Week of Dec. 30, 2012 - Jan. 5, 2013

Lord, let your will be done in my life! This new year help me to see your goodness and to trust in your plan for me. I stand ready to your will Lord. Cover me with your good Graces so that I May walk with you in the path of Salvation. I give my life to you; grant me your peace, compassion and abundant love so that I may share these with those most in need. Set us free Lord from the hand of our enemies. Keep us hidden under the rock and under Your precious blood always. We pray this prayer in the Mighty and Awesome Name of Jesus. Amen!


This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
— Luke 1:74-76

Week of Dec. 16 - 22

Jesus, I want to say "yes" to you today. I want to open my heart to receive the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me to trust, that you will fulfill your every promise to me, and that you will not abandon me. Lord you bid me to come to you. In joy, with great hope and expectation, I run into your arms today. Amen!

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

Luke 1:46

Week of Dec. 9 - Dec. 15

Lord, pour out your Holy Spirit, help me set aside concerns about what others may think of me. May I focus instead on your call to share the good news of your redeeming love. Give me courage and boldness. Transform us all into your likeness more and more each day all for your Glory. Thank you Father for loving me and calling me your child! Break down any barriers; whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, that takes my eyes away from you. We pray this prayer in the mighty and awesome name of Jesus. Amen!

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: That your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception,
to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:8-11

Week of Dec. 2 - 8, 2012

Holy Spirit, search me and show me where you want me to be more vigilant this Advent. I want to experience your transforming power so that I am ready for Jesus whenever he comes back. Lord help us to remain humble and open to your word. Keep us strong always dear Lord so that we can rejoice when we say yes to your plan. We pray this prayer in the Mighty and Awesome Name of Jesus. Amen!

The days are coming says the Lord
When I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah

Jeremiah 33:14

Week of Nov. 25- Dec. 1, 2012

Precious heavenly Father, as we reflect on your word that tells us that You alone are the author of perfection, that You Almighty God can use each and every one of us to fulfill Your will regardless of our past.
We know Lord that without You we can bear no fruit. It is only through Your mercy and grace that we can receive Your gift of eternal life. Even through our difficult times, help us Father to understand how meaningful it is to be in a real relationship with You.
Lord, prune away our flaws and anything that would shame You O Lord. Continue to shower us with your love and guide us Lord to be branches that bear fruits of your love. Help us to be vessels of honor in our interactions with those around us, especially those who do not know of your love.
This I Pray in Jesus name, Amen!

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,
while every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

John 15:1-2 (NIV)

Week of Oct. 21 - 27, 2012

Lord, God, Heavenly Father, who existed before time began, we praise you for your bountiful creation. We thank you for plants and trees that produce food for our sustenance and well-being. We thank you for the soil in which these crops grow and we thank you for the rain that falls on them and makes them grow. We pray, Lord, that our harvest be always bounteous. We pray also that we, for whom you provide even more than we need, may always be mindful of the needs of others and willingly share your blessings with them. Lord, open our eyes to your blessings and create in us hearts that will always sing your praises and glory for  the earth which belongs to you. You are great God and you are worthy of all our praise and worship.
This we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation:  seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.”  

Genesis 1:11 NASB

Week of Oct. 14 - 20, 2012

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, thank You for always being there for us. Whenever we feel down, You lift us up again. We need You by our sides. When we call, You answer us. Please help us to realize when we are out of step in doing Your holy will. Forgive us our proud ways, because we know it is You who are in control of everything. You are our great Savior, and we are so blessed to know You! Thank You for always welcoming us, bringing us back into Your loving arms. We pray all this in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.  

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” 
— James 4:10 (NIV)

Week of Oct. 7 - 13, 2012

O most gracious Father, once again a new fall season is upon us. We give thanks for Your continued presence in our lives. May we be in awe and acknowledge You, as the leaves turn different stages of magnificent colors, as the earth yields its crop for a bountiful harvest, and as the remainder of nature prepares for its winter slumber. Help us to prepare our hearts, weeding out all selfishness, while instilling a spirit of generosity toward those who are poor and in need of sustenance, and for those who are poor in spirit, in need of Your Son’s love. Strengthen our hands, our feet, and our souls to do Your will in Your harvest, all for Your glory and the benefit of others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few;
Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest
to send out laborers into His harvest.”
— Luke 10:2 (NKJV)

Week of Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2012

Dear Lord, we ask for Your strength and perseverance as we continue to follow Your Will daily. Help us to faithfully plant seeds and nurture them, knowing that it is You, Lord, that makes them grow.  May we rely on Your Spirit to guide us and bear fruit in our lives.  Help us to trust that our obedience will reap a harvest in due time. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” 

(Galatians 6:9, New American)

Week of Sept. 23 - 29, 2012

Heavenly Father, we come thanking You for Your guiding light in our lives. You are
always with us, walking beside us, gently guiding us on the pathway of life.  Your hands,
filled with comfort and peace, are extended to each of us. Forgive us for forgetting to ask
You to come and be with us in our daily activities. We need You every minute of each day.
Please help us to call out to You to receive the blessings You have for us. Help us to share these
blessings with those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”  

(Psalm 119:105) NLT

Week of Sept. 16 - 22, 2012

Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of heaven and earth and all within.  There is no other God but You and there will come none after You. We lift up our voice in humble adoration to You. May our hearts cry out for more of You. May our spirits soar with wings as eagles. May our love for You be evident in all that we do and say.  Thank You for the blessed assurance we have in knowing that You hear us when we call. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
 Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”

(Psalm 116:1-2) NLT

Week of Sept. 9 -15, 2012

Heavenly Father, We come with joyful hearts to thank You for the grandparents placed in our lives. How inspiring to receive their wisdom and insights on the matters of daily living. How awesome to watch them enjoy the simple delights of a dripping ice cream cone, or inhaling a fragrant flower.  How infectious is their laughter when cheering a grandchild in a competition. How precious is their smile when looking upon a newborn grandchild. How bright are their eyes when embracing their children’s children.
Father, thank You for allowing us to see You in the expressions of grandparents as they share their love for You with those around them.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

“One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts.”

Psalm 145:4 (KJV)

Week of Sept. 2 - 8, 2012

Merciful Father, Help us to accept your call to labor and to rest. Labor we must, if we are satisfy our daily needs. Nevertheless, we lean heavily on Your promises to provide for us, especially those of us who cannot provide for ourselves. We recommit ourselves to answer the call to love You and to love each other. Help us to show that love for each other as we stretch forth our hands to the needy both in charity and in justice. We make our prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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

— Matthew 11:28 - 30  (Jerusalem)

Week of Aug. 26 - Sept. 1, 2012

Heavenly Father, the poor of the world teach us so much about human dignity, about justice, and about loving our neighbor. When the stresses of everyday life overwhelm us, help us to remember those who struggle daily for survival. Help us to take advantage of the opportunities You present us to help them, by generously sharing our blessings and Your love. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.


“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least
 of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

(Matthew 25:40) NIV

Week of Aug. 19 - 25, 2012

Dear 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 our lives gives hope and confidence that we can do all things through You who strengthens us. We praise and thank You.  Amen.


“In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
 When the disciples, saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified.
‘It’s a ghost,’ they said and cried out in fear.
 But Jesus immediately said to them, ‘Take courage: it is I, do not be afraid.’”

(Matthew 14:25-27) NIV

Week of Aug. 12 - 18, 2012

Dear Lord, You are amazing to declare such a promise to Your children! Your bond of love is unbreakable, unstoppable, and unconditional. We pray for each other to remember these words when we feel betrayed, lost, forgotten, or broken hearted. We will never be separated from Your love, but only saturated in Your love. Help us to embrace this truth with all of our mind, heart, and spirit. Thank You, Lord, that You care that much to extend Your hand of hope from heaven by way of our Savior, Jesus. We pray this in His holy name. Amen.


“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither present nor the future, nor any powers,
neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

(Romans 8:38-39)  NIV

Week of Aug. 5 - 11, 2012

Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up our eyes to You, our rock, our salvation, our fortress and refuge. We wait on You. For our hope is in You. Help us to wait in the storms, in the light, and in the darkness. Let our confidence not be shaken by what our hearts may feel, or by what we may think.  Our confidence rests on You. You, O Lord, are the only constant in this universe. You are always there, always strong and never changing. All this we pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.


“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him.
 He is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."

(Psalm 62: 5-8) NIV

Week of July 29 - Aug. 4, 2012

Lord God Almighty, the Father of Lights from Whom all good things flow, we praise You for being the ultimate source of light, hope, and everything that we long for that is good and worth having.  Forgive us for the times of darkness in our loves when we blame You for the suffering, pain, and evil around us (and within us), rather than looking for Your light to guide us out of darkness. Thank You for the Gospel message that not only leads us out of darkness, despair and death, but strengthens us to give a hand up to others who still dwell in darkness. Lord, guide us today. Lead us by the heart so we can walk in Your light and be light to others.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


“Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you:
 God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.”

( 1 John 1:5  HCSB)

Week of July 22 - 28, 2012

Lord, thank You for Your great love and care for us. We need Your help because You have overcome the world, and all power comes from You. We pray that during our storms in life, we will not drown in our fears. We trust You, our heavenly Father, to replace our fears with peace and joy, as we learn to walk closer to You. Provide us the voice to shout from the mountain top that You are faithful! We thank You, Lord, that You will deposit wisdom in us through trials, and that we will rise up with faith to move mountains. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.


“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind,
consider it nothing but joy,
because you know that the testing of our faith produces endurance,
and let endurance have its full effect,
so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”

(James 1:2-4  NRSV)

Week of July 15 - 21, 2012

Father in heaven, as we bless Your Holy Name, please give ear to Your servants. May Your great and mighty hand produce in us the supernatural ability to trust You under all circumstances, no matter what kind of adversity we face. Create in us ready and merciful hearts to serve You in the way that Your Son Jesus Christ served You – by serving others. Help us to see everyone and everything through His loving eyes, that we would find grace in Your sight, O Lord. Thank You for always being here for us, even when we let You and ourselves down. Thank You for being a loving, caring and wonderful Father to Your sons and daughters. This we pray in the precious name of Christ Jesus.

“Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” 

(Jeremiah 33:3  KJV)

Week of July 8 - 14, 2012

Most merciful Father, We praise You and we thank You for being our refuge, our strength, and our help in all times of trouble. Continue to guide our journey of life. Help us to do for others what they, through no fault of their own, are unable to do for themselves. May we never fail in our efforts to reach forth our hands to the poor, the destitute and the deprived, not only in acts of charity, but in justice. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.


“Lord, You have been our refuge age after age.
Before the mountains were born, before the earth or the world came to birth,
You were God from all eternity and forever.” 
(Psalm 90: 1& 2  Jerusalem)

Week of July 1 - 7, 2012

Heavenly Father, You are the true foundation of nations, raising them up to serve and care for the people dwelling in their boundaries. Send forth Your Spirit to this great country of ours. Make it a source of wisdom, strength, order, justice and integrity throughout the world. Bless our leaders with the grace to know and do Your will. Thank You for blessing us with so many freedoms, especially the freedom to worship You. Thank You, also, for the unlimited opportunities to prosper and be productive as a nation. We ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever ."
— Psalm 117, 1-2 (NIV)

Week of June 24 - 30, 2012

Dear God our Father, thank You for Your Word, because it reminds me that You watch over me, that You counsel me, that You teach me, and that You show me the way that I should go. Lord, in spite of the circumstances that I am in at the moment, I know You are always there with me.  Please, Lord, help me separate time out of my busy schedule to spend time with You, to talk to You, and to listen to what You are saying.  Lord, thank You so much for loving me. I say this prayer in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
 I will counsel you and watch over you.”

(Psalm 32:8 NIV)

Week of June 17 - 23, 2012

Heavenly Father, thank You for the men You have given us as earthly fathers. They extend their work worn hands to us as dads, granddads, uncles, brothers, cousins, coaches, pastors, and friends throughout their lives. You have blessed them with measures of courage, inspiration, strength, perseverance and helpfulness which they display each day in their homes, communities, workplaces and houses of worship. Father, grant them many years with us. Keep them healthy in mind and body, nurture them spiritually. Grant us the opportunity to give them comfort and support in their senior years.  We thank You for giving us fathers who reflect You in their love and respect for others.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


“The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”

(Psalm 103:13 NLT)

Week of June 10 - 16, 2012

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this day, our families, our jobs, the air we breathe, clean water, food, and so many other things we take for granted. Thank You for claiming us as Your sons and daughters. It says in the song, “Indescribable,” that You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name. You also know us by name. Help us to have a productive and peaceful day. We pray for those who are starving for food, but we pray more so for those who are starving for Your unconditional love. May we treasure all the many gifts You give us, Lord. Help us to realize that You are the most precious gift of all. You are the giver of all gifts. We make this prayer through the most precious and holy name of Jesus. Amen.


“But now, this is what the Lord says -- he who created you, O Jacob,
 he who formed you, O Israel:
‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

(Isaiah 43:1 NIV)

Week of June 3 - 9, 2012

Dear Lord, we thank You that we have never lived an unloved moment. You love each and every one of us, and Your Son is the proof! Those who call upon the name of Jesus will experience a hope and peace that is eternal. Let our thoughts and hearts be reminded every second that Your love is real and unconditional. Forgive us for doubting that love in the midst of our circumstances and trials, as we experience a world of suffering. We thank You, Lord, that You are with us always. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

— Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

Week of May 27 - June 2

Merciful Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave us Your Holy Spirit by whose power we are able to change and live a life that brings honor to You. It is overwhelming and humbling to think that You freely gave us the gift of Your Holy Spirit who guides us daily in all that we do. Help us to willingly and joyfully submit to His guidance in our lives. Lord, we pray that our lives will be good examples to those who don't know You, and that they would be drawn to You through the power of Your Blessed Holy Spirit in our lives. This we pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

“Peter said, ‘Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away, whomever, in fact, our Master God invites."
— Acts 2:38 - 39 (Message Version)

Week of May 20 - 26, 2012

Father God, you are the Maker of heaven and earth, and You know every situation that comes our way.  Even though it seems that life is unfair at times, we know our Redeemer lives, and if we continue to abide in the presence of the Holy Spirit we will learn to be content.  Help us to allow Your grace to be sufficient at all times and in all situations.  We ask this of you, Father, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, and in the name of Jesus. Amen.


“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am.”  

Philippians 4:11 (NASB)

Week of May 13 - 19, 2012

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our mothers. Thank you that she deemed it a joyous event to nurture us from conception to now. She introduced us to You in so many ways. We watched her trust You when life events were cruel. She spoke hope when there seemed to be none. She walked in faith always believing Your teachings. She taught us to share our small portions with others who had nothing. We watched her treat rude people with kindness. By her actions she taught us to tell the truth and to express love in all we do. Father, shower her with Your blessings of good health, safety, and physical strength as You continue to prosper the work of her hands. May we always love and respect our mothers. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

“Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is any praise,  think on these things.” 

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Week of May 6 - 12, 2012

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in our lives. Today, we choose to trust You with our past, present, and future. Give us wisdom to discern the seasons of our lives, and teach us to embrace the new things You have in store for us. Our faith is renewed in You and Your word. We pray all this in Jesus’ holy and righteous name.

Amen.

“The right hand of the Lord is exalted.
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.”

— Psalm 118:16-17 (KJV)

Week of April 29 - May 5, 2012

 Dear Father, may the same Spirit Who raised Jesus, our Lord, from the grave be ever present in us, Your children. You have given us life and have called us to love our neighbors as ourselves. May Your perfect love shine through us to care for those in need, for the ill, and for the broken-hearted. Please strengthen our faith in You. Help us to see everyone we encounter through the eyes of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We thank You, Father, for the gift of Your only begotten Son, for His resurrection, and for the blessed hope of eternal life with You and our loved ones in heaven. We give You all the glory and praise. We pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.


“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,  that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

(John 3:16) NIV

Week of April 22 - 28, 2012

Our great God and Father, we are overwhelmed as we contemplate the reality of the cross and the resurrection of your only Son. Father, we are not deserving of such love and compassion, but You gave it anyway, motivated by your love for us.

Jesus, thank you for willingly going to Calvary's Cross to die for our sins. Now guide us, Lord, by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that we would accept and cherish this free gift of forgiveness. May we also forgive all those who have done us wrong. Help us to love like You, Lord.

This we pray in the loving name of Jesus. Amen.  

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Romans 5:8 NIV)

Week of April 15 - 21, 2012

Lord, thank You for the gift of HOPE that you gave us Easter morning. Because of You, we know that no problem is too difficult, and even death does not have power over us. Thank you for the gift of LOVE You gave us when You laid down Your life for us. Because of You, our hearts are full of gratitude and praise for who You are and all You’ve done for us! We give you glory and honor. Amen.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)

Week of April 8 -14, 2012

Lord Jesus, be with us now during this festive Resurrection season. During your whole life You went about trying to transform the hardness of people’s hearts by Your love and concern for them, and by showing them how to go about loving others. There are times when we have become hard-hearted, unloving, selfish. Lord, give us compassionate hearts. Touch our lives with Your redeeming love. Let us be Easter people, and let “Alleluia” be our song. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen.

"Jesus said to his disciples, 'Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from
the dead on the third day, and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached
in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'”

(Luke 24:46-48, Jerusalem)

Week of April 1 - 7, 2012

Merciful Father, open our hearts and our minds that we may truly believe that because you came, we may have life to the full. Filled with the grace which flows constantly to us from Your cross at Calvary, enable us to be totally mindful of the needs of others, especially the poor and the deprived, and to meaningfully address those needs out of the abundance of that grace which You have poured out upon us. To You be all honor and glory, as we make our prayer through Christ Our Lord. AMEN.

"When the centurion saw what had taken place, he gave thanks to God and said, “This was a great and good man.” And when all the people who had gathered for the spectacle saw what had happened, they went home beating their breasts." - Luke 23: 47 - 48 (Jerusalem)

Week of March 25 - 31, 2012

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.

“Jesus cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘It is finished.
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’
When he had said this, he breathed his last.”

- John 19:30 (NIV)

Week of March 18 - 24, 2012

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, help us take up our daily cross. We welcome the monotony that often marks our day, discomforts of all kinds, disappointments, tensions, setbacks and cares. You fell beneath the weight of Your cross to show us You understand when we fall. Help us, 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 us often that in carrying our cross, we carry Yours with You. Amen.

“He grew up like a sapling before him, like a shoot from the parched earth. He had no majestic bearing to catch our eye, no beauty to draw us to him. He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, knowing pain...and we held him in no esteem.”

Isaiah 53:1-3 (NIV)

Week of March 11 - 17, 2012

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 follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me.”

- Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Week of March 4 -10, 2012

Precious heavenly Father, as we reflect on Your word, You tell us that You alone are the author of perfection. Use us to fulfill Your will regardless of our past. We know, Lord, that without You we can bear no fruit. Prune away our flaws and anything that would stand in the way of praising and honoring You. Even through our difficult times, help us, Father, to understand how meaningful it is to be in a real relationship with You. It is only through Your mercy and grace that we can receive Your gift of eternal life in Your presence. Continue to shower us with Your love, and guide us to be branches that bear the fruit of Your love for others, especially those who do not yet know of Your love. We ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

John 15:5 (NIV)

Week of Feb. 26 - March 3, 2012

Lord, our God, we put our hope in You. As we begin the season of Lent, we seek You with all our hearts. May the light of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, continue to shine upon us so that we may be light in the darkness of this world. We trust in Your unfailing goodness and love. We look forward to serving You with each passing day. We pray all this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

“The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!
The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.”

Lamentations 3:24-25 (NLT)

Week of Feb. 19 - 25, 2012

Merciful Father, we are reminded of what St. Paul said to the Romans as he urged the casting off of the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light.

Help us as we begin the preparation of the observance of the supreme sacrifice of Your Son, to make a greater effort at loving one another as You have commanded. Assist our prayers, our alms-giving, and our fasting as we turn our faces and our minds to the message of the Cross.

We pray in the name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

“The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”

Romans 13:12 (ASV)

Week of Feb. 12 - 18, 2012

God of peace and mercy, You sent Your Son, Jesus, to become one of us, to show us how to be merciful and compassionate. Strengthen in us Your grace so that we may be Your disciples, seeking peace in our world, reverencing life, and reaching out in love to our fellow brothers and sisters. We ask all this in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

“These works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.”

John 5:36 (NAV)

Week of Feb. 5 - 11, 2012

Almighty God, we are grateful that You care enough to strengthen us. Your strength is poured into us so we can do Your will: to care for the poor, the orphaned, and the widows. Lord, we are capable people, and can do much just by loving our neighbor, praying for one another, and sharing the good news of a Savior. No matter our situation, sickness, or challenge, if we put our trust in You, we will be renewed by Your strength and Your grace in every moment of every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Week of Jan. 29 - Feb. 4, 2012

Our gracious heavenly Father, we are thankful for new beginnings in this new year. It symbolizes a time to bring closure, a fresh start, and new opportunities. With hearts lightened, we now sing a new song to You, in acknowledgment that You are worthy of all our praise and glory. May our very lives be an offering of beautiful music to You. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“I will sing a new song to You, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to You.”

Psalm 144:9 (NIV)

Week of Jan. 22 - 28, 2012

Dear Father God, we come to You today knowing that You listen and answer our prayers. You are almighty God, powerful and loving. Lord, as this new year begins, we are reminded of Your Word, knowing that there is nothing impossible for You. Your hand is powerful. Your ear is ready to hear our prayers. Father God, help us to do Your will always. May we be pleasing in Your sight, and help us to rest in You, each and every day. We pray all this in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus. Amen.

“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”

-- Isaiah 59:1 (NKJV)

Week of Jan. 15 - 21, 2012

Heavenly Father, walk with me as I journey through life.
Take my hand and lead me with Your Holy Spirit.
Fill me, inspire me, free me to respond generously to Your call.
For I believe You desire my deepest joy,
And it is only in Your company that my soul will be satisfied
And my life will find its meaning and purpose. Amen.

(Author Unknown)

“If we love one another, God remains in us,
and His love is brought to perfection in us.
This is how we know that we remain in Him
and He in us, that He has given us of His Spirit.”

— 1 John 4:12-13 (NAB)

Week of Jan. 8 -14, 2012

Lord, we are thankful today that You are the God of hope, of possibilities, and all things new, even in adverse circumstances. We thank You for the new things You promise us today. Lord, we thank You for the hope we sense in the start of a new year, knowing that because of Your loving kindness, we can believe in a better future for our families and friends. We pray for those who have lost hope, that You would uphold the poor, the downcast, and the brokenhearted. We pray that You would create streams of blessings in their wastelands. All this we ask in the wonderful name of Jesus. Amen!

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
(Isaiah 43:19) NIV

Week of Jan. 1 - 7, 2011

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Good Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled
as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

(Psalm 34:14, NIV)