DAY 30: Praise to the God who holds the future



DAY 30: Praise to the God who holds the future

I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2

In this uncertain world in which we live, with all its chaos and unrest, we must look upward and turn our eyes to the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. He is our help today and for all eternity.

God, You are our help! From eternity past to eternity future you sovereignly control all things. We praise You, the mighty maker of heaven and earth. You are our constant keeper. You keep us from all evil. You are the keeper of our life, today and for all eternity. We pray that You would keep our going out and our coming in from this time forth and forevermore. AMEN.

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Day 29: Teachers, Administrators, & School Employees

Day 29: Teachers, Administrators, & School Employees

The same came to Jesus by night and said unto him, ‘Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for now man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.‘ – John 3:2

Teaching is more than just a job. It’s a calling & a unique privilege. It’s skill set of developing future minds. Observing these teachers is fundamental for these young minds during their learning processes. The modern world has a new problem with the barrage of instant media that adversely affects the development of observing, not to mention the concerns that both parties & their families have in the current environment of mental health concerns. The importance of training our future generation continues to remain a priority, while the risk of entering this profession continues to rise. Jesus was the ultimate teacher. We pray that our teachers may continue maintaining an environment to be a positive influence on our future generation in developing the knowledge they will need to pass down to the next generation.

Dear Lord, please help our teachers, school resource staff, and administrators continue to really make a difference in the lives that they serve. Please help their primary focus continue to be on changing the lives of our young minds for the better through the education of facts and information that will be carried on throughout their days. Please allow our youth to be teachable, demonstrating positive character and integrity that they are able to learn from the environment of working with their teachers and school officials. Please provide guidance to our teachers, staff, and administrators in establishing a bond with students, which will become building blocks that will springboard their current and future educational opportunities. Amen.

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DAY 28: Those Incarcerated and Their Families



DAY 28: Those Incarcerated and Their Families

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. – Hebrews 13:3

We’re familiar with the phrase “out of sight – out of mind;” It’s easy to forget those that are in prison or incarcerated. Even though it was their own actions that placed them there. But we must remember that we, all of us, that are believers in Christ, were guilty by our own deeds of sin that imprisoned us as well. Maybe not in a physical prison, but a spiritual one. Thankfully, we have been set free by the forgiving power of Jesus. Let us also remember the families of those affected, especially spouses and children, of the incarcerated.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of Your Son who came to set the captive free. Even though there are those who are in a physical prison surrounded with walls and bars, Your Holy Spirit still strives to set every captive free! We pray for these men & women today, that they would come to know you in your salvation and freedom. We also pray for the families, spouses, and especially the children affected by incarceration. Keep your hand of protection upon them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Let them sense your loving presence on their lives while they are separated from their loved one. We humbly ask this in Jesus name… Amen

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DAY 27: Mental Health

Day 27: Mental Health

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.  – 1 Corinthians 13:12

Mental health has been a hot topic in various contexts for several years now. As our knowledge has increased, so has our awareness of the importance of mental well-being. The implications of our mental & emotional health have risen to new heights in the wake of the “pandemic years.” The effects of chronic worry, stress, relational distress, & dysfunctional social discourse have all amplified our awareness of the impact our mental health can have on our lives. While our awareness has increased, access to care has not been able to keep pace. Mental healthcare workers are often overbooked and overworked, while people in need of help struggle to find appointments. It is easy to become overwhelmed, or worse, dismissive of our needs when we become frustrated. God is with us in our distress. God is with us when we struggle to see outside of our inner turmoil. Perhaps His presence & love will help us to see that we are worth the effort to take care of ourselves & others.

Heavenly Father, you have come among us as teacher, counselor, and healer. Help us to grow in our capacity to understand true wellness and to care for ourselves and others. Guide us as we strive to understand and care for our mental health, and empower our care-givers to meet us when we need help. Cast away the stigmas and barriers that impede our well-being, so that we might grow more fully into who you have called us to be. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen

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DAY 26: All Leaders in Government

DAY 26: All Leaders in Government

Daniel 2:21 “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

Do we actually think we have control over those who run our government, all power is in the hands of He who created us. God has the power to seat or to remove anyone in a position of leadership, it is our responsibility to seek out those who believe in this power and desire His wisdom and knowledge.

Oh God my God, I trust you to exercise your control over our leaders in government, lead them to make the right decisions and to govern according to the principles found in your word.

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DAY 25: Upcoming Election

DAY 25: Upcoming Election

Moreover look for those from among you who are able, who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place them over the people Exodus 18:21

We are so fortunate to live in a nation that enjoys more personal freedoms than most any other country in the world. These freedoms are enshrined in our founding documents but in order to maintain these freedoms, it is the responsibility of the voter to elect men and women who are dedicated to the protection of our God Given rights and to the service of those who place them in office. These elected positions should be places of public service occupied by public servants.

Kind Father, as we approach our upcoming election, we ask for Godly wisdom as we select our local, state, and federal leaders. Move in the hearts and minds of those in our community to be prudent in the exercise of one of our most solemn rights. We fervently ask for your richest blessings on our city, state and nation. In the most holy name of Jesus we ask it. Amen.

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DAY 24: Firefighters, Police Officers, and Paramedics

DAY 24: Firefighters, Police Officers, and Paramedics

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see the branch of an almond tree.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” Jer. 1:11-12 (NRSV)

This short passage from the prophet Jeremiah has long fascinated me. On the surface it barely seems coherent, but with a little digging it is a wonderful promise. In Hebrew, the root word for “almond” is the same and the root for “diligent” or “steadfast”, qualities God describes of His presence to His people. I frequently hear the sirens of our fire engines and ambulances at all hours of the day and night. They sound the same at midnight as they do at noon; at all hours, the response is the same. Men and women rush to our help in some of the worst situations of our lives. At every hour, they are diligent in their readiness to respond. They share with us the burdens of our tragedies, whether they be urgent medical situations or destruction by fire. Not only can we rely upon their skill and dedication, but we also rely on their presence. They are the ones who show up when no one else can or will. Our fire and emergency medical responders bear this weight day in and day out. It takes a toll on their bodies as well as their souls to maintain their diligence and to share our suffering. But, they remain steadfast in their commitment to arrive and help whenever we are in need. I would ask you to join me in my prayers for them in all they do.

Almighty God, you have shown your steadfastness to your people across countless generations. And, you have raised up steadfast servants to care for your people. Give courage and persistence to our fire and emergency medical personnel. Grant them strength to share our burdens with us in our moments of need. Restore them when they are tired and comfort them when they share our wounds. Enable them to embody your diligent care for your people so that we might know your steadfast presence through their hands. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

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DAY 23: Praise for Answered Prayer

DAY 23: Praise for Answered Prayer

“Pray without ceasing.” – II Thessalonians 5:7 (KJV)

“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer” – Psalms 17:6 (NIV)

Until recently I did not realize that every prayer I had ever uttered had been answered by God! Before you stop reading let me explain. I have taught for years that God answers prayer in four ways: sometimes He says, “Yes,” sometimes it’s “No,” other times He says “Wait,” and finally He may say, “I have something better for you.” After I got to thinking about those four responses to my prayers, I realized that every prayer I had ever uttered had been answered. The problem is if God doesn’t answer our prayers the way WE want them answered, we conclude that God hasn’t answered our prayer when he really has. When I look back I realize that sometimes “NO” was actually better for me in the long run. I’ve seen times when God gave me something much better. We say we want God’s will to be done in all things; that includes our prayers.

Lord, I am amazed at your answering of our prayers and I praise you for always hearing our prayers. It is wonderful when you say, “Yes” to our prayers, that means Your will and my will is one in the same. But I am just as thankful for those times you have said, “No” because you always know what is best for me. Amen.

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DAY 22: Our Judges and the Judicial System

DAY 22: Our Judges and the Judicial System

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. – Proverbs 21:15

“The proper role of the judiciary is one of interpreting and applying the law, not making it.” Sandra Day O’Connor

Lord, God we ask you to cause the judges in our land to be men and women with wisdom and humility. We pray our judges will seek your truth and not their own opinions, and we pray they will respect your law of life and have the courage to do what is right. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen

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DAY 21: Foster Care/Adoption

DAY 21: Foster Care/Adoption

“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home…” – Psalm 68:5-6a

Our God, who rides through the deserts (v.4) and in the heavens (v.33), delivers the most vulnerable, children in need of adoption and foster care. He makes provisions to protect them, revealing His great compassion for them. As God’s people we share in God’s compassion through our prayers and provision for children in need of homes.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being a God of redemption. We thank you that through Jesus Christ we have been adopted as your children. We pray that we would be involved in your work of caring for the vulnerable through providing for children in need of adoption and foster care.

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