May 2022 Week 2

Verse of the Day for Monday,

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him. — 1 John 5:14-15

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

Confidence before God. That’s sort of an oxymoron if you meditate upon it. Yet through the presence of Jesus at the Father’s right hand and the intercession of the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence and come boldly before the Creator of the universe and know that he not only hears us, but also cares for us. Wow, what an audience! Oh, and one final thing, he also ACTS on what we ask.

My Prayer

Abba Father, for the grace of your listening ear I thank you more than words can say. Through the authority of Jesus my brother and by the grace of your interceding Holy Spirit, I offer you my thanks and love this day. Amen

Verse of the Day for Tuesday,

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. — 2 Chronicles 7:14

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

Humility is not our culture’s most valued asset or most desired character quality. But, humility is what is demanded — not so much because it’s commanded (though that would be enough), but because we’ve “earned” our need of it. Every year brings another wave of major failures in morality, character, and spirituality. Even on our best days, we all fall short of God’s holiness. Rather than progressing culturally, we find ourselves slipping. Our need to approach God with humility is “earned”! So let’s be humble and call upon the Lord, throwing off our sin and seeking after him!

My Prayer

Holy and Almighty God, your deeds are awesome, your faithfulness is overwhelming, and your mercy and grace are such blessings. Yet I come to you knowing that you hear me, despite the incredible distance between you and me, between your worth and holiness and my lack. I confess that I, and my culture and country around me, have made a mess of what you so wonderfully blessed us with. I come humbling asking that you reassert yourself in our nation at this time in clearly recognizable ways. I ask this in faith through Jesus’ name. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Wednesday,

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

God wants to hear our prayers. But to keep them from becoming too self-focussed, God wants us to always remember to give thanks. It is so easy for us to turn prayer into a request line. We are the ones who are left bereft when thanksgiving and praise are robbed from our prayers. Without praise our hearts grow dim because all we think about are problems and prayer becomes a wish list.

My Prayer

Gracious God, I have so many reasons to praise you. In the face of trial and hardship I have your promises to reawaken my hope. In the moment of victory I have you to thank for my abilities. In the boredom of the routine, I have great joys in your surprises. Thank you God for being so great and yet so loving. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Thursday,

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. — James 5:16

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

To confess our sins means we do two things with our sin: 1) we recognize sin for what it is in God’s eyes and 2) we get rid of our secrets and are honest with another Christian about our weakness, vulnerabilities, failures, and sins. James’ language is powerful. He mentions that this confession doesn’t just bring forgiveness, it also brings healing.

My Prayer

Holy Father, I have sinned. I now confess my own personal sin of ____________. I ask for your forgiveness and for your Spirit to strengthen me in overcoming temptation. I want to live for you and not let my sin, any sin, entangle me and draw me away from you. Through the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Friday,

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. — Hebrews 11:6

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

I believe! I believe that God not only knows me, but cares about me. I believe that God not only created the universe, but he knows the number of hairs on my head. I believe that God not only sent his Son to save the world, but that he’s sending him back to bring me home. What’s more, I believe that God is pleased by my belief.

My Prayer

Almighty, Most Holy Lord, I thank you for your steadfast love and enduring faithfulness. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for your might and power. I thank you for your awesome holiness. I thank you… for being you, and choosing to reveal yourself to mortals like me. Through Jesus, your final Word, I pray. Amen.