Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2021 i 60 Days of Prayer

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ISAIAH 41:10 (ESV) “FEAR NOT” IS one of the most repeated commands in the Bible. Perhaps it’s because we need a lot of reassurance that God’s perfect love can cast out all fear. When we turn to Him, He will strengthen and uphold us. There is nothing to fear. My Heavenly Father, You are my Protector. I trust You will hold me close during life’s storms and comfort me when I am afraid.…

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 SAMUEL 7:12 (NIV) JESUS IS YOUR Ebenezer, your stone of support. Imagine that each time Jesus helps you, you receive a special stone. Create an altar in your mind’s eye of all these stones and turn to it when your faith wavers. Know that He is your rock. He has helped you before and He will help you again. All-Powerful Lord, You are my Help, my Savior.…

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 (NIV) JESUS WANTS YOU to openly come to Him with your defenses down and your face unveiled. Surrender all parts of yourself to Him. Share everything, even the thoughts or fears that you have kept hidden and walled off. He is waiting to hear from you. Lord, today I come to You with my guard down, sharing everything.…

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 8:3–4 (NIV) NATURE ITSELF IS a testimony of God’s existence. Make time to go outside and look up at the moon and stars. Be mindful of God, the Creator, the expanse of the universe and the stunning beauty of the night sky. Lord, I stand in awe at the beauty of Your creation.…

“Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.” EZEKIEL 37:13–14 (NIV) THE NAME EZEKIEL means “God’s Strength,” and in this passage of The Valley of Dry Bones, Ezekiel’s vision shows that God can perform the miraculous. He can restore life from death. He can renew you with His Spirit and uplift you with His Word. Lord Almighty, when I am weary, breathe new life into me.…

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. JAMES 4:14 (NIV) WHEN YOU TURN the clocks back today, celebrate your extra hour and enjoy this beautiful time of year. Linger a little longer sleeping in, spend an hour in prayer, enjoy the outdoors—whatever your pleasure—live fully and in the moment. Be mindful of your blessings, and thank God for this extra gift of more time. Heavenly Father, help me fully experience the wonder of Your presence today and every day.…

Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it. JEREMIAH 33:9 (NIV) AS YOU GROW closer to God, you begin to understand that He can turn your misery into miracles. Every experience is an opportunity for you to grow. Ask Him to help heal your pain and bring you peace. Heavenly Father, when I am in despair, comfort me.…

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ISAIAH 43:19 (ESV) TRY SOMETHING NEW. Instead of being a creature of habit and eating the same foods, spending time on the same hobbies, branch out. Travel a different route, read a different book genre. Be adventurous, you never know what new favorite thing God will invite into your life. Heavenly Father, there are so many amazing things to experience—help me to branch out and try new things each day.…

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ROMANS 12:1 (NIV) WHEN YOU FOCUS on God’s love and loving others, your entire outlook shifts. Strive to be more mindful of how your energy affects others and be more giving and optimistic. Err on the side of compassion. Everlasting God, help me love with my whole heart—generously and often—today and every day.…

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. JUDE 1:3 (KJV) IN THE ABOVE verse Jude urges us to “earnestly contend for the faith.” Do you protect and affirm your faith? It can be easy to become complacent and blind to weaknesses that you may have. Ask God to show you areas where you need to grow. Heavenly Father, I don’t want to have lukewarm faith. Enflame my heart and prepare me for the future.…

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. PROVERBS 15:18 (ESV) HOW DO YOU respond when you get angry? Do you lash out without thinking or do you push your feelings deep down inside where they fester and grow? Instead of doing either, turn to God. Share your struggles with Him. Pray for guidance on how to release your hurt feelings. Gracious God, help me to be more merciful, to turn to You for comfort and peace and release any resentment harboring in my heart.…

Then he said to the disciples, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.” LUKE 10:16 (NLT) JESUS REMINDS US not to keep score or take rejection personally. When someone turns his back on you, remind yourself that you do not need to worry about what others think. Instead, focus on honoring Jesus and building steadfast faith. Lord my God, I love and honor You. My true success comes from living my life guided by Your instructions.…

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. JOHN 16:22 (NIV) WILLIAM COWPER SAID, “Grief is its own medicine.” When you experience loss, it is important to be gentle and understanding with yourself. It takes time to heal. Turn to God. He knows how you feel and cares deeply for your well-being. He is a healer of hearts. He will comfort you. Heavenly Father, when I feel the sorrow of loss, comfort me, the way that only You can. Heal my grieving heart.…

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ROMANS 12:2 (ESV) ARE YOU STRUGGLING with a bad habit or addiction? Ask God to help you have the strength to make necessary changes in your life. Breaking free of controlling thoughts and actions is hard work. Reach out to others for comfort and support. Pray for fortitude. Lord, help me break free of self-destructive habits.…

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. ISAIAH 55:8 (NIV) PHILIP YANCEY WROTE, “Faith, I’ve concluded, means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.” Unfortunate events can leave you bewildered and trying to make sense of adversity. Turn to this verse when you feel confused and are deeply trying to find meaning and purpose behind what is happening. Trust God. Heavenly Father, I trust Your plan.…

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. PHILIPPIANS 4:8 (NRSV) WHEN YOU ARE struggling to be positive and find yourself complaining, doubting and being just plain difficult, turn to God and ask for the Holy Spirit to help change your mindset. Focus on Christ and the power of His wisdom and joy. Heavenly Father, because of You, every day can be a good day.…

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. PSALM 119:148 (NIV) MEDITATING ON GOD’S Word and focusing on His promises can help lead you on the path to abundant living. When your thoughts are focused on His promises—instead of your problems—your heart and spirit become filled with His limitless potential. You feel the power of being protected and loved and are encouraged to look ahead with hope. Dear Lord, Your Word leads me to a life filled with blessings.…

Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. JAMES 3:2 (NLT) MISTAKES CAN MOTIVATE you to do something new, to grow and build the confidence and endurance to keep going. When you embrace your failures and see them as stumbling blocks that you’ve overcome, you learn to make choices that boldly face the discomfort of growth. Lord, guide me with your strength and wisdom. Help me see the grace that comes from moving beyond my missteps.…

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. ISAIAH 30:21 (ESV) WHEN YOUR CONSCIENCE bothers you, do you tune it out, or do you pay attention? Think of your conscience as a gift, your personal inner guide—helping to direct your actions and shape your behavior. God often uses your conscience to alert you when your choices may not be in your own best interest. Lord, help me to see my conscience as a spiritual tool that helps me grow closer to You.…

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. GENESIS 50:20 (NIV) HOW DO YOU respond when faced with injustice? Turn to God and pray. Turn away from vengeance and instead look to Him to help you see the situation as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Instead of blowing up in anger, calmly ask God for the strength to be your best in this challenging situation. Lord, I trust that my future is in Your loving care.…

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! PSALM 72:18–19 (ESV) AS WE CLOSE another issue, together we have experienced another season of the Lord’s wonder. Reflect on the many blessings over the last two months: the beauty of autumn, the joy of gratitude and the gift of faith that makes every day better than the one before. Lord, I praise You with my whole heart for Your amazing work in my life.…

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. LUKE 8:47 (NIV) JESUS HELPED THE woman who touched His robe. He was in a hurry to save Jairus’s daughter, but instead of rushing past her to get to His destination, He stopped and helped a stranger. Life is filled with split-second decisions. Reflect on how you respond to others who need your help. Open your heart and recognize that you have time to assist those that God puts in your path. Dear Lord, help me to slow down and see the people You want me to reach out to today.…

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. EZEKIEL 34:26 (NIV) REFLECT ON THE beautiful words of Teresa of Avila: “Each of us has a soul, but we forget to value it. We don’t remember that we are creatures made in the image of God. We don’t understand the great secrets hidden inside of us.” The Lord is generous—He showers His abundance on your life. Heavenly Father, I am filled with gratitude for Your many blessings.…

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16–17 (NIV) NO MATTER HOW many times you have read a Bible passage, there are still surprising new insights that can reveal themselves based on your current circumstances. Renew yourself with Scripture. His Word is a lamp to light your path. Lord, Your Word is alive. Your promises are true!…

But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. GENESIS 8:1 (NIV) THROUGHOUT THE BIBLE, there are many “But God” passages that turn everything around. Often it seems that there is no way, but God makes a way. He is always around you and never stops loving and caring for you. Dear Lord, there have been times my future looked bleak, but You showed Your mercy and showered blessings upon me.…

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (NIV) GOD’S GRACE IS always enough. Reflect on this verse. Let its simplicity, beauty and truth speak to your heart. No matter what you are going through, the challenges you face, the pain you feel—when you call upon His name, God will give you the courage, power and strength to keep on going. Dear God, I cast my cares on You, trusting that Your grace is sufficient.…

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. EPHESIANS 4:21–22 (NLT) PAUL IS ASKING you to look at yourself honestly and see what changes you should make to be renewed and to be created in God’s image. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see yourself as the Lord sees you. Surrender to His plan and release the patterns in your life that no longer serve you. Lord, I am ready to be free. Renew me.…

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. PROVERBS 18:24 (NIV) ENRICH AND ENHANCE all the relationships in your life. Seek to be a good friend and to find good friends who will be there when you need them. Mend any broken bridges and rebuild friendships. Ask God to help you find healthy and honest relationships that nurture your spiritual growth. Heavenly Father, help me be a better friend—to love and encourage those around me.…

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” MATTHEW 17:24 (NIV) HAVE YOU EVER been amazed by God’s answer to prayer, much like Peter must have been when he found the exact amount of money he needed inside the mouth of a fish? God is an awesome provider—He gives generously, and sometimes in ways that delight us with His remarkable and miraculous answers to prayer. Faithful God, thank You for the surprising ways You show how much You care.…

Have I not commanded you? 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) ELEANOR ROOSEVELT FAMOUSLY said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Doing one thing every day might be too daunting to begin with, but ask yourself, when was the last time you stretched beyond your comfort zone? If nothing comes to mind, you are due to seek out something a little scary. Be strong and courageous. Lord, help me stretch beyond the safe boundaries that I have created. I know You are with me wherever I go.…

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. LUKE 1:38 (ESV) ON THIS FIRST day of Advent, consider that moment when the angel appeared to Mary and asked her if she would be the mother of the Messiah. Her response, after the angel answered her question on how this would be, was one of trust. “Let it be to me according to your word.” As we prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming, strive for that whole-hearted faith of accepting God’s will with joy. Lord, God, I trust Your goodness and wisdom in my life.…