Father, we look forward with tremendous anticipation to the day You appear in the clouds with power and great glory; as You come to claim Your chosen Bride, the redeemed and purified. The dead in Christ will arise and be caught up to meet You in the skies as we together exalt and glorify You, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Help us to be faithful and true and to live in glad and patient expectancy of Your appearing as signs of Your coming multiply revealing to the redeemed that the glorious event is drawing closer.

Father, the question in the old hymn asks, “What can wash away my sins?” The correct reply is “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Only You can take a heart that is bent toward sin and completely turn it toward godliness. Thank You for Your redemptive love, seen in the death and resurrection of Your Son, that forgives my heart of sin. You take away the sinful way of thinking that leads to sinful living and replace it with a spiritual way of thinking that leads to life through Your Spirit. Master, the touch of Your hand empowers me to be transformed into newness of life, for which I will be eternally grateful. Amen.

Father, You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first. Because of their self-importance they clamor for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, good or bad. But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves. We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second and ourselves last in everything we do. In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him. Our love and consideration for others grow and we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us. May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and us. Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do. Amen.

Father, You are the Father of Truth for You authored its meaning and revealed it fully in the person of Jesus Christ who was without sin. We live in a world full of impostors that have gone from bad to worse; those who use trickery, deceit, and distortion to mislead and gain the allegiance of others. Help us to be wise, discerning, and honest so that we will be people of integrity and sterling character leading people to faith in Jesus where they will find forgiveness for their sins, truth as revealed in Scripture, and life everlasting. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, just as there are seasons throughout the calendar year there are seasons throughout our lives; many of them invigorating and celebratory, others wearying and dreaded. Yet it is both joyous times and dreaded occasions that shape us into Your image so that we bear the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ who endured great hardship. We are to fix our eyes on Him, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross despising its shame knowing that without full obedience He could not offer full redemption for our sins. Help us not to become weary in carrying out the tasks required of us or the physical challenges common to these perishable bodies. May we not interpret all of life in the “darkness of our suffering” but in the brightness of Your resurrected Son. In the “furnace of affliction” may we be found faithful in Your refining process. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.