Jesus, my load becomes lighter as I consider that the ongoing toil and labor of this life is only for a season. The daily struggle of meeting deadlines, employee relations, putting out fires, pleasing customers and bosses can be overwhelming and very frustrating, let alone the growing pile of dirty clothes that awaits me at home. Though I’ve asked for Your divine intervention many times some of these recurring irritants will not go away in my life’s work. May the sufficient grace of Your Holy Spirit grant me an enduring and victorious attitude even in the midst of these toilsome labors. Remind me again that Your blessings far outnumber the troubles of this day and that divine rest is promised to those who are faithful to the end. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Father, lay upon our hearts the unquenchable desire to pass on to others the important truths we received from reliable followers of Christ and from our own study of Your Holy Word. Help us not to relegate our duties to others, but take up our responsibility as we link together with other believers all over the globe transmitting Your timeless, life-changing truths to those who have ears to hear. Amen.

Father, help us not to resent the storms of life or be fearful of their effects. Much like we prepare for a ravaging storm by anchoring valuables to a firm foundation, help us to anchor our hearts in the firm foundation of Your Word that will help us to withstand the testings and trials of life that are certain to come our way. Even as a ship is proven to be seaworthy over its lifetime, may our faith be proven trustworthy as we hold onto You, the Anchor for our soul. Amen.

Loving Father , we thrive on Your gracious and compassionate ways, your slowness to anger and Your abounding love. You satisfy our desires with good things and do not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. In Your goodness and mercy You remove our sins from us, as far as the east is from the west. We give thanks to You, our Father, for You are good and Your love endures forever. Amen.

Father, we want to grow in the grace and knowledge imparted to us through the teachings of Jesus and Your faithful servants who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. We know this involves much more than simply reading the Scriptures, but it includes meditating and memorizing principles and portions of the inspired text. It includes saying no to ungodliness and worldly passions and living self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. As our world continues the slide into decadence and self-indulgence, it means that we, with great intention, set our heart’s desires on that which is pure and holy so that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.