! Embrace these moments and celebrate with enthusiasm. If you can’t celebrate for yourself today, celebrate for someone else.
Jesus, you know when I need these moments the most. When I’m just about to give up, you give me a split second of hope, and it fills my soul. I pray that I continue to devote my life to you, so I can experience more of these moments. I know that I am imperfect and fall short, but I also know when I do, I can count on you to give me a glimpse of your heavenly promises, and I will instantly get back up again.
Accept one another, then,
just as Christ accepted you,
in order to bring praise to God.
ROMANS 15:7 NIV
Have you ever met someone and immediately felt a connection? Maybe you were drawn to their personality and a friendship was born. We all have our natural friendships. We don’t have to be best friends with everyone we meet because the truth of it is, we won’t be. But what if, despite our differences, we still accepted all those we come in contact with?
Graciously, you have given me many of these connections. I am so thankful for them. They are a great reminder of what my relationship with you should look like. I want a natural friendship with you, Jesus. Give me strength to have an equal relationship between those I do not feel this natural connection with and my friends that I do. Please help me encourage others to do the same, and to love everyone just as you have loved me.
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
PSALM 13:2 NLT
One of the hardest realities of life is that we can’t escape suffering. There is no easy fix to a heart or mind that has been broken or wounded in some way. You may be able to relate to an experience where you have felt sorrow in your heart every day. During those times of struggle, you desperately want a way out. It’s important to cry out to God and acknowledge that you are totally dependent on him for help. Keep hoping and praying; he is a God that can be trusted.
A hard reality is knowing I can’t escape suffering; an even harder reality is realizing that my suffering is good. It is what makes me understand that I am human, and I quite literally cannot do anything without the help of my Savior. It is what has and will continue to save me. The only way you saved me was by suffering, Jesus. Thank you!
You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.
ROMANS 8:15-16 CSB
Abba. It’s the Aramaic word used for Father. Used by children and adults alike, the word drips with intimacy. Using it shows familiarity, vulnerability, and a deep sense of trust. Do these words seem foreign to you when referring to God? Some of us grew up with very rigid fathers: relationships void of the words above. Others grew up in a stoic and rigid religion, without the warm familiarity of a loving, kind father. By simply saying in prayer, “My Father!” the Holy Spirit unlocks a level of intimacy with God. Try praying this way, and rest in the care you receive from your loving, kind Father.
Father, you are loving. You are trustworthy. You make me feel beautiful. I am thankful for my earthly father who helped me understand what my relationship with you should look like. You are a Father to those who need one and to those who already have one. It is astonishing to learn from a perfect Father.
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
PROVERBS 21:5 NLT
If lists, calendars, and flowcharts rule our days, verses like this one are great news. If we love making plans, it’s affirming to read that it’s pleasing to God and leads us to prosperity. However, plan with care. Without prayer and remaining close to God’s will, we can run ahead of him—and end up lost.
While spontaneity is desirable, it is almost always better to plan. I know that planning is the best way to be prepared for anything; just like you told me to be prepared for your coming even if I do not know the day or hour, Jesus. I ask to do the same with all things in life: to be prepared even if things don’t happen according to my plans. I know that you have a plan for me, and it will always be far greater than the plans I have.
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
PSALM 19:14 ESV
The words that come out of our mouths are influenced by the motives which are hidden in our hearts. What we focus our time on will be what flows in our conversation. We ought to remember the Lord who authored our creation, salvation, and preservation. It is he alone who redeemed us through his death and resurrection, and it is he alone who sustains us by his power and might.
Jesus, guide my words as they flow from my mouth. Let them run like a river of truth. Dry them up if you see even a drop of darkness. Do not let the water be led astray by objects in its path. As this river runs for eternity, let it be a guide for other wanderers. When they see even the slightest bit of water, they will know that it runs for you, and at that moment it will cause them to run with it.
Devote yourselves to prayer
with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
COLOSSIANS 4:2 NLT
Prayer does not require the perfect sentiments or a specific style. It is an open door of communication between us and heaven. Prayer is bigger than a statement we make in churches or cathedrals. It is more than a request we make in desperation. It can be as constant as our breathing. When we devote ourselves to prayer, we can do it with intention and thanksgiving. We know Jesus is full of mercy, and we can expect to be met by his love every time we turn to him.
Prayer is a miraculous thing. Everyone can do it, and everyone should do it. Jesus, I love praying because it is time I get to spend with you. Everything can be a prayer, which means that I can spend my entire day with you! Jesus, make it so that my mind and body always move in prayer. As I do things that normally require no effort, let them be a prayer to you. As I do things that require sacrifice, let them be a prayer to you. With everything I do, I want it to be a prayer for you.
Out of him, the sustainer of everything, came everything, and now everything finds fulfillment in him.
May all praise and honor be given to him forever! Amen!
ROMANS 11:36 TPT
Having eyes for the kingdom of God will make you feel like an outsider in the world. We should expect to be hated by the world, but there will even be those who call themselves believers who find you to be too much. A life dedicated to the glory of God is never too much. A heart set on seeking him is exactly where it needs to be. A mouth proclaiming his goodness and mercy so that the rocks don’t cry out is saying what needs to be said. A mind set on the Spirit is to be commended.
I have felt like an outsider more than ever with how the world is right now. Sometimes it makes me sad to see others who think I am crazy because I know what they are missing out on. But at the same time, it makes me so glad, Jesus. I know that I get to spend eternity with you and that I am no longer a slave to sin. All thanks belongs to you and what you did for me on the cross!
We give thanks to God always for all of you,
constantly mentioning you in our prayers.
1 THESSALONIANS 1:2 ESV
Have you been stuck in a conversation with someone who only talks about themselves? Every word out of their mouth is centered around their view of the world and how everything affects them. It’s difficult to relate because there is plenty of talking but no listening. It’s a one-way street. Let’s not allow our prayers to be all one-way. Prayer is a beautiful gift. We can communicate with the God of the universe!
I desire to have a deeper relationship with you, Jesus. To do so, I know that I must let the conversations between us flow. I must let you speak. Sometimes silence is the best prayer. To sit there with no distractions and listen to your voice. It is often very hard to have a moment of silence; the TV is always on, someone else is making loud noises, or there is music playing. I want to devote a moment of silence to you each day in prayer, so I can grow more in love with you.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
COLOSSIANS 3:17 NASB
When we focus on what people around us expect, we can become burnt out and resentful that we are being stretched thin. Instead of complaining or grumbling to ourselves while doing chores around the house, going out of our way to meet a friend, or doing a task that we wish others would do, let’s approach it as if we were doing it for God. He sees what others miss.
One of the hardest things to learn is not to please others but instead to please you. People expect perfection; but only you are perfect, Jesus. When I learn this, it helps me grow in my relationship with you. You have what I don’t, and you can take on what I need. Thank you, Jesus, for who you are. Help me to do everything out of love for you and to continuously praise your name while doing so.
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
REVELATION 5:9 ESV
Jesus is the worthy one, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every tribe, every language, every people, and every nation are offered the same power of his redemption. We are all as one in Christ, and none of us has a better claim to come before him than any other. May we join with heaven in proclaiming Jesus as King over all. He is worthy of all our lives, all our praise, and all our honor. There are no tiers in his family. May we be unified in love.
It is so amazing to know that you love everyone the same amount. It makes perfect sense why you would design it that way. It is freeing to not have that feeling of comparison. To hear everyone is offered the same power of his redemption makes me realize just how magnificent you are. I wish to do the same and offer every person the same amount of love in my life, so that I may be an example of you, Jesus.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:3 NLT
The lovely things of life—sunsets, fresh fruit, warmth, spring water—they are all created by God to glorify him. He clothed the world in beauty to be pleasing in his sight. Although we live in a broken version of the original Eden, we catch glimpses of the earth that God has planned for the future. If we look, we can see signs of a coming new earth even in our everyday lives, truly good things that give us hope for the time to come.
When the warmth of the sun finally kisses my skin after a long winter, or when the light finally shines through on a cloudy day, that’s when I most strongly feel hope for an eternity of loveliness to come. As the beauty of your light continues to dim on this dark earth, I still catch glimpses of what is coming. It fills me with excitement and wonder. Thank you for these reminders of your heavenly promises. I love you, Jesus.
Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things;
let this be known throughout the earth.
ISAIAH 12:5 NASB
Our God is so worthy! All praise, respect, honor, and glory belong with him. Amazed by talent, let us glorify the One who formed the hands that did the painting. Let us lift up the Father of the voice who sang the song. Beholding beauty, let us sing of the glorious mind who imagined, then spoke it into being. Every time we are dazzled, let our hearts remember our God, who designs, creates, and blesses us with it all, and let us not be shy in giving him the credit. As long as we have breath, let us spend it honoring the one who gives it.
I have always loved seeing beauty: whether in drawing, singing, dancing, love, or so much more. But the most beautiful thing to see is you, Jesus, in other people! I am made in your image and likeness. How beautiful it is that all of the things I like to see are exactly what you have done with your creation. It only makes me realize that all of the glory does belong to you.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
PSALM 103:1 ESV
We can choose to bless the Lord, to offer him praise and thanks no matter what we are feeling in the moment. We can choose to focus on what he has given, and how fellowship with him has enriched our lives. No matter how we feel at any given moment, we can turn our attention to focusing on all the ways that we have been blessed by God.
Sometimes it is so hard to appreciate something when you are in a difficult state, but it is so much more rewarding! I love the feeling of being kind when I am hurting. Jesus, I wish to do the same with you. In my weakness and suffering, I want to praise you for everything you have given me. Enlighten me of the things that you have blessed me with, but I do not know of. Do not let me forget to thank you for all of your blessings!
“When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
ISAIAH 43:2 NLT