Personal Journal40 Days of Prayer

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”Mark 11:24

An Invitation to Unified Prayer

True to our calling and Wesleyan heritage, The United Methodist Church is in the people-saving business. Reach ● Renew ● Rejoice is about reaching people for Christ through starting new churches and equipping vital congregations. Together we can help ensure people today and generations to come will know Christ and have access to a strong United Methodist Church home.

Our church is invited to join other congregations and United Methodists throughout our Minnesota Conference in unified prayer to boldly seek God’s guidance in the conference-wide initiative. Our over-arching prayer should be, “Use me, Lord, to accomplish your kingdom purpose through Reach ● Renew ● Rejoice.”

May we personally resolve to find and remove anything that prevents the spirit of God from working freely in and through us. Expect to experience personal spiritual growth on your prayer journey.

The Value of Using Scripture in Our Prayers

The Bible is holy. It provides preparation for prayer because it brings holiness to our thinking. Prepare your mind to listen. Whatever we learn from scripture is reliable. The Bible is enlightening; it provides wisdom. God’s wisdom need not be hidden; it is available to us through scripture. Jesus was so steeped in scripture that it shaped His prayers and everything He did. Jesus met temptation with scripture; He

answered His critics with scripture; He approached prayer with knowledge of the scriptures. In the course of His prayers, He used the spirit of the scriptures and the very words of the scripture. This should be our pattern on our prayer journey. The following pages are daily devotionals for spiritual growth, offered as a guide for your journey. Use it for personal and family devotions and in other ways as you pray and meditate. Pray expectantly.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Guiding thought: Realizing that starting new churches and growing existing churches are central to fulfilling our greater divine mission to reach people for Christ, I commit to pray for our Minnesota Conference’s Reach • Renew • Rejoice effort. Each week, I will pause in united prayer with other friends and my church family to pray for God’s guidance. My prayer will be: “Use me, Lord, to accomplish your kingdom purpose through Reach • Renew • Rejoice.”

Day 1

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here!” II Corinthians 5:17

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Reflect on your grace experience. Praise God for Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He came into a world full of hate, and brought love. He came into a world that was lost, and he brought new life in Christ. God’s grace covers those who believe in him. Be thankful and praise him!

Day 2

“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

“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21

Our purpose is to know God; to enjoy God’s blessings and to spread the good news to others. Through Jesus Christ, God sent us the good news that we are loved. As the apostle Paul so eloquently declared, “nothing can separate us from the love of God.” Romans 8:38-39

Pray others may come to know God and that you will grow in your relationship with God every day. Is there someone hurting or in need around you? Think about what you can do to extend God’s love to a friend or neighbor this week? Will you make a commitment to do it?

Day 3

“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:9-13

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:38-40

Pray for God’s will in your life and the life of your church. What are areas of your spiritual live that need strengthening? Ask God to help you grow spiritually. What one thing will you do today to grow closer to God? List the areas of your life you would Iike to strengthen. Pray for these specifically.

Day 4

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” I Peter 2:9

Do you let the light of your life shine in this world of darkness where there is so much pain and loneliness? Do you shine as a witness for Christ that others may see your light and come to Christ? Does your light shine to your family, friends and business associates? Pray others may see your love by the light that shines through your words and actions. What will you do today to light the way for another person?

Day 5

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32

Someone has said confession is good for the soul. Certainly, we should confess our sins before God. It brings a cleansing to our lives and to our spirits. Confession helps us to heal a broken relationship between ourselves and God.

Do you have a broken relationship that needs healing? Are you ready to put anger, hurt and resentment aside? In prayer, ask God to help you mend these broken relationships. You will be blessed and a great burden will be lifted from your life. How will you go about healing today?

Day 6

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Psalms 46:10

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” I John 4:16-18

When we trust in God, we have nothing to fear. God, through Christ, reminds us of this over and over. Trusting in God helps us to seek

God’s will for our lives. We are raised to a new plateau of living, because the Christ who died for our sins has given us a new life to be lived in Him. How will you go about discovering God’s will for your life today? Spending time with God in prayer is essential to your discovery.

Day 7

“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest?’ I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” John 4:35

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:1-3

Pray for family and friends who do not know Christ. The fields are ripe for harvesting lost souls. When we are kind to a stranger, we are truly being kind to Christ. Remember his words when he said, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink” and we say “Lord, when did this happen; I did not know.” Likewise,He said, “I was in prison and you visited me,” and again, we say, “WhenLord, we did not know.”

Have you encountered any angels lately? Might they have been the boy next door who left his bike in your driveway or the lawn man who cannot seem to remember to close the back gate? Pray God will make you more keenly aware of the need to show the love of Christ to others.

Day 8

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 1 1:25

“Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” John 14:19

No other day in Christian celebration is as significant to believers as Resurrection Day. Rejoice and be glad in resurrection. Pray prayers of gratitude today for all God has done in Christ that has resulted in our forgiveness and salvation.

What has God done for you? Where do you see God at work in your

life?

Day 9

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:29

Pray you will always share your faith at every opportunity. Praise God for the vision to reach more people for Christ. We have not seen, but yet we believe. God has a purpose for our lives and is working out that purpose. Pray that God will sustain your faith in good times and in difficult times. Do you know someone with a need? How can you help meet that need?

What do you do when times get tough and life overtakes you by storm? God is looking for faithful people. Will you be among those faithful people God finds?

Day 10

“Pray continually.” I Thessalonians 5:17

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

Pray that God will fill us with the Holy Spirit, and that we may be able to remove all mountains of doubt and unbelief.

What frightens you most? Say it out loud now, and turn it over to God. God is fully able to take care of your biggest fears and concerns.

Day 11

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8

Pray you will go wherever God leads.

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:42

Pray that you will never be content to rest on past accomplishments in Christ. Pray our church will never stop proclaiming Christ’s truth and love. Ask God to send one more person, family, or child for you to love in Christ today. Then pay attention and watch for the answer to your prayer.

Day 12

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 7:8

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Psalm 96:3

Our baptism is a sign of our conversion, but it is also a commissioning. Pray that you will be faithful to the divine commission given to you to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in all you say and do, wherever that may be. What are you doing to tell others about the Jesus you serve?

Day 13

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.” Psalm 96:1

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” Psalm 98:4

“So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.” I Corinthians 14:15

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 15:57

Singing is one of the ways in which we raise our voices to God in praise and thanksgiving. Are you singing? A joyful heart emits an unmistakable melody. Sing out today through your attitude and joyful spirit toward others. Offer the hospitality of Christ to everyone you see or talk with today.

Day 14

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36

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

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8

Do you hold grudges? How is that working for you? Give yourself the gift of forgiving others. You cannot hold a grudge toward someone you are praying for, so start with prayer. Pray God will help you to forgive others as God forgives you. If we love one another, we will be forgiving people. God loves us and forgives us.

Day 15

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

What is on your training table? How can you strengthen your resolve to finish well? List three things you can do today to strengthen your walk with Christ and extend Christian love to others.

Day 16

“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalm 127:1

“And receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.” I John 3:22

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” II Chronicles 16:9

Do you have the courage to ask for your needs? What do you want Jesus to do for you today? List the most important thing below. What are you willing to do for others today? List one thing you will do for someone else today and, in so doing, honor Christ.

Day 17

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace-as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” I Corinthians 14:33

Pray Jesus Christ will always be the chief cornerstone in your life. Pray that God will bless all churches, not just your church. The body of Christ reaches far beyond our familiar walls. Pray for the ministry of the whole body of Christ. Do you know any barriers that may prevent others from finding and experiencing Christ? List a few ways we can be a church without walls.

Day 18

“This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 1111saiah 48:17

Pray we will be open to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and thank God for giving us the Holy Scriptures.

“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8

Pray for a heart that is willing to follow God’s will.

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” Psalm 147:5

God understands us and knows us. Be thankful in prayer that God is always with us.

What can you to today to make your words of gratitude to God come alive?

Day 19

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:22

As we search throughout the Bible, we find over and over again that God has given good gifts to people. We know in our own hearts what God has given to us. Let us pray a prayer of thanksgiving for all the wondrous things God has done in the life of our church and in us.

When you pause to thank God today, don’t stop there. Show gratitude to others with your good deeds.

Day 20

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:4-7

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.” Romans 8:31-33

The love of God knows no bounds. God loves us enough to look for us when we go astray like the lost sheep or the prodigal son. Bow before God in thanksgiving. Ask God to help us love even those who trespass against us.

Day 21

“For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21

Pray we will put our trust in God as we respond to the opportunities God sends our way. Trust in God with all your heart, for nothing is beyond God’s power. Pray God’s strength will give us courage as we work to make our actions successful.

What will you do today to move from talk to action?

Day 22

“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” II Corinthians 3:5

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.’” I Timothy 1:15

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3

Let us pray God will make us humble people, knowing in our hearts that none are great except God. Pray that we may be patient and long suffering of one another and to think not of ourselves more highly than we should.

Look for God’s promise today. Share it with someone in your life.

Day 23

“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can

build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:32

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:16-17

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:11-12

Thank God for this inheritance through Christ Jesus. Pray for our church as we continue an inheritance of faith here on earth to future generations. Give thanks to God for those who came before us. Jesus Christ has prepared a place for us, that where God is, there we may be also. Pay it forward to assure others have a church home too.

Day 24

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

“Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” II Corinthians 4:2

Give thanks to God for showing us the truth and the way. Pray to God that we will hold these truths in our heart and give us the integrity to follow these teachings.

Walk and live in God’s truth today and every day.

Day 25

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be

with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9

Be thankful for the love of God in all things. Pray that we will recognize and embrace a personal mission to spread the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ, while we love one another as Christ loves us. What can you do to gain more laser-like focus on your personal mission?

Day 26

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, and he taught them the Lord’s Prayer, which we often pray. All of us would like to know more about prayer and communication with our Lord. Jesus also taught us the Holy Spirit prays for us. Prayer was so much a part of Jesus’ life here on earth. We are told in scripture to “pray without ceasing.” This means we should be in a spirit of prayer as we live our daily lives. Center your thoughts in prayer and conversation with God. Be confident in your faith. Talk openly with God.

Day 27

“‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’” Luke 3:10-11

“To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

One thing that impressed me as a child was the generosity of my

mother to those she knew and loved, and to strangers. As an adult, I remember these things, and I have tried to be generous in my dealings with others. God promises a blessing when we set out our gifts with this attitude of love. Pray that as we go through this initiative, we will remember these words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Day 28

“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” Deuteronomy 8:3

All life comes from God who created us. We are already a part of God’s kingdom. God wants us to grow and prosper. It is only in trusting and obeying God that we truly live an abundant life.

In your prayers today, praise and thank God for an abundant life. Pray and give thanks for an eternal life prepared by and made possible through Christ.

Do you live a life of abundance or scarcity? Do you think the God you serve is bigger than your concerns or problems? Ask God to give you abundant faith beyond what you could ask or think.

Day 29

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” Philippians 1:9

“If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15

We often speak in sermons of how God loves us and rightly so. Have you ever thought about how much you love God? It is an important question to ask. Christ wants us to love him, and he tells us that when we love Him, we love the Father. Pray that you may show your love to Jesus Christ in your heart and soul. Pray that God will help you to love

others as God loves you.

How much do you love God? How can you demonstrate your love?

Day 30

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.” I Timothy 1:12

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:14-15

Be thankful God has called you into this ministry. You may not believe you are a minister, but you are. When you committed your life to Christ, you became a minister. Pray God will make you more aware of your calling, and provide an opportunity today for you to share the news of Jesus Christ. God has commissioned us as ministers. Through God’s guidance, we cannot fail…

Do you know someone with a ministry need? What can you do today to meet that need?

Day 31

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:10

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.” Psalm 15:1-2

Pray God will help you be a good neighbor and help you be kind and loving to all who come your way. How can you model the generosity of Christ in your home or workplace today?

Day 32

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You

cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24

“It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.” Luke 12:37

“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

Pray that God will help us to be servants of Jesus Christ. Pray we may be obedient to Him, for it is in obeying that we receive God’s greatest blessings. Be thankful that we can show our love to Christ by obeying.

What is one thing you will do today to bring a smile to the face of God?

Day 33

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19

“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” I Thessalonians 5:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Pray for world peace. God is a God of peace. Jesus Christ brought the message of peace to the world. We have corrupted that peace, and the world is now in chaos. The power of prayer brings us hope and peace in our own souls, even when the whole world is coming apart. Rejoice and give thanks for a God who provides us with this peace. Pray for peace-keeping efforts to help our men and women in harm’s way.

Where do you need peace in your life? How can you be a peacemaker in the lives of others?

Day 34

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. What you

heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:12-13

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

In these passages, we are encouraged to persevere in doing good, knowing in due season we shall reap a reward if we faint not. Pray that God will help us to run the good race, that we will persevere and not grow weary, that we will find joy in the work our Lord has given us to do.

Have you lost the joy of your involvement in a particular task? Why have you lost your joy? What might God be nudging you to do differently? What can you do today to regain joy in your everyday service to God?

Day 35

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.” I John 3:18-19

Pray that God will help us to be cheerful givers. Be thankful that God has given us an opportunity to partner in kingdom work. How has God’s provision showed up in your life when it was most needed and you least expected it?

Day 36

“What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” Psalm 116:12-14

“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one

can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:3-4

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

There is no greater way to worship God than through praise. Praise God for works in your life. Praise God for the works you see in the lives of others. Praise God for working in and through our church. Praise God for sending Jesus Christ. Praise God for giving us the opportunity to “pass it on.” Who should you thank for paving the way for you to know Christ? Reach out to that person today and let him or her know of your gratitude. Do not wait.

Day 37

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke11:13

Give praise and thanks to God for the Holy Spirit, which lives in your heart. Be thankful that God did not leave us comfortless. Listen for God’s voice, then follow. How can you illumine the way for someone today? With whom can you share your hope in Christ today?

Day 38

“Why my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” I Peter 1:3

Someone said: When we lose hope, we have lost everything. When we read the scriptures, we read pages filled with reminders of the hope we have in Christ. Be thankful for the hope God instills in your life. Praise God for the hope of our future made possible by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Day 39

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” I Corinthians 13:4

“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 1:3

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness.” II Peter 1:5·6

Pray that we may have the patience to wait upon the Lord. Pray we may know that in good times, God will answer our prayers. Pray for the wisdom to believe God always knows what is best for us, and God does not make mistakes. Pray we may be patient with one another, and our patience will not grow weary. Remember how patient God has been with us.

Day 40

In conclusion:

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14