Day 30: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 30: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Day 29: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 29: Pray That God Would Increase Your Love

“The greatest honor we can give Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love.” --Julian of Norwich

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other…” 1 Thessalonians 3:12

“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Psalm 63:3

Day 28: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 28: Praise God for His Unfailing Love

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Prov. 3:3-4

How to Love Others Today: Lay Down Your Life!

Seems pretty drastic, but that’s exactly how Jesus showed His love for us (John 15:12-13). The basic principle has much broader application than actual physical death. Jesus calls us to unselfishly seek put others ahead of ourselves.

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." -Romans 15:5-6 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

Unity comes from God's Spirit as we follow Jesus. But unity has a purpose much deeper than our getting along with each other. Jesus prayed that we would be one so the world would know that God sent him (John 17). We want to be united so our praise can bring glory to God. Unity is far more than a goal, it is a process through which the world learns of Jesus and we glorify the Father who sent him and saved us. Can you think of anything more fundamental to our faith than that!

My Prayer

Great and Almighty God, Eternal Strength for all who call on your name, I apologize and ask your forgiveness for everything I've done and every word I've spoken that has hurt someone in your family and brought a wound to the unity of your Church. Please bless my efforts as I seek less of my will and more for your glory and the ecouragement of others. Through Jesus I ask it. Amen.

Day 27: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 27: Praise God for His Unfailing Love

“When I lay these questions before God I get no answer. But a rather special sort of ‘No answer.’ It is not the locked door. It is more like a silent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As though He shook His head not in refusal but waiving the question. Like, ‘Peace, child; you don’t understand.” --C.S. Lewis

“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

Day 26: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 26: Pray for the Lord to be Your Strength

“But be very careful…to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” Joshua 22:5

How to Love Others Today: Encourage and Disciple Them in Their Relationship with Christ.

The author of Hebrews tells us to “spur one another on to good works” and “encourage one another” daily (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." -Hebrews 6:10 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

So much assurance in such a short verse! God is not unjust -- boy is that an understatement. If he produced the atoning sacrifice for our sins, what will he deny us if we seek after him? He will not forget our work and love -- an eternal record of the good we have done! When we help our brothers and sisters in Christ, we bless him! We are his people!! That's real motivation to keep on maturing in Christ.

My Prayer

God, you are so gracious. Thank you. Words cannot express my joy at hearing such a simple and profound statement describing your virtues. I am so glad I am your child. Through my brother Jesus I pray. Amen.

Day 25: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 25: Pray for the Lord to be Your Strength

“It’s not about finding ways to avoid God’s judgment and feeling like a failure if you don’t do everything perfectly. It’s about fully experiencing God’s love and letting it perfect you. It’s not about being somebody you are not. It’s about becoming who you really are.” --Stormie Omartian

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7

“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." -James 3:17-18 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

Now I know why righteousness is so hard to find: there aren't many sowers! Heavenly wisdom is full of acrificial earthly action. That's a powerful reminder to me that wisdom is not what you know but what you sow!

My Prayer

Holy and Wise Father, thank you for demonstrating purity, peace making, consideration, submissiveness, mercy, good fruit, impartiality, and sincerity in Jesus. I ask for the power and the courage to demonstrate those qualities this week as I seek to live more like him. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Day 24: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 24: Praise God for His Holiness

“In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death or life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

How to Love Others Today: Introduce Them to Jesus.

Does a loved one desperately need to know Jesus? Share the Good News! Andrew introduced his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:35-42).

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"Oh, the depth and riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out." -Romans 11:33 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

God's plan to save us is incredible. His blueprints for the creation of our universe are beyond our imagining. He is so rich in wisdom and knowledge. What else can we do but go to him and ask him to open our minds to his work and his will in our lives.

My Prayer

Precious and Almighty Father, thank you for reawakening me each spring to the power of your sustaining presence in the world, but even more in my life. Bless me today as I seek to put you first in all I do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Day 23: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 23: Praise God for His Holiness

“We should be astonished at the goodness of God, stunned that He should bother to call us by name, our mouths wide open at His love, bewildered that at this very moment we are standing on holy ground.” --Brennan Manning

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

So God likes to sing too! He even likes to share his lullabies with those he loves. Not only is God Abba Father, he is also like a mother. He gently rocks and quiets his children with his affectionate care.

My Prayer

O God, I pray that when the storms of life rage against me, I will remember these words and find refuge, comfort and peace in your sheltering care. Make me aware, O God, of your singing in my life as you make your salvation more clear to me each day. Through my Savior Jesus I pray. Amen.

Day 22: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 22: Pray for Ideas About How to Love Others

“You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.” 1 Peter 1:22

How to Love Others Today: Help Two Loved Ones Work Out Their Differences.

Does strife exist between two people you love? Be a mediator and help them mend their relationship. Paul asked the believers in Philippi to help two women in their church who were at odds (Philippians 4:2-3).

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." -Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

I don't know. I don't know! That has to be one of the hardest phrases for us to use. But when thinking about God and his ways, that's really all we can say. We know about God only what he in his grace has chosen to reveal to us. He is the Mystery of mysteries. He is the supreme knowable Unknown. Yet what we do know of him, what he has revealed to us in Jesus, is not only mighty and awesome, but loving and merciful.

My Prayer

To you, O Lord God, I can only offer my wonder and awe. When I consider the universe in which our tiny blue planet spins its existence, I am humbled at your vastness. But at the same time, I treasure your nearness. You are a good far above all I know, but a God who is also near. Thank you for being accessible but not penetrable. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Day 21: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 21: Pray for Ideas About How to Love Others

“When the time comes for you to die, you need not be afraid, because death cannot separate you from God’s love.” --Charles Spurgeon

“I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.” Psalm 89:2

“The earth is filled with your love, O Lord…” Psalm 119:64

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." -Psalms 139:13-14 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

I am made by God! You are made by God. Just as surely as anyone has been made by God, we have been made by God. He knew us before anyone knew we were there. He had plans for us before anyone planned our arrival. And he made us well! How do we know? Look at all God has made.

My Prayer

God Almighty, my Savior and Redeemer, thank you for knowing me before I was able to know. Thank you for choosing my life and giving it to me. Thank you for giving me the gifts, abilities and talents that you have given me. Now help me live as if I was made special by you, because I am! Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Day 20: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 20: Pray for an Open Heart Toward the Lord

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death…Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.” Song of Songs 8:6-7

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

How to Love Others Today: Intercede with Others on Their Behalf.

Could your influence help a loved one? Barnabas smoothed the way for Paul with the Jerusalem church leaders (Acts 9:27-30). Paul wrote to Philemon appealing for Onesimus the runaway slave (Philemon 8-11).

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"Charm is deceptive and beauty if fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." -Proverbs 31:30 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

So many things we honor and exalt in our culture are shallow and temporary. The one thing that lasts in a beautiful woman is not her charm or her beauty, but her godliness. Let's make sure in our church families and our physical families that true and lasting beauty is clearly valued and amply praised!

My Prayer

Holy God, please give us better eyes and more faithful hearts that we may value in all people qualities that reflect your character. Bless us as we raise our children that we may instill in them a sense of proper values as they choose their life partner. And dear God, please help us in our churches to value and praise women for their holy character. In Jesus name. Amen.

Day 19: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 19: Pray for an Open Heart Toward the Lord

“God is love. He didn’t need us. But he wanted us. And that is the most amazing thing.” --Rick Warren

“His banner over me is love.” Song of Songs 2:4

“The commandments…are summed up in the one command, ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ If you love others, you will never do them wrong, to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.” Romans 13:9-10

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies... She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." -Proverbs 31:10 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

Give honor to whom honor is due! This biblical principle is most certainly true of women, and especially those who are godly mothers. Let's make sure we praise the key women in our lives today!

My Prayer

Father, I want to thank you for the women of character and grace, tenderness and fire, love that and tenacity, who have helped shape my life in a way helped me find you. Please bless them this day, I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Day 18: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 18: Praise the Lord for His Great Love

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ” 1 John 4:9-11

How to Love Others Today: Show Kindness to Someone They Love.

King David expressed his deep bond of friendship for Jonathan by caring for Jonathan’s crippled son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13).

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

Be kind and compassionate, -- two qualities that seem to be in short supply. Maybe its because we hold up the wrong heroes, but these two qualities are often seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength. To forgive as God forgave us requires great courage and great strength. So let's be strong!

My Prayer

Holy God, there is no way I can adequately thank you for sacrificing so much to forgive me. So this day, I pledge to be more like you, to share more of kindness and grace with those who have wronged me. Today, I ask you to help me release my bitterness toward _____________ and I ask you to bless this person with your kindness and grace. By the power of Jesus' example I ask this. Amen.

Day 17: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 17: Praise the Lord for His Great Love

“Saving us is the greatest and most concrete demonstration of God’s love, the definitive display of His grace throughout time and eternity.” --David Jeremiah

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." -Matthew 18:15 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

The right thing is so hard to do sometimes. It is so much easier to gossip, to mention another's wrong against us in a prayer with others, to pass around innuendo. But only one thing is the right thing to do! Go to the person who has wronged you and try to keep the damage contained to just the two of you.

My Prayer

Lord God Almighty, forgive my foolish and selfish ways. Through your Spirit, help me to be as forgiving as you are. Give me courage to lovingly confront those who have sinned against me, but if I cannot bring reconciliation, help me to forgive as you have forgiven me. Through Jesus, the atoning sacrifice for sin I pray. Amen.

Day 16: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 16: Thank God for His Endless Faithfulness

“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.” 1 John 2:9-10

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1

How to Love Others Today: Rejoice and Mourn with Them.

We show deep care for others when their hurts and joys are also ours. Don’t hold back. Let the tears and the cheers flow! (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life in Christ has set me free from the law of sin and death." -Romans 8:1-2 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

"Free at last, free at last, praise Lord God Almighty I am free at last." Becoming a Christian means we have been liberated from law-keeping. We now have God living in us, through the Holy Spirit, to not only help us know his will, but to live it. Through the Spirit's power, we can do what no law could make us do: live up to God's standards of righteousness.

My Prayer

Gracious father, thank you for all of your gifts to me. Today, I want to especially thank you for liberating me from law and empowering me with your Spirit. Fill me and empower me today with your Spirit as I live my life for you. Through Jesus my Lord I pray. Amen.

Day 15: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 15: Thank God for His Endless Faithfulness

“Nothing can separate you from God’s love, absolutely nothing! God is enough for time, God is enough for eternity. God is enough!” --Hannah Whitall Smith

“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.” Psalm 36:5-6

“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." -Colossians 4:5-6 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

There are no random acts of kindness, only intentional acts given the opportunity to happen. This is true not just in deeds, but in words as well. But more than trying to avoid poor speech, we are urged to use our speech to bless and help others to come to know Christ.

My Prayer

Father, forgive me for the careless words I have uttered this week. I understand that these careless words are twice sins -- a sin once when I committed it and a sin a second time because I didn't see the opportunity to be redemptive. Open my eyes Lord so that I may see what you have placed in my path. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Day 14: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 14: Praise Jesus for His Sacrifice on the Cross

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8

How to Love Others Today: Meet Their Physical Needs.

Scripture is clear. If we see a brother in need, have the means to help but don’t, our love for God should be questioned (1 John 3:17).

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

Where does your heart live? That's what these verses are all about. Is there a constant awareness in your life that God is present? Is he the unseen but always present companion in all your ups and downs? Or is God here when it is convenient and gone when things are busy? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone. Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, Spirit to Spirit, with God. Thanksgiving is the great reminder that we have been blessed no matter what the circumstances may suggest.

My Prayer

Precious and Righteous Father, thank you for being there. Give me a deeper appreciation and a always more profound awareness of your presence today. May my life reflect the joy you have given me by saving me by grace. And may my heart always find its home in you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Day 13: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 13: Praise Jesus for His Sacrifice on the Cross

“By the cross we know the gravity of sin and the greatness of God’s love toward us.” --John Chrysostom

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:13-14

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." -James 5:16 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

To confess is to do two things with our sin: 1) to recognize sin for what it is in God's eyes and 2) to get rid of our secrets and be honest with another Christian. James' language is powerful. He mentions that this confession doesn't just bring forgiveness. It also brings healing.

My Prayer

Holy Father, I have sinned. I now confess my own personal sin of ____________. I ask for your forgiveness and for your Spirit to strengthen me in overcoming temptation. I want to live for you and not let my sin, any sin, entangle me and draw me away from you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Day 12: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 12: Pray for a Sacrificial and Humble Heart

“But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love…” Nehemiah 9:17

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9

How to Love Others Today: Humbly Serve Them.

Jesus set the example (John 13:1-17). He calls us – His followers - to also humbly and graciously serve others (Gal 5:13).

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

God wants to hear our prayers, but to keep them from becoming too self-focused, God wants us always to remember to give thanks. It is so easy for us to turn prayer into a request line. We are the ones who are left bereft when thanksgiving and praise are robbed from our prayers.

My Prayer

Gracious God, I have so many reasons to praise you. In the face of trial and hardship I have your promises to reawaken my hope. In the moment of victory I have you to thank for my abilities. In the boredom of the routine, I have great joys in your surprises. Thank you, God, for being so great and yet so loving. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Day 11: Praying God’s Love Over Your Life

Day 11: Pray for a Sacrificial and Humble Heart

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” --Augustine

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great…” Luke 6:35

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25

Daily Bible Verse

Daily Bible Verse

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

Thoughts About Today's Verse

Humility is not our culture's biggest asset or most desired character quality. But humility is what is demanded -- not so much because it's commanded (thought that would be enough), but because we've earned it. Every year brings another wave of major failures in morality, character, and spirituality. Rather than progressing culturally, we find ourselves slipping. Humility is earned! So let's be humble and call upon the Lord!

My Prayer

Holy and Almighty God, your deeds are awesome, your faithfulness is overwhelming, and your mercy and grace are such a blessing. Yet I come to you knowing that you hear me, despite the incredible distance between you and I, between your worth and holiness and my lack. I confess that I, and my culture and country around me have made a mess of what you so wonderfully blessed us with. I come humbly asking that you reassert yourself in our nation in clearly recognizable ways. I ask this in faith through Jesus. Amen.