Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.—Luke 18:1 (NIV)
Do you have a dream that, despite your best effort, has not come to fruition? Turn to Scripture and surrender your deepest desires to God. Lay them at His feet and ask Him to take away anything that is not meant for your life.
Lord, align my mind and heart with Your plan.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.—James 1:5 (ESV)
Next time you are facing a stressful decision, turn to this Bible verse. Ask God to share His wisdom. Life with God is a glorious adventure of learning. Ask for His guidance so that You may live according to His will.
Heavenly Father, I am afraid to make a mistake. Please guide me to the right choice.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.—Psalm 119:30–32 (NIV)
Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, reflect on the many blessings God has showered on our nation. Give thanks for those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom and pray for peace for all people around the world.
Lord, make me worthy of Your gift of freedom.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”—Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
Select a verse and hold it in your mind when you do the dishes, take a walk or drive to the store. Repeat it throughout the day. Reflect on His Word as you take it into your heart. Ask God to fill you with His wisdom and understanding.
All-knowing God, teach me Your ways.
David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.”—1 Chronicles 21:17 (NIV)
Wrongdoings often have a domino effect. David was forgiven by God, but there were consequences to his actions that had already caused damage. When you are at a crossroads and considering what to do, check in with God first. Ask for His guidance.
Dear Lord, when I am tempted to make poor choices, show me the way. Keep me upright.
Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.—2 Kings 19:14 (NIV)
Hezekiah immediately shared his bad news with God. Do you follow Hezekiah’s example and turn to Him first, bearing your troubles fully and passionately? Welcome God into your urgent situations and ask for His guidance. Be honest and real.
Lord, what should I do?
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:13–14 (NIV)
Living a life of faith is the center of glorifying God. Ask God to help you shine His light through works of service. Worship His Word, and allow it to enter your heart and mind. Have hope about your future, and strive to keep your spiritual life on track.
Heavenly Father, may my thoughts, words and actions glorify You.
Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.—Acts 7:60 (NIV)
Stephen’s last words are a final prayer of complete selflessness. Examine your prayer life—does it center on your own needs or reflect the needs of those around you? Fill your heart with compassion and pray on behalf of those who need it.
Heavenly Father, guide me to pray selflessly with Your mercy in mind.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.—Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Joseph’s brothers were fueled by jealousy when they threw him in the deep pit and sold him into slavery. Yet ultimately, Joseph’s tremendous misfortune was transformed into victory. When bad things happen to you, turn to your faith and rest in the promises of God. Trust that He will bring good out of bad.
Lord, help me remember that what seems hopeless today can often be solved tomorrow.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.—Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NIV)
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon shares that our efforts that are apart from God are pointless and meaningless. Take that truth to heart. When you leave God out of your life and exclude Him from your purpose, nothing will satisfy you.
Merciful God, You fill me with purpose. You are the reason.
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.—John 4:23 (NIV)
If your mind wanders while you are having quiet time with God, instead of getting upset or frustrated, take it as an opportunity to learn to let go of your distracting thought and give it to God. Release stray thoughts as they come and know that you are practicing being in His presence.
Heavenly Father, I release my distracting thoughts to You.
I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.—Philemon 1:6 (NIV)
Current events and world news can leave you feeling powerless and discouraged. When you turn your attention to God and pray for what is happening in the news, your conversation with Him will lift you above the Earth’s problems and help ground you in His peace.
Lord, shine Your love on the world. Bring healing.
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.—Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will
eat; or about your body, what you will wear.”—Luke 12:22 (NIV)
Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.—Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NIV)
As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”—Psalm 87:7 (NIV)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.—Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.—1 Timothy 1:14 (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.—Titus 3:1–2 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.—Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God…—1 Peter 2:16–17 (NIV)
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!—1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.—John 15:13 (NIV)
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”—Luke 1:46–47 (NIV)
As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.—1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV)
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
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