Devotional Prayers for September 2025

Praying the Promise

 One day as Jesus was teaching the people, the Pharisees and teachers of the law from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem were there. The Lord was giving Jesus the power to heal people—Luke 5:17 (NCV)

Jesus, Savior, even with all the demands on Your time and gifts of healing, the Scriptures remind us that You “often slipped away to be alone so You could pray” (5:16). Your gift of healing; Your ability to heal others came down from God in heaven. The Father was giving You power to heal people, reminds us of the promise where we are told “and my God will supply all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Php. 4:19). 

Lord, help me each day to remember, and especially when I am in times of need—even when those needs seem dire and great and pressing—that God will cover every need I have whether my need is material, physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, financial; whatever my need is God will supply and cover.

Lord Jesus, how do I reconcile this promise when there are times something isn’t there when I need it? Something goes unmet and my life is impacted or changed drastically because of lack? Times I am looking to heaven and miracles don’t happen? So often I feel like the father in another Gospel story that said concerning his son’s healing, “Lord I believe, help me my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). 

Lord, I do believe and so many times I too am crying out help me my unbelief! Help me in my distrust! Help me hold onto Your truths and promises even when things look bleak or it seems what I need is not going to appear in the time I want or need it to. 

God’s heavenly and divine wisdom is perfect Lord. He is never late, but always on time. As I begin a new week, and the last day of September, things will come up where I’m uncertain and doubting and wondering if a need I am facing or experiencing on my journey is going to be met; only You and the Father and the Holy Spirit know how things will play out. Only my Triune God know how my needs will be met and covered. 

I put my faith in You. I’ve never had a reason to distrust You. You’ve never let me fall and you’ve never taken Your eye off me. You’ve never been disconnected from my life. You’ve always been concerned about me and every detail of my life.  These things I know for sure. Lord, I do believe, help me in my moments of unbelief and doubt! I trust wherever there is emptiness You will supply it, and it will be on time. The same God and power that gave You power to heal the sick will give me power to trust and believe. In Your holy name I pray. Amen    

Praying the Promise

 22 One day Jesus and his followers got into a boat, and he said to them, “Let’s go across the lake.” And so they started across. 23 While they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. A very strong wind blew up on the lake, causing the boat to fill with water, and they were in danger.

24 The followers went to Jesus and woke him, saying, “Master! Master! We will drown!”

Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves. They stopped, and it became calm. 25 Jesus said to his followers, “Where is your faith?”

The followers were afraid and amazed and said to each other, “Who is this that commands even the wind and the water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:22-25 (NCV)

Jesus, we recognize this is more than an entertaining story. It’s a reminder that on our journey home to heaven, we’ll experience storms—some will be so severe we’ll think we are not going to survive—we’ll think we will be swallowed up by their severity. The winds of adversity will blow hard, and we’ll be tossed about furiously. Our “lifeboat” will fill up with troubles too heavy or numerous for us to handle, and true to our human nature we’ll start to panic. 

Lord, Jeus why do we panic? We know you are in the boat with us. We don’t doubt Your presence, power or Your promises which assure us “Never will You leave us and never will You forsake us” (Heb. 13:8). Still, true to human nature and flesh we’ll frantically call out Your name. We’ll get worked up and anxious. We’ll be just like those disciples long ago and our prayer will be, “Master! Jesus! Savior! Friend! We’re going to drown!”

Thank You Jesus for Your steadfast presence and promises. Thank You for not only calming the storms that swirl all around us but thank You for calming the storms that rage within us. The storms of doubt, anxiety, and fear. 

It never fails, when we call on Your name during a storm, no matter how fierce or severe, Your very presence changes things.

May I always remember to call out to You Jeus when the storms in my life are raging, and the billows start to blow, those times I feel tossed about, unbalanced and in danger of drowning. May I remember that I have an anchor that keeps me steadfast and unmovable. 

Jesus, when You ask where my faith is I want to be able to say, “My faith is in You Jesus, my faith is in You.” Amen    

  Praying the Promise 

 The Lord defends those who suffer; he defends them in times of trouble—Psalm 9:9 (NCV)

Lord, you faithfully and graciously defend those who suffer; You defend us in times of trouble. We don’t have to panic, run from here to there, or look to the world for help; all we need do is put our trust in You, Your promises to defend us are vast and they never fail. You will defend us. Praise God for giving us a faithful Defender!

The image You left us with—the Cross on Calvary’s Hill—is proof that God cares about our suffering and pain. You took on our pain—You didn’t turn Your back or flee or reject the cross. You could have called down a legion of angels to rescue You, but You chose not to. Because God loved us, You loved us. You stayed to not only share in our suffering but took it upon Yourself. You made our wounds, Yours!

Thank You God for making supreme good out of such a horrible day and for working supreme good out of our earthly suffering and pain when we hold fast to You during suffering and trials. 

Jesus, as Your followers we are not insulated from the tragedies of this world. God never promised floods or tornadoes or storms would pass by our homes and only wipe out the properties of the godless. God never said sickness would skip over us and only weaken those who have no faith in Him. God never said we would be spared financial troubles so severe we wouldn’t lose material possessions or even people we care about. Suffering is a part of what we all experience in this life but we continue to have the assurance we do not suffer needlessly or alone. 

Jesus You are with us in our suffering. We know You have not left us and You continue to care about us. Thank You for relieving our suffering so we can bear up under it, but more than anything, thank You for taking our greatest suffering upon Yourself and making sure we are saved and can live with You in heaven for all eternity. May those who witness our faith in time of suffering also tur not You and be saved. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen       

  Praying the Promise 

For this reason, I bow my knees and pray to the Father. It is from Him that every family in heaven and on earth has its name, I pray that because of the riches of His shining-greatness, He will make you strong with power in your hearts through the Holy Spirit—Ephesians 3:14-16 (CTS)

Dear Jesus, there’s a gospel song that says,  

“When you want to talk to Jesus you very simply do it cause He knows just what you need!” Sometimes when I’m searching for the “right” words to say, or the exact way I want to pray about something, that song comes to mind and I am compelled to sing it. I believe the reminder is more than a coincidence; more than fate, but a message straight from You that I don’t need to come up with special words, all I need to do is pray naturally. 

When I pray to my heavenly Father I don’t need to open a Bible dictionary or dust off all the religious or holy words I know. If I am in a tough straight all I need to do is shoot straight with God. If it’s money that is an issue or my need, all I need to do is ask You for it. If I’m having relationship issues all I have to do is state my need or the situation as I see it from my standpoint. If I am sick, I can ask for healing, if I am feeling weak or in need of guidance I don’t need to find special words, I can use the words I ordinarily use in conversation with anyone else, speak in plain language. God is not looking for gifted orators or people who have a special gift of supplicating; even the plain-spoken can supplicate.

Thank You, Lord for reminding us that prayer can be simple, and no one is too uneducated to pray. Everyone has access to the throne room. Whether we have been a believer for decades or only hours or minutes if we have even the smallest faith we can pray and we can pray in simple language and terms.     

Jesus, in geography and math class we learn that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line and we learn through Your Word that the best and most effectual prayer is prayed in faith and in our own words. In Jesus; name. Amen     

  Praying the Promise 

  Jesus said, “Two people owed money to the same banker. One owed five hundred coins and the other owed fifty. They had no money to pay what they owed, but the banker told both of them they didn’t have to pay him. Which person will love the banker more?”

Simon, the Pharisee answered, “I think it would be the one who owed him the most money.” Jesus said to Simon, “You are right.”—Luke 7:41a-43, 44 (NCV)

Dear Jesus, may I never be unaware nor unconcerned about my sin and that I am a sinner in need of grace and forgiveness, but always sincerely mourn the burden of my sins and love You deeply because of Your great and abounding forgiveness. I am grateful for the Word that shows me the law and command of God, and for the Holy Spirit who convicts me of sin. As Paul wrote without the law he would not have known he was sinful or in need of God’s mercy (Rom. 7:7). 

Thank You, Jesus, for Your obedience to the Father to come to earth and for Your great love for me that You were willing to die for my sin and be my saving Savior. 

My Savior, before I can become wise, I must first admit and realize that I am foolish. Before I can receive power, I must first confess that I am powerless. Before I can possess humility, admit I am imperfect, don’t have all the answers, need Your help and guidance in this life, I must realize and own the truth that I need Your help and assistance in every aspect and area of my life; it is only because of You that I am made righteous. Jesus, before I can fully and sincerely rejoice in Your being my Savior I must grieve my sins and know without Your gift of love eternity in heaven would not be my future. May I always be like the man I the parable who rejoiced because his debt was forgiven. He owed much and could not pay. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen 

  Praying the Promise 

 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous—Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV)

Gracious and loving God, help me to be perfect in all my ways. Help me have the right attitude about matters of the heart and especially about loving my enemies. 

By nature, I do not want to love those who have no love for me; that feels unnatural. I do not want to love those who slander, ridicule, or seek to do me harm and undermine me. In my flesh I want to treat them the same way they treat me! If they are speaking poorly or even falsely about me, then I want to speak poorly about them! Why should I speak well of them when they are speaking falsely about me? 

Your Word convicts me, Lord! I pray, help me excel in loving others, including my enemies. Without Your help this will be impossible, and I will live in a state of fear:

Fear of appearing foolish or weak

Fear of them getting the upper hand

Fear that others will believe them

Fear that I will lose out in some way

Fear that if I don’t address what they are doing they will only keep doing it!

Because I really want to address what my enemies are doing and avenge myself, I pray, keep me reminded of Your power and perfect knowledge. Help me to rest in this. Help me take my rest knowing that perfect love drives out all fear and I need to trust You on this more than fear my enemies. 

I realize this challenge to love my enemies may be something I am faced with over and over. It will never be a one-and-done. My flesh will always struggle. My heart will always feel conflicted. It’s always going to seem more natural to hate those who hate me and want to bring them as much pain as they cause me. Help me to be convicted over and over and may I always desire to become perfect in all my ways, including loving my enemies. 

I know there is a blessing and reward for me when I obey Your Word, Lord. May pleasing You and following Your commands be more important to me than satisfying my flesh. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen 

Intercession for Others:

Today I want to pray for those who struggle with this same issue and who have good reason to! As their enemies are strong and bitterly opposed to them, creating difficulty in their life...Lord, in Your mercy hear my prayer for... 

  Praying the Promise, September 22, 2025

Jesus looked at his followers and said, “You people who are poor are blessed, because the kingdom of God belongs to you. You people who are now hungry are blessed, because you will be satisfied. You people who are now crying are blessed, because you will laugh with joy…But how terrible it will be for you who are rich, because you have had your easy life. How terrible it will be for you who are laughing now, because you will be sad”—Luke 6:20-21, 24-25 (NCV)

Dear Jesus, it’s so natural to want the easy life even though we read You didn’t have an easy life while on earth and there’s nothing in the Scriptures that promise us an easy life. Even so, we do desire—and yes—sometimes plead with God in heaven for things to go easier for ourselves and those on our prayers list, those who are near and dear to our hearts. Luke’s telling of the beatitudes and the wording of this Bible translation help bring a stark contrast and help us get a right or different perspective.

I’m not sure about others Lord, but I think—if I had to choose—I’d prefer to have suffering now and then enjoy abundance later. This time on earth is such a short time—at most 120 years—in comparison to eternity. I’d rather be poor in this life and rich for all eternity. I’d rather be hungry in this life and full for all eternity. I’d rather be sad and do my crying now in this life and be happy and laughing for all eternity.

Thank You, Lord for pointing these differences out to me; for laying it out for me clearly and putting my mind on the right track. Just as the Scriptures say, “No suffering is pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Heb. 12:11). 

Gracious God, even if I live 120 years, and even if I suffer for every one of them, still, in comparison to what is in store for me, in comparison to the reward I will receive These days of suffering cannot compare. 

God grant me strength to endure my temporary trials and may I always live with continual hope and expectancy. On these matters I override my flesh that looks and longs for ease. Amen     

Praying the Promise

 1.A new shoot will from a stump of a tree; so new king will come from the family of Jesse. 2.The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon that king. The Spirit will give him wisdom and understanding, guidance and power. 3.This king will be glad to obey the Lord. He will not judge by the way things look or decide by what he hears. 4. But he will judge the poor honestly; he will be fair in his decisions for the poor people of the land. 5. Goodness and fairness will give him strength, like a belt around his waist—Isaiah 11:1-5 

Gracious and loving God, thank You for Your wonderful prophecies of Isaiah and the hope we all have in Christ. This would be a breath of fresh air! Thank You, Father, for the day that is coming when Your people will be fully and finally regathered, and a new kind of ruling will take place. Thank You for Your promise that one day we will experience what life is like when there are only goodness and mercy, fairness and righteousness.       

Help us, O Lord. As for now, we endure those who do not rule or govern with fairness, whose hearts are not good, and who do not seek Your wisdom or cry out for understanding. 

Help us, O Lord, as we endure seasons and days where those who are in authority are not generous towards the weak and show favor to one group while overlooking others. 

We pray for strength and spiritual fortitude; keep us from being utterly discouraged as some seem to flourish while others suffer needlessly. Strengthen our feeble hands and weak knees as we cry out for fairness, as we march for justice and against injustice, as we petition for rights and argue against the insolent. 

God of Heaven and earth, even as we await the fulfillment of prophecies, grant that we may be blessed with leaders who gladly obey Your Word, seek Your wisdom and understanding, judge the poor with fairness and compassion, and make good decisions that will help and not hurt the downtrodden. Grant that we may have leaders who strive to be guided by the power of Your love.        

As it has been prayed by many others long ago, we pray: Eternal Light, shine into our hearts; Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil; Eternal Power, be our support; Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance; Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us; that with all our heart and mind and soul and strength we may seek Your face and be brought into Your presence where perfect peace is enjoyed. Amen   

Praying the Promise

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory —2 Corinthians 1:20

Gracious Father, did you say “Yes?” 

And is Your “Yes” for everyone who believes on Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior? 

God, Your “Yes” is going to be like music to somebody’s tired ears. It’s going to be like soothing salve for somebody’s weary eyes, and relief for someone’s aching bones. There are some who are suffering under extremely heavy loads and burdened beyond belief. Many are undergoing situations so painful they feel they are nearing the point of collapse. 

Your Yes is going to make all the difference in the world to someone who has lost all hope, to someone who has stopped looking for healing, someone who has stopped hoping for relief and believe their only relief will come in heaven when this life is over. 

Your Yes, heavenly Father, is going to renew someone’s faith, dry up their tears and strengthen their heart of faith; Your Yes is going to change somebody’s life today and someone is going to believe there just may be a silver lining after all! 

Thank You Lord that Your Yes counter’s the enemy’s No’s! Satan doesn’t have the last word even though he wants us to believe he does. We can rejoice that  Your Yes is for us individually and collectively, and that Your promises—all 8,810 of them—are recorded that we might know without doubt, how gracious, merciful, loving, forgiving, generous, compassionate, faithful, all-knowing, and all-powerful You are. 

Your Yes breaks chains that have bound us and dismantles those afflictions that have weighed us down. By the power of Yes we are transformed, and our spirit is refreshed. We walk in renewed faith that both temporal and spiritual needs will be supplied, and we are rescued and delivered in Jesus’ name. Thank you for the power of Yes God! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen  

Praying the Promise

  I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.—Matthew 3:11

Lord Jesus, this passage set my mind to thinking about baptism: when children are brought to baptism it is an act of obedience by their parents; and this is good to do! And when adults come, they come freely out of their own free will; and this is good to do as well!  When the adult comes they are doing so because of a desire to renounce the ways of the world, as a way of saying they are giving up their fleshly passions, submitting their stubborn will to Your lordship, but now want to be under Your care and covering; want to give their lives to You and belong to the Kingdom of God, they want heaven to be their home for all eternity. 

Thank You for Your provision, Lord. Through Holy Baptism You bring us into Your family and whether we are baptized as children or adults we receive the benefits of belonging to a holy nation, a beautiful family. We receive the benefits of belonging to You: the Holy Spirit is ours, strength is ours, truth is ours, peace is ours, unconditional love and forgiveness is ours, holiness is ours, wisdom is ours, heavenly protection is ours, joy is ours, heaven is ours both now and eternally. 

As I reflect on my own baptism throughout this day I know my heart will be uplifted and my faith will increase a notch or two and I will remember all that is afforded me now, because of it. Help me walk daily in my baptismal graces. Help me remember who I am and to whom I belong because of my Baptism. Help me recall what a mighty act was done through water and Word: I was lost but then I was found, I was bound to sin, but then I was set free, I was defenseless, but then I was given all the help against Satan and all the forces, all I will ever need. I was doomed eternally but then I was given eternal life.

Today, the memory of my baptism makes me also remember this one great truth: Your way, O God is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples (Ps. 77:13, 14). You have made your way known through the waters of baptism to claim a people as Your own!  

I pray for those who are coming to baptism, both child and adult: that they will grow in their baptism graces and be taught the fullness of their baptism so they too can rejoice and be glad in You and in Your great power and provision through something as simple as water and the Word of God. Amen   

Praying the Promise

 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled , upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good—Titus 2:12-14 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, it’s not a waste of time to focus on our Savior’s return. It’s biblical, soul-centering, spiritually strengthening, and the very thing pastor Titus was writing about. 

We need not wait until we are in church on Sunday or participating in a Bible study to focus on this subject, but daily we can consider what will happen and how it will be when Christ returns. 

Some of us are more practical-minded, than mystical, and not everyone is given to thinking about what will happen when Christ returns to earth. Yet, just as Titus and other writers say, it’s profitable for the soul to think about our eternity.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the grace that brings salvation to all people. I ask for Your strength to deny godlessness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age. I am neither too young nor too old to focus on Jesus’ return or to wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who redeems us from all lawlessness and purifies us for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works. Grant me the strength to live out my life in a manner that‘s pleasing to You and makes me ready for Christ’s return, whether it be very soon or in the distant future. Amen    

Praying the Promise

  But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength—Isaiah 40:31

It’s that little voice that whispers in our ear when we are going through trials and storms, telling us what we can’t do or can’t take or can’t stand up under. It’s persistent. We might be surprised that it sounds a lot like us. 

Thank God, You’ve promised never to give us more than we can bear! And You keep that promise! Your promises are good, whether they are regarding the things that come upon us naturally, or the things we go through because the enemy has targeted us. 

God how often we’ve read in our Bible about those who suffered a great deal because Satan set out to cause suffering, especially hoping to make the faith-filled fall away. Thank God You set limits on what Satan could do in their life. 

At the occasion of suffering and trials we may feel in our heart and think You have abandoned us or are not seeing how much we’re going through—but nothing happens in this world or in our life without Your eyes being on us. You never sleep nor slumber. Thank You God for setting limits on how much the enemy can do to harm us and how far he can go with us to cause misery and pain. 

Thank You for always keeping a pulse om how we’re holding up under our suffering. As you have said many times in Your Word, “It’s not your desire to lose even one of us” You’re going to make sure we have strength to endure with our faith and arrive at home in heaven where we are free of all suffering and pain forever and ever.

Life can be tough, God. Everyone faces hard times at some point. Whether it’s a personal struggle, family issues, or something else, we all need strength and comfort. As St. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength” (Php. 4:13). By seeking Your presence, we are never alone in our battles or suffering; You are always ready to offer help and give us needful guidance. Amen

Praying the Promise, September 15, 2025

He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you–Deuteronomy 7:13 (NIV)

Gracious God, You promise to love us and bless us. You fill our life with joyful moments even in the midst of so many sorrows, so much chaos and confusion, so much corruption and violence in this world. 

At first glance, this promise only seems to apply to farmers and those who work the land or have cattle, but as we read and meditate upon it, we recognize it goes much deeper than that, Lord. It is a blessing for all people and all generations of those who belong to You.

We can see, loving God that Your promise touches every aspect of our earthly life. You not only bless us but bless us richly. It’s like that blessing found in Luke 6:38, where You promise Your blessing upon our lives will be like a “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, poured into our lap.” Your blessing is dense, and no matter how far down we dig, or how far out we reach we cannot come to the end of it. All we can see is that it spills over into everything we can ask, think or imagine.

Thank You for loving us so completely and for promising to bless us so thoroughly. No generation or people can say we have not been recipients of Your generosity or the richness of Your covering.

Help us, Father God, to stop and sense You at work in our lives and in this world. To pause amid the busyness and chaos swirling all around us and see what You are doing. Even in our emptiness, in the blight, in the darkness, even in the midst of riots and wars and hatred and widening divisions, help us to see and sense how You are moving through all the earth. 

We pray, multiply Your good purposes among us, increase Your presence of love through those willing to love, and prosper the good works we continue to do in Jesus’ name. Let us be the new wine this world needs just as You were the New Wine that was needed in Your time and the times before and after. In Your Name we pray, Amen    

Praying the Promise

  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End—Revelation 22:13

Jesus, people who have alpha personalities can be great to have around. They are often characterized by traits such as being outgoing, ambitious, straightforward and highly intelligent. They usually take charge in social situations, influence their peers and are often found in high-profile leadership roles. They are known for their assertiveness and ability to navigate social hierarchies effectively. They can be an asset to have in our family, business and ministry. 

As long as alpha personalities stay Christ-centered and humble they are a blessing and can help lead and inspire others. But when their alpha personality is influenced by evil problems can arise. The alpha personality that is sin-controlled instead of Holy Spirit controlled can be over-bearing, create chaos and cause division. A sin-controlled alpha personality can be those we classify as narcissistic and controlling, believing they are the one’s that life revolves around and the only ones who have worth and a vision or idea worth pursuing.

Jesus, You told John the Apostle You are the Alpha, capital “A” and Omega, capital “O”. You are truly The One in charge, the One whom everything revolves around and starts and stops with. In the Christian Church You are the only Alpha personality that is in charge; all instruction flows through Your Holy Spirit. As You instruct us in Your Word, every other personality is to be humbled under You just as You humbled Yourself under God the Father while You were on earth in the flesh, even though You were God also (Php. 2:5-11).  

We pray, Jesus, help us identify the alpha personalities in our midst that can be helpful and help us identify the alpha personalities that operate under their own pride and can cause problems; those that are not Holy Spirit led but led and influenced by the devil who comes to divide and keep the true work from happening. When we encounter an alpha personality that is ruled by sin we will remember just as You said in Your Word, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity nor fear but of boldness and self-control (2 Tim.1:7).   

Today, I come before You acknowledging Your divine nature and the profound truth found in Your Word. I thank You for being the Alpha and the Omega, the Author of life and the final Judge of all things. Jesus, I trust in Your perfect timing and the unique plan You have for my life. May my life be filled with You and lived for Your glory, may I always be humble no matter what kind of personality I have, and may Your praise be on my lips forever. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen  

Praying the Promise

 And God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—Genesis 1:16

Heavenly Father, so much of life seems to go by at the speed of light. When You created the universe, You put laws and ordinances in place; they are fixed, and the speed of light has been consistent since the creation.     

The speed of light and the speed of life have always been a factor beyond our comprehension. You have predetermined seasons and control how fast or slow they go. Some things are fast and other things that seem to crawl by. Especially when I am waiting and praying for a breakthrough or deliverance in some area. Especially when I need something to change or worked through that only You can control. These times of waiting are hard for me to be patient through; the days seem to crawl by and the more I wait the more anxious I become.  

So much of life seems to be measured by how fast we can get to our destination or how fast we can make something go. It doesn’t help that we live in a time and era where so much can be accomplished in “real-time”. Then we expect everything will be done quickly also. 

Thank You for using “waiting” times to teach us important lessons Father.  Some things You purposely make us wait something out. Waiting is where we not only learn to cultivate patience and have a godly attitude, but it’s where we learn how perfect Your timing is. The times we learn how thorough You are about the plans You have for our life. As much as speed plays a major role in our journey, waiting patiently can help us experience a fulfilling life and we get to look back on those times as a blessing in disguise.   

God you are all-knowing and all-seeing. Help us remember that while we are waiting You are actively working behind the scenes, often at a speed we may not easily see. Help us to grow in our trusting You, trusting Your timing, trusting Your vision; all these things are important and for our good. Thanks for controlling the speed at which everything goes, including the return of Jesus and how quickly things will turn in my own life. In Jesus’ name I pray Amen  

Praying the Promise

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit—Psalm 34:18

Dear God, for those who have lost loved ones to brutal acts and violence It doesn’t matter how many years or decades have passed. The anniversary of their death is the same as when it first occurred.

Today, we remember especially those who lost good friends and loved ones on September 11, 2001. While it’s been twenty-four years since that horrific event, where so many lives were not only taken, but forever altered. Adult and young children lost fathers and mothers, wives lost husbands, husbands lost wives. We’ll never know how many aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, co-workers were taken from us so suddenly and violently.

We pray healing and peace for broken hearts, God. We pray for those who pause to remember their loved ones today and are awash with grief and sadness still and all over again. As they remember their tragic end, how abruptly and cruelly their loved ones were snatched from them, may they also remember the sweet memories they have tucked away in their heart for occasions such as this. May they remember those things about their loved ones that bring a smile to their face and warm their heart. And, as hard as it has been on everyone, may they pause to thank You for helping rebuild shattered lives, and preserve the memories that pull them through tough times. 

We pray for our world, and we pray for an end to wars, corruption, and acts of violence that unleash so much pain into the lives of others. We ask You to box the enemy in and set limits he cannot go past. Watch over us, Lord. Let Your healing hand be upon us. Mend our brokenness and soothe the jagged edges of disrupted lives and journeys. 

As the sun sets on this day and mourners are drained and spent, we pray they sense Your comfort and may they be strengthened to continue living their life and showing up for this journey each day. In Jesus’ s Name we pray, Amen        

Praying the Promise

  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. God’s special possession, that you may decare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light—I Peter 2:9  

Dear God, because You made me by Your own hand; knit me together in the womb, I am so many things. 

I am a special creation of Yours; I am Your masterpiece (Eph. 2:10).

I am capable and smart (Prov. 2:6). 

I am valuable and have worth (Luke 15:4-5).

I am strong (Isa. 40:29).

I am meant to shine (5:14-16).

Because You made me God, there are so many good and notable things that I am. I shouldn’t be so quick to count myself out or discount who I am. 

God, help me to see what You see in me. Help me to know who and what I am. Help me to believe what You have made me. I am a sinner, but I am also redeemed, and You have restored me through Your Son Jesus who is my beloved and adored Savior.

In the past I have allowed my old nature and sinful state of being place limits on me and to stop me from being all that You have redeemed and restored me to be. I have often been persuaded by his sly counsel and clever strategies to determine what I can do and how far I can go. That has been the reason I have pulled up short or abandoned a path that would lead to success and fruitfulness. That mindset has made me miss out on so many blessings You had already stored up for me. 

Heavenly Father, just as You have promised (Isa. 54:10), I pray for the truth of who and what I am to sink so deep within me it cannot be shaken or removed by anything or anyone. There is so much You have in mind for me to accomplish that glorifies You and shows others how amazing and wonderful, compassionate, and helpful You are as we live out our lives on earth. I won’t cut myself out of the blessings You have in store for me, and I won’t limit the work of the Holy Spirit through me. 

Loving God, I have been raised up and redeemed for destiny and purpose (Ex. 9:16) and I’ll live each day with that as the truth that I’m your special creation and that will guide, fill, comfort, strengthen, and encourage me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen     

Praying the Promise

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you—James 4:8 (NKJV) 

Lord God, we thank You that it is Your will to strengthen us through Your presence, through Jesus Christ, the leader of Your cause, who is and remains victor among all on earth. Our souls need strength, and our hearts need confidence so that in our time we can draw near to You without hindrance. 

I come before You today with a humble heart, seeking to draw closer to You. I know that as I draw near to You, You will draw near to me. Please help me to cleanse my hands from any sin that may be hindering my relationship with You. I pray that You would purify my heart and remove any double-mindedness that may be present. I desire to be fully devoted to You and to live a life that is pleasing to you. Thank You for Your love and grace towards me. 

God, when I take the time to draw near to You sometimes, I am refreshed. Sometimes I am comforted. Sometimes I am overcome with happiness and joy. Sometimes I have a divine presence of patience and clarity and always I am strengthened and experience your peace that passes all human-understanding. 

Thank you, God for purifying my heart and removing any double-mindednesses that I may be struggling with. Thank You for Your love and grace towards me. There is nothing more important in my day or week than drawing near to You. I know when I make drawing near to You my highest priority; even over my coveted things-to-do list, I am transformed down to my soul, and I am blessed to have a deeper fellowship with You. 

Strip away every and anything that would hinder my experiencing a deeper intimacy with you. I am Yours, Lord, completely Yours and I treasure the time I am able to spend in Your presence. Amen      

Praying the Promise

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do—Ephesians 2:10

God of heaven and earth, You created the world, the universe, and all that exists to this day out of nothing. From a big ball of moving and shifting chaos, You created order. From darkness You created light. Just by speaking You called animals, sea creatures, birds of the air into being. Every tree and flower and blade of grass was brought into being just by Your word or hand.

The Bible speaks of creativity as a divine gift, God, and as co-creators with You, we are called to use our skills and talents to contribute to the world. The power to create something out of nothing belongs to You alone. We have been made in Your image but creating out of nothing is a holy attribute we don’t possess; however, we do have the power to co-create and make something from that which already exists. If You start it, Lord, we can join You in anything You anoint us to do. Our efforts in co-creation can create lasting impacts in our communities homes, and environments that bring You glory. 

Thank You God, for the visions You plant in our head and knit into our heart. Thank You for calling me into the ministry of co-creating. Thank You for supplying me with everything I need to be fruitful and multiply. 

I can use my hands to plant a seed into the earth and from it comes an abundance. I can use my brain to develop a thought and turn it into something spectacular. I have been given the ability to see what doesn’t yet exist and work at it as though it did. I can use my vibrant, beating heart, to plant seeds of love which will result in growth and increase.

I am a child of promise—Your promise—and You fill me with hope. I am capable and my capacity to see, sense and co-create increases each time I trust You. I am willing to respond to the Spirit’s stirrings and therefore I am blessed and rich. Amen

  Praying the Promise: 

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me—John 10:27 (NIV)

Jesus, we’ve learned that great leaders know where they’re going and can persuade others to come along with them. Skilled leaders are clear about where they are headed and can influence others to go with them. No one is going to follow a leader who has no clear vision or destination in mind. A great leader will also be a good communicator and have the ability to make their destination someplace others want to be. Thank You, Jesus for being such a great Leader! You always had a positive effect on people and those who got to know You, wanted to go where You were going!  

In the gospels Peter said, “Just tell us where You’re going and we’ll go there with You!” (John 13:36). Your spirit and enthusiasm are infectious, Jesus. To this day You have the ability to persuade people to come and be with You and You don’t even have to do anything special to have that effect on people. 

Is it Your heart of love that makes people respond to You? Is it Your kindness that makes people want to be with You? Is it Your understanding, non-judgmental ways that makes people want to cling to You? Is it Your smile, Your warm spirit, Your gentle ways, Your confidence of faith and assurance in the Father that makes people want to grab hold of Your robe and follow You? Is it Your patience, healing touch, or the way You pour into our emptiness, filling us up like no other can?

There are so many bad and downright evil leaders we can follow in this world, Jesus. The choices are laid out for us every day. Thank You Jesus for being the kind of leader You are. Thank You for being a leader we can depend upon to lead us only into good places, to do good things. Thank You for making Your destination clear and being such a wonderful communicator! Where You lead me, I will follow!   

  Praying the Promise: 

      And a vision appeared to Paul in the night, a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’. And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them—Acts 16:9-10

God, not all burdens are bad. Not all burdens are meant to be removed or released from us. Sometimes we have a divine burden, like the one You gave Paul to preach the Gospel to the Gentile nations and people. The burdens we receive can also reveal our purpose. Sometimes You give us a burden for the things we are to create, change, or have an impact. Sometimes You give us a burden that burns in our heart and will not let us go, like the fire Jeremiah felt in his bones for preaching (Jer. 20:9). 

Gracious God, You gave Jesus a burden for lost souls and He was burdened to pursue the Cross in Jerusalem and He was not going to rest until He climbed that hill of Calvary where the cross was. 

It is Your good pleasure to give us a burden for prayer, for the lost, the hungry, the naked, the imprisoned, the downtrodden, the sick, the lonely, and the homeless. It is Your pleasure and delight to give us a burden for little children and the elderly, for women who are being abused and the plight of the marginalized. 

And it is to our benefit that divinely sent burdens are not meant to be escaped or delivered from but are purposely assigned so we can become passionate about affecting change for someone’s circumstances and we will not have inner peace or peace of mind until we put our hand to the plow and don’t look back. 

Though our heart and spirit are burdened and cannot rest under the burdens You assign, we are never happier or more at peace than when we doing what You have given u to do. Thank You, God, for the burden You have placed upon my heart. It burns in my spirit and tugs at my heart and only eases when I begin to activate it. Thank You for the burdens that will not let me go, but instead, turn into works of service with no other motive than to ease the pain and suffering of another. I don’t need to run from it, only respond to it with action. 

When You give us a divine burden, Lord, sometimes we’ll lose sleep, sometimes we will be in constant prayer, sometimes we may shed tears of empathy for the hurting. Thank You for providing the resources we need to help those You give us a burden for. 

I pray; don’t let the burden You’ve placed on my heart grow cold but may I always seek Your face and listen for Your voice so I can receive the guidance and power I need. I don’t need to have this divine burden lifted, I just need to know how to go about accomplishing the task You have given me to do. In Your Name I pray. Amen              

  Praying the Promise: 

      Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes has eternal life—John 6:47 (NIV)

Jesus, You’re a Man of Your Word! You are the living Word! What You say carries weight. Whatever you declare will come to be. In fact, before you speak it, it is already in the works.  

Jesus, from beginning to end, Genesis to Revelation the Bible contains numerous verses that use the phrase “truly, truly, or surely, surely” to emphasize the truth and certainty of God’s promises and declarations. 

Whenever I come across the words “surely, surely” or, “truly, truly” in the Scriptures I know what You have stated is a sound promise or declaration. It is not like shifting shadows or sand. Your Word is like concrete and harder than that. Like flint and harder than that. It is based upon eternity and even greater than that!  

Thank You, Lord, for being a Man of Your Word; for being the Living Word that we can rely upon. It’s greater than money in the bank!  Thank all the riches I the world multiplied.

With my heart of faith, I trust Your promises without hesitation or second thought, but with my flesh, I doubt I struggle, I want proof, I don’t trust You completely, I want You to back up what You say and declare. But You are a Man of Your Word! You are not given to lying like humans and You do not take the promises You make to humans or speak into the universe, lightly.

The promises of the Bible bless me, Lord. Your Word blesses me, Lord! It fills me with new hope and encourages my heart! 

Like the leaves that fall from the trees during the Fall months, may all my doubts, apprehensions, and fears fall away from me. Let them evaporate with the steady fall rains or blow away with the fall breezes.  Refresh and renew me, O Jesus. Grant me a fresh faith in Your Word, firm it up so I do not doubt or disbelieve. Whatever You have promised in Your Word may I believe it, always remembering You are a Man of Your Word; you are the Living Word! Amen                  

  Praying the Promise: 

He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”—Revelation 21:5

Dear God, September is a month of transition and a month for reflection. Just as the leaves are changing colors and nature takes on a new vibrancy, distinct from every other season, our prayers can do the same. 

During September we may be looking forward to new beginnings but also spiritual renewal. September is a perfect month for spiritual renewal and reaffirming our personal commitment to serve you and those around us. 

As I pray during September help me focus on those places in my life that need renewal. May I always remember that You are always guiding and strengthening me. As I have changes in my life, help me to navigate those changes as part of life and not see change as an enemy. Even the Scriptures teach us everything must change; nothing stays the same: the young become the old, people change, mysteries unfold, even the skies above us change. Help us except change as a natural, needful part of life.  

I will use September as a natural time to remind myself that You love me, that you are with me through every change and every season: both good and bad, the bitter and the sweet, and that You have promised to hear me when I pray. Even when my answers or solutions have not arrived, may I always be mindful and trusting, that my prayers are not falling on deaf ears; You are always listening. 

Jesus, I want to live with power and faith. May my faith be renewed and strengthened during September, and may I have a fresh outpouring of power from heaven to execute those things I’ve been afraid to address or felt too weak to do.  I sense this is going to be a great month for praying and being productive in my life. Amen         

  Praying the Promise: 

  Those who work their land have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense—Proverbs 12:11 (NIV) 

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humble reverence, acknowledging Your sovereignty and wisdom over all aspects of our lives. We pray for the spirit of diligence to fill our hearts and minds, teaching us the importance of work and responsibility. Help us to remember that work is not merely a means of survival but an opportunity to glorify You through our efforts. May we strive to do our best so every task we undertake, whether it is our jobs, serving others, or simply managing our households honor and glorify You and may we resist chasing fantasies which have no firm foundation or sense. 

May we continually seek Your guidance and wisdom in all that we do. Help us to understand the meaning and importance of honest work in Your eyes. Because no job is too little, or too insignificant to perform, may we always approach the work we do-wherever it is—with integrity. And may we always work as if performing our job for You.

On this Labor Day when many use the day for relaxing, gathering together, or getting work done around their own home, may we remember those who have fought to make sure there are fair labor laws, workers’ rights, fair wages, paid vacations and sick time. May we support their efforts and continue to fight for the rights of those who labor, so the work they have done will not be in vain.

 Thank You for work, Lord. Through our labor we can provide for our life’s needs, serve others, and glorify You. Keep me from chasing fantasies which will always deplete my resources and drain my pockets and help me to always be clear about the work I am meant to perform, perform it with integrity, and experience provision and prosperity. Amen         

Fall can be a great month for praying. The changing of seasons from summer to fall can be like a breath of fresh air for our prayer life. The cooler temps can be great for adding "Prayer walks" into our daily routine and prayer practices. Those who are naturally inspired by nature may love incorporating the various colored leaves or fall flower such as hardy Mums into their prayer environment. September is a great time to do more praying for children as they return to school and their studies. We might decide to add teachers of all ages and grades to our prayer list. Praying through the month of September can be spiritually invigorating. It's a great time to gather others who love to pray!