Father, You proved that death could not keep its hold on our Lord Jesus Christ, when You raised Him from the dead. The resurrected power that You gave Jesus also dwells in us, the redeemed. It gives us the power to overcome the most impossible situations where Satan has had influence over us. At times You miraculously intervene and other times You provide us with the strength to hold up when we experience trouble upon trouble. When we lose our way You lovingly, gently, and persistently nudge us back to the Great Shepherd of our souls. Thank You for specializing in things thought impossible and for doing what no other power can do! Amen.

Father, knowing that Jesus is the Prince of Peace I pray for His peace to fall upon our land. We pray that many will turn to You today and accept that wonderful reconciliation You freely offer. That is the first step to all other types of peace. We pray for relational peace among our countries, families, and churches. We pray for inward, emotional peace, especially for our brothers and sisters affected by these wars. We pray for those suffering loss from yesterday’s brutal attack at two military recruitment centers. We look forward to that time spoken of when the whole world will be at rest and in peace. But until that hour we serve You faithfully today as we seek to be peacemakers for Your glorious kingdom. Amen.

Father, when we consider the zeal and creative way the paralyzed man’s friends brought him to Jesus we’re challenged to do likewise. This man was helpless and unable to reach the Healer on his own, but Jesus healed and saved him through the effort and faith of his friends. They cared compassionately and the barriers did not stop them from bringing him to his only Hope. Help us to be persistent in reaching out to those whose only hope for salvation is by bringing them to Christ. Amen.

Father, we build ourselves up in the most holy faith as we pray in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Spiritual training for the believer is not just for starters but it’s for all who come under the banner of salvation, from the child mature enough to recognize his need for a Savior to the most senior saint among us. As we submit ourselves to Your authority, Your leading, and Your commands we are training ourselves to be spiritually fit for the heavenly kingdom. Help us not to grow lazy or indifferent toward spiritual truths, instead shape us into the kind of believer that brings glory to Your name while it also builds us up in our most holy faith. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, I consider the character traits that make a healthy friendship: loyalty, compassion, kindness, honesty, patience, forgiveness and a listening ear are just a few of the qualities that are evident in a good friendship. There are so many stories in the Gospels where these qualities are easily seen in the friendships Jesus had with the disciples and others. May the foundation of my friendships be based on godly traits as I come alongside my friends to encourage, challenge, inspire, and stimulate them toward good works in Your name. Amen.

Father, the Psalmist writes that those who look to You are radiant. Perhaps only You see such radiance, yet any brightness that flows from us is possible because we reflect the light of Your indwelling life much like the moon that reflects the light of the sun. Thank You for choosing to dwell among the human race through the person of Jesus, and thank You for choosing to dwell within the hearts of all who are yielded to Your Spirit. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

Father, we desire to communicate with our spouses, family members and other people in a way that builds up and benefits those who listen. As we establish Biblical principles in our heart, they will act as filters for that which flows from our tongue. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Amen.

Father, just as Scripture indicates that Your Spirit who dwells within us is greater than the spirit dwelling in the world, so also the good that dwells within us is greater than the evil from the world. In our human nature we cannot overcome evil, but through our spiritual nature we conquer the ever present evil with the all-powerful good that comes from Your Holy Spirit residing within our hearts. We choose to hate evil and cling to that which is good and thereby overcome evil with good. We go forth as conquerors in the power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Father, I pray that You would wash me so that I will be whiter than snow. Hide Your face from my sins which are great and dishonor You so much that I can’t bear for You to look upon them. Blot out all my iniquity. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth that will enable me to declare Your praise. It isn’t the burnt offering that You delight in but the sacrifice of my broken spirit; it is a broken and contrite heart that You desire in me. As I come to You in humility and brokenness of spirit You restore to me the joy of Your salvation much like the new fallen snow that covers the earth. Thank You for being merciful and forgiving. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Father, as believers, we are put to the test daily regarding our adherence to the Scriptures that teach right from wrong, truth from error. Included are numerous examples of those who represent both camps. We have the golden opportunity to learn lessons from those who were obedient to Your laws and from those who chose to disregard them. Help us to remember that disobedience, disregard, or dilution of the Scriptures will weaken us and eventually harden our hearts to spiritual truths. We choose either to be shaped by the world or by the Word. Our will and desires cannot be shaped by both. We choose this day to be Your obedient servant no matter the consequences, for Your blessing is more to be desired than the applause of the world. Amen.