Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2023 i 60 Days of Prayer

An old oak tree in my yard never loses all its leaves. Every year, despite winds and snowfall, it holds on to at least a third of its crumpled foliage, bearing the weight and burden of weather until spring. The oak with the clinging dead leaves grows outside my office window and has been my focus when I drift off in thought. I researched what would cause this condition of a tree retaining its leaves and found that it’s called marcescence, a word coming from the Latin marcescere, “to fade.” Interestingly, scientists are unsure why it exists, but what I know is that when I look at my oak with dull dried leaves, I reflect on what I’m holding onto that is holding me back. What am I clinging to…

WHEN YOU TRULY know God, you can trust Him completely, because He is always faithful and true to His word. God will never abandon those who seek Him. When you turn to Him wholeheartedly, you can be confident that He will guide you through whatever challenges you face in life. Dear Lord, I trust Your wisdom and ask that You reveal yourself to me. Fill me with peace and understanding.…

HOW DO YOU cope when you feel frustrated? When stress or strained relationships have you feeling discouraged or helpless, ask for God’s strength. He is always with you. Turn to Him in prayer, and ask to see the situation in a new light. Remember that amid challenging times, God is refining your character—helping you develop patience and empathy. Lord, I put my trust in You and can move forward with confidence and hope, knowing You are with me every step of the way.…

JUST AS A tree planted near water thrives, the righteous person who delights in God’s Word and meditates on it will grow and flourish in their spiritual life. By focusing your life on faith, you will be productive, and your actions will bear fruit. Lord, I trust in your provision and guidance, and know I can live a prosperous and meaningful life with You by my side. Bless me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my work.…

WHEN THE FUTURE feels uncertain and you become anxious about the days ahead, remember that God is in control. He has a plan for you and has promised to work all things together for your good. Find peace, and rest in Him. Trust His plan. Almighty God, when I am filled with uncertainty, center my heart on You.…

AS YOU REFLECT on this verse, remember that you are called to be faithful to God’s plan for your life. Trust that He will use your gifts and talents for His glory and guide you toward fulfilling your purpose. Like Esther, you can be confident that God has placed you in your current position “for such a time as this.” Dear Lord, please give me the courage to step out in faith, just as Esther did, and fulfill my purpose.…

WHEN YOU ARE faced with temptation, turn to Jesus for help. He can empathize with your struggles because He suffered and overcame temptation Himself. Ask Him to fill your heart with the desire to live a life that honors Him, and be a light of His love and grace in this world. Lord, I know You understand. Thank You for giving me strength and guidance when I am struggling. Thank You for giving me the help I need.…

THE ADAGE “SEEING IS BELIEVING” comes from the 17thcentury English clergyman Thomas Fuller whose actual statement was, “Seeing is believing, but the feeling is truth.” There is power in believing and trusting what you know to be true in your heart. Thank God for His constant love and support, even when you cannot see or feel His presence. Almighty God, may my faith continue to grow and flourish, and may I always trust in You, even when I cannot see.…

SUCCESS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT come through the guidance of God’s spirit. Rely on God’s strength and advice rather than your own when you seek to do great things or overcome challenges in your life. Pray for the humility to recognize your limitations and the faith to trust in God’s power. Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy, which sustain me.…

IN AUTUMN, REFLECT on the beauty of change and the power of letting go. Embrace nature’s lessons with an open heart and mind, and continue to be grateful for all the blessings in your life. Thank God for the bounty of the harvest season as you reflect on the passing of time. Lord, as a gentle breeze carries the fallen leaves, I am comforted knowing that amidst the cycles of life and the inevitability of change, You are constant.…

CARTOONIST CHARLES M. SCHULZ wrote, “happiness is waking up, looking at the clock and finding that you still have two hours left to sleep.” Today, many have an extra hour as they turn their clocks back for Daylight saving Time. Use this time to rest peacefully, trusting in God’s protection. surrender your worries to him and trust he will watch over you and keep you safe. Lord, thank You for the gift of sleep, which restores and refreshes me, preparing me for the day ahead.…

AUTUMN IS THE perfect time for turning inward and focusing on self-care. Center your spirit on this verse. Pray for his comfort and peace to be with you as you reflect on difficult thoughts or feelings that you are ready to release. ask for his help to find joy and meaning in areas of your life that might feel lacking. Embrace his inspiring presence. Comforting Father, thank You for making a home in my heart.…

IS SOMETHING WEIGHING on your heart? Ask God to lift the burden of guilt and shame. Be honest and share your feelings. Because of your faith, His mercy is available to you. He will purify your spirit with His forgiveness. Loving Father, I am ready to release these dark feelings and forgive myself. I trust Your love and mercy will move me forward.…

DO YOU WRITE down your visions, goals and dreams to make them clear and specific? Reflect on this verse and clearly define your desires so that you can pursue them with your heart. Then ask God to help you have the discipline and focus to persevere despite difficult or discouraging times. Faithful Lord, I know You are committed to Your promises. May my vision bring glory to You and serve Your kingdom.…

ASK GOD TO help you release anything stopping you from aligning with His will. He will help you make choices that follow His plan and stay on the path He has set for you. Trust that He will provide every step of the way. Almighty and loving God, please help me be open to Your guidance. I want to follow Your lead in all that I do.…

BEING COURAGEOUS MEANS facing our fears and trusting God’s strength and guidance. When you believe in the promises of God and His ability to see us through any situation, you can draw power from the knowledge that you are not alone—God is always with us. Lord, may I be bold in my faith, and may my courage inspire others to draw closer to You.…

AS WE CLOSE November, thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon you. Ask Him to continue to guide you. Pray for those struggling with health, finances, relationships or any other challenge. May they feel His presence and comfort during their time of need. Heavenly Father, continue to show me the way and help me walk in Your light. May Your love and blessings overflow in my life, and may I remain rooted in Your presence.…

WHEN YOU FEEL overwhelmed by a big project or goal, focus on today. What can you do right now that will help you succeed? Then, turn to God and ask for the patience and perseverance to keep moving forward just for today. Lord, I have faith that I can finish what I start, and the process of working towards my goal is just as important as the result.…

TODAY, MANY CHRISTIANS celebrate the Blessing of the Animals. This tradition, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, is inspired by the belief that all creatures are created by God and worthy of love and prayer. Take a moment and pray for comfort and healing to all of His creatures that need to feel His love. Lord, bless all the animals and the humans who care for them. May they be patient, kind and compassionate, and find joy in helping Your creatures.…

SOMETIMES, DESPITE CLOSE relationships and knowing that God is near, life can make you feel alone. When your heart is heavy with loneliness, remember that God is always by your side. Ask Him to give you the strength to be vulnerable to others and open with your feelings. Trust that He is guiding your path. Lord, even though I know You are with me, sometimes it’s hard to feel Your presence. Help me remember I am never truly alone.…

THEODORE ROOSEVELT SAID, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” If you envy others’ successes, ask God to help you see yourself and others through His eyes and be content with what He has given you. With His help, you can find the love and strength to celebrate everyone’s successes genuinely without envy, and enjoy the freedom that comes from surrendering your jealousy in exchange for His peace. Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy, which enables me to overcome all things through Your Son, Jesus Christ.…

IT’S BEEN SAID that you should be kind to unkind people because they need it the most. Although it’s not always easy, when you show compassion and forgiveness, you create positive change. Ask God for the wisdom to know when to speak up, when to remain silent, the courage to do what is right and always to remain kind. Lord, help me to see difficult people through your eyes and to respond to them with your love and compassion. Teach me to set healthy boundaries and to communicate with grace and humility.…

INSTEAD OF SEEING problems as obstacles, view them as stepping stones. Every challenge you face can help you grow in faith and become stronger and more resilient. You can learn important lessons that will help you navigate future difficulties. Lord, I know You will use every situation for Your good. Help me move through trials towards a brighter future.…

PSALM 131 IS a reminder to release worries about yourself with matters that are too great or difficult to handle. Instead, trust in God’s wisdom and rest in His presence. Find peace and contentment in Him. Lord, I lay down my burdens and trust in Your goodness and provision. Quiet my mind and fill my spirit with Your peace.…

THIS VERSE REVEALS Jesus’ love and concern for Peter. Jesus prayed for Peter, asking God to strengthen his faith and protect him from falling away. With all Peter’s flaws and failures, he had an essential role in building up the Church. Life is not always easy, but our loving Savior intercedes for us and enables us to persevere. Dear God, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and to rely on Your grace and mercy in every situation.…

THE APOSTLE PAUL is saying that our joy should not depend on our external circumstances, which can change and be unpredictable, but rather on our relationship with God, which is unchanging and constant. We should approach problems with a positive and joyful attitude rooted in our faith in God. When we do this, we can experience the peace and comfort that comes from knowing God is with us and in control. Lord, help me be joyful in all circumstances, focusing on You and trusting in Your righteousness.…

THIS VERSE DESCRIBES the friendship between Jonathan, the son of King saul, and David, who would later become a great king of Israel. Reflect on the gift of friendship and ask God to strengthen and deepen the relationships in your life so that they are grounded in love, selflessness and loyalty. Heavenly Father, may my friendships reflect Your love and grace.…

THIS VERSE IS a reminder to be proactive and wise in preparing for the winter season. Use this time to reflect on your life, grow your faith and deepen your relationships with those around you. Holy One, may I be reminded of Your love and grace, even amid the cold and darkness.…

NO MATTER YOUR age or physical condition, God is always with you and will sustain you. When you feel the weight of time and the changes in your body, ask for his loving presence to help you navigate this new phase of life. Lord, because of You, I can find joy and fulfillment in each new day and embrace the gift of life with gratitude and humility.…

ONE OF LIFE’S greatest truths is that the more you give, the more you receive. Your life can take on true meaning when you give generously—and thankfully— to lift up another in need. God loves it when you share with a grateful heart. Lord God, I am ready to lend a helping hand. Guide me to people and situations where I can be of service.…

ENOCH’S LIFE IS a testimony to the power of a faithful and intimate relationship with God. He lived in a time when most people were turning away from God and toward sin, but Enoch chose to walk with God and be faithful to Him. When you follow Him with all your heart, you can experience the joy and peace that come from living in His presence. Heavenly Father, give me the strength and courage to turn away from sin and to follow you with all my heart.…

A KEY TO having balance in your life is honoring a day of rest—especially during the busy holiday season. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for your spiritual life. Instead, spend time with God and reap the benefit of His presence. Loving Father, my time with You is precious and blessed. Help me to keep it that way—to schedule time for us.…

SURRENDERING TO GOD means acknowledging that His ways are higher than your ways. Let go of your understanding and trust that He has a better plan than anything you could imagine. Trust that He will guide you in the right direction and lead you on the path of righteousness. Heavenly Father, I can find peace, purpose and fulfillment through surrender.…

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RALPH WALDO EMERSON said, “He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” Do you avoid fear at all costs, wasting time and energy running away from your worries? Instead of sidestepping the problem, know that with God at your side, you can fully face and feel your fear. You have the power and are free to walk through your worries and move beyond what is blocking you. Dear Lord, fill me with Your peace which surpasses all understanding, and help me remain calm and centered on You in the face of fear.…

FORGIVENESS IS ESSENTIAL to your faith and helps you live a healthy, balanced life. Instead of letting anger or resentment tarnish your spirit, reflect on your mistakes, acknowledge your faults and apologize to those you hurt. Ask God to help you embody His forgiveness. Lord, fill me with compassion and understanding. May Your peace and presence be with me always, and may I reflect Your light in all I do.…

REFLECT ON THE above verse and recognize the gift of today. Enjoy your cup of tea or coffee in the morning, feel the sun on your face and listen to the whistles and trills of birds singing. Recognize that the richest part of your life is spent with God and in gratitude, for the glorious gifts He showers on you. Lord, I am present with You, loving my life and feeling so blessed that I am here.…

AS THE LEAVES change and the nights grow longer, reflect on God’s faithfulness in the changing cycles of life. Thank Him for the season’s harvest and for the abundance of His provision. Be mindful of the richness of this time of year, and use it to reflect on the blessings that God has given you. Dear Lord, may my faith grow stronger each day, and may I always seek Your will above my own.…

SEARCH YOUR HEART and reflect on any hurts that have not yet healed. Surrender your pain and unresolved feelings to God. ask Him to work miracles from your misfortune. Open your heart to His compassion and love. He will free you from pain. Dear Lord, thank You for caring for me and helping me let go of my grief and sadness. Open my heart to Your healing touch. Work Your miracles and free me from pain.…

DO YOU RESIST the temptation of vanity and focus your heart and mind on what truly matters—your relationship with God and the impact you make on the lives of others? Ask for God’s help not to be consumed by worldly pursuits and material possessions, but rather seek to live a life that honors Him and reflects His love. Heavenly Father, help me use my life to bring glory to Your name and to serve those around me.…

THE POWERFUL MESSAGE of being rescued from deep waters is used throughout the Bible to describe God’s salvation and deliverance. It is a reminder that God is your protector, able to save you from even the most complex and overwhelming situations. Rely on His faithfulness and trust Him in times of trouble. Heavenly Father, when I feel like I am drowning in deep waters, I know that You are the one who can rescue me, just as You rescued David in his time of need.…

SALVATION IS NOT earned through our efforts or good works, but through faith. Belief and trust in God’s promises are central to a righteous life. ask God to help you believe when you are plagued by doubt. have the courage to step out in faith, knowing God is with you. Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Abram, who believed in You despite his doubts and fears and trusted in Your promises even when they seemed impossible.…

GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for the good things in our lives, while thanksgiving is an outward expression of that gratitude. Together, they create a powerful force that can transform our lives and the world. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness, goodness and love, and for all the blessings that grace my life.…

TO MOVE FORWARD and grow, you must learn to let go of the past and focus on the future. Release the pain and regrets of the past and embrace the possibilities and opportunities of the present and future. Dear Lord, grant me the wisdom to recognize when it is time to let go and the grace to do so with love, forgiveness and compassion.…

YOU HAVE BEEN given the power and love of God to help you overcome anxiety. When you feel burdened by the weight of fear, ask for his loving presence to help you find peace and confidence. Pray for the courage to step out of your comfort zone, knowing that he is with you. Lord, help me remember that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that worries do not define my worth.…

TODAY, AS YOU honor Veterans Day, give thanks for the courage and commitment of all those who have served our country, and for the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedoms and ensure our safety. May they be honored and appreciated for their service and receive the care and support they need to heal from any physical or emotional wounds they have sustained. Dear Lord, today we remember those who have defended our country and honor their legacy by working for peace and justice.…

THROUGHOUT THE BIBLE, God shows His ability to turn bad into good. If you’re facing a difficult situation where everything seems to be going wrong, you can still maintain a positive attitude by believing God can turn negativity into blessings. Redeemer, I know You’re actively working in my life. Shine Your divine mercy and grace on my problems and turn them into godsends.…

AUTHOR LAURIE COLWIN wrote, “The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety and satisfaction. A person cooking is a person giving; even the simplest food is a gift.” When we approach food with gratitude and moderation, we honor God’s gift and use it to nourish our bodies and bring joy to others. God of comfort, thank You for the delicious food You have provided. Help me be mindful of my choices and use nourishment in a way that brings honor and glory to You.…

TODAY AS YOU gather with loved ones and count your blessings, remember to include the greatest gift of all— Jesus, the Bread of Life. Christ satisfies and nourishes your soul. Reflect on how you can use your blessings to spread love and kindness wherever you go. Lord Jesus, thank You for sustaining me, nurturing my spirit, and satisfying my deepest longings and desires.…

TRUE BEAUTY COMES from having a heart that loves the Lord. By cultivating kindness, humility and gentleness, you please God. Ask Him to help you serve and love others and to serve them with sincerity and compassion so that His love can shine through you. Glorious God, may I reflect Your love and glory through my inner beauty and be a light to those around me.…