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Introduction
Something powerful happens when you start the day with God. There’s a supernatural exchange that takes place. Regardless of the burdens you may be carrying, spending time in the Word and in prayer helps to calm your spirit and refocus your heart. And that allows you to walk through the day with a beautiful strength. Everything may not be perfect, but you will have a godly perspective to guide each step by faith.
Every good day begins with a good morning in the presence of your Father. You may need to wake up earlier or find ways to rearrange your schedule, but choose to have a standing appointment with God before you start the day. And when you do, watch how that sacred space keeps you centered and settled, ready to face whatever the day brings.
Quiet down before GOD, be prayerful before him.
PsaLm 37:7 msg
Day 1
Confident and Obedient Faith
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
MaTTHeW 15:28 niv
Father God, give me the kind of faith that You would call strong, just like the woman in today’s verse. She didn’t have to see You in action. She didn’t demand You work in a specific way. Instead, she laid her petition out for Your intervention and trusted. Even though her daughter’s situation was dire and terrifying, she didn’t allow panic to grab hold of her. She didn’t get bossy or grapple for control. Rather than lose her mind, she simply chose to trust Your will and ways. I want to be like that.
Give me an extra measure of faith so I’m able to weather any storm that comes my way. Settle my heart so it believes in Your goodness. Open my eyes to see Your miracle and wonders. And give me the confidence to believe You can and will bless my obedient faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t : God can do anything He wants.
Day 2
Absolutely Nothing
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38–39 esv
Dear Father, thank You for this. Just reading these words, I feel overwhelmed and grateful beyond measure. The negative voices in my head can be loud and strong, and they often leave me feeling unworthy and defeated. But how can I be unworthy if the King of kings wants me? How can I feel defeated if the almighty God is on my side? I often feel lost and alone in this world, like I don’t belong. But You promised I’ll never be alone, not for a single breath. Absolutely nothing can separate me from You. These words bring such comfort, and they give me confidence, knowing I don’t have to face the world alone.
Thk Abt I t :
Have you ever felt far away from God?
Day 3
Gracious Words
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
CoLossians 4:6 esv
Dear Father, these words sound nice, but they’re often easier said than done. My speech isn’t always gracious. It isn’t always seasoned with the salt of Your wisdom. Too often, I speak in haste. If someone hurts my feelings, I try to hurt theirs. If someone makes me angry, I try to one-up them. But that kind of speech isn’t fitting for a royal child of the King. Train me to hold my tongue, Father. When I start to speak from hurt or anger or pride, stop me. Interrupt me to give me a chance to reconsider. Help me speak only words that are gracious, kind, and filled with Your love and truth.
Thk Abt I t :
When was the last time you spoke in haste? Do you wish you could change that moment?
Day 4
Humility Is Precious to God
“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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 CHRonicLes 7:14 niv
Father God, I realize how precious humility is to You. I see how honoring it is because it recognizes Your position as Father and my position as child. It’s void of haughtiness. It comes from a place of surrender rather than pride. And it shows respect for the mighty and wondrous ways about You. Let me always approach Your throne with a meek spirit, giving You the glory for everything good in my life.
Today I’m humbly seeking Your help to live righteously. I’m embarrassed that I still struggle with some of the same things. But I know Your promise is to help and heal, and that’s what I’m asking. Let my life pay tribute to You in every way. From my words to my actions to my thought life, help me turn from my wicked ways and be healed. Help me be free from the struggles that keep me in bondage to sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t :
How can you show humility when approaching God?
Day 5
Created on Purpose
For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago.
EpHesians 2:10 voice
Father God, when I start feeling like I’m not good enough when compared with others, remind me that I’m the product of Your hand. Because You created me with great intention, I can be confident in who I am. My insecurities don’t have to get the best of me, because I realize I’m here on purpose and for a purpose.
So when my heart begins to betray, causing me to question my worth, let me be quick to remember that my life was planned out. I’m not a mistake or an inconvenience. What’s more, You have already made good blueprints for my future. I’m important enough to have been given tasks here on earth that are designed to glorify You in heaven. You’ve entrusted me with accomplishing divine doings in Your name. Thank You for reminding me that I have unmatched value. Today, I’m going to let that beautiful truth sink deep into my heart. And I’m going to stand tall because my identity is anchored in being Your beloved creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t : God doesn’t create junk.
Day 6
God’s Wisdom Above Mine
He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident of his own mind and heart is a [self-confident] fool, but he who walks in skillful and godly Wisdom shall be delivered.
PRoveRbs 28:26 ampc
Father God, help me consistently make good choices. Give me conviction in the decisions I make so I can be assured they not only benefit me but also glorify You. Maybe that means I slow down and take a breath rather than make rash rulings. The truth is that for so long I’ve been comfortable relying on myself to figure things out. I figured I had enough life experience under my belt and could discern right from wrong without any outside help. But scripture tells me that’s wrong. Teach me to walk in Your wisdom instead of my own. Today, train me to lean on You for understanding. Help me remember to always trust in Your knowledge and insight because it’s flawless. And let my confidence grow daily, allowing me to make the best choices because my mind and heart are filled with Your divine inspiration. Lord, I don’t want to be a fool. I want to be faithful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t :
Godly wisdom trumps human wisdom.
Day 7 Come Quickly!
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1 THessaLonians 4:16–17 esv
Dear Father, when I read this passage, my heart speeds up and I have to catch my breath. I’m so excited for that day! I’ll be honest. . .I want You to come right now, this moment. I’m ready. The thought of leaving the problems of this world behind fills my heart with joy. But I know You’re holding off because there are so many who still don’t know You. Help me do my part to point them to You every single day. Even so, I’ll add this prayer: Please come quickly.
Thk Abt I t :
Are you ready for Christ to return?
Day 8
Content with God
No one can serve two masters. If you try, you will wind up loving the first master and hating the second, or vice versa. People try to serve both God and money— but you can’t. You must choose one or the other.
MaTTHeW 6:24 voice
Father God, money is a big deal for so many people. While I struggle with wanting more at times, I’m actually content in what You’ve chosen to give me. It’s not too much that I make idols out of stuff or try to keep up with others. Nor is it too little that I’m overwhelmed and stressed all the time. Somehow, my heart is content, and I feel blessed. Today, I’m thankful that I’m not battling between serving You and serving money. I don’t want anything to get between us, because there’s no earthly thing that could ever replace Your goodness in my life. So, God, let my eyes always be open and focused on serving You with my life. Let my mind think only on Your kindness and generosity. And let my allegiance to You never be in question. You are the one who makes me happy and secure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t :
Is there anything that you want more than you want God?
Day 9
Courage When You Need It
They finished their prayer, and immediately the whole place where they had gathered began to shake. All the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began speaking God’s message with courageous confidence.
AcTs 4:31 voice
Father God, I know You’re the one who will fill me with courage at the right time. When I need You to, You’ll make me bold in faith to tackle what needs to be tackled. I don’t have to muster up courage on my own. It’s not up to me to find a brave bone in my body. And no matter how much I try, without Your strength and power coursing through my veins, I’ll fail to be fearless in tough moments. The truth is that I need You to infuse me with the nerve. You will always be my source for good things.
So today, fill me with courage to face my day. Help me steward it well so it benefits me rather than me using it to bully others. This isn’t a desire to strong-arm anyone to get my way. Instead, it’s a desire for me to find my footing to stand up and advocate for myself and those I care about. And when opportunities present themselves, give me the right words to share the gospel with confidence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t :
Confidence comes directly from God.
Day 10
Seek to Do Good
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
1 THessaLonians 5:15 esv
Dear Father, I don’t consider myself an evil person. But when people hurt me or someone I love, I can turn into a bear. I’ve been known to stew over others’ actions and consider ways I can put them in their place. That behavior may not fit the true definition of evil, but it’s certainly not in line with this verse. I’m to seek to do good. To seek means to actively look for something. You want me to actively look for ways to show Your goodness and love to those who hurt me. Wow. That’s hard. But I want to do that, Lord. Change my heart, and give me strength to repay evil and meanness with good.
Thk Abt I t :
Has someone hurt you recently? How can you repay that person with good?
Day 11 His Pleasure
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
CoLossians 1:19–20 nasb
Dear Father, I understand that You love me. That’s why You sent Jesus to pay the penalty for my sins. But how can You say that was a pleasure? It must have been agonizing grief to watch Your beloved Son suffer and die. Yet, when I look at any new mother gazing on her newborn child, I see joy. I see pleasure. I see a willingness, even an eagerness, to go through all the pain of childbirth again because she loves her child that much. You look at my salvation as a pleasure because Your love for me is so great. Thank You for that kind of overwhelming love, Father.
Thk Abt I t :
Who do you love most in this world?
God’s love for you is greater than you can imagine.
Day 12
Choosing to Release Anxiety
Worrying does not do any good; who here can claim to add even an hour to his life by worrying?
MaTTHeW 6:27 voice
Father God, thank You for today’s verse that so powerfully reminds me that worry adds no value to my life. Anxiety has no positive result in my heart. I realize it doesn’t make me feel better. It doesn’t solve my problems. It doesn’t make the issues disappear. Instead, it robs me of what I really need to feel better, which is a peaceful heart, a spirit of trust, and an unshakable faith. Help me break the habit of falling into a state of worry at the drop of a hat. It’s so frustrating that worry is always my default button. Next time, let my knees hit the floor the minute anxious thoughts begin to creep in. Keep me from entertaining them on any level, because it’s a trap that keeps me tangled and upset. It leaves me thinking up terrible outcomes. So starting today, my plan is to release worry into Your capable hands. That’s exactly where it needs to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t :
Worrying adds no value to the situation.
Day 13
When You Need Motivation
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.
Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
Romans 12:11–13 msg
Father God, this phrase is always on my mind right now: I just don’t wanna do it. And honestly, that’s exactly how I feel in this season. I don’t want to keep trying in relationships that are frustrating. I don’t have the desire to work harder when I keep getting passed over for the promotion. I don’t have the patience or creativity to parent my kids, who are difficult right now. I don’t want to exercise or eat right. I don’t want to grocery shop, prepare meals, or keep a clean house. I don’t even want to socialize with my friends. I’m tired of adulting, and I want to hide away instead.
Unless You lovingly change my heart today and motivate me for action, I’m stuck. I don’t want to be a quitter, but my get-up-and-go has got up and gone. Renew my energy, Father. Give me an excitement for my life. Restore my desire to live and love well. I’m desperate for Your motivation in this season. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t : God will reenergize you.
Day 14
Tips for Godly Living
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 THessaLonians 5:16–18 esv
Dear Father, this passage provides a bullet-point list for behavior for those who want to lead a victorious Christian life. First, rejoice always. Really, Lord? Rejoice, even when I get a flat tire? Yet I know I can rejoice even in the midst of trials. Joy doesn’t come from my circumstances, but from my future. Second, pray without ceasing. This is the easiest one for me because I love talking to You in my head all day long. Finally, give thanks in everything. Some things are hard to be thankful for. But I can always be thankful to You for my salvation. I can be grateful that these problems are temporary. Help me, today and every day, to follow these steps to live the best life I can.
Thk Abt I t :
Do you struggle to fulfill any of Paul’s suggestions in this passage?
Day 15
Love Them
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
2 THessaLonians 2:9–10 esv
Dear Father, all around me there are people who don’t know You. They may seem happy on the outside, but I know You created each of us with an innate desire to know You. Satan has deceived them, and they believe they can get along just fine without You. What can I do? How can I reach them? Even as I ask those questions, I hear the answer in my head: “Love them. Love them. Love them.” Teach me to love people as You love them, and help me point them to Your grace, goodness, and light.
Thk Abt I t :
Do you know someone who’s been deceived by Satan? How can you love that person?
Day 16
God’s Peace over the World’s Anxiety
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
JoHn 14:27 niv
Father God, in today’s world, how am I supposed to not let my heart be troubled? I feel like that goal sets me up for failure. It feels unattainable. And I’m afraid to set my sights on making it my goal because I fall short time and time again. But in faith, I’m asking You to help me find a way. I need to conquer this anxiousness that keeps me stuck in a loop of stress.
So today, Lord, I’m asking You for peace. I don’t want the kind the world offers, for it is short lived and ineffective. I’m looking for Your peace that promises to calm my heart in significant ways. I don’t want to be agitated by anxiety. I don’t want to be disturbed by disquietude. I don’t want to be unsettled by unease. Instead, I am choosing to press into You for reassurance. You’ve got me, and I know it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t : What would it feel like to let peace reign in your heart?
Day 17
The Blessing of Discernment
This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
PHiLippians 1:9–10 niv
Father God, today, please bless me with the ability to discern right from wrong. Even when the line between them is blurred, allow me to clearly see the path You’ve laid out. Please share Your unmatched and unquestionable knowledge when I need it most. The truth is that I’m lost without Your guidance. Without access to Your wisdom, my choices will be a shot in the dark. And because I am trying to live a righteous life that glorifies You every day, I want my decisions to reflect thoughtful choices.
Starting today, I want to focus on doing things that really matter— the things with an earthly blessing and an eternal payoff. Help me love others with purpose and passion. Help me be generous with my time and treasure. Help my life preach of my love for You. And help me live a sincere and blameless life that pleases You! In Jesus’ name. Amen. Thk Abt I t : What difference does God’s discernment make in your life?
Day 18 Strength for the Victory
Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.
PsaLm 20:7 ampc
Father God, I confess that I’ve often relied on the weapons and wisdom of the world. The world is quick to offer solutions that feel good. It sells easy fixes. But in the end, I’m left with nothing more than compounded frustration and heartache. What the world offers me will never be a true remedy because it’s incapable of matching what You generously offer.
Lord, thank You for filling me with Your strength today. It’s why I can stand strong when my relationships get messy. It’s why I can stay cool when my health or finances take a turn for the worse. And it’s through Your strength alone that I will always find my miracle deliverance. You’re the one who gives me much-needed victory over the battles I face. As I walk into my day, let Your power and might course through my veins, securing my hope in You over anything else. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thk Abt I t :
God’s strength leads to victory.
Day 19
Adjusting the Schedule
For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
2 THessaLonians 3:11–12 esv
Dear Father, I don’t want to think of myself as a busybody. Yet it’s easy to get caught up in idle talk that doesn’t do anything to build others up. It’s easy to waste hours on social media, when I spend minutes or less each day with You. Forgive me for being idle and for spending time in activities that don’t please You. Life is too short to waste on trivial things. Help me to quietly do the work You’ve set before me, to love others, and to shine Your light in this dark world.
Thk Abt I t :
How can you adjust your schedule and actions to better please God?
