September 20, 2020
Keep Watch
Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”—Matthew 26:38 (NIV)
In Jesus’ dark night of the soul, He asked for the support of His friends. He had His own prayers to offer, and according to Luke, He had an angel come to strengthen Him. Yet, He asked the disciples to pray for Him. Praying for another in need is an act of love and friendship. Today, pray for your loved ones.
Jesus, remind me of the people You have blessed me with. Guide me, as I pray for them.
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Praise Him
Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.—Psalm 66:2 (NIV)
Singing a song is a perfect way to offer praise to God. Music opens our hearts and mouths in praise to God. Today, sing your favorite song of praise. Keep a list that you can turn to often for a few moments of heartfelt praise.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer.
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Be Confident!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.—Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
When you need a boost of bravery, build your confidence by repeating today’s verse. Pray that the Lord will empower you. Visualize His strength flowing into you. Approach life’s challenges with excitement and enthusiasm knowing that God is with you.
Dear Lord, let me feel close to You. In this moment help me feel Your strength.
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The Jesus Prayer
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.—Luke 18:13 (NIV)
When we give God our all, we must offer it with the admission that we are human—flawed and imperfect—in ways we can’t completely understand. When we offer our weakness and sin, God offers a new heart and spirit.
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
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When in Doubt
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.—Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
At one time or another, you may go through a crisis of faith, questioning if God is really good, loving and powerful. If you feel abandoned and filled with doubt, draw closer to Him. Know that His strength is available when you are weak.
Heavenly Father, there is no experience, pain, nor struggle that blocks Your love.
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Devotion vs. Desire
Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.—Luke 21:36 (NIV)
Often in life we make decisions based on choosing what we want or choosing what is right. When you are at a crossroads between devotion and desire don’t be led astray by temptation. Look to your heart on what you truly want—to be a faithful, good person.
Heavenly Father, I trust You to lead me to the right choice.
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When You Feel Sad
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.—Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)
Are you feeling down? Talk to God. Be honest about your feelings. You don’t need to pretend that you’re fine when you are struggling with pain and sorrow. Instead, do as Nehemiah did: Cry. Be sad. Mourn. Grieve. Ask God to help you believe that tomorrow will be better.
Heavenly Father, I know You rescue those with crushed spirits. Wrap Your arms around me and heal my broken heart.
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When God Says No
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”—Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
Your prayers aren’t always answered with a yes. When God says no and you accept His answer, you allow Him to do His work. It’s not always easy to surrender to God’s will, but it will bring you to a deeper faith when you recognize He knows your needs and directs you, not the other way around.
Dear Lord, I know that Your ways are higher than mine. I may not understand why You say no, but trust Your answer.
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Remembering September 11th
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.—Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Today is the 19th anniversary of the terror attacks. Although the initial shock of the tragedy has subsided, we remember the depth of grief and horror as if it were yesterday. We also remember the power of prayer that united a nation and the power of hope in God that helped us carry on. Out of devastation, we rose up with renewed courage, strength and faith.
Heavenly father, comfort the hearts that are still hurting from losing loved ones on 9/11. Let them know that You are with them.
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The Ingredients of Success
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.—Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
We live in a world of instant gratification, so when God’s timing is at work, our instinct is to take our lives in our own hands and wear ourselves out trying to force an outcome. Be patient. When we wait on God’s timing, the ingredients of success and accomplishment will be there.
Lord, when I am pacing and pacing trying to speed up Your timing, redirect my impatient energy and help me enter a quiet, peaceful place and wait.
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Your Faith Will Not Fail
Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.—Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)
Life’s challenges can sometimes turn you upside down and make you feel ripped apart. When you are feeling shaken and sifted like Peter in today’s verse, Jesus intercedes. When you are at your lowest, He is by your side.
Lord Jesus, because of You, I can overcome life’s hardships. Because of You, my faith will not fail.
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Keep Moving
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
I’m Just Fine
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV
Take Care of Your Whole Self
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.—Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Free Yourself from Sin
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Bless the Animals
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.—Genesis 1:21 (NIV)
You Deserve the Best
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Renew Your Mind
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.—Romans 12:2 (ESV)
The World Needs Your Light
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.—Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
Sing a New Song
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.—Psalm 96:1 (NIV)
Trust His Plan
Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.—Job 6:8 (NIV)
Release Old Hurts
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.—Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
Be Kind to the Unkind
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.—Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Celebrate Our Freedom
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.—Psalm 119:30–32 (NIV)
Arbor Day Prayer
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.—Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
Prayer for Earth Day
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.—Jeremiah 10:12 (NIV)
Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?—John 11:25–26 (NIV)
Accept One Another
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
A Village
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
Four-Legged Love
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
With a Song in My Heart
My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.—Psalm 108:1 (NIV)