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.