Father, we embark upon another year with Your guidance and presence in all that we undertake, all that we endure, and all that we accomplish. May we be mindful not of ourselves first, but of those who journey with us day after day. Let us be quick to encourage, ready to reach out, and faithful to pray for our brothers and sisters. Above all, keep us growing in Your grace and knowledge this year of 2014. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Father, when I lean on my own understanding I fall prey to thinking in the natural and limit the work of the supernatural. But when I trust You with all my heart I leave no room for second guessing. Today I want to acknowledge Your presence in every area of my life…family, work, relationships, health, intellect and every other area of my life. You will bring to pass the plans You have for me as I wholeheartedly trust You for all that concerns me. Amen. 

Father, in the same way that we grow hungry before mealtime, stir up a hunger within us for the spiritual food You provide through the living Word of God. You are the Bread of Life who provides physically and spiritually for our daily needs. Following a hearty meal we often linger around the dinner table considering the tastiness of our meal. When we “taste and see that the Lord is good” we want to linger in Your presence and consider Your goodness, offering praise to You for all that You are and all that You provide for us. Bread of Heaven feed us until we are truly satisfied and filled with all the good things that come from You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Father, we share the sentiment Paul expressed when he wrote, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” Our hope is not limited to this earthly existence, but rather it flourishes and yields growing anticipation as we contemplate the blessed future event of our Lord’s soon return. Being aware of our unworthiness and inclination to sin gives us all the more motivation to fix our hope on You. We want to set our affections on things above, not on things of this earth, for we are dead to the world and our life is hidden with Christ through You, Father. Purify our thoughts, actions, and conversation as we with renewed determination fix our hope on the Everlasting One. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Father, anything good or praiseworthy in me is simply a reflection of the abiding presence of Your Holy Spirit. I want to grow in Your grace and knowledge, and will do so if You are preeminent in my life. That means You will reign supreme and be of first importance to me, having greater influence than any other person or cause. I want to walk in humility today as I pray, “Jesus, must become greater in my life, I must become less.” I ask You to be at the center of my thoughts, my attitudes, and my actions so that Your preeminence is seen in all I do and say. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Father, we thank You for the band of Christian brothers and sisters that circle the globe who are among the redeemed, overcoming life’s obstacles, and giving testimony to Your faithful work in their lives. We uphold each other in prayer and lend support to those who have need, as together we walk in the light of Your holy Word. Thank You for the fellowship of believers that encourages us in our daily Christian walk. Amen.

Father, how grateful we are that Jesus came into this world to save sinners; to turn despair to hope, darkness to light, and death to life. All that we have need of and presently rely on is supplied for us in abundance from Your generous Hand. You are worthy of our trust and deserving of our fully surrendered life. From the cradle to the cross Jesus is Lord of Heaven and Lord of earth. We celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior, and give thanks for all that He means to us. Amen.

Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to journey in faith when the path is dimmed or obscured from that which You have planned for me. When I can only see through a glass darkly, help me to trust You for what is yet to come. May I have a believing, obedient spirit even when I don’t fully understand Your plan. For Your thoughts are not my thoughts nor are Your ways my ways. They are higher and wiser, for they are of divine origin, so help me to be mindful that You always know what’s best and will lead me according to Your will and Your timing. Amen.

Father, You gave first and foremost as you selflessly gave of Yourself through the person of Jesus Christ. Your gift of grace defies human description, for the far-reaching effects in our lives is truly indescribable. It’s too wonderful for words, but it brings unspeakable joy and glorious hope that makes our spiritual journey so worthwhile. We receive Your indescribable gift that brings forgiveness for our sins and reserves for us a home in heaven for all eternity. Thank You, Father! Amen.

Father, we thank You for Your Son Jesus, who, by His coming to earth and dying on the cross, made it possible for us to be saved for all eternity. He came for the lowly shepherd on the hillside, the king who sits on the throne, the influential, the lesser known, and the unknown – all can be saved because of Your provision through Jesus. We are grateful for the birth of Jesus and with gladsome tidings we celebrate His birthday. Amen.