Father, shape my thinking into that which will bring about growth and conformity to Your will. Teach me to think not in accordance with my own human instincts or that of others, but in accordance with the truth as revealed in Your Word. There is a growing majority of those with a secular platform whose hearts are hardened against godly teaching. They are darkened in their understanding to the point that they choose and condone sinful behavior. With the growing acceptance and visibility of every kind of impurity I ask You to help me stand firm to that which is taught in Scripture lest I be drawn by the tempter into this contest of depravity that spreads daily in this evil world. I am not discouraged but determined to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and invite others to join me on the straight and narrow way that leads to life eternal. It’s in His name that I pray. Amen.

Father, though I am sometimes perplexed by that which I don’t understand I have an unshakable confidence in You. Your Word is truth and Your promises never fail. There are many things of which I am uncertain, but I have absolute certainty that I can trust You for everything that concerns me. May obedience be an expression of my unwavering trust and devoted love toward You, my Lord and my God. Amen.

Father, I recognize my relationship with You is based solely on the faith You impart to me through the power of Your Holy Spirit when I surrender my heart to You. Your Word declares that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. Through my words and actions I want to express to a disbelieving world that I do believe! I am not ashamed of the Gospel, even if it would cost me my life on this side of heaven, because it is the power of God to everyone who believes. Help me to be merciful to those who doubt and praying for them to be snatched from the fire as You save them through Your atoning blood. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen.

Father, we find those who speak into our lives words of encouragement and blessing further motivate us to stay on course and dispense the same kind of message to others. Whether in conversation by way of counsel, comfort, affirmation or on occasion, admonition. Harsh, cutting words abound and cut us like a knife, but when people give us a message in love and grace, it appears as an apple of gold – the best there is to offer. It ministers to the responsive heart and thereby edifies and builds us up in the body of Christ. May our words build and not destroy, bring joy and not pain, help rather than hurt, in keeping with Scripture that it might benefit others. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, I consider the multitude of studies over the centuries by plant doctors who diagnose disease in trees and other vegetation. Medicines, salves, and treatments are prescribed and applied to the affected plant with the goal of restoring it to good health. There are cures for vegetation, but more importantly there are cures for our sin sick soul. The Great Physician, Jesus, knows how to bring healing and wholeness to our soul’s diseases. He gives His prescription throughout the gospels and the authors make it a recurring theme of their writings throughout the Bible. We are to repent of our sins and find out what pleases You. We can do this through reading and obeying the Scriptures as well as daily communion with You in prayer through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.