Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2021 i 60 Days of Prayer

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. COLOSSIANS 3:14 (NIV) JESUS ASKS YOU to be deliberate in your actions with others. In spite of hard feelings, He asks that you “put on love” and choose to forgive those who have harmed you. Surrender your heart to Jesus and behave as He would. Deliberately choose love. Lord, when I am feeling upset and want to turn my back against someone, guide my heart to put on love—and react as You would.…

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. PSALM 37:7 (NIV) BEING STILL IS an important part of your spiritual growth. This verse isn’t about waiting for God to do something for you—it’s about making sure your heart is in the right place so that you are ready to experience His grace. Patience and faith work hand in hand to help you develop and be filled by God’s presence. Dear Lord, I am here—waiting and growing, learning and trusting—fully committed to knowing You.…

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. PROVERBS 21:1 (ESV) SOME THINGS IN life are simply beyond our control. As much as we might want something, we can’t always make it happen. We can do our part, but ultimately there are times when we have to adopt a “wait and see” approach. Letting life unfold by releasing the outcome to God is a gift you can give yourself. Lord, when I release my grip on the outcome, I feel myself relax, knowing You are in control. Because of You, I can breathe in the peace of the present moment.…

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. PSALM 91:11–12 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, the devil misquotes Scripture to tempt Jesus, deliberately leaving out “to keep you in all your ways.” It has been said that this exemption is a faith-filled lesson—as followers of God, we must acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct and protect us. Heavenly Father, I know that You are supporting me, even when my fears try to convince me I am alone on my journey.…

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ROMANS 5:3–4 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, Paul shares that trials, suffering and pain help refine your soul. When you are in the midst of a painful experience, recognize that God is with you, helping you overcome your circumstances and filling you with hope so that you may move forward. Lord, I need Your help. Stay with me and help me through this.…

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” LUKE 12:15 (ESV) LIFE ISN’T A competition. The more you recognize that your journey is a beautiful and unique path—and that money or material goods don’t reflect your worth—the more you can experience the flow of God’s blessings in your life right now. Everlasting God, help me to see the gifts You bestow on me each and every day.…

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. JOHN 19:26–27 (NIV) JOHN IS THE only Gospel writer who recorded Jesus’ mother at the cross. One can only imagine the level of her pain and suffering. Jesus turned to John and said, “Take care of her.” Today, on Mother’s Day, may God bless and take care of mothers everywhere. Dear God, I pray in gratitude to all mothers and caring women who have lovingly raised children.…

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ROMANS 11:33 (NIV) BEING OPEN TO and accepting the truth of God’s wisdom isn’t always easy. Sometimes His wisdom isn’t what you expected or hoped for—but it is always exactly what you need. Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You stretch me with Your wisdom and teach me that facing hard truths is a necessary part of my spiritual journey.…

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. GENESIS 2:2 (NKJV) GOD RESTED ON the seventh day. Remind yourself of this Scripture when you are too busy to even think. Rest is a necessary and important part of life. Give yourself permission to take time off, to say no to things you don’t want to do and to take time to relax and restore your spirit. Heavenly Father, I need to reshape the way I think about rest, to see its importance in the cycle of my life. It’s a necessary part of getting things done.…

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ROMANS 8:18 (ESV) SCRIPTURE TELLS US that we are to glory in our sufferings. Because of faith, we can see the blessing in every experience—even in our suffering. Our hardships help us to find perseverance and hope and encourage us to pursue a strong relationship with God. Heavenly Father, help me to see Your grace in the hard times, knowing that Your infinite goodness will guide me through.…

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1–2 (ESV) THE ABOVE VERSE reminds us to pray for others. Keep track of others’ prayer requests on a list, in an app on your phone, or simply in your head. Entrusting the people in your life to God’s care is a divine blessing. Dear Lord, I know there is great power in praying for others. Today I ask You to bless my friends and family.…

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. JOHN 15:4 (NKJV) AT THE LAST Supper, Jesus told His disciples to abide in Him. Abiding in Christ is to allow Him in. Fill your mind with His Word and let His instructions direct your actions. Stay connected to Him. Lord, on this Maundy Thursday, I long to live in Your presence, knowing that my relationship with You is the most important relationship in my life.…

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. ROMANS 6:4 (NLT) FOLLOWING JESUS REQUIRES you to let go of old habits and negative thoughts so that you can experience the grace of new life. Today, make a list of your limiting beliefs and behaviors. Ask God to help you shed everything that is stopping you from living life to the fullest. Lord Jesus, empower me to do Your will.…

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” MARK 14:36 (ESV) DO YOU LIMIT your prayers by holding back on asking God for help or by not praying for something that would really bring you joy? Take a moment and think about why you aren’t bringing these requests to Him. Heavenly Father, I know that You care for me. Today I am going to share my deepest worries and dreams with You and trust that You know what is best for me.…

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. JOHN 2:11 (ESV) ONE OF GOD’S glories is the unique ways that He can reach you. Sometimes His messages will come through signs and coincidences to let you know that you are on the right path. Often, He will shower you with gifts and blessings to show He loves you and is looking after your well-being. Awesome God, because of You every day is a new day of everlasting promise.…

Then Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord. My strength rises up in the Lord! My mouth mocks my enemies because I rejoice in your deliverance. 1 SAMUEL 2:1 (CEB) EVEN WHEN IT seems your prayers go unanswered, God’s grace is still operating in your life. Instead of feeling down or doubting His help, offer up praise of thanksgiving for blessings to come. Trust that God is faithful and always has your best interest at heart. Lord, I know that You hear my prayers and that they are always answered according to Your will.…

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. PHILIPPIANS 2:3–4 (NIV) INSECURITIES CAN LEAD a person to hold on too tightly—to relationships, jobs and possessions. Worrying over a loss robs you of enjoying the moment and can make you selfish and possessive. God intended for us to have a full life, one that is not full of fear and need—but one that is filled with His pure love. Heavenly Father, I come to You with an open heart. Heal my vulnerable places so that I am secure and complete.…

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” JOHN 16:33 (NLT) JESUS TOLD US that problems and difficulties are part of life. The key to handling challenging times is to learn how to respond. Instead of becoming filled with stress, ask for help from the Holy Spirit. You are not alone. Lord, thank You for my faith, which gives me peace during turbulent times.…

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 PETER 1:3 (NIV) JESUS OFFERS US His power, so that we may live our lives to bring Him glory. Lift your eyes to Him when you are striving for a goal that feels too big or struggling with the doubt of stretching outside your comfort zone. His power is at work in your life. Lord, when I lack the confidence to follow Your plan, guide me to believe in myself. Help me find the courage that comes from knowing You are with me.…

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. ISAIAH 42:16 (NIV) TURN TO THIS verse when you feel uncertain about the future. Your faith in God is the key. Trust that He has the unknowns covered. Release your fears to Him. He will light the way out of darkness and make the rough roads smooth. Dear Lord, I know deep in my heart that You hold today and tomorrow in Your hands.…

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless. ECCLESIASTES 11:10 (NIV) DO YOU WORRY even when there is little or no reason to? When anxiety overwhelms you, the normal reaction is to freeze or flee. The next time this happens, imagine yourself safely in God’s loving arms. Keep a list of comforting Bible verses and read them over and over again. Gracious Lord, when the world wearies my soul, You restore my strength and give me the courage to move forward.…

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. ISAIAH 26:3 (NKJV) THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE, THERE are many examples of God bringing peace. From the Israelites at the Red Sea to Elijah after his encounter at Mount Carmel, God calmed fears and brought comfort. When life is chaotic and you are worried about the future, turn to prayer. God’s voice is peace. Prince of Peace, guide me to do the tasks that I can do to help clear the chaos, and help me to leave my worries with You. I know in my heart that You have everything under control.…

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” ACTS 2:17 (NIV) THE BIBLE HAS many instances of God sending messages through dreams. If you aren’t already paying attention and jotting down the spiritual gifts you receive while you sleep—now is the perfect time to start. The more you focus on your dreams, the more likely you will remember them and find meaning. Heavenly Father, thank You for the comfort and peace of a good night’s sleep. I pray for good dreams that guide and encourage me to live my best life.…

Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. LUKE 8:43–44 (NKJV) IS THERE A situation in your life that feels hopeless? This verse is a reminder that when you feel desperate, you can grab hold of Jesus. He can heal. Most importantly, He has the ability to grant you grace even if your situation remains the same. His love can help you. Father God, when life seems hopeless, I only need to reach out to You to feel better.…

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. COLOSSIANS 3:23 (ESV) YOU HAVE THE ability to choose what you want to make of the gift of life. You have the power to decide what goals to achieve, not just today but over your lifetime. It’s your choice to pursue the best opportunities, the best relationships and the best version of yourself. You deserve it. Heavenly Father, I know in my heart that I deserve the best, not only from myself but from others too.…

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) DO YOU BELIEVE God has blessed you abundantly? What do those words mean to you? Your answer is uniquely yours, and no matter where you are in your life, no matter the problems you face, you can always reflect on the abundant blessings you have right now. Lord, sometimes I get bogged down by small problems and completely overlook my many blessings.…

Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.” GENESIS 17:19 (NIV) IN THIS SCRIPTURE, what began as a sarcastic laugh transformed into joy when Sarah’s long-unanswered prayer was finally realized. Is there a desire that you’ve almost given up on? One that, if met, would fill you with disbelief? It’s never too late. Have faith and celebrate the God of miracles. Miraculous God, I trust You know just what I need—exactly when I need it.…

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. PSALM 19:1–2 (NIV) GOD COMMUNICATES THROUGH His creation. Nature showcases His glory during this beautiful season when everything comes to life. Take a moment to appreciate His amazing attention to detail in the wings of a butterfly or the flowering buds. Creator of the Universe, today I will keep an eye out for Your majestic handiwork.…

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. PSALM 139:14 (NIV) WHEN YOU FEEL as if you aren’t good enough, reflect on this verse. You are loved by our Almighty Creator. Release yourself from negative thinking, wishing that you were different, better at this or that—and rest in the beautiful fact that God gave you special gifts and unique experiences to share with the world. Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that I am wonderfully made, created with joy and purpose by You.…

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. EPHESIANS 6:13 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, Paul urges us to put on the full armor of God to be prepared to stand up against evil. When we wear God’s armor, our thoughts are fixed on His truths, and our hearts are filled with His righteousness. Only then can we live faithfully and confidently no matter what the day brings. Almighty God, I am here, holding the promises of Your Word in my heart and ready for the glorious day ahead.…

What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? ISAIAH 10:3 (NIV) IMAGINE YOUR LIFE without prayer. How would you find spiritual grace? What would you do to calm your fears and feed your faith? Prayer is your true lifeline to the Source of everything—wisdom, knowledge, comfort, peace and love. Lord, You are the Giver of Life, and my enduring connection to You is the only way that I can be perfectly content.…

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ACTS 2:2 (NIV) THE BIBLE DESCRIBES the Holy Spirit as the wind. The next time you feel the spring wind ask yourself, am I soaring on the breeze, letting God work through me? Do I spread my wings and fly to new opportunities? Do I allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life? Lord, thank You for this glorious reminder to feel the Holy Spirit—and to fly.…

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” LUKE 10:27 (ESV) BROTHER LAWRENCE, A seventeenth century lay monk, found joy “seeking Him only and nothing else, not even His gifts.” When you make God’s presence your motivation, when you desire to love Him simply for who He is, you will truly experience His blessing. Dear Lord, above all else, I desire to know You and to love You.…