Heavenly Father,
Teach me to obey. I want to follow Your way, even when I may not understand why You're taking me through certain situations. Thank You for the authorities in my life. Please remind me that in obeying them, I am obeying You. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

1 I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
3 I will set before my eyes no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me.
4 Men of perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,
him will I put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
him will I not endure.
6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
Psalm 101 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 16:15-17:14 – Hebrews 10:1-10 – John 5:30-47

The best thing about working is knowing I'm not working alone. I may plant the seeds, but You water them. I may do the weeding, but You send the sunshine. All I am and all I do is done with You, the One who created me and gifted me with whatever skills I have. You give me work -- whatever type of work it may be -- dignity and purpose. Your faith in me enables me to continue my duties on days when I would otherwise despair. At the end of the day my feet may be burning, but I know I am walking in Your footsteps, and that gives me peace. I thank You for the work I have. May I do it in a way that is pleasing to You and reflects Your glory. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

1 Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
2 O you who hear prayer,
to you all men will come.
3 When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave our transgressions.
4 Blessed are those you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
of your holy temple.
5 You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness,
O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
Psalm 65 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 16:1-14 – Hebrews 9:15-28 – John 5:19-29

Lord Jesus, help me to make choices that make it clear I'm a Christian. I'm the only one who can keep my life in check. I want to live my life as if there's a spotlight on it, and not hide anything. That's when I'll have the best relationship with You and with others. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me;
God sends his love and his faithfulness.
4 I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
6 They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves.
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
Psalm 128 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 14:8-24 – Hebrews 8:1-13 – John 4:43-54

Lord, I am so self-centered. I spend so much of my day thinking about myself. At the slightest excuse, I get puffed up with pride. At the slightest excuse, I get negative and complain.
But I've found that when I talk to You, when I turn my attention to You, my attitude changes. Seeing You, I am humbled. Seeing You, I fill with praise. Seeing You, my thoughts become loving. I love You, and I begin to love those around me.
God, I turn to You. Shape my attitude with Your presence. Amen.
(From "Simple Prayers" by Ken Bible)

1 They have greatly oppressed me from my youth—
let Israel say-
2 they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory over me.
3 Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.
4 But the LORD is righteous;
he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.
Psalm 128 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 11:27-12:8 – Hebrews 7:1-17 – John 4:16-26

Dear God, I dedicate my mind to You. May I keep it clear and focused on You. Give me the strength to say "no" to temptation. Thank You for the free will that You have given to me -- I choose You and Your way. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 May the LORD bless you from Zion
all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
6 and may you live to see your children's children.
Psalm 128 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 11:1-9 – Hebrews 6:13-20 – John 4:1-15

Heavenly Father, thank you for the ministry of angels in my life. It gives me great comfort to realize that you have given them charge over me in order to keep me at all times. I praise you for angels, O God. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 9:18-29 – Hebrews 6:1-12 – John 3:22-36

Lord, I thank You for those humble teachers who have been less concerned about themselves than about sharing Your truths with me. Though I haven't often given them praise, I appreciate the changes they've started in my life. I've seen You most clearly in those who have put Your glory before their own.
Keep my pastor, Bible teacher, and the other church leaders so in touch with You that they won't seek to make a name for themselves. Give them humble spirits that delight in drawing closer to You and sharing their knowledge of Your way with others.
Lord, also give me a humble spirit. I, too, want to know Your justice and learn more of Your way. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the name of the LORD;
praise him, you servants of the LORD,
2 you who minister in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession.
5 I know that the LORD is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.
Psalm 51 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 9:1-17 – Hebrews 5:7-14 – John 3:16-21

O Lord, how I wish I were slow to anger. I confess I'm too quick to say harsh words or hand out condemnation.
If You treated me the way I sometimes treat others, I would be in deep trouble. How glad I am that compassion and graciousness are the hallmarks of Your attitude toward me. Help me have that attitude toward others.
Lord, take this anger from me and make me more like You. Increase the flow of mercy in my life. I want to be just like You, Jesus. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you whose throne is in heaven.
2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured much contempt.
4 We have endured much ridicule from the proud,
much contempt from the arrogant.
Psalm 51 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 8:6-22 – Hebrews 4:14-5:6 – John 2:23-3:15

Father, I see the wonder of Your creation in all of its complexity, and I bow before You in humble adoration. When I study the world You have created, I cannot but admire how the complex parts work together as a simple whole.
When I read the Bible and study Your Word, it is at first a complex story that spans the ages. But then I see Your guiding hand behind the events that brought Jesus into this world, and I see how His death and resurrection give salvation to those who simply accept You by faith. I admire and honor You for giving me a simple salvation plan, one that I can comprehend. Amen.
(From "Prayers and Promises")

8 Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, O LORD.
9 For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
Psalm 97 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 4:17-26 – Hebrews 3:1-11 – John 1:43-51

Slow me down, Lord. My schedule gets so hectic that I find myself with my priorities in the wrong order. Grant me a few moments of quiet, so that I may collect my thoughts and be refreshed. Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 1 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 4:1-16 – Hebrews 2:11-18 – John 1:29-42

Even when I cannot see your hand or feel the water, Lord, thank you for the confidence and hope that claimed me in baptism. Direct my feet, strengthen my hands, open my mouth in the gladness of your spirit. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

1 My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
Psalm 108 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 3:1-24 – Hebrews 2:1-10 – John 1:19-28

Almighty God,
By grace You remind me that I can never go it alone -- whatever I'm thinking of doing. From the smallest thought to the most life-changing plan I'm developing, I need Your input, advice, and direction.
If I don't follow You, I can end up in a terrible mess; but when I commit my plans to You and act in a way that glorifies You, I have prosperity. You will bring me through any challenge -- at work, at home, or in the spiritual realm. Though I may not ride on the fast track to success, I will be on Your track to it, and that's what ultimately matters to me.
If I have to choose between the world's success and Yours, I'll go with Yours every time, Lord. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Genesis 2:4-25 – Hebrews 1:1-14 – John 1:1-18

When troubles come, I never have to face them alone. Thank You, Lord, for always being with me as my refuge and strength. Friends can fail, families can split apart, my whole world can be shaken to its foundation, leaving me dazed and disoriented, but You never change. Your truths are forever. You do not shrug off my concerns and move on - You are "a very present help in trouble," standing firmly at my side whatever happens, guiding my actions, and giving me the strength to carry on. When all else fails, when friends and family desert me, I put my trust in You and am never disappointed. Amen.
(From "Light for My Path - Prayers & Promises")

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Psalm 96 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Jeremiah 23:1-8 – Colossians 2:8-23 – John 10:7-17

You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Savior.
- St. Francis of Assisi

5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
Psalm 20 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Isaiah 45:14-19 – Colossians 1:24-2:7 – John 8:12-19

The unknown is terrifying, responsibility is overwhelming, the untapped anger cannot be borne Hear our cry, O God of love, for all so trapped in fear. Open our hearts to trust your presence to guide us in the unknown places; teach us to know you will support us in all that we undertake; free us to share with you the rage within, knowing
you will never desert us.
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson

1 My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Exodus 17:1-7 – Colossians 1:15-23 – John 7:37-52

Lord God, you are Creator of heaven and earth and God of all people. Open my eyes to the vast expanse of your kingdom that fills the infinite galaxies from the beginning to beyond the end of time. Help me to know your greatness and the splendor of your love, manifested in the appearance of Jesus my Lord. Amen.
(From "Daily Texts")

10 I believed; therefore I said,
"I am greatly afflicted."
11 And in my dismay I said,
"All men are liars."
12 How can I repay the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Deuteronomy 8:1-3 – Colossians 1:1-14 – John 6:30-33, 48-51

Father,
You are my hiding place.
When I am afraid, I come to You. When I must be courageous for others, You give me Your strength. You protect and surround me with angels. When I feel weak, I find shelter in Your mighty arms. Though I may not be able to express my fears outwardly to others, You know all my thoughts completely. Thank You for surrounding me with Your love and giving me a safe place in the midst of trouble. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Joshua 3:14-4:7 – Ephesians 5:1-20 – John 9:1-12, 35-38

Father,
You lead us to true success.
Oh Lord, You know that we have a difficult time defining success. When we're in high school, its popularity, as adults our definition of success changes, but it still contains elements of selfishness and status. Thank You for teaching me that true success has nothing much to do with earthly possessions, status, or achievement. It has to do with living a life that is pleasing to You. When I go astray, please bring me back to the truth. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 19:9-18 – Ephesians 4:17-32 – John 6:15-27

Father,
It gives me great comfort and a wonderful sense of security to realize that your angels are encamping around me, and to know that they are always ready to deliver me. In the same way that you sent the angel to shut the lion's mouth in order to protect Daniel, I ask you to let your angels watch over and protect me. Amen.
(From "Bible Prayers for All Your Needs")

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
"O LORD, save me!"
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simple-hearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
Psalm 116 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
1 Kings 19:1-8 – Ephesians 4:1-16 – John 6:1-14