Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2023 i 60 Days of Prayer

OFTEN CALLED THE “High Priestly Prayer,” the words in John 17:1-26 capture Jesus’ prayer before His betrayal and arrest. As Jesus faced His last days on earth, He prayed for those who would be left behind. When Jesus said, “None has been lost,” He meant all of us. Dear Jesus, help me live my life to glorify You and all You have done.…

JESUS PREPARED FOR the cross and gave the apostles the Lord's Supper to remember Him. From that day on, whenever His people gathered to break bread, they would remember His body on the cross and His gift to them. Lord, I cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of Your sacrifice. Help me live my life in remembrance of You.…

TRUE RICHNESS COMES from your relationship with God. God wants you to be content not through belongings, but in Him. When you feel envious of others and wish you had what they have, focus on the blessings in your life. God is everything you'll ever need! Heavenly Father, give me a heart of gratitude that recognizes that You bless me beyond measure.…

GOD HAS GIVEN you unique talents and gifts. Are you using them for His glory? Have you dedicated your abilities and your future to Him? When you focus your intention on serving God, you will always be successful. Dear God, my steps are established by You. Guide me to use my gifts in loving service to others.…

GOD PLACED HUMANKIND on this earth to be the caretakers of the world. Today, on Earth Day, look for ways to help the gift of His creation—and make a habit of looking for ways that you can continually honor His mighty works. Dear Lord, You founded the world by Your wisdom. Guide me to do my part in protecting the earth, and help me make choices that support the future of our planet.…

LET THE WORDS of this verse sink into your mind and heart. Trust the two unchangeable things: God's promise and His oath. Though people can be dishonest and deceitful, God will never lie to you. His Word and messages are always honest and trustworthy. So when you are confused about where to turn—and whom to trust—go to God. Trust Him. God of Truth, thank You for Your promises that I trust and can count on.…

THE FLOWERS APPEARING in spring are a symbol of faith, a beautiful reminder that even though you may be feeling down or out of sorts, the earth is in order and on schedule. If your faith is low and hope seems futile, hold on! God will renew your spirit when the time is right. Lord, when I struggle, give me the faith to believe. Help me bloom.…

WHEN YOU ARE in a dark place of loss, you might be tempted to think things will never get better. When negativity enters your mind, turn to God. Ask Him to open your heart to new beginnings. Trust that the future will be bright. He will hold your hand and lead you to loving and enriching experiences. Dear Lord, when my heart is heavy with grief, fill me with Your peace and reassure me of the bright future You have planned for me.…

OFTEN THINGS THAT keep us up at night lose their significance and power in the light of day. The lonely hours of the night can break down our defenses and make us feel hopeless. God and strong faith are the cure for dark thoughts. His Word is a beacon of hope. Heavenly Father, I know You are with me, guiding me to embrace life's journey, even through the loneliness of dark nights.…

JOB'S THREE FRIENDS took time away from their homes to go and comfort him. When someone you love is going through a difficult time, reach out to them, and show up for them. Let them know that you are there for them and that you care. Heavenly Father, when I am considering sympathizing from afar, lead me to reach out and be present.…

IN THE ABOVE verse, Jesus calls us to take on His yoke, and promises that His work will be easy to bear, for He is humble and gentle at heart. When you commit to Him, you are relieved of carrying your heavy burdens. He will give your spirit rest. Dear Lord, thank You for showing me that living by faith is easier than carrying the heavy burden of selfrighteousness.…

TREATING PEOPLE FAIRLY is an important part of living in a community. Do you seek justice in your community? Do you address prejudices and work for righteousness in your neighborhood? God has created all humans in His image, and all deserve to be treated fairly, honestly and justly. Lord, You love all people with Your perfect love. Show me where my time is needed. I want to serve by helping others.…

THE PROPHET ZEPHANIAH warned others that a day of judgment would come. Yet there was no reason to fear, because God had chosen them and received them. When fear enters your heart, pray. Ask Him to calm your worries. Lord, work in me to change my emotions. I ask for Your peace to guard my heart and mind.…

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and worthy of God's love. He made you, and he chose you. Whenever you struggle with feeling insecure and less than the exquisite and amazing person that you are—turn to this Scripture and thank God for this comforting truth. You are my helper, Lord. When I am feeling down about myself, raise my spirits by reminding me I am just as I should be, perfectly made by You.…

JESUS DESCRIBED THE woman who anointed Him with expensive perfume as “doing what she could.” Throughout God's Word, we see beautiful examples of people making the best of their resources to honor Him. If you want to help a person or a cause, but feel that you can't because you lack the money or direction, remember that when it comes to glorifying Him, your best is always enough. Lord, show me what I can do for You right now, today!…

JESUS’ FOLLOWERS THOUGHT it was the end of everything on that solemn Friday. They were despondent, convinced that death had won—and yet it was only the beginning. In just three days, everything would turn around. God was at work—they only needed to hold onto the Resurrection. Dear Lord, when I encounter dark Fridays in my life— guide me to focus on the gift of bright Sundays ahead.…

GOD HAS A plan for your life that includes growth and change. Yet many of us resist and fear anything different—even when it's a move toward something better. God pushes us forward into new and sometimes uncomfortable situations. Be open to opportunity, and place God's plan before yours. Heavenly Father, I will seek Your will and Your ways for my life.…

WHEN WAS THE last time you took a possession that had real value for you and gave it away? To experience true selfless giving, consider generously letting go of something without thinking of what you might get in return. Keep your gesture a secret between you and God. Lord, help me give generously from the heart! Help me let go of anything I'm holding on to too tightly, understanding that life's gifts are meant to be shared.…

JESUS IS YOUR holy Anchor. When the storms of this world ravage your security and make you feel like you've lost all control—hold on to Him. He will not slip or fall in life's ups and downs. He will keep you from being swept away into a whirlwind of worry and fear. Lord, when circumstances threaten my livelihood, secure me. Fill my soul with hope.…

DID YOU KNOW that trees are mentioned in the Bible more than any living thing other than God and His people? God had a fantastic plan when He created trees—giving us oxygen, shade, fruit and beauty! Today on Arbor Day, reflect on an important tree in your life— perhaps one in your neighborhood you admire or in your childhood backyard. Thank God for His gracious provision. Lord, planting a tree is an act of faith and hope, a way of planning for a better tomorrow.…

ARE YOU A good friend to yourself? Do you ever reward yourself by doing something that makes your spirit soar and your heart sing? Reflect on your accomplishments and the many life lessons you have learned. Treat yourself. You deserve it. Dear God, sometimes I put myself at the end of my to-do list. Today, help me remember that being good to myself is essential for my wellbeing.…

IN THE ABOVE verse, John touches on the complete joy of sharing one another's company face to face. As technology has evolved, communication has shifted, and we often spend time texting or messaging on social media. Today, plan on experiencing the joy of looking into a loved one's eyes as you share your time. Dear Lord, help me show the important people in my life how much I love them.…

WHEN JESUS SENT the disciples to spread the Gospel, He knew that they would not always be welcome. His advice when this happened was to move on and keep going. Is there something in your life that you are clinging to that may just be a waste of time? Reflect on what is blocking you from moving forward. Shake the dust off your feet. Lord, help me discern what I should let go of. Guide me forward on my faith journey.…

IN PAUL'S LETTER, he described the importance of striving to lead a quiet life. Are you ready to invest the time to be still and peaceful? As you deepen the roots of your faith, you will discover the beautiful mystery of His presence. Lord, I don't want to spend my life frantically pursuing something that leaves me restless and exhausted. Guide me to live a quiet life.…

JESUS TELLS HIS followers that the people who experience the deep mourning of sin—and the version of themselves that turns their back on God—will receive His comfort and will be reminded that God is in control over even life's most challenging situations. They will become overcomers! Heavenly Father, when I am tempted to make choices that turn my heart away from You, right my way and hold me close.…

STRIVE TO HAVE fellowship with God every day. Open your heart and pray to know His will for you; through the power of the Holy Spirit, you will be renewed. Ask for comfort and peace for all those in distress. Ask Him to lead them forward to joy. O Lord my God, I am ready to heed your commands. I seek Your priorities for my life.…

NORMAN VINCENT PEALE wrote, “The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply. Expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget yourself, and think of others. Try this for a week, and you will be surprised.” Be aware of how your thoughts shape your future and look to God to help you believe in your abilities to become the best you. Dear Lord, when I get bogged down with worry and make things difficult, guide me back to living and loving.…

AT ONE TIME or another everyone has had that terrible feeling that God is ignoring them. Perhaps it's a prayer request that has been in your heart for years. After a while, it's tempting to simply give up. Instead, ask Him to help you use your struggle to grow your faith. Heavenly Father, I trust Your merciful nature, and trust there is always a reason—and an answer—that fits Your plan.…

THE SOLDIERS MADE a crown of thorns to humiliate Jesus. And yet, the crown is a reminder that Jesus is the King. Christ, our Savior, endured the pain and wore the crown of thorns for us. In the words of hymn writer Thomas Kelly, “The head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with glory now; a royal diadem adorns the mighty Victor's brow.” Heavenly Father, words cannot express my deep gratitude for all You have done.…

IN THE WORDS of Rebecca Barlow Jordan, “Lord, death could not hold You. And because of You, the Resurrection, we, too, can live. Thank You that the grave is only a journey into the presence of God. You have removed the sting of death and empowered this thing called life. Now I will live in Your presence forever.” My Lord and Savior, today I rejoice and experience the Resurrection with new wonder.…

WHEN YOU FEEL frustrated, reflect on this verse. Your shortcomings can either defeat you or make you aware of God's strength. Invite Him to turn your vulnerability into an opportunity to boost your faith and experience His power. His steadfast love will hold you up. Heavenly Father, when doubt fills my mind, hold me close. Please fill me with peace and renewed hope! Your comforts will delight me.…

SOMETIMES IT CAN take a long time to process and move beyond your resentments. Instead of focusing on betrayal, center your heart on the Lord's forgiveness and willingness to sweep away offenses like a cloud. Praise Him for His grace. Lord, when I struggle with letting go of my pain, open my heart to forgive as you forgive.…

GOD HAS A specific purpose for you. He has called you to live a faith-filled life in His marvelous light. Reflect on this truth when you feel passed over for a promotion or left out by a friend. God chooses you as an irreplaceable, unique and influential person in His Kingdom. Heavenly Father, help me discover my purpose and walk in line with it.…

GOD CONNECTS WITH you through the Bible. Each time you read His Word, you experience the joy of communing with Him as you gain understanding, guidance and wisdom. Warm your heart with His faithful messages of love. Breathe new life into your faith through His timeless Word. Lord, I am so blessed by Your Word, which transforms me into the best I can be.…

SOMEONE SAID, “THE courage it takes to share your story might be the very thing someone else needs to open their heart to hope.” Reflect on your life, and ask Jesus to help you find ways to inspire others and give them hope by sharing a personal experience. Dear Lord, guide me to bless others with my story.…

Worry TAKES a tremendous amount of energy and often robs us of sleep and joy. Pray for the strength to follow the Lord's instruction and let go of your fears. Take His words to heart—“Fear not!”—and feel a spark of excitement grow into joy. Lord, forgive me for not trusting You with my worries. I release my fear and accept Your joy.…

GOD SENDS SMALL miracles to brighten every day. Do you notice them? The next time you experience a little blessing—a parking spot that opens up, a beautiful dragonfly that lands on your window, or a meaningful song that pops up on the radio just as you tune the dial—thank Him for shining His light on your life. Dear Lord, Your fingerprints are all around me. Give me ears that hear and eyes that see Your many wondrous blessings.…

WHEN SOMEONE HAS wronged you, you have a choice. Brood over your anger and hurt feelings, or dig deep into your heart and forgive the offense. Rather than staying fixed in your rage—grow spiritually and begin the healing process. Forgive. Heavenly Father, help me recognize that holding on to anger limits my future and growth, and keeps me stuck in negative thinking.…

THE BIBLE PROVIDES many examples of giving praise and thanks even during the most challenging times. Reflect on Jesus giving thanks for the food and drink right before He was given to the Roman authorities. Or Job, who despite great suffering did not curse God. Or the Psalmist, who gave thanks even though he faced injustice. Thankfulness is rooted in the firm faith that God's nature is one of unfailing goodness. Lord, I trust You and praise You for your infinite kindness.…

EVERYONE KNOWS THAT trust builds over time. Reflect on your life and the many times God helped you out of a bind or gave you wisdom and perseverance to overcome difficult circumstances. Know that His love for you is infinite and unshakable. When you knock, He will open the door. Dear God, my soul waits upon You. I trust that You will always answer me.…

THIS COMFORTING PASSAGE tells you that all you need to do is trust in the Lord, and you heart will become His home. Close your eyes and receive the gift of His love gratefully. Know that you are being transformed from the inside out. Heavenly Father, please guide me to open my heart to the bright glory of Your love.…

APPROACH TODAY WITH peace and hope, knowing that there is no need to struggle against the things you cannot control. By navigating the tough times, you learn that God always infuses your day with beauty— and following His path leads to the glory of heaven. Lord God, because of You I am secure and at peace. I look forward to the new things You have planned for me.…