Innholdsfortegnelse for August/September 2019 i 60 Days of Prayer

I was angry, good and angry, because of Israel’s sins. I struck him hard and turned away in anger, while he kept at his stubborn, willful ways. When I looked again and saw what he was doing, I decided to heal him, lead him, and comfort him. Isaiah 57:17–18 (MSG) THE OLD TESTAMENT has many instances of God’s followers experiencing hardship and learning life lessons the hard way. However, today’s verse shows that God is merciful. His teaching is clear and simple: sin leads to pain and obedience leads to blessing. When you take this lesson to heart, you spare yourself difficulties and experience His grace. Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me on the path that leads me closer to You. REFLECTIONS…

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 (NIV) JESUS WANTS YOU to live by His Word, knowing that You are part of a wondrous structure—a solid, living, precious and permanent part of His architectural plan. You are a living rock in His spiritual house. Heavenly Father, I am a living rock and You are the Cornerstone, the Way, the Truth and the Life. REFLECTIONS…

God, my shepherd! You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Psalm 23:1–3 (MSG) GOD IS ESSENTIAL to healthy living. When you make time to be with Him, you become stronger, and are able to handle life’s challenges. God protects you from danger and moves mountains in your life. When you need guidance, pray the above verse and trust His answer. Thank You Lord, for guiding me and keeping me, safe, well-cared for and protected. REFLECTIONS…

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” Matthew 25:21 (NIV) HAVE YOU EVER asked yourself, how can I best serve the Lord so I can one day hear Jesus say, Well done? Today, take a moment, set your mind on God and ask Him to help you have the heart of a servant in all you do. Resolve to use your life as a training ground for His kingdom. Dear Lord, I pray that I am faithful on my journey, open to hear Your instructions and willing to serve You. REFLECTIONS…

Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Luke 12:27 (NIV) GOD CONSTANTLY SENDS messages of His love and reassurance that He will take care of you. His gifts to you are sprinkled throughout the day—in the sky, birds chirping, wildflowers blooming in the field—His beauty and love is all around us. His messages of love are always there. Heavenly Father, today I will seek, see and be grateful for the many ways You show Your love that surrounds me. REFLECTIONS…

But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:15–16 (ESV) IT’S IMPORTANT TO follow Jesus’ example and retreat to a quiet place and pray. Take in the stillness and rest in God. Remind yourself that you don’t have to do anything alone. Jesus is the Savior and He will help you. Heavenly Father, when I focus my attention on You, the rest falls into place. REFLECTIONS…

There are six things the Lord hates... and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16, 19 (NIV) SOME SITUATIONS AND people seem to pull us into negativity—whether it’s bad influences, gossip or judging others. If you feel yourself entertaining negative behavior, focus on your faith and change your perspective. Rather than be pulled into the darkness of conflict, be a gentle guide to show another the Light. Heavenly Father, guide me to see the positive in others, to build strong and loving relationships. REFLECTIONS…

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV) SOME THINGS IN life are beyond understanding. If you find yourself asking God, “Why did this happen?” Instead of straining to see meaning or look for answers, recognize that wisdom and growth take time. Have faith and trust God’s plan. Heavenly Father, help me to let go of needing to understand everything. Help me to stop asking why and just accept what is. REFLECTIONS…

Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV) LIFE’S CHALLENGES CAN sometimes turn you upside down and make you feel ripped apart. When you are feeling shaken and sifted like Peter in today’s verse, Jesus intercedes. When you are at your lowest, He is by your side. Lord Jesus, because of You, I can overcome life’s hardships. Because of You, my faith will not fail. REFLECTIONS…

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) TODAY IS THE eighteenth anniversary of the terror attacks. Although the initial shock of the tragedy has subsided, we remember the depth of grief and horror as if it were yesterday. We also remember the power of prayer that united a nation and the power of hope in God that helped us carry on. Out of devastation, we rose up with renewed courage, strength and faith. Heavenly father, comfort the hearts that are still hurting from losing loved ones on 9/11. Let them know that You are with them. REFLECTIONS…

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36 (NIV) OFTEN IN LIFE we make decisions based on choosing what we want or choosing what is right. When you are at a crossroads between devotion and desire don’t be led astray by temptation. Look to your heart on what you truly want—to be a faithful, good person. Heavenly Father, I trust You to lead me to the right choice. REFLECTIONS…

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 (NIV) WHEN YOU ARE overcome with emotion or faced with a crisis, you may find it hard to pray. In moments like those, turn to the Holy Spirit. Share your difficulties and ask for Him to help you pray what is on your mind and heart. Dear God, Give me the thoughts and words to pray right now, in accordance with Your will. REFLECTIONS…

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? Psalm 130:3 (ESV) IN TODAY’S VERSE, as David waits for God to answer his prayer, he searches his heart and confesses anything that might be getting in the way of his relationship with God. If you are waiting to hear God’s answer to your prayer, surrender your will. Ask Him to align your desires with His plans and purpose. Heavenly Father, I trust You just as David did, knowing that You will guide my steps. REFLECTIONS…

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12 (NIV) IN TODAY’S VERSE, when the angel of the Lord finds Gideon afraid, he tells him, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” When you are afraid, and like Gideon, you don’t feel especially brave, boost your confidence by repeating, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Heavenly Father when I am worried, fill me with courage, help me to believe I am a “mighty warrior.” REFLECTIONS…

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12 (NIV) LIFE IS A series of lessons to learn and goals to reach. Sometimes our trials may seem unclear, and the lessons unresolved. In times of uncertainty, press forward and trust that your life is a beautiful, amazing work in progress. Heavenly Father, help me learn to love the uncertainties and trials, the works in progress, that You are completing in my life. REFLECTIONS…

Then He told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, He gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. Matthew 14:19 (NLT) WHEN YOU FEEL lacking in energy, resources, or are unable to figure out how to make ends meet, turn to this verse and plan for the best outcome. Remember if you do your best, you don’t have to try to figure everything out because Jesus already has the answer. Dear Lord, because of You, I believe in miracles. I know that when I give what I can, You are right there with me miraculously offering Your blessings. REFLECTIONS…

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV) YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD not interfere with your ability to “abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The God of Hope is with you and wants you to fill your heart with His peace and joy. Believing and having hope is not always easy, but it is necessary to have a confident and steadfast faith. God of Hope, I know You are working on my behalf and I am hopeful trusting You in the midst of life’s questions and challenges. REFLECTIONS…

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15: 2 (NIV) IN TODAY’S BIBLE verse, Jesus speaks of how God prunes us by cutting away things that are blocking Him from producing fruit in your life. Ask Him for the insight to see what needs to be plucked from your life—habits, bad thoughts, actions—so that You can follow His plan for your life. Heavenly Father, help me prune my life so that I can grow closer to You. REFLECTIONS…

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! … When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them? Psalm 8:1a, 3-4, (NIV) WHEN YOU GO outside at night and gaze upwards at the heavens—take in the vast beauty of the moon and stars. Recognize the infinite possibilities of God’s work. Apply that fresh perspective to your own situation and what you perceive as your problem. Dear Lord, when I am focused on my problems, and most likely making mountains out of molehills, guide me to go outside, look upwards and have faith in Your omnipotence. REFLECTIONS…

And God saw every thing that He had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31 (KJV) IN THE ABOVE verse, the Great Creator didn’t describe the Universe as perfect. “It was very good.” When you find yourself seeking perfection in yourself or something you’ve created, turn to today’s verse. Your best is good enough. Celebrate very good jobs well done. Dear God, help me to let go of unreal expectations and unattainable goals. Help me to be fulfilled knowing my best is very good. REFLECTIONS…

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:53 (NIV) THINGS OF THIS world, no matter how lovely and desirable will never fill the void in your heart. Only God satisfies the spirit. If you seek a life of goodness, make your faith your first priority. Read God’s Word, spend time in prayer and praise Him for the peace and contentment He provides. I give thanks to You Lord, for You are good and Your steadfast love endures forever! REFLECTIONS…

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) WE LIVE IN a world of instant gratification, so when God’s timing is at work, our instinct is to take our lives in our own hands and wear ourselves out trying to force an outcome. Be patient. When we wait on God’s timing, the ingredients of success and accomplishment will be there. Lord, when I am pacing and pacing trying to speed up Your timing, redirect my impatient energy and help me enter a quiet, peaceful place and wait. REFLECTIONS…

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) YOUR PRAYERS AREN’T always answered with a yes. When God says no and you accept His answer, you allow Him to do His work. It’s not always easy to surrender to God’s will, but it will bring you to a deeper faith when you recognize He knows your needs and directs you, not the other way around. Dear Lord, I know that Your ways are higher than mine. I may not understand why You say no, but trust Your answer. REFLECTIONS…

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) WHEN YOU NEED a boost of bravery, build your confidence by repeating today’s verse. Pray that the Lord will empower you. Visualize His strength flowing into you. Approach life’s challenges with excitement and enthusiasm knowing that God is with you. Dear Lord, let me feel close to You. In this moment help me feel Your strength. REFLECTIONS…

What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Genesis 18:24 (NIV) WHEN GOD REVEALED His plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham asked a series of “what if” questions until God answered. When you aren’t sure what to do, follow Abraham’s example and pose your questions as prayers. Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me pray through my problems. REFLECTIONS…

There is a wide-open door a great work here, although many oppose me. 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NLT) HAS GOD CLOSED a door in your life? Perhaps it’s something you weren’t prepared for and feel out of sorts. Pray and tell God about your disappointment. Ask Him to help you wait patiently and trust that another opportunity is on the horizon. Dear God, help me to see the closed doors in life as Your will, and give me the faith to believe that You have more perfect doors opening ahead. REFLECTIONS…

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1–2 (NIV) JUST AS A cool glass of water refreshes you on a hot summer day, Jesus the Living Water is the One who satisfies your spirit. When you feel drained, or out of sorts, reach out to Him. Ask Him to quench your spiritual thirst with His life-giving Spirit. Heavenly Father, when I am weary or feel empty and afraid, refresh my spirit with Your healing streams. REFLECTIONS…

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Psalm 139:23 (KJV) YOUR HEART AND soul is unsearchable to anyone but God. When reflecting on your life, there’s a natural tendency to be biased, justify your actions or explain your wants. When you seek God’s guidance, pray and ask for His perspective. Allow His responses to guide you. Lord, I am facing a difficult decision and am not sure which direction to take. Please light my path and help me make the right choice. Remove all doubts so that I may trust and follow Your guidance. REFLECTIONS…

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Psalm 22:1-2 (ESV) WHEN GOD SEEMS silent and you feel as if your prayers are going unanswered, change is happening behind the scenes. Even if you don’t feel it, you’re developing a deeper faith and a greater knowing. Wait patiently for His perfect timing. Dear Lord, in quiet times, when I doubt that You are near; hold me close and comfort me, reassure me there is nothing to fear. REFLECTIONS…

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1 (NIV) ONE OF THE greatest prayers is “Thank You!” Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Let your prayer consist of all the wonderful things that have happened to you. Name them, thank God for them and make that your whole prayer. You will soon find that these prayers of thanksgiving grow longer and longer, and you will have more and more things for which to thank God.” Dear Lord, give me the vision to see Your blessings instead of my fears. May I feel Your presence in times of worry and remember Your strong desire to protect and guide me is more powerful than anything on earth. REFLECTIONS…

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 (NIV) OFTEN OUR BIGGEST worries hinge on what is going to happen. Fear of the future can block us from the blessings of right now. The next time you find yourself preoccupied with what-if worries, remind yourself of today’s verse. Stay hopeful in the present! It’s the best thing you can do for your future. Heavenly Father, thank You for this moment. Thank You for today. REFLECTIONS…

Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. Luke 4:38 (NIV) SOMETIMES WHEN A loved one is ill, it is difficult to find the words to pray, or to know how to ask God for His help. Today’s verse is a reminder that Jesus is with you, and if words escape you a simple “God, help her,” is a perfect prayer. Lord, when I can’t find the words, I know You hear my heart and that the Spirit will intercede for me and carry my requests to You. REFLECTIONS…

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 (NIV) WHEN STRESS OVERPOWERS you, turn to God. If you feel burdened by taking on too much, recognize that it’s not your job to make everything happen. Do what you can and trust that God will do His part. No matter what you task are facing, look up and know that God will bring you joy. Heavenly Father, Thank You for relieving my stress. Because of You I can face all of life’s challenges. REFLECTIONS…

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (NIV) FOR THOSE MISSING a loved one in Heaven, take comfort knowing that someday you will be reunited them. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale once said: “Darkness is powerless before the onslaught of light. And so it is with death. We have allowed ourselves to think of it as a dark door, when actually it is a rainbow bridge spanning the gulf between two worlds.” Our Heavenly Father, thank You for this great truth that life and love are everlasting. REFLECTIONS…

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV) GOD’S PURPOSE FOR you is far greater than you can imagine, far greater than your own happiness or peace of mind. To discover your purpose, turn to His Word. Spend time deepening your faith. Each day, nurture those around you, find joy in everything you do and never forget how important your life’s work truly is. Heavenly Father, on days when I lose sight of my purpose for being here, help me to remember I’m doing this for You. REFLECTIONS…

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) PROGRESS IS IMPOSSIBLE without change, yet many fear taking a leap towards something better. If there is something in your life that needs to get better, pray. Use today’s verse as an affirmation to help you have the self-love and self-discipline to move forward. You are not alone. Blessings lie ahead. Dear God, help me to face the changes I should make in my life; grant me the courage to leap. REFLECTIONS…

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV) ARE YOU FEELING down? Talk to God. Be honest about your feelings. You don’t need to pretend that you’re fine when you are struggling with pain and sorrow. Instead, do as Nehemiah did: Cry. Be sad. Mourn. Grieve. Ask God to help you believe that tomorrow will be better. Heavenly Father, I know You rescue those with crushed spirits. Wrap Your arms around me and heal my broken heart. REFLECTIONS…

Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” Matthew 26:38 (NIV) IN JESUS’ DARK night of the soul, He asked for the support of His friends. He had His own prayers to offer, and according to Luke, He had an angel come to strengthen Him. Yet, He asked the disciples to pray for Him. Praying for another in need is an act of love and friendship. Today, pray for your loved ones. Jesus, remind me of the people You have blessed me with. Guide me, as I pray for them. REFLECTIONS…

When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 (NIV) WHEN YOU FEEL harassed, distressed or helpless, turn your thoughts toward Jesus. Lay your concerns at His feet. Do your best to trust Him with the worries that weigh on your heart. Know that He will never lead you astray. Heavenly Father, when I am upset, calm my fears with Your peace. Help me trust You completely. REFLECTIONS…

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26 (NIV) CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE COMPLETED another 60 days of making a commitment to live faithfully. Acknowledge your achievement of making daily prayer a part of your routine. Know that as you build a strong faith, God is transforming your heart—and your actions. Dear God, I praise You for the tremendous difference You make in my life: Your healing comfort, Your divine guidance, and most of all Your unfailing and everlasting love. REFLECTIONS…