December 16

Prayer for the Morning

Father, as I face this new day, let me be aware of the work you have done for me as I slept. I praise you that your loving care never slumbers, but has been with me while I was least aware of it; and that you renew me and the whole world, fresh every day, preparing your plans for me.

I pray that I may seek your will this day, your plan for my life, and carry out your plan in my every action. I lay my hopes and fears on an altar before you, that your Holy Spirit may guide my hopes toward the light of your holiness, and may quiet my fears with the knowledge of your infinite peace, in total confidence that your grace will save me from the evils of this world. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

*****

Prayer of Thanks

O Thou whose bounty fills my cup with every blessing meet! I give Thee thanks for every drop, the bitter and the sweet.

I praise Thee for the desert road, and for the riverside; for all Thy goodness hath bestowed, and all Thy grace denied.

I thank Thee for both smile and frown, and for the gain and loss; I praise Thee for the future crown and for the present cross.

I thank Thee for both wings of love which stirred my worldly nest; and for the stormy clouds which drove me, trembling, to Thy breast.

I bless Thee for the glad increase, and for the waning joy; and for this strange, this settled peace which nothing can destroy. Amen. by Jane Crewdson (1860)

*****

O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, I pray, Amen.

*****

Walk as Jesus Walked

Father, I come before your Throne, and put you in remembrance of my family. I pray that we will walk as Jesus walked. We clothe ourselves with humility, knowing that you give grace to the humble. I pray that we will walk in self-confidence because Jesus is our Lord. It is my prayer that we will live for the glory of God in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Colossians 3:12; Romans 6:11

*****

Dear Lord God, people today are looking for someone to love them, and for someone to listen to them. Help each of us to see that we are really looking for You! ... You have known this from the beginning of time, and when You realized that we needed a better understanding of Your love and all that You desired for us, You sent Your Son, Christ Jesus. ... He not only showed us what You are like - our Creator with a Father's deep love and concern for us - but He showed us what we can become! Because of His example, always seeking Your will first, and because of His teachings, we can find purpose for our lives. Because of His sacrifice, making possible our forgiveness, we have the promise of a new spiritual life here and now, and eternal life to come! Oh Lord God, help us to grasp the significance of Jesus' divine birth, for He was Your supreme and loving gift to all who can and will believe in Him.

In the name of Jesus we pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Almighty God, wilt thou guide me in the direction where I may choose a useful life; open wide my heart as well as my eyes, that I may early see my work and be diligent in its prosecution. Reveal to me, when I may have failed, that I may do better tomorrow. Amen.

*****

Discerning, not Deceived

Colossians 2:4-7

Dear Father, my rock,

Help me to think clearly with discernment. Keep me from being taken in by the beguiling speech of deceivers.

Give me great joy in manifesting good order in my conduct and being absolutely firm in my faith.

As I received Christ Jesus as the Lord, grant that I may live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith.

Grant that I may do this with great praise and thanksgiving!

All praise, thanksgiving, honor, and glory to you, our Father, for what you have done for me through Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.

*****

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Isaiah 50:4, NIV

Lord our God, we thank you for giving us the task of serving you in the name of your servant, Jesus Christ, for letting each of us have a part in carrying out your will. Keep us true to this service. We want to be faithful, always listening to you, for you open our ears and help us know your will and respond to it. Be with us in these days. Strengthen your love and compassion in all hearts. May the life of Jesus Christ gain greater and greater power in all people on earth. Amen.

*****

Father, as we pray today, we are thankful for Your word and Your gift of love to us. Jesus is the name above all other because it is He who saves us from our sins. There is no other name under heaven whereby we can be saved from our sin. To speak your name Lord Jesus brings healing, peace, love, forgiveness, blessing, favor, and everlasting life to be enjoyed in eternity as well as now. You are all we need if we are willing to accept Your gift of grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. May we celebrate this time of year with a heart that is committed to sharing Your gift with those who are lost and alone.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful teachings we find in the Bible. Help us to apply these analogies to our personal lives. We can learn a lot just by observing Your magnificent creation. Lord, thank You for pointing out the examples of wisdom found in Your tiny creatures. Teach us Your wisdom in our daily affairs, so that we learn how to prevent problems in our lives. Lord, may we walk in love in all of our affairs, as that is one of the wisest things we can do. We ask in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Those In Fear”

Father, the message conveyed by the angels was heard by the shepherds and rings out for all generations. Multiple circumstances can frighten us causing us to lose hold of the assurance that You watch over and care for us. We need not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day, moving swiftly, coming suddenly, and striking when we least expect it. Though trials assail us they will not engulf us, for we overcome the enemy of fear through the word of our testimony. Jesus overcame the enemies of hatred, persecution, suffering and death and rose victorious over the grave. May the same resurrected power of Jesus subside our fears and doubts and build our faith and trust in the Holy One of Israel. Amen.

*****

What Need I Fear?
St. Columba (521-597)
Alone with none but thee, my God,
I journey on my way.
What need I fear when thou art near,
Oh king of night and day?
More safe am I within thy hand
Than if a host did round me stand.

December 17

Prayer of Penitence

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

*****

As I travel through the rest of my day, may the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit I may abound in hope. Amen.

*****

Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

Glorious Father, I ask You, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. I pray that whatever we do or say, will be as a true representative of the Lord Jesus, and together we will give thanks through Him to You Most High God. Father, I thank You for calling us to be Your ambassadors of good will here on this earth. Amen.

Ephesians 1:17-18; Colossians 3:17

*****

Dear Lord God, let us indeed commit ourselves to You - as our loving Father, as our provider, as our anchor in times of storms, and as our compass, showing us Your will and leading us to live more worthwhile lives. Help us to remember the commandment that Joshua gave to the Israelites when he said: "... choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."* ... Let us not ask why the world isn't a better place in which to live, but rather let us ask what we can do to make it better. Oh Lord, You are depending on us to do our part to improve our surroundings, but we must also realize that we are dependent on You! Open our eyes to see this, and our hearts to desire a more meaningful relationship with You.

In the name of Jesus we pray.

Amen.

* (Joshua 24:15)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Lord God, help me to see the beauty of the world, and through my duty may I find the love in the world. May I not spend my life in discontent, but may I remember that thou hast said, "The meek shall inherit the earth." Fill my heart with compassion, that I may love my fellow man as I love myself. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer Of Thanks For Life”

Father, it is through Jesus that we experience light and life because He came as light into the world and provides abundant life to those who follow Him. May we walk faithfully and earnestly in the light of Christ so that deeds of darkness are exposed wherever we go. May those still walking in darkness be drawn to Your light through the things we say, the songs we sing, the things we set before our eyes and the things we do as we represent You in the home, the workplace and wherever we go. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, give us the confidence we need in order to overcome the things we face in our daily lives. Deliver us from all fear so that we will not allow the pressure of the world to cause us to compromise in any way. May we always trust You and have confidence in You, knowing that You will never fail us, nor leave us. Let us always walk with our heads high when it comes to being a witness for You. We gladly will bear any reproach that comes because we are a Christian. We proudly bear Your name and ask that we can always walk stately and unafraid in the face of our enemies. In Your name I pray. Amen.

December 18

Prayer of Resolve

Blessed Jesus, my Savior and Master, model of all perfection, I resolve — and will try this day with my full heart — to imitate Your example, to be like You: mild, humble, chaste, zealous, charitable, and kind. I will redouble my efforts to see Your image in all those I meet and deal with this day — not only people I like — and to be as helpful to them as I would be to You. I resolve to avoid this day all those sins which I have committed heretofore and which I now sincerely desire to give up forever. Amen.

*****

May I go in peace, with God and with his other children, and may we love one another as Christ taught us. May I follow the example of good men of old, and may God comfort and help me and all who believe in Him, both in this world and in the world which is to come. Amen.

*****

Family and Friends

Everlasting Father, I thank You for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You for the marvelous changes in our lives – for transforming us into the image of Your dear Son. Almighty God, You have made us more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. I thank You that Your love abounds more and more in each of us as we fellowship this season with family and friends, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

I Corinthians 15:57; Romans 8:37

*****

My Father, I pray that I may not be given to contradicting and doubting, nor take for granted that which needs to be considered. Grant that I may have the faith and strength of heart to fulfill the longings of my soul. Amen.

*****

Lord God of all people, lead me not to judge others or discriminate and divide into different groups. Inspire me to live in such a way that I am not destructive or negative. Empower me with your Spirit that I may choose wisely and live positively and so promote all that is life-giving. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer To The One Full Of Grace And Truth”

Jesus, thank You for clothing Yourself in flesh and making Your home among Your own creation. You are both God and Man, completely divine and completely human. Rather than coming to us only through written precepts and the revelation of Your Word, You came to us through a Person’s life, something we could tangibly see, physically grasp and personally identify with. You revealed the divine nature and perfect will of the Father through the Person of Jesus Christ. Grace flows through You in those whose lives are spiritually transformed and the lives of those who experience miracles and healings. Thank You for emptying Yourself and taking the nature of a servant as You walked in truth and obedience, knowing that it would lead to death on the cross. We praise You, Jesus, for You are exalted to the highest place. We believe with joy-filled hearts that You became flesh and lived among us, and You are indeed full of grace and truth. Glory to God in the highest! Amen.

*****

Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. Psalm 65:1–2, NIV

Lord our God, our Father, out of reverent silence comes the praise that is due to you, O God in Zion. It is right for us to praise you and to keep our promises to you. People everywhere shall come to you, for you answer prayer. Protect us your children in the task you have given us. Watch over us so that we can serve you in the right way and receive from you the gifts we need in order to go toward your kingdom and witness to your name. Help us on every step of the way. May our lives be entrusted to your hands, and may we always find our strength in you, our God and Savior. Amen.

*****

Inspire your people to rise up and serve you. Lead us in paths of righteousness for your names sake. May we labor for your kingdom to come. Alleluia, you are wonderful, we adore you. We give great honor to you as we remember all you have done, for all you will do in days ahead of us. Thank you for hearing our prayers and we give you all the glory, honor and praise. amen

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us wisdom from Your Word. Lord, help me to guard my mouth, and not to think thoughts that cause me to think too highly of myself. I desire to remain humble in Your sight and the sight of men. Lord, I am nothing without You, and the things I do accomplish are simply done by Your grace in my life. Lord, may I also answer softly to those who would try to stir me to anger. Help me to be silent when I should not speak, and to speak up when I should. May my words be like Yours. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

December 19

Prayer for the Morning

Blessed are you, O Lord my God, King of the universe, who removes sleep from my eyes, that I may see the returning light of the your day. I thank you for all that you have done while I was asleep, watching over me and all your children while we slept unaware, and I pray that my thoughts and acts this day may show forth my love and thanks for you and all you have done for me.

Help me through your Holy Spirit, that I may remember what you have taught me in the Bible and it may show forth in my every deed. Let me not wander into the hands of sin, nor into the hands of pride or perversity, nor into the hands of temptation, nor into the hands of shame, but steer my inclinations towards goodness and charity this morning and all the day. In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.

*****

Prayer for the Spirit of Christmas

Oh Lord, I am so tired. It seems like the lists of to-do’s get longer each day, the frenzy in my home each night gets wilder. It seems like the holidays have barely started and already I am behind.

Help me, dear Jesus. Let me feel your loving arms wrap me tightly in the warm embrace of your endless love. Teach me to make choices about my time, to remember what is important this season and to say “no” whenever my “yes” would take me away from your peace. Fill me with patience, love and a sense of humor. Remind me of your deep love for me and let the fire of that love be something I can share with everyone around me. Amen.

*****

And finally, may the grace of Christ our Savior, and the Father's boundless love, with the Holy Spirit's favor, rest upon me, and all of us, from above. Thus may we abide in union, with each other and the Lord, and possess, in sweet communion, joys which earth cannot afford. Amen.

*****

Wonderful Counselor

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, You are my God and I trust You. Today I bless those family members and friends with whom I will be interacting during this Christmas season. Father, through Jesus Christ, You have enriched us in every way—in all our speaking and in all knowledge. We will glory in Your love, thanking You that through the Holy Spirit we are strengthened and empowered in our inner most beings. We are learning of the height and depth of Your great love for us, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:5; Ephesians 3:16-19

*****

Dear Lord, I hesitated to turn my life over to You for fear of what You might ask me to do - preach a sermon, hand out tracts, take a vow of poverty. But Lord, when I obeyed You, Your Spirit directed me to get my life in order - to clean out the closets of my house and the closets of my heart - to FORGIVE and FORGET, even when I have been right. Lord, what peace and joy are ours when we surrender to You! Help me to be obedient to You and to trust You in all things.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

My Father, teach me to select my work from that which is noble and true. May I not mold my life in affectation or feel that I must imitate the lives of others, but grant that I may perfect my life through experiences which are worthy of increasing endeavors. Amen.

*****

God our Father, you created light and all that we can see. Show us how to grow in a sense of wonder that we may “really see” and appreciate all the beauty that is around us. Lead us to discover how inter-connected are so many things in life and how interwoven with your presence. May the coming into our world of Jesus, your Son, - who lived fully as a human being - remind us that we are all called to be at-one with you. Show us how to transform all that might be ordinary in our daily lives and, through your Spirit, become more fully alive, to your greater glory. Amen

*****

Alive in Christ

Colossians 2:13-19

Dear Father,

Thank you for redeeming us. You took us out of deadness and gave us life. You made us alive together with Christ. You cancelled the debts that we owed you because of our sinfulness.

You disarmed the powers that work against us, triumphing over them in Christ for our sake.

How gracious and wonderful you are. To you we owe eternal praise.

Help us to withstand anyone who might seek to disqualify us, seeking to bind us to any principle of action at all except faith in Jesus Christ, for he is the head, and he determines how the body will grow.

Help us to hold fast to Christ, who is our head, in whose name I pray. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer Of Thanks For The Gospel’s Simplicity”

Father, thank you today for the simplicity of the Gospel, that it’s not complicated. We profess our faith in the message of the Gospel as taught in the Scriptures. Thank you that you loved the world so much that You sent Your only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. In a world where so much is complicated we thank you for this wonderful truth and confess our faith in Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, give me the strength to never give up.

*****

Prayer for Divine Guidance
Psalms 51
Open my lips, O Lord,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence
and take not your holy Spirit from me.

Give me the joy of your saving help again
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought
us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty
power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by
adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your
purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

December 20

Lord of All Hopefulness

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, whose trust, ever child-like, no cares can destroy, be there at my waking, and give me, I pray, your bliss in my heart, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith, whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe, be there at my labors, and give me, I pray, your strength in my heart, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace, your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace, be there at my homing, and give me, I pray, your love in my heart, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm, whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm, be there at my sleeping, and give me, I pray, your peace in my heart, Lord, at the end of the day. Amen. (Jan Struther, 1931)

*****

Dear Lord Jesus, let me join in the chorus, "Oh come, Oh come, Emmanuel" and really mean it. Let me sing, "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," and at the same time prepare my heart for You. Let me seek Your forgiveness, as I also forgive others. Let "Joy to the World" be my song throughout this Advent Season ... that others may know that I am a Christian by my love.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Loving Father, teach me the secret of constancy, that none may ever be disappointed in me. May I not reckon what I give on recompense, but have the spirit of giving which has no measure for what it may receive in return. May I not be forgetful of thy love which will hold me to deeper reverence and devotion. Amen.

*****

Lord Jesus, as we prepare to celebrate the gift of yourself to our world, we think too of our loved ones, remembering that you said that there is “more joy in giving than in receiving.” Acts 20 35 We ask you to bless us and those we love. Amen.

*****

This is the one about whom it is written: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you." Matthew 11:10, NIV

Lord our God, thank you for bringing us into glorious day. Let the rays of your grace, the grace of Jesus Christ, shine into our hearts so that we are truly born of the Spirit and serve you as your children at all times, also when hard days come. Through your might and your revelation pry us loose from all earthly things. Pry us loose from worries and from pleasures. We are your children, O Lord God. We come before you, our Father in heaven, and you will accept us so that we may be a people who prepare the way for you. May all the words you speak be a blessing to us and make us joyful in expectation for the day of Jesus Christ, which has begun in power and glory and will bring power and glory when all is fulfilled according to your merciful and perfect decree. O God, your children entreat you, "Accept us. Hear us. Set the light aflame in our hearts for the coming of your great day!" Amen.

December 21

Prayer for the Morning

I bless you for the day you have made, Mighty Lord God, and pray that I may spend this day rejoicing in your creation. I pray for your Holy Spirit to fill me with the joy of my salvation, so that your light may shine through me into the world, that your honor and glory may be known to all people.

Remind me of your blessings, I pray, with every tribulation I may face, so that I may act with energy, forgiveness and love, ever mindful of the grace You have shown to me. Through Christ I pray, Amen.

*****

Prayer by a Mother with a Long To-Do List

I sit here with my to-do list in my mind, Lord, and I know I need help finding a balance. I am so looking forward to Christmas Day, but, Lord, there is so much to do! When will it all get done? How will I maintain any semblance of inner peace in this “peaceful” season?

I think, Lord, that I need some balance in my life. I feel so torn between wanting to cook and fill my house with wonderful welcoming smells, and wanting to decorate my home. I have shopping to do, and cleaning, and cards to write and mail. When? How?

Help me, guide me, Lord. Help me to set priorities around doing those things that will bring me closer to you. Maybe my home really is clean enough, or maybe I can ask my family or friends for help. Can the cards wait until a quiet afternoon after Christmas? Can my decorations be simpler? Is there more than a little ego involved in all of this?

Help me remember the joy of simplicity, Lord. Help me to remember what I am celebrating. Help me to find it in my heart to call out, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Amen.

*****

Loving Others

Heavenly Father, You made me what I am and gave me a new life; and long ages ago You planned that I should spend my life in helping others. You are a great God, a loving God, a giving God, and I purpose to imitate You. The end of all things is at hand, and I will be serious and watchful in my prayers. Above all things, and by Your grace, I give myself to a fervent love for others – a love that covers a multitude of sins, in the name of Jesus. Amen

Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:7

*****

Dear Lord Jesus, as I prepare for Christmas this year, help me to resolve to make it Your special day. ... In the midst of all the seasonal bustle, the crowded highways and shopping malls, let me take time out to prepare my heart, as I think of Your birth on that first Christmas in Bethlehem. ... Let me re-read the story of that incredible event when heaven and earth came together to share the glory and the wonder of Your birth on that holy night, and let me read it once again with my family. Help us to make You the center and the reason for our celebration this year.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

“Give us, O God, the vision which can see your love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith, the trust, and the goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts, and show us what each one of us can do to set forth the coming of the day of universal peace. Amen.


*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am thankful that You are a compassionate God and a defender of the poor and needy. Lord, may we also be concerned about the struggles of the poor and reach out and help them. Thank You for blessing me with material blessings and may I reach out and bless those less fortunate than I with my goods. Lord, I also want to share Jesus with those who are needy and poor, because when they know You, they will always have someone to call upon who will never fail them. They can find peace, love and joy in the midst of their circumstances and rise above their poverty and need, because You will never forsake them. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

December 22

For the Spirit of Prayer

Almighty God, who pours out the spirit of grace and of supplication to all who ask for it; Deliver me, when I draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, so that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections, I may worship You in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*****

Prayer to Have Inner Peace in the Coming Week

Heavenly God, may I have peace within, this day and throughout the coming week;
May I trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be.
May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May I use those gifts that I have received, and pass on the love that has been given to me.
May I be confident knowing I am a child of God.
Let this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. This I pray in Christ's name,
Amen.

*****

Thanks for Christ’s Birth

God of every nation and people, from the beginning of Creation you have made known your love through the gift of your Son, who bears the name Emmanuel, “God with Us”. In the fullness of time the Christ-child came to be the Good News to all who would receive him.

Grant that I may remember every day the blessing that this season represents, to me personally and to all Christians throughout the world; and especially, to those who have not yet received the Word, but may find Christ in the future. Thank you, Lord, for your great blessing to us all. Amen.

*****

Oh God who has made me, oh God who keeps me, oh God who will be my Lord through all eternity, shine down Your blessings and wisdom upon me like the sun upon a field; and may I keep You in the forefront of my every thought and deed, throughout this day, and evermore. Amen.

*****

Security

Father, in the name of Jesus, I bless my family and co-workers daily with faith and love. May we be filled with hope for the word of truth; the gospel is our mainstay. The Prince of Peace is our Companion and Strength for this day. We are secure, for we have received Your abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ. At night we rest in perfect peace, consoled by thoughts of Your love for us, in the name of Jesus. Amen. (Prayers That Avail Much First Blessings for Your Child)

Colossians 1:5; Romans 5:17

*****

Most gracious heavenly Father, help me to slow down in preparing for Christmas. Often I find myself running over my own shadow when hurry, stress, and overload are gaining on me. ... Remind me that Christmas should bring joy; help me to be joyful! ... Christmas should be a time of love; help me to be loving! ... Christmas should be a time of thanksgiving and hope. ... I need to count my blessings, for no matter my present circumstances, I have blessings that others do not have. And because of the significance of Jesus' birth, Your gift to me, I can have hope! ... This Christmas season, let my joy, my love, my thanksgiving, and my hope reflect You, so that others may better understand the real meaning of Christmas and want to know You.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4–7, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, let your joy be always in us, your children. Let your joy bring light and peace to our lives, no matter what happens around us. May we serve you in joy, aware of your peace at all times, so that something of this peace may go out from us to grieving hearts and to regions of the world that are in darkness. Father in heaven, how many unhappy people look up without knowing where to find help! But you will come to them. We beseech you, come to those who mourn, and let them find joy and trust for their redemption in Jesus Christ. Amen.

December 23

Prayer for the Morning

Heavenly Father, I thank you this morning for all that I have. Even if I have problems with my health, I am alive today. If I have money problems, I will eat today. I have clothes to wear, a roof to protect me, and air to breathe.

Let me never take for granted these gifts of life, oh Lord, but always remember that they come from you; without you, no man could make the sun shine or the tree bear its fruit. I pray to live this day in joy and thankfulness for what I have, remembering always who made me and who keeps me. In the name of Christ I pray, Amen.

*****

Holy God, I pray to be filled with your Holy Spirit for the rest of this day. Let me go forth, walking with your Spirit in my heart, that I may be filled with the joy and energy and praise for your entire creation, thankful in the many gifts you have given me, and showing forth your light in my every word and deed. This I pray in Christ's name, Amen.

*****

Dear Lord Jesus, amidst the hustle and bustle and wrapping of gifts, help me to realize that You are my greatest "GIFT." Let me set aside some quiet time each day to reflect on this. ... Then Christmas will start in my heart, and the glow that warms me will warm all those I meet.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

(c) 2001 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Heavenly Father, I pray that thou wilt reverse my standards of life if I may be striving only for selfish gain. May I care for all that I could be, and may I care for where I should be found, but, most of all, may I care for what I really am. Help me to keep my mind on thee that I may find delight in doing thy will. Amen.

*****

No Distinctions

Colossians 3:5-10

Dear Father,

Let me live in the light of your truth about myself - that my old nature has been put off, with its baggage of practices, and that I have put on a new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Help us to make no distinctions regarding origins, heredity, or traditions, but to see Christ in all believers.

Help us to let Christ be in us, to transform and renew every fiber of our being and of our relationships.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17, TEV

Lord our God, our Father in heaven and our Father on earth, our Lord and our Ruler, we thank you that to this very day you have guarded and guided us and delivered us from great need. We praise you with hearts full of hope as we continue on our pilgrimage. For Christmas Day is coming with its message of hope that we may somehow bring honor to you in spite of all hindrances, mistakes, and sin, in spite of all death and the horror of dying. We know that you hold us in your hands. With your help we can look ahead, and again and again we may take a small step forward and live to the praise and honor of your name. So be with us now and bless us. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for instructing us, as women, in Your ways. Lord, I do ask that You teach me to love my husband the way that I should. Lord, I am asking You to give me your love and grace, not only to love my husband, but my children as well. May I express Your love to them in the daily affairs of life. Give me the strength to be a good house-keeper and cook, along with my other duties as a wife and mother. Deliver me from selfishness and let me consider my family before my own needs. Lord, I know when I do this, that You will take care of my needs. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

December 24

Prayer for the Morning

May all I do today begin with you, O Lord. Plant dreams and hopes within my soul and revive my tired spirit: be with me today. Be at my side and walk with me; be my support, that your hand may be seen in every action I take, that your goodness may be in every word I speak, and that your spirit may inhabit my every thought. Make my thoughts, my work, and my very life blessings for your kingdom. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

*****

Prayer of Resolve

I bind myself to you this day, oh Christ, in your truth and in your sacrifice. I give to you my anxiety and my fear, my depression and my doubt, for you have promised to take them if we only ask; and I take upon myself your burden, for it is light and your way is gentle. May I keep this in my heart and mind all this day. Amen.

*****

Forgiven

Heavenly Father, thank You for this beautiful Christmas Eve. Most of all I thank You for giving us Your Son, Jesus. Jesus, thank You for bearing our sins on the cross so that we can live unto righteousness, and by Your stripes we were healed. We bless You, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Tonight we will go to bed with great expectations looking forward to celebrating with family and friends the birth of our Lord and Savior. Thank You for forgiving our sins and casting them into the depths of the sea, in the name of Jesus. Amen. (Prayers That Avail Much First Blessings for Your Child)

1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17

*****

Clothed with Christ

Colossians 3:12-14

Dear Father,

Grant that we may clothe ourselves with Christ, for he is a garment of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience, forbearance and forgiveness.

Above all, clothe us with his love, which will bind us together in perfect harmony.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord"...Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:10–11, 13–14, NIV

Lord God, our Father in heaven, you have sent us the Savior, who was born to bring great joy to all people. Glorify your name, we pray. Give the world the peace you alone can give, the peace that wells up in our hearts. Let your favor rest on us so that we may hold out under our sufferings on earth. We need your loving help to remain inwardly steadfast until everyone can be reached by the message, "Be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ." Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the grace and strength to accomplish all that You have called me to do. Lord, help me to be more disciplined, especially in my prayer life. Give me a love for Your Word so that I never neglect the reading of the Bible. Help me to hear Your voice so that I can follow Your advice in all of my affairs. May I also reflect Your nature in all of my business dealings. May kindness and consideration be a part of my nature. Give me the grace to reach out and help others and to be hospitable to all who enter my home. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

December 25

A Prayer for Christmas Morning

The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and good will. Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.

Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil, by the blessing that Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our bed with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. by Robert Louis Stevenson

*****

Oh Heavenly Father, in whom I live and move and have my being, I humbly pray you so to guide and govern me by your Holy Spirit, that in all the joys, occupations, and cares of this day I may never forget you, but remember that I am ever walking in your sight. In Christ's name, I pray, Amen.

*****

A Christmas Prayer

Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth, may we begin to see the world in the light of the understanding you give us. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the good news of salvation, so may we worship you in meekness of heart and humility of spirit. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving. Amen.

*****

Christmas Day Prayer

Father, we come to celebrate the Gift that You sent to us; the birth of Jesus, Emanuel, God with us. We pray that future generations will remember the sacred purpose of this celebration, and follow in our footsteps as we follow You. Jesus, we acknowledge that You are the Word that became flesh and lived among us. You are full of grace and truth, and from You we receive one gift after another. I give You all that I have—I give You myself – spirit, soul and body, and pray that future generations will walk in truth. Amen.

John 1:1, 14-16

*****

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LORD JESUS! Because of You, I am. Because of You, I can become. Let me give You praise! Because You were born to be my Savior, I can turn to You in my need. Because of Your grace, I am forgiven. ... Oh Lord, You loved me enough to die for me; help me in turn to love You enough to LIVE for You. Let me give You my LIFE - my birthday gift to You.

In Your holy name I pray. Amen.


© 2005 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Almighty God, I give honor and praise to express my joy for thy great love in the gift of thy Son, Jesus Christ. With a glad heart I wish all mankind "A merry Christmas," and may I ever remember, where the angels sang, "Peace on earth, good will toward men." Amen.

*****

In the Name of Jesus

Colossians 3:15-17

Dear Father,

Let Christ's peace rule in our hearts. Let us be at peace in his one body. Fill our hearts and mouths with overflowing thanksgiving.

Let Christ's word dwell in us richly. Let us teach and admonish each other in all wisdom.

Let us impart grace through the songs flowing from thankful hearts.

May we do everything, whatever it is, in the name of our Lord Jesus.

We give thanks to you, our God and Father, through his name. Amen.

*****

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6, RSV

Lord our God, you have sent light to shine on earth and have revealed your heavenly power in Jesus Christ, so that in spite of all the darkness and evil we may rejoice because we have a Savior. Reveal your power in our day. Let something be done anew toward the building of your kingdom on earth. Let something draw men's hearts to you to give them light so that they may thank and praise you for all you have done and are still doing to bring the whole world into your hands. O Lord God, let men be moved by the opening of the heavens. May their hearts awaken and their sadness give way to joy in Jesus Christ the Savior. We are your children who are allowed to wait in expectation for you to set everything right. We can know that even in our troubled times your hand is at work to reveal your will, to make your will plain to all generations on earth, as you promised through Abraham. May your name be glorified, O Lord God. May your name be honored, your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, thank you for today and all that you do. I love you Lord with all my heart. Please help me show this love to others as I go about the day.

*****

Make Me Strong in Spirit
Abby Willowroot
Make me strong in spirit,
Courageous in action,
Gentle of heart,

Let me act in wisdom,
Conquer my fear and doubt,
Discover my own hidden gifts,

Meet others with compassion,
Be a source of healing energies,
And face each day with hope and joy.

December 26

Prayer for Goodness (based on Psalm 1)

Heavenly Father, who has given us the gift of your law, so that we might know our sin, and your Son, that we might be forgiven where we fall short: Give me the grace to remember your holy Word, when my surroundings tempt me to confusion and weakness, that I might more nearly approach true obedience to your will. Help me to resist the arguments of the ungodly; let me not be deceived by false beauty; and let me never replace the truth which you have put into my heart with the clever words of men. Through Christ I pray, Amen.

*****

All through this day, O Lord, by the power of your quickening Spirit, let me touch the lives of others for good, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I speak, or the life I live. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, "How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me."* ... Even in my sorrow or sickness You have been there; how can I say thanks? ... Only by praising You, by sharing Your love, by staying in Your Word, so that my daily life reflects You. How can I say thanks? Oh Lord, let my whole life reflect my gratitude for Your many blessings as I seek to serve You.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

* (from "MY TRIBUTE," by Andrea Crouch)

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. John 3:16, TEV

Lord our God, our light and our life, in our longing to live by your Word we lift our eyes to you. Let your Word come into our hearts. Let your Word help us to understand our lives and our time, so that we can recognize your leading in everything and gather courage every day in spite of our weakness, sins, and faults. We can still find joy, for your kingdom is coming. We can feel that you are among us, however great the anguish of these times. Let the light of Jesus Christ shine out; let your Spirit of peace and grace come to all nations so that your will may be done. Free men from all their confusion. Release them from their bondage. Make them free for what is good, true, and eternal. May your name be praised among us today and forevermore. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the account of the Proverbs 31 woman in the Bible. Lord, may we all be inspired by her virtue and love. Lord, may we be givers like she was. May we reach out not only to the poor and needy, but to all those who You lead us to help. Strengthen me to not only give of my money, but also to give of myself. May I share my faith, my love, and my time with those who need encouragement and help. Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me and not to just walk by when someone needs the help that I could give them. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

December 27

Song of Praise (based on Psalm 8)

O Lord my God, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, who am I that you are mindful of me, who are any of us that you should guide and protect us?

Yet you have made us in your image, a little lower than the angels, and crowned us with glory and honor we do not deserve. You have given us dominion over the works of your hands and put the earth beneath our feet; you have given us dominion over the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea. O Lord my God, I praise you for your gifts to me. How majestic is your name in all the earth! Amen.

*****

Prayer of Trust When We Feel Lost

Lord God, sometimes I feel like a lost child, alone in the woods or on a strange street. I cannot see the road ahead of me. I fear what lies in the shadows.

I have no idea where I am going. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself. And even though I am trying to follow your will, sometimes I can't be sure whether I am or not. Sometimes, I think, I am fooling myself. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you and that you will direct me, even if sometimes I get it wrong.

I hope and pray that I will at least not do anything today that I am certain will displease you, and I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always. Though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are ever with me and you will never leave me to face my troubles alone. Amen.

*****

God of mercy, swift to help: as my lips pour forth your praise, fill my heart with the peace you give to those who wait for your salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, let me come before You with praise and thanksgiving ... not always bringing a list of "wants." Help me to remember to truly seek You, the Giver, instead of the gift. For only then will You know that I truly trust You and love You; only then can You bless me.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

God, Father of us all, you who call me by name: Is 43 1 you are my hiding-place, my shelter, Ps 32 7 amidst life’s difficulties. Remind me that there is no pit, no hole, so deep that your love is not deeper still. Lead me to give thanks in all my circumstances, 1 Thess 5 18 and show me how to transform whatever suffering or difficulties I may experience, into something that will benefit others and will set me free. I make this prayer, knowing that you lavish your love on us 1 Jn 3 1 and you set the down-trodden free. Is 61 1 ; Lk 4 18 Amen.

*****

Unceasing Prayer

Colossians 4:2-6

Dear Father, who answers our prayers,

Help me to be steadfast in my praying to you, even to stay awake that I may pray!

Fill my life with thanksgiving to you.

O God, I pray for all your servants everywhere that you may open a door for us to proclaim your Word, to declare the now-public secret - Christ crucified, glorified, and coming - and to make the message clear, as we ought to speak.

In the name of Jesus I ask you to fill our lives with your holy life and to claim all our motives and deeds as your own. Amen.

*****

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Luke 1:68–69, NIV

Lord our God, dear Father in heaven, we come into your presence and ask you to show yourself to us as the true, great, and almighty God, who can shed light into our misery and change it all, letting us find reconciliation and redemption in Jesus Christ. Protect and help us with your mighty hand. Let every country and nation see your grace and see the victory over all sin and injustice. Let your justice come on earth, and let peace fill the hearts of men and show in their lives. May all that happens to us serve the good. Help us always look to you, our Lord and God, for you have power to rule everything and to turn everything to its right purpose. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Christ To Be Preeminent”

Father, anything good or praiseworthy in me is simply a reflection of the abiding presence of Your Holy Spirit. I want to grow in Your grace and knowledge, and will do so if You are preeminent in my life. That means You will reign supreme and be of first importance to me, having greater influence than any other person or cause. I want to walk in humility today as I pray, “Jesus, must become greater in my life, I must become less.” I ask You to be at the center of my thoughts, my attitudes, and my actions so that Your preeminence is seen in all I do and say. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, thank you for this day. I ask that my weaknesses do not lead others to stray. Please give me the wisdom to make the right choices and lead by example.

December 28

Prayer to Change to Better Serve God

Holy God, I believe that you will change people and many things, if asked and if it is your will. Change me Lord, if it is your will, for I would lead a better life. Touch me, I pray, great God whose touch transforms. Reach out your mighty hand to me, and to all who seek you in the name of your Son. Heal us, transform us, and make us whole; reach out your mighty hand to lift us up to serve you; touch me and all of us this very day, O Lord, that our own hands may bring your hope and healing to this broken world. Amen.

*****

May the God of hope fill me and all of us with the joy and peace that comes from believing, so that we may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, in this new year ahead, let me not forget that a song isn't my song until I sing it, my joy isn't complete unless I can share it, and my love isn't real love until I give it away! Oh Lord, help me to see that it is in giving that I receive ... that if I try to keep everything to myself I will smother both Your light and mine. Help me, Lord, to remember these things and to let others see You through me.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4–5, NIV

O Lord God, we thank you for everything you allow us to see and hear. May our hearts become awake and alive through all we receive so that we await your final revelation and recognize your ultimate will for all men, for all nations and races on earth. Hear us in these days, for we know your kingdom is coming. Your kingdom is before our eyes. Your Word, your help, is coming, and in Jesus Christ light will dawn for all the world. Praise and honor to you for all you do! May we see it all before our eyes so that our expectation of the last days is a living expectation, full of joy and blessing. We want to wait in joy, in love, and in longing for the day that is coming to your glory. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, our time on earth is short. Please help me realize that it is not the amount of time, but the quality of the time I spend that counts.

December 29

Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian (350 A.D.)

O Lord and Master of my life, this day and during the week to come, give me not the spirit of laziness, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of sobriety, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.

*****

Have mercy on me, Oh Lord, for I am a humble and miserable sinner. [At this point, pause to remember specific sins you have committed during the week and speak or think them.] I renounce all of these sins, heavenly Father, and repent of them, and I promise to make every effort not to repeat them.

Have mercy on me, pardon me for these offences and any I might have omitted from forgetfulness or ignorance; in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I pray for forgiveness. And I pray that your Holy Spirit may dwell with me today and throughout the coming week, to comfort me, to give me strength against temptation, and to guide me into the path of righteousness. Amen.

*****

Finally, let me go forth in thanks for the victory I have been given through our Lord Jesus Christ. May I be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, and always remembering that in the Lord our labor is not in vain. Amen.

*****

Eternal God, guard me against the love of praise, that I may not lose the sense of duty. Start me for the right places and give me strength with my days, that I may press toward their possession. Deliver me from drifting when it is mine to pull against the tide, that I may not be carried out of my course. Shield me from the storms that may gather about me, and bring us all to the desired haven safe in thy keeping. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord Jesus, what gift can I give You, for You have everything? ... If You want to bring me into union with You, then I must heed Your words - I must deny myself, and take up my cross, and follow You. I must realize that Your words run counter to the world's "Do your own thing." ... What can I give You? I can give myself, my right to independence, so that I can become Your person. ... Oh Lord, this New Year help me to love You enough to give You me - all of me.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Lord, inspire us to be credible witnesses of your love, and good shepherds towards those you have entrusted to our care. Amen.

*****

Encouragement and Comfort

Colossians 4:7-11

Dear Father,

Give us caring hearts when it comes to our fellow servants in Christ. May we carry the news of them to each other for the sake of building each other up.

Stir us up to work hard for the kingdom of God and to encourage each other in all facets of our labor.

Show us ways that we can encourage each other in our struggles and comfort each other in our sufferings.

In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the strength we have in You, so that we are able to do all things that You ask us to do. Lord, may we grow in the character of God, so that we are fruitful in the things of God. Lord, I thank You for Your guidance, so that we will make the right choices today, in order to avoid those things that would cause us to have future problems. I also thank You for daily provision, as well as provision for the future. Give me wisdom, so that I may take care of the things today that will bring me future security and blessing. I do appreciate Your promises and I know that You will never forsake me, nor leave me. Thank You for that. I pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, I ask you to help me be strong. I want to forgive those who have done me wrong and live a life of happiness. I ask for the strength as forgivness can be difficult when hurt feelings start to surface.

*****

May We Feel Compassion

May each of us find our true path and learn from our mistakes (karma) and accept each other's evolutionary pathway and not feel, show, or express disapproval with the choices the other makes.

May we feel compassion instead of hatred, love instead of anger, and an acceptance not only of others but of ourselves as well. May each of us do all of the above in a mindful way.

December 30

Prayer for the Morning

Oh God, who has created all things, seen and unseen, this day is your creation and I give thanks to live in it. I pray that I will not shut you out of the day you have made, blinded by the petty concerns of life, but that I may be always open to your presence.

I open my body to you and give thanks for your life that fills and warms every cell of it.

I open my eyes and ears to you and give thanks for the light of your Word, without which I would live in the shadow of ignorance.

I open my heart to you and give thanks for your love that fills me with compassion, understanding, and peace.

I open my soul to you and give thanks for your Spirit, who fills me with wisdom when I take a moment to listen.

All that I am, I open to you and I return to you, giving thanks every moment of my life for the blessings that fill this day. Through Christ I pray. Amen.

*****

Prayer for Grace and Strength

Lord God, I pray that you will fill my heart with the blessing of your Holy Spirit. Grant me this day the strength to be temperate in all things, diligent in my duties, and patient under my afflictions. Direct me in all my ways. Give me grace to be just and upright in all my dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion; and ready to do good to all people, according to my abilities and opportunities. For the sake of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

*****

Into your hands, O Lord, Jesus Christ, my God, I commend my spirit. Bless me and all those who pray in faith of You this day; save us and grant unto us everlasting life. Amen.

*****

God our Father, we pray for all families, that members may feel encouraged to live fully, and may discover the sanctity of human love and the value of family life. If times are troubled through separation or difficulties in relationships, may people learn to be generous. May we all learn how to break the cycle of whatever may be negative, growing in understanding and appreciation and in love and respect. Amen.

*****

Working Together

Colossians 4:12-18

Dear Father,

Help us to remember each other earnestly in our prayers.

Help us to stand mature and to be fully assured in your will.

Help us encourage one another to carry our assigned works to completion.

Help us fulfil whatever ministry we have received in the Lord.

Help us to remember those who are in prison, and those who suffer in any way for your service.

May your perfect grace sustain and keep all of us.

In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord
So far this year I've done well.
I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I'm very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help. Amen

*****

“A Prayer For Refreshing Relationships”

Father, we think of those people in our lives that bring refreshing at their very sight or mention of their names. They have poured into our lives fruitful blessings by their kind actions and words, by their exemplary lifestyle and so often by their personal overcomings of life’s hardships. May we be not only recipients of such tender mercies, but diligent dispensers of lovingkindness toward others. May our actions and words refresh them. Not that it should be our major motivation, but we know that when we refresh others, we ourselves are refreshed. So as we bless others, we too are blessed and we bless You as well. Amen.

*****

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all you have done for me. You do so much and yet I still ask for more. Please forgive me and guide me to be appreciative for what I have and what is truly important.