Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2022 i 60 Days of Prayer

THE BEST SPIRITUAL self-care practice is devoting time to your faith journey. In the same way that you need daily nourishment to feed your body, you must spend time with Jesus to keep your spirit healthy and strong. When Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life,” He is telling you that He can satisfy the deepest longings of your soul. Lord, You are the manna that sustains me in the desert of my daily life.…

GOD SEES YOUR value and understands your physical and emotional needs. Faithfully go to Him and let Him remove your stress so that you can find rest. Nothing is too big or too small—whatever is causing you worry is exactly what He wants to resolve. Lord, help me to remember that I am worthy of Your love and care—not because of my actions and deeds, but simply because I am here.…

HAND YOUR TEMPTATIONS, your worries and your burdens over to God—and leave them there. Trust Him to manage your affairs and to help you live your life recognizing your blessings and looking forward to the gifts He has planned for you. To know God’s will, turn to His Word. Dear Lord, it’s easy for me to get lost in my own worries. If this happens, guide me back home to You.…

THE APOSTLE PAUL is asking you to review your character and see what changes need to be made to reflect God’s image. Ask for help to release old patterns and behaviors that no longer serve you. Let go of thoughts, beliefs and actions that have bound you to the past—and welcome in your new self. Lord, I am ready to lead a beautiful life of righteousness because I am Your beloved child.…

PAUL REMINDS US that we are faced with the great challenge of following God’s example and walking in the way of love. All of us are asked to come together and serve one another through God’s power, to live our lives filled with God by supporting others in need. Lord, help me to be an ambassador of reconciliation and forgiveness—to extend Your love here on earth.…

JESUS REMINDS YOU to examine and reexamine what is truly important in your life and to see if your answer aligns with His teachings. Is your heart right with God? By His grace you will live your life so that it truly pleases Him. Heavenly Father, help me to grow and know You more each day. Help me to recognize my own “blind spots” so that I can clearly follow Your guidance.…

GOD IN HIS grace has raised you above the darkness to the heavenly places with Christ. Because He has shown you great mercy, He invites you to extend this mercy to others. Today, make an effort to offer kindness and compassion to those battling darkness in their own lives. Reach out to someone in need. Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy; guide me to extend it to others who need Your love and light.…

GOD WANTS YOU to live in peace—making choices and actions aligned with His Word. To follow His instructions, you must “take every thought captive” and discern when your thinking goes against His will. Ask God to help you uncover dark or destructive thoughts so that you can live a peaceful and examined life that follows His guidance. Lord, help me to align my thoughts with Your heart.…

WHEN JESUS NEEDED to recharge, He connected with God in prayer. Follow His example. Establish a habit where you turn to Him to help you navigate stress. Ask for His help calming your worries and focusing your energy. Rest and recharge in His presence. Heavenly Father, help me to escape life's busyness by connecting with You.…

HAVE YOU EVER wondered why Jesus chose the men He did as His disciples? It’s not that they were religious scholars, it’s that they were common men, obedient and passionate, and willing to spend time with Him. As St. Augustine famously said, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they can find rest in you.” Heavenly Father, I give You my heart! I long to spend time with You.…

THE PURPOSE OF prayer is to ask God to change your thoughts and heart to align with His plan. Ask for His help to have an ongoing fellowship to learn how you can serve Him. Know that nothing done for Him is ever wasted. Lord, I will work for You! Help me to be strong and work enthusiastically, aligning my thoughts with Your plan.…

IN THE ABOVE verse, when the Apostle Paul heard that he was being judged, he refused to be compared to others. God’s grace saves you from needing to feel superior by judging and dismissing others’ life choices. The next time you feel tempted to judge someone, extend God’s grace instead. Dear God, help me to remember that it’s not my role to measure others. Guide me to be understanding and accepting, compassionate and kind.…

LET GOD’S PEACE rain down on you as you take in this verse. Whenever you feel weak or not up to the task at hand, know that God’s grace is sufficient for you. His power is perfected in your weakness. Lord, You are the Source of my strength. Use my weakness for Your glory!…

SOMETIMES WE ALLOW people, things or deeds to become more important than God. When this happens, ask for His forgiveness. Take a moment and invite Jesus into your heart. Reach and receive His unconditional love. Lord, thank You for the strength to turn away from all things that block me from pursuing my relationship with You.…

MAX LUCADO SAID, “Which would you prefer? To be king of the mountain for a day? Or to be a child of God for eternity?” When you depend on Jesus and trust Him with all your needs, He will fill you with reassurance and hope. Take in this truth: You are His child, in this world and beyond. Lord, I know everything will he okay because You love me and will never leave me.…

IN THE ABOVE verse, the Apostle Paul experienced unusual kindness from strangers. Have you ever extended a similar kindness to someone in need? God wants you to see the full humanity and value in every person—to lend a comforting hand to those who feel lost, to be a beacon of compassion to those in the cold. God of grace and compassion, help me to see the precious worth of every person and to be a generous stranger who extends unusual kindness.…

DURING THIS BEAUTIFUL time of the year, take a moment to recognize the wonder of God’s natural world. Lift your hands in praise of the God of the universe, the Creator of the glorious trees, the moon and the stars, who knows the numbers of hairs on your head. Rejoice in His majesty. Lord, how magnificent is Your name in all the earth!…

DO YOU FIGHT hard for your faith? When you are tempted or filled with doubt, how do you defend your beliefs? Jude urges you not to grow complacent, but to trust God to help you be strong in your faith. Immersing yourself in Scripture and asking for His help is your best defense. Lord God, when trials come, help me to be strong in my faith, to speak the truth and remember Your presence.…

SOMETIMES IT’S HARD to see God’s work in your life—especially during spiritual dry times. When you feel as if God has forgotten you, turn to this verse. Paul assures us that God began a good work in you and will bring it to completion. Have faith and be patient. He will make all things beautiful. Dear Lord, I trust You are working in my life, renewing me and guiding me to fulfill Your purpose.…

YOU ARE CREATED in God’s image, and He has entrusted you to act on His behalf and to reflect His likeness here on earth. He has given you the strength to fight against the bad forces in the world with righteousness, compassion and love. Heavenly Father, sometimes I need reminding that I am uniquely made in Your image!…

LOOK TO NATURE and the falling leaves, and be inspired to let go of the emotional weight you are carrying. Release feelings of jealousy or worry, bitterness or guilt, or any feelings that are getting in the way of you living fully and joyfully. Ask Him to fill your mind and spirit with encouragement, hope and love. Heavenly Father, I don’t know why I insist on holding onto things that block me from fully experiencing Your love. Today I vow to let go of fear and embrace Your grace.…

IN TIMES OF loss, remind yourself that you are not alone. God knows what it feels like to grieve. After Lazarus died, when Jesus saw Martha, He was deeply upset, and He wept. When you are in the depths of sorrow, offer your pain to Jesus, know that He weeps with you. Heavenly Father, one day You will wipe every tear from my eyes.…

WHEN YOU ARE upset, ask yourself if your problem is rooted in a temporary situation. Shift your thinking to the eternal and focus on God. Rather than be consumed with the things of this world, allow the peace of heaven to fill your life. Lord, help me to let go of temporary worries and hold on to You.…

REFLECT ON THE meaning of this verse: To the extent that you show mercy, mercy will be shown to you. Recall a recent time when you experienced God’s mercy. Thank Him for helping you, and ask Him to show you how you can be merciful to others. Dear God, help me to see people with Your eyes, and guide me to show mercy to those around me.…

GOD PROMISES HIS bounty when you follow His instructions. Are you missing some of God’s blessings because you are not obeying Him? Following His Word requires your obedience. Receive His blessings by walking beside Him. Heavenly Father, I long to follow Your guidance and make the right choices. Thank You for giving me the power to choose right over wrong.…

ARE YOU IN the habit of worrying? Do you ponder worst-case scenarios even when things are going well? Reflect on how much time you are wasting on worry and how wonderful it would feel to let go of your fears. God’s Word assures us that He is in control. Ask Him for help in turning the situation over to Him. Lean on Him in times of stress. He is all-powerful and has everything under control. Lord, I want to be worry-free. Help me to trust You with my future.…

TODAY, TAKE A moment and align Your will with God’s. Ask Him to help you be more like Him—to be a peacemaker unifying others, to be compassionate and understanding. The next time you face criticism, look to the peaceful response—the one that reflects God’s grace. Heavenly Father, I humble myself before You and am ready to be the calming voice during life’s storms.…

DO YOU PRAY for world peace? Sometimes we are so caught up in our own personal needs that we forget to put the power of prayer behind something as large as peace on earth. Today, focus your thoughts on the people of the world and ask God to grant us the humility and responsibility to care for those in need so that the world may be a safe home for everyone. Prince of Peace, help us make the world a better place where hunger and poverty are abolished and justice and equality reign.…

GOD, THE GREAT I Am, is in control of every event. When you are worried and feel vulnerable and stuck in a situation, turn to Jesus. Feel the power of His glory and grace. There is nothing to be afraid of, because He will give you the strength to break free from fear. Almighty God, I know You will guide me through the tough times. Help me to cast aside my doubts and face the future with hope.…

CHARLES SPURGEON SAID, “We cannot rely on ourselves, for we have learned by bitter experience the folly of self-confidence. We are compelled to look to the Lord alone. Blessed is the wind that drives the ship into the harbor. Blessed is the distress that forces us to rest in our God.” With God’s help, you can do more than you could ever do alone. When you need His assistance, reach out to Him in prayer. Lord, I am weak, but You are strong.…

TAKE A MOMENT and fix your mind on Jesus. Feel the embrace of His presence. Enjoy this blessed assurance of His love for you. Know that there is no wrongdoing that He won’t forgive—no worry that He can’t soothe. His constant love and mercy will cleanse your mind and spirit and fill you with His grace. Heavenly Father, refresh my soul! Grant me the gift of perfect peace.…

LET GOD BE your true compass. Rely on Him to lead you to the way that you should go. Rest in the Savior, knowing He will always guide you in the perfect direction and His Spirit will always lead you on the narrow path. Heavenly Father, You are the way, the truth and the life. Thank You for directing my steps and leading me to the best decisions and the best outcomes.…

KING HEZEKIAH FORGOT to acknowledge God and suffered the consequences. Pride can blind you from acknowledging His hand in your blessings. Everything you have is a gift from God. Take a moment and thank Him for your many successes. God wants you to practice gratitude and humility. Lord, I need You! I appreciate all You have done for me. Help me to have a humble and grateful heart.…

IN THE ABOVE verse, Jesus knew He needed a change and moved to the other side. Perhaps God is nudging you to make a change in your life—to leave behind the familiar and trust Him with the unknowns of the future. Know that He will be with you as you forge ahead. Lord, even good change can he scary, walking away from something I know to something I don’t. But I can be courageous because You are my strength, my unchanging Savior.…

ARE YOU LIVING victoriously? No matter what situation you are going through, you can live a life of victory. When you feel defeated, remind yourself of God’s power—and that His Spirit dwells within you. Because of this fact, you are greater than any threat or circumstance. You are an overcomer! Lord, help me to remember that You are greater than the power of the enemy.…

GOD’S WORK IN your life is greater than you can imagine. Reflect on the amazing things He has already done for you: surprises, blessings, miraculous outcomes when your situation improved against all odds. What is yet to come will be even greater! Dear God, what new things do You have in store for me? I cannot wait to see.…

GOD WILL NEVER give up on you! Sometimes this truth is hard for us to truly take to heart and believe, but Jesus assures us in this parable that He will do anything to find you when you go astray. He will go to any lengths to bring you home. Heavenly Father, thank You for never giving up on me! Help me to remember, every day, how much You love me.…

HAVE YOU EVER thought about the difference between doubt and unbelief? Unbelief is denying or rejecting belief. But doubt is being open to possibility and understanding that God doesn’t always allow us to see things fully, as the above verse beautifully describes. Are there areas where you are struggling to believe His Word? Keep asking for His help. In moments and seasons of doubt or unbelief, trust Him and know that one day you will know all things fully. Heavenly Father, thank You for being patient with me and understanding my doubt and unbelief—even when I don’t.…

REFLECT ON A moment in your life when trials became triumphs. It’s natural to feel upset or possibly forgotten by God when tragedy strikes. Instead of turning away from Him, turn toward Him. Trust that He has a purpose and plan. Lord, I trust You wholeheartedly in times of abundance and in times of sorrow. I know Your plan is at work.…

WHEN YOU FEEL tired and worn out, go to Jesus and rest. Learn the rhythms of grace by following His instructions. Examine your schedule and see where you can refocus. Instead of being a people-pleaser, be a God-pleaser. His rest is not a luxury. You will serve others best by practicing self-care for your soul. Dear God, I turn my eyes upon You as I release my stress and absorb the peace of Your presence.…

GRATITUDE IS A way of life, a positive approach to live every day that invites peace and joy. When you give thanks to God the Father, through Him you recognize His blessings and experience a life rooted in love. His Word dwells richly in you. Lord, today as we celebrate Thanksgiving, thank You for my family, my loved ones and most of all for the blessing of Your abundant love.…

AS ANOTHER YEAR winds down it’s not unusual to reflect on your life. Be kind to yourself and recognize you are a work in progress. You are growing in faith. Look ahead with hope. God has great plans for you! Heavenly Father, help me to truly grasp the divine gift of Your presence in my life. You are the Source of all hope.…