Father, when we offer our bodies to you as living sacrifices we find out what pleases You, and brings You honor by renewing our mind to be like the mind of Christ. We choose to conform no longer to the pattern of this world, but rather the pattern of the life of Christ. In doing so we can more easily discern Your will for our life. Then our spirit is at rest and our mind is quickened to that which makes us useful for Your kingdom. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray to our Father. Amen.

Father, we are given a tremendous trust when You permit us to raise a child. What begins as a privilege and blessing can also turn into a challenge or desperate situation. No circumstance is too difficult for You. Your arm is not too weak to save, nor Your ear too deaf to hear our heart’s cry. We pray for our children as they seek to overcome life’s difficulties and battle the enemy’s schemes. Help us to properly provide for their physical and spiritual needs as they journey into adulthood. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Father, it is under Your wings that we find You to be a refuge in sorrow! How our heart yearningly turns to Your rest! Often when earth has no balm for our healing, there we find comfort and there we are blest. Under Your wings, there is precious enjoyment! There we will hide till life’s trials are o’er; sheltered, protected, no evil can harm us, resting in Jesus we are safe evermore. Under Your wings our souls shall abide, safely abide forever. Amen.

Father, we pray that we will continue to mature in our Christian walk. Scripture, repeatedly, indicates that spiritual maturity is a result of enduring trials of various kinds. In the midst of these trials Your faithful promptings and guidance through Scripture, other believers, and the circumstances we face can be ignored or silenced when self gets in the way. Today we make every effort to add to our faith those characteristics that will sustain and grow us in our Christian walk. In doing so we will be effective and productive in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, during times of ease but even more so during times of difficulty. Keep us faithful and growing, and expressing thanks in everything, according to the Scripture, “In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward You.” In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, You have given me many treasures that cannot be bought with money and friendship is among them. I thank You for the special friends who brighten my outlook and challenge me to be a better person. Thank You for my caring friend who loves me and never gives up on me even when I feel like giving up on myself. For that dear friend who comes alongside me and helps carry the burdens that I bear, I am especially thankful. My life is enriched and my spirit is refreshed as I share my heart with a close friend who does not criticize but accepts my frailties; who prays for me and expresses love for me in ways that build me up and strengthen me in the trials of life. Father, You are the greatest and most trusting Friend that I will ever know so help me to draw near to You so that You draw near to me. Amen.