Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2020 i 60 Days of Prayer

“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” JOHN 12:15 (NIV) TODAY IS PALM SUNDAY, the beginning of Holy Week, a time to deeply consider and contemplate Jesus’ final days. As Jesus road into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey, His followers shouted, “Hosana! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” On the anniversary of this momentous day, welcome Jesus into your heart. Lord Jesus, You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords! REFLECTIONS…

And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. LUKE 22:44 (NIV) TODAY IS MAUNDY Thursday, the day when Jesus desperately prayed alone in the Garden of Gethsemane. The first time he prayed, His emotions were so intense, His pain so deep, that He literally sweat blood. His second time praying He reached the point of praying that God’s will be done. Dear Jesus, thank You for enduring unimaginable agony, pain and suffering for my sake and for the sake of others like me. REFLECTIONS…

But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. LUKE 24:11 (NIV) IN LUKE’S GOSPEL, when the women discovered that Jesus had risen, they told the apostles, and yet no one believed them. Peter went to investigate and found the tomb empty but for the strips of linen. Easter promises that the worst days can take a miraculous turn in ways you never could have even imagined. Lord, when things don’t make sense, let me turn to You and allow my faith to drive my future. REFLECTIONS…

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. HEBREWS 12:1 (NIV) WHEN JESUS TOLD His followers to pray “Forgive us our sins” he was addressing our need for cleansing ourselves from guilt and the negative feelings that happen when we know we’ve done something wrong. If you are holding onto your misdeeds, pray for God’s forgiveness and then forgive yourself. Heavenly Father, when I confess my transgressions You graciously provide me with the peace of forgiveness. REFLECTIONS…

“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” JOSHUA 14:12 (NKJV) IN THE VERSE above, Caleb was confident that with God’s help he would be able to take the mountain territory. Each of us has mountains in life to overcome, but if we ask for God’s help to quell our fears, we can rise to the challenge. Father God, I’m ready to bravely conquer the mountain ahead. REFLECTIONS…

Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? PSALM 10:1 (NIV) THE BOOK OF Psalms shows us that God doesn’t mind when we pray with frustration. He may not answer as we would like, but He wants us to come to Him with honest emotion. Sometimes the act of voicing our fears brings us closer to Him and understanding His will. Dear Lord, I know You say You will never give me more than I can bear, but I want You to know, I’m not always thrilled that You think so much of me that You give me such a heavy load to carry. REFLECTIONS…

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. PROVERBS 1:5 (ESV) IT IS OKAY to not know everything. To not know what you want, or how to make things better. When you say, “I don’t know,” it opens the door to finding out, to thinking and discovering, to praying for an answer. So the next time you feel foolish or confused because you don’t know, step back and wait, be patient. Ask for God’s help. Heavenly Father, I don’t have all the answers but I know that You do. Teach me to live in Your wisdom. REFLECTIONS…

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. PSALM 30:11 (NIV) POET RAINER MARIA RILKE said, “If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for to the creator there is no poverty and no poor indifferent place.” Make today the day when you call forth the riches of everyday life. Instead of being overwhelmed by your to-do list, move something that will bring you pleasure to the top of your list. Heavenly Father, I fall into the rut of believing I am stuck or not living my best life. Help me to recognize that with Your help, I can make the best of every situation. REFLECTIONS…

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” GENESIS 12:1 (NIV) THE LORD WAS with Abram when he called him out of Ur and He is with you when you are starting a new project or looking to make a change in your life. You have an invitation from Christ to move forward and ahead. Heavenly Father, when I cling to sameness—remind me that I am here to live my best life—one that rises to challenges and grows stronger and more meaningful each and every day. REFLECTIONS…

For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. PSALM 91:11 (NLT) TUCK THIS BEAUTIFUL verse into your heart. God is watching over you to keep you in all your ways. His amazing kindness surrounds and guides you. You can go through life with a contented spirit, knowing God watches over you—no matter what comes your way. Thank You Father, that no matter how alone or lost I feel, You know where I am and are able to guide me to follow Your direction. REFLECTIONS…

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. EPHESIANS 4:1 (NIV) FEELINGS OF UNWORTHINESS come in times of doubt, or tragedy, when you question why something is happening and feel distant from God. When you feel alone and unworthy, take a moment and say, “I am worthy of God’s love. I am worthy of His grace.” Lord, in times of trouble, help me to draw closer to You, not further away. When my thoughts make me feel small and unworthy, guide me to prayer, to trust Scripture and to have faith. REFLECTIONS…

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. JOHN 14:26 (KJV) JESUS’ COMFORT CAN soothe any stress. His love can go deeper than any possible trouble on Earth. So when you feel your heart race, take a deep breath and turn to the Bible. Pick one Scripture and breathe His Word into your heart. Dear Lord, when I feel that my life is spinning out of control, steady me with Your reassurance that everything is truly in your control. REFLECTIONS…

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. PSALM 121:5–6 (NKJV) WHAT A BEAUTIFUL verse to keep your eyes focused on God, for He is the keeper of your soul. He will keep you strong. Trust in His providential care. He is your helper. He will keep you from all harm. Mighty God, I trust You in all the details of my life and I am comforted knowing that Your power is greater than any darkness I might face. REFLECTIONS…

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror. JAMES 1:23 (NIV) THE BIBLE IS a mirror for your character. Just as you would check yourself in the mirror before going out, Scripture is a check for your thoughts and actions. When you live a God-centered life, driven by His principles and perfect law, you live a blessed life. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which guides and strengthens me. REFLECTIONS…

Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. MATTHEW 21:19 (NIV) AN INTERPRETATION OF this Scripture and the miracle of Jesus cursing the fig tree is that the fig tree is symbolic of a spiritually-barren nation. Today, reflect on your prayer life. The best prayer you can ask for is to have a living faith. Lord, remove any obstacles, emotions and beliefs that prevent me from growing spiritual fruit in my life. REFLECTIONS…

The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” JOHN 12:34 (NIV) WHAT HAS HAPPENED? How can this be happening? These were the questions on the hearts of the followers of Jesus as they traveled on the road to Golgotha. How had it come to this after proudly following their Lord on Palm Sunday? They had experienced the ultimate joy of witnessing Christ proclaimed as King, and now this. The shame, the pain, the heart-wrenching anguish of it all. Dear Lord, on this solemn day, let us remember the great love and sacrifice of Your beloved Son. REFLECTIONS…

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 JOHN 2:17 (ESV) WHERE DO YOU place your worth? Does your confidence and happiness shift with the amount in your bank account or your latest accomplishment? When you shape your identity by doing God’s will, you’ll discover a new peace—and recognize the value in dedicating yourself to doing God’s work. Lord, when I get confused or distracted by worldly goods turn my focus to what is most important—my relationship with You. REFLECTIONS…

And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 KINGS 6:17 (NIV) WHEN YOU NEED to get the big picture or the truth about a given situation ask God to open your eyes to what is happening—and to guide you to the right decision or in the right direction. Trust that He can transform your confusion into clarity, your fear into opportunity. Lord, when I don’t know what to do, open my eyes so that I may see. REFLECTIONS…

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” ACTS 1:4-5 (NIV) THE BOOK OF Acts begins with Jesus telling His disciples to wait. Sometimes when we are waiting for a gift from the Holy Spirit the waiting is the most important active part. Waiting is sometimes more difficult than doing anything—it takes faith and patience. When you’re in a period of waiting, turn to the Bible and be assured your faith will be rewarded. Heavenly Father, I will wait on You for as long as it takes. REFLECTIONS…

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. JOHN 15:7 (NIV) THE MORE YOU pray the more you realize God’s wisdom is greater than your own and His will more important than yours. When you make prayer a regular part of your day, it becomes easier to release control of the outcomes in your life and yield to His timing and glory. Dear God, thank You for being a loving Father to me, for always being there, empowering me with Your spirit. REFLECTIONS…

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. COLOSSIANS 1:16-17 (ESV) IT’S EASY TO get caught up in your surroundings—by looking at your cell phone or engaging in social media—and to almost forget about the beautiful world all around you. Today, instead of blurring out the background of your life, tune in and notice God’s awesome gifts, like the blooming flowers and chirping birds. Lord, You have given me all I need to live a joyful life. I rejoice in the beauty of Your blessings. REFLECTIONS…

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” ISAIAH 30:21 (NIV) JESUS PROMISES THAT He will provide light and guidance when your life takes unexpected turns. Though you may not always understand why you must go through a difficult challenge, you can trust that His continuing presence will lead you through. Lord God, when I feel lost, take my hand and guide me through the darkness. REFLECTIONS…

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. MATTHEW 13:58 (NIV) WHAT IS BLOCKING you from experiencing God’s blessings? Is it unbelief? Every person has moments of doubt when we can’t see or don’t notice the signs of His handiwork in our lives. God doesn’t love us less during seasons of doubt. He is teaching us to walk by faith. Heavenly Father, when my faith waivers help me to stand firmly and trust You over my questions and doubts. REFLECTIONS…

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14 (NIV) IS SOMETHING THAT happened a long time ago hindering you from living a full life today? Ask God to help you release your emotional attachment to the past, to let go of your pain, worry or regret. Heavenly Father, help me let go of the past so that I can appreciate the present. REFLECTIONS…

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. COLOSSIANS 3:1-2 (NIV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE said, “The person who sends out positive thoughts activates the world around him positively and draws back to himself positive results.” Make a point turning your negative thoughts into positive affirmations. Instead of saying “my life is a mess” say, “with God’s help, I am making positive changes.” Father God, guide me to see the world through a bright lens, to trust You and know that I am divinely protected and all is well. REFLECTIONS…

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. ISAIAH 11:4 (KJV) IN OUR CULTURE, where so much value is placed on monetary wealth and what it can buy, it’s easy to get caught up in judging others and even ourselves by our bank account. But the Lord’s judgement, unlike the world’s, is fair and just. Heavenly Father, You are a wonderful God. Guide me to give encouragement to someone who needs a boost up, to hold off on judging by appearances and to simply love one another as You love us. REFLECTIONS…

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. HEBREWS 6:19 (ESV) JESUS INVITES YOU to come to Him. He will help you rest when you are too tired to sleep. He will help you find peace when you are exhausted from guilt and worry. He is overflowing with love and waiting with open arms. Heavenly Father, quiet that restless part of my mind. Help me to take a moment and center my thoughts on You. Help me to fully trust You with all my heart. REFLECTIONS…

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. JAMES 1:6 (NIV) IN DIFFICULT TIMES, when you ask for God’s help do you doubt that He is listening? When your faith is unsteady and you take on the weight of all of your problems, steer your mind and spirit back to God. Know with certainty that He will carry you through challenging circumstances calmly and safely. Dear Lord, I put all of my faith in You, believing that sometimes Your plans are beyond my understanding and trusting that You have everything under control. REFLECTIONS…

“What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. MATTHEW 26:15-16 (ESV) JUDAS, ONE OF Jesus’ chosen disciples, betrayed him. Today as you consider what Christ went through, look to your own life and look for all the ways—big and small—where you might be betraying Him. Is it turning away from something He’s nudged you to do, or remaining quiet in situations where you feel His push to get involved? Are you being called to forgive someone who has betrayed you? Heavenly Father, be patient with me as I walk with You. Know my heart is in the right place but sometimes it takes my actions time to…

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay....” MATTHEW 28:5-6 (NIV) TODAY IS EASTER! The holiest day of the year. The day that proves anything is possible with God. The foundation of our faith, the promise of the Resurrection can fill our lives with hope. Today is a day to rejoice in your faith. Dear God, You bring light to our darkness, joy to our sorrow and renewed hope to our lives. REFLECTIONS…

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. ISAIAH 43:18-19 (NIV) ARE YOU EXCITED about tomorrow? If you find yourself feeling the blahs of day-to-day living, try something new. Pray for the energy and guidance to move forward—to learn a new hobby, volunteer where you’re needed, adopt a pet that needs a home. The time to do something new is now. Lord God, I have no idea what you have in store for me, but I am excited. The future awaits! REFLECTIONS…

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” MARK 12:30-31 (NIV) JESUS’ INSTRUCTIONS ARE simple: Love God and love others. When you live by this Scripture, loving God with everything you have, and caring about those around you, everything else falls into place. Lord, in this complicated world remind me to keep it simple. REFLECTIONS…

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. REVELATION 3:20 (ESV) PRAYER IS A personal conversation with God. Your words, your feelings, your conversations with Him are based on the unique and blessed relationship that continues to grow the more that you pray. Gracious God, I know that you long to hear even the smallest issue that weighs on my heart—and I acknowledge that You know what is best for me. REFLECTIONS…

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. PSALM 147:3 (NIV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE advised that when you need healing, do not think about the illness or condition. Instead, focus on God and His power to heal. Affirm over and over words of life, health, and strength. Steadfast prayer and faith in God are sure to bring results. Compassionate God, You know exactly what I need when I call on You for help. Heal our hurts and make us whole. REFLECTIONS…

On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. PSALM 138:3 (ESV) CATHERINE MARSHALL SAID, “When you relinquish everything to God, you stop commanding and demanding God to do things for you. As long as you keep telling God what to do, He will honor your free will and will not violate it even to answer your prayer.” Lord, I truly and completely surrender my problem to You. I need faith right now to see blessings instead of fears. Thank You for Your promises and provision! REFLECTIONS…

Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. ECCLESIASTES 7:20 (ESV) DON’T BE SO hard on yourself. When you reflect on your goals and where you are in your life, focus on signs of progress. Every step nearer to your goal is a success—something you should celebrate and feel good about. Lord, help me to see myself with eyes of compassion and understanding. Guide me to appreciate the progress I am making to becoming my best self. REFLECTIONS…

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. PSALM 16:11 (NIV) EVERYONE LOVES A happy ending, and when we build our faith here on Earth, as Matthew 25:21 promises, we will share in the Master’s happiness; the best happily ever after that you can imagine. Dear Lord, thank You for the moments of intense joy that I feel when I align my heart with Yours and for the happily ever after that is possible because of You. REFLECTIONS…

Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. MARK 2:4 (NIV) IN THIS SCRIPTURE, a group of men were so determined for their paralyzed friend to see Jesus that they broke through the roof and lowered him down. Is there a desperate situation in your life that needs a breakthrough? With determination and faith anything is possible; believe and be willing to break through the roof if you have to. Lord Jesus, I come to You in need. Please take my troubles and help me. REFLECTIONS…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6–7 (NIV) ON NIGHTS WHEN the worries of tomorrow or rehashing a hard day keep you awake, turn to this Scripture. Hand your troubles over to the One who can do something about them. Tell Him what is on your mind and ask Him to guard your heart and help you find rest. Feel His perfect peace cover you. Heavenly Father, I don’t know why I have such a hard time guarding my heart and mind and letting you be in charge. I trust You—and thankfully hand my worries…

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 PETER 1:3 (NKJV) JESUS OFFERS YOU lively hope. Hope that never waivers, disappoints or fails. When your human hope falls short, the promise of His hope abides. Because of the resurrection, His hope is alive and vibrant with power. Dear Lord, I have living hope in You and because of this I can overcome any problem knowing that Your glorious best lies in the days ahead. REFLECTIONS…