O Lord our protector, thank you for guarding and protecting me. You have been my help from my very beginning. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I place my trust in myself rather than in your saving grace. In times of danger, remind me that you are my shelter. Let my life proclaim your grace. Amen.
(From "Daily Text)

1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
hear my urgent cry.
Psalm 86 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 13:1-15 – Acts 5:27-42 – John 3:22-36

Father, sometimes I am tempted to just give up. But You have awesome plans in store for me if I will just remember to lean on You for the strength I need. Thank You for the blessings You have promised me as I "run the race." Amen.
(From the "Light for My Path" series)

12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?
14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
Psalm 10 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 12:1-7 – Acts 5:12-26 – John 3:1-21

A grain of mustard seed is so small it's nearly invisible. How could anyone who loves You not have at least that much faith? And yet even Your disciples failed from time to time because of unbelief.
This is a great mystery to me, Father. Some days my faith is so strong I can almost see it. I'm not quite up to moving mountains, but I feel Your power within me, and I dare to believe I am capable of anything. Other days, my faith seems puny and weak. Be with me on both my strong and weak days, because no matter how I feel, I want to do Your work. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us;
you have been angry-now restore us!
2 You have shaken the land and torn it open;
mend its fractures, for it is quaking.
3 You have shown your people desperate times;
you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner
to be unfurled against the bow.
Psalm 60 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 8:22-35 – Acts 4:1-12 – John 1:43-51

Father,
You are my safe Place.
When I am troubled and afraid, and I know nothing else to do but run to Your arms. I bring You my fears, my failures, my inadequacies, and ask You to fill me with Your strength, courage, and faith. You remind me that I am loved. You promise to protect and guide me. I will not fear, for You surround me with Your love and mercy. You sustain me with Your wisdom and truth. I have found a safe hiding place in You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares")

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.
16 They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.
17 For you are their glory and strength,
and by your favor you exalt our horn.
18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Psalm 89 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 7:19-8:12 – Acts 3:12-26 – John 1:29-42

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked God for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
My unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all people, most richly blessed.
(Henry Viscardi)

1 Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 117 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 7:1-18 – Acts 3:1-11 – John 1:19-28

Father,
You instill in me a quiet heart.
Sometimes I feel lost in a world of power players and win/lose situations, but You give me quiet confidence and a steady heart. You provide inner strength that helps me to remain calm, think clearly, and react with tact and gentleness. You help me to control my temper by showing me a bigger picture -- a better way. You teach me that there is no victory in anger and hostility -- that victory belongs to those who relinquish their anger to You. Amen.
(From "Everyday Prayer for Everyday Cares")

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29 New International Version

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 6:25-40 – Acts 2:37-47 – John 1:1-18

Even though I sometimes slide away from faith, thank You, Lord, that I can hang on to this promise, which says You still love me. All I need to do is turn to You again for forgiveness.
Forgive me, Father, for my double-mindedness. Part of me wants to believe You, but fear and doubt have drawn me away from Your love. I don't want doubt to destroy my love for You. Heal me from the things that would separate us.
Yours is a wonderful love that does not count wrongs. Help me live in that love every day. Amen.
(From "Prayers & Promises")

1 Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
Psalm 112 New Living Translation

Readings for today from the Daily Lectionary
(click on underlined link to go directly to the reading):
Judges 5:1-18 – Acts 2:1-21 – Matthew 28:1-10