Lord, as You know, I have been praying for my healing for years. But I see very little movement toward that desire. Then I remember Paul and how You did not heal him of his thorn in the flesh.
I know that when I am free of trials I tend to think, “Thanks for the healing, God. I can take it from here.” But trusting and relying on me has never worked. Help me to remember that great truth whether life is riddled with travails or brimming with blessings.

Questions for Pondering…
What is my thorn in the flesh?
What will happen to my faith in God if He chooses not to heal me right away? Or if no physical healing comes at all on this side of eternity?

Lord, so many of the details of the way You love me and care for me are indeed too lofty for me to take in. Too wonderful to imagine. And yet, there You are loving me.
Thank You for this exquisite Scripture that is like a love poem to me. So sacred and so sublime. May I in turn love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen!

Questions for Pondering…
How can I show God how much I love Him today?
What are some other Scriptures that speak of God’s love for me?

Lord, Jesus, I see sad life events everywhere now. They spring up faster than I can even pray them down. Joy that does not seem to come in the morning. Hearts broken and miseries that are unrelenting. And I am seriously unsettled by it all!
But I am encouraged with this Scripture that You not only listen to our prayers, but You allow us to wrestle with You as our God and our friend. And sometimes, You allow us to prevail…

Questions for Pondering…
Jacob did not prevail in the physical sense but he did receive the blessing he asked for. How does that knowledge affect my prayer life?
What are my thoughts about the fuller story in Genesis 32:22-31?

Dear God, thanks for these beautiful verses. For all the times when people question my value in life. For when I seem to fail at everything. For all the times the enemy of my soul accuses me of my worthlessness at 3:00 am. Then I am reminded of Your glorious pronouncements over me. May I repeat these words from Psalms daily. May I stick them on my mirror. May I seal them on my heart forever. Yes, Your works are wonderful—including me!

Questions for Pondering…
How has the world whittled down this sacred Biblical message from God?
What are ways I can tell folks about how much God cherishes the lives of all people?

Where did my patience go? Somebody cut me off in traffic, and I blew my horn long enough to gather some ugly attention. My boss ridiculed my latest proposal, and I spewed a few words that should not have been spewed. I am officially spiraling off the map.
Breathe on me, Holy Spirit. Please give me the restraint, the love, and the power to be and do what is right. Even when people around me are annoying or unfair or mean spirited. I want to inspire others, not drive them away!

Questions for Pondering….
When have I lost my cool?
What are some Biblical ways to avoid these pitfalls in the future?

Lord, please redeem this fruitless day. Everything I did seemed to hit a wall. My broken car did not get fixed at the dealership after hours of waiting! At work I got very little accomplished from a sudden brain fog and a lack of interest. And I blew the rest of the day vegetating in front of the TV with a bowl of BBQ chips.
In spite of human flaws—a few of them my own—can something beautiful be seen or gleaned or learned out of such an unproductive day? In Your Divine plan can even this loss be made to work for my good? I am trusting in Your promises!

Questions for Pondering…

What does it feel like when a day is unproductive?
What have I learned from past experiences when a day felt pointless? Was there still meaning?

Lord, I think people are afraid to admit that something is a true miracle. Are they secretly worried the miracle is mere coincidence? That it was not Divine intervention after all? But some events scream miracle from You, so much so, I cannot deny them. Deep in my soul, I can feel Your powerful hand on these unique life events. Everything is possible with You.

Yes, I believe in miracles, but when I do doubt, please help my unbelief.

I want to know You more, Lord. Not just more facts or a generic belief. Sure, I can memorize verses. I can accumulate academic degrees. I can be at church every time the doors open. But I want more—to know You deep down in my heart. The kind of knowing that brings me to a holy hush and to soul shifting heights and to a warm affection of the heart that leads me to obedience, worship, fellowship, and friendship.

Help me to know You better and may it change me and all those who cross my path.

Dear Jesus, I am seeing this verse come to life more than ever. New Age practices slithering into the church. Many leaders falling into disgrace. People conjuring up new doctrine that is not found in Your Word. They instead listen to Satan and his lies so they can live however they choose.

Help us all. And keep me safe in Your Word, so that I will know what to embrace and when I should flee.

Well, I confess, Lord, that I have done it again. I have been summoning up all the past hurts that I have endured from my friend—as if I’m keeping a vast list. Which I guess I am. Sigh.
You know, like the time she told me a half-truth or she slighted me or talked waaay more than she listened! But I know that I have pulled the same shameful shenanigans with others.

Oh Lord, just as You have forgiven me, please help me to forgive others.

Lord, as You know, this is one of my favorite Scriptures. It seems like it is an invitation to partake in Your goodness so that I can find joy in You.

This verse makes me think of the perfectly ripened apricots that I plucked from my aunt’s tree. They were even better than I could have imagined. Full of sweetness and delight. Wonderful. Satisfying.

Just like some of the attributes I have found in knowing You, Lord.

Dearest Lord, I think people have forgotten about peace and goodwill toward men. The world has an ever-darkening agenda that has nothing to do with gentleness or goodness or love. It’s more about lawlessness and fear and chaos. Please pour out Your Spirit on mankind. You are the only One who can save us, Jesus!