Dear Lord, it’s all too much now. Too much chaos and clamor. And too much TV and social media! I need quiet waters and to be still before You. Why can’t I accomplish that—even a little bit daily? Deep down, am I afraid to be still before You—worried that You might ask me to do something way out of my comfort zone?
Maybe.

If so, Lord, give me the discipline to turn off the noise, to be still before you, and truly listen. Then if I know clearly that You need me to do something hard, give me the courage and strength to follow through…

Dearest Lord, I have hit an impossible roadblock today. Actually, these barriers seem to be popping up all over the place. Right here in my foggy brain, in my pathetic career, my sometimes maddening relationships, my dreams and goals. Everything.

The enemy seems to be attacking me from all sides. Please help me. I can no longer help myself, but then maybe that is where You need me to be and this is the prayer You would have me to pray.
Thank You, Jesus, that You are the One who makes the impossible possible again!

Dear Jesus, today my child rejected me. I never saw it coming, but she locked the door and wanted nothing to do with me. So much love has been poured into this beloved child, but I guess the more I loved the more pain I feel in the rejection.

Then I remember, Jesus, how You loved beyond all imaginings, and yet mankind rejected You. Please help me to never forget all that You sacrificed for me, including giving up Your life. And please heal the relationship with my child. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray. Amen.

Sometimes, Lord, I am so busy waiting for a parting of the Red Sea kind of miracle, I miss some of the marvels before me. Like the shining eyes of my child gazing up at me with delight. The ripened pears calling out to be plucked and enjoyed. The benevolence of a stranger. A lost soul coming home. The unexpected gift of a quilt handmade by my Gigi. The diamond shimmers of moonlit snow.

Life is full of all kinds of wonders. Let me see through Your eyes, Lord, that I may not miss any of them!

Jesus, I see some people who love to live large. They know what they want, and they will do almost anything to get it. They live in a way that announces their presence. They try to do everything big—the best of everything—because they believe they deserve it. They are self-governing and unstoppable.
Until they aren’t.

But somedays I too have to be reminded that without You at the helm, there is no ship or sea. There is nothing—for You are the One who laid the earth’s foundation. Show me the way, God, for You alone know what living should look like!

Lord, I see these verses play out way too often in my own life. When I verbally tussle with someone, it can sometimes escalate into a messy brouhaha. But when we forgive each other, it not only frees us but it almost seems like it releases a sweet fragrance between us to replace the foul one.
Help me, God. May the sun never go down on my anger, and may my forgiving spirit rise up to You as a pleasing aroma…

Questions for Pondering…
When have I held a grudge, and how did it make me feel?
Should I forgive even if the other person fails to? Why?

There is this niggling in my spirit, Jesus, that has me quite bewildered. My life feels strangely compartmentalized. I find myself ostracized for speaking freely about my various concerns. And I find myself tiptoeing these days. I see so many topics that need to be acknowledged and addressed—and yet I am silenced.
Thank You, Jesus, that I never have to walk on eggshells with You. And please help me to find a way to speak the truth in love with my fellow sojourners…

Questions for Pondering…
Why are there suddenly so many topics that seem taboo now?
How can I stop the tiptoeing and begin to speak the truth in love?

Dearest Lord, I have done it again. I allowed myself to be all high and mighty in my work. And it was while I was volunteering in the church! Oh dear.
Someone actually had to call me out. I could have gotten really miffed; except I knew my coworker was right. I had a chip on my shoulder. What I was thinking? I let the enemy puff me up, and sure enough, I ran with it. Lord, next time, may I sense what is happening so that I do not travel down that pitiful path called pride.

Questions for Pondering…
How do I feel when I have clothed myself in a haughty spirit?
How can I avoid this temptation in the future?

Over these past few years, Jesus, I feel as if my spirit has absorbed a thousand frowns. Folks are so harried, so anxious, and angry. I may not know all the whys, Lord, but I can be the smile that changes someone’s frown. I can make a difference, but only if we do this task together, Lord.
May I memorize this verse from Proverbs, repeat it daily, and be the honeycomb!

Questions for Pondering…
When have my smiles or gracious words change a person’s demeaner?
Did they ever ask me where I find my joy?

Something is in the air, Jesus. In spite of all the world’s madness, I feel hope all around me. The anticipation of something glorious about to unfold. Perhaps I am growing in my faith, and I feel Your holy pleasure. Perhaps You are healing me in ways I have yet to understand.
Or—perhaps You are returning soon, Jesus. The season of Your return would indeed be a season of singing! It would be epic, welcome—eternal. In fact, there are not enough human words to describe the unfathomable joy of it! Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Questions for Pondering…
What are the signs of the end times?
Should I be watchful?

Lord, today my friend said something odd to me that made me pause. She said, “Lately, you look like you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop.” I chuckled, but she was spot-on. I know where my furrowed brow comes from. Fear.
May this verse in Isaiah water my soul so thoroughly that my faith blooms and grows into something brave and beautiful. I am determined to rely on Your strength and Your help! In Jesus’ name I pray!

Questions for Pondering…
When have I had the worst bouts of fear in my life?
What is the best way to handle fear?

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?