Innholdsfortegnelse for August/September 2023 i 60 Days of Prayer

JESUS TELLS YOU that a fragment of faith is all you need to do the impossible. No matter how strong your faith is right now, it is enough. Even the smallest seed of trust in God can overcome mountainous obstacles. Lord, help me put this truth into action and firmly believe with all my heart that anything is possible.…

JESUS TEACHES THAT God gave you the gift of life, and He will supply your needs. When you are worried about the future, ask for His help to resolve your concerns. Place your needs before Him, knowing that He will guide you to solutions. Faithfully rely on Your Heavenly Father to take care of you. Dear Lord, You are my provider. Help me replace my worry with faith and truly leave my concerns in Your hands.…

19TH CENTURY SCOTTISH minister Robert Murray M'Cheyne wrote, “The truest, purest joy flows from the discovery of Jesus Christ. He is the hidden treasure that gives such joy to the finder.” Look for opportunities to connect with Jesus and find joy. Reflect on His love. Believe that His mighty power is at work in your life. Dear Lord, today, may Your joy flow through me.…

GOD COMES THROUGH in times of desperation, giving help to the helpless and hope to the hopeless. When Elijah asked God to take his life, God cared for him and showed that he was not alone. When you feel discouraged, ask for His help. Trust that He will tenderly respond with what you need. Lord, You are my Savior helping me out of dark times.…

GOD HAS A beautiful plan for your life. He wants you to live a blessed life of purpose and perseverance. So look ahead with excitement about your future and do everything you can to achieve your goals. Believe in His power to help you. Thank You, Lord, for helping me believe in my goals and giving me the courage to pursue my dreams.…

HAVE YOU FALLEN into the unhealthy habit of judging yourself and others? Rather than criticize, see people as God created them. Avoid gossip, envy, pride and ingratitude, and resist the urge to measure your life and achievements against others. Dear Lord, help me to let love and compassion be my guide so that I can see others with Your loving eyes.…

LIFE IS FULL of challenges and successes, but no matter what you are going through, the most important moment is right now. Resist the urge to rush through life, impatiently trying to reach the next better thing. Instead, have faith and know that the treasure you seek is inside you. Heavenly Father, Your amazing powers are within me.…

AS CHILDREN AND college students go back to school, you too can reflect on something you want to change or develop. Now is the perfect time to set goals and try something different. Explore a new skill or hobby. Ask God to help you dream new dreams. Lord, I'm ready to start something new, to discover and develop new talent.…

JACOB FLED HIS family in fear for his life, and God intervened, letting Jacob know he was loved and cared for. Ask God to fill you with His strength and love. If you do this regularly, your life will be completely changed and you will go from feeling stressed to knowing you are blessed. Dear Lord, I know You are with me and watch over me wherever I go.…

EVER Y MOMENT IS an opportunity to renew your mind, change your perspective and see the good in a situation. When you frame your thoughts through the positive lens of love and trust that God will lead you to your best life, good things happen. Dear Lord, guide me to follow Your will and focus on what is good, acceptable and perfect.…

WHEN THE UNEXPECTED happens, or you are worried and anxious about the future, let go of fear and anxiety, because God is here with you. Though life may have times of uncertainty, God's love is constant and steadfast. Lord, the only true thing I can count on in this world is You.…

GOD TRANSFORMS LIFE'S messes and miseries into masterpieces of His grace and mercy. Open your heart to Him, and trust that He is renewing and restoring you, picking up the pieces and rebuilding you. Best of all, when God restores you, He doesn't bring you back. He brings you forward. Lord Jesus, You restore my soul. Enfold me in Your love and help me grow to be my best.…

GOD SENDS HELP in the form of wise counselors to strengthen our faith. Sometimes that resource is a compassionate listener who offers encouragement and guides you to fully use your spiritual gifts. Other times, it is your turn to offer support and guidance. Ask God to help you have a positive impact in the world. Lord, grant me the wisdom and discernment to know how to best help those who come to me for guidance.…

A LACK OF self-confidence can lead people to make safe choices that rob them of living a full life. As author John A. Shedd wrote, “A ship at harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.” Trust God and ask Him to help you lead a life not steered by fear and worry but by His pure love. Heavenly Father, I come to You with an open heart. I am secure, complete and able to pursue and explore dreams that scare me.…

IN 1963, WHEN astronaut Ed White II ventured out on America's first spacewalk, he carried a handful of mustard seeds sewn into his spacesuit as a symbol of his faith and to help him feel safe on the journey. Norman Vincent Peale reached out to White before his mission and wrote, “You don't need to take a mustard seed with you as a symbol of your faith. You have the faith itself and the inner sturdiness that will carry you through this tremendous and rewarding experience.” When you need a little strength in your life, know that you, too, have the “inner sturdiness” to do great things for God's glory. Dear Lord, give me a clear vision of Your will and give me the strength to follow it.…

GOD IS THE bright pathway to fulfilling your deepest longings and His Word will fill your heart with His light. Have faith that even when it feels like you are walking in the dark, prayer and Scripture will show you the way forward. In turn, your faith-guided journey can help others find their own way out of the darkness. Heavenly Father, help me shine Your glorious light on those around me.…

WHEN YOU ASK God for help, you cultivate a deeper trust in Him. Abide by His word and avoid the broad road of least resistance; keep on the challenging and rewarding path that leads to glory and everlasting life. The Lord gives generously when you ask for things that are good and in accordance with His will. Dear Lord, You lift me up and empower me with Your love. I am confident and humble, ready to follow You.…

GOD KNOWS THE words you will speak before they are on your lips. He also knows the state of your heart. When you feel that you've let Him down, asking for His mercy is a perfect place to begin. You can't change the past, but you can release your regrets to the Lord and begin anew today. Have mercy on me, Lord. Lift regret from my heart. Help me let go of the past and forgive myself as You have forgiven me.…

MAKE TIME TO focus on God. Keep silent and enjoy His presence. Let His spirit speak deeply to your heart as He shows you His ways. Listen and trust Him because His answers are always right. He will grow you in holiness and love as he leads you to a life of abundance. Heavenly Father, I believe in Your power. I put all of my faith in You.…

If you or someone you love is having a rough time, turn to God in prayer. Fill your mind with the healing power of His Word. Focus on His restorative power and ask for His healing to lift up those who need His blessing today, tomorrow and always. Great Physician, be near those who are struggling with pain and hardship. Heal them according to Your will. Help them feel your comfort and love.…

C.S. LEWIS SAID, “God can't give us peace and happiness apart from Himself because there is no such thing.” When you pursue your relationship with God and seek His presence, you experience the freedom of knowing that nothing on earth can chase away His peace. Thank You, Lord, for Your peace that transcends all understanding.…

Copyright © 2023 by Guideposts. All rights reserved. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher. Every attempt has been made to credit the sources of copyrighted material used in this book. If any such acknowledgment has been inadvertently omitted or miscredited, receipt of such information would be appreciated. Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from the Amplified Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.…

PEACE ISN'T THE absence of problems or disagreements. Peace is the presence of God's wholeness. As the Holy Spirit works in our lives, He gives us the gift of enduring peace. When you know that God is your Father and that His Spirit dwells inside you, life becomes more wonderful every day. Heavenly Father, each day is a gift, a fresh start, an opportunity for me to grow closer to You.…

PROGRESS IS IMPOSSIBLE without change. Yet many fear taking a leap towards something better—staying in jobs we don't like, or in unfulfilling relationships. If there is something in your life that needs to change, pray. Use this verse as an affirmation to help you have the bravery to move forward. You are not alone. Blessings lie ahead. Dear God, help me to face the changes I should make in my life; grant me the courage to leap.…

TODAY IS THE anniversary of the unimaginable tragedy of September 11, On this solemn day, we ask for God's presence to surround and comfort all those affected by this tragedy. We pray for healing, harmony, peace and serenity. Merciful God, comfort those who will never forget, and bring Your peace to the nations of the world.…

GOD'S GRACE IS always at work in your life. Even when you feel He isn't answering your prayers, He is there. Instead of doubting His help, offer praise for His presence. Lift your face and turn your focus to Him. Trust that God is faithful. Lord, I need Your help. I know that You hear my prayers.…

GOD GIVES GUIDELINES to ease life's journey. By following His guidance and staying on His path, you benefit from becoming stronger in your faith and determined to live a life of purpose. If you feel that His guidelines limit your freedom, shift your perspective and see His direction guiding you to victory. Lord, help me be disciplined by Your Word, trusting Your direction, and praising the protection You lovingly give me.…

DO YOU FACE life's challenges with excitement and enthusiasm, knowing God is with you? When you need to build your confidence, ask for His help to empower you with great strength and be assured that He will help you do all you are meant to do. Know that He is with you. Almighty God, I can live boldly because you are my Lord, and You are with me.…

GOD PLACED CUES in His creation to help us turn to Him and find meaning and purpose. Autumn is a nudge to reflect on our lives and make changes to help us grow. As the leaves fall from the trees, we too can shed what we no longer need. Heavenly Father, thank You for inspiring me to look inward and make any changes necessary to live my best life.…

Copyright © 2023 by Guideposts. All rights reserved. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher. Every attempt has been made to credit the sources of copyrighted material used in this book. If any such acknowledgment has been inadvertently omitted or miscredited, receipt of such information would be appreciated. Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from the Amplified Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.…

CHRISTIAN PASTOR A. W. TOZER brilliantly wrote, “Problems patiently endured will work for our spiritual perfecting. They harm us only when we resist them or endure them unwillingly.” Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, yet waiting periods can sometimes chip away at your trust. Recognize that God is in control even when things don't seem to go your way. He will give you the desires of your heart in His time. Lord, help me trust Your time and face my problems with patience and grace.…

FAITH OPENS THE door for God's restoration and healing. When life takes a complicated turn and you feel alone, look to Job. Despite devastating hardship, Job trusted God's will for his life. Surrender your desire to control everything, and pray for comfort and peace. Lord, help me remember that You're always working in my life. Thank You for filling my future with hope.…

THE EARTH IS a beautiful place. Yet we often forget to see the sunsets, notice the beautiful symmetry of a flower or appreciate the taste of fresh-picked vegetables and fruits. The world is full of gifts; each is a testimony to His brilliance. Be mindful of His many glorious blessings, and look closely at the greatness around you. Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your creation and amazed by Your grace. Thank You for blessing me with spectacular demonstrations of Your love.…

DR. NORMAN VINCENT PEALE said, “When pain strikes, we often ask the wrong questions, such as, ‘Why me?’ The right questions are, ‘What can I learn from this? What can I do about it? What can I accomplish in spite of it?’” Life can be difficult, but when you place your trust in God's hands, you can embrace life's trials, knowing that He is transforming you and that your faith will produce the beautiful fruit of endurance. When I am struggling with heartache and feeling alone, Loving Father, hold me close and comfort me.…

GOD INTENDED FOR you to live a hope-filled life. If worries, fears and discouragement have gained power in your mind, read the above verse, open the windows of your soul and let a strong, fresh current of hope come surging through! Heavenly Father, because of You, I have the hope I need. I am filled with energy, confidence and joy!…

AS THE SUMMER winds down, recognize that the key to keeping balance in your life is taking the time to direct your thoughts and actions toward God. Let go of feeling stressed or guilty about spending time on your spiritual life. Your relationship with God is vital to your health and wellness. Dear Lord, help me find moments of rest where I release my burdens and recharge my spirit.…

THE ABOVE VERSE is a roadmap to safety and salvation. When you are at a crossroads between devotion and desire, what you want and what is best, don't be led astray by temptation. Look to your heart for what you truly want and what will bring you closest to following God's will. Heavenly Father, sometimes I make life more difficult than it really is. Help me look to You first.…

THE BIBLE GIVES many examples of people trusting God in times of waiting. Noah waited for the rain to stop; Rebekah waited for a child. Their faith and patience was rewarded. When you are feeling frustrated by a situation or tired of being patient, pray this verse. Lord, I am planted in You, and the longer I wait, the deeper my connection and the stronger my roots in You grow.…

IS THERE A problem where you need divine clarity? Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit is always available to inspire and lead you on your journey. When you feel overwhelmed about a situation in your life—money challenges, relationship issues, problems at work—the Counselor can help you have the wisdom and understanding to make choices that align with your deepest values. Lord, I need You to be my true compass, giving me the wisdom and discernment I need to make the best choices.…

ELISABETH KÜBLER-ROSS WROTE, “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” An important part of your faith is sharing your light and God's love with others. Just as the apostle Paul was placed in communities to help them experience His divine kindness, you too are called to be a beacon of His light and help others on their faith journeys. Heavenly Father, I long to share Your love and light with others.…

IS THERE A longing in your heart that you haven't fulfilled? George Eliot famously said, “It's never too late to be what you might have been.” Have faith and pursue your passion. Celebrate the God of miracles. It's never too late. Miraculous God, please help me build my dreams into reality.…

THE GLORY OF the Lord is so magnificent that it is impossible to comprehend. Set aside a few minutes every day to think about Him. Focus your mind on Him and His glory. This practice will make you spiritually receptive and help deepen your prayer life. Lord God Almighty, I commit my soul to Your care. Fill me with Your glory.…

GOD'S LOVE IS great and understanding. Nothing you do, think or say can make Him love you any less. When you feel discouraged or heartsick over something you have done, turn to Him and ask for His healing forgiveness. Lord, I am, ready to receive Your mercy and grace. Thank You for seeing me, hearing me and, loving me.…

ACCEPT THAT TRIAL and error are a part of life and learning. Mistakes allow us to adapt and improve, strengthening our character and softening our judgment. God is the creator, the whisperer of new ideas and new dreams. Trust Him and allow yourself to make mistakes as you learn new skills and reach for higher goals. Dear God, help me look ahead filled with ambition and anticipation to live out Your plan for me.…

I was in my twenties, just out of college and living in a new town. As I skimmed the help-wanted section, an advertisement for a museum only a few blocks away caught my eye. Why not? I thought. Maybe it will make me feel better. The building that housed the museum was easy to find, and a receptionist guided me up the stairs to the exhibit and turned on the lights. I walked through the room, looking at the artifacts. At the end of the aisle was a glass case. I almost walked by it, thinking it was empty, but from the corner of my eye, I could see something on a pedestal inside it—a seed. A placard explained that I was looking at a mustard seed that had traveled…