Week of Dec. 25 - 31, 2011

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the birth of Your Son whose life taught us to live a life of service one to another. Guide us to reach outside our zones of comfort to those who are alone, abandoned, homeless, tossed aside, sick, disabled, depressed, overwhelmed by life, bewildered, or have walked away from You. A smile or kind word may be all that is needed to redirect them to Your loving mercies. As we look upon the Babe in the manger, may we see Your loving face. Give us the gift to express that love to others. In the name of Jesus, the Child of Bethlehem, we pray, Amen.

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”

(1 John 3:17) NAB

Week of Dec. 18 - 24, 2011

Loving Father, let us live this Advent with attentive awareness. Let us be ever watchful of You and Your ways. Father, help us to make choices according to Your will, to be deliberate in our actions through You, in You, and with You. Reveal to us those areas of our lives that need Your cleansing mercy. Lord Jesus, guide us as we release whatever keeps us from surrendering ourselves to You. Lord, we praise You for being committed to our salvation! Give us the grace to keep watching and waiting for You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

“Be watchful! Be alert! May He not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

(Mark 13:33, 36-37, NAB)

Week of Dec. 11 - 17, 2011

Father of all mercies, we Your children await Your glory a second time. In this season of waiting and preparation for celebrating that first coming at Bethlehem, we are mindful not to neglect our calling: To at all times love You, and to love each other unconditionally. We pray in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.


"A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse,
a scion thrusts from his roots."

(Isaiah 11:1, Jerusalem Bible)

"Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed
and all mankind shall see it."

(Isaiah 40:5, Jerusalem Bible)

Week of Dec. 4 - 10, 2011

Heavenly Father, during this season of preparation, may we draw ever closer to You and Your light. Bring us out of our darkness into the light of Your truth.Thank You that You have given us Your son to be our Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. You have given Him all power to be justice and righteousness to the nations, and we rejoice at His coming. Lord, You are wonderful and mighty indeed! Make our hearts humble to accept the Child Jesus, and be ready to greet Him when He comes again. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:2,6, NIV)

Week of Nov. 27 - Dec. 3, 2011

Heavenly Father, we praise You, thank You and worship You today and every day. We bring before You in this season of Advent our families, friends, country, the world and the poor. Reveal Yourself to us. Holy Spirit, come into our lives in a deeper way than You have ever done. Send Your cleansing fire, and make this Advent a time of deep renewal.

Jesus, we want to dedicate this season to seeing You more fully. Come, Lord, and make us ready to greet You when You come again. Enkindle in our hearts a burning desire to know You better, love You more, and receive more of Your wisdom and guidance, so that we may give Your love away to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

“Prepare the way of the Lord…”

(Mark 1:3, NAB)

Week of Nov. 20 - 26, 2011

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

JESUS, who often went hungry with Your apostles,
we thank You for the opportunities to provide food
for those who have none,
and thus discover Your presence in them.

JESUS, who said “anyone giving a glass of water
to a thirsty person in My name gives it to Me,”
we thank You for the chance to provide water
for communities that had none.

JESUS, who often had no decent clothes
and who was hounded by the authorities as a vagabond,
thank You for letting us help some of Your brothers and sisters
who suffer the same fate today.

JESUS, who taught us to look for You in the sick,
the imprisoned, and the stranger,
help us reach out to those in our own society
who are lonely, old, ill, and unwanted.

JESUS, who taught us that man does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,
help us remember that the poor have spiritual
as well as material needs, and that we need to show them
YOU are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

JESUS, thank You for allowing us to accompany the poor
in their struggles to achieve a better life,
for when we are close to them,
we know we are close to You.

JESUS, help us who are poor and in need
To find in the faces of the poor we serve
Your own face, Your own presence, and Your strength.

AMEN.


"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.”

— Psalm 9:1-2 (NIV)

Week of Nov. 13 - 19, 2011

Almighty Father, help us to remember that it is all about Your mercy, rather than Your justice. Guide us always along the right paths, and grant that we may never be unaware of the needs of others, especially the poor, the destitute, the deprived, and the bereaved. As we learn more and more each day to love one another, we make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.


“Lord, listen to my cry for help! Listen compassionately to my pleading!
If You never overlooked our sins, Lord, could anyone survive?”

(Psalm 130:2-3 Jerusalem)

Week of Nov. 6 - 12, 2011

Heavenly Father, thank You for the men and women who gave their lives to protect the United States. May Your mercies bountifully abound upon those presently serving in the Armed Services. Strengthen and encourage them daily as they willingly give their all to protect our nation. May we never forget to honor their sacrifices, and offer comfort and support to their families. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

(John 15:13, ASV)

Week of Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 2011

Thank you, Lord, for sending us Your Son, Jesus. May all who live in Your grace and friendship be assured of eternal salvation, and achieve the holiness necessary to someday enter the joy of heaven. On the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, we thank you, Father, as we celebrate the mysteries of salvation. May we receive Your grace so that we can become holy and pleasing in Your sight, as to be numbered among Your saints. Have mercy on all the departed, that they may all behold Your glory and rest forever in Your eternal embrace. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

(1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22, NIV)

Week of Oct. 23-29, 2011

Father, we praise, honor, and glorify You.
Praises fall from our lips the moment we open our eyes.
We praise You as we sit down to eat.
Our praises rise to heaven as we contemplate the majesty of Your creation.
Throughout the day we praise You for guiding our paths.
In whatever circumstances we are, we give You praise.
When we remember our loved ones, the sick, the hurting, and the poor, we lift our voices to praise Your wonderful provision.
Lord, we praise You for Your goodness, Your power, and Your might.
Watch over this wonderful world from dawn to dusk, and in the darkness of night, in Your Son’s name, give us the will to sing Your praises before we close our eyes on each day.
Amen.

“Praise is due to You, O God, in Zion.”

(Psalm 65:1, ESV)

Week of Oct. 16-22, 2011

Almighty God, most Holy Father, it seems at times that our prayers bounce off the ceiling, and we wonder where You are and why You haven’t answered. You tell us in Your Word to keep asking, but it seems so often that the load we are carrying all by ourselves is a heavy load.
Let us remember at those times that we are filled with Your Holy Spirit. He reminds us of Your unfailing love. He reminds us to trust in You, but the choice is ours to make. So, we choose to trust You, Jesus. We choose to hope in You. We choose to believe that You will answer in Your time. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? …But I trust in your unfailing love.” (Psalm 13: 1-5) NIV

Week of Oct. 9-15, 2011

Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us Your rest, as we learn to trust in You more each day. Help us to trade in our busyness for the peace that following You brings. Teach us Your ways, Lord, and show us the times we need to surrender our burdens to You. Teach us to be humble and gentle as You are. Thank You for lifting our burdens, Lord, and show us opportunities when we, too, can lift the burdens of others. Remind us to come to You for daily refreshment through prayer and reflection. You desire us not to be heavy-burdened, but rather to receive the blessings that come from obedience.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

Week of Oct. 2-8, 2011

Merciful Father, as we make the journey of life, please keep reminding us that we can do nothing without You. You are our rock and safety, and we thank You for Your kindness, Your mercy, and Your faithfulness. Thank You, Father. We pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.



“Rest in God alone, my soul! He is the source of my hope; with Him alone for my rock, my safety, my fortress, I can never fall.”

(Psalm 62:5-6 Jerusalem Bible)

Week of Sept. 25 - Oct. 1, 2011

Dear Lord, I pray that my day may be blessed with the peace of finding little ways to slow the pace and quiet my soul. May this day be blessed with simple moments of thanksgiving, and the joy of knowing that You are present here within me. You bless me with every good gift from above. I ask that today I may come to know You better, and to seek to do Your will in my life. All honor and glory be Yours forever. I ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

"For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

Romans 11:36 (NIV)

Week of Sept. 18-24, 2011

Our Father, may we have a reverent and righteous fear of You. May we not pull away from You, but pray and search diligently to understand Your ways. We acknowledge and praise You for Your awesome sovereignty and omnipotence. I pray all this, in the precious name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”

(Psalm 111:10)

Week of Sept. 11 - 17, 2011

We pray today, Lord, that from the ashes will rise a new spirit of beauty and unity in America. Already, all across this nation our hearts have been knit together into a new tapestry of one America. Because of this tragedy, we have been bound together by a silver chord of hope and brotherhood and sisterhood. What was meant to drive us apart has really drawn us together. May we always remember. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

-Rev. Wintley Phipps

“For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 8:38-39 (Jerusalem)

Week of Sept. 4 - 10, 2011

Father God, You are our light, our salvation, the strength of our life. Why then do we fret? You are our refuge in times of devastation. You are our hope. Forgive us for not trusting You completely. Console the distressed, give comfort to the elderly, refresh the relief workers struggling to restore order in the midst of the destruction of storms and quakes, give hope to the unemployed, and sufficient food to the hungry. We know that You walk with us through all the valleys that are before us. We release all concerns, all fears, all needs into Your loving care. We trust that You will give us the best solution whatever the situation. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.

“The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You have not forsaken those who seek You.”

Psalm 9:9-10 (New American Bible)

Week of Aug. 28 - Sept. 3, 2011

Dear God, our Father, I love You. I praise you today, and trust in You with all my heart. I pray that in this time of uncertainty, You will teach me Your word so that I may live accordingly. I will rest in You today and every day, knowing that You will take care of me. I pray all this in the wonderful name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

(Psalm 55:22, NIV)

Week of Aug. 21 - 27, 2011

Heavenly Father, thank You for being THE source we can rely upon when facing obstacles. We can come directly to You with our concerns, having complete confidence that You will guide and direct us in all resolutions. We know that when we keep You first in our lives, nothing is too hard, and You will answer our request. Help us to patiently wait upon You for the guidance that is needed, to be at peace as we wait. When we believe and trust in You our needs are supplied, our concerns are resolved, and our illnesses are healed. You are our resting place. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

(Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)

Week of Aug. 14 - 20, 2011

Dear God, my Lord and my Creator, let the light of Your Spirit shine within me as I continue each day to learn and grow, to hope and trust. I have so much to discover about life and love. I trust that you will give me the grace necessary to help my life unfold and develop to become a true reflection of You in this world. Help me to see Your hand in all the events of my life. My plans are so small in comparison to Your plans for me, which are unthinkably greater and more wonderful than I could ever imagine. Guide me toward the way of righteousness, truth, and peace, that I may come closer to emulating Your Son, Jesus, in all that I do. You give my life meaning and purpose. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

"I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good."

-Psalm 52: 8-9 (NIV)

Week of Aug. 7 -- 13, 2011

Jesus, You are the outstretched hand that reaches down and pulls us up out of the stormy waters of temptation, and leads us to sturdy ground. You are the bridge that carries us over the gorges and valleys of life.
You are the pillar that strengthens our faith and assures us that God dwells within. Your presence in my life gives me hope and confidence that I can do all things in You who strengthens me. I praise and thank You. Amen.

“In the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’”

— Matthew 14: 25-27 (NASB)

Week of July 31 -- Aug. 6, 2011

Thank You, Father, for being my safety net when I stumble and fall. I am sorry for not trusting You enough when I become discouraged and flustered when things just don’t go my way. My troubles cover me and my failures weigh me down. I pray, Father God , for your Holy Spirit to strengthen me to help me overcome my faults and shortcomings. Mold me into a more humble and loving Christian. I place my burdens and cares in Your hands. I ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.



“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

( 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV)

Week of July 24-30, 2011

Dear Father God, You have given me the shield of salvation and Your gentleness has made me great. Thank You for the faithfulness of Your Son, Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit, Lord, so that I will be enabled to produce the fruit of joy and peace in my life. As Your servant, Lord, I will be gentle and patient to all I meet. I will speak evil of no one, and I will show forth meekness and kindness to all. I ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

(Galatians 5:22-23)

Week of July 17-23, 2011

Thank You, Lord, because we can come to You in our time of need. Your Word says that we need to have faith in order for us to see miracles in our life. I pray that You would give us hunger and thirst for reading your Word, to seek Your face and Your presence, so that our faith would increase. I pray that You would remove all the distractions that take our time away from You and from Your Word. I thank You, and I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

"...without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

(Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Week of July 10-16, 2011

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your promise that when we call upon Your Name, You will answer our every prayer. We stand on Your promise that You will be with us through the storms in our lives; through the sicknesses; through the stressful times; through our financial difficulties; through broken relationships. Not only will You be with us, but You promise to deliver us. Give us the courage and the patience to hold on to Your perfect timing, because we know that You are the same yesterday, today, and always. I ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.


“He shall call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him”.

(Psalm 91:15)

Week of July 3-9, 2011

Lord, I come to You now, realizing the need to put You first in my life. I understand that I have made the things of this life so much more important than Your kingdom and righteousness. In this time of great need, I repent of doing things my way. Please forgive me Lord! Lead me by Your Holy Spirit into all truth and into obedience to Your word. I ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

— Matthew 6:33 (New International Version)

Week of June 27

O God, Creator and Lord of all, how magnificent You are! I marvel as I look around me and see the wonderful world that you have created for us, Your children. From the depths of the mighty oceans, to the heights of the snow-capped mountains, from the North Pole to the South Pole, from East to West, You have designed a world that reflects Your power, majesty, and glory. I am in awe, and give thanks and praise in my own feeble, humble way. As a caretaker of the earth, may I be ever cognizant that I am responsible to care for this work of Your hands. May I use the gifts of creation wisely and prudently. Protect us from the storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes that rage about us at times, and from the powerful forces of nature that we do not understand or comprehend. Keep us all in Your loving care. I ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.


“When I see Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and stars that You set in place – what are humans that You are mindful of them, mere mortals that You care for them? Yet You have made them little less than a god, crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them rule over the works of Your hands, put all things at their feet. O Lord, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth.”


Psalm 8:4-7, 10 (New American Bible)

Week of June 20

God, our Father, You govern and protect Your people and shepherd them with a father’s love. You place a father in a family as a sign of Your love, care, and constant protection. May fathers everywhere be faithful to the example shown in the Scriptures: steadfast in love, forgiving transgressions, sustaining the family, caring for those in need. Give Your wisdom to fathers that they may encourage and guide their children. Keep them healthy so they may support their families. Guide every father with the Spirit of your love, that they may grow in holiness and draw their family ever closer to You. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Author unknown


"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed by thy name.' "

-Matthew 6:9 (NIV)

Week of June 13

Spirit of God, I celebrate Your dwelling within me. Let me never waver from Your glorious presence. Lead me and guide me to do the will of the Father in all my thoughts, words, and actions. Transform me and fill me with a radiant love, compassionate spirit, and enthusiasm for all that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

"When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim."

Acts 2: 1-4 (NASB)

Week of June 6

Another day to know the love of family and friends,

Another day to make amends before life's journey ends,

Another day to realize the joy that life can be,

Another day to thank the Lord for blessings given to us.

Amen.

"We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds."

(Psalm 75:1, NIV)

Week of May 30

Lord, my God and Savior, Your life, death and resurrection gives me reason to rejoice and be thankful, for Your Spirit lives on, in, and through me. I am a vessel, an instrument of Your love and hope in a world that is often not very loving or hopeful. By Your grace, may I, as Your follower, make a difference in this world. May my actions today and each day bring You honor and glory. Amen.


"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

(Philippians 4:13, NKJV)

Week of May 23

Merciful Father, help us to be mindful that our Easter joy must be lasting food for our journey. Help us to express our joy not only in songs of praise, but in the manner in which we show love, one to another. We thank You for the gifts which You give us in order that we may share Your love tangibly with the poor. We thank You that You have enabled us to answer this greatest of all calls – to love one another. We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, our risen Lord.Amen.

“Fill me with your praise and I will sing your glory; songs of joy will be on my lips, alleluia.”

Ps. 71:8, 23

Week of May 16

Father God, we stand on Your promise that You will deliver the needy and the poor. As servants of the King, help us, Lord, as we strive to help the suffering poor. We acknowledge that without You, we are nothing and can do nothing without Your mercy and Your grace. Hear us O God; hear the cries of the poor; make haste and answer the prayers of Your children, in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

“For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy and will save the souls of the needy.”

(Psalm 72:12-13 (NKJ)

Week of May 9

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the mothers You have given to each of us. We thank You for their eyes, hands, feet and voice being used for Your purposes. May we always appreciate the hours they go without sleep to sit with us during sickness, the afternoon naps they miss in order to see us in sports events, the clothing they forego to insure we have required attire, the times to pamper themselves that they miss to get us to choir practices, and so much more. We thank You that our mothers have such love for You that they seek to instill Your teachings in each of us, and this is a gift of love. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

“She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

(Proverbs 31:26-27)

Week of May 2

God, our Father, we are uplifted because of Your divine grace, and we persevere in our daily trials and tribulations, knowing we can always call upon Your mighty name which allows us to bear all things. We are abundantly blessed to be a part of this ministry which aspires to alleviate poverty and destitution.

We thank You, O God, for Your many blessings this day, and especially for the talented and warm-hearted people whom You have put into our lives and through whom we see Your image and likeness. Father, continue to bless us as we make our prayer, through Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.



"I will give thanks to you, O Lord, and sing praises to your name."

(2 Samuel 22:50, NKJV)

Week of April 25

Almighty and eternal God, on the edge of sadness, when all seemed lost, You restored to us the Savior we thought defeated and conquered. Help us, we beg You, so to empty ourselves of self concern, that we might see Your hand in every failure, and Your victory in every defeat. Give us the courage and dedication to sacrifice and suffer with those who are in need, the least of Your people. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen.

"Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed."

(Matthew 27:57-60, NKJV)

Week of April 18

My beloved Lord and Savior, You have told us that we, too, must accept crucifixion if we are to accept resurrection with You. Help us to rejoice in the sufferings that come with the fulfillment of our daily duties, seeing in them the royal road of the cross to resurrection. Amen.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

-Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

Week of April 11

Lord Jesus Christ, stripped of everything, You stood exposed to jeers and contempt of the people whom You loved. Clothe us with genuine love of others, so that nothing we suffer may ever fill our hearts with hatred or bitterness. Amen.

“They gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots.”

Matthew 27: 34-35 (NASB)

Week of April 4

Lord, Jesus Christ, You stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross, that everyone might come within the reach of Your saving embrace. So clothe us in Your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring to those who do not know You, the knowledge and love of You, for the honor of Your holy name. Amen.

"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."

-John 19:30 (NKJV)

Week of March 28

Father, You are the One who has taught us the true language of love through Your Son, Jesus Christ. So great a love You have lavished on us through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross! Had it not been for Calvary, we would have no entry into heaven. Thank You, Lord, first and foremost for the love You have bestowed upon us through the cross. Thank You for the love You have placed in our hearts, that we are able and must continue to strive to love one another, as Christ has loved us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

(John 3:16, NKJ)

Week of March 21

Jesus, my Lord and my God, help me take up my daily cross. I welcome the monotony that often marks my day, discomforts of all kinds, my disappointments, tensions, setbacks and cares. You fell beneath its weight to show me You understand when I fall. Help me, Lord, who try so hard to be good, but whose nature is constantly opposed to walking straight and tall down the narrow road of life. Remind me often that in carrying my cross, I carry Yours with You. Amen.














For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of parched ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.
He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

(Isaiah 53:2-3, NASB)

Week of March 14

Holy One of Blessing, You came not to be served but to serve. Bless all who, following in Your footsteps, give themselves to the service of others. Help them minister to all in need with wisdom, patience, and courage. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

"If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me."

(Matthew 16:24, Contemporary English Version)

Week of March 7

Almighty God and Father of all, You permitted Your Son to be weakened, crushed, and profaned so that He might rise from the dead, freed from the ravages of sin. Help us to accept our weaknesses and failings as forerunners of our glorious resurrection in union with Your Son. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

"I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."

(Psalm 119:25-28, NIV)

Week of February 28

O Lord, break through the clutter of our lives this day. Help us bring order into the chaos, and peace into the dissonance. Help us be awake, alive, and aware of all the ways You make Your presence known today. May all who suffer, experience Your compassion through others. May all who are lonely, find comfort in a friend or family member. May all who experience pain and illness, feel Your healing powers. May You dispel all fears, for You are our salvation. It is You who put a longing in our hearts for things eternal. Come, then, Lord, and fill our hearts and our world with hope and peace. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.


"The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?"

(Psalm 27:1, NIV)

Week of February 21

‎Lord, may we always remember, no matter what the circumstances are in our lives, to sing to You and give thanks to You for everything. We praise Your glorious name. Amen.

"Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

(Ephesians 5: 19-20, NIV)

Week of February 14

Father God, we thank You for the love You give us, the peace You give us, and most of all for Your presence there for us each and every day. As we walk down this road of life, You hold our hand, You carry us, and You hold us tightly in Your arms for all of eternity and beyond. Your healing hands are always upon us, and You never leave us. All things are possible through You, Father, and we love You!

Amen

"If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent."

(Psalm 91:9-10, NIV)

Week of February 7

Lord, help me make a conscious effort today to find some inner sanctum of peace and quiet, to reflect on Your goodness, mercy, and love. Your love far exceeds all that I could hope for or desire. Help me silence the noisy distractions that tug and pull my thoughts in a hundred different directions. Let me focus on You, and be ever mindful that You are here within my heart – You, Who are exalted among the nations! May my heart rest in the calmness and greatness of Your presence. O Lord, I adore you and worship You.

Amen

"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)

Week of January 31

Father, I thank and praise You for Your promises. For without You I have no good thing. I thank You for Your Word that says You will sustain me. I will testify to Your marvelous grace and wonderful mercies. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble. The LORD protects and preserves them — they are counted among the blessed in the land — he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”

(Psalm 41: 1-3, NIV)

Week of January 24

Lord, You came as our Savior that we may have life, life to the fullest. I am ready for what might unfold in this new year. You have blessed me with an abundance of grace and blessings. Let today and each day of 2011 be my time to give back. Let me extend my hand to someone who is lonely. Let me open my ears to someone who needs a listening heart. Let me open my eyes to see the needs of others. Let me use the talents and gifts that You have given me to make this world a better place. May I be a source of encouragement and new life to others. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

(John 10:10, NASB)

Week of January 17

Almighty God, with You there is no beginning and no end. You are the origin and goal of all creation. May this new year which we dedicate to You, bring us abundant prosperity and growth in holy living. We ask this through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.


"You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance."

(Psalm 65:11, NIV)

Week of January 10

Almighty God, as we begin another year of life here on earth, help us to press toward that goal You have set for us and not ponder on the past. Remind us, Father, that the past is gone, but we have the future to hold on to – a future of hope in You, a future of Your unfailing, never-changing love. Help us, Lord, to attain the goal, to accomplish the plan, and to fulfill the purpose for which the very grace of God has chosen for us to do. Jesus, Savior of all, be glorified in everything we do and say.

Amen.

“Brothers and Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

(Phil. 3:13-14, NIV)

Week of January 3

Another year has come and gone, O Lord, yet Your love for us remains steadfast. I rest assured that You will be faithful as the days and months of the new year unfold. You have entrusted us with the work of letting Your divine light be seen and the peace of God established through us. Help us be resolute in working to become more peace-filled and loving persons in 2011. Give us the grace to find balance in our lives and to become more centered on You. May we dedicate each new day to praising and thanking You, O God. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

"I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself."

(Psalm 89:2, NIV)