“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:6 ESV

Lord,

You are my Refuge and Prince of Peace in the midst of mind-boggling circumstances.

Please forgive me for having an uptight heart this morning. I will not fear.

When I read today’s newspaper, there was an article on a young, athletic female who was raped and killed at a golf course.

When I spoke to a church member who was on a mission trip, she witnessed children dying from starvation.

When I heard about the latest ‘happenings’ in Venezuela, innocent people were imprisoned unjustly so their freedom would be exchanged for a ransom.

Lord, there are so many lives in danger, children dying and innocent people being murdered as I am elevating my face in worship today!

I‘m praying continually for the protection of my brothers and sisters around the globe (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Photo Courtesy: Vil Son @ Splasher

I am sobbing in affliction,

I don’t need to understand the root of evil or the wicked ways of my enemies.

The lost world needs you, our Almighty Savior! Please soften their hearts, bring them all to repentance, penetrate their souls in Truth and transform their lives.

Help me forgive these evil souls today and always.

Help me trust in your promises when nothing seems to change in today’s fallen world.

I will continue looking up to the Cross so I may always be kind and forgiving to those who have lost their way.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen

Lord,

I’ve been sitting next to a window appreciating the crisp Fall air.

I finally realized how exhausted I am!

Photo courtesy: Church of the King @ Splasher

Life rhythm accelerates when faced with unexpected or expected circumstances. I thrive under stress and this is not a healthy tempo to maintain.

Fast-paced lifestyles have an adverse impact on our bodies. Stress will immediately release the “stress hormones.” If these hormones keep firing, day after day, our health will be at high risk for all sorts of physical issues.

Emotions may even go unchecked… I am emotionally and physically drained!

I’ve been ‘on the go’ for way too long. I need rest for my soul today.

You are always encouraging me to come to you when weary and/or burdened so here I am staring thru the window and sharing my deepest thoughts (Matt 11:28 NIV).

I hope in the Lord today and always.

I need stamina, energy and good health to embrace the Fall season. It is my favorite season indeed.

Life is filled with transitions and adjustments need to be made. You want for me to rest so I may be refreshed (Exodus 31: 17). I am honoring the Sabbath today.

Help me slow down!

Help me to exercise on a regular basis so I may strengthen muscles, release toxins, and delay the aging of the brain. Heal all physical ailments so I may enjoy the Holidays with family and friends.

I look forward to a new season filled with Holiday celebrations.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

“He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of his beloved Son.” Colossians 1:13 TPT

Praising Jesus boldly at sunrise…

When I cried out in my distress, He immediately answered. The Lord is always near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18) and heals the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3).

He is my Lord and Savior who rescued me from darkness and snatched me away from the hand of evil.

I’m His beloved daughter who stepped out of the darkness and never looked back…

Lord, penetrate my heart and expose any pride, bitterness, envy or unforgiveness that may reside in the core of my soul. I want to be more like Jesus, your Son who is filled with Truth and never-ending Grace (John 1: 17).

Photo courtesy: Anita Austvika @ Splasher

If I drift away from our intimate fellowship, just know it is not intentional. It may just be a subtle drift back to the world’s view, old habits or the desires of the flesh. Forgive me if I do. Just nudge me and I will immediately be back in your arms.

Jesus bathes us with His mercies, never-ending grace and unfailing love every day. When I drift away, His Creation reminds me of His priceless existence. John 1: 3 says, “All things were made through him…”

Thank you, Jesus, for your Creation!

Chosen. Forever rescued.

“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.” 1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NIV‬

I’m privileged to be breathing one more day. I am walking with the King today and always will be.

In Jesus’ name, I praise and pray.

Amen

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” Job 5:9 NIV

Lord,

You are our Everlasting Father who performs wonders in our lives and never fails us.

As much as I wanted a ‘change in pace’ at work, I realize the new arrangement was not the best fit for me. Forgive me if I changed my mind way too soon!

I was so blessed in the past yet did not appreciate those ordinary moments. I was blindfolded by negativity in my surroundings. I was acting  just like the Israelites back in biblical times who were chained to negativity, grumbled their way thru the wilderness and lived with ungrateful hearts.

Because I never paced myself at work, I was exhausted towards the end!

Once I settled at the new work space, I was able to breathe, reflect back and recognize the need to change my ways. Yes! I am the one who needs to make lifestyle changes. I now know not to grumble, complain or consider others’ negative thoughts or toxic ways.

“I cannot change life circumstances, but I can change ‘me’. Help me, Lord, to draw near to you with a sincere heart. I know you are faithful.”

Last week, my unsettled heart was unable to take another step ‘forward’ when I realized  I had everything I ever wanted in the past.

Picture Courtesy of: Pete Bellis @ UnSplash

I heard your whisper one morning and it gently reminded me, ‘stand alone in a crowd and fix your eyes on Jesus! (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Life is an adventure. It may even be short-lived for many.

Be encouraged. Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:5-7).

“Lord, help me enjoy the harvest of a grateful heart. I want to walk thru the land flowing with milk and honey filled with opportunities, treasures and blessings.”

Help me expect only the best, Lord.

Give me the courage to make lifestyle changes so I may always take care of my health when handling challenging situations and give me the wisdom to prevent burn-out symptoms… Nutritious diet, regular exercise and adequate rest at night are just a few key ingredients for self-care.

I will meditate on your Word day and night, I will not neglect your Word (Psalms 18:15-16), breathe fresh air regularly, and be mindful of the beauty in my surroundings throughout the day.

You are in control of it all not I. So, help me expect the best once again.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

Photo courtesy: Viet Vang @ Splash

Lord,

Did I just heard him say…?!

Every time I hear him say negative comments about others, I respectfully ignore.

Every time I hear him loudly say, ‘shut up’, and claim to have all of the answers, I respectfully follow his cue.

Every time I hear him make unreasonable demands, I respectfully listen then share a fresh perspective.

Every time I am crossed-examined, I respectfully answer.

Every time I notice confusion, I respectfully slow down the rhythm of speech.

Every time I hear a condescending remark, I respectfully ignore.

Every time I transition to a new task, I forgive past offense.

Help me let go and forget both subtle and obvious hostile acts, Lord.

Capture his attention, soften the heart, and protect his life.

He needs a Savior!

Help me extend grace for every one of his offenses.

I will not tolerate abuse. I will be a Light to the lost world before I walk away.

I’m wonderfully and fearfully made by our Creator and no one changes His Truth.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

“My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalms 73:26 NASB

Father,

A shift in one’s career, finances, lifestyle or even in a daily routine, whether it was planned or not, is laborious to accept at times!

Transitions are quite a challenge the older we get.

If you would ask me, how is the new season going? I would honestly say, “It is going well yet I am worn out with all of the changes I’ve recently experienced”. I even wonder if I made the right decision. “Is it normal to doubt in the midst of life-altering beginning?”

Life changes will undoubtedly stir mixed emotions and ‘letting go’ will bring a sense of loss that needs to be dealt with one day at a time. It is okay to rejoice about opportunities and cry when reminiscing on treasured moments from the past.

Jesus understands. He has wept.

Lord, I’ve been reminiscing about unforgettable moments, and I ’ve been recently melancholic. Help me and settle my heart once and for all! I need a shift in attitude so I can successfully overcome emotional distress. Grant me the courage, inner strength and joy to move forward with the new journey.

You are the strength of my heart when I am weak!

I’m trusting in you, Lord, you are my anchor of Hope. I know there is a purpose behind doubt, loss, and fear. ”The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” Psalm‬ ‭34:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

 Photo courtesy: Anastasiia Tarasova at Splasher

I may not like the uncertainties of today’s journey. But, I won’t be discouraged, anxious or distressed.

“Yes, living before your face is my saving grace!” (Psalms 43:5 TPT).

Take this heavy burden ‘off my shoulders’, doubt from my mind, and help me rest at night. Bring me joy in the morning, Lord.

I honor your celestial ways and will serve you faithfully one change at a time.

In Jesus’ name, I praise.

Amen

I  know the fascinating works you are masterful of doing. I am trusting you, Lord,  in all circumstances whether I like them or not. I know there is purpose in the midst of heartbreak or unexpected loss. I know it will all work out at the end of the day.

I will wait patiently and observe closely how your divine plan unfolds. Just extend grace as I wrap my mind around these difficult circumstances!

“So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.”

Romans 8:28 TPT

Your unchanging character is the foundation of my Faith. 

I don’t need answers to ‘why’ questions but I do need a tight hug from you right now while I weep in love and hope.

I know time is limited on earth. Lord teach me how to live out my Faith fully amidst the sorrow and pain of these startling moments.

You are a revitalizing God in our defeats, and a festive God in our victories. I’m moving forward one step at a time.

You are my Sunrise who is about to do much more than I can ever envision. 

I am giving thanks to God, the Father for everything, and give you all the glory for what you are about to do in my life. (Ephesians  5:20 ) 

In Jesus’ name, I praise.

Amen.

Photo Courtesy: Emma Simpson @ UnSplash

“Generation after generation will declare more of your greatness and declare more of your glory.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:4‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Heavenly Father,

You are our Lord and Savior,

You died at the Cross, forgave those who sinned against you, and resurrected on the third day to offer us eternal life,

You are a Light to those who are blind-folded by temptations and a compass to those who are sleepless in the wilderness,

You march closely with the broken-hearted, heal the wounds from past misfortunes, and revive our souls from shattered dreams,

You relentlessly maneuver the heights of steep mountains and execute magnificent, prized miracles in our ordinary lives!

You are a beacon in the midst of chaos and the matchless hope for today’s helpless world,

You are worthy of praise, Abba Father (Ps 145:3). Your generous hand is filled with promises and your heart sings distinct melodies of joy and hope,

I’m telling the world about all the phenomenal acts you do every day.

You are an amazing God!

Your never-ending grace, unfailing love, and unmerited favor to all generations are the manifestation of your deep love for us.

I want to witness your immeasurable greatness, power and strength in my life today and always.

Since your ‘heart tunes’ are my song of joy and hope (Psalms 59:16), I’m asking for you to always be my refuge and fortress until my last breath on earth!

In Jesus’ name, I pray

your beloved daughter.

Photo Courtesy: Bao-Quan Nguyen

“For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over.” Joshua 4:23 NIV

Lord,

I was recently challenged by ‘Red Sea-like’ circumstances and did not know how to proceed with the complexity of the unforeseen future. You rebuked the Red Sea and dried it up;  you saw me through the depths as through a green pasture (Psalms 106:9).

I had exhausted all options and was definitely clueless.  There were no workable solutions, fresh ideas or even a contingency plan. I felt vulnerable and hopeless. When I begged for help… “O God, come quickly to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me!” (Psalm 70:1 AMP ), you were already there comforting me. You had noticed my affliction.

Thank You, Jesus!

You strengthened me so I could embrace those overwhelming circumstances, you gave me the wisdom to explore alternate arrangements, and the discernment to navigate thru the decision-making process.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Bishop @ Unsplash

Nothing is impossible for you, Lord  (Luke 1:37).

You reassured me along the way,  you were taking care of all the details amidst the wait.

You calmed my anxious and fearful heart.

You also…

Helped me surrender all plans.

Helped me trust in the process.

Helped me walk in Faith and not by sight.

When I had intimately prayed, you allowed the circumstances to unfold over the course of time and brought closure this morning when there was a drastic shift in perspective. And, the new plan was confirmed when Your overwhelming peace overruled my heart!

Lord, I appreciate when you speak to me thru the circumstances and people!

Your tender love for me continues on forever and I know that so well. I know you will dry up the Red Sea so I may cross over it once again. 

Lead the way, Jesus!

In Jesus’ name, I praise

Amen.

#KeynotesinHisPresencePrayer