A tender, responsive heart

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.

Ezekiel 36:26 NLT

Heavenly Father, create a clean heart in me. Help me remember how joyful I felt when You first saved me, and renew my spirit. Soften my heart—for You, and towards anyone I’ve been holding bitterness against. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God provides

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

Lord, help us recognize the gifts you have given us. Teach us how to be good stewards with everything You’ve blessed us with. Show us creative ways we can leverage our gifts to be a blessing to others. Let everything we do bring You glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Control your tongue

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

Proverbs 13:3 NLT

God, help me be quick to listen and slow to speak. Let me see other people the way You see them. Help me love them the way You love them. Give me peace that passes understanding. Let the words that I speak bring life and grace to others, and glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God will show you a way out

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Heavenly Father, any time the enemy tries to tempt me, help me recognize it immediately. By your Spirit, show me how to escape. In my weakness, give me strength to resist and make him flee. Please lead me away from temptation, Lord, and into Your divine will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Give thanks to the Lord

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Psalms 107:1 NLT

God, thank You for loving us! Please give us a deeper understanding of Your love, and help us to fall even more in love with You. At all times, I know that You are good, You are with us, and Your love never ends. You are worthy of all our praise! Amen.

God's endless love

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

John 10:11 NLT

God, thank You for laying down Your life for us and for protecting us at all times. I am so grateful that we can rely on You. I want everyone to follow You forever, so please help us all to find rest in Your endless love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God gives us strength

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Isaiah 40:29 NLT

God, when we feel weak, please give us strength. Remind us that You are with us. Show us You are near when we grow exhausted, and help us to not give up. I don’t want anyone to grow weary—I want everyone to keep their lives focused on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Set apart

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12 NLT

God, thank You for loving me and for setting me apart. Please help me to act in a way that honors You. Show me what aspects of Your character I need to grow in. I want the fruits of Your Holy Spirit to be evident in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jesus was sent to save

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:17 NLT

God, I confess that I don’t always comprehend Your great love for us. Please help me to see the fullness of Your love in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank You for sending a Savior. Today, I choose to place all my faith and hope in Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let the Spirit lead

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Galatians 5:25 NLT

God, thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit. Since I have Your Spirit, please help me to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every area of my life. Make me sensitive to Your words and aware of Your voice. I don’t want to miss out on what You are saying and doing, so please speak to me clearly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peace be with you

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

John 20:21 NLT

Jesus, thank You for providing us with Your peace and a purpose. Today, please make it clear what You are calling us to do. Show us how we can take part in Your plans for the world, and as we follow You, please fill us with Your peace. Amen.

God's work continues

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6 NLT

God, though at times our faith may waiver, You remain faithful. You never give up on us, and ultimately, You will complete the work You have started in us. Thank You. Today, I choose to allow this truth to inform what I believe about my circumstances. I place my hope in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seek Good

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:33‭-‬34 NLT

God, thank you for giving us peace when all we feel is stress. Help us to trust You with our future so we can focus on what you have for us right now. Help us to put our faith in you today and every day. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Praise the Lord

I will praise you, Lord , with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

Psalms 9:1 NLT

God, You alone are worthy of our praise, honor, and love! So today, I want to give thanks to You with my whole heart. Give me opportunities to tell people about Your great love, and then fill me with contagious joy so that I gladly give thanks to You with boldness! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep watch over us

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:12 NLT

God, thank You for protecting us, and for keeping watch over us at all times. Because You are always looking out for the righteous, please show us how to pursue what is right. Provide us with more opportunities to draw near to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God is our refuge

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.

Nahum 1:7 NLT

God, thank You for being a constant refuge for us. I am so grateful that we can always turn to You in times of trouble. Whenever we feel afraid, anxious, or depressed, help us to place our trust in You alone—because You will never abandon or forget us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God's peace

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27 NLT

God, we need Your peace today. What we are facing we cannot go through alone. We need You to change the way we think by reminding us that You are with us. You have never failed us and You’re not going to start now. So right now, please fill us with Your peace. No matter what’s going on around us, we will not be troubled or afraid. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Guard your heart

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

Luke 6:45 NLT

God, I want to draw near to You, but I don’t always know how to do that. Sometimes I find myself choosing to do what is comfortable over what is good. Please help me. Show me how to guard my heart, and then please help me to make wise choices that honor You. Let whatever I say and do be a reflection of my love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reviving the soul

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

Psalms 19:7 NLT

God, thank You for giving us Your Word! I am so grateful that we can rely on it whenever we need help or guidance. As I draw near to You through studying Scripture, please revive my soul and fill me with Your joy. Make me wise, and help me to trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Share with others

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:16 NLT

Jesus, You illustrated what true sacrifice and love looked like. I want to honor You by willingly following Your example. So please show me how I can do good and share with others. Create in me a willing heart with pure intentions, and give me the strength of character to do what is right. Amen.

Love is always hopeful

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT

God, thank You for being the perfect definition of love. I am so grateful that You demonstrate what love looks like. Show us how we can protect, trust, hope, and persevere. And as You do this, change our hearts and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Put our children on the right path

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 22:6 NLT

God, please show us how to raise our children in a way that honors You and inspires them. Draw the kids in our lives close to You—even when we cannot. Protect them and bless them, and give us the wisdom we need to help them grow in their faith. Amen.

God is our strong tower

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 NLT

God, when we feel overwhelmed, help us to call out to You, and give us the strength to keep our eyes fixed on You. I know that in every situation, we can run to You and find safety. So today, please remind us that You are near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

https://youtu.be/ds8vcSJFe7E

Devote yourself to prayer

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Colossians 4:2 NLT

God, thank You for creating a way for us to talk with You whenever we want. I am so grateful that You want to have a relationship with us. Please show us how to devote ourselves to prayer by drawing us closer to Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call on the name of the Lord

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 NLT

Jesus, thank You for choosing to take on our pain, grief, and mistakes so that we could enter into Your presence every day. We get to spend eternity with You because You made a way for us to call on Your name and be saved. We don’t deserve this kind of sacrificial love, but I am so grateful for it. Thank You for allowing us to know You personally. In Your name, Amen.

Confess

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9 NLT

God, thank You for the promise that if we confess our mistakes to You, You will forgive us. You are so good and kind to us. Today, I want to acknowledge that sometimes we all struggle with being honest about our mistakes. When that happens, please remind us of Your love, and draw our hearts toward You through forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He gave Himself as a ransom

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:5 NLT

Jesus, thank You for being our constant source of strength. Thank You for offering up Yourself on our behalf. I know we don’t deserve You, but I am so grateful that we have You in our lives. Please continue to change the way we think, and draw us closer to You. I want more of Your presence in our lives. In Your name, Amen.

God's unfailing love

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,

1 Peter 1:3 NLT

God, thank You for Your unfailing love toward us. Every day You show us mercy and grace beyond anything we could ever deserve or imagine. Thank You for the love, hope, and eternal life we have access to because of You. All my praise belongs to You alone! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God never gives up on us - March 10, 2021

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.

John 15:2 NLT

God, thank You for never giving up on us. I recognize that our relationship with You is an active one: we both participate in our spiritual growth. Please help us to make wise decisions that honor You and help us grow. And when You discipline us, help us to see Your pruning as beneficial to our character, and to continue to worship You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit - March 9, 2021

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26 NLT

God, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit. I am so grateful that we have access to You at any time, and that You instruct us in Your ways. Knowing that we don’t have to be confused or overwhelmed—it so wonderful that we can rely on Your Spirit to guide and encourage us. Thank You. This is a gift that we don’t deserve, but I am so grateful for Your constant presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God Holds the Key - March 5, 2021

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

John 5:24 NLT

Jesus, You alone hold the key to eternal life. Please show us how to live in a manner that glorifies You. Help us to pay attention to Your words, to apply them to our lives, and to never stop believing in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Live Generously - March 3, 2021

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ”

Luke 6:38 NLT

Jesus, thank You for showing me what it means for us to live generously when You gave everything up for us. Please give us the courage to exhibit generosity because I know You’ll take care of each of us. Everything we have is a gift from You, so please help all of us to be a blessing to others by giving generously. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Help Us Abound In Love - March 2, 2021

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.

Philippians 1:9‭-‬10 NLT

God, please help us to abound in love today. Keep us motivated and centered on You. I want us all to truly be able to discern what Your will is. So please keep us focused on You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Raised to New Life - March 1, 2021

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

Colossians 3:1 NLT

Jesus, please help us to pursue what matters most to You. Keep our thoughts fixed on You so that my words and actions reflect only You. I want people to see life from Your perspective so that way we all can glorify You through how we live our lives. In Your name, Amen.

Do What God's Word Says - February 28, 2021

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.

James 1:22‭-‬24 NLT

God, I don’t want people to just read Your Word—I want them to apply it to their lives. I want Your words to shape the way we think and behave. I want our lives to be transformed by the Good News that You have freely given us. So please help us to do what Your Word says. Make our lives ones that honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Beginning of Wisdom. - February 27, 2021

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

Proverbs 9:10 NLT

God, draw us closer to You than ever before and help us to delight in You. I don’t want anyone to study Your Word out of a sense of obligation, but out of a true desire to know You more. Change the way we think, and the way we approach Scripture. Make us eager to know Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Lord is Faithful - February 26, 2021

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT

God, thank You for being a source of refuge for us. I am so grateful that we can come to You in every situation and know that You are with us and for us. I know that You will protect us from evil. I believe that You will redeem the trials we face by strengthening our faith and drawing us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Iron Sharpens Iron - February 25, 2021

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

God, please help us to actively look for ways to strengthen our friendships. Help us to not grow tired of doing good, but to daily encourage and build up the relationships You’ve placed in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Glorified Through Us - February 24, 2021

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

Psalms 19:1 NLT

God, the whole world displays Your greatness! Your power and majesty surround us, but it's humanity that You chose to make in Your image. You chose to let Your majesty dwell within us. I pray that we all would be in awe of who You are, and how You display Your glory. Please be glorified through us! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joyful Surrender - February 23, 2021

The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.

Proverbs 21:3 NLT

God, please change our hearts and our perspectives. I don’t want anyone to do the right things out of guilt or fear, because I know those attitudes lead to resentment and bitterness. So please change the way we view our relationship with You. Help us to take part in what is good and pleasing to You with joyful surrender. Let everything we do be out of love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God, do a new thing in us - February 22, 2021

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19 NLT

God, even when we don’t understand what’s going on around us, You do—and You are always creating something new. So today, please show us how You are at work in the world, and allow us to take part in it. Come and do a new thing in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God is always with us - February 20, 2021

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalms 23:4 NLT

God, when we are overwhelmed by what is going on around us, remind us that You are with us. Give us the strength to not fear evil, but instead, allow us to remember that You overcome it. Show us Your comfort and protection, and keep us rooted and grounded in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Always be humble and gentle - February 19, 2021

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Ephesians 4:2 NLT

God, thank You for Your love and faithfulness. Today, help us all to live a life worthy of the calling to which You have called us. Let all of our conversations be marked by humility, grace, and sacrificial love. I want our words and actions to reflect the identity we have as Your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Caring for Others - February 18, 2021

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27 NLT

God, You care so deeply about every person You create. And when we love people the way that You do, we reflect Your generous love to a broken world in need of hope. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to do that. Thank You for showing us what true love looks like! Today, show us who we can serve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take Up Your Cross Daily - February 17, 2021

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

Luke 9:23‭-‬24 NLT

God, all of my life and the lives of everyone else belong to You alone, and I pray that we would all want to live a life that honors You. I don’t want You to just be a part of my life, I want You to be the center of everyone's life. Although I know it will be difficult at times, I pray that we would all stop pursuing things that don’t matter, and start pursuing You above everything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God lifts us up - February 16, 2021

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

Psalms 40:1‭-‬2 NLT

God, thank You for being our source of strength. I am so grateful that we can turn to You in times of trouble and know that You will rescue us. Thank You for hearing our every cry. Even when answers don’t come right away, please help us to wait patiently—because I know we can trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

From east to west - February 15, 2021

Everywhere—from east to west— praise the name of the Lord .

Psalms 113:3 NLT

God, You are always worthy of our praise! I am so in awe of You. For the rest of our lives, help us to begin and end each day by giving You the praise You deserve because You have done great things, and all glory belongs to You alone. Amen.

He hears us - February 11, 2021

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

1 John 5:14 NLT

God, I know that sometimes we struggle with seeing You as a good Father who wants to talk to us. When that happens, help us to remember that when our requests are in line with Your will, You hear us. So today and everyday, please show us what Your will is. And as You do that, remind us of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God is with us - February 10, 2021

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:20 NLT

God, help us to be part of a community that wants to actively seek You. Surround us with people who will inspire us to draw closer to You, and allow us to encourage them as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Irrational Generosity - February 9, 2021

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

Luke 16:10 NLT

God, thank You for entrusting us with gifts and resources. I am humbled by Your generosity and the trust You’ve given us. Right now, please help us to invest our time and resources wisely. Give us the courage to trust You, the boldness to take healthy risks, and the eagerness to practice irrational generosity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God's Word is alive and powerful - February 8, 2021

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT

God, I am so thankful that Your Word is always at work in our lives. But I must admit that sometimes we don’t want to study Scripture the way I know we should. Sometimes it just feels easier to do our own thing. But when we am tempted to do that, please convict us and draw us back to You through Your Word. Search our hearts and fix our thoughts and intentions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.