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.