Prayers to Strengthen Your Soul E-Book

Karen Moore

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 386

Beschreibung

Connect with the still, small voice of God. With the demands and distractions of life, it doesn't take long for worry and doubt to threaten your peace, overwhelm your mind, and steal your joy. The God of the universe hears your needs and longs for a personal relationship with you. All you have to do is listen and pray. Prayers to Strengthen Your Soul will refresh and guide your prayer life with daily Scripture-based prayers and thought-provoking questions to help you - surrender your burdens and concerns to God, - align your heart and mind with God's will, and - praise God through every season and circumstance.Draw near to God, find strength in his presence, and come alive as you walk faithfully with him.  

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

Prayers to Strengthen Your Soul: 365 Daily Prayers

Copyright © 2023 Karen Moore

9781424564569 (faux leather)

9781424564576 (ebook)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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 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, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, 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. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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23 24 25 26 27 5 4 3 2 1

The LORD’s love never ends;

his mercies never stop.

They are new every morning;

LORD, your loyalty is great.

I say to myself, “The LORD is mine,

so I hope in him.”

LAMENTATIONS 3:22–24 NCV

To believers everywhere who

rise each day with

hope in the Lord.

May God bless you

and keep you!

K. M.

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: Strengthen My Spirit

January 2: Power Source

January 3: The Right Words

January 4: Quiet the Voices

January 5: Wise Listening

January 6: Deaf Ears

January 7: Guiding Wisdom

January 8: Being Happy

January 9: Measure My Words

January 10: Be Still

January 11: In His Presence

January 12: Look Up

January 13: Watching What We Say

January 14: Softer Heart

January 15: You Know Everything about Me

January 16: Getting to Know You

January 17: Surrender Completely

January 18: Save Me

January 19: Gratitude Adjustments

January 20: Voice of Thunder

January 21: Stay Close to Me

January 22: Turbulence

January 23: Wisdom and Understanding

January 24: Choices

January 25: Walk Faithfully

January 26: Complete Trust

January 27: God Showed Up

January 28: Tune In

January 29: Step Up

January 30: Whenever You Feel Lonely

January 31: Know Him

February

February 1: Obey

February 2: Effective Service

February 3: God’s Plans

February 4: Comfort My Soul

February 5: Hear and Understand

February 6: Connect Authentically

February 7: Soul Matters

February 8: The Answer

February 9: Resist Temptation

February 10: Kneel before Him

February 11: Foolish Wisdom

February 12: A Great Word

February 13: Telling Your Story

February 14: Love Lifted Me

February 15: Giving You My Best

February 16: A Long-Distance Call

February 17: Writing on the Wall

February 18: Miracles

February 19: Do You See Me, Lord?

February 20: Let’s Talk

February 21: When Nothing Works Right

February 22: Just Be Ready

February 23: With a Broken Heart

February 24: Is Anyone Home?

February 25: Disconnected

February 26: Refreshed and Renewed

February 27: Formed and Informed

February 28: Tin Cans and String

March

March 1: The Eyes of My Heart

March 2: Nowhere Else to Turn

March 3: Obstacles of Confusion

March 4: Practicing Your Presence

March 5: God of Peace

March 6: Dance and Sing

March 7: Relieving Pressure

March 8: Believing Is Seeing

March 9: Mustard-Seed Faith

March 10: Not Too Late

March 11: Meditate on This

March 12: Prayer Language

March 13: Light in the Darkness

March 14: What God Sees

March 15: Interconnections

March 16: The Architect

March 17: Get Up and Walk

March 18: Brave Soul

March 19: New Day

March 20: The Power of Jesus’ Name

March 21: Weight of the World

March 22: Great Works

March 23: Prayerful Conclusions

March 24: Between You and Me

March 25: Better Reception

March 26: Altitude or Attitude

March 27: Bread of Life

March 28: A Terrible Day

March 29: An Awesome Day

March 30: Saved from Fear

March 31: Wonders of Nature

April

April 1: Forgiven from Foolishness

April 2: Cast Worry Aside

April 3: What Matters Most

April 4: Still a Battle

April 5: Learning from Jesus

April 6: Still Here

April 7: Spring Is Coming

April 8: Write This Down

April 9: Everyone’s a Critic

April 10: Find Strength

April 11: What Should I Do?

April 12: The Difference Is You

April 13: Seeking Praise

April 14: Heading to the Cross

April 15: Provision

April 16: Beacons and Candles

April 17: Try Again

April 18: Too Hard

April 19: Let’s Do This Together

April 20: Along Came Grief

April 21: Of Incense, Harps, and Prayer

April 22: The Freedom in the Son

April 23: Too Many Clouds

April 24: Amen

April 25: Always Thankful

April 26: If God Sent a Text

April 27: Are You Sure?

April 28: Spiritual Warfare

April 29: Worn Out

April 30: Wind and Water

May

May 1: You’re God, and I’m Not

May 2: False Teachers

May 3: Don’t Mumble

May 4: Devoted to Prayer

May 5: Sidewalk Chalk

May 6: Scattering Seeds

May 7: Pruning

May 8: In God’s Service

May 9: Yes, No, and Maybe

May 10: Enough Worry

May 11: Family Blessings

May 12: Starting Over

May 13: Speak Responsibly

May 14: Help Me

May 15: The Good Fruit

May 16: Finding Your Light

May 17: The Voice of Authority

May 18: Grapevine Strategy

May 19: Until Your Kingdom Comes

May 20: Persist in Prayer

May 21: Among the Flock

May 22: Fearless

May 23: Today’s Learning Exercise

May 24: Stress Test

May 25: On Hold

May 26: Hiding Shame

May 27: Lost Way

May 28: Teach Me to Love

May 29: Soul Support

May 30: Every Day Is Sunday

May 31: A Matter of Grace

June

June 1: God Brings the Rains

June 2: Our Defender

June 3: Unbreakable Promises

June 4: Anoint My Soul

June 5: If It Depends on Me

June 6: Disaster Strikes

June 7: God’s Armor

June 8: God Listens

June 9: The Healing Power of Forgiveness

June 10: Words of Wisdom

June 11: Tender Talks

June 12: Is There a Plan C?

June 13: What You Don’t Know Matters

June 14: Now and Later Friends

June 15: Let God Carry You

June 16: The Good Life

June 17: Giving All You’ve Got

June 18: Possibility Prayers

June 19: A Little More Wisdom

June 20: Counterfeit Wonders

June 21: Doing What’s Right

June 22: Hearing Is Believing

June 23: Draw Me a Picture

June 24: Faith and Fantasy

June 25: Turning Needs into Blessings

June 26: A Good Friend

June 27: Seventy Times Seven

June 28: Rewarding

June 29: Becoming Shiny

June 30: The Ruby Collector

July

July 1: More Hope

July 2: Wake Me Up

July 3: Lost Again

July 4: Glorious Kingdom

July 5: Sharing Kindness

July 6: Cultivating Faith

July 7: Stuck in Unbelief

July 8: Ten Steps Forward…and Back

July 9: Feeling Good

July 10: A Glimpse of You

July 11: Still Following You

July 12: Stumbling

July 13: Natural Tendencies

July 14: Does Anybody Care?

July 15: More Than Humpty Dumpty

July 16: Turning a Corner

July 17: Awe and Wonder

July 18: The Flip Side

July 19: Open the Doors and Windows

July 20: Every Night and Morning

July 21: Fear and Trembling

July 22: Unchained

July 23: Getting Warmer

July 24: Standing in Your Light

July 25: Waiting Is Hard

July 26: Leaning on You

July 27: Doing What’s Right

July 28: Scripture Memory

July 29: Family Matters

July 30: The Sanctuary

July 31: Choose Me

August

August 1: Rule Breaking

August 2: What I’ve Learned

August 3: Avoiding Idols

August 4: Seeing God

August 5: The Art of Listening

August 6: Distress Calls

August 7: I Get It Wrong

August 8: Log in My Eye

August 9: A New Leaf

August 10: Take My Hand

August 11: Building My Courage

August 12: Going Nowhere Fast

August 13: Stubborn

August 14: Faith or Opinion

August 15: Teach Me

August 16: Overcome

August 17: A Change of Heart

August 18: Reap a Harvest

August 19: Direct Communication

August 20: Spiritual Lift

August 21: No Little Lies

August 22: Just Plain Me

August 23: You Know Me

August 24: Invisible Support

August 25: I Need a Nudge

August 26: Divine Insight

August 27: In Just One Day

August 28: For your Good

August 29: No Comparison

August 30: Spiritual Building Blocks

August 31: Scriptural Clarity

September

September 1: Flying Solo

September 2: No Doubt about It

September 3: Crossroads

September 4: Inspire Me

September 5: Riddle Me This

September 6: Protection during Temptations

September 7: Close Call

September 8: Imagining Eternity

September 9: You Know My Mistakes

September 10: A Light Ahead

September 11: Too-Big World

September 12: Hope Abounds

September 13: We Belong to the Day

September 14: Parched Souls

September 15: More Than a Sparrow

September 16: More Salt, Please

September 17: God Is with You

September 18: Assumptions

September 19: Eternal Love

September 20: Keep Climbing

September 21: God Never Forgets You

September 22: Always There

September 23: A Breath of Praise

September 24: Once and for All

September 25: Follow the Leader

September 26: Faith and Doubt

September 27: Relax

September 28: Growing Sprouts

September 29: Finish Line

September 30: Prodigal Me

October

October 1: Spiritual Cleanse

October 2: You Are Mine

October 3: Another Day, Another Chance

October 4: Nothing to Hide

October 5: Like a Little Child

October 6: Sharing the Bread

October 7: Live Differently

October 8: It’s All Good

October 9: All Are Important

October 10: Let Me Rephrase That

October 11: Pray, Pray, Pray

October 12: Wise Up

October 13: All in the Family

October 14: To the Rescue

October 15: Satisfied

October 16: Another Benefit of Love

October 17: Relief Is on the Way

October 18: Walk in the Spirit

October 19: Eyes of Faith

October 20: Beautiful Mornings

October 21: Ordinary Me, Extraordinary God

October 22: The Light of Your Word

October 23: Motivational Testing

October 24: Here I Am

October 25: Being a Blessing

October 26: Training Wheels

October 27: Time to Celebrate

October 28: Empty Words

October 29: Weeds

October 30: Intentional Listening

October 31: Believe Bigger

November

November 1: Faithful Love

November 2: Spirit Lessons

November 3: Humble Pie

November 4: Those Good Things

November 5: Good Counsel

November 6: In Their Own Eyes

November 7: A Promotion

November 8: Angry Hearts

November 9: I Have Enough

November 10: Merciful

November 11: In Good Times and Bad

November 12: Angel Ministry

November 13: A Shout in the Morning

November 14: God’s Vessel

November 15: Prayer Privileges

November 16: Thinking Hard or Hardly Thinking

November 17: What God Wants

November 18: Staying Alert

November 19: Weakness

November 20: When God Shows Up

November 21: God’s Good Purpose

November 22: Under Construction

November 23: Stronger Spiritual Senses

November 24: Love, Pray, Eat

November 25: Bread from Heaven

November 26: Safety Zone

November 27: Keep Talking

November 28: What Love Does

November 29: Armor of Righteousness

November 30: Faithful in Prayer

December

December 1: The Sculptor

December 2: Nine More Gifts

December 3: Black-Tie Events

December 4: Believe It or Not

December 5: Stars in the Sky

December 6: From Beginning to End

December 7: Getting in the Spirit

December 8: Holiday Energy Boost

December 9: Family Gatherings

December 10: Blessing Box

December 11: Divine Appointment

December 12: Another Reason to Smile

December 13: Making Room

December 14: Shepherd Story

December 15: Glory to God

December 16: Naming the Baby

December 17: A Starry Night

December 18: Waiting and Watching

December 19: Tidings of Comfort and Joy

December 20: The Birth of Possibility

December 21: Something’s in the Air

December 22: Hope Is on the Way

December 23: One Great Light

December 24: In Bethlehem

December 25: The Word Was God

December 26: Faithful Followers

December 27: Evergreen Grace

December 28: Assurance Grows

December 29: A Christmas Reflection

December 30: A Prayer for the Coming Year

December 31: Life’s Blessings

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Introduction

My soul is weary with sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word.

PSALM 119:28 NIV

Your soul grows weary when adversity washes over you, and it dances when your heart is full of praise and joy. It is the barometer of your life circumstances, and it is the part of you that connects deeply to God in prayer. Your prayers bring contentment to your soul, especially when you give God a chance to inspire your thoughts. All you have to do is listen!

Did you hear it? Then wait! Prayer catapults you into God’s grace and mercy, and the prayers that strengthen your soul are the ones that are on the receiving end, the listening end. They are prayers in which your heart and mind are in tune with what God wants you to know, and it happens each time you draw near to his presence.

Talking to God is good. Putting your heart on the line and sharing everything with him is great. But listening for the still, small voice of God allows for growth, change, and opportunity to begin. Your soul longs to hear what he has to say, so lean in. Ignore the disruptive thoughts that bombard your mind and wait, trusting that the one who knows you better than anyone else is ready to talk to you.

Whether you seek him on your knees or in your heart, know that nothing can keep you apart. Nothing about your wants and needs surprises God, and nothing is too hard for him. He waits for you to put your requests before him. He wants to share an intimate relationship with you in which you lean on him as a friend and love him simply because he is your champion.

God loves you so much that he wants to be involved in the details of your life. He is ready to help you, soothe your concerns, and raise your spirits. He is your Redeemer, the one who loves you beyond any shortcomings you may have.

To find daily strength for your soul, be intentional about listening to God with all your heart. Come to the greatest, endless source of love to raise you up and bring you peace. Talk to him, and better yet, listen to him. Oh, how he delights in you!

With a prayerful heart,

Karen Moore

January

January 1

Strengthen My Spirit

I pray that out of his glorious riches he

may strengthen you with power

through his Spirit in your inner being.

EPHESIANS 3:16 NIV

Dear Lord,

The New Year is just starting, and I am already running on empty. I look at my list of things to accomplish, and I’m overwhelmed before I begin. Simple problems suddenly loom large, and nothing brings a quick solution. I become uncertain, doubtful, and weak. Before I know it, I’m moving in slow motion, practically standing still. That’s when I hear your voice saying, Stop everything and start again. Listen for my guidance and direction because I have a great plan for your life.

I love knowing you are with me wherever I am. I feel stronger when I am aware of my connection to you. It’s like the sun rises in my heart and soul. I know if I stay the course and listen for your voice, things will be fine. I depend so much on you.

Forgive me when I go on alone, forgetting my strength is in you. Help me pray continually until your faithfulness and mercy cover me. Only you know everything this day will bring. Amen.

What can you leave in the Lord’s hands today?

January 2

Power Source

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,

sustaining all things by his powerful word.

HEBREWS 1:3 NIV

Heavenly Father,

You are the only source of true power. You sustain us and provide for us with your kindness and love. You bring things into being with each spoken word, and you change the hearts of believers to follow you more directly.

We don’t always understand the things that go on around us, especially the evils that we witness in the world. We can’t fight those things because, in ourselves, we are powerless. We have no strength at all.

Recharge our drained souls, lighten our spirits, and renew our strength. We need to hear what you want for us. We praise you for helping us rise above our difficult circumstances. You are the reason we have hope. You are the one who radiates joy into our hearts. Your presence is all we need. Grant us renewal and strength as we listen for your voice. Help us tap into the source of your love and share it with everyone we meet. Amen.

How can God refresh your spirit and renew your heart and mind right now?

January 3

The Right Words

Hear my prayer, O God;

listen to the words of my mouth.

PSALM 54:2 NIV

Dear Lord,

Sometimes I stumble through my prayers. I don’t know how to share what I’m thinking. I don’t want to admit my failures or remind you of things that disappoint you. Often, I feel frustrated that I can’t fix my problems, and I worry because I helped cause them in the first place. I don’t have the right words to fix my brokenness.

I don’t always express my thoughts and feelings well, but I believe you receive my prayers with love. You listen for the intent and motivation of my spirit. You give me the confidence to talk with you anytime throughout the day.

I’m so grateful you don’t need me to fix things. You don’t ask me to take care of anything on my own. You simply ask me to pray and listen to you. I’m thankful you don’t depend on my words but only on the condition of my heart. Today, I bring all my broken pieces and place them humbly at your feet, seeking your forgiveness and your favor. Amen.

What would you like to lay at the Lord’s feet today?

January 4

Quiet the Voices

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

JAMES 1:19–20 NIV

Dear Jesus,

My heart is anxious. I’m frustrated at the way life is going. My inner turmoil grieves my spirit and weakens my resolve to find answers. It makes me feel disconnected from you, and on my own, I don’t make the best choices.

I need to hear your voice and let go of the noises inside my head. I need your advice and wise counsel for the steps to take from here. The adversary continually tries to make me feel unworthy of your help. His lies get louder and louder in my ears.

Help me draw near to you, waiting, listening, stopping everything until I feel your peace again. Quiet my soul. Help me move past all these thoughts that distract me and keep me stuck. You hear my troubled heart so I can move forward in joy. Thank you for your faithfulness to me. I’m ready to listen now. Amen.

What would help you hear God’s voice more clearly?

January 5

Wise Listening

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.

PROVERBS 1:5 NLT

Heavenly Father,

I appreciate that people I care about want to hear what I have to say. They listen to my thoughts and ideas and help me develop my plans to create new possibilities. They give me confidence in the steps I should take.

That’s what you do too. You give me assurance about the best ways to move forward. I realize how important it is for me to come to you in prayer, to quiet my spirit enough to hear your thoughts. You try so hard to talk to me and build our relationship. You listen for the things that matter most, and I’m grateful.

Proverbs says wise people listen. When they listen, they become even wiser. That’s what I want too. I want to grow in the kind of wisdom that strengthens my heart and mind. I want to follow you more intentionally. Forgive me when I am too impatient to wait for you to speak. Give me a heart that is truly willing to listen for your voice. Amen.

What would you most like to hear from God now?

January 6

Deaf Ears

Though seeing, they do not see;

though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

MATTHEW 13:13 NIV

Dear Jesus,

When I read this verse from Matthew, I wonder how often I am like those listeners who were with Jesus every day but didn’t see him for who he really was or hear the deeper meaning of his words. They resisted knowing him and missed what he wanted them to understand. Even when he explained the parables he told, his followers couldn’t read between the lines. They didn’t perceive what he meant.

I confess to being deaf to things I don’t want to hear. I can also be blind to things I stubbornly choose to ignore. Sometimes I refuse to take your direction to heart, missing the little changes that could truly make a difference in my life.

I pray to hear you with my whole heart so I know more about you. Help me understand you in ways that strengthen my spirit, recognize the intention of your words, and cause me to try harder to follow you. I give you the glory today and always. Amen.

What one thing would you like to understand more clearly about Jesus?

January 7

Guiding Wisdom

GOD, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me.

PSALM 119:33–40 MSG

Dear Lord,

I like to think that I search for clues to your guiding wisdom so that I stay the course or continue along my path, but I know it isn’t always true. It’s embarrassing to admit that I am more willing to stumble through life than to turn and seek your face. Sometimes I don’t even know I’ve gotten off the track until it’s too late.

Teach me to follow you more closely so that I recognize your hand at work in my life, ever guiding my steps. My heart is an open book, and I ask you to help me write it. Guide my heart so that I respond obediently, gratefully, and humbly. Help me be more of what you desire and less of what others expect of me. You have all the lessons for living that I truly need. I surrender my life to your care. Please lead the way. Amen.

What one insight from God would help you stay the course today?

January 8

Being Happy

My people will live in peaceful places and in safe homes and in calm places of rest.

ISAIAH 32:18 NCV

Father God,

Most of us struggle with the idea of being happy. We feel momentary gladness but are overcome with desperate sadness as we face our current reality. We hope for better tomorrows but are discouraged by the uncertainties of the future. We seldom have a true sense of peace.

Lord, perhaps we struggle with happiness because we don’t seek it in you. We don’t count our blessings or the things you do to sustain us emotionally and physically every day. In your presence, we know we are not facing the world alone. Speak to us in Scripture, bringing a specific verse to our minds that comforts our souls.

Be with your people throughout the world. Remind them they can be happy when they cling to you because you guard them and guide them. Keep them safe and give them peace of mind. Bless those who call on your name, trusting and believing in your steadfast love and faithfulness. Let them be happy in you. Amen.

What is disturbing your peace or happiness today?

January 9

Measure My Words

Continue teaching these things, warning people in God’s presence not to argue about words. It does not help anyone, and it ruins those who listen.

2 TIMOTHY 2:14 NCV

Dear Lord,

I can hardly measure the impact of words. You spoke the world into existence, and you have been speaking to your children ever since. You show up and encourage each of us to draw closer to you. It’s no small thing that Jesus himself is called the Word. His teaching through the Bible inspires me to be more of what you have called me to be.

Whenever I find myself caught up in a battle of words with those who resist you, help me pause and listen for your direction. Keep me from letting ego or a misplaced desire to prove that I’m right get in the way. I trust your Holy Spirit to interpret what you want me to share.

If I don’t understand your teachings, please repeat the words for me. Help me listen with grace and kindness to others. I pray to speak words that help others hear you more clearly and embrace all that you are. Amen.

When are you most aware that you need to measure your words?

January 10

Be Still

“Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

PSALM 46:10 NIV

Heavenly Father,

I dented my armor. Sometimes I imagine I can manage my daily routines without suiting up. It doesn’t take long before I realize my strength is limited, even paltry. You call me to stop and wait, allowing the stillness to bring me back to you. When I finally turn and put my hand in yours, your strength carries me from there.

You tell us to let go of anger, negative thoughts, or ambitious desires. You ask us to be still and look up so you can fight our battles and prepare our hearts for what we must do. You are God. You are the source of all living things, yet how often we neglect you.

Father, I lay down my armor. I surrender my heart to your faithful hands. I pray to be still and enjoy your presence. I pray everyone on earth hears your voice and lets you fight for them. We can’t win any battles without you. Amen.

What current battle can God help you fight?

January 11

In His Presence

This is the boldness we have in God’s presence: that if we ask God for anything that agrees with what he wants, he hears us.

1 JOHN 5:14 NCV

Dear Lord Jesus,

I am not often bold in my prayer life. I come into your presence, humbled that you are willing to listen to me but not always certain I can talk about everything that weighs on my mind. I even imagine there are things I can’t bring before you. Scripture reminds me that if I am honestly seeking your will and praying to know your direction, I can ask you about anything.

When I pray, help me to think of you sitting in the chair next to me. You always encourage me to share my heart. Your sweet presence consoles me and renews my spirit. Prayer helps me see you with the eyes of my heart. It gives me the courage to speak boldly about the things that matter to me. I know in those prayer moments that nothing can come between us. Thank you for hearing the thoughts and concerns I lay before you with my whole heart. Amen.

What do you want to share with Jesus today?

January 12

Look Up

“A Pharisee and a tax collector both went to the Temple to pray. The Pharisee stood alone and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people who steal, cheat, or take part in adultery, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I give one-tenth of everything I get!’ The tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even look up to heaven. But he beat on his chest because he was so sad. He said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’”

LUKE 18:10–13 NCV

Lord God,

Sometimes I assume that I don’t have major sins to account for and haven’t intentionally offended you. Yet I read this passage in Luke and cringe a little. I know I’ve uttered a few pharisee prayers, thinking of myself as a little more saint than sinner.

I ask your forgiveness, Lord, because if it weren’t for Jesus, I wouldn’t be able to connect with you. Without your grace and mercy, I would not be able to look up to heaven at all. Your love humbles me. Amen.

When you feel unable to look up to God in prayer, how can you remember his grace and mercy?

January 13

Watching What We Say

Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

PROVERBS 26:20 NKJV

Dear Lord,

I wonder why humans delight in sharing things about others that do them no good. Sometimes we are ashamed when we share the unfounded, even ungrounded, news that falls from our lips, yet we do it anyway. It’s as if we assume we can hide our own faults or embarrassing moments by sharing someone else’s. Fortunately for us, the angels do not gossip about us, broadcast our failures, or trumpet our foolishness. Not one of us would stand tall for long if that were the case.

I pray, Lord, to have the courage of my convictions to put a stop to gossip the next time someone leans in to say, “Did you hear about…?” We are all sinners, and we all need forgiveness. More than that, we need you to guard us and guide us into being better people. Help me kindly step aside from either sharing or receiving gossip. Instead, let me shine a light on your incredible grace and mercy. Amen.

What is your favorite technique for stepping aside from gossip?

January 14

Softer Heart

“If you change your heart and return to me,

I will take you back. Then you may serve me.”

JEREMIAH 15:19 NCV

Heavenly Father,

Some time ago, you graciously agreed to renew my thinking and change my heart so that I might follow and serve you. I praise you for your kindness to me. You have always beckoned your children to serve you with glad hearts. You provide amazing examples of what it means to love and offer others compassion and kindness.

I am grateful to know that I can come to you at any time and set down my burdens. You have encouraged a beautiful relationship between us, and yet I still slip and fall away as my heart hardens. I don’t understand why I sometimes try to go my own way. It never works well for long.

I pray for a softer heart, a heart shaped by your hand, a heart that remembers who I am in you. Please change my heart again, Lord, so that I seek your face before all others. Let me live in your continual mercy and grace. Forgive me when I allow my pride to prevail. Amen.

What is one way God could change your heart for the better?

January 15

You Know Everything about Me

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

PSALM 139:1 NLT

Dear God,

There are days when I feel like nobody knows me or understands who I am or even cares about my convictions. On those days, I almost feel invisible because I imagine that no one truly sees me at all. Then I stop and think about you. I realize that you knew me before I was even born and have known me every day of my life. You know me like no one else ever will or could.

I pray to become more of what you imagined me to be from the very beginning. Help me be kinder and more loving, thoughtful, and compassionate. I pray to see Jesus in the hearts and faces of the people around me. Even more so, I pray that they will see Jesus in me.

Thank you for knowing me so well and keeping me in your care while I learn and grow. Thank you for loving me just as I am. Amen.

What does it mean to you that God knows absolutely everything about you?

January 16

Getting to Know You

This is eternal life:

that people know you, the only true God,

and that they know Jesus Christ, the One you sent.

JOHN 17:3 NCV

Dear Lord,

I long to know your thoughts. I want to know you so well that I understand more clearly how you want to shape and mold every aspect of my life. I often take a step toward you, and then I retreat. I listen for your voice, and then I worry that I’m too stubborn or don’t understand your wishes. I want to draw nearer to you and become more of what you designed me to be. I know I can trust you beyond all things and that you desire more for me than I even realize is possible.

Help me let go of the foolishness I so often give in to and renew me in your wisdom. Help me trust you with things that are outside my control so I can live in your peace. Let your voice lead me on my way today so I am ready and equipped to do your bidding. Grant me a continual desire to get to know you better so I live according to your will and purpose. Amen.

What can you do today to get to know God better?

January 17

Surrender Completely

In all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

PROVERBS 3:6 NIV

Father in heaven,

The Old Testament paints portraits of prophets who spent their lives trying to draw people back to you despite the people’s unwillingness to surrender or listen to your Spirit. The prophetic voices of the saints of old still ring in our ears. Their admonishing cries to return to you are still effective.

I am not always aware of how often I ignore your Spirit. I do what I assume I should without paying attention to your guidance and love. I make the excuse that I’m busy trying to keep up with the everyday issues of life. Other times I’m simply not leaning in or surrendering to what you would have me know.

Help me listen more deliberately to the things that keep me close to you. I long to be spiritually equipped to reject what does not serve me well and surrender to you completely. Amen.

What do you need to surrender to God today?

January 18

Save Me

God, come quickly and save me.

LORD, hurry to help me.

PSALM 70:1 NCV

Dear Lord,

How I wish I had listened to you before getting myself into this incredible mess! I trust that you tried to help me along the way, keeping me from moving into more than I could handle. It’s times like this when I have to admit that I have a rebellious spirit that plainly ignores what you want from me. I need to lean into your grace for forgiveness to begin again.

Forgive me for my unwillingness to slow down and consider the decisions that I make. Please soften my heart once again. Protect me from myself so I don’t drift away from you. Help me see when others distort my view of you and lead me toward danger. Thank you for staying by my side even when my stubborn pride and independence get in the way. Thank you for helping me clean up the carnage of my idealism and foolishness. Of course, now that I’m finally listening to you, I pray you will save me quickly. Amen.

What causes you to resist God’s help in your daily life?

January 19

Gratitude Adjustments

Sing to the LORD with grateful praise;

make music to our God on the harp.

PSALM 147:7 NIV

Father God,

I am awed at how many reasons I have to be grateful. You have blessed me and my family, helping us grow in wisdom, guiding our hearts and minds, and gently nudging us to let go of things that no longer serve us. We love to sing your praises and clap our hands with joy.

Thank you for my family, the people who sustain me, love me, believe in me, and comfort me when I most need those things. Bless each member of my family with even more of your bounty in the year ahead. Let your face shine on them and give them favor. Thank you for my friends and coworkers, the people who trust my decisions and support my efforts. Bless each of them with grace and mercy and a taste of your Spirit like they’ve never known before. Give each of them abundant joy and happiness.

Thank you for being you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the one who bears our sins and loves us into eternity. Amen.

What are you most grateful for this year?

January 20

Voice of Thunder

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;

the God of glory thunders.

PSALM 29:3 NIV

Dear Lord,

The world is full of noise. It shouts its careless ideas and weaves them through the internet, bringing only confusion and blotting out the voice of your thunder, power, and might. We tune out your voice, pursuing our own plans.

We forget that only your love can save us or protect us as we go about our daily lives. Our jobs are not secure, and our relationships don’t last forever. We strive to build a legacy, but even that disintegrates over time.

Help each of us commit ourselves to hearing you. Only the thunder of your voice can move our hearts and minds. Help us choose to be a light for others so they may look for you and hear you in meaningful ways. May your voice of truth speak through us when we interact with those who are confused, hurt, or lost. I praise and thank you for the continual gift of your powerful voice. Amen.

How else might you describe the voice of God?

January 21

Stay Close to Me

It is good for me to draw near to God;

I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,

that I may declare all Your works.

PSALM 73:28 NKJV

Father God,

Trusting others has always been difficult for me. Maybe it’s because I’m often disappointed whenever I most need someone to come through for me. Even the people whom I think I know well are not always reliable. Chances are that I have disappointed them too. Trust is a foundational building block for relationships that strengthens our faith in others.

When we trust in you, Lord, we become excited to share what we know of you. We introduce you to the people we care about because we know they, too, will enjoy the consideration and love we’ve come to know. You replace any vestiges of doubt so I can confidently tell others not to worry. I simply say, “Trust God! He’s got this!”

Lord, you’ve come through for me so many times, even when I’ve felt unworthy of your help. I pray that nothing ever comes between us. Help me to trust you with my whole heart. Amen.

How do you need to learn to trust the Lord better?

January 22

Turbulence

I am overwhelmed with joy despite all our troubles.

2 CORINTHIANS 7:2–4 MSG

Dear Jesus,

I never take an airplane ride without praying for you to be with me. I get nervous about flying and the turbulence or the storms that must be navigated before we touch down. It’s always a sweet moment for me when the plane lands safely on the ground.

Even on the ground we face a lot of turbulence, like unexpected troubles and sadness. We aren’t prepared for those things, and so they overwhelm us. It’s hard to imagine how you managed the troubles of the world while you lived here on earth. No doubt there were lots of rocky times.

Help me be more like you when troubles come. Help me trust God and be faithful to my mission no matter what I’m going through. Use the rough times to clarify your message and the wisdom found in your Word. Yes, Lord, help me be a little more like you, whatever life brings. Amen.

What is one thing about Jesus that you wish you could emulate more closely?

January 23

Wisdom and Understanding

The life-giving Spirit of GOD will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, the

Spirit that gives direction and builds strength.

ISAIAH 11:1–5 MSG

Father God,

Computers bring information into our homes about every topic on earth, giving us a peek into things we would otherwise never have a chance to know. We learn about new things, but we don’t seem to gain more wisdom. Perhaps we’re all just students who struggle to understand our life’s purpose.

I like to think wisdom increases with age, but the older I get, the less I can say that with assurance. I am less inclined to make the same mistakes I made in my youth, but I still make foolish choices. Help me to face my unhealthy habits and let them go completely.

I pray for enough wisdom to influence the people who matter most to me. Strengthen my desire to know you better for the sake of others. Fill my heart and soul and mind with your sweet understanding and gifts of love. Amen.

What are you wiser about today than you were five years ago?

January 24

Choices

To choose life is to love the LORD your God, obey him, and stay close to him. He is your life.

DEUTERONOMY 30:20 NCV

Dear Lord,

Sometimes when I need to make a choice, I feel like a contestant on a game show, hoping to choose the door with the grand prize behind it. I sometimes end up choosing what appears to be the real thing—the grand prize—but the outcome falls woefully short of what I wanted. Other times, I discover that I chose the door with a mere replica of what I hoped for, leaving me to settle for much less. I lose confidence in my ability to make the best choice.

Lord, help me seek your wisdom and make good choices in everything I do today. And someday, when I pass through heaven’s door, I know I will finally win the true grand prize: an eternal, heavenly home. Thank you for taking care of me until then. Amen.

How can you pursue a relationship with God, the true grand prize, today?

January 25

Walk Faithfully

Enoch walked faithfully with God;

then he was no more,

because God took him away.

GENESIS 5:24 NIV

Father in heaven,

I want to be more like Enoch. He was in sync with you and walked beside you all of his life. He lived for 365 years, which is plenty long enough to have committed sins like other human beings. Still, he overcame life’s temptations and lived intentionally in your care. What an amazing relationship!

Father, your faithfulness makes all the difference in my life. I sometimes struggle to walk in faith. I get caught up in the world before returning to you, knowing that it was I who wandered off. Yet you never leave me. You wait patiently for me to find my way and come back to you.

Help me surrender my heart, mind, and soul to your care and keeping. Make me more like your servant Enoch. Let me walk right beside you in faithful love and service. I pray for a deeper relationship with you. Amen.

In what ways can you be more faithful to God?

January 26

Complete Trust

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

PSALM 143:8 NIV

Dear Lord,

Every morning you wake me with fresh opportunities to hear your voice and walk more closely with you. I seek your direction, hoping to walk in ways that please you. But by the end of the day, I recall all the moments I wandered off on my own. Although I tried to seek you and stay on the right track, I didn’t look up long enough to see where I was truly going. Still, you are always with me, offering your unfailing love. While I know this to be true, I also realize that I have not yet put my complete trust in you.

Please forgive me when I allow little seeds of doubt to creep into my consciousness and weaken my spirit. Help me to trust you with everything I have. I pray to walk so closely with you that nothing comes between us, not even a single unwelcome thought. Amen.

How can you make God a bigger part of your day?

January 27

God Showed Up

God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time;

The day you needed me, I was there to help. Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped.

2 CORINTHIANS 6:1–10 MSG

Dear Lord,

You always show up. Sometimes I don’t recognize your hand at work until later, but I know you were there. I am not the best listener, and I may not know how to respond to certain situations. I count on you to lead me to do what is best.

Forgive me when I resist your advice or direction. Help me understand the steps you want me to take so I don’t get off track. Open the doors that are best for me and close those that will not serve you well.

Thank you for showing up the moment you hear my calls for help when I am in trouble and sorrow. Bless everyone who calls your name and seeks your help. Let us feel your arms around us, supporting and guiding us as we go through chaos. Amen.

When was the last time God showed up especially for you?

January 28

Tune In

“It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.”

JOHN 6:45 NIV

Dear Lord,

Today I want to tune in to every frequency that allows me to hear your voice and sing your song. I want to connect my whole heart, mind, and soul to you because I am eager to learn.

I try to imagine the prophets like Elijah and Jeremiah, who lived, breathed, and acted upon your every word. As far as I can tell, they did not live apart from you. They had one goal: to know your will. They wanted to speak your words and turn people back to you.