Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2022/January 2023 i 60 Days of Prayer

JESUS IS THE Light of the World. Take that truth into the dark places of your heart, especially during the long nights of winter. When problems or difficult feelings entangle your emotions, ask God to help you see that good things are ahead. He will light the way to a better day. Lord, You are my beacon in life’s many storms. You are always there when I need You, and for that I am forever grateful.…

CHRISTMAS IS SUPPOSED to be peaceful and beautiful—yet there are moments when this holiday brings out feelings of being stressed, lonely or sad. When the season isn’t living up to your ideal, know that God is beside you. He is there, even if you don’t feel His presence. Reach out to Him and share your deepest thoughts. Lord, I know You are beside me, guiding me through the highs and lows of the holiday season.…

ARE YOU READY to make a positive change in your life? Perhaps you want to make amends with a loved one or adopt a healthy habit. Jesus can transform your heart to be more like His. He can bring blessings to your life. All you need to do is ask Him for His love and guidance. Dear Lord, I am ready to make a fresh start. Put a new spirit in me.…

DO YOU TURN to the Holy Spirit when problems overshadow the goodness of the world? Prayer can provide you with divine insight—often revealing light, love and forgiveness in even the most difficult times. Dear Lord, Your peace and wisdom guide me to find hope and answers in difficult times.…

THE HEART OF Christmas is humble. Perhaps the economy, your schedule or any number of reasons have you worried that this holiday will not live up to expectations. Don’t worry—the one thing that truly matters is your devotion to God. Lord, Your blessings shower over me. Because of my faith, I have all that I need.…

TODAY, ON CHRISTMAS Eve, as we celebrate the life that is the light of mankind, thank God for filling your life with His light. Though difficult times may cast shadows, His light continues to shine inside of you. Praise Him for sending a precious baby to pierce the darkness of this world. All-Powerful God, thank You for bringing Your heavenly glory to earth.…

IN THIS VERSE, “thanks” is translated from the Greek word eucharisteo, meaning “to be grateful.” As you just ended the year with thankfulness, begin with gratitude, knowing that as the future unfolds, God’s glorious presence is with you. Lord, my grateful heart is filled with Your light, which will comfort and guide me through the bright days ahead.…

WHEN YOU GIVE in to fear and allow it to hold you back, you lose a piece of yourself. Acting out of fear is never the answer to living a faith-filled life. Instead of avoiding or recoiling, ask God to help you welcome the feeling of fear—knowing that you can move past it with His help. Lord, because of You I can courageously look forward to tomorrow.…

WHEN YOU ARE overwhelmed by your circumstances, remind yourself that God did not give you a spirit of fear, but one of love. Instead of feeling powerless, turn to His Word. Do not fear; He will help you. Trust Him to give you the grace to persevere. Thank Him for being an ever-present help. Dear Lord, when I let life’s challenges upset me, clear my mind and fill me with Your power.…

JESUS KNEW THAT many people would not believe Him. That they would be too blinded by their sins or beliefs to hear His Word as truth. If you ever feel rejected by others, try not to take it to heart. Instead, focus on Jesus. Dear God, when people reject me, help me to turn the other cheek; to give them grace upon grace, and love them as You love me.…

EVERYDAY TASKS ARE important, and even the most mundane chores can bring glory to God. You can shine when you complete your work with joy instead of grumblings. Follow the example of Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, who practiced God’s presence as he worked, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of service with Him. God of Heaven, even the littlest chores can be meaningful when I include You.…

THE BIBLE IS filled with unlikely heroes—flawed people who are transformed by their faith. The more you say, “Yes!” to God and open your heart to doing His work on earth, the more your life will be transformed by His grace. Lord, I am here, and I say yes to receiving Your love and spreading Your light here on earth.…

GOD HAS A plan for your life. Do you resist and fear change, even when it’s a great move forward that leads to something better? Instead of being fixed and stagnant, decide to reach toward opportunity and place God’s plan before yours. Dear Lord, I know that You are always in control of my life and that Your ways are better than mine.…

GOD HAS PREPARED moments and situations that will help you grow and become your best. Trials will strengthen you. Doubts will encourage you to question and deepen your faith. Rejoice! You are His masterpiece, an instrument of His grace. Heavenly Father, today I will focus on the truth that I am the work of Your hand. You have created me to do good works.…

WHEN YOU FEEL anxious or overwhelmed with holiday preparations, find peace by worshipping Him. Be still and patient. Ask God to teach you how to worship like the angels this Christmas, praising Him for the gift of His son. Lord God, lead me by Your spirit. Guide me today and every day.…

OFTEN THE MOST challenging times are the ones that become the defining moments of our lives. How do you react to the unexpected? When you feel distraught about a situation, put your trust in God. Ask Him for the strength and courage to continue on the path ahead. Merciful God, when unforeseen events disrupt my life, guide me safely and peacefully toward Your plan.…

CHRISTMAS, THE SEASON of love, is a perfect time to grow a forgiving heart. Pray for God’s help to release bitterness or anger you may be feeling toward others, or even yourself. Ask Him to help you heal your heart, and forgive as He forgives. Heavenly Father, I am ready to release the feelings that are holding me back. I am ready to love with my whole heart.…

NORMAN VINCENT PEALE said, “Always in the darkness, watching over you, is your Heavenly Father. His angels are keeping watch, banishing all fears.” This holiday season, reflect on the angels mentioned in Luke and Matthew, and the tremendous impact they had. Lord, open my heart to the good news of Your angels.…

TAKE A MOMENT and reflect on your life—the many lives you’ve touched and the many people that have helped, encouraged and blessed you. Appreciate how wonderful your life is—exactly as it is—right now. Heavenly Father, because of You, I am living a rich and wonderful life beyond measure.…

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO is quoted as saying, “Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Do you limit your prayers to earthly thinking? The same Almighty God who created the oceans and wind, hears your prayers. Tell Him your concerns; believe in His infinite power and wondrous abilities to miraculously answer your needs. Great Creator, I believe that nothing is impossible because of You.…

WHEN YOU FEEL lost in a situation or unsure of what to do, turn to God. He understands everything about you, your passions and goals, strengths and weaknesses— your purpose! Practice God’s presence by reading His Word and spending time with Him. Lord God, show me Your paths! Teach me Your ways!…

GOD DOESN’T WANT you to hide in suffering. When you are feeling burdened, instead of shouldering the load on your own, turn to God. He wants you to turn your pain over to Him. He promises to give you the strength you need. God, when I need rest and reassurance, fill me with Your peace.…

HAPPINESS IS OFTEN thought to be tied to your circumstances, but real joy is having a relationship with Jesus. Your faith will see you through even the most challenging times. In difficult moments, look for the places where you find deep abiding joy. You are my Savior. Help me to always keep You close. True joy is found in You.…

GOD OFTEN USES flawed people for His most miraculous work. Rahab was an outcast, but through her faith she turned her life around and became a hero. Her strong belief in God led her to overcome the circumstances of her past and become a woman of influence. Lord, when I feel lost or unworthy, let me look to examples like Rahab. Help me shine Your light.…

DO YOU FALL into the trap of wondering if things will ever get any better? Perhaps your finances or health are causing you distress. Jesus’ promise in the above verse assures you that you are not alone. He will resolve your nagging worries. Heavenly Father, thank You for promising the Holy Spirit as my comforter and counselor, my advocate. I am so grateful for Your ever-present help.…

GOD CARES DEEPLY for those in need. When Elijah asked Him to take his life, God gave him bread and water and a chance to rest and recharge. If you or someone you love is going through a dark period, ask God to help them have faith that things will get better. Lord, shine Your divine tenderness on all those who need it.…

WE BEGAN THIS issue with tiny miracles, so let us end with the power of small things. The parable of the good and faithful servant in Matthew emphasizes the value of everyday good deeds. Sometimes we overlook small and powerful gestures by limiting our focus to grandiose expressions of faith, but in this parable, as well as in the life of Jesus, it is the little things that allow us to “enter into the joy of your master.” Heavenly Father, guide me to the little things I can do right now that will have a big impact.…

JOSEPH’S FAITH AND actions were shaped by his deep trust in God. He embraced Jesus as his Son. He followed the direction of the angel and relied on God as the ultimate authority. When you are feeling uncertain about something God is calling you to do, turn to Joseph as a role model of unquestioning faith. Dear God, I aspire to Joseph’s extraordinary faithfulness. Help me to follow Your Word and accept Your will.…

THIS VERSE IS the only mention of Jesus’ mother by name after the Resurrection. Scripture affirms that the Blessed Mother, Mary, spent the rest of her days on earth in constant prayer. Reflect on the profound hope she must have felt as she continued her devotion to God. Heavenly Father, as I prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, lead me to look at the many Biblical figures and their tremendous sacrifices. Like them, guide me to live my life so that it magnifies You.…

IN THE ABOVE verse, Jesus is amazed at the faith of the Roman officer who believed in Jesus’ power to heal. This Advent, reflect on your great faith—and understand the important role trust and belief have in opening the door for Jesus to do amazing work in your life. Heavenly Father, I believe! I long to amaze You!…

WRITER SUSANNA FOTH Aughtmon shared these thoughts on the holiday season. “We don’t need more parties, or decorations, or gifts, or worries, or expectations to be added to Christmas. What we really need is some grace, for ourselves and others. And we need to love people.” Compassionate Father, when I am overwhelmed, busy and short-tempered, remind me to slow down and be caring and kind.…

EVERYONE HAS PROBABLY heard the phrase, “It’s the thought that counts.” This time of year, be mindful of its sentiment and intentionally approach others with joyful attitudes—and actions. Something as simple as letting someone get in line in front of you at the store or phoning a friend can spread holiday cheer. Dear God, help me to he thoughtful and encouraging so that I bring joy to others. The more I give, the more blessed I feel.…

CENTER YOUR HEART on God, and reflect on the arrival of His Son. God redeemed the world by the coming of Jesus. As we approach Christmas, place your life in His hands. Allow yourself to be His instrument. Lord, You are the King of Glory, the Light of the World. Come, Lord Jesus! Dispel the darkness with Your light.…

TODAY, AS WE say goodbye to 2022, be filled with thankfulness because God is with you! He is faithfully sending you His strength, courage and blessings. Thank Him for a new year and all the new opportunities to renew your dedication to living a life that brings Him glory. Lord, thank You for life and for this new year ahead with all its precious wonder, hopes, dreams and opportunities.…

NORMAN VINCENT PEALE echoed the sentiment in the above Scripture when he wrote “We are either destroyed or made whole by the kind of thoughts we think.” What type of thoughts are you entertaining? The next time you feel overcome with worry or dark thinking, turn to God and bring heavenly light into your life! Lord, I have the power to control what I think about, and You have the power to turn my darkness into light.…

DO YOU SOMETIMES doubt that God has a good plan for you? Perhaps the winter doldrums have made it difficult to have faith in His unseen hand. If you feel lost, as if God has forgotten about you, remind yourself that He is preparing you for great things. He is always working things out for your good. Lord, help me to be patient, to believe in Your work behind the scenes. Guide me to do my part in fulfilling Your plan.…

THE PROPHET ISAIAH shares that all of your wrongdoings—anything that you have worried that God would not accept—will ultimately not be remembered. Whatever regrets you are holding on to, turn them over to God and allow Him to sweep them away with His grace. Lord, thank You for reminding me that love keeps no records of wrongs. I am ready for a fresh start, free of my former sins. My heart is open and ready to be filled with Your love.…

EMOTIONS CAN BE tricky, and sometimes our feelings deceive us. In the above verse, despite Peter’s knowledge, he let his emotions get the better of him. He denied Jesus despite pledging his loyalty. Peter’s weakness took control. If your emotions are leading you down the wrong path, pray and ask God to help set you straight. Dear Lord, when my feelings are ruling my life, help me to turn back to You and Your guidance.…

JACOB NEEDED TO escape the wrongdoings of his past. He began the night upset and fearful of tomorrow—yet after wrestling with God he was blessed with a new destiny. When you are struggling with God, know that He will bless you. He will bring you peace. Dear Lord, in the words of Jacob, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”…

DOES IT SEEM that people are more critical than they used to be? If you are the target of someone’s criticism, reflect on Scripture and align with God’s Word to use compassion, kindness and gentleness, and to “bear with each other and forgive one another.” Lord, when I am holding onto a harsh word or having trouble forgiving, wrap me in Your loving arms and comfort me. Give me the courage and strength to rise above my hurt feelings.…