Bishop Holston’s Daily Prayers (Text)

Wednesday, May 27

Dear God, we kneel before you, stretching our arms toward the heavens. Sometimes we struggle to maintain our focus on you, stopping short to instead look to the immediate gratification the world boasts. Thank you for your promises that never fail, even when we ourselves fail. Draw us near to you this day, for we long to feel your presence. Consecrate us, Lord, so that we might be your bold witnesses and live in service to others. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, May 26

Holy Lord, we “praise your great and awesome name…you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness.” You have laid the firm foundation. We have only to keep your decrees for the building up of your kingdom. Speak to us Lord. Answer our cries, and forgive us of our wrongdoings. In your holy and perfect name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day

God of healing and grace, we come before you this morning with heavy hearts, remembering so many loved ones who have lost their lives on the battlefield. In our common quest for justice, may we refrain from pride and judgment. Teach us to humble ourselves so that we might grow closer into your likeness. Decrease our fear, O God, and increase our hope. Lead us into freedom from hatred and despair. Show us how to live our lives with love in action, reflecting your peace into the world. Amen.

Sunday, May 24

God of righteousness, we rejoice that you go before us, showing the way through the wilderness. We need only to follow you. When the way seems unclear and we aren’t sure which direction to go, we will listen for your mighty voice to be our guide. How awesome are you, O God. Blessed be your name throughout the earth. Amen.

Saturday, May 23

Father God, we rejoice in the assurance that you will never leave us or forsake us. Even when it feels like our hope is lost, we can always turn to you. We thank you, God, for the ultimate sacrifice that you gave for us – your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Help us remember as Jesus taught, that we do nothing on our own, but we should heed your instructions in all things. May our thoughts, words and deeds be pleasing to you, O God, our redeemer. Amen. 

Friday, May 22

Everlasting God, we give thanks this day that you created the world in the beginning, and it shall never be moved. No matter the challenges we face, your majesty is greater. This world is filled with so many voices claiming to know what is good and true, but we turn to you, O Lord, for your word is steadfast forevermore. Amen.

Thursday, May 21 – Ascension of the Lord

God Almighty, we sound trumpets, clap our hands and shout with joy, for you are king over all the earth. Your reign shall know no end. We exalt you, O Lord. In the moments when we stumble, we reach out for your hand to bring us up. May we remember that you alone are king over all the nations. O Lord, we choose this day to lift our voices in your honor, singing praises to your holy name. Amen.

Wednesday, May 20

Dear God, we confess that often we get wrapped up in our own circumstances. We allow the limits of our own experiences to lead us to judgment and to cloud our love for our neighbors. Create in us clean hearts and renew our spirits this day so that we can reflect your love into the world. Amen.

Tuesday, May 19

Dear God almighty, we rejoice in you, the bread of life. As we eat and drink this day and always, reveal your presence to us. We know that your glory is made known when we break bread together around the table. Ground us in your sustaining grace as we strengthen ourselves to be your hands and feet at work in our communities and in the world. Amen.

Monday, May 18

Dear God, we give you all the thanks and praise for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, because of the Messiah, there is no longer gloom for your people in distress. You have shattered the yokes that burden us, and your reign knows no end. Let us follow as you lead us to victory. Amen.

Sunday, May 17

Gracious God, take our hands and lead us down the path of righteousness. This world is filled with distractions, but God, your word teaches that truth is found in you alone. Help us to overcome those stumbling blocks that keep us from full relationship with you. Use us to spread your Good News to the ends of the earth so that all may come to know you, to love you, to praise your name. Your kingdom come. Amen.

Saturday, May 16

This morning, O God, we bow before you, acknowledging the weakness of our flesh. We cast our burdens onto you as a humble offering, for you alone can carry the load. In you, we find freedom. We find joy. We find hope. Walk with us, Lord, for it is only through you that all things are made possible. Amen.

Friday, May 15

Dear God, you are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Teach us never to take for granted your faithfulness to us. Help us to desire those things that lead us to always have a heart filled with thanks. We love you, Lord. In your merciful and gracious name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, May 14

Dear Lord, we ask for your grace to cover our lives throughout this day. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we notice how you’re at work through our lives. We thank you today for a new opportunity to love, give and be all that you want us to be. We love you, Lord, and we need you. Amen.

Wednesday, May 13

Loving God, as we rise to meet the new day, fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us to recognize you above all else. Fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in the world. Lord, we thank you that your presence goes with us. We ask that your peace lead us. Guard our hearts and minds in you. We pray in your name. Amen.

Tuesday, May 12

Merciful God, this morning we take a moment, not to ask for anything from you, but to simply say “thank you” for all we have. Help us to always look to the many ways for which we can be grateful. Let us enjoy the peace that comes with having a grateful heart. So, in this moment, O Lord, help us to experience this day and beyond as a gift from you. We pray in your name. Amen.

Monday, May 11

O Lord, our God, today is a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone, and with it any regrets, mistakes and failures we may have experienced. It’s a good day to be glad and give thanks to you, O Lord. Enlighten our minds with truth, inspire our hearts with courage. Enrich our lives with service, for you are our hope, a hope like no other. For it is in your name we pray. Amen.

Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day)

Loving God, we come before you with joy in celebration of all the women in our lives – our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, cousins, friends and neighbors. We praise your name for their commitment to bring us up in the faith – nurturing and guiding us, even holding us accountable when we stray. Help us follow the examples of the women in scripture, patiently trusting in you to lead us and bravely sharing with the world your justice, mercy and love, even when doing so means going against the status quo. In your name we pray. Amen.

Saturday, May 9

O Holy God, you are Father, Son and Holy Spirit – our creator, redeemer and sustainer – the Holy Trinity, three in one. Send now your spirit to dwell among your people. We breathe in the spirit’s goodness, and we exhale our worries. Fill us with the breath of life, that we might exhale the love of Christ out for the world. Amen.

Friday, May 8

Dear God, creator of heaven and earth, you wrote the days before time began. We trust that you know what is to come even when we cannot see. Shine your light into the darkness, guiding us toward the path of righteousness for the sake of Christ. We shall not grow weary, for you are the source of our strength. Amen.

Thursday, May 7

Dear God, you know our innermost thoughts, fears and joys. Hear, O God, those things we call out to you and those things we don’t yet have the words to express. Speak to us, O Lord. We are listening for your still, small voice calling out to us as we seek the peace that can only be found in you. Abide in us this day and always. Amen.

Wednesday, May 6

O Lord, our God, we stand in awesome wonder of your sovereign power. Your kingdom knows no bounds. Comfort your children throughout the world. Cover the earth with your sustaining grace. Embolden us to take the next faithful steps into the future of hope that you have planned for us. Amen.

Tuesday, May 5

God of hope, you are the source of our strength and our joy. When so many of your people across the world find ourselves separated from loved ones, we turn to you to sustain us. We look toward the future filled with hope, rejoicing that one day we will all be together again. In the name of Jesus Christ, our resurrected Savior, we pray. Amen.

Monday, May 4

Dear God, we come to you this morning with grateful hearts. We awoke to another day filled with opportunities to praise your name. Today, we choose to look for the places where you are at work in our lives and in the world. Shield us from feelings of negativity and despair. Open our eyes so that we might see you. For it is in the strength of your mighty name that we pray. Amen.

Sunday, May 3

Merciful and gracious God, when our thoughts surge up and seek to shake our rest in you, when anxiety and agitation and fear rise up to disturb us, please remind us to bring everything to you in prayer. When the needs and requests we have are so many, we are grateful and thankful that you hear “all of our requests; because nothing can separate us from you.” So steer us away from our doubts and the tendency to impatiently take charge of things. Forgive us for being too busy or distracted by other things and for not recognizing the grace and mercy you have freely given. Help us to never take for granted your awesome gift of agape love. Today, dear Lord, continue to teach us to focus only on you and find our confidence in you. For it is in your name we pray. Amen.

Saturday, May 2

Gracious and loving God, you gave us ears to hear and eyes to see. We have hands and feet to use in service to you. We give you thanks and praise for the ways you have equipped us to add beauty and splendor to this, your world. It is a gift to experience the melodious sounds of voices and instruments lifted in praise to you. It is a gift to behold the creativity revealed through works of art, painted with colors or words, as a testament to your magnificence. It is a gift to witness to the powerful ways that music, art, poetry, drama and all artistic expressions draw us nearer to your presence, in spite of any circumstances around us. We see and hear your truth revealed through the works of your faithful servants. We covenant to listen for you this day and always, and to watch for the ways that you are revealing your presence in our lives. Amen.

Friday, May 1

Dear Lord, God of creation, you are the author and sustainer of life. Your beauty and majesty fill the earth. On this day, O God, we celebrate the opportunities to pause and observe the intricacies of your world, the beauty of spring bursting forth, dew shimmering on the blades of grass each morning, and the radiant warmth of the sun shining down on us. These glimpses of new life remind us that you are always with us. We are never alone or forsaken, for you are always with us. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Thursday, April 30

Friends, let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may find mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Pray with me. Gracious Lord, we come before your throne of grace this morning with humble hearts seeking your presence in our lives. Today, we thank you for another breath, another day of life. Thank you for making a way for us to have life and to live life to its fullest potential. Lord, we need you. We need your power and your might. We need your mercy and your grace. We need your wisdom as we walk this day in all of our relationships. Lead us and guide us throughout this day. Be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Order our steps. Guard our hearts. Direct our minds. Guide our mouths. And let our lives be pleasing to you this day and beyond. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, April 29

O Lord, our God, your very being – holy trinity, three in one – models the divine nature of community. We are all connected and we depend on one another. For all who are working tirelessly to cultivate, strengthen and care for our communities, we give thanks. Send now your Holy Spirit to dwell in each heart. For those who play a role in preparing and transporting food and other needed supplies, we pray your divine protection. God, for those who maintain, repair and secure the infrastructure that enables virtual community and outreach, we pray your sustaining grace. For all who give of themselves in service to their neighbor, we give you all the thanks and praise this day. For we believe that you, O God, are our rock and our shield, a mighty fortress. Our help, our truth, and our triumph are found in you alone. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, April 28

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who hast brought us thus far on the way, merciful God, you remind us over and over in your word that you are always with us. You tell us not to fear, and you draw us close into your presence. Lord, you’re the only place where we can find refuge in the pandemic that surrounds us right now. You’re the only place where we can find comfort and peace. We ask that if we are ill, strengthen us. If we are tired, fortify our spirits. If we are anxious, help us to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. So, thank you, Lord, for your goodness and help us to turn our eyes, hearts and minds to you. For it is in your name we pray. Amen.

Monday, April 27

Dear God, we learned as children that you’ve got the whole world in your hands. Wrap your loving arms around our world to bring healing and hope. Extend your reach far and wide, from the tops of the highest mountains to the depths of the deepest sea. You, O God, created us in your image – the Imago Dei. Open our eyes to see your presence in the faces of all whom we meet. Remove our blinders so that we might grow in our comprehension of the many opportunities we have each day to be a living witness of your good news to all whose lives intersect our own. Help us be more mindful of the log in our own eye before pointing out the speck in the eye of another of your children. God, we confess that we sometimes suffer from tunnel vision, becoming so caught up in our own circumstances that we fail to share compassion and empathy. Free us for the joyful obedience that can be found only in choosing to follow you, so that we might hear your voice calling us to be your beacons of hope in the world. Amen.

Sunday, April 26

Gracious Lord, we confess that we know so little and understand even less. Help us to realize that it is in the fullness of your grace and the power of your name that you lift us up. Today, we thank you that you are the God of the impossible. You can do anything. We trust in your ability and not our own. Teach us to see the difficulties in our lives from your perspective. Help us to focus on you and your power. Remind us that you hear all our prayers and you can see all our needs, for you are a provider. As we face these uncertain times, Lord, use this time to grow us up in our faith and in our understanding of you. Dear Lord, let it be. Amen.

Saturday, April 25

Dear God, this day and every day, we pray for the safety and focus of all who care for others. For first responders – law enforcement, firefighters and paramedics – we pray this day. For volunteer units, emergency response teams and communications personnel, we pray this day. For doctors, nurses, medical teams, pharmacists and veterinarians, we pray this day. For residents and staff in nursing homes, we pray this day. For hospice teams and morticians who comfort those who grieve, we pray this day. For all who answer the call to respond to those in need, we give you thanks, O God. Pour out your mercy, grace and peace on these your mighty servants, that they may be sustained to carry on in their mission, and witness to your saving grace in the midst of the storms of life. Breathe into them the Holy Spirit, our advocate in times of need. In your merciful name, we pray. Amen.

Friday, April 24

My friends, on this blessed morning, “do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” Let us pray. God of our salvation, you are our Savior and Deliverer. Your ways are beyond our comprehension, and your wisdom exceeds the best of our understanding. Allow us to fully surrender ourselves unto you. You remind us time and again that life will not always be comfortable or easy, and you lovingly warn us to be watchful of obstacles and anticipate hardships, but you also assure us of your constant presence, your faithful support and your gracious rewards. Do not allow us to fall into helplessness and hopelessness, but renew a right spirit within us for the challenges we face – today and beyond. For it is in the sustaining name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Thursday, April 23

Dear God of mercy, your word teaches that the last shall be first in the kingdom of heaven. Here and now, we cry out for your kingdom to come and cover the earth. Father God, so many of your children are hurting, afraid, sad and lonely. From our lips to your ear, we cry out for the elderly, for those who live alone, for the unemployed and the incarcerated. We cry out for foster children, for the homeless and for all who are caught in precarious living situations. We cry out for those who are battling illness and disease and for their caregivers, for those facing a reality much different than they had planned as they approach the time of graduation and other milestones in life. Merciful God, your light shines through the darkness. Rain down beams of your radiant light into all the places and all the people who need to see your spark and who need to feel your presence this day. Gracious God, we thank you for your everlasting love that never fails. Amen.

Wednesday, April 22

O Lord, our God, what an awesome day you have made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it. We celebrate that, in each day, you continually make us new. We acknowledge that every moment of every day brings a fresh beginning. Thank you for reassuring us with your precious Holy Spirit. Now, embolden us, Lord, not to lose heart and become distracted by the pandemic that surrounds us. Empower us to use this time of sheltering in place to become more like you and remain on the path of righteousness. Encourage us to continue praying for those affected by the coronavirus, for those experiencing stress and anxiety, for the many facing financial uncertainty, for the medical professionals treating and caring for patients, and for those working to ensure a healthier future for all of us. For it is in the name of the one who suffered, died and was raised to new life, Jesus, the Christ, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, April 21

Dear God, your harvest is plentiful, and you have set a place for us at your table. You send manna to the wilderness and multiply loaves and fishes. Today, O Lord, hear our prayers for all the people who share their gifts, talents and energy to ensure that we are fed. O God, for the farmers who tend the fields, hear our prayer. For grocery clerks, restaurants and cafeteria staff, hear our prayer. For those who serve with food banks and soup kitchens, hear our prayer. For all who share from their abundance by stocking blessing boxes, hear our prayer. For those who are hungry and seeking nourishment, hear our prayer. God of creation, we trust that you will provide for every need of your flock. Open our eyes to see those needs all around us that we might be your hands and feet, humbly sharing what we have, as we know that all that is ours was first a gift from you. In your merciful name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, April 20

Gracious and merciful God, when the burdens of life are too much to bear alone, you walk beside us, shouldering the weight so we might seek rest in you. We come before you this day, acknowledging that we do not why. We do not know how. And yet, we do know who will sustain us. We place our trust in you, our mighty deliverer, O God. We know, O God, that you are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We rely fully on you. Comfort all who are grieving. Sustain all who are working together to provide relief. Lead us away from fear, and turn our eyes toward you alone. For it is in your holy name we pray. Amen.

Sunday, April 19

Dear God, we wait for you and watch for you until the morning comes. Our whole being waits, and in your word, Lord we place our hope. Your promises are everlasting, from generation to generation. You are Alpha and Omega, the author and sustainer of all creation. When we lose our way, you bring us back to the path so that we might continue to run with perseverance the race before us.  With your arrival comes unfailing love. With your arrival comes generous redemption. We worship you, O God of Israel. Amen.

Saturday, April 18

Dear God, we come before your heavenly throne this day as those who love you, O Lord. We sing together with sweet accord, lifting our voices to Zion, O Lord. Use us, O Lord. Use our faith and hope in you to bear your heavenly fruit on this earthly ground. For you are the vine, and we are the branches, O Lord. We desire to remain in you, O Lord. To bear fruit fit for your eternal kingdom. O Lord, we are marching upward toward your beautiful city of Zion. Amen.

Friday, April 17

Dear God, thank you for your sweet, sweet spirit that fills this place. We feel the sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit. Stay here with us; fill us with your love. Just as you delivered the Israelites, deliver us, Lord. Where there is chaos, send your peace. Where there is suffering, send your comfort. Where there is uncertainty, send your assurance. We give you praise for all of our blessings, and we know without a doubt that you will carry us through. Amen.

Thursday, April 16

Dear God, we rejoice that your mercies are new every morning. We come before you this day, seeking your holy face. Shed from us the shortcomings of yesterday, the times when we failed to be your obedient servants. Focus our eyes on your presence in the world this day. Focus our hearts on your will for us. Focus our ears on your message of salvation so that we might share it through all that we think, through all that we say, and through all that we do this day and every day. Amen.

Wednesday, April 15

Dear God, we cling to the blessed assurance that Jesus is for us this day. Help us, we who are born of the Spirit and washed in His blood. Help us to submit all of our worries and doubts to you so that we might rest in the goodness and love of Jesus. We are Easter people, confident that you have already achieved victory over sin and death. Confident that you walk with us always. Confident that you are our companion in this life of trusting you, God. We look with hopeful expectation toward the future when we will share in joyful reunion with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Until that day Lord, we know that we are not alone, for you are always with us. Amen.

Tuesday, April 14

Dear God, we stand in you alone, fully reliant on your gifts of love and mercy, fully dependent on your gifts of grace and righteousness. You found us when we were lost, and you gave us sight when we were blind. Your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Our souls long for you. Though we encounter dangers, toils and snares, we trust that your grace, which has brought us safe thus far, will continue to lead us safely home. Amen.

Monday, April 13

Dear God, you hold each of us near to your heart. We are grateful for the invitation you give us to live as Christ lived, merciful and blameless, forever a faithful servant regardless of the circumstances. The wounds that Jesus endured became your healing. Victory over sin and death is won. Hold in your loving arms all who are suffering this day and tenderly draw them into your loving embrace so that they may be assured that they are never alone, for suffering no longer has the final word. Nourish those who have lost sight of you, and heal the spirits of those who are broken. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who suffered and died, and then rose from the dead to lead us into new life, now and forever. Amen.

Sunday, April 12 (Easter Sunday)

Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Let us pray. God of life, through Jesus Christ you have bestowed upon the world the light of life. Sanctify this new fire, and grant that our hearts and minds may also be kindled with holy desire to shine forth with the brightness of Christ’s rising, that we may attain to the feast of everlasting light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saturday, April 11 (Holy Saturday)

Dear God, we confess that struggle to wait for you. Our faith emphasizes patience, yet we seek immediate answers. O God, creator of heaven and earth, you considered every detail of your marvelous creation, from the birds of the air to the depths of the ocean. You count the hairs on our heads, and you know each of us by name. Deliver us from the captivity of seeking quick fixes, free us for the joyful obedience of living as disciples of Jesus Christ. Even in the darkness of this Saturday when we remember our Savior buried in the tomb, we anticipate the assurance of the resurrection when the morning comes. Guide us, O Lord, down your path for righteousness sake. Amen.

Friday, April 10 (Good Friday)

Almighty God, your son Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross so that he might draw the whole world to himself. Grant that we, who glory in this death for our salvation, may also glory in his call to take up our cross and follow him. Who would have thought that God’s saving power would look like this? Because of your everlasting mercy, through Christ’s bruises we are healed. God, your plan is not always clear to us. We seek your strength to remain steadfast, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, April 9 (Maundy Thursday)

On this day that commemorates the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples & instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion, let us pray. Most merciful God, we your Church confess that often our spirit has not been that of Christ. Where we have failed to love one another as he loves us, where we have pledged loyalty to him with our lips and then betrayed, deserted, or denied him, forgive us, we pray, and by your Spirit make us faithful in every time of trial. And yet, only Christ is in a position to condemn. But Christ suffered and died for us, was raised from the dead and ascended on high for us, and continues to intercede for us. May Christ, who for our sake became obedient unto death, even death on a cross, keep us and strengthen us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, April 8

Gracious Lord, God’s word reminds us to “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” We ask today that you give us the strength to walk faithfully with Jesus, even when the message of the cross seems like foolishness. When we feel anxious, you are always faithful. When we stumble and become lost, you are always steady and sure. Lord, give us grace to endure our troubles so that the glory of your kingdom is revealed to us. For it is through your Son, Jesus Christ, that we thank you for your abundant and abounding grace, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, April 7

Gracious Lord, let nothing separate us from you today. Teach us how to follow your will and choose only your way today that our every step will lead us closer to you. Help us to keep our hearts pure and undivided. Protect us from our own careless thoughts, impolite words and hasty actions. And keep up from being distracted by our wants, our desires, and our thoughts on how things should be. For your foolishness is wiser than our wisdom and your weakness is greater than our strength. Help us to know that none of us can boast before you, for it is only in Christ Jesus that we can boast. In his name. Amen.

Monday, April 6

O Lord, this is another day that you have made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. We do not know what the day will bring forth, but make us ready for whatever it may be. If we are to stand up, help us to stand bravely. If we are to sit, help us to sit quietly. If we are to lie low, help us to do it patiently. And if we are to do nothing, help us to do it gallantly. Lord, we often cannot discern what is best: when to pour out costly perfume for your sake, or when to be busy serving, or when to rest at your son’s feet and learn. But give us ears to hear you and eyes to see. Make these words, Lord, more than words and give us the spirit of Jesus. We ask and pray. Amen.

Sunday, April 5 (Palm Sunday)

Gracious Lord, today we remember that Christ entered Jerusalem to the sound of joyful shouts. We ask that you increase our faith and listen to our prayers so that we may praise you every day. We thank you that your ways are far greater than our ways and your thoughts are deeper than our thoughts. Thank you that you had a plan to redeem us. Thank you that you make all things new. Help us not to follow after the voice of the crowds but to press in close to you, to hear your whisper and seek after you alone. Help us to stay strong and true to you, for you are good and your mercy is endless. Amen.

Saturday, April 4

Dear God, we rejoice that you alone are our source of strength and might. We praise your name and find refuge in your presence. We place before you the pandemic present in our world. We turn to you in our time of need. Stabilize our communities. Unite us in our compassion. Remove all fear from our hearts. Fill us with confidence in your care. Open our ears to listen for you, to listen above the cacophony, to listen for your still small voice that guides us to victory. Dear God, let it be. Amen.

Friday, April 3

Dear God of peace, you sent your Son to live among us. To be born as a baby, to live and grow, and ultimately to suffer and to rise in resurrection glory. All of this was your gift, given freely for us. Our gratitude overflows for the sacrifice that you made for us. We worship you and praise your holy name, Lord God Almighty. Open our eyes to see glimpses of your glory all around us. Open our hearts to love one another as you love us. Dear God, let it be. Amen.

Thursday, April 2

Dear God, you are the author of salvation. We come before you humbly, seeking after you. We wait for you with strong and courageous hearts, knowing that you walk before us, beside us and behind us. Hear our prayers, O God, and be gracious to us. Help us to remain confident with hearts that do not fear, for you alone are our light and our salvation. Dear God, let it be. Amen.

Wednesday, April 1

Dear Lord, thank you for the promise that your Spirit is with us always, our Comforter in times of need. We humbly ask that you surround the medical professionals, health officials, first responders, and all who are working to treat and care for the sick with your sustaining grace. We cry out to you to heal the sick, to ease their suffering. Raise a barrier of defense around all of our lives. Protect us all and keep us close to you. Dear God, let it be. Amen.

Tuesday, March 31

Dear God, you are greater than anything we face in this world, and your glory shines across the generations. Today we pray for children who miss their teachers. For parents who feel inadequate as homeschool teachers. For grandparents who have assumed the responsibility of full-time daycare workers. And for families who are not going to see paychecks and are anxious about how to pay their bills. Father, hear their prayers and meet their deepest needs this day. Dear God, let it be. Amen.

Monday, March 30

Dear God, thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives. Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are greater than anything we may face this day. Thank you that your presence goes with us, and that your joy is never dependent on our circumstances. We ask that your peace lead us, that it will guard our hearts and minds in you. Lord, we love you and we need you, this day and every day. Dear God, let it be. Amen.

Sunday, March 29

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us this far on the way; dear merciful God, we thank you for the gift of faith that carries us through these times when we can’t see what you are doing. You assure us that you are with us, especially when all seems shaky and uncertain. As we shelter in place through this pandemic, thank you for your precious Holy Spirit that dwells within us. So, Lord, help us to continually walk in your confidence and strength knowing you are our rock and refuge-our present help in trouble. Dear God, let it be. Amen.

Saturday, March 28

Covenantal God, we hang on to your promise of hope. It carries us toward the future without fear. Guide us so we might endure patiently to overcome adversity while pursuing your truth. Use us to make a difference in this world. Amen.

Friday, March 27

God of hope, you shine light out of the darkness. All power and glory belong to you. We are yours. Use us so the life of Jesus will be made visible through our thoughts, words and actions. Amen.

Thursday, March 26

Living God, turn our focus toward your heavenly glory. Show us how to walk in your way – by faith, not by sight. Increase our confidence as we strive to serve you faithfully. Amen.

Wednesday, March 25

Almighty God, we know that nothing can separate us from your love. Focus our hearts on your will and your purpose so that our lives can be a testimony to the love and grace that you freely give. Through your Son, Amen.

Tuesday, March 24

God of glory, your love and grace sustain us. Use our times of anxiety to build endurance, character and hope. For what more could we ask? Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Monday, March 23

Loving God, open our eyes that we may see you. Open our hearts, abide with us. Use our lives to share your good news with a world in desperate need of you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Sunday, March 22

Gracious and living God, we give thanks for your presence in our lives and the promise that you have plans for us to prosper and not be harmed. Continue your good work in our families and our lives. Help us to understand how we can make a difference in our church, in our community, and in our world as your instruments of hope. Amen.