Father, we who believe are grateful recipients of earnest believers who dedicate their time, energy, giftings and resources to further our growth in Christ. How grateful we are for faithful Sunday School teachers, youth workers, for those who walk alongside us upholding and emboldening us when the howling storms of uncertainty, doubt and fear assail. We thank you for the many lay people who work behind the scenes to keep the church functioning and effective such as kitchen workers, treasurers, trustees, board members, Christian education administrators and on and on the list grows. As we see the value help us to do our part as well to make a spiritual difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

Father, Your Word indicates the way we interact with those outside the faith will have a positive or a negative influence on whether they choose to follow You. There appears to be no neutral mode in our lives, for we do not live unto ourselves, but regularly give account for our actions and attitudes daily. Inconsistency and double standards have long been a trap Satan has set so that the world will point their accusatory finger and cry, “Hypocrite!” Sadly, it is often a true characterization. May we, as Your disciples, be faithful in our walk and consistent in our talk as we serve You at home, in the workplace, in our churches, and in our sphere of influence. We do not want to bring disgrace on the holy name of Jesus, but we want to honor His name as we glorify You in all we do. It is in Jesus’ holy name that we pray. Amen.

Father, we look forward to the mysterious moment when we who follow Christ will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, when the trumpet sounds from heaven. Our perishable bodies will take on the imperishable and we will be forever young, no longer plagued with the moans and groans of this earthly body. Until Christ returns or until You call us home, we remain hopeful and vigilant in our spiritual pilgrimage, no matter the condition of this flesh and blood body. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Father, we who believe are grateful recipients of earnest believers who dedicate their time, energy, giftings and resources to further our growth in Christ. How grateful we are for faithful Sunday School teachers, youth workers, for those who walk alongside us upholding and emboldening us when the howling storms of uncertainty, doubt and fear assail. We thank you for the many lay people who work behind the scenes to keep the church functioning and effective such as kitchen workers, treasurers, trustees, board members, Christian education administrators and on and on the list grows. As we see the value help us to do our part as well to make a spiritual difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

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.

Father, we’re reminded of the amazing and unpredictable way You work all things together for good when we read the story of Joseph, from the time of his youth to his final breath. Instead of scheming for revenge he sought to relieve his brothers. He comforted their troubled hearts with the reassuring message; You sold me, but God sent me. Help us to recognize that when we are hurt by other’s words or actions, You surpass their debilitating impact on our lives by the greater plan You’re working in us; teaching us to trust You implicitly, forgive unreservedly, and to be molded into the character of Christ who gave His all in the midst of hateful injustice. Evil was present, but the much greater purpose was that we might be saved from our sins through His submission to Your overall plan. We thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.