Zeal: Balancing Passion and Wisdom

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

Proverbs 19:2

Glorious Father, I know in order to grow in spiritual maturity it’s important to find the right things to get passionate about. It’s so easy to get riled up about inconsequential issues. We can get worked up over something and completely miss the will of the Lord because we were blinded by our own passions. Zeal must be anchored to spiritual wisdom and understanding. Like the lion and the lamb, help me to find a balance and work in me what is pleasing to You. Amen.

Youth: Teach Them

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statues for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children.

Psalm 78:4-5

Lord, I pray You help me to be a good role model as I teach my kids to know You. As a spiritual teacher, empower me to pray for them and with them.  Help me to provide clear instruction and a consistent example so my children can form good prayer habits and a strong relationship with You. Give them a hunger for You. Give them a desire for prayer. I know I am not perfect, but I submit to You. I ask that as I follow Your example, Lord, they will follow mine and be people of prayer. Amen.

Xenia: Ancient Greek Concept of Hospitality

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13

Father, I thank You for my home. Show my heart opportunities to open this home to others. I want to share what You have provided for me. As I practice hospitality, may Your love shine through my life. Help me to value everyone who enters here. I am grateful Your Spirit is present and I pray for a generous and open heart. Please use my home for Your good purposes. Amen.

Work: Commit to Him

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3

Lord, I need wisdom and guidance in my work every day. Whether it’s at home, a job, the little errands life forces us to complete, or teachable moments with my kids, help me to honor You in my efforts. I don’t want to be mediocre.  I ask that You would empower me to do superior work and bring glory to Your name. Help me not to be a clock watcher or time waster but to find fulfillment in the tasks before me. Help me to be a woman of excellence, integrity, and good ideas in all I do. Amen. 

Vision: Promise of the Future

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Jesus said, “I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Matthew 26:64

Almighty Father, through Your Word I have seen Your glory, and in Your promises I have placed my hope. Let the vision of Your mighty power strengthen me against the world’s terrors. Help me to comfort those overcome by anxiety, worry and despair by proclaiming Your marvelous Word. I pray that the revelation of Your plans becomes my desire, and the truths of scripture becomes my hope and certainty. Replace my futile imaginings with the glorious vision of Your will for us all. Amen.

Unseen Kingdom: His Plan

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

As it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” – but Gad has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:9-19

All-knowing God, we often come before You to make requests concerning our future without even acknowledging Your special plans for us. Please empower me with strength and endurance as I continue doing the work You have given me. I know there is nothing that can hinder or destroy Your eternal purpose, and I rejoice in expectation of victory. I commit myself to following You, for in Your way I find my path to everlasting joy. Amen.

Time: Eternity with Him

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Dearest Father, we are so tied to time, so worried about running out of it. Our length of time here on earth is not known to us. I am comforted to recall that You do know. You’ve counted every minute – even before my birth. I give every one of my days, hours and minutes to You. Thank You for allowing me to see past the limitations of this life and imagine all of my tomorrows with You. Amen.

Salvation: By Grace Alone

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Loving Jesus, I thank you for the gift of my salvation, Your gift of eternal life and the power to do Your will today. I can’t comprehend how You suffered. Mocked and beaten, You were nailed to the cross to bleed and die for my sins. You did it all for me and for every person on this planet. You had victory over death so I could live. You made a way for me, and I am grateful. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Renewing: Emotions and Your Mind

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Lord, sometimes I feel like my emotions need a makeover. I have done many foolish things and I am sorry. Renew me – transform me so I can be balanced and healthy in my emotions. I don’t want to be the way I used to be. I want to be wise and enjoy sound thinking. I want to make good decisions in how I express myself in words and actions. I pray for more discernment, so that in whatever comes my way, I will have the grace to think, speak and act with a good and godly attitude. Help me to know Your will and have a mind that is renewed. Amen.

Quality: Pursuing Virtue

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

1 Timothy 6:11

Dear God, I know that a quality relationship with You is imperative if I am to have a quality relationship with others. Help me to avoid complacency and always pursue those virtues that are lovely and pleasing in Your eyes. Amen.

Personal History: God Loves You

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Joel 2:13

Lord, You know all about me – my past, present, and my future. Some of the things in my past have led me far from You. I have made some poor choices, and others have done some very hurtful things to me, too. Please help me to forget the things in my past that I need to leave behind. I want to come back to You again. I ask for forgiveness for the things I have done wrong. I am so glad that You are gracious and compassionate. Thank You for being slow to anger and abounding in love. I may not know what will happen from here, but I know the One who does. Here I am, Lord. I return to You. Amen.

Obedience: Blessings are the Reward

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God; You will be blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock – the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

Deuteronomy 28:1-6

Father, I humbly bow before You and thank You for the ability to obey and follow Your ways. Your word tells us that obedience leads to blessings. I don’t want to miss my blessings. I don’t want my family or friends – or anyone else – to miss the best in their lives either. So I ask for forgiveness when I have done wrong and strength to make better choices. Help all of us to walk in faithfulness, empowered by Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Nation: God Bless America

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Psalm 105:1

O Lord, I thank you for this great nation. I'm so glad our forefathers gave us the Declaration of Independence which protects our inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You have blessed America, but I pray for a great awakening of hope, healing, and salvation in the United States. Awaken us to our need for You. Bless us Lord, to be a nation that is powerful so we can be strong within and a blessing to the other nations on earth. Amen.

Marriage: Reignite the Romance

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth – for your love is more delightful than wine.

Song of Songs 1:2

Lord, I ask that You reignite the romance and chemistry in my relationship with my husband. Restore the connection in our emotions. The fire of love sometimes dims – and we need it to burn brightly again. Fuel our intimacy with restored affection and passion for each other. Help us to remember the days when we were so eager: I am his! He is mine! And though our relationship has matured, I pray we can rediscover the joy of our love for each other. I want to hold hands and hearts again. Help us to notice each other, nurture our marriage, and to always find fulfillment in this God-ordained expression of love for one another. Amen.

Love: Proof in Action

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Let all that you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Loving Father, sometimes we forget actions speak louder than words. Point out to us when we are insensitive and hurtful to one another. Give us the grace to say we are sorry, the desire to forgive and the love to amend our actions accordingly. Amen.

Kindness: Doing Good

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.

Ephesians 6:7-8

Dear God, thank You for the many opportunities we have to bring happiness to each other. Keep us committed to the daily kindnesses that make life pleasant and joyful. Inspire us to reach out to others with acts of caring, kindness, and consideration. Let us be there with friendly greetings, helpful hands, and understanding hearts. Amen.

Joy: Trust in God

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them.

Psalm 5:11

Lord, protect me from relying on anything but You, for You graciously invite me to discover the joy of trusting You for all my needs and desires. Help me turn to You daily for rest and refreshment. You alone have the power to uphold me, and You alone know my truest needs. I commit myself to joyful trust in Your continuing love, protection and care. Amen.

Identity: Knowing Who You Are

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

This is what the Lord says… “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

Isaiah 43:1

 

Abba Father, it is so easy to lose sight of who I am and what I should be doing. Yet, Your scriptures so lovingly remind me I am Your child and that You claim me regardless of my faults and mistakes. This is a love I never truly appreciated until I had children of my own. I come before You today with gratitude for who I am - a child called, redeemed, embraced, claimed and loved by You. Let this knowledge stand firm as the center of my identity. I belong to You now and for eternity. Amen.

Hope: Our Heart’s Strength

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:24

Precious Father, I place my hope in You. Life can be so tough. I have read in the Bible about people who dared to trust You, and You never failed them. You even inspired many of them to write down their experiences, so I could be encouraged. Thank You for the hope that comes from the scriptures and from allowing You into my heart. Your presence strengthens me and I am happy to place my hope in You. Amen.

Gifts: From the Great Giver

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us.

Romans 12:6

Glorious Father, on top of Your forgiveness, salvation, and love, You have given us special gifts. You could have made us all alike. But You made us all unique, endowed us with free will and gave us different gifts. Help us to identify our gifts and show us how to use them in an exciting and productive way. Amen.

Finances: God Will Provide

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6: 25-27

Dearest Lord, thank you for providing for me. I give You my worries and fears and trust You will not leave me wanting for the basics in life. You care for the creatures of the earth, and You will certainly help me and my family. You are loving and just. Pour out Your blessings. My hope is in You and I will ever praise You for Your goodness. Amen.

Enemies: Love One Another

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:17-21

Heavenly Father, I need wisdom to deal with my adversaries. Help me to do what is right. I will not take it into my own hands, but I will allow You to avenge. Give me the grace to leave it to You to make things right again and the strength to live in peace. Just as Psalm 119:78-80 says, ‘May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause…May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.’ Amen.

Dreams: Give God the Glory

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Dearest Giver, I believe You have placed dreams within me that are yet to be realized. Teach me to delight in You as I pursue the desires of my heart. Give me the courage to work toward my goals and not be swayed by others. I ask that You would help me achieve those goals in my life that are best suited to Your good purposes and the humility to give You the glory in them. Amen.

Church: The Whole Body

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Father God, how often we take the narrow view “church” means the building and the people within its walls when the term actually refers to your entire body of followers. We all think and act differently, but Your commandment is for us to be as one. Despite our variety of backgrounds and opinions, help us to live and worship in harmony. Give us the grace to look past petty differences and believe that You will align our hearts with the work You have called us to do. Thank you for guarding our uniqueness while reminding us we are collectively one body, Lord - Yours. Amen.

Bible: Teaching Us to Become Better People

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans15:4

Heavenly Father, we are so glad the Bible shows us how to submit ourselves to you in order that we might become better people. This helps us not only in our relationship with You but also in our relationship with each other. Thank you for teaching us how to make our lives better. Now, Lord, give us opportunities to share our passion for your Word as we proclaim the miracle of Your love and forgiveness. Amen.

Attitude: Living as Jesus Did

I want to teach my children to have a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer habits that last a lifetime are most often formed in childhood. As adults model meaningful prayer lives, kids will learn how they, too, can talk to their Creator. That’s why each day this month I will be writing a prayer inspired by a different letter of the alphabet and sharing an accompanying verse from the Bible.

Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…be made new in the attitude of your minds; and…put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Dear Lord, our outlook on life is based on our heart and mind. Cleanse us from worldly views and grant us a sincere desire to live as You did: obedient in thought, word, action and attitude. Amen.