Day 41 & 42: Philippians 2:5-8

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” -Philippians 2:5-8

Father, thank you for sending Christ here to walk on the Earth! Thank you Jesus, for humbling yourself to the point of death. Thank you for defeating death and rising again! Lord, thank you for the blessings and opportunities you have given Ryan and I. I pray that we would be seeking your will for our lives and that we would not rush into any decisions we have to make in the next couple of days. Lord, I cannot understand what you are doing, but it is exciting to see you work in our lives! May we be at peace with whatever comes. May we focus on the wonderful life we have because you are at the center. May we speak of your great love for us and let others know that our hope and joy comes from you! Lord, I cannot express enough thanks and appreciation for all you have done and continue to do for me and this world.

In Christ's holy name, Amen.

Day 40: Psalm 21: 3-7

"For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
length of days forever and ever.
His glory is great through your salvation;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
For you make him most blessed forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the LORD,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved."

-Psalm 21: 3-7

Father, you make all of us who walk with you feel like a king. You bestow us with blessings like crowns of gold and have given us salvation! You have promised our days will have no end. You create a joy that is indescribable and a peace that surpasses all understanding in our hearts. Thank you for leaving the Holy Spirit to live in us; and for teaching us through your Word. May my heart trust in You! May I stand on solid ground and not ever be moved!

In Christ's name, Amen.

Day 38 & 39: Revelation 22: 6-21

And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place."

"And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."

And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy."

"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

-Revelation 22: 6-21

Yesterday was Easter! The day Christ rose from the grave to conquer death and sin! What a glorious day! Father, thank you for all the blessings you have given to me! For family, friends, work, play, daily comforts, and most importantly for my Savior, Jesus Christ! Father, I don't even deserve Christ, and you have given my life to him and blessed me with so much more! Thank you for yesterday; a time to remember the precious gift you gave the world. A day when I can gather with fellow brothers and sisters to worship and thank you! Thank you for the restful day yesterday and the renewed mind for this work week. Lord, I pray that as I go forth I would remember first to do your work, then the world pertaining to this world. May I respond to different situations in a manner that glorifies you. May I be focused on the light of heaven.

I love this passage from Revelation. It describes your coming back for me and the rest of your body and bride! How encouraging it is to read these words. That you are the beginning and the end; all is finished! May we walk righteously in your path and follow your calling to, "Come." I look forward to the day all pain ends and we can live praising you in heaven! Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of Easter! Christ is Risen!

In Christ's name, Amen.

Day 36 and 37: Matthew 20: 17-19

And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day."

-Matthew 20: 17-19

Lord, what a special time of year for Christians! When we can celebrate Christ's defeat of death! Thank you for coming down from Heaven on high and walking amongst us! Thank you for being obedient to the point of death on a tree; even when you could have provided a way out for yourself. Father, thank you for defeating death by rising on the third day! Thank you for saving us from an eternity of living without you! Thank you for loving us enough to take away our sins. Thank you for choosing me to walk by your side. Thank you for knowing where I am headed and for making a way for me. I praise you because you are: Holy, Almighty, Infinite, Wisdom, Powerful, Wonderful, Savior! May I be a reflection of you as I live on this Earth.

In Christ's beautiful name, Amen.

Day 35: Psalm 19: 7-11

"The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward."

-Psalm 19: 7-11

Father, on days when I feel like I can go on no longer, your Word reminds me of your awesome power and infinite greatness. That you have promised great reward to those who love you and keep your commandments. Thank you for this promise. Please help me remember it when all else seems so wrong and I feel like I am walking without a purpose. Help me to remember that the things I start to worry about are only things of this world; help me to hold onto you and things with eternal value! Lord, heal my broken heart and fill me with your love. May I love others with mercy that comes from you! Grant me extra help from the Holy Spirit today! I need you!

In Christ's name, Amen.

Day 34: 1 Timothy 1: 12-17

"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."

-1 Timothy 1:12-17

Father, I echo Paul's prayer here today! Thank you for finding me faithful and appointing me to your service. Thank you for the grace of our Lord in Christ Jesus and for sending Jesus to save sinners and be the example of patience, love, mercy, and submission. Lord, I pray for continued strength as I walk through the darkness; looking for answers. May I stop looking for answers to my questions, and instead, look for you. May I find what I am seeking in the arms of Christ; my comforter and savior. Renew my spirit so that I may serve others for your glory. Renew my energy so that I can be a helpmate to Ryan. Remove any selfish desire I have! Thank you for loving me so much that I cannot understand it!

In Christ's loving name, Amen!

Day 30-33; Psalm 27:14

"Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!"
-Psalm 27:14

Wow, what a couple of days it has been! Waiting to hear about fertility treatments, so that we could travel to Louisville for a baby shower, which ultimately, ended in them being canceled this cycle and all kinds of other stresses too, so I am sorry for not writing! I wish I could say this weekend was filled with quiet time with God, but it was not. I can truly feel the distance and the yearning to get back to him! (Which is a pleasant return of an old feeling) The Lord is truly blessing me during my time writing the prayers and during the reading and studying that goes along with being in prayer! With that,

Father, thank you for showing up in everyday occurrences to let me know that I am not alone. Thank you for granting me a peace this past week and weekend and helping me find the joy in serving others. Thank you for the wonderful family I was born into and the amazing family I have in your body of believers; they truly are an encouragement to me and help me to see how much you love me! Thank you for being my Rock, when all else is crumbling around me, you are there. Dad, I pray that I would be able to withstand the waiting. I ask that you would grant me strength to walk daily with the pain and heartache. I ask that if your will does not include children, that you would release that desire from my heart and replace it with your desire and plan for my life. I thank you for the easing that has already begun; for the ability to dwell on the other ways you bless me and want me to serve you! Lord, I do not want children to become an idol again, please show me where you would have me and how you are going to use me for your glory.

In Christ's name, Amen!

Day 29: Luke 8:14-15

"And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience."
-Luke 8:14-15

Father, thank you for your Word. It is alive and thriving in this place. Thank you for the examples you leave for us in the pages of the Bible. I love finding the meaning in them that speaks to my heart and convicts me to humbly come before you. I pray that my life would be like a plant that is firmly rooted in good soil! That I would hear the word, hold fast to it, and with patience, bear fruit of the spirit. Fruit that glorifies you and points others to Jesus Christ! May I not be so worried with the details of everyday life that I miss opportunities to serve others and show love to them. Father, send me little whisperings and reminders to let me know when my focus is in the wrong place! Thank you for the gifts and wonderful blessings I have in this world. Ones that keep me comfortable; may I never take those for granted! You are truly amazing and I love walking in your presence. Stay near to me.

In Christ's love, Amen.

Day 28: Romans 2:3-5

"Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed."
-Romans 2:3-5

Father, thank you for your kindness and patience. It is true that these qualities lead us to repent of our sins and strive to walk in the manner of Christ. Thank you for loving us and calling us to you! Lord, I pray for those who don't know you. Soften the hearts of those whose name you called before they were born; call them to you so that they may know the love which surpasses all understanding. I pray for believers, that we may be a light for this dark world. May we glorify you in all we do. May we be your hands, feet, and voice here on Earth. May we be what you use to plant seeds into the unbeliever's heart. Thank you for using people in my life. They are truly blessings to me! Thank you for not losing your patience with me as I walked stubbornly away from you for so many years. Thank you for not leaving me now! Use me in any way you see fit!

In Christ's name, Amen.

Day 27, Leviticus 26: 1-4

"You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the LORD your God. You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD. "If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit."
-Leviticus 26: 1-4

Father, thank you for promising to care for us. Thank you for laying out ways to be obedient to you in the Old Testament and then providing the fulfillment of those commands in your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for coming to Earth as a man to give us an example of how to love and how to lay our lives down for your glory. Thank you for giving us the gift of a Redeemer and Savior. Thank you for loving us that much. Dad, may I remember that love and your faithfulness to me. May I not build up idols in my mind or heart. May I not put things of this world before you in my life. Thank you for the old testament and the reminders to watch out for idols in our lives; may I be searched by you and be made known if there are any idols within me. I pray that you would use my life to glorify you! I pray that my desires would become your desires. Change my heart, O God, and give me the strength to serve you all the days of my life.

In Christ's powerful name, Amen.

Day 26, Acts 1:4-5

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

-Acts 1:4-5

Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit and that we are not walking alone in the world. Thank you for creating us to be in relationship with one another. I pray for the body of believers, that we may love one another the way you love us; unselfishly and with patience. I pray that as your hands and feet here on earth, we would glorify your name by the way we interact. Thank you for giving us the Truth in your Word and for creating us with minds that seek wisdom and knowledge of you! We are wonderfully made! Your plans are unknown to me, but I stand in awe of the things I can see you doing! You are an awesome God!

In Christ's name, Amen!

Days 23,24 and 25 John 6:35-40

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."

-John 6:35-40

Father, WOW, how life can become so busy! Thank you for calling my mind and heart to be in prayer these past few days, even though I have not found time to write until now. Thank you for the gift of our dog, Lord, may we train her to be loving, gentle, and obedient. May she know that we love her so much and may she grow to enjoy her life with us. I have been given a tiny glimpse of how much a parent can love a child and it really amazes me that you sent your Son to die for us. Not only die, but be crushed so that we could have a relationship with you again! How you must love us! Christ was the perfect example of how we are to be obedient children to you; we are to live our lives not to do our own will, but to do the will of you, our Father! Lord, I pray that we do just that! I pray for myself that I would be open to the future you have for me; whether that contain biological children or adopted or dogs for kids, I ask for the grace and peace to find and enjoy your purpose for my life. I hope that above all, I continue to desire your companionship more than any other worldly thing; I am so looking forward to the day you return and I can worship you and walk with you in Heaven. Thank you for the strength to do the things I don't want to have to do. I pray they are effective and will be glorifying to you!

In Christ's name, Amen!

Day 22: Psalm 139: 1-6

"O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it."
-Psalm 139: 1-6

Father, thank you for knowing me so intimately. For laying my path out before me, for going ahead and creating the perfect way for me to walk. Lord, may I trust fully in where you are taking me. May I seek out strength from you to be able to walk down this road. May I find joy and peace along the way. Thank for you for your Son and the love you have for me!

In Christ's name, Amen.

Day 21: Isaiah 40: 28-31

"Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint."
-Isaiah 40: 28-31

Father, thank you for being in complete control! How foolish is man to think that we have any say in the way of the world? You are the creator; the one who spoke all existence into being; the one who understands all the workings of the world, both good and evil; and you are the one who will bring peace to the world when you return! Lord, may I seek wisdom from your Word, and may I not try to be in control of my life. May I humbly submit to your direction and your will, even when I don't understand or like where you are taking me. I trust that you are only doing what is Good and that you are making true on your promise to mold me into a person more like yourself. Lord, may I find joy in the waiting and the discipline. May I seek you out and tell you all my thoughts; though you know them all. May I express the desires of my heart, but may I feel the desire to do your will, wherever that leads, more than any other desire! And Lord, may I walk with perseverance and not grow weary! Thank you for loving me as a father!

In Christ's all knowing name, Amen!

Days 19 & 20: Psalm 119: 1-8

"Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!"

Father, thank you for words like these that call me into worship and guide my life to walk in your holiness. Thank you for knowing exactly what I need to read and see to be called back to your presence! Lord, as the psalmist wrote, "Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!" I pray that for myself; may I live for you in all that I do!

In Christ's strong name, Amen!

PS- Just a note to why I combined days...we recently got a puppy and she is definitely taking a lot of time and love! Very excited to have her in my life!

Day 18: Psalm 3:7-8

"Arise, O LORD!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

Salvation belongs to the LORD;
your blessing be on your people!"

-Psalm 3: 7-8

Father, thank you for saving me! Thank you for defeating my enemies. And thank you for the blessing of salvation. I also thank you for the many other blessing you have given me in this life. I pray that I be aware of those blessings and dwell upon them instead of the painful or difficult things. Thank you for the gift of our new puppy! May she grow to be healthy and happy!

In Christ's name, Amen!

Day 17: Psalm 139: 7-12

"Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you."

-Psalm 139:7-12

Father, thank you for always being with me! For always walking next to me no matter where I am going. Whether it be to glorify you or if I am running to hide from you; I cannot escape you! Thank you for holding me in your hands and never letting me go. Thank you for loving me so much! Lord, I pray that my thoughts and actions would be pleasing to you and that I would become a light in the darkness for you. May I seek strength from your wisdom and Truth and may I show love to others when it is difficult. May I extend the same grace and mercy you have shown me. Thank you for being a God I cannot fully understand so that I have the chance to stand in reverence of your glory all my days!

In Christ's loving name, Amen.