Praying the Promise

 God our Creator and Father,

When we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become Your sons and daughters. Being part of Your family is a gift and blessing that has countless benefits we can enjoy and partake.  

Father God, although we still face hardships and difficulties in this world, because we are Your children, we have favor and covering; there is a uniqueness to You as God our Father: You are ever-loving, protective, watchful, providing, and even when we do wrong—as children often do while we are growing and maturing in the faith and holiness—You do not punish us as our sins deserve, instead You mete out discipline filtered through Your boundless love for us. That is truly a blessing and beneficial for us.

Thank You Father and Creator for the patience You have with us. Thank You for not only forgiving our sins but forgetting them so we do not have the baggage or weight of our past to carry in our heart or mind; Your generosity toward us helps us have a clean slate and move forward with joy and peace of mind.  

I pray, may I always find peace and joy and security in the special relationship we have. May I remember Your ways as my heavenly Father are always perfect toward me and even when I do not understand why You do what you do or why You allow what You allow into my life, may I always keep in mind Your love and plans for me are perfectly established and flawless. 

Loving Father I am happy to be Your child and delighted to tell others about the benefits of being part of Your family. May I daily stop and tell You how much being Your child and you being my heavenly Father means to me. 

In the name of Jesus my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen

Going Deeper in the Word

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—John 1:12

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith—Galatians 3:26  

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children—Romans 8:16 

 Praying the Promise

 Awesome, Wonderful, and Way-Making God,

You are truly a way-maker!

How many times do I look at my circumstances, my needs, my lack, my challenges, my condition and cannot see or perceive a way something will take place or change or happen. Truly, my perspective and knowledge are limited and restricted. But You, O God, not only see possibilities; but You make a way!

The Scriptures remind me each time I open them, that my God is a great God, You are a loving and a living God and by Your hand or mouth You can make a way even when no way has been forged or provided.

The Bible says You will make a stream in the desert and will make rivers flow on barren heights and put springs within valleys (Isa 41:18). What an awesome and generous God you are! Your promise to provide refreshment and renewal in difficult times fills us with strength and give us the ability to keep moving forward and hoping even during adversity.

I pray, raise my awareness of Your faithfulness, nature, and power, Lord. Open my eyes and enlarge my heart of faith to trust and believe Your Word. When my soul is discouraged and I am feeling weary may I remember to open Your word and feast on Your promises to make a way; to remember You can take little or nothing and make much and if You can put a stream in the desert then You can certainly open a path forward for me; You can surely work a miracle and do wonders in my life. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen 

Going Deeper in the Word

Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert—Isaiah 43:19      

 Praying the Promise

Heavenly Father, You are Good and Holy and Show us the Way to Live through Your Word, 

In our youth being copied may have felt insulting, as though we were being mocked and made fun of but later we came to understand being copied or imitated is the highest form of flattery.

Jesus, our Lord did not do anything on His own, He only did what He had seen and learned from You; whatever You did He did, and in turn, He taught His followers to be and do like Him. Now the world knows You and Knows Jesus through us. 

Help us to do as Jesus did. Help us to live lives that model and imitate our Savior’s life. Jesus was kind and compassionate, listening and understanding. He was good-hearted and forgiving. He was patient—even to the point of being long-suffering. Jesus was gentle yet He was also strong and determined; He practiced healthy boundaries. Jesus set the example and modeled a new kind of love for others. His way of loving and living made Him an enigma.

Holy God, I know my life will not be perfect like Jesus’s life. I am only human, but You have already recognized and compensated for my frailties and shortcomings; even made provision that my sin would not keep me from doing good and being good. Thank You for this great and wonderful gift that I can be human and sinful and not get everything right, but You search my heart and know my intentions are steeped in what is good and right. Thank you for the assistance of the Holy Spirit who guides and helps me in this life.

I pray, help me as I strive to be more like my good and holy Savior Jesus Christ in whose name I pray. Amen      

Going Deeper in the Word

Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing on his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing—John 5:19-20 (ESV)   

 Praying the Promise

Holy and Constant God and Lord,

The inconsistencies and un-predictableness of living in this world can be scary at times. We don’t know from one day to the next what will be. Just because something was yesterday or in the past, does not mean it’s going to be that way or stay the same tomorrow or going forward. 

Living in such an unpredictable environment can cause our anxiety to spike at times, and we are prone to worry about our future, worry about what’s going to happen next, worry about the world our children or grandchildren will inherit.

O God who spans the years and centuries, thank You for Your promises that stand the test of time. Thank You for Your nature that is consistent and dependable. Regardless of what happens in our day-to-day or with each changing year You stand firm and unmovable. We know we can depend on You to be good, to be honest, to be fair, to be loving, to be compassionate, to be generous, to be forgiving, to be a stalwart and rock…

As Your Word promises You are the same yesterday today and forevermore. The more I learn of Your promise of consistency the more I hold it as my own, the more I hold space for it in my heart of faith the more confident I am and the less I need the world around me to show consistency or provide stability; I am anchored in the One who is the Anchor and Rock that does not change like sifting sand. 

Lord, Your faithfulness leads to spiritual growth and offers hope and strength; through Your promise and presence of being consistent in character and actions I have lasting peace. 

In Jesus name I pray, Amen 

Going Deeper in the Word

For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed—Malachi 3:6  

 Praying the Promise

 Holy God of Truth and Light,

How refreshing to be reminded of Your pure, holy character! 

There is so much deception in this world, and so many that pride themselves in the art of deception—it’s really hard and getting increasingly more difficult to tell the sincere apart from the liar and deceiving. Your character of truth and honesty stands firmly rooted and will not be covered or diluted by falsehood or deception.      

Thank You holy God, that there is no shadow of turning with You; not once ounce of deception with You! Thank You, that we can read Your word and know everything in it is truth and light and we will not be misled or misguided. As Your Word says every promise You have made have found their “Yes” in Christ Jesus our Lord!

As I open Your Word and study Your Word may I be filled up with Your word of truth, that way, when darkness, falsehood, or deceptive practices come close to me I can tell the difference between what’s real and what’s false. Cling to and am encouraged by Your truth which guides me O Lord!  

Guard and keep me, O Lord from being deceived on any and every level. May I find joy and peace in knowing “If you have said it, will You not indeed do it!”

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

Going Deeper in the Word

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will be not fulfill it—Numbers 23:19 (ESV)  

 Praying the Promise

God of Heaven and Earth through whom all things exist and without whom nothing exists! Our God who is able to do immeasurably, exceedingly more than we can ever ask, think or imagine,

Our hearts are encouraged through Your Personhood, Your everywhere-ness, and Your power. There is absolutely nothing You cannot do with, through, around, or within us! We have yet to fully grasp the meaning of concepts like “everything”, “nothing”, “boundless”, “infinite”, and “ageless”. Your ways are too wonderful for us to understand and too vast for us to comprehend.  

Open us up, Lord. Help us to see—even if only a glimpse and fleeting what it means that You are able to do exceedingly, immeasurably, abundantly more than we could ever ask, think or imagine. My human heart and mind can imagine and ask for good outcomes, but they cannot feel or reach for the perfect You have in mind for me and my life or circumstances. May Your perfect planned for me be accomplished and made visible and manifest despite the darkness of this world and my own sin and weakness.

I bless You today, Lord, for Your greatness that You visit me and bless me! I bless You for the depth and height and length of Your perfect love for me that is willing, not only to forgive my human frailties and faults but pursue and activate the immeasurable and exceeding good You have planned for me. 

May I walk in this promise today and be comforted and inspired by the knowledge revealed to me through Your Word and promise.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Going Deeper in the Word

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us—Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) 

Great and awesome God; the Lord of Hosts is Your Name,

There is nothing too hard or wonderful for You to perform or accomplish. You show loving kindness to thousands—which I am included in that number.

I am encouraged by Your timeless, boundless attributes and abilities; You are the same yesterday, today and forevermore.

Today, Great God, I plead to Your attributes of mercy, compassion, and grace. I ask You to do great and awesome things in my life and circumstances. Where it is difficult for me to look at my circumstances and see possibilities, I know this is not true for You. My eyes are earthbound; I can only see what is in front of me—even my spirit is heavy and influenced by the world and doubt—but Your heart is not weighed down and Your eyes are everywhere, and not limited to the physical or immediate.  

I know You will respond to my prayer—You always hear them. And I know You already have a plan to open up my life and make needful changes in my circumstance that are in line with Your will for my life and future. I know You always have a plan of restoration for our broken, jagged stories and lives. Because I am under the new covenant You made through my Savior Jesus, Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, I can be confident; my heart can be at peace and my spirit joyful as I wait on You.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

Going Deeper in the Word:

Now when I had delivered the purchase deed to Baruch son o Neriah, I prayed to the Lord, saying: Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful or You…Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, saying, Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?—Jeremiah 32:16-20, 26-27 (AMPC) 

Praying the Promise

   Heavenly Father, 

As I reflect on today’s promise in the book of Haggai, I’m reminded that nothing can mess us up more than when we have misplaced priorities. Just as the people in Haggai’s time busied themselves with their own comforts while Your house was in disrepair, I confess that at times I too can misplace my priorities. Sometimes I labor diligently, attend to what feels like pressing tasks, work overtime trying hard to meet every obligation and put You last in my daily decisions and pursuits. By the end of it all, my efforts yield very little fruit.

Forgive me Father, for the times I have pursued personal gain, comfort, and approval, while neglecting the work of Your Kingdom and cultivating my relationship with You. 

I pray, teach me how to recognize opportunities to honor You in all that I do. Help me to invest time, energy and resources in ways that yield eternal reward rather than temporary satisfaction, and help me pursue your purposes first, trusting that when I prioritize You, all else will be granted according to Your will.

I pray, open my eyes to see when I am chasing after things that cannot truly fill my soul. Remind me daily to align my priorities with Your commands and desires, to seek Your righteousness above worldly accomplishments, and to pour my life into pursuits that bless You and serve others. I pray that my harvest is abundant and my soul is satisfied.

Thank You Lord, for Your infinite provision, mercy and guidance. Help me to reorder my life so that Your presence is central and every effort I undertake is fruitful in Your kingdom. In Jesus name I pray. Amen  

Going Deeper in the Word

You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it—Haggai 1:6 

Praying the Promise

  O Lord,

I can’t even count the number of times I’ve heard others say, “Hold your head up. You have no reason to look down!” Thank God for those beautiful souls who remind us about the positioning of our head. As it’s been said many times, when we look down all we can see is the ground, but when we look up our view and perspective is opened up; the vastness of the sky above us also reminds us of the vastness of possibilities that are before and ahead of us.

Thank You, God, for sending Jesus to lift me from the dark dungeon of sin, thank You for the Holy Spirit who comes to keep me lifted in my spirit, thank You for being my heavenly, undefeatable covering, the One who forgives my sins and keeps me covered in every way. Behind Your shield I am protected from the evil one, I am blessed with heavenly gifts, I am provided for, I am strengthened in my soul and mind I am renewed and refreshed in my life’s journey.

In this new year, in my day, and in the weeks and months to come there are sure to be many things that will tempt me to hang my head. Even as I survey my own sinfulness, my circumstances and the situations of others, I’ll want to hang my head in despair and defeat, may David’s words become the backdrop in my mind and on my heart; “My God is a shield all around me, He is my glory, the One who lifts my head”, and may I change the position of my head, look up to the heavens, look up to YHeavenly Father,
There’s an indescribable feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment I enjoy whenever I have conquered some hurdle, climbed some mountain that loomed in front of me, made it through some storm or pushed past an obstacle that threatened to stop me and keep me from moving forward or keep me down.

I praise You for these good feelings that help me know I am so much stronger than I give myself credit and I (actually) do have what it takes to persevere and endure the storms and valleys of this life.

I do recognize, God, that there is a strong voice outside of me that would love to make me think so little of myself; love to discourage me to the point I don’t even try. We both know who that is! But I also recognize Your voice. I know Your voice. It is that voice that is always encouraging me and telling me I am capable, I am able, I am strong through You, I am made wise by the outpouring of  Your wisdom…

Your voice doesn’t come to puff me up, or make me rely on my own resources; It speaks so I can remember what You have given me, what You have spent time pouring into me through the presence of Your Holy Spirit and is there inside me, just waiting to be released at the right moment.

Thank You for Your guidance, Father. Thank You for all the encouragement You provide. Thank you for Your patience with me and walking this journey with me. Thank You for constantly reminding me I’m not alone and I can do whatever “this” is!

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
ou and broaden my view, my perspective, and my faith in what You are able to do.

In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen        

Going Deeper in the Word of God:

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude—Psalm 3:3-4 (NLT)

Praying the Promise

  Heavenly Father,

Whether it’s sitting in front of the computer waiting for it to respond, waiting in line to receive a service, waiting for a doctor’s appt, waiting or a package to arrive or something to come back in stock, waiting to be strengthened in our body after a medical procedure, waiting for a word of confirmation, or waiting for an answer to our prayer; waiting is part of life on this side of heaven. 

As long as we live on earth we will always need to wait on or for something, Lord.

Waiting can be excruciating, and we don’t always wait very well or patiently. How easy it is to lose patience, perspective, hope, and strength. Thank You, God, for helping us wait. Thank You for knowing us so well, You know exactly how to minister to us and encourage us and sometimes, admonish us as we become impatient in our waiting, reminding us You have not left us, and Your timing is always perfect. Thank You for prayer that helps us wait more patiently.

Father, help us to do as Your word says; “Be of good courage” as we wait. Being of good courage is certainly preferable to being sour or grumbling, or sulking, losing heart and hope or even sinning as we wait. 

May I bloom in my season of waiting. May I cultivate the more attractive qualities and characteristics that resemble You as I wait, so that, by the time my answers or provision has arrived I am doubly and deeply blessed. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Going Deeper in the Word

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the LORD!—Psalm 27:14 (NKJV) 

Praying the Promise

  Heavenly Father,

So many in this world battle and struggle seasonally or even day to day with melancholy and depression. There are numerous examples in the Scriptures that show us a depressed or melancholy spirit is not limited or isolated to those who have no faith, even men such as David and Elijah and Job struggled from time to time with these deep emotions and spiritual joy zappers. 

We know it’s impossible to travel through this life and not have times where we feel down or depressed. Thank You Lord for being with us even when we struggle in this way. Thank You for Your promise never to leave us nor abandon. 

I pray today for those who are feeling down and even depressed at the turn of this new time and year. I pray all of us that we will not lose heart or hope, but, even in our struggles, will remember You are with us and there is a brighter day ahead. I pray You will guide us to sources and resources that will be helpful and bring healing to our troubled lives, hearts and minds. 

I ask You to bless Your children with joy and peace in our inner being and when we need to be comforted or encouraged help us reach beyond the cliché and turn to messages and promises that are solid and effectual. 

Going Deeper in the Word:

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God—Psalm 42:11

Praying the Promise

 Gracious God,

We both know that there is duality of character and heart as I live out this life. I have an old nature that would lead me astray and is prone to walking in darkness and taking crooked paths, but my new nature loves righteousness and doing the things that please You. My new nature rejects crookedness and darkness, yet, at times, the ways of my old nature are still attractive to me; they still call to me and in my weakness at times, I still take those paths. Forgive me, Lord!  

Thank You God for sending Jesus to save me. By His own blood and sacrifice He has called and redeemed me. Thank You God, for ordering my steps with such tender wisdom. Even when the path feels uncertain, You steady me with Your faithful, guiding hand. I’m so blessed to be Yours! So blessed to be assured that  even when I stumble You do not cast me out or push me away from You, instead, You lift me, guide me and remind me that even though I struggle at times, I am never walking alone. 

I pray, strengthen my feet, my heart, my mind and my faith for the journey ahead. The year is still fresh and there is a long way to go. Let my heart be in line with Your will and let each step I take reflect trust, courage, and a quiet confidence that You delight in my way; you delight in me.

I pray, hold me close when I make mistakes—and I am sure to make many. Restore me when I grow weary on this journey and lead me forward with grace that never fails. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Going Deeper in the Word:

The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord. And God delights in every step they take to follow him. If they stumble badly they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with his hands—Psalm 37:23-24 (TPT)

Praying the Promise

 Heavenly Father,

Is there any better way to begin a new year than looking (up) to You and being reminded what a gracious, generous, glorious, all-powerful, loving, covering, delivering, compassionate, forgiving, and faithful God You are? 

In times of depression and feeling alone, doing like King David when he wrote, “O my soul why are you so downcast, why so discouraged within me? Is God not with you” (Psalm 42:5) 

Hallelujah! Lord, You are with me! You do not leave me alone, but You go wherever I go and have in fact, gone before me on this journey and into this new year!

Thank You Lord, You show up in my beginnings so that when, along the way, my life is rocking and reeling I have something real and solid to draw from, something dependable to turn to and concrete to stand upon. As the Scriptures say I will praise You in the good times so in the bad times I will know not be found empty and wanting; I will not be lost or feeling alone and abandoned!  

Lord, at the beginning of this new year while January is still fresh, I minister to my soul and heart and mind and recall Your beauty, bounty, and steadfastness. I know from the past life can take a downward turn: up one day and down the next. Life can spiral out of control and the unexpected happen in the blink of an eye, but my trust will remain with You. Even when I cannot see a way through or around, I will remember Your promises and praise You as I make my way through. In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

Going Deeper in the Word:

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me—Psalm 103:2 (NLT)

Praying the Promise

Heavenly Father, 

Today marks the season of Epiphany. Many will celebrate and observe this beautiful season of the Church year, being reminded of the Light that came to be with us through the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Truly Jesus is our light, shining light into our darkness! The Light that never fades or loses power.

Thank You God, for the light that has come. Because Jesus was born, we no longer have to walk in darkness; we don’t have to stumble around in any kind of darkness. Thank You God, that when Jesus ascended into heaven He promised, and You sent the Holy Spirit to continue being our light and guiding us into the light; the light of truth and the light of understanding and peace. 

I’m blessed to have Your light guiding me; blessed to be a child of light; blessed that I can open Your Word and receive light, get on my knees and pray and experience light, commune at Your altar and be filled with light, worship at Your throne and be flooded with light. 

Your light is always with me and gives me the ability to navigate unknown territory, make sound decisions, choose right paths. Because You have sent Your light to be with me, I can see around and beyond darkness; I can live confidently and not constantly afraid or anxious.

Thank You God, for sending Jesus to be the light of the world, as He promised those who believe in Him will never walk in darkness. I am blessed and confident through this promise! I pray this promise in Jesus’ name. Amen      

Going Deeper in the Word:

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life—John 8:12 (NIV)

Prayer for the Twelfth Day of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree…

Heavenly Father, 

On this twelfth and last day of Christmas, as I reflect on the meaning behind the twelve drummers drumming, I’m reminded of the steady, rhythmic beat of a drum—it’s strong, clear, and impossible to ignore. 

In Christian symbolism, these twelve drummers represent the Twelve Articles of the Apostles’ Creed, the core statements of faith that have guided believers for centuries. Like a drumbeat that keeps a song or section of the band in rhythm, these truths keep my faith grounded, centered, and aligned with the gospel.

Lord, thank You for the foundational beliefs that anchor my heart firmly. I profess that You are the Creator, that Jesus is Your Son, that He lived, rose again, and will come again, and that Your Spirit is alive and at work in the world. These truths are like the steady, strong beat of the drum that form the rhythm of my faith, giving structure, strength and purpose to my walk with You.

Father, let the image of the twelve drummers remind me to hold fast to the foundation of what I believe. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, help me return to the steady beat of Your truth. Let these core doctrines shape my thoughts, guide my decisions, and deepen my devotion to You.

As I celebrate this season and this last day of Christmas, may the symbolism of the twelve drummers drumming call me back to my heart of my faith—bold, unwavering, and full of life. 

Thank You God for the gift of truth that endures through every generation. 

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen 

Going Deeper:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth—Genesis 1:1

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord—John 3:16

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary—Luke 1:35

Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried—Matthew 27:26-31

The third day He rose again from the dead—I Corinthians 15:4

Prayer for the Eleventh Day of Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree…

Heavenly Father,

As I reflect on the meaning behind the eleven pipers piping, I’m reminded of the clear, steady sound of a piper’s song—it’s bold, distinct, and meant to lead others. 

In Christian symbolism, these eleven pipers represent the eleven faithful apostles, the ones who continued to proclaim the message of Jesus after His resurrection and ascension. Like the musicians, their voices carried the gospel into the world, calling people to repentance, hope, and a new life in Christ with clarity and distinction.

Lord, thank You for the faithfulness of these apostles; they followed Jesus with courage and conviction. Through their witness, the message of salvation spread across nations and generations, down through the ages and eventually reaching my own heart today. Their lives remind me that Your calling is neither quiet nor hidden—it is a bold proclamation meant to be distinct and shared with others.

Father, just as the pipers play with confidence and purpose, help me to live out my faith with that same clarity and boldness. Let my words and actions echo the truth of the gospel and give me the ability to do so in a beautiful way. I pray, give me the courage to speak when You prompt me, the humility to serve where You place me, and the devotion to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Let my life be a song Lord.

As I celebrate this season, let the symbolism of the eleven pipers piping remind me that I, too, am called to carry Your message into the world in a unique way that is purposed for me. My tune is not harsh, brash or blaring to turn others away or make them cover their ears. May my life be a steady, faithful song that points others to Christ in a beautiful, inviting way.

In Jesus’ name, I pray Amen.  

Going Deeper

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he names Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor—Luke 6:14-16

Prayer for the Tenth Day of Christmas

 Heavenly Father,

As I reflect on the meaning behind the ten lords a-leaping, I’m reminded of the strength, authority, and energy their image conveys. They are leaping with joy and good energy, not dragging and lagging. 

In Christian symbolism these ten lords represent the Ten Commandments—Your holy laws given to guide, protect, and shape the lives of Your people. Just as the lord’s leap with purpose and dignity, Your commandments stand firm, beckoning me to live with integrity, reverence, and obedience.

Lord, thank You for giving these commandments. They are not burdens but given as expressions of Your love—healthy boundaries that lead to freedom, peace and righteousness. Help me to honor them and not hate or resent them. Teach me to love You above all else, to treat others with respect and compassion, and to walk in ways that reflect Your holiness.

Father, let the image of these ten lords remind me that Your law is good, it’s steady and life-giving. May I leap—joyfully and willingly—into obedience, trusting that Your ways are always meant for my good. As I celebrate this season, help me remember that the birth of Jesus fulfilled the law and revealed Your grace, inviting me into a life shaped by both truth and love.

Thank You for Your commandments and for the guidance they provide. May they lead me closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen 

Going Deeper 

And God spoke all these words, saying,

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands[b] of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.[c]

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”—Exodus 20:1-17

Prayer for the Ninth Day of Christmas

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

Heavenly Father, 

As I reflect on the meaning behind the nine ladies dancing, I’m reminded of the joy, movement, release, and grace that dance brings. In Christian symbolism, these nine dancers represent the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are not qualities I can produce on my own; they can only come through and are the beautiful evidence of Your Spirit at work within me.

Lord, just as dancers move in harmony and rhythm, help my life to move in step with Your Spirit just as Your Word instructs me. Let love guide my actions, joy fill my heart, and Your glorious peace steady my thoughts. Teach me to have patience in difficulty, to be kind in my interactions, and make good choices. Strengthen my faithfulness, soften my spirit with gentleness, and help me practice self-control in all things. 

Father, may these fruits grow in me like a graceful dance; let them become the dance I do with You—flowing, vibrant, and full of life. Let others see Your character reflected in the way I live, speak, and respond. As I celebrate this season, remind me that true joy comes from Your presence and that the work of Your Spirit brings beauty far greater than any earthly gift.

Thank You for the fruits You cultivate in my heart. May they flourish and bring glory to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Going Deeper:

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!—Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 

Prayer for the Eighth Day of Christmas

  On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtledoves and a partridge in a pear tree

Heavenly Father,

As I reflect on the meaning behind the eight maids a-milking, I’m reminded of the humility, nurturing, provision, and humble service that this image represents. Milking was a task of daily labor, often done by those of low social standing, yet it was essential for nourishment and life, much like those who do essential work today but don’t make very much.

In Christian symbolism, these eight maids point to the eight Beatitudes; the teachings of Jesus that reveal the attitudes and virtues of a heart shaped by Your kingdom.

Lord, the Beatitudes call me to a life of humility, mercy, purity, and peace. They remind me that true blessing is not found in status, wealth, or comfort, but in a heart aligned with Your will. Just as the maids carried out their work faithfully and quietly, help me to live out these virtues in the ordinary moments of life.

Teach me to be poor in spirit, gentle in my responses, hungry for righteousness and steadfast in showing mercy. Help me to keep my heart pure, free of bitterness and resentment, to work for peace, and to stand firm when I face hardship for the sake of Christ. May these qualities grow in me like steady, faithful labor—simple, sincere, and pleasing to You.

Father, as I celebrate this season, let the symbolism of the eight maids a-milking remind me that in Your kingdom humility and service are valued. I pray, shape my heart through the teachings of Jesus, and let my life reflect that same quiet strength and devotion Jesus modeled that honor you.

In Jesus’ name. Amen 

Going Deeper:

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
 for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
 for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
 for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
 for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
 for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
 for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
 for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
 for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.—Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT)