“Today I will accept suffering as something that can prove and purify my faith. Lord, thank You for those trials and challenges that help me be more like You. You are worth it all and more!”
Promise #54
I hear you when you ask for anything according to My will.
1 John 5:14 (WEB)
This is the boldness which we have toward him, that,
if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us.
In today’s promise, the Apostle John encourages us to be confident in our prayer life. When we ask God for anything that is in accordance with His will, He hears us. Our Father is a good father who delights in giving His kids good gifts (James 1:17) and He is listening when we cry out to Him. I think we would be surprised at how attentive God really is to our prayers.
If our view of God is that He is harsh and a taskmaster, then we will probably feel like we could never do enough to get His attention. However, this is not the picture of God that Jesus painted while He was on earth. Everything that Jesus did was an exact representation of His Father (John 14:8-10).
Jesus even told us that His Dad took the time to number every one of the hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30) because of our great value to Him. So continue to ask, seek and knock. Remember, what Jesus told us in Matthew 7:7-11…
7 “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (WEB)
TRUSTING GOD DAY BY DAY
Live In Peace With One Another
From the Inside Out
What do you want? Really. Do you even know sometimes? How often do you stop and listen to your heart voice – the one that’s way deeper (and usually a lot quieter!) than your head voice? Do you really want to hurry to the next thing and the next thing the way you do? Do you really want that junky snack you just inhaled because there’s never enough time? Over-busy lives often lead to mindless choices, because life on autopilot doesn’t require a lot of deep decision making. But Jesus calls again and again back to our hearts. Back to the reasons behind the things we do. Back to the “why” behind the “what.” He knows that the only way to live full and vibrant lives is from the inside out. Stop once in a while and tune in. Your heart may have something important to say.
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 NASB)
The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. (Proverbs 20:5 NIV)
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6 NKJV)
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)
Quiet my life, Lord, and help me hear what my heart is trying to say. You alone know my deepest desires. I place them in all Your loving hands.
This is an excerpt from Less Hustle, More Jesus by Shanna Noel. If you are enjoying this series, consider purchasing a copy of this book to bless someone that could use daily words of encouragement to rest in God’s peace. Shop all DaySpring Books and Devotionals.
Come to Your Senses
by Lane P. Jordan
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worth to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.” Luke 15:17-20 NIV
Has there been a time in your life when you were so ashamed by your actions that you felt completely worthless? Have you been embarrassed or humiliated to the point you didn’t know what you should do next?
The young man in Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son found himself in that very same position. With an air of entitlement, he had demanded that his father give him his inheritance now. When his father did, the son quickly squandered the money on friends and fast living in a foreign land. He ended up broke, homeless, and hungry, forced to take a job feeding pigs (an animal of abomination to the Jews).
Finally, in a climactic moment, the son “came to his senses.” He said, “How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger?” He got up and headed home.
The son truly humbled himself. He acknowledged what he had done to his father: his betrayal, his disrespect, and his total failure with his inheritance. He confessed his sin to heaven and to his father, fully accepting that his position in the family would now be as a hired servant. He didn’t care. All he wanted was to be reunited with his father.
Jesus showed through the father’s unconditional acceptance of his prodigal son, the great grace and mercy God offers to each one of us! God is waiting for us to come back to Him and then He will run to us. He will pour His love and His forgiveness over us. He will give us His robe of righteousness through His Son Jesus, He will give us a ring, and He will rejoice with us. We only need to approach Him in humility, acknowledging our desperation and inadequacy to go it alone.
What a God! What a Savior! To know that our God will forgive us our sins and keep us as sons and daughters forever!
Even though the father’s other son criticized and judged his father, the father wouldn’t budge from embracing this son whom he thought he had lost forever.
Are you lost right now? Or do you have a loved one who is lost? Then begin to pray. God is the persistent seeker. All God wants from us is to turn to Him. It doesn’t matter what we have done. God’s forgiveness has no bounds.
If you feel your sin is too great for God’s forgiveness, then look at some of the people of the Bible. Each one had serious sin in their lives: David committed adultery and murder, Jonah ran the other way from God’s will, Noah got drunk and shamed himself to his sons, and the woman at the well had lived with many men. Even the Apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, had killed many of the early Christians before meeting Jesus on the Road to Damascus.
There is nothing that you have done that can keep you from the loving forgiveness of our God. Come to your senses and turn to Him.
About the author: Lane P. Jordan is a best-selling author, international motivational and inspirational speaker, singer, artist, Bible teacher, and professional life coach. She lives in Frisco, Texas with her husband who partners with her in ministry and waits impatiently for daughters and granddaughter to visit! Lane’s desire is to encourage, support, and motivate women of all ages to be better wives, mothers, and women of God by organizing their lives and time. You can find her at: http://www.LaneJordanMinistries.com and her blog at http://www.PathwaysToOrganization.com.
Lane’s book, 12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Woman, is an invaluable resource for every woman–from soccer moms to single grandmoms. It combines practical information on managing a fast-paced life with biblical wisdom and assurances that even when life seems overwhelming, the Lord is our keeper, our father, our husband, and our shepherd.
Join the conversation: What does God’s being a persistent seeker mean to you?
5 Powerful Prayers for Protection in the Storms of Life
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff
Our world is filled with events and situations that can cause great fear and anxiety. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and live imprisoned by fear. But that is not the way of God! We are promised in God’s Word that he is faithful and will protect us. God wants us to let go of fear and to live life to the fullest! (John 10:10)
Remember this promise from Scripture:
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
When you are overcome by worry, use these prayers for protection to remember who God is and the protection he has promised you.
Photo credit: ©Thinkstock
1. A Prayer for Personal Protection
Father, I come to You today, bowing in my heart, asking for protection from the evil one. Lord, we are assailed moment by moment with images on television, the internet, books and newspapers that leave us vulnerable to sin of every kind. Surround us with Your divine hedge of protection. Encompass us round about with Your strength and Your might. Let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy. And may You shelter us, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)
Lord, I ask that You protect our minds. Father, the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6) O God, set our minds on You. Let us not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what Your will is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2) Help us by the power of Your Spirit to think on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let our minds dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Strengthen us in the power of Your might, O God. Dress us in Your armor so that we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. We know that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.(Ephesians 6:10-12)
You are our keeper, O Lord, the shade on our right hand. Protect us from all evil and keep our soul. Guard our going out and our coming in. From this time and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen. – by Lynn Cooke
Photo credit: ©Thinkstock/LincolnRogers
2. A Prayer to Protect My Family
Lord, I pray Your emotional, physical, and spiritual protection over my kids (grandkids). Keep evil far from them, and help them to trust You as their refuge and strength. I pray You will guard their minds from harmful instruction, and grant them discernment to recognize truth. I pray You will make them strong and courageous in the presence of danger, recognizing that You have overcome and will set right all injustice and wrong one day. Help them to find rest in Your shadow, as they live in the spiritual shelter You provide for them. Let them know that the only safe place is in Jesus, and that their home on earth is only temporary. – Ryan Duncan, Culture Editor at Crosswalk.com
Photo credit: ©Thinkstock/itsmejust
3. A Prayer That My Family Will Know Your Love
Lord, I pray that my kids (grandkids) will develop an eternal perspective and purpose, not an earthly one. Help them to see life–and every challenge–through Your eyes, eager and unafraid to share with others the good news of Jesus wherever they go. I pray that they will set their minds on things above, not just what’s going on here, and that they will be rooted and grounded in Your love. I pray they will come to understand the extent of Your own love for them–that it surpasses all the head knowledge they will acquire in school. I pray they will be filled up with You from morning ’til night. – Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Photo credit: ©Thinkstock/takasuu
4. “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” Protective Prayer
Celtic monks used it to start their day.The hymn was several stanzas long, and the last two stanzas were especially memorable and moving:
5. “Priestly Blessings” Prayer from Scripture
Numbers 6:22-27 is known as the “Priestly Blessing” or sometimes the “Aaronic Benediction.” There are seven requests made in this prayer.
The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “’The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”‘ “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
1. The Lord bless you…
The word “bless” means to “provide favor or benefit.” Father, we pray that for our children. You are the Eternal God. Please place Your great kindness and advantage on those we love. May they be approved and favored by You.
2. and keep you…
The Hebrew word “keep” means to “watch, guard, defend.” This is a prayer for protection. Father, my children are not perfect. They are going to make mistakes. But please watch over them and guard them again mistakes of youth that are unalterable. Please defend them against temptation. Protect them against Satan who desires to devour them.
3. the LORD make his face shine upon you…
This is a request for God’s presence.Father, as a parent I know that I can’t be with my children all the time, but You can. Just like they feel the warmth of the sun shining on them, please allow them to experience Your presence. Thank You for being with them wherever they go.
4. and be gracious to you…
Grace is God’s undeserved favor. He gives us what we don’t deserve. Father, thank You for Your gift of grace. I pray that gift to be poured out on my children. Following that great gift of salvation, please show them your kindness and love in all the endeavors of their lives.
5. the Lord turn his face toward you…
Here is a request for God’s fellowship.Father, thank You, that because of their trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in my children. Please walk with them in a powerful way. Enable them to submit to the Spirit’s control day by day and moment by moment.
6. and give you peace.
The Hebrew word for peace used here is “shalom.” It means “completeness, wholeness, and contentment.” Lord, please calm my children’s fears; soothe their anxious souls. Keep them complete and whole in their thinking, emotions, desires, and actions.
7. So they will put my name on ___________ (the name of your child/children).
This is a request of identification. Lord, please place Your holy mark on my children. Set them apart to be used by You. I love them but You love them more. You love them with an everlasting love. May they represent You well on their earthly journey. And when their journey is completed, welcome them home to live forever with You.
(notes by Ron Moore, The Journey)
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Prayers for Protection and Safety from the Bible
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” – John 17:15
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:13
“Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalm 16:10-11
Read more Bible verses about protection.
To read the text-only version of this article please click here.
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30 Day Prayer Challenge: Fighting Fear and Anxiety with the Promises of God
Debbie McDaniel and iBelieve Contributors
Click here to access this prayer guide as a downloadable PDF!
Fear is one of the enemy’s favorite weapons. Worry, anxiety, fear… it can all overwhelm us like a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision. Yet reality tells us that so much of what we spend our time worrying about never even happens. Living under the weight of the “what if’s” is a hard place to dwell.
God has words of life – of truth – that he wants to speak into your fears. Soaking them in, praying them out loud until they became so familiar they replace the other things in your mind — that is the first line of defense against fear and worry. There’s nothing magical about words and verses, but there is power through them, because they’re God’s words.
If you’ve found yourself battling worry recently, this 30-day prayer guide will help you pray and focus on God’s Word. Every day for the next 30 days, there will be a specific prayer to combat fear and anxiety. Some days there will be an opportunity to read a related article, or watch a short video. Other days you’ll be encouraged to journal or write down your thoughts on a related prompt. Every day will have at least one verse for you to study and pray through.
Share this image on social media and invite other women to take this prayer challenge with you!
You can start this prayer challenge any day of the month, but it might be easier to start at the beginning of the month, just to keep track of the days. If you do miss a day, just pick up with the corresponding day and, if you have time, you can go back to the days you’ve missed.
God’s blessings and peace over you as you pray!
Day 1 – When you feel like you’re in the storm – No matter what swirls around us, God promises to be our perfect peace. He assures us He is constantly with us, strengthening and supporting us. Pray that God will help you to keep your eyes and focus on Him, not on the circumstances surrounding you. Ask Him to help you grown in your trust, believing He is faithful to see us through.
Mark 4:39-40<i< biblepassage=””></i<>,Isaiah 41:10,John 16:33
Write: In your journal, think of the top 5 or so things in your life right now that are causing you worry, fear, or anxiety. Give those things over to God now in prayer. Ask him to relieve your fears and help you remember His truth. Invite the Holy Spirit to begin to calm your soul by replacing the fear with the words of truth you just read. Write down the promises from the passages in Mark, Isaiah and John. When fear begins to creep in, re-read these promises and thank God for His steadfast love.
Day 2 – When you need God’s peace over panic – The enemy will lure us towards panic and worry if we focus on all that is wrong in this world. But God offers us confident peace that can never be found in this life without Him. Ask for His help in choosing not to worry, but instead to pray, allowing His Spirit to guard your heart and mind in Him.
Philippians 4:6-9, Isaiah 26:3-4, John 14:27
Day 3 – When you’re worried about finances – Often it’s hard to trust God when money problems, debt, and loss mount up high. Yet God knows what concerns us, He understands our every need, and He is more than able to provide all that we lack. Pray that He will give you wisdom in every financial decision, that He would help you to be generous in giving, and to trust Him in providing for your family’s needs.
Matthew 6:25-27, Hebrews 13:5-6, Philippians 4:19
Read:What Happened the Day I Said Goodbye to My Dream Home by Renée Davis
Day 4 – When you’re anxious about the future – When the future feels uncertain, when things seem to change, or we find ourselves on a new journey in this life, we can start to feel the pressure and stress of it all weighing down heavy on our hearts and minds. But Christ reminds us not to worry about tomorrow. He assures us of His care for each and every day. Ask Him to help you let go of trying to figure everything out and to trust Him in today, knowing He is with you always, and will lead you every step of tomorrow.
Psalm 56:3, Matthew 6:34, Luke 12:22-26
Day 5 – When you’re afraid for the safety of those you love – One of the biggest fears many battle is that something bad will happen to their loved ones. Yet reality is, we can’t always be with them, nor can we always protect them from all that may come their way. But God is with them always, and He is Mighty. Pray that His protection would surround those you love, that His angels would guard their coming and going, and He would keep them safe from harm. Thank Him that we can release those we love into His care, knowing that He watches over His children, and covers them in His care.
Psalm 34:7, Psalm 121:3-8, Psalm 91:11
Read: Trusting God with Our Children by Kate Motaung
Day 6 – When you feel overwhelmed – When troubles overwhelm and worry sets in, it can feel like we can hardly breathe. It might seem as if we’re drowning in the pressures and fears that life has thrown our way. God can cut through all that; He is powerful to work a miracle on our behalf. The same God who split the sea and healed the sick is the God who hears your prayers today. Tell him what concerns you, and thank Him that He is helping you this day.
Isaiah 35:4, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Psalm 61:2-5
Watch:Why Are Women Overwhelmed and Stressed Out?
Day 7 – When you’re facing defeat and discouragement – The voices in this world, the enemy’s lies, and even our own negative words can do a pretty good job of making us feel defeated and anxious. Choose to tune out from all that mess, and instead choose to listen to what God says about you. He reminds you that you are more than a conqueror. He tells you not to fear. Pray He will help you to have wisdom in whose voice you listen today, and that your thoughts would be focused on Him.
Joshua 1:9, Psalm 43:5, Romans 16:20
Read:Dear You… A Letter for All of the Hard Days by Ann Voskamp
Day 8 – When you feel desperate – For the days you can’t see a way out of your troubles, when desperation raises its head, and you don’t see an end in sight, know this:God is near. He reminds you that He’s fighting for you. He tells us to stand strong in His armor and in the power of His word. Read out loud every word of the armor of God, pray that He would help you to lift your head straight up to Him, believing that He will see you through.
Psalm 34:4-7, Exodus 14:14, Ephesians 6:10-18
Day 9 – When life seems too chaotic and busy – When days feel full and busy, our time with God may get pushed out. Don’t fall for that trap. Time with God will always keep our focus clear and help us move in the right direction. He is able to multiply your efforts and fill you with great peace and joy even in the midst of chaos. Ask for His help to spend time in His presence, pray that He will help you to say yes to the best, and let the other things go.
1 Peter 5:6-7, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 46:10
Read: For the Woman Trying to do it All by Katy McCown
Day 10 – When you’re afraid about the political outcome of our nation – God reminds us to pray for our leaders, but He reminds us He still is Sovereign over all. Ask Him to help you not to worry about the things that are out of your control, but to be faithful and wise to support and pray for those leaders who might be godly influences in our land. Thank Him that our times are in His hands. Pray for His blessing and mercy over our nation.
John 14:27, Psalm 31:15, John 16:33
Day 11 – When you need a reminder that God fights for you – No matter what we face in this life, we are never in the battle alone. God goes before us, He’s with us every step, and He leads the way ahead. Pray that you would stay alert in a dark world, that God will help you to stand strong in Him, and that you would daily sense His Presence covering you in all that you’re up against.
Joshua 23:10, Deuteronomy 3:22, Romans 8:31-32
Read:4 Powerful Ways to Fight with Joy Today by Margaret Feinberg
Day 12 – When you feel all alone – When struggles come, fear and loneliness may often follow. The enemy wants nothing more than for you to feel like you’re all alone. Be reminded that God sees you, right where you are, and He won’t ever leave you to fend for yourself. Thank Him that He is strongly supporting you right now, that He sees right where you are. Believe His Word — that He cares and you are never alone.
Genesis 16:13, Psalm 25:16-17, 2 Chronicles 16:9
Day 13 – When you’re battling depression and darkness – This world can feel dark many days. And in troubling times, that darkness can hover closely. Yet God is still there. And He reminds us that He’s greater than anything we face in this life. His power is the One who can set us free from the pit we sometimes sink down into. Pray for God’s miraculous power to break through the darkness and cover you, lift you up, out of the place you may find yourself in today. Believe that nothing is impossible with Him, ask Him for His healing and grace to touch the deepest parts of your life.
Matthew 19:26, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:4
Read:9 Steps to Overcoming Anxiety and Depression by Laurie Coombs
Watch:3 Promises from Scripture to Remind You You’re Brave Enough to Face Each Day
Day 14 – When you’re facing fear about a hard diagnosis – Some of the biggest life blows come in the form of a diagnosis. Cancer. Disease. Chronic illness. Disability. Pain. It can send us spiraling. Yet nothing takes God by surprise, and He reminds us in the midst of bad news, we still don’t have to fear. We can trust Him. Pray that God will flood your heart with the assurance that He holds you and will carry you through the toughest times in life. Thank Him in advance for His healing and strength. Believe His Word that assures you He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:17-20, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 112:7
Day 15 – When your mind is flooded with doubt and fear – Sometimes in the midst of pressures and stress, our minds can start spinning out of control. We find ourselves creating problems that don’t even exist, doubt and worry can overwhelm us and take control. Pray that God will help you to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ, that you would choose to set your thoughts on Him, that His peace and rest will guard your heart and mind in Christ.
Psalm 62:5, Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Day 16 – When you feel like you’ve drifted or lost your way – When we start to feel distant from God, or feel like we’ve lost our way, God is still there. He waits for us to return and offers forgiveness and grace. Out of His Presence is anxiety and fear, but in Him, there is abundant life, purpose, and joy. Ask God’s forgiveness for what you need to make right with Him, thank Him for covering of care, for His huge mercy and love. Pray for His help and wisdom in staying close to Him, believing there is protection and goodness there.
1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12, John 10:10
Read:5 Things that Cause Us to Drift Spiritually by Chris Russell
Day 17 – When you find it too hard to forgive – Unforgiveness toward others or even toward ourselves can be controlling and consuming. It can breed bitterness and anxiety. Don’t let it win. Pray that God will help you to let go of where you’ve been wronged, even when it’s hard, choosing to forgive, determined to walk in love, knowing that His grace and forgiveness covers all. Pray that God will help you to release every past mistake to Him, and walk in the freedom and peace He brings.
Matthew 18:21-22, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32
Watch:How Do We Heal after Others Hurt Us?
Day 18 – When you’re afraid of what others think of you – Sometimes we can let the fear of others or our desire to please people drive our thoughts and dictate our actions. That’s never a wise path to follow, it will always lead to defeat and disillusionment. God reminds us that the fear of man is a trap, but His perfect love casts out all fear. Pray He would show you what changes you need to set in place today, so you care more about living for Him, and less about striving to please others.
1 John 4:18, Psalm 27:1, Proverbs 29:25
Day 19 – When you’re facing giants – When the odds seem stacked against us and we’re face to face with big obstacles, it can feel insurmountable. But often, this is the very place where God shows up strong on our behalf. He sees victory, when we see defeat. Pray that He will do what seems impossible on your behalf, that He would help you to stand strong in wisdom and faith, believing His Word that no weapon formed against us will prosper.
Psalm 118:6-7, Isaiah 54:17, Judges 6:12
Day 20 – When you need new strength in the journey – Even the best warriors get tired, battle-weary. None of us are immune to deep weariness and fatigue, it reminds us of our limitations. But He is forever strong and fills us afresh with His strength and power to stay on the journey. Pray for the fresh filling of God’s Spirit in your life to combat worry and strengthen you in weakness. Ask Him to help you press on, making the most of every opportunity. Believe that He is able to do more than you could ever imagine.
Philippians 3:12-14, Isaiah 40:30-31, Ephesians 3:20-21
Day 21 – When the enemy seems hot on your trail – Some days the enemy seems to be close behind, whispering lies, trying to bring discouragement, defeat, or temptation to trip us up. But God is our Hiding Place, our Refuge, and Deliverer. He reminds us He is with us, fights for us, and is the One who brings victory in our lives over the enemy’s schemes. Ask God to help you to be alert and wise to the enemy’s schemes, thank Him for the victory He gives through His power. Thank Him that He is always with you and He is strong on your behalf against any opposition you face. Pray for His protection to surround you and your family like a strong tower.
Psalm 32:7, 1 Peter 5:8-10, Deuteronomy 20:4
Day 22 – When you can’t find your joy – Problems, worry, and stress have an incredible way of stealing our joy. Pray that God will renew your mind in Him, that His joy would fill your heart and be your strength today. Thank Him that true joy and peace are never dependent on our external circumstances, but are found in Him alone.
Psalm 30:5, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 94:19
Day 23 – When you need to be reminded of God’s protection – In a world that can often feel like a scary place, fear and worry sometimes get the best of us. We long for God’s protection, and for His constant Presence over those we love. His Word reminds us over and over not to fear, but to be confident He is near. Pray through the verses of Psalm 91, ask God for His protection and covering over your family and home. Pray for the peace of His Spirit to help you rest, knowing that with Him, we dwell in Safety. Thank Him that He is our Rock, our Shield, and Deliverer.
Write: In your journal, make 3 columns: Promises, Truths, and Commands. Re-read Psalm 91 and write down every truth, promise and command that you read. Then meditate on these truths and promises, asking God to help you remember them in moments of fear.
Day 24 – When you forget how valued you are – Feeling unloved and undervalued can lead us to feeling insignificant in this life. It can stir up worry deep within that we have no lasting value or real purpose here. And it’s not true. God has destined us with specific purposes and callings in this life. He loves us with an everlasting love and fills us with His hope, constantly reminding us that He is leading us. Pray you would be aware of His Presence, loving you, guiding you, directing you with purpose and hope. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you, His treasured child, cherished, and greatly valued.
Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 43:1-4, Zephaniah 3:17
Day 25 – When you need to remember that God is in control – No matter what we face, God hasn’t lost control. It may seem like life is too chaotic and uncertain, but God is steadfast, immovable, and strong. He doesn’t change based on our circumstances. Nothing takes Him unaware. And He can turn around for good whatever hard times we walk through in this life. Pray that God will work out all things for good in your life, that whatever trial has caused worry and fear, He will turn it around to bring glory to Himself. Trust that He is able to show Himself strong on your behalf. Lay down all that concerns you, and allow Him to carry it for you.
Romans 8:28, Matthew 28:20b, Psalm 46:1-2
Read:Escaping the Anxiety Trap by Amy Carroll
Day 26 – When you feel like God’s forgotten you – If you’re living and breathing today, you can be assured God still has great purpose in store for you. His faithfulness is great and His mercies are new every morning. He has not, and will not, ever forget you. His timing is not always on our timetable, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, but we can know that our times are safe in His hands. Pray that God’s grace for this day would surround you, reminding you that He has good still in store. Thank Him that He is faithful to complete all He has prepared for you to walk in. Thank Him that His timing is perfect and ask for His help to trust His ways, even when you can’t fully see or understand.
Lamentations 3:22-23, Philippians 1:6, Isaiah 55:8-9
Day 27 – When you’re afraid of making a wrong decision – Sometimes the fear of making a wrong decision can leave us stuck, unable to make any decisions at all. We’re afraid of making a huge mistake, so we don’t do anything. But God doesn’t want us to live driven by fear. He promises He will guide our steps and help us in every decision in life. Pray He will give you wisdom in every circumstance, guidance for every decision. Trust Him in every open door and every closed door to. Believe that God has your best at heart and is faithful to lead you as you trust in Him.
Psalm 32:8, James 1:5, Proverbs 3:5-6
Read:A Prayer to Know God’s Will for Your Life by Rachel-Claire Cockrell
Day 28 – When you feel weary and burdened – We were never intended to carry the load of cares that we so often do. We’re not equipped for the types of burdens we try to shoulder on our own. But He is. And He promises to give us strength and rest as we give our burdens to Him. Pray that God will help you to lay it all down, again. Thank Him that He knows our weakness and helps us in our needs. Pray for His rest and assurance today, that He will care for all that concerns you. Ask Him to fill you with His peace.
Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 40:28-29
Day 29 – When you feel too broken – When you feel like you can’t go on – when you feel like the pieces of shattered life and problems will not ever be able to be adequately fixed – there is deep fear that sets in. Though times of brokenness may forever change our lives, our God is Healer and Restorer of the broken. He is able to make all things new. Pray and trust God to take every broken piece of your life and put it together into a new and beautiful design. Choose to set aside fearful, anxious thoughts, and set your mind on what is true. Thank Him that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness.
Isaiah 49:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 4:16
Day 30 – When you need assurance of your eternal security – Fear of the unknown, fear of dying, fear of where you will spend eternity – this can sometimes bring crippling anxiety in life. When we believe in Christ Jesus and have given our lives to Him, recognizing His death on the cross on our behalf and accepting the forgiveness and new life He offers, we have a future and a hope in heaven with Him. Nothing can change that truth. No one can snatch us out of His hand. Pray that God will help you to trust Him, confess your need for Him as Savior and Lord, believing that He is with you always and is preparing a place for you in eternity as well. Thank Him for His great gift of love and sacrifice on your behalf. Thank Him that your life is hidden in Christ and you have no reason to fear.
Romans 8:38-39, 1 Corinthians 2:9, John 10:28-29
Write: Look back on the list of anxieties or fears you wrote down from day 1. Take a moment to reflect- how has reading and praying through God’s promises this month helped you put those fears in their proper place? How has God spoken to you through His Word? Take a minute and write down or pray aloud a prayer to God of thanksgiving, thanking him for his steadfast love, his unending grace and the promise of eternity with Him.
Congratulations—you just spent an entire month faithfully praying for your God to calm your anxiety with his promises. We would love to hear from you—how has this prayer challenge transformed you? Leave a comment and let us know!
Click here to access this prayer guide as a downloadable PDF!
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead’s Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog www.debbiemcdaniel.com. .
This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.
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