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  Heavenly Father, sometimes my tender heart seems to be both a blessing and a curse. My tender heart can work for my good and at other times it does not help me make the wisest decisions or choices. I’m learning that the heart alone cannot be my go-to counselor, my sole source of what to do and what not to do in matters of life, I must also seek counsel from a higher source: Your holy Word, Jesus my Savior, the Holy Spirit who leads and guides me into all truth. You will help me see things from all perspectives and weigh. Jesus does not instruct me to lay all practicality aside, or ignore evidence, divine instruction, heavenly guidance, or personal insight. Jesus does not counsel me to let my emotions guide me, He says “trust in me.” My Savior emphasizes the importance of relying on Him for guidance and support, especially during difficult or complicated decisions and times. Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit and His wisdom. Thank You for giving me the spirit of discernment which is greater and more reliable than personal feelings and emotions. Thank You for giving me the Spirit’s signature of peace when I am headed in the right direction and hearing Your voice correctly. Today, the matter of …… has been weighing heavily on my heart. My heart is tender toward (it/them), but I submit my tender heart and emotions to You for careful examination and illumination, I seek Your counsel and wisdom to guide me. In Jesus’ name. Amen      

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can understand it?—Jeremiah 17:9

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

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered—Proverbs 28:26 

 Heavenly Father, sincere worship is one of the topics You spent time covering with Your children long ago. To this day, the Scriptures instruct me that I am to worship You not only with my whole heart and mind and soul, but in Spirit and in truth. I pray, help me have that deep connection with Your Holy Spirit that I can fulfill this command. Teach me what it means to be able to do this in a way that is authentic and with a sincere heart. Help me resist the temptation to hide behind rituals or think that the depth or sincerity of my worship has to do with a physical location. May I always have the reverence and humility that should accompany my worship because worship is more than outward; it is a lifestyle of surrender to You. It is a response to Your Word that dwells richly within me. As I learn to praise You in response to Your goodness towards me, and the more I treasure Your word in my heart the more my worship will be an overflow of my heart. I know You want more from me than surface, rote, and doing things for appearance; You created me and know I am capable of so much more, I am capable of worship that is heartfelt and sincere. Help me release all cares, worries, and burdens that keep my spirit bound and hinder the fullness of worship. I pray, help me on my journey of cultivating authentic worship that is acceptable and pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen  

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer:

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, ad those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth—John 4:23-24  

Children, come and listen to me. I will teach you to worship the Lord. You must do these things to enjoy life and have many happy days—Psalm 34:11-12

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God—Colossians 3:16

  Heavenly Father, thank You for the natural abilities, talents and spiritual gifts You have given me. You not only knit these abilities and gifts into me as You created me in the womb, You make sure I have guidance and understanding of what they are and have sent Your Holy Spirit to help me learn about my abilities and gifts so I can use them properly and effectively. No one—male or female, young or old—can say they have no spiritual gifts or abilities. As You knit us together in the womb, putting our sinews and bones and organs within us You also massaged special talents and abilities into our soul, making sure each one of us has something to use, something to share, something to serve You. I pray for understanding of my natural talents and abilities and spiritual gifts so I can serve You better and encourage others. Thank You for the many examples in the Scriptures where I can see those who are like me with their abilities and gifts. They inspire me to use mine also; help me step out on faith to use what You’ve so graciously and thoughtfully given me. Even when I don’t feel confident enough when I start to use my talents and gifts more I will grow and mature in their use. I will bless others and delight You. In Jesus’ name Amen     

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you—Romans 12:6

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms—I Peter 4:10

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help others—I Corinthians 12:7

 Father God, I am your daughter, Jesus is Lord over my soul, mind, my life, and that includes my body. I praise You, for the Scriptures remind me I have been fearfully and wondrously made. They also instruct me that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit and that You have declared a plan for my life which includes plans to bring me good, do good toward me and never harm me. Hallelujah! Thank You heavenly Father! Today I want to renew my mind and rededicate my soul and will to live in  Your plan for me to have a healthy lifestyle which means I am to live in prudence and wisdom, I am to give thought to my steps and use good judgment. I am not a woman of the world, and I do not follow trends or extremes that put my health, or mental or spiritual wellbeing at risk. I am more than a physical being; I should not judge myself (or others) based upon my exterior but remember I am to care for interior also since I am a spiritual being too. I am a daughter of the Most High God, created for a purpose and destined for an abundant life in Jesus. Help me remember that self-care is not selfish but imperative if I am going to serve You well and for the length of my days on earth. Help me balance work and rest, exercise and being still, interaction with others and quietness of soul, eating and fasting…Thank You for creating me to enjoy my life and for giving me all I need to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. That pleases You most. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

Every day, and in every way, I am becoming better and better”—Emile Coue (French Pharmacist and Psychologist)    

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies—I Corinthians 6:19-20

I praise you because I have been fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well—Psalm 139:14

For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future—Jeremiah 29:11

Heavenly Father, You are my God and I am Your daughter. You are my hope, the One in Whom I find inner peace and acceptance; the One who loves me unconditionally and eternally. I rejoice, I am made whole and strengthened in this knowledge. I am blessed to have this unshakable foundation of knowing how much You love me. I realize Father, that on any day of the week I can come into contact with those who do not know You as their loving Father and who do not feel loved. Feeling unloved is a powerful, overwhelming emotion that leads us to despair, and being hopeless. When we feel unloved by others and by You, we can feel as though we have no worth or value. Help me to always walk in the knowledge of Your love for me and help me to share Your love with others. Open my ears to hear the cries of those who don’t feel loved by You, open my eyes to see their pain, open my spirit to sense the hurt of their soul and open my mouth to share the words that will help bring healing to them and will help them to know Your love for them is unconditional. Sometimes I may need to read between the lines or see deeper than what’s on the surface; with the Spirit’s help I can see and hear and know they are feeling unloved and I am confident You will show me what to do or what to say. Today, I especially pray for… and ask You to minister to their heart and soul with Your perfect, healing love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness—Jeremiah 31:3

For the mountains may depart and the hills be remembered no more but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed—Isaiah 54:10

Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love…not eve the powers of hell—Romans 8:38      

 Heavenly Father, it doesn’t matter whether we are a novice or seasoned pray-er our prayers a sure to have power and release the blessings and provision that are ours in heaven. The moment we call on Your name Your ears are listening. Thank You for the powerful assurances You provide in Your Word from beginning to end. The promises that You not only hear my prayers but will answer me, give me the confidence and strength of faith I need to keep coming back to You in prayer. Help me to see Your answers. Help me to know when You are saying “yes” to my prayer, but also when You are telling me to wait patiently, and even when Your answer is “no” help me to be at peace, knowing You must have something far better in mind for me or those I am praying about. May I have that important and needful spirit of perseverance when it comes to pray. I know not all prayers will be answered quickly or immediately; some answers will take longer. May I trust You with the timing and while I wait may I do the good I can do and be productive in the meantime. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen  

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

“Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the kingdom. If you may have everything by asking in His name and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is”—Charles Spurgeon

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us—I John 5:14

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know—Jeremiah 33:3   

  Father God, the first man and woman hid from You out of fear and shame. Thank You for sending Jesus whose shed blood on the cross redeemed and restored us so we no longer have to run and hide from You; not even after we have sinned and made mistakes in our life. Old habits and nature die hard, Father God. Sometimes it’s still our instinct to retreat, to distance ourselves from You when we have made mistakes or sinned against You; instead of drawing near, we try to make ourselves invisible. Thank You for seeking us out and not letting us stay hidden. Thank You for reaching out to me after I have not had the best day or done things I later regret and wish I hadn’t. Thank You that even when I feel beyond Your reach, beyond Your forgiveness, dirtied from my sin, You reach out and down to me to draw me out and draw me up so I can be closer to Your loving, healing embrace. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that still flows down to cover me. I may have feelings of shame and guilt and not feel proud of myself when I have disappointed You, but I don’t need to hide, I can turn to You right away and experience Your grace, forgiveness, and be renewed. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden—Genesis 3:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us—Romans 5:8

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need—Hebrews 4:16

  Thank You, Lord for declaring Your plans for me. Beginning with how You created me—wonderfully and uniquely—You have plans to prosper me, plans to give me hope and a future. Your plans for me always include and lead to my thriving and flourishing. That means even in trials and challenges You have planned for me to  bloom under the pressure. Your promises for my life are prophetic; they are not empty promises. They are not promises that depend upon external circumstances, political allegiances, or religious and denomination affiliations, but they are higher and cannot be altered by human ignorance or rebellion. The plans You have for Your sons and daughters put us exactly where we need to be even I it means  realigning our (free) will to be in line with Yours. My heart is comforted by knowing there is nothing the enemy can do—though he will try, nothing people can do; though they may try, not even I can alter Your plans for my life. May I recognize those times I need to rededicate and recommit myself to having a closer walk with You and be more attentive to Your whispers and leading. I pray for prudence and wisdom, Lord. Help me recognize a “God” plan when I see it and help me to let go of my personal plans to follow Your divine will and believe with all my heart You can assure good outcomes despite temporary hardships. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen  

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”—Jeremiah 29:11

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps—Proverbs 16:9

When we are willing to regard the unexpected as God’s intervention, we can flex with the new plan, recognizing it as God’s plan—Elizabeth George    

  Heavenly Father, my words have power to bring life or death to others. With my words I always have the power to speak Your truth which releases life and health into the atmosphere. With my words I can encourage, comfort and contribute something positive to a situation but I can also release a spirit of chaos, negativity, and cause pain; it’s up to me how I use my gift of speech. Sometimes, as a woman I use my words to express deep emotions and thoughts; I do not take this gift lightly. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to help me and to nourish me through Your rich word. I pray, while I am in Your presence let me experience increase in positive hormones which cultivate happiness and contentment. I’m grateful You have weighed every word that issues from Your mouth carefully so that they build up, affirm, confirm good, give hope, and bring life. Today, I take responsibility for the words I speak; making me more aware of what I say to others. I ask You to put a guard over my mouth and keep me from being pulled into a war of words with others. Help me harness and cultivate powerful, intentional speech that reflects Your Spirit and habitation within me. In Jesus’ name Amen

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again—Anne Frank

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit—Proverbs 18:21

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing—Proverbs 12:18

 Gracious and Loving Father, today I’m reminded of the life of two-time Nobel Prize winner and scientist Marie Curie who was a symbol of resilience and determination. Marie broke barriers in science at a time women were rarely allowed in laboratories or universities. In her lifetime she faced poverty, discrimination, worked long hours and experienced personal loss. Yet, she remained determined and persevered. Thank You for this example of the kind of strength You have so carefully, purposely, and lovingly knit into Your feminine creation. Thank You for Marie’s contribution and discovery of radium and polonium. Even today, her words carry weight and help encourage women of all ages to not give up, to be enduring and press through prejudices and challenges. Perhaps her inspiration came from the same place we get ours today: from Your Holy Word where You remind us life is difficult for everyone, challenges are normal, giving up is not the solution and confidence and persistence matter most. Thank You Lord, for all the wisdom You send and provide for us that help us become honest, grounded, and realistic people that please You and encourage others. In Jesus’ name. Amen 

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves—Marie Curie (Scientist, two-time Nobel Prize Winner)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me—Philippians 4:13

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned nor shall the flame scorch you—Isaiah 43:2 

  Heavenly Father, the Word of God—which is life-giving—instructs me to resist the devil and he will flee. I learn I am not helpless, I have spiritual authority through Jesus and I have a choice: I don’t have to give in or succumb to the devil’s attitude, moods, or let him be my companion throughout my day. I have a heart that is sealed for Jesus, home for the Holy Spirit, and can resist the devil. I also have a mouth that can declare You as Lord and head of my life and can tell the devil to be gone! When I command, he must leave my presence and space. Thank You for Your instructive word and all the tools You have provided that are powerful and effective when I use them. I am not forced to entertain demons or darkness. I can choose a different path. I can choose life and light. I can command the devil leave me alone; I am a daughter of the Most High God and the devil is not worthy to be in my presence and I will not overlook nor tolerate his messiness, darkness and destructive spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen   

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

Submit yourselves therefore to God. resist the devil, and he will flee from you—James 4:7

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil—Ephesians 6:11

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you—Luke 10:19 

   Heavenly Father, I thank You for providing rest, relief, ease, refreshment, recreation and quietness for my soul. Sometimes the harshness and coldness of this world feels as though it is literally pressing in on me. Sometimes the concerns I have for my close family and friends are too much to bear; how often do I want to help or bring relief to them and cannot take away their pain or sorrows. Thank You Lord, for the promise that Your burden is light and the yoke You give is easy to bear. Thank You for the reminder that, like the skilled fisherman casts his or her line, I can “cast” my burden on Jesus and my heart and my mind will be uplifted and healed. Whenever I bring my concerns to You it’s as though the weight of the world is lifted from me. The gentleness I meet when I come to Your throne of grace, the love and kindness and understanding I feel when I call on Your name eases the heaviness I feel and renews me. I am grateful for Your divine intervention. I am comforted to know I can approach Your throne of grace with confidence and I’ll receive not only mercy, but help in my time of need. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly—Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need—Hebrews 4:16 

  Heavenly Father, You are the Gardener of my soul. By Your Word of truth and the promises You speak over me, You shape and cultivate my character just as the groundskeeper tends the grass, bushes, and flowers so they can thrive and become beautiful. You care for me so I can bear fruit, grow and live in the abundance You desire for me. Under Your tender and loving hand, I flourish and experience the fullness of life. I recognize at times I fail to plant the good things my soul needs in order to truly thrive. Sometimes I allow thoughts, emotions, and even relationships to take root that do not bring life. Seeds of self-condemnation and self-hatred choke out Your truth—Your messages of worth, acceptance and love. Father, it’s my desire to be fully aligned with Your vision for me. Give me strength and wisdom to reject everything that is harmful, destructive or unworthy of the woman You created me to be. Bind up everything that does not produce good fruit, and nurture what leads to life. Open Your Word to me so I may see clearly who I am in You. I rejoice and praise You, that You have established me for life, growth and fruitfulness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen 

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters do not fail—Isaiah 58:11

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. to him be glory both now and forever! Amen—2 Peter 3:18

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful—John 15:1-2   

  Heavenly Father, I’ve weathered some storms in my lifetime. Some I can remember as vividly as if they happened only yesterday, and others have faded and not nearly as painful today. I love that quote that says, “women are like teabags, you don’t know how strong they are until you put them in hot water.” That’s me, Lord! Put me in hot water and I don’t wilt or shrink back, I thrive, I am strong! Some observations outlive their moment and stick around because like Your Word they are true, timeless and relevant. Sometimes women appear to to be too delicate to withstand storms and challenges. Sometimes people treat us as though we should be shielded from the hard truth and facts. We may look fragile on the outside but on the inside, in our soul we are resilient, we are natural leaders and we have a quiet strength that cannot be shaken; so, don’t count us out! Thank You for the strength You put into me at just the right time. Thank You for Your affirming word that reminds me daily I am not a weakling, I can handle the challenges, I can weather the storms, I can face the hills and survive the valleys. You supply my need for strength and I am strong in the Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen    

Inspiration or Today’s Prayer    

“A woman is like a tea bag—you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Eleanor Roosevelt

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you I; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand—Isaiah 41:10,  

I can do all things through him who gives me strength—Philippians 4:13 

 Heavenly Father, there are so many examples in the Scriptures where women felt or were overlooked. Thank You for sending Jesus who took time to let women know He, You, and the Holy Spirit saw them. Cultural norms at that time didn’t encourage men talking to women, or women being able to sit in a room where the men were gathered to learn or discuss the Scriptures, women were often overlooked and not included in discussions or problem-solving. Thank You Father, for letting us know You see us. Ever since Sarah’s Egyptian slave Hagar named You El Roi, “the God who sees me” You have been letting us know we are not overlooked, we are seen by You. Thank You for the opportunities You shape where our gifts and talents can shine and we cannot be overlooked. Thank You for the opportunities You give us in industries and the arts and corporate America, and even the Church, to show we have something to offer and can, in fact, bring something to the table that is beneficial, gives increase, and a blessing to others. Thank You for seeing our hidden hurts and pains that are so often overlooked. I may not always be seen in this world, I won’t always be recognized as someone who has something valuable to share or contribute, I may be overlooked in this world when it comes to distributions, for pay increase, for promotions, in consideration for my skills and abilities, but I am never overlooked by You. I know You see me inside and out, and in due season will bless and reward me. In the name of Jesus my Savior, I pray. Amen

Inspiration for Today’s Prayer

She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered—Genesis 16:13-14  

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil—I Peter 3:12

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar—Psalm 139:1-2