When You Don’t Know How to Pray
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.—Romans 8:26 (NIV)
When you are overcome with emotion or faced with a crisis, you may find it hard to pray. In moments like those, turn to the Holy Spirit. Share your difficulties and ask for Him to help you pray what is on your mind and heart.
Dear God, Give me the thoughts and words to pray right now, in accordance with Your will.
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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
There are times in life that despite trying your hardest, praying earnestly and deeply desiring something, it just doesn’t happen. Sometimes you must accept that not everything is available when you want it. When this happens you must trust that something better—something different than you expected—is on its way.
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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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Improve Your Mood
For I will satisfy the weary soul,
and every languishing soul I will replenish.—Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV)
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Leap for Joy
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.—ISAIAH 35:5–6 ESV
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Caregivers Need Care, Too
“‘I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord…. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.’”—EZEKIEL 34:15–16 NIV
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Keep Moving
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
The Way to Happiness
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.—Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
The Power of Personal Experience
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
Reward Yourself
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)
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In Perfect Alignment
Jesus spoke about the dangers of serving your ego rather than God. When you are faced with a choice, reflect on your motivation. Focus on serving God. Align your will with His and you will set yourself up for success!
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A Great Start
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.—Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
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The Peace of His Presence
For I am the Lord your God who takes
hold of your right hand and says to
you, Do not fear; I will help you.—Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
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Too Big for This World
Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.—John 21:25 (NLT)
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Prayer for Memorial Day
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.—John 15:13 (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)
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Respond with Love
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.—Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)
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Accept One Another
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
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A Village
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
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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)