No fear in love

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears.

1 John 4:18 NCV

Jesus, thank You for Your perfect love. Because you are more than enough for me, I know I have nothing to fear. Thank You for reassuring me of Your love each day. I know my love is not perfect and I sometimes make mistakes—but I know Your love for me does not depend on what I can do. Help me to love You and others better each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The peace only God can give

“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, thank You for Your promise of peace. I may face uncertain and frightening things in this life, but I know You are bigger than my problems. As I walk with You today, help me to remember that no matter what I encounter, You are good. You are enough—and that brings me peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Send me

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8 NLT

God, thank You that I am able to be in Your presence. I want to surrender my life to You each day—to go where You want me to go, to pray for those who have hurt me, and to do the things that frighten me. I say ”yes” to whatever task You have for me, Lord. I’m ready. I’m listening. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God is for us

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Romans 8:31 NLT

God, I am so grateful that I get to be a part of Your great story. Thank You for having a plan and a purpose for my life. Help me not to step back in fear, but to be able to step out in faith and do what You’ve called me to do. Remind me each day that I am enough for You, and that You are enough for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Follow Jesus'example

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

1 John 2:6 NLT

Jesus, thank You for modeling how to live a God-honoring life. I know I mess up sometimes, but I know that with Your guidance, I can learn to become more like You. I believe in you, Jesus. Help me to live what I speak, and to follow Your example each day. Amen.

Remain in Me

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

John 15:4 NLT

Jesus, I want to be in Your presence at all times. Thank You for promising to remain in me as I remain in You. I want to be as close to You as possible—to hear how Your heart beats for those who love You. As I grow closer to You, please use me for Your purposes—to serve and love those around me each day. Amen.

Carry each other's burdens

By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 NCV

God, thank You for calling us to carry each other’s burdens. Help us to be quick to help others when we can, and to be willing to accept help when we need it. Please inspire us to love each other well—to be good listeners, to hold each other accountable, and to pray for each other often. Help us to become more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God chose to create us

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?

Psalms 8:3‭-‬4 NLT

God, when I think about the vastness of the universe, I am amazed that You chose to create us. Your creativity is beautiful, Your power is magnificent, and Your love for Your children is intentional. Thank You for thinking of me since the beginning of time—and for saving me by sacrificing Your only Son. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Many are the plans

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

God, sometimes it’s hard to surrender my life to You. I make the mistake of thinking my plans are better than Yours. I know Your purpose for me is far greater than I can imagine, so I want to release all control to You. I invite You into my decision-making ... please inspire every move and thought I make. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God will calm your fears

The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you.”

Zephaniah 3:17 NCV

God, I am amazed that You delight in me! Thank You for seeing me not as an imperfect person, but as Your child who delights in You as well. Help me to never lose focus on You, Your guidance, and Your love, because I want You to be the most important part of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

John 11:25‭-‬26 NLT

Jesus, I am grateful that You want to walk through painful experiences with me. Please use my experiences to bring me—and others—closer to You. When I look back on my challenges, help me to see how You were with me, how You guided me, and how You used my situation for good. Thank you for being a miraculous God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wait patiently

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalms 27:14 NLT

God, sometimes I want an immediate solution for my problems. It can be so hard to wait, but I know Your timing and Your ways are perfect. As I wait for You, help me to learn from the current situation I’m in, focus on the blessings I currently have, and praise You for all the things You’re going to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer and Praise

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.

James 5:13 NLT

God, thank You for caring about my troubles. I am grateful that You not only want to hear my problems, but You want to bring me peace. Jesus, I praise You for all You’ve done in my life and all that You will continue to do. You are always good—no matter what my situation looks like. Thank You for being my one true constant. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God forgave

You forgave the guilt of your people— yes, you covered all their sins. Interlude

Psalms 85:2 NLT

God, please forgive me for the mistakes I’ve made. I know I mess up sometimes, but I know You are a Father who forgives His children. As I move forward, help me to learn, grow, and change for the better. Because of You, I am made new and my mistakes do not have to define me. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Good Shepherd

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

John 10:11 NCV

Jesus, thank You for caring for Your people so much. You are the Good Shepherd—thank You for protecting us, loving us, and for always meeting our needs. We love You, Lord, and we are grateful to be under Your careful watch. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Live a generous life

Being kind to the poor is like lending to the Lord; he will reward you for what you have done.

Proverbs 19:17 NCV

Lord, I want to love others like You. Help me to be more generous with what You have blessed me with. Please give me a heart that is always willing to give and serve without expecting anything in return. Provide me with opportunities to bless others each day. And thank You for helping me live a generous life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Work willingly

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NLT

God, only You determine my worth and my value. You have given me the ability to work and to do it well—so when I feel overwhelmed, burnt out, frustrated, or uninspired, please help me to stay focused on You. Remind me that You are the One I work for. You are the One who gives me a future and a hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God heals the brokenhearted

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.

Psalms 147:3 NLT

God, You love to save and restore broken people, and You are the only One who can. So please help me today. Please show me that You are in control, and You hear my prayers. Take all of my hurt, pain, and frustrations, and replace them with Your peace, comfort, and love. Remind me that nothing is impossible for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Salvation comes from...

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

Revelation 7:9‭-‬10 NLT

Father God, thank You that salvation belongs to You alone! You alone are worthy of all our praise and worship! You have—and You will—rescue and deliver us. So as I look forward to Jesus’ return, show me how I can join with Christians around the world in praising You, and celebrating Your great name. Make us unified around Your power and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen

My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily,

James 1:19 NCV

God, please make me quick to listen today. Show me how to love others sincerely and practically. Change the way I approach people by replacing my anger and frustration with grace, empathy, peace, and understanding. Fill me with Your peace and love so that my attitude and actions reflect Your character. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Follow God's example

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Ephesians 5:1‭-‬2 MSG

God, Your love is unconditional and constant. There is nothing I could do to earn it—You just ask me to receive it. You take delight in me because You made me, and it gives You joy to see me thrive. So when I feel disappointed, shameful, or far from You, bring to mind Your great love for me. And then, give me the courage to walk in Your love, and not away from it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Made righteous

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9 NLT

Gracious Lord, help me each day to declare who You are, not just by my words, but also by my actions. Let everyone see who You are through me. Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus so that I could be made righteous in Your eyes and be part of Your family. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Take God's Word to heart

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalms 119:11 NLT

Father God, thank You for giving me Your Word. Scripture is brimming with truth and life, and I never want to take that for granted. I know that I am easily distracted, but I also know that You give me the strength to persevere. Show me how to meditate on Your Word so that I don’t disobey You. Teach me to prioritize my relationship with You above anything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rest in Jesus

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28‭-‬29 NLT

Jesus, You know exactly what I need. You know where I am suffering and hurting. And You are gentle with me. You want me to approach You and give You all my concerns. So here I am. I need You, and I want You. Please carry these burdens with me, and give me Your rest in return. Amen.

Worship the Lord with gladness

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.

Psalms 100:2 NLT

God, You make all things beautiful. You bring beauty out of ugly situations, and You can turn mourning into joy. No matter what comes my way, I will choose to worship You with gladness—because You are worthy of my worship. I will view my pain as an opportunity to find fulfillment in You, and I will view my blessings as opportunities to praise You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Always do good for others

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV

God, when I come to You with humility, You never hold my mistakes against me. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, all my mistakes are paid for. I never want to cheapen Your gracious gift by refusing to show mercy or kindness to others—especially to other Christians. Remove any hurt or devision from my heart, and show me where I need to do good to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep putting into practice

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Philippians 4:8‭-‬9 MSG

God, thank You for teaching me through Your Word. And thank You for placing people in my life that inspire me to draw close to You. As I go about my day, please surround me with opportunities to learn more about You, and apply what I learn. Let me be on the lookout for ways to deepen my relationship with You, and the people You love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Honor others

“Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.

Matthew 7:12 NCV

Father God, thank You for showing me unconditional love and forgiveness. As I go about my day, please show me how to love the people You place around me. Whether it’s a conversation online or in-person, let everything I say and do honor You and other people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.