January 14

Prayer for the Morning

Heavenly Father, I do not fear this day, for you are with me wherever I might go, your light to shine ahead, your footsteps to lead the way. I do not fear this day, for your word will be my guide. Your strength will sustain me and your love revive me, this day and all days. I do not fear this day, for you are with me. In the name of Christ, I call upon you. Amen.

*****

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made me one with your saints in heaven and on earth. Grant that in my earthly pilgrimage I may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know myself to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. I ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, mountaintop experiences with You are inspiring! ... It's when You send me to hoe in the vineyard that I have trouble - in the heat, the trials, the temptations, and the decisions of each day - Lord, then the mountaintop seems so far away. ... Remind me to listen for Your still small voice in the midst of the confusion of the day. Remind me that my weakness enables You to reveal Your strength.* ... You are there; I just have to listen more intently. Help me, Lord, for I truly need You.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

* (See II Cor. 12:9)

© 1999 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Here, Lord, is my life.
I place it on the altar today.
Use my life as you will.

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For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. 2 Corinthians 13:4, NIV

Lord our God, we come into your presence and kneel before your throne, asking you with all our hearts for your Spirit, so that our lives may be guided and ruled by you, the one God and Creator of all life. Let your Word come into our hearts. Give your blessing on all we experience in life and on all we ask of you as we stand before you. We are weak and poor. We can achieve nothing, and our hearts are weary. But you can strengthen us. You can make everything come right to reveal your kingdom throughout the world. Then all the people of our time may come to know that your will for the earth is not distress and suffering, but your goodness, your life, and your eternity. Amen.

January 15

Prayer of St. Patrick

Lord, be with me and all who love you, this day:
Within us to purify us;
Above us to draw us up;
Beneath us to sustain us;
Before us to lead us;
Behind us to restrain us;
Around us to protect us.
In Christ's name we pray,
Amen.

by Saint Patrick (389-461 A.D.)

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Prayer to Grow Closer to God

Dear Lord, I am trying to do better and better each day; I am trying to walk with you and do your will, but sometimes it seems like I am slipping backwards no matter how hard I try. And I get confused sometimes; even if I want to do the right thing, I don't always know what it is.

So this is my prayer, heavenly Lord, for your help in straightening out my mind and straightening out my life. Lead me, Lord, and let your Holy Spirit guide me. Even if the correction is painful, help me to keep my mind open to your truth. Let me do your will in my every action, and know your will, that I might do it. Help me not be deceived by false assertions or glib intelligence, by those who would excuse or promote sinful actions, by those who simply do not know; and above all, help me not to deceive myself. Guide me away from excuses and rationalizations when I have sinned, but into your holy truth, that I might know my sin, and correct what I can, and ask forgiveness for what I cannot. By the grace and mercy of holy Christ, I ask this, Amen.

*****

May the Passion of Christ be ever in my heart. May your law and your goodness guide my every thought, O Lord. And may the power of your Holy Spirit flow through my words and my actions today, and always. Amen.

*****

Loving Father, if I may be discouraged today, strengthen my faith. May I not weary of waiting for thee, but trust in thy promises. Amen.

*****

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26, NIV

Lord God, send your Spirit, we pray, over us and over the whole world. Let your light dawn on earth among men. Reveal your power and let your reign begin. May your will be done, O Lord. We kneel before your throne and plead to you. We are weak. Lord, help us. Bless us. Establish your kingdom in the hearts of those who are willing to follow you, who are willing to accept your grace in Jesus Christ. Help us through your strength. Reign over us. Be with us with your Holy Spirit, O Lord God, our Father. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Trusting And Obeying”

Father, though I am sometimes perplexed by that which I don’t understand I have an unshakable confidence in You. Your Word is truth and Your promises never fail. There are many things of which I am uncertain, but I have absolute certainty that I can trust You for everything that concerns me. May obedience be an expression of my unwavering trust and devoted love toward You, my Lord and my God. Amen.

*****

A Collect for Guidance

O heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray thee so to guide and govern us by thy Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget thee, but may remember that we are ever walking in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

January 16

Prayer for the Morning

The night has passed, the sun shines its light upon us, and the day lies open before me. As I rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence fill me with love for you and my fellow man, holy God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Abide with me, I pray, now and forever. Amen.

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Prayer to Love Others

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom you have taught us that love is the greatest good; defend me this day against all the instincts that tempt me away from love of my fellow man. Let me put aside every sort of prejudice and bias against other people who are different from me: those who have a different gender, or skin color, or accent, or who have different ideas about politics or how to drive a car or any of the thousand other differences that Satan uses to drive a wedge between me and all the other people of earth.

Let me accept others for who they are. Let me know that they are your creatures, and that you love them just as you love me. Let me not be stingy with my affection or my support of others out of jealousy, or greed, or pridefulness; but look upon the work of others, and their well-being, as I look upon my own.

I am weak, Lord, and I often stumble and let myself lapse into irritation or anger at others; but through your Holy Spirit, all things are possible; and I ask that today you be with me at every moment, and fill me with the capacity for love that only your Spirit can bring to me. In the name of my Lord Christ I ask this, Amen.

*****

Walk with me, dear Lord, so that I may not be alone as I face this day, but always in your presence. Your joy is a lighthouse in a world often dark with sin, and I pray that I may reflect the light of your truth, to inspire others as I have been inspired. In the name of Christ, bless me this day, and all whom I may meet. Amen.

*****

Father, we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so we will walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith and joyfully abounding in it. Love is our foundation, and we pray that Christ will be at home in us. May we be rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God, and walk as Jesus walked in love, in harmony and unity with one another. Amen.

*****

Heavenly Father, help me to value my thoughts, words, and deeds. If at the close of the day, there may be one who has been wounded by my injustice, may I be willing to make quick atonement. May I avoid the ways and words that hurt; and not only wish rightly and work rightly, but speak to enrich others with tenderness. Amen.

*****

May God guard us and keep us in safety and comfort and in health and strength, sending us nothing but good. May God send down so many blessings that the day is not long enough for them all. Amen.

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“A Prayer Of Renewed Commitment”

Jesus, when I chose to surrender my life to You it was not simply an emotional response that would last for a short season. I asked You to be my Lord and Master and to rule my heart forever. Though there have been trials galore that would test my faith and countless remarks that would attack the truths presented in the Scriptures I choose to walk in Your name forever and ever. In the good and bad of life You will always remain my only Lord and Master.

*****

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, we come before you and thank you with all our hearts. You know all that we are thankful for. Continue to sustain us, we pray, and give us strength for the paths on which you lead us. Even when we must suffer and fight long, hard battles, we know that everything has its right purpose and will still lead us to your goal. For all this we praise and thank you. Protect us in mind, heart, and spirit. Keep us courageous, and lift us above all discouragement through your Spirit, who will renew our lives forevermore. Amen.

January 17

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within me all this day; and whatever I do in word or deed, may I do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Amen.

*****

Oh, Father, we thank You for rescuing us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and bringing us into the Kingdom of Your dear Son, who bought our freedom with His blood and forgave us all our sins. We look forward to new experiences, emotional and physical healing, spiritual growth and a more intimate relationship with You – healing in broken family relationships. Thank You for providing us with Your whole armor that we might be prepared for those things that happen outside of our control. In our fellowship with You we remember that You are at work for our good in all circumstances. Thank You for loving us, and calling us according to Your purpose. In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen.

*****

Dear Lord, help me to realize that humility is not belittling oneself, but rather forgetting oneself. Help me to forget myself, to cease expecting recognition or thanks, but rather to see that I am serving You. ... Let my satisfaction be in pleasing You, and let my heart sing Your praises.

In the name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

© 1999 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

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“A Prayer To The True, Eternal And Living God”

Father, because You are the true, eternal and living God I can commit my past to You, and entrust my present needs to You. I’m so glad the Word of God declares that You are the great “I AM”, not “I was.” As my issues change and my needs grow You are present to meet every situation I bring before You. I place my confidence in You as I remain steadfast and faithful, abounding in my relationship with You, my true, living and eternally great God. Amen.

*****

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that we need never feel forsaken. We thank you that we are led and guided by your hand. We thank you for all we have received from you, your care for our bodies, for our material needs, and for our inner life. We praise you, O God! Continue to lead us, we pray. Continue to work among us so that we can all see and come to know that the Good Shepherd is leading us. Amen.

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“A Prayer Of Thanks For Co-Workers”

Father, we who believe are grateful recipients of earnest believers who dedicate their time, energy, giftings and resources to further our growth in Christ. How grateful we are for faithful Sunday School teachers, youth workers, for those who walk alongside us upholding and emboldening us when the howling storms of uncertainty, doubt and fear assail. We thank you for the many lay people who work behind the scenes to keep the church functioning and effective such as kitchen workers, treasurers, trustees, board members, Christian education administrators and on and on the list grows. As we see the value help us to do our part as well to make a spiritual difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

*****

Dear heavenly Father, I am grateful that You have revealed Yourself to me. I do want to walk in Your Truth and keep Your Words and Your commandments. I know that I cannot do this without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, so fill me with Your Holy Spirit this day. May I show mercy to any that need it, as I need Your mercy as well. Lord, deliver me from any temptation of deceitfulness or any dishonest way. May I be honest and truthful with all. Cleanse my heart of everything that would be displeasing in Your sight. I do desire Your mercy and truth that I might walk in favor with You and with men. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day by Day
St. Richard of Chichester
Day by day, dear Lord of you
Three things I pray:
To see you more clearly,
To love you more dearly,
To follow you more nearly,
Day by day.

January 18

Prayer of St. Jerome

Lord, thou hast given us thy Word for a light to shine upon our path; grant us so to meditate on that Word, and to follow its teaching, that we may find in it the light that shines more and more until the perfect day; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

by (Saint) Jerome, 390 A.D.

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Prayer for Help with the Burdens of Life

Grant me, I pray, your divine helping grace; endow me with patience and strength to endure my tribulations with complete submission to your will. You know my misery and suffering and to you, my only hope and refuge, I flee for relief and comfort; trusting your infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when you know it is for the best, you will deliver me from my troubles, and turn my distress into comfort, and I will rejoice in your mercy, and exalt and praise your Holy Name, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

*****

O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to your fold again. Deal favorably with me according to your good pleasure, until I may dwell in your house all the days of my life, and praise your forever and ever with them that are there. Amen.

from a prayer of St. Jerome, 408 A.D.

*****

Father, We thank you for your faithful protection and for hearing us when we pray. How often we observe one anther and feel that we think as you do. When we read your word, we are reminded that you are looking for those whose heart is in tune with yours. A heart for you is a heart filled with love, kindness, patience, forgiveness, gentleness, not judgmental, and empty of self. Will you forgive us today for judging what we see, when only you can see each heart?

*****

Dear Father in heaven, I come to You in the name of Jesus. Thank you Lord, for so many wonderful promises in Your Word. I come to You humbly, and ask that You remove any prideful attitudes in my heart and life. I truly want to follow in Your ways and serve You. Help me to trust You when things are going wrong, as much as when things are going right. I realize to walk in faith, that I must believe that You will help me with my current problems even though I do not see a way at this time. You will make a way, as You have never failed anyone who comes to You in faith. Thank you for good health, mentally and physically. I am so glad my name is written in the Book of Life. Use me to help others find the way to heaven. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

January 19

Prayer of Ambrose of Milan

O Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore you, a heart to delight in you, to follow and to enjoy you, for Christ's sake. Amen.

from a prayer by Ambrose of Milan, 388 A.D.

*****

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, let me think about these things. What I have learned and received, let me do; and the God of peace be with us all. Amen.

*****

Father, I thank you for loving me and providing salvation. Thank you for delivering me from the power and dominion of sin, and bringing me into a safe place. You have saved me because of your mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. It is by grace that I have been saved, through faith – and this is not from myself, it is the gift of God. Now that I belong to you, teach me obedience to the Holy Spirit’s instructions that I might walk in newness of life. Jesus, you are the Author and Finisher of my faith, and I offer this prayer of thanksgiving in your name. Amen.

*****

Father, teach us to recognize your face in the people you put into our lives today. Amen.

*****

Father, I belong to you. I place myself anew in your hands and acknowledge you as Master and Lord of my life. Grant me the gift of a forgiving heart and cleanse me of any anger, hostility, or revenge. Heal my hurts and teach me to rely on your love. Grant me wisdom of heart and strengthen me by your grace to move on in faith, in trust, and in love. Thank you, Lord, for your love in my life.

January 20

Now unto him that is able to keep me from falling, and to present me faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

*****

God our Father, with the gifts you have given to us we have responsibilities and duties. Inspire us to take the initiative in treating others as we would like them to treat us. Amen.

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God's Grace

Romans 5:1-5

Dear Father, giver of your Holy Spirit,

Thank you for justifying me through faith, so that now I have peace with you through the Lord Jesus Christ.

How grateful I am that I have access to your grace! I rejoice in the hope of sharing in your glory.

More than that, my God, I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. I know that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

How I bless you for this wonderful hope that I have. It is a hope that will never bring disappointment.

I know this because I have tasted your love. You have poured it into my heart through the Holy Spirit which you have given me, as well as to all your people.

By the authority of Christ and in his name I pray. Amen.

*****

Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10, RSV

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that you are our Father and that we may have you with us. We thank you that we can know you are leading us by your hand. Give us your Spirit of understanding so that we may always see your mighty and powerful hand guiding us on all our ways. Help us where we fall short. Help us, for we are weak and are often in situations where we cannot help ourselves. But you are strong. You give light to our hearts. Through the Savior, Jesus Christ, we can direct our lives cheerfully, joyfully, and patiently toward the great goal set before us your children, and before the whole world. Amen.

*****

Dearest Father, I thank you for all the times You have corrected me. Please do not stop correcting me, even if I cry about my situation. Thank you for loving me enough to correct me and not allow me to continue in the wrong way. I am sorry that I sometimes complain of my trials. I want to rise above complaining and learn to trust You more. Help me to overcome the fears and doubts I feel when facing trouble. I want to come to the place when I am facing a test, that I will see the your vastness and not the bigness of my problem. I know You love and care for me, so give me patience, grace and wisdom to overcome what the enemy brings against me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For The Blessing Of Laughter”

Father, there are many troubling situations that weigh our heart down when that is our sole focus. But You want us to bring these troubles to You in prayer, entrust them to Your care, and be joyful on our journey. Nehemiah reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” We want to have a joyful disposition so that we can bring cheer to those around us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

*****

Prayer for Holy Rest
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world lies hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last.

January 21

Prayer to Dedicate Oneself to Christ This Day

Almighty God, as I cross the threshold of this day, I commit myself Your care. Mold me in your image. In everything I say and do, let my mind be on the eternal goodness of heaven rather than the vanities of earth, meaningless pride, or the anger and envy that tear apart my precious soul.

I dedicate myself to your holiness, Oh sweet and innocent Christ, and pray that you may be with me, to check my tongue before it can speak evil and to stop my hand when it seeks to sin. I come to you as a child. I will look to you for guidance and wisdom. Let me know the joyful feeling of having done something that pleased you; let me never feel the pain of knowing I have disappointed you. And let me live without fear, without confusion, always steady in the certainty of your forgiveness and ultimate victory, I pray, Amen.

*****

Meditation

[Let us close our eyes for a minute, and meditate on the innocence of Christ.]

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A Prayer of Repentance

O Lord our God, good and merciful, I acknowledge all my sins which I have committed every day of my life, in thought, word and deed; in body and soul alike. I am heartily sorry that I have ever offended you, and I sincerely repent; with tears I humbly pray to you, O Lord: of your mercy forgive me all my past transgressions and absolve me from them. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to amend my way of life and to sin no more; that I may walk in the way of the righteous and offer praise and glory to the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

*****

May the God of peace, who declared victory over death by the resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ, make me perfect in every thought and act through His grace, that my life might be pleasing in his sight and that I might share the perfect peace that is only possible through Him, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, forgive me for trusting in my own intelligence and doubting Yours. I seem to have no misgivings about the things that I have reasoned out, but I have trouble trusting and believing in Your almighty power apart from my finite understanding. ... Oh Lord, help me to accept You as a Sovereign Being, fully knowledgeable and worthy of my complete trust!

In the name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

© 1999 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

Lord, inspire me to live in such a way that I always give of my best and be welcoming and generous towards others. Amen.

*****

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6, RSV

Dear Father in heaven, we rejoice that you are our Father. We rejoice that you rule and guide each of us so that our path in life leads to what is good and genuine and we do not get stuck in this or that concern. Lead us, renew us, and again and again free us to go forward, finding new courage and joy for ourselves and for our fellowmen. Then we can praise you, your strength and power can be revealed to us, your heaven come down to earth, and your will be done on earth. Here on earth your help shall come to the poor, the weak, the lowly, the sick, and the suffering. May your name be praised! We rejoice in your name. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, I am thankful for all You have done for me. I do appreciate the peace, love and joy that You have given me. Lord, money cannot buy these things. They come as virtues when we are "born again." Help me to walk in the Spirit Lord, so that these fruits may grow daily. I want to be more like You in all of my ways. I do seek Your wisdom as I need Your guidance and understanding in the affairs of my life. Strengthen me as I daily face challenges and circumstances that only You can give me the grace to bear and overcome. Thank you that the scripture says, when I am weak, You are strong. I claim Your strength today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

January 22

A Prayer of St. Basil the Great

I bless you, O God most high and Lord of mercies, who forever works great and mysterious deeds for me, glorious, wonderful, and numberless; who provides me with sleep as a rest from my infirmities and as a repose for my body tired by labor. I thank you that you have not destroyed me in my transgressions, but in your love toward mankind you have raised me up, as I lay in despair, that I may glorify your majesty.

I entreat your infinite goodness, enlighten the eyes of my understanding and raise up my mind from the heavy sleep of indolence; open my mouth and fill it with your praise, that I may unceasingly sing and confess you, who is God glorified in all and by all, the eternal Father, the only-begotten Son, and the all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

*****

Now the God of patience and consolation grant to me, and to all who pray in the name of Christ, to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That we may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

*****

Almighty God, I would have thy counsel as I read the words and follow the deeds of helpful lives, that I may be inspired to nobler activities. Give me the desire to know more of thy holy word, that I may have a better knowledge of life. Amen.

*****

God our Father, you call each of us by name, and you treasure each of us individually as though no-one else exists. Inspire us to respect and value each person who comes into our lives this day. Amen.

*****

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and l will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, RSV

Dear Father in heaven, grant us the inner quiet we need so that we may come into your presence and hear you speak, forgetting all the things that try to force themselves upon us. May we experience your true and living support. Keep our hearts glad and thankful for everything, even in grief, anxiety, and suffering. In this thankfulness we can remain with you, and Jesus Christ can help us, Jesus, whom you have given as our support and helper in all that most deeply concerns us. We entrust ourselves to you. Keep us in your Spirit. Amen.

*****

Lord, we ask You for wisdom and harmony in our financial life. We choose to serve You, God. Forgive us when we have been selfish, when we’ve gone to extremes of spending or hoarding. Heal us when we need restoration in our finances. Help us not to argue, but to learn better ways to communicate—to be honest and to seek to understand the other person’s perspective even when we may not agree. We thank You for the ways You have provided and for Your amazing answers to prayer!

Source: From Power Prayers for Women by Jackie M. Johnson

*****

Dearest Father, I am grateful that You are a God of order and of wisdom. Show me Your order in my every day affairs. I need my life and my ways ordered of You. Lord, I live in a time where there is so much busyness and hurry-hurry, let me not get caught up in the rush of our society. Slow me down, and show me my priorities. Let me do the things that are important to You. Let me not leave the important things of prayer and the study of Your Word undone. Forgive me when I neglect these things, because I have run out of time and strength that was given to less important things. I know if I put the things of God first, then I will have time for all the really important things in my life. Help me work on "being" like You, instead of just busy "doing" things for You. I do ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

January 23

For Joy in God's Creation

O Heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty; Open my eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that rejoicing in your whole creation, I may learn to serve you with gladness, faithfully managing your bounty; for the sake of him by whom all things were made, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*****

Now, oh heavenly Father, I ask to be called as a witness to your love by the love I extend to others; a precursor of your justice by my unfailing commitment to what is right and good; a lamp set on a hill, reflecting the light of Christ in my forgiveness, mercy and compassion; and a harvester of souls through my humble and dedicated servanthood. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

*****

Lord God, I pray that I may not overlook thy blessings of beauty while endeavoring to perform my duties. Guide me that I may not struggle to be where thou wouldst not have me go. Amen.

*****

Lord, whilst I pray for peace and goodwill in our world, I ask you to help me to change my own attitude for the better, so that peace and goodwill may start with the way I behave towards those who have hurt me. Inspire me to be as generous to others as I would like them to be with me. Amen.

*****

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all...Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul. Psalm 103:19, 22, NIV

Dear Father in heaven,we thank you for giving our hearts hope for your kingdom, the kingdom of God. We thank you that again and again we may draw strength from this hope, find new youthfulness and courage, and discover how powerfully, though hidden, your kingdom is already approaching. Protect this vision and help us when we fail. All will come right. Whatever happens, we are in your hands, and no one shall snatch this joy from our hearts. Amen.

*****

Dear Father in heaven, I am so grateful to be Your child and I thank you for Your wonderful promises to me. Thank you for the encouraging Words found in the Bible. I do want to walk in Your wisdom. Open my understanding to Your Words and then give me the grace to obey them. Help me to be able to cast all my cares upon You, when I am tempted to worry or fret over my problems. I do appreciate being able to lie down and have a restful night's sleep. Thank you also for soundness of mind and body. Help me to share with others this day about Your goodness. I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

*****

For Families Torn by Addiction
Vienna Cobb Anderson
We pray, O God of hope, for all families whose lives are torn and disrupted by drugs and alcohol. Enable them to identify the illness. Strengthen them to seek help. Bless them with the power of your love, which imparts transformation and wholeness to those who trust in your name. Grant that as they walk this tortured road, they may journey together and bound close in the bond of love. Amen.

January 24

Praise and Thanks this Morning

Hallelujah! The sun has risen again and it is morning! And I have awoken into it, alive, breathing, thinking, knowing that the Son will rise again and I will be saved. What did I do to deserve this day? It is a gift from you. Glory and praise to you, my God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for filling me with life to live another day, for it is you who made me and not me myself.

I resolve to spend this day in the presence of the Holy Spirit, filled with his joy and energy, that I might accomplish your will, my God, and do what I can to deserve the joys of the day, for I know my time here is short. Be with me, oh Holy Spirit, to fill me with the energy and positivity and comfort that only you can bring. In Christ's name I pray that thy will be done, Amen.

*****

May God the Father bless us; may Christ take care of us; the Holy Ghost enlighten us all the days of our life. The Lord be our defender and keeper of body and soul, both now and for ever, to the ages of ages. Amen.

*****

Father, I thank you for the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which flows through me to others. I abide in Jesus, He abides in me and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am salt and light in the earth – a witness to him everywhere I go – in my home, the workplace, and to the end of the earth. I purpose to practice the presence of Jesus, and make choices that will honor you, Father. Thank you for leading me in triumph in every situation I face today in Jesus’ name.

*****

Dear Lord, sometimes Your Spirit speaks to me in quiet ways, in a "still small voice," so easily missed while the TV is blaring, the telephone is ringing, and electronic games and "electronic children" are all pulling me in a dozen different directions. ... Quiet me down, Lord, that I in turn may be a quieting influence in my family, and so that we as a family may HEAR You more clearly and be more sensitive to the leading of Your Spirit in this year ahead.

In the name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

© 1999 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

“A Prayer For The Least Of These”

Father, there is much that we don’t understand on this side; why some go through life seemingly with ease and little trouble and others seem to be born with trouble that never goes away. It is not for us to understand Your ways for You are a God of mystery with greater purpose than we can comprehend, and yet You have made clear to us through Scripture that which we are to understand. Some of the very trouble we seek to avoid is what brings us to faith and causes us to live a life that is honoring to You and purposeful to others. Keep our hearts sensitive and compassionate toward those who are undervalued by the world’s standards. When we put ourselves in their place, we identify with their struggles and feel the deep hurt they experience when looked down upon and rejected by others. May we be Your tender arm of compassion, Your gentle voice of acceptance and unconditional love. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, I come to You in the name of Jesus. You know that at times I do experience fear. I am so glad I can come to You and when I pray, You remove that fear and give me the faith and confidence that I need to trust You. Help me to trust You more. Thank you that Your angels are watching over me and my loved ones. I am sure when I get to heaven I will be amazed at the many things that You protected me from in this life. Lord, have mercy on the lost and give them opportunity to come to You and be spared from the awful judgments in this world. Use me to share Your love with those around me that do not know You. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities to witness to the lost. Give me the right words to speak to them and prepare their hearts to receive them. Amen.

January 25

For Those Who Are Struggling

Heavenly Father, I pray for all my Christian brothers and sisters and for each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace to come in their hearts; I pray for love and joy to abound in their homes; I pray that they might enjoy good health, that they are not in debt, and that all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than you, Mighty God. Every battle is in your hands for you to fight, Lord. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them. In Christ’s name, Amen.

*****

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that you direct my way unto you, and make me and all of us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end that we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before you, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Amen.

*****

Father, I thank you for giving me the grace to believe in you and your Word even in the midst of the storms of life, providing a place of rest for me. In the midst of seemingly impossible demands, deadlines and tasks at hand, my heart is steadfast, fixed trusting in you. Your strength and boldness are released to me as I confidently rest in your promises. In your presence I am refreshed, restored and renewed in Jesus’ name. Amen.

*****

May the life of the Lord Jesus, and the love of God the Father, and the companionship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.

*****

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16, NIV

Lord our God, O God of righteousness, let your light shine out. Go with us on our way. May we have clear eyes and hearts through your Word and your Spirit. Through temptations and struggles be always with us, lighting our way to what is right and good. Protect and bless us. Move our hearts from their very depths to thank you for all you have done for us, to praise you, and to glorify you. 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.

*****

Prayer of Thanks
Ralph Waldo Emerson
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
Father in heaven,
We thank thee.

January 26

For the Spirit of Prayer

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord. Let your Holy Spirit guide me in my prayer and in thought, and grant me the grace to listen and hear your Word. Soften my heart, that I may be directed by your truth, and not the devices of my body and mind. In the name of Christ I ask this, Amen.

*****

God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and Spirit of God amidst us, direct our way unto you. Make us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you; to the end we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before you, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Amen.

*****

Heavenly Father, you are my light and my salvation. By your grace, I shall not fear man nor become entangled in the ungodly traditions of men. I throw aside every weight and sin that has tried to ensnare me so that I might run the race you have set before me with confidence, efficiency and effectiveness. I seek to be temperate in all things and run this race to receive a crown of eternal blessedness with certainty. Father, in my life be glorified, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, in the New Year ahead, help me to remember that wherever I go, I'll be! I can't escape me! Circumstances won't govern my life as much as my attitude toward them. ... Yet, wherever I am, You are! Oh Lord, help me to realize that I cannot deal with me and my problems without You! For You have the answers to all of my needs, if and when I consult You. ... You are my only real security! Help me to KNOW IT, BELIEVE IT, and LIVE IT! ... It's up to me, isn't it? It's my move. Help me Lord, for it is hard for me to change my ways.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

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

*****

Heavenly Father, teach me how to breathe in the sweetness of life. Reveal to me the life that will bring peace to the soul. May I not be dismayed, but find the "Peace that passeth all understanding," the perfect peace that comes from thee. Amen.

*****

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:18-19, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, Almighty God, your children look to you in prayer. Hold us always by the hand. Reveal to us that you hear us, that you are among us providing what is best for us, to the glory of your name. In this hour let us experience something from you, the good and merciful One. May we always be glad and thankful for all we have already received from you and for all we are still to receive in our lives. Amen.

*****

Father as we begin this new day we are thankful for the truth of Your word. To be quiet in Your presence, listening to Your teaching and guided by Your Holy Spirit brings to us a deep peace and strength. Will You quiet our hearts this morning and remind us that in the quietness of Your presence there is peace? The strength will come as we quietly exercise our faith in You, listening more than hearing and being still, waiting to hear You speak to us.

*****

Lord, we ask You for wisdom and harmony in our financial life. We choose to serve You, God. Forgive us when we have been selfish, when we’ve gone to extremes of spending or hoarding. Heal us when we need restoration in our finances. Help us not to argue, but to learn better ways to communicate—to be honest and to seek to understand the other person’s perspective even when we may not agree. We thank You for the ways You have provided and for Your amazing answers to prayer!

Source: From Power Prayers for Women by Jackie M. Johnson

*****

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for all Your wonderful gifts. I am especially thankful for the gift of discernment. Thank you, for the many times You have saved me from bad situations that I would have engaged in, if it were not for You warning me. I do thank you for spiritual eyesight. Lord, I pray today that I will always walk in Your way and will seek to avoid strife and be a peace maker. You said, "Blessed are the peace makers". I need Your blessings today so I seek to be at peace with those around me. Help me to solve my differences in a peaceful way, according to Your will. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

January 27

For the Day Ahead

Oh Lord God, I come to you in the morning, full of hope that the day to come might be filled with joy and energy. Grant that I may do my work with a light and happy heart; and if there are tasks that I do not look forward to, or even dread, let me undertake them with courage and resolve. For this day could be perfect, if I can only live it in You and with You and for You.

Where I face frustration today, let me handle it with acceptance and faith that the outcome is in Your hands. Lead me away from anger or judgment of other people. Let me tend to my own garden instead of looking over the fence. If my neighbor's yard is filled with weeds, help me not to criticize, and keep me from envy of those whose tree bears more fruit.

And let everything I attempt be filled with the knowledge and guidance of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that the Spirit will be with me at every moment, and that I will always be aware of Him, and live every moment of this day in Your presence. In Christ's name, I pray, Amen.

*****

Meditation

[Where I face frustration today, let me handle it with acceptance and faith that the outcome is in Your hands.]

*****

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

O God, who is near us always, I thank you for all the good gifts with which you have filled my life; for love that makes life beautiful, for all thoughts that uplift and gladden, for faith to believe and strength to attain, for every experience which humbles and teaches the need of you. Let me never doubt that, having led me thus far, you will lead me to the end. I wish to serve you; show me how I can do it best. Graciously look upon me and use me as you will. And grant that I may employ all of your gifts to the end of setting forth of your glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

*****

Lord, I bless your holy name! I will not forget all your benefits – you forgive all my iniquities, heal all my diseases, redeem my life from destruction, and crown me with loving kindness and tender mercies. Thank you for satisfying my mouth with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. I worship you in the splendor of your holiness, in Jesus’ name.

*****

Lord, we ask you to inspire us to encourage others by what we say and do today. Amen.

*****

My prayer for you is that you may have still more love – a love that is full of knowledge and wise insight. I want you to be able always to recognize the highest and the best, and to live sincere and blameless lives until the day of Christ. I want to see your lives full of true goodness, produced by the power that Jesus Christ gives you to the praise and glory of God. Philippians 1:9–11, Phillips

Lord our God, we thank you for filling our hearts with such great trust. We thank you for all we are given in our lives, above all that we can come to know Jesus Christ. We thank you that over and over we can draw strength and life from his life. Praise to your name, for our life has a goal and we may find strength and certainty during our time on earth. You will reveal what we hope for, and even now you allow us to keep something of this goal before our eyes. We praise you that your name may become great in our midst and that again and again new life can well up from us, who are poor and weak. May your name be praised for setting this goal before us to strengthen us. Amen.

*****

Nighttime Prayer

My God, I love You with all my heart. I thank You for having kept me safe this day. Pardon me the evil I have done, and accept the good I have done. Take care of me while I sleep and deliver me from all danger. May Your grace be always with me and with all my loved ones. Amen.

*****

Dear Father, thank you for Your many blessings. When I really stop to count them all, there is no end to every blessing that You have given me. Every breath I take is a blessing. It is a blessing to be able to see, hear, walk and talk. You have granted me blessings in the many friends and family that I have. Thank you also, for all the physical and material blessings I have. I do appreciate them, but they are overshadowed by Your blessings of peace, love and joy that I have in my heart. Thank you, that You have redeemed me from the curse of sin and death and have given me eternal life. I am very grateful for what Jesus did for me on the cross. Lord, help me to live the Christian life before others, so that they might receive Your blessings too. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

*****

“A Prayer For Exercising Self-Control”

Father, as children of the light, we no longer desire the attitudes or behavior we practiced when living in ignorance where darkness reigns. After dying to self You took up residence and equipped us with the necessary tools to battle our struggle against sin. Help us to throw off everything that hinders, entangles, or identifies us with the enemy. Your discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in Your holiness. Self-control is a difficult exercise since it requires self-denial, restraint and full surrender to You. The reward follows as we enjoy a wonderful harvest of right living. Not only will it benefit us personally, but it will result in a testimony of thanksgiving to You, make us more like Christ and be an example to those we seek to influence. We ask Your help in the name of Jesus. 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.

January 28

Prayer to Hear God’s Word

Dear God, There is only one voice that is perfect truth, and that is yours: the voice of your Spirit and the voice of your Word. Help me, I pray, to hear your voice clearly. For I tend to lose it in the cacophony. I am filled with the sound of my own voice, with the sense my importance and the correctness of my thought; and on top of that, I am besieged by dozens and hundreds and thousands of words and voices telling me all kinds of things.

Lead me to read your Word without listening to any voice but yours. Let me hear your truth and read your Word without adding to it or subtracting from it, without twisting it to meet the demands of my own preconceptions. Let me not deny your Word because it is inconvenient for me; even if I cannot follow it today, let me know the truth. Where your teaching and my thoughts conflict, help me to change. Help me to set aside my prejudice, my illusions of knowledge, my rationalizations, so that I can learn; and even if I do not follow your Word perfectly, let me know where to ask forgiveness. This I ask in the name of my only Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Meditation

[Lead me to read your Word without listening to any voice but yours. ]

*****

Heavenly Father, because you have turned my captivity and have done great things for me, my mouth is filled with laughter and my tongue with singing. Joy floods my being, and rejoicing covers my lips! The dark clouds of oppression are replaced with your goodness and its beauty, Father. The cheerfulness of my heart is as medicine to my spirit, soul and body. It is well with me because I am yours and you are mine. Your banner over me is love. In the name of Jesus, I rejoice. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, the Psalmist has said: "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes."* Help me to see that sometimes it takes affliction for You to get my full attention and cooperation. ... Thank You, Lord, for caring enough and opening my eyes to Your deeper truths. Help me to set my heart on keeping Your statutes, and on discerning Your purpose for my life.

In the name of Jesus I pray.

Amen.

* (Psalm 119:71 - KJV; see also Verse 67)

© 1999 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.

*****

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8, NIV

Lord our God, we come into your presence and ask you to help us. Help us in every part of our lives, even when we do not understand. Be with us with your Spirit. Guide and lead us with your hand. Let your will be done in all things, even if we must bear suffering. Your will is for good alone and you will set everything right. Help us. Bless us through your Word, through everything we are allowed to hear from you, our God and our Father. 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.