Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2020/January 2022 i 60 Days of Prayer

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. LUKE 2:10 (KJV) SOMETIMES THE JOY of Christmas is overshadowed by the stress of entertaining, shopping and holiday commitments. Decide to simplify. Choose to spend your energy only on what you truly love about the season. Check in with God, and ask Him to help you prioritize. Heavenly Father, I vow not to waste this blessed time stressing over trying to meet unrealistic expectations.…

While you were doing all these things, declares the LORD, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. JEREMIAH 7:13 (NIV) IS SOMETHING DISTRACTING you from hearing God’s voice? Are you creating the time and focus to recognize His guidance? Your Heavenly Father sends His words of wisdom and peace again and again. Quiet your mind to receive His messages. Dear Lord, I seek Your voice and long to hear Your promises and plans for me.…

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. LUKE 2:17–19 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, Mary is overjoyed by the miracle of Jesus’ birth, but takes time to process all that had happened to fully comprehend the amazing blessing bestowed upon the world. Today, take a moment and do the same: reflect on the Child of Bethlehem and the miracle of His birth. Merciful God, thank You for living among us, as one of us.…

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 JOHN 1:8–9 (NIV) GOD ALWAYS GIVES you the opportunity to start over, simply by acknowledging your wrongdoings to Him and asking for forgiveness. Pray for the courage to approach God with an open heart, and be ready to accept His life-changing cleansing. Dear God, I am sorry for my thoughts and actions; I am ready to receive the amazing blessing of starting anew.…

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) WHEN YOU ARE feeling overwhelmed by challenges, turn to God’s Word. Ask Him to help you remove all your doubts. Fully rely on His strength for the encouragement and endurance you need to feel empowered and to be able to face what lies ahead. Dear God, when I put my faith in You, I soar above my problems and find Your heavenly peace.…

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the East and have come to worship him.” MATTHEW 2:1–2 (NIV) CONTINUE THE CELEBRATION of Christ’s love. When you feel peace and joy within yourself, you can pass that on to those around you. Bring Christmas joy into their hearts all year long, and help others to feel God’s reassuring presence. Almighty Father, thank You for Your gifts to us. Show us ways to pass these gifts on to others throughout all the days of the year. Amen.…

The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 1 KINGS 19:7 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE verse, Elijah is feeling down and the angel of the Lord nudges him towards self-care. As you focus on doing good deeds for others in the new year, do not forget to give yourself something special. Treat yourself. You deserve it. Dear Lord, thank You for teaching me the importance of nurturing myself and renewing my spirit by connecting with You.…

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” ISAIAH 40:3 (NIV) WHEN THE COMING days seem like a desert, barren and vast with no clear path or direction, do not lose hope. Trust in God. Welcome His love into your heart. Feel His presence inside you, and know that because of this, you will be able to travel any journey with joy. Lord, when I feel hopeless, guide my focus back to You. Lord Jesus, when I feel lost, You save me.…

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? MARK 8:36 (NIV) THIS VERSE IS a reminder of what happens when you focus on selfish ambitions and pursue material things over your relationship with God. What good is having all the money in the world if you are spiritually bankrupt? If you find yourself putting too much importance on the things you own, turn to this verse and pray for God to right your thinking. Lord, help me to live generously and trust You with my finances.…

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. JAMES 4:8 (MSG) WHAT IS YOUR greatest fear? What is holding you back? When you are connected to God you can face your challenges and move beyond them. By sharing breath with Him and aligning your will with His, you will recognize that anything is possible. Lord, when I pause and focus on You, I empty myself of negative thoughts and return refreshed and renewed.…

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. PSALM 65:11 (NLT) GOD IS PREPARING a year of favor for you filled with opportunities and blessings. Anticipate the months to come, overflowing with God’s unending love and abundance. Thank Him for planning great things specifically for you. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace. Help me embrace the days to come as opportunities to live purposefully, serving You.…

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) FOCUS ON THIS beautiful truth: The Spirit of God dwells inside you, and because of this you can tap into His strength, power and wisdom at any moment. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts or fearing your future, pray and feel His presence. Merciful God, I am in awe that a spark of Your Light from the beginning of creation dwells inside of me.…

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) JESUS IS THE pioneer and perfecter of your faith. Lay your burdens down at His feet and continue your spiritual journey. Turn to Him for guidance on how you can live a life filled with purpose, and when you have doubts, remind yourself that He watches over you and sustains you. Lord Jesus, when I am weary, I will fix my eyes on You.…

God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glories in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19 (NIV) AT THIS TIME of year, the cost of travel, gifts and entertaining can leave you worrying about your finances. If you feel a pinch in your pocket, take a deep breath and ask God to help you make wise decisions where money is concerned, and guide you to make choices that are within your budget. Lord God, no matter how much money I have, I know I am richly blessed because of my faith in You.…

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. EPHESIANS 4:32 (NIV) GIVE YOURSELF THE gift of forgiveness. Pray and let go of bitter feelings towards others, or even yourself. Ask God to heal your heart so you can move forward on life’s journey without the burdens of the past weighing on you. Heavenly Father, help me to release the hurt so that I can love with my whole heart and forgive as freely as You forgive.…

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. PSALM 73:26 (NIV) MANY CHURCHES HOLD a Blue Christmas today, the shortest day of the year, to recognize that not everyone can embrace Christmas with anticipation. Some people may be struggling with loneliness, grief or the loss of a loved one. Today, pray for comfort for everyone with a grieving heart. Dear Lord, bring comfort to all those feeling a sense of loss and loneliness. Enfold them in Your great love.…

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” LUKE 10:41–42 (NIV) GIVE YOURSELF THE gift of letting go. Let go of the need to be perfect. Perfect gifts, perfect gatherings, planning the perfect day. When you focus on perfection you miss the most important part of the holiday. Instead, sit at Jesus’ feet and focus on Him. Heavenly Father, tomorrow is Your day and I plan on keeping You the center of my celebration.…

He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. DANIEL 2:22 (NIV) GOD KNOWS THE lonely, dark places of your life. When you feel alone, reach out to Him and pray for His light to shine on your path. Don’t be discouraged if the distance out of the darkness seems too far to travel. Know that He is with you every moment. He will guide you through. Heavenly Father, give me the courage to keep going and the mercy and grace to help others facing dark situations.…

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. JOHN 1:14 (NIV) “IN THE BEGINNING…” The Bible opens with this profound truth (Genesis 1:1): God fills the past, the present and the future. Yet, He took on flesh and came to live with us human beings. Why? Because His love is so deep and so strong, it never ends. Dear God, at the start of this brand-new year, guide me to make a difference in this world for Your glory.…

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” JOHN 20:15–16 (NIV) WHEN MARY MAGDALENE first saw Jesus, she mistook Him for the gardener. Take a moment and reflect on that. Envision Jesus as a gardener tending to your spirit. What beautiful blooms does He have planned for you in this new year? Almighty God, I trust You to grow new life, to heal the broken parts of me and make me whole and hopeful.…

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. ZEPHANIAH 3:17 (NKJV) LISTEN TO THE voice deep in your heart, and be guided by God’s wisdom. Steer away from things that are not in your best interest, even if they are tempting, and make habits and choices that align with your best life. Heavenly Father, You are my guide. Help me to choose You and to follow Your way.…

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” MATTHEW 5:38–39 (ESV) JESUS TEACHES THAT instead of retaliating when someone wrongs you, forgiveness is a better way. The next time you find yourself wanting to get even with someone, reflect on this verse and rejoice in changing your ways and becoming a better person. When you forgive, your heart grows stronger and your spirit grows by responding to future offenses with mercy and grace. Dear God, it’s not easy to turn the other cheek, but I am trying my best to forgive as…

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. EPHESIANS 4:29 (NIV) FOR EVERY NEGATIVE experience there is a positive possibility. When you are down and feeling like things are going against you, take a moment and pray, “God, what can I do to see the good in this? How can I make this right?” Heavenly Father, train me to make a bad situation better; guide me to see ways to raise my spirit and the spirits of those around me.…

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 PETER 4:10 (NIV) “ABOVE ALL ELSE,” wrote German theologian Meister Eckart, “know this: Be prepared at all times for the gifts of God and be ready always for new ones. For God is a thousand times more ready to give than we are to receive.” During this season of giving be ready to share the gifts of grace God has given you. Lord, guide me to give my time, love and energy, so others may know the gift of Your presence.…

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) WHEN YOU ARE feeling discouraged, reflect on the many times God has carried you through painful struggles. It has been said that when you leave everything in God’s hands, you will see God’s hands in everything. Heavenly Father, guide me to release any worries that entangle my heart so I may joyfully follow the path You have prepared for me.…

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. ISAIAH 9:2 (NIV) AS WE PREPARE to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World, make a point to see the people around you through the eyes of God and from the perspective of His love and understanding. Let go of grievances, and carry the joy of Christmas in your heart. Heavenly Father, may the Light of Your presence shine on my relationships and heal old wounds.…

But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” LUKE 4:43 (NIV) GOD CREATED A unique purpose for your life. Spend time in prayer asking Him to reveal His plans for you, understanding that each day is a gift, an opportunity to do good works. Put your actions and your faith passionately behind living a purpose-driven life. Lord, as I spend time in prayer with You this Advent season, guide me to fulfill my true purpose.…

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”). MATTHEW 1:23 (NIV) GOD CAN TRANSFORM an ordinary moment into an awakening experience. A beautiful sunrise, a perfectly timed yet unplanned meeting with a friend, a song on the radio that seems like a sign from beyond. When you open your heart to noticing God’s presence, you become aware of the beautiful fact that He is always with you. Lord, thank You for the many ways You show me You are here.…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. ISAIAH 9:6–7 (NIV) CHRISTMAS IS HERE at last. Today, as we celebrate the majesty of Jesus’ birth, reflect on the miracle of Christmas. In the words of Isaac Watts: “Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing.” Lord, let Your birth awaken the peace and hope that lives inside me.…

The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live! DEUTERONOMY 30:6 (NLT) IF YOU HAVE been repeatedly asking God to change something in your life, why not try something new and instead ask Him to change you? In frustrating situations, ask for patience. If you are feeling low spiritually, ask for a greater faith. Feeling let down? Ask Him to guide you toward singing His praises. Dear God, I am clay in Your hands. Make me new.…

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. COLOSSIANS 2:7 (NLT) GRATITUDE WILL CHANGE your life. By being thankful, you reinforce your understanding of God’s goodness. When you are facing a situation that seems confusing or upsetting, thank Him for His understanding. Praise Him for His wisdom and guidance. Heavenly Father, I can endure any problem because I know You are working on my behalf. I am safe in Your hands.…

The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. REVELATION 8:4 (NIV) THIS VERSE GIVES a beautiful image of your prayers rising before God’s throne. When you pray, picture your prayers ascending to meet and please God. Your devotion to Him is treasured. Your prayers rise to meet Him—they matter! Lord God, in the words of Psalm 141:2 (ESV), “Let my prayer be counted as incense before You.”…

Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, “Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.” But you have not paid attention or listened to me. JEREMIAH 35:15 (NIV) EVERY MORNING IS a fresh start with a new opportunity for you to take the right path. Know that God’s love will support you through whatever challenges you face. When you need help prioritizing your day, check in with Him. My Father in Heaven, guide me to use my time for things that will have lasting value.…

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. COLOSSIANS 3:12 (NIV) EVERY DAY YOU have an opportunity to choose your attitude. When you approach others with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, your actions become centered on God’s love. Look for ways to be a beacon of kindness to someone who needs it. Father of Compassion, guide me to be patient, gentle and generous. Shape my heart to be more like Yours.…

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety. PSALM 4:8 (NKJV) SLEEP IS VITAL to recharging your mind, body and spirit. Each night before you go to sleep, pray a favorite prayer, like the Lord’s Prayer, followed by intercessions for others and any petitions for yourself. Developing a bedtime prayer habit will help you get a great night’s rest. Everlasting Father, tonight I will lie down in peace, and sleep for You.…