October 9. Phobias & Fears
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
Prayer: Lord, continue to reveal the depth, width and height of Your perfect love – powerful to dispel fear and every single one of its nasty attributes. Set me free and restore peace, giving me full reign of a sound mind – able to logically assess my situation. Make me full of faith and bold to act!
October 8. Persecute
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
Prayer: Father, it is alarming to read that harassment of Christians is on the rise. Strengthen them through Your Holy Spirit to persevere and let them know how much You love them. Provide them access to a Bible, and grant that their persecutors will come to know You. Remember their families and provide in their every need.
October 6. Peculiar People
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
Prayer: Lord, I know that as Your own possession, we are not ‘better’ people, but ‘blessed’ people, chosen for a special purpose – to make widely known Your pre-eminence and supremacy. Forgive me, for far too often I am but a feeble translation and fall short of my purpose to advertise Your excellency.
October 1. Pause
Listen to this, O Job, stand still and consider the wonders of God. Job 37:14 (AMP)
Prayer: Lord, I believe the modern equivalent of ‘stand still’ may be the phrase, ‘Take Five!’ Not only do You command it, but our hectic lives demand it, for the more confused I am, the faster I go! Make ‘practicing the pause,’ – to prayerfully consider a situation, my default.
October 5. Peace
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. Colossians 3:15a
Prayer: Whether world peace or personal peace, Prince of Peace – reign! Jesus, I need Your peace that passes all understanding to preside: over challenges I face – the events of my day; fears, worry and stress that threaten to overwhelm me. Powerfully protect my heart and mind in Christ Jesus!
September 29. Patience
Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8b
Prayer: God of patience, I struggle with this fruit in my life, especially when I am delayed or plans change. Forgive me for wanting to be in control. Holy Spirit, may Your gift become more evident in my life and home as I submit to Your will and timing.
September 28. Past
‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11
Prayer: Father, show me if my past is holding me back in any way from the plans You have for my future. Whether filled with regret, tragedy or disappointment, success, prosperity or triumph, I believe it is not healthy to dwell there. Help me discern what I need to take from the past for my journey ahead.
September 25. Overcome
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. 1 John 5:4
Prayer: Called to beat, conquer, thrash, overpower and triumph over sin, I keep my faith fixed on Your Revelation promises: tree of life; no second death; hidden manna, a white stone and a new name; power over the nations and the Morning Star; white garments and the book of Life; a pillar in Your temple and reigning with You, Jesus! Still, I cannot do it on my own, please help me live the victorious life!
September 24. Outstretched arms
‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,’ Jeremiah 32:17
Prayer: You are my first stop, O LORD as I am overwhelmed right now! Thank You for Your outstretched arm, powerful in the midst of calamity – of any possible kind – to deliver, rescue, heal and solve! It brings great comfort.
September 22. Orphans & Outcasts
‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ Luke 14: 21b
Prayer: Father of the social outcast: orphans and misfits, those abandoned, homeless and forgotten, guide me from city streets to country roads, for there is room at Your table still. Provider God, I know that where You guide, you provide! As Your servant, I need resources, strength and commitment to faithfully and joyfully reach out.
