Prayers To Encourage Your Soul

Many people will be celebrating over these next few days, Lord. Many will be traveling to join loved ones in different states and parts of the country. There will be fun activities, well-planned outings, family get-togethers, and some will take the opportunity to just relax and enjoy the warm weather, good food, and displays of fireworks. Keep us safe, Lord. Help us to remember the preciousness of freedom and may we have the desire to hold dear the freedoms of others.    

Lord, be with all who travel by car this week; may they reach their destinations, safely.  Protect all travelers from unsafe drivers; those who don't drive responsibly or defensively. We pray Your holy angels will travel with those who call upon Your name and protect every traveler from those who drink and drive.      

Dear God, today is the first day of July. As Summer goes by all too quickly, help us to treasure each day and do the things that bring a joy to Your heart. Lead us to accomplish those things which You have planned for us to do in advance and may our service include the care of the sick, the weak, the old, the helpless, and the very young. We are Your workmanship, Lord, may we bring You glory and honor and seek to serve you all the days of our life. Amen     

Dear God, for many today is considered "hump-Day". That day they are just trying to make it through the week. that day they set as a measuring stick and wonder if they will make it through their week. Whether Hump-Day, or just plain-old-Wednesday, may I have strength of mind and body to accomplish those things You have placed in my path for today and the days going forward.  May I see no day as common or as being beyond Your plans. May the pressures I face today, the burdens I endure never defeat me. But whether it's Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or beyond, let my heart be full of joy, peace, assurance and hope.  Amen

Lord, what You do for me each and every day is amazing. What You have done for me in the past is incomprehensible. Thank you for Your word that shows me how great a friend You are to me and how I can be a good friend to others.   

Jesus, this is the day many people enjoy fireworks in their communities. There will be lots of oohing and aahing as the beautiful displays are overhead. It's one thing when the fireworks are in the skies above us, but another thing when we have fireworks of another kind in our homes and communities. These kinds of fireworks bring misery and pain. Keep us from the kind of eruptions that are unpleasant and leave a wake of torn up lives once they have subsided.  Where there have been painful fireworks we pray for healing. Where fireworks have become the norm in our family life we pray for a spirit of unity and understanding. Lord, help us to long for and embrace peace as our way of life.    

Dear Jesus, as I watched the evening news last night I heard tragedy after tragedy. It saddened my heart. I'm sorry for all the pain and hurt and losses others are feeling today. I want to take a moment and pray for these hurting people. Lord, if it's Your will, let my path cross with someone else this week that will bring a bit of comfort or joy