March 22-28, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”, compiled by John V. Kruse.

Monday, March 22. Jesus, following you is not always easy and carefree. It does require something from me; I must follow our commands. Often out of pride or convenience, I seek to follow my own will instead. Lead me through the narrow gate. Be merciful and soften my heart when I stubbornly refuse to follow you. Remind me that life with you is well worth any cost I may incur in following you.

Tuesday, March 23. Lord, I bear many burdens in life, some of which are imposed upon me by others. There is also much that concerns me; bills, work, family, relationships, and simply how I am going to get through the day. You knew very well the tribulations of human existence. Yet you patiently accepted the shortcoming of others and the trials of life, even to the point of death. When I experience trials and worries, I often become impatient and want instant solutions to my problems. Give me strength and wisdom to be patient as I face the burdens and concerns of this life. In doing so, may I learn the wisdom that comes in trusting in you and waiting on your assistance.

Wednesday, March 24. Lord, sometimes I avoid silence out of fear of what I might hear. Help me to overcome this fear and to quiet the many noises that surround me so that I can better hear your voice in my life.

Thursday, March 25. Lord, may the example of your own life strengthen me as I seek to overcome the pride, jealousy, and backstabbing that lead to divisions between others and myself. Help me to channel the love that you have given me so that I may develop life-giving relationships with other. Unite us in our love for you and one another.

Friday, March 26. Jesus, given your own life experiences, you certainly understand that there are people who make life difficult for me. I ask you to change my perspective. Rather than seeing such people as a burden in life, may I see them as blessings. Lead me to an awareness of how the trials and pain that such people bring can actually lead me to you. Given my own shortcoming, teach me the wisdom of being patient with others as I surely want them to be patient with me.

Saturday, March 27. Lord, often I become so distracted by my busy life that I lose my focus on you. Teach me to keep you as the ultimate priority in my life. May my work and activities serve as means by which I am brought into deeper relationship with you.

Sunday, March 28 (Palm Sunday). Lord Jesus, hear my cry and draw near to me when I call upon your holy name. I humbly yet firmly trust that, through the power of your name, all things can be accomplished. May your name always be praised.

March 15-21, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”, compiled by John V. Kruse.

Monday, March 15. Lord, this Lent I hear you calling me to turn toward you, the source of true life, and away from the “dead-end” of my old way of life. May the acts of self-sacrifice I perform this holy season serve not as a cause of self -satisfaction and pride but be means by which I am reminded of my spiritual hunger for you. Turn me to you, Lord.

Tuesday, March 16. Lord, it is easier to speak of my faithfulness than to live it from my heart. I do not want to live a life of hypocrisy where my words say one thing but my heart and actions say another. Give me the strength and courage so that I might be a person of integrity. Permeate me with the fire of your love so that my words are not empty but reflect a heart and life devoted to you.

Wednesday, March 17. Lord, this Lent help me let go of the pride that hinders my relationships with you and with others. Lead me out of my sense of self sufficiency and superiority to recognize my total dependency on you. As I grow in humility, let me cling to the treasure that can be found through life with you, a treasure that the world does not begin to offer.

Thursday, March 18. Lord, as I gaze at your face I see myself as you call me to be. May my heart, mind, and will be stirred by this encounter. While you serve as a mirror of me I also desire to become a mirror that reflects your presence to the world. Assist me as I strive to become more like you by living in simplicity, humility, and love for others.

Friday, March 19. Lord, you call me to follow you by taking up my own cross in life. Grant me strength and courage to more willingly and lovingly embrace the trials, struggles, and persecutions of my own life so that your glory might shine through me.

Saturday, March 20. Lord, you did not lead by intimidation and fear but by loving service. Teach me that the most effective means of leadership can be found in laying down my life and becoming the servant of others. May I become the kind of leader who leads other to you.

Sunday, March 21 (Fifth Sunday of Lent). Lord, may I come to a deeper respect for the sacred space of your house where you are present not only through your Spirit but also in the body of believers gathered in your name.

March 8-14, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”, compiled by John V. Kruse.

Monday, March 8. Lord Jesus, you did not avoid suffering. With great faith in your Father, you faced it head-on. I live in a world that urges me to avoid suffering at all costs. Give me strength as I too face suffering in life. Help me to remember that suffering is part of the growth process of becoming like you.

Tuesday, March 9. Lord Jesus, while our society tells us that freedom means doing whatever we want, you tell us that the way to genuine freedom is by following you, the Truth. Guide me with your Holy Spirit so that I may faithfully discern the messages that surround me. Lead me to the freedom you promise by showing me your truth and by helping me always to devote my life to what is good and worthy of you.

Wednesday, March 10. Our Lord, you are not a distant god. Rather, you loved us so much that you drew near to us by becoming one of us. You revealed yourself to us through the gift of your Son two thousand years ago, and you continue to reveal yourself to us in the loving union and friendship we share with him today. Be near to us. Show yourself to us. Fill us with your love.

Thursday, March 11. Lord, my Shepherd, I know that sometimes I stray from you. This Lenten season, I seek to follow you more closely. My path in life can be unclear. There are many false shepherds in the world who seek to lead me in ways different from your own. Yet these shepherds do not care for me as you do. Their ways do not lead to true life. When I am lost, when I am confused, when I stray from you, seek me out and shepherd me, Lord.

Friday, March 12. Creator of the universe, you have made me in your own image and likeness. This alone demonstrates my deep connection to you and endows me and all other people with special value and dignity. This Lenten season remind me of how precious I am in your eyes and keep me ever mindful of my own dignity and worth as well as that of others.

Saturday, March 13. Christ, I fill my life with so many activities and projects that I often make it more complicated than I need to. I further complicate my life by trying to understand and control all that is happening around me. In so doing, I distract myself from simple faith in you. Help me as I seek to unclutter my life and teach me the wisdom of simply and unconditionally trusting you.

Sunday, March 14 (Fourth Sunday of Lent). Lord, you call me to follow you because you want what is best for me in life. Yet, sometimes I turn away from you and then suffer the consequences of having rejected your life and love. When I choose darkness and death, call me back to your light and life. I ask for forgiveness for the times I have hurt my relationship with you.

Maranatha Media - March 2021

Step into the world of Dr. Seuss by checking out the new books in the church library!

March 1-7, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”, compiled by John V. Kruse.

Monday, March 1. Lord, you alone can provide me with the strength to confront the many forces in the world that seek to beat me down and direct me away from you. Be my strength when I am weak, when I think I can no longer go on.

Tuesday, March 2. Gracious God, all belongs to you, but you have entrusted me with much. Help me to be aware of the gifts with which you have blessed me. May I show my thanks for the gifts by returning them to you in service to others.

Wednesday, March 3. Christ, I thank you for the gift of my family, yet I realize that my relationship with you is deeper than any other relationship that I can have. Help me to deepen that relationship by filling me with your Spirit. I ask you, Lord to bless members of my earthly family, those with whom I am close as well as those with whom I may be estranged.

Thursday, March 4. Lord Jesus, it can be easy to love my friends and family, but you call me to love even my enemies. Help me to follow in your footsteps and to learn not to respond to hatred with hatred and to violence with violence. Fill my heart with your own perfect love so that I can love even when it is most difficult.

Friday, March 5. Lord, as you found out in your own life, when I try to do good for others, I can often end up getting wounded myself. Yet you continue to call me to trust in you and to extend myself for others. May the knowledge that comes from knowing that I am striving to do your will, even when I feel wounded by opening myself to others give me the strength and courage to continue to serve you.

Saturday, March 6. Christ, it is difficult for me to even begin to contemplate your great humility. You humbled yourself by becoming human and by dying for the sake of others. Inspired by your own example of humility lead me to greater humility so that I can be better able to discover you and grow in my relationship with you. As I do so, show me the blessings that are to be found in placing my own interests aside and in giving of myself in the service of others.

Sunday, March 7 (Third Sunday of Lent). God of all generosity, you have abundantly poured your love into the world as is evidenced by the many gifts around me, especially the gift of your own Son. May I seek always to reflect your own generosity by giving to others, even when such giving impinges upon me in some way.

February 22-28, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”, compiled by John V. Kruse.

Monday, February 22. Lord Jesus, you remained faithful to your Father’s will to the point of death. Strengthened by your Spirit, may I remain faithful to you during this Lenten journey as I accompany you on your way to the cross.

Tuesday, February 23. Merciful Lord, I have failed you in many aspects of my life. Yet, you do not require retribution from me. Rather, you reach out to me with unconditional love, and your mercy goes far beyond what human justice might require. Keep me mindful of your mercy toward me so that I might better show mercy toward others.

Wednesday, February 24. Christ, you call us to leave our own will behind and to follow you. Each of us is called to do this in our own unique way. This is my own personal call to holiness. This Lenten season remind me that I need not be anything more than what you call me to be. Help me to hear your call and show me the path to the life that comes from being your follower.

Thursday, February 25. Christ, you humbled yourself by assuming our humanity. You did not become a powerful earthly king, but rather associated with the poor, sick and outcasts of your day. During the Lenten season, remind me that in my own world you are to be found amidst the suffering of the lowly. Enlighten and strengthen me as I seek to reach out to those who are forgotten and excluded in our society. Lead me to recognize that in serving them, I am in fact serving you.

Friday, February 26. Lord Jesus, the love I share with others in this world is only a small reflection of your love for me. It is a spark compared with the light of the sun. This Lenten season enkindle my heart so that the fire of my own love for you might grow in intensity and better resemble your love for me. May my life itself be a flame that makes your own light present in the world.

Saturday, February 27. Lord Jesus, from experience I know that the tongue is a powerful weapon that can be used for good or bad. This Lent give me the gift of your Spirit so that I may be discerning in my choice of words and use them to build up and not to tear down others.

Sunday, February 28 (Second Sunday of Lent). Lord Jesus, by your own example, you have shown that the way to a fulfilling and authentic human life is through laying down one’s life in the service of others. Inspired by your selfless example and strengthened by your Spirit, may I too give of myself in service to others and in so doing serve you.

February 15-21, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday, February 15. “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy” (Micah 7:18). Thank you, Lord.

Tuesday, February 16. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you maybe sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:43-45). Lord, help us.

Lent Prayers taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”, compiled by John V. Kruse.

Wednesday, February 17 (First Day of Lent). Lord, I ask that you accompany me on my Lenten journey. Open my heart to your will for me. May the journey lead me to soul searching and conversion so that I might experience a deeper relationship with you when I arrive at the celebration of Easter joy.

Thursday, February 18. Lord, although I might not like to think about the topic, the reality of the matter is that someday I will die. As I contemplate the joy of your resurrection, I take great comfort in the knowledge that you will raise me also to new life. On that day, nothing that I have accumulated in this world, whether it be wealth, fame, power, or knowledge, will matter. Keep me mindful that all that matters now and all that will matter then is you. May knowledge of this reality shape how I view the world and all that I do and say.

Friday, February 19. Lord of Light, help me to not despair when the darkness of the sin of the world seems overwhelming. Inspired by your own example, may I not respond to the sin of others out of hatred but out of love. Fill me with the radiance of your resurrected life and make me a light amidst the darkness that reflects your love to the world.

Saturday, February 20. Lord during this season contemplating your victory over all sin, suffering, and death, fill me with your Spirit of joy so that I need not succumb to the sometimes overwhelming worries, troubles, and woes of the world.

Sunday, February 21 (First Sunday of Lent). Risen Christ of glory, you are the source of all that is good, true, pleasing, and beautiful in the world. Having conquered death through your resurrection, you continue to give life to all those who place their faith in you. Let me share in your risen life, both in this world and in the world to come.

Maranatha Media - February 2021

Take a peak at the February edition of the Maranatha Media from Shari Frieling. February has, so far, been a great month to snuggle up with a book :)

February 8-14, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday, February 8. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one…” Father, we are so easily drawn to evil and we know the evil one prowls like a lion seeking who he may devour. Deliver us.

Tuesday, February 9. “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” Father, we know that the only reason we can pray this prayer, that you gave us, is because yours alone is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday, February 10. Praise God for his great love, mercy, and grace. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5).

Thursday, February 11. Lord, thank you that this description of love that you desire to see in us, is a description of your love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, 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 13:4-8).

Friday, February 12. “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). Ask God to quiet you with His love and to allow you to experience His delight in us.

Saturday, February 13. One of the gifts that God gives us are the people that He puts into our lives. Give thanks for the people He has put in your life and receive them as gifts from God.

Sunday, February 14. As we worship God today, may we rejoice in His unfailing, unshakable love for us. “’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).

February 1-7, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday, February 1. “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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13).

Tuesday, February 2. “Our Father in heaven…” Lord, you said “our” Father. May we hear your call to us to pray together and for each other as part of your family.

Wednesday, February 3. “Hallowed be your name…” Father, may our lives, our way of living and being, bring praise and honor to your name.

Thursday, February 4. “Your kingdom come…” Lord, we pray that in our lives, we would seek your kingdom first - to be under Your kingdom, Your rule, Your way of doing, in all things.

Friday, February 5. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven...” Lord, how amazing it must be to see your will being done in heaven. Help us through your Spirit to do your will here on earth.

Saturday, February 6. “Give us today our daily bread...” Father, we like to think we are self-sufficient but in reality we are totally dependent. We humbly ask that you would give us all that is needed for today.

Sunday, February 7. “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors...” Father, thank you for your forgiveness for the sins we have done and the debts we owe you. Help us, Lord, to forgive those who owe us a debt and those who have sinned against us.

January 25-31, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of God’s promises

Monday, January 25. Praise God for being our strength. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).

Tuesday, January 26. Praise God for His constant presence. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).

Wednesday, January 27. Thanks God for going before you. “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Thursday, January 28. Thank God for understanding our fears. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Friday, January 29. Thank God for walking with us through difficult times in our lives. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

Saturday, January 30. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Thank God for inviting us to communicate with Him, for His listening ear, and for giving us the gift of His peace.

Sunday, January 31. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We praise You, Father, for You are trustworthy and You make straight paths for us when we follow You with all our heart.

January 18-24, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of God’s promises

Monday, January 18. Pray for the Administrative Team’s meeting this evening. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

Tuesday, January 19. Thank Jesus for shining His life-giving light into your life. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Wednesday, January 20. “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen” (Psalm 72:18-19).

Thursday, January 21. As we begin this new year, remember the goodness of God. “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).

Friday, January 22. Thank God for His powerful, unchanging Word. “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).

Saturday, January 23. Thank God for not hiding from us in times of trouble, but for providing a refuge for us. “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).

Sunday, January 24. Thanks God for blessing us with good things. “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).

January 11-17, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of God’s promises

Monday, January 11. Pray for the Worship Planning leadership as they meet today. May they trust the promise of God in James 1:5 - “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Tuesday, January 12. Thank you Jesus for the promise of the resurrection. ”Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying'” (John 11:25).

Wednesday, January 13. For all those involved in the different teaching ministries at church -Give thanks for their faithful example of trusting Jesus’ promise in John 14:6 - “Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

Thursday, January 14. Hear God’s call to pray and His promise to always hear us. “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12).

Friday, January 15. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Saturday, January 16. Pray for our Maranatha members, that we would read and study God’s Word today and every day. Help us, Father, to put Your words into action. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Sunday, January 17. Thank God for making a way for us to have a relationship with Him. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the Truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).

January 4-10, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of God’s promises

Monday, January 4. Pray for the Full Council as it meets, that they are reminded of the promise in John 15:5 - “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

Tuesday, January 5. Thank you Jesus for your promise of peace. “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).

Wednesday, January 6. Pray for those involved in Grace Space that they are reminded of the promise in 2 Corinthians 9:8 - “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Thursday, January 7. Give thanks for God’s promise of forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Friday, January 8. Give thanks for the Father’s promise of provision. “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).

Saturday, January 9. Thank God for His promise in Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Sunday, January 10. ”The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners ...” (Isaiah 61:1).

Maranatha Media - December 2020

December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday, December 28. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

A New Year brings questions and uncertainty, but we know that You, Lord, go with us and will never leave us or forsake us.

Tuesday, December 29. “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5).

As we come to the end of another year, we celebrate Your unfailing love and thank You for Your goodness to us.

Wednesday, December 30. “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:1-2).

We praise You for Your faithfulness to past generations and are comforted and encouraged by Your eternal reign.

Thursday, December 31. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

As we anticipate a New Year, we rejoice, Jesus, for Your continuing presence in our lives and Your power to make all things new.

A month of God’s promises

 Friday, January 1. As we start a new year, may we give thanks that we know that the kingdom of our God is an everlasting kingdom and that His dominion endures through all generations; that the Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does (based on Ps 145:13).

Saturday, January 2. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Sunday, January 3. Thank you Lord, for the promise of your presence.“…teach them to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

December 21-27, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Advent 2020 - Week #4: Love

Monday, December 21. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

We praise You for Your love which is all-encompassing and very personal. Your love is our protection.

Tuesday, December 22. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23).

We give You thanks and praise, Jesus, for loving us so much that You took on human flesh and made the earth Your dwelling place.

Wednesday, December 23. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:12-13).

Jesus, You showed Your love for us by giving up Your own life to save us.

Thursday, December 24. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1a).

We praise You, God, for Your lavish love , for saving us and making us a part of Your family.

Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor 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 8:35-39).

We praise You, Lord Jesus, because there is no earthly power that can separate us from Your love.

Saturday, December 26. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

We praise You, Jesus, Creator of all things, for showing Your love for us by giving us life and surrounding us with Your goodness, beauty, and provision.

Sunday, December 27. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:6-7a).

We humble ourselves before You today and acknowledge that You are our God and we belong to You.

December 14-20, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Advent 2020 - Week #3: Joy

Monday, December 14. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Jesus, because of Your life, we can live an abundant and victorious life. Because of Your life in us, we can enjoy Your presence. Because You lived and died, we have eternal life.

Tuesday, December 15. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Jesus, we can rejoice in You because Your Spirit lives in us and produces joy. We thank You for the gift of joy, an antidote to fear.

Wednesday, December 16. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).

Even though we do not see You with our physical eyes, Jesus, our belief in You and Your promises to us are our source of joy.

Thursday, December 17. “For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts!” (Psalm 92:4-5).

We praise You for Your deeds, O Lord, and for the works of Your hands. Your care for us brings us joy.

Friday, December 18. “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:8).

We praise You for Your Word, a source of joy and gladness in our hearts when we hear Your Words and put them into practice.

Saturday, December 19. “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11).

Thank You, Father, for being our refuge and covering us with Your protection. Your care for us brings songs of joy to our lips.

Advent 2020 - Week #4: Love

Sunday, December 20 — Fourth Sunday in Advent. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Father God, Your love is amazing and powerful, sacrificial and eternal.

December 7-13, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Advent 2020 - Week #2: Peace

Monday, December 7. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7a).

Thank you Father for the gift of  your son and for the peace that he brings which will never end.

Tuesday, December 8. “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one spirit” (Ephesians 2:17).

Ask God, the giver of peace, to help us be his agents of peace.

Wednesday, December 9. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for as  members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3:15).

Pray for the peace of Christ to rule in your heart, knowing that you are called to His peace.

Thursday, December 10. “I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant.  I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put  my sanctuary among them forever.  My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Ezekiel 37:26-27).

Thank you, Father, for making an everlasting covenant of peace with us.

 Friday, December 11. “ You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

Draw our eyes to you Lord that we may steadfastly trust in you.

Saturday, December 12. “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).

So often Lord you tell us not to be afraid. Forgive us when we are and remind us that you give us your peace.

Advent 2020 - Week #3: Joy

Sunday, December 13 — Third Sunday in Advent. “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:8-12).

Jesus’ birth is truly “Good news of great joy” for all who believe. Celebrate that good news today and praise His Name!

November 30 - December 6, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Advent 2020 - Week #1: Hope

Monday, November 30. “On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:7-8a). Father,  it so often seems that the shroud of darkness enfolds our world.  Remind us of the hope we have in you, the God of light, who destroys the darkness.

Tuesday, December 1. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you might declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Lord, may we remember who you say we are. May we declare your praises to you and to those around us, reflecting your light, your hope into their lives.

Wednesday, December 2. “…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). Father, help us to continually place our hope in you.

Thursday, December 3. “He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago)” (Luke 1:69-70). Give thanks for the hope we have because our God always fulfills his promises.

 Friday, December 4. “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us” (1 John 4:14-16). Father, we gratefully rely on the love you have for us, shown by sending your son to be the savior of the world.

Saturday, December 5. “’The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel’ - which means ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23). Father, we are so thankful for the hope you give us by being present with us.

Advent 2020 - Week #2: Peace

Sunday, December 6 — Second Sunday in Advent. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).