About Teacups and Blessings

---

   Heavenly Father, I know I’m changing. I can feel it in so many ways, but more importantly, I know I am changing by the way my perspective of my life and myself is changing. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2) — maybe this is what spiritual transformation was always meant to feel like.

For instance, I see beauty in the parts of me that I used to think were broken, damaged, beyond repair or healing. You promised to give “beauty for ashes” (Isaiah 61:3), and now I see that promise unfolding in me. I see beauty and purpose in the parts of my life and journey that once were so crushing and devastating I could not see anything good about or through it at all. Yet Your Word says You work all things together for my good (Romans 8:28), and now I finally understand how true that is.

Was this Your plan all along, God? I’m sure it was — “all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). Which is why You didn’t spare me my pain or redirect my path at the time. You were shaping me, strengthening me, preparing me.

Maybe even more amazing than this is that I now find myself praying and having these conversations with You where I’m saying I wouldn’t trade one moment. Even if I had it all to do again, I wouldn’t change one thing. Like Joseph said, “What was meant for harm, God intended for good” (Genesis 50:20).Bless You, Lord, for Your perfect wisdom and plan for my life; for knowing how You were going to get me to this very moment and giving me the depth of understanding and acceptance I have today.

Maybe now I’m ready to be used in the way You have always wanted to use me, Lord — because “we are Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10), and You comfort us so we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). I am here, God. Use me. Amen.

*Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer was woven into the prayer

  God, here’s something I’m learning about myself: when I trust that goodness awaits me, I am free to release my fears. I don’t have to be so worried about or fret over the possibilities of outcomes. I can release the anxiety. I can stop playing around with different scenarios. I can stop imagining the worst. I can stop living in that place of dread. I can remind myself that from the beginning of my life You have a plan to prosper me and do good in my life; and even if the end result isn’t exactly how I planned, it’s going to be far better than I could have planned because You are shaping something good and awesome just for me. I’m so grateful for the wisdom provided through Your Word and I’m especially grateful for Your promises and prophecies that embrace me like a warm hug, or better yet, like one of those weighted blankets that make us feel safe and secure. 

Today I’ll locate those verses in the Bible that help me breathe and keep me reminded that You have my situation well in hand. I will trust in You with all my heart and I won’t lean on my own understanding. Whatever happens I truly do trust that goodness awaits me, I release my fears to You, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen     

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer 

I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me out of all my fears—Psalm 34:4

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you—I Peter 5:7

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of a sound mind—2 Timothy 1:7 

  Lord, what can we say. Some people are messy. There, I’ve said it God! Some people are messy from the time they wake up till the time they go to bed. Some people seem to be messy by nature and others seem to have adapted to the environment around them. 

Lord, I’m not talking about the kind of mess where things are all over the place; where you can’t see the floor anywhere, where everything is scattered around, where there are piles everywhere, food is splattered and dropped… I’m talking about the kind of messy people who start and stir things everywhere they go. Just the thought of them puts my stomach in knots and makes my heart feel heavy. We may not like living with messy people—the ones who leave stuff lying around or spill whatever is in their hand—but they are nowhere near as bad as those who are mess-starters. 

I pray, Lord, keep me separated from the messy, keep me from being someone who is messy, and keep the mess others start from impacting my environment of peace and joy and happiness and order. Your Word says You are not a God of chaos. In the beginning You saw chaos and immediately You put Your hand to it, and it became lovely and ordered. We messed it up again with our sin, but You restored it through Christ’s life and death and resurrection. 

I ask You to check me when I’m being messy. I do not want to live a life that displeases you. I do not want to be counted with or remembered for being a “messy” person. May Your peace and order fill me, Lord. May Your loving spirit be mine also, Lord. May my attitude and heart be as sweet and kind as Yours and may I always reject the path of messiness. The look is unbecoming and the smell that lingers is offensive. Neither one is befitting for the lovely creation You had in mind when You knit me together in the womb. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen     

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the waters”—Genesis 1:2

Be holy, for I am holy—Leviticus 11:44

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God—Matthew 5:9

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all—Romans 12:18

  Heavenly Father, we know those things we can get away with buying off-brand or generic. We’ve tested them and know they do just as good a job as their brand name counterpart. Being good stewards for our resources, we don’t see any benefit in paying a higher price for something when we can get a less expensive product that has the same quality, taste, or produces the same results as the brand name. On the other hand, there are items we use regularly that we know we can’t skimp or cut corners and the difference in performance or taste compared to an off brand is worth the higher price. 

Shopping for food, clothing, or health-care products is one thing, God. We can afford to cut costs and corners and make substitutions in some areas, but when it comes to our God, whom we call upon, and whom we follow; that’s another matter altogether. There is no substitute for You, Lord. If we want to overcome our fears, we need to turn to the real God. If we are experiencing injustice, we need the God who is par excellent in that area. If we are in need of healing, there’s only One God who can accomplish that. False and lesser gods cannot give us peace or help us be wise, Lord. We learn from those in the Bible who put their trust in horses and chariots to win their battles that there is no god more powerful and victorious in battle than the God of heaven and earth.  

There is no god like You, God. You are Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end. You are supreme in all You are and do. You alone are King of kings, and Lord of lords! In every decision or path when we put our trust in You and follow You faithfully, we make the most excellent choice. Some things are okay to make substitutions, Lord God, but when it comes to who we put our faith and trust in there is no substitution for You! Amen   

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer:

Some trust in chariots; and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God—Psalm 20:7

Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me—Isaiah 46:9

None can compare to you among the gods, O Lord! Your exploits are incomparable!—Psalm 86:8

To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? Say the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see; who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name—Isaiah 40:25-26 

 Heavenly Father, far too often I catch myself praying from the position of being a beggar instead of a co-heir with Christ, one of Your children, belonging to the heavenly Kingdom in covenant relationship with the Holy Trinity. When I don’t recognize my true identity, it’s so easy to slide into a mode of prayer where I am  pleading, feeling hopeful, but not assured or confident, begging as an uncovered orphan. But Your Word teaches us that human beings were given authority at creation, and even though sin weakened and marred human authority, You restored it when Jesus died on the cross and ended the enemy’s reign over us. Our  truth is that Jesus rose from the dead with all power and authority and we now operate under His power and authority. Now, Father, anytime we speak Your Word, pray Your word, declare Your Word we have spoken, prayed and declared in the divine authority of heaven and we can expect that what we are praying, speaking, and declaring shall be ours through heaven’s promises and Jesus’ power.

Thank You for teaching me and helping me to understand my identity! Thank You that I do not have to beg before Your throne, instead as the Word of God says, I can approach Your throne of grace with boldness and confidence. I can speak the word of God over my life and circumstances, and I can claim all the promises You have spoken and prophesied over me and those I love. I can say “Amen” and know it truly “is so!”  

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer:

Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion—Genesis 1:26

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy, nothing will harm you—Luke 10:19

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go—Matthew 28:18-19

Blessed Lord, I’ve been around long enough to know that somewhere in the course of my day I’m going to encounter or be intercepted by a “peace-stealer.” You know, God, those things—big or small—that can suck or zap the peace right out of me. 

My “peace-stealer” may be an encounter with someone I know well or someone I don’t know. It may be in the form of a story that’s on my newsfeed or something I come across on social media. It may be something taking place in my own household and family; even something breaking down that should be working. It may be a report I receive about my health or something related. It could be something that has to do with technology which is above my level of knowledge or pay grade so to speak, and it might be something challenging as I try to complete a task in front of me. And honestly, God, it could just be me being impatient with myself (or You)…The ways my peace-stealer enters can take all kinds of forms and entities. 

However, [it] comes and whatever [it] looks like, I pray, Lord, help me guard my peace like it’s the greatest treasure or possession I have. In that moment, help me take a step back, stop and breathe, say a quick prayer, look at the situation without any emotions attached, and recognize what’s going on. The Scriptures remind me that a mind-fixed on You will be at peace. I pray to keep my mind trained on You and my trust in You is firmly fixed on knowing You can bring good out of anything and there is no need to give my peace away to something that’s temporary and never as powerful as You. Amen   

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you—Isaiah 26:3

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus—Philippians 4:7

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful—Colossians 3:15

God, I recently read that while Hagar was in the wilderness, pregnant, feeling alone, and afraid, she discovered Your watchful eyes were always on her. She may have been unseen, marginalized, and dismissed by others, but You never lost sight of her; You promised to bless Hagar in the place of her pain; to bring blessing out of the brokenness she didn’t choose. 

Today we still call You the name Hagar gave You. To this day we are comforted by knowing “You are the God who sees us.” God, You see us in our wildernesses, You see us in the messy parts of our life. You see me in my struggles and as I try to make sense of the senseless. You see me when I am hurting in my heart, wounded and feeling marginalized by those more powerful than me. You see me when I’m feeling alone, tired, weary, ready to give up and give out. You see me when I’ve withdrawn from others, seeking a quiet place to talk to You. You see me when I’m trying hard to establish peace in chaos and when the lights are out and the sun has gone down. 

Thank You for reminding me Lord, that I’m seen by You; my life, my pain, and my struggles are never unnoticed by You. You didn’t just see Hagar’s predicament, You made a promise to bless her and it’s exciting to know You don’t just see me, You have promised to bless me too. Because You see me, I am not invisible, forgotten, or insignificant. Being seen by You reminds me I am valued, known, and deeply loved. Just as You came close to Hagar you come close to me; You draw near me in compassion, so I choose to rest in Your gaze, walk in Your promise, and trust Your heart toward me. Amen 

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

You are the God who sees me—Genesis 16:13

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted—Psalm 34:18

You have searched me, Lord, and You know me—Psalm 139:1-3

You are worth more than many sparrows—Luke 12:6-7

Jesus, my Friend and Brother, every time I open the Gospels I learn more of who You are, and through You, who I am. Through Matthew, I see You as the long-awaited Messiah, faithfully traced through generations. Through Mark, I see Your power and Your sacrificial love as he leads me straight to the cross. Through Luke, I see Your compassion—Your heart or the poor, the overlooked, the wounded, the women, the ones the world forgets. Through John, I behold Your divinity and heart, Your “I Am” declarations that reveal Your eternal nature: I am the Bread of Life…I am the Light of the world…I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thank You, Lord, for showing me Your heart through these four witnesses, and for revealing both Your majesty and Your nearness.

Lord, I pray that I may know myself the way You have revealed me in Scripture. In a world eager to define me, label me, and shape me into its own image, anchor me in the truth of who I am in You. Let it settle deeply in my spirit that I am the Father’s beloved…that I was uniquely and wonderfully formed in the womb…that I am so precious You came down from heaven to save me…that I am redeemed, forgiven, gifted by the Holy Spirit and endowed with talents You placed in me from birth.

Bless me with an unshakable identity—one that cannot be twisted, diminished, or stolen. Let me stand firm in the truth that I am created in the image of the Father…and because of that, I am wonderfully made, purposefully designed, and more amazing than I often dare to believe. Amen     

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made—Psalm 139:14

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins—Ephesians 1:7

To all who received Him…He gave the right to become children of God—John 1:12         

God, when we’re reading Your Word, it doesn’t take very long to notice You take great delight in watching things grow; You’re not just the Creator of human beings, You are a Gardner Supreme, par excellent! Whatever You put Your hand to flourishes and that includes human lives! The Bible opens describing how You planted a gigantic garden in an area called Eden and everything within Your garden was lush and beautiful; not one rotten apple, or unproducing tree could be found. It wasn’t till sin entered in that everything, including humans, began to shrivel up and die. Thank You for planting flowers and trees and bushes and green grasses and for the sunshine and for sending rain from the sky that revitalizes drooping petals and thank You for planting me in soil guaranteed to grow me up and mature me in all the right places. Under Your tender care, green thumb, and heavenly monitoring I’ll not only grow but flourish. Sometimes I’m a sturdy oak and other days, Lord, I’m nothing more than a vulnerable seedling and a tender shoot. Whatever state I find myself in, You provide the perfect balance of nutrients.      

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.”—Genesis 2:8

The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail—Isaiah 58:11

I will be like dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily—Hosea 14:5

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit—John 15:1-2

God of Spring, orderliness, and newness, the season of Spring can remind us of new beginnings, freshness, and the benefits and blessings of tidying and freshening our living spaces. After all, Lord, a clean home fosters a peaceful atmosphere that allows for fellowship and wordship, inviting Your presence into our daily life and personal spaces. 

I pray for strength, ingenuity, and vision as I address the areas in my home that need a little care and thought. As I open my cabinets, look in closets, pull out drawers, walk into rooms, help me see those places that could use a loving touch and attention. Help me to be motivated to rearrange, declutter, separate the useful from the no-longer-needed, even if I need to do it one shelf, one drawer at a time. Help me remember the things I don’t address or toss in a timely fashion could easily become someone else’s problem one day and I don’t want that. Help me remember the blessings of being generous and open-handed, even willing to give away things I love and have found lovely and a blessing in my space. The little Spring cleaning that I accomplish in my space won’t impact the entire world, it may not change the clutter in my community or clear the landfills everywhere, but it will make my living spaces and home a wonderful space to spend time; a breath of fresh air for me and those who dwell and enter! In Jesus’ name. Amen   

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer:

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches—Proverbs 24:3-4

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness—Proverbs 31:27  

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way—I Corinthians 14:40

All-knowing and Omnipotent God, You’ve seen my life from beginning to end; in fact, You’ve ordered every one of my days before they came to be! You know when and how many crises I will face over my lifetime. 

Even now—to this date—I have faced so many crises I’ve lost count! But through every one You have not only been by my side, helping and encouraging me, You have been behind me to support me—giving me that needful, gentle nudge—and gone before me to meet me at the victory gate! Through Your Spirit I have been enabled to not only endure and persevere—but be victorious and stand strong. There have been times in my life—before I started growing up into 

understanding the fullness of my salvation—when I swore I would not make it through a crisis. When I believed I was going to faint in my crisis but, by the grace of God—and I mean that with all sincerity Lord—I withstood and stood fast. Today, I declare Lord, my strength is not small, I’ve been through crises and I can say with certainty because You are with me, Lord, I can stand through a crisis, and I will not faint in the time of struggle. I declare in Jesus, each crisis I face I am made stronger and my soul and heart are purified and matured. Thank You for sharing Your divine strength that enables me to navigate any crisis with godly wisdom, spiritual fortitude, grace, and courage. I am a woman with a testimony to share with others facing their own crisis that they may be pointed to You and learn Your trustworthy promises and presence. In Jesus’ name I pray and give thanks! Amen 

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer:

If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength!—Proverbs 24:10

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them—Psalm 139:16 

And you have persevered and have endured hardships for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary—Revelation 2:3

 Dear God, today is a simple prayer. I pray, don’t let me overdo, overthink, overeat, overrun, overwork, overshare, over-glamorize, over-function, overexplain, over-commit, over-step, overdramatize, over-idealize, or feel as though I need to be an overachiever to prove myself! Help me live a well-balanced life, comfortable with myself and secure in who You made me to be! I am fully accepted by You and have nothing to prove to others by overdoing in any area of my life. I pray for peace of mind and confidence in my heart to live a balanced life holy and pleasing to You my Creator, Sustainer and Redemer. I will not approach my day overanxious about matters in front of me but trust in You with all my heart and soul and mind. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer:

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust—Psalm 103:12-14

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight—Proverbs 11:1 

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven—Ecclesiastes 3:1

 Lord, the Yo Yo is a fun game to learn. Some become quite skilled at it and so good they can enter and win competitions, showcasing their skills to “Walk the dog, go “Round the World,” “Yo Yo Tag and many other games. The Yo Yo may be a fun skill to learn but it’s not fun when we struggle with maintaining a healthy weight or our weight goes up and down like a Yo Yo.

Sometimes God, our weight gain or loss is due to stress, not getting the right amount of sleep, poor eating habits. At times the solution for attaining a healthy and stable weight can be as simple as eating healthier, reducing the number of calories we consume or increasing our exercise. At times, medical intervention or treatment may be necessary. 

Thank You, Lord, for counseling us about these bodies of ours and the best ways to maintain good health. Thank You also for guiding us in spiritual matters. Your Word instructs us you do not like up and down, hot or cold, but emphasize that we will be blessed when we are on fire for You and fervently, passionately pursuing an intimate, close relationship with You. Just as we seek answers and help to address our weight may we be as passionate to pursue those things that will help us grow steadily and consistently in Your Word.

I depend on Your counsel Lord for every area of my life and will not lean on my own understanding but entrust the concerns of my life whether it be about my physical weight or my spiritual growth. Amen    

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! Because you are neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth—Revelation 3:15-16

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is the Lord is not in vain—I Corinthians 15:58

For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you though the laying on of my hands—2 Timothy 1:6

Heavenly Father, God my Creator and the Lover of my soul, thank You for the gift of womanhood and the unique calling You’ve placed on my life. You have clothed me in strength and dignity, that enables me to walk with confidence in who You’ve made me to be. Because Your excellence flows to and through me whatever I put my mind and hands to can be excellent also.

Because I am the work of Your hands—Your special masterpiece—I am also a woman of strength and grace, I have the capacity to do great things with the help of heavenly resources and power to accomplish all that is before me. Because You fashioned me for greatness I do not have to shy away from visions and dreams, but I can dream big at any age, think smartly, and apply heavenly wisdom. I do not need to compare myself to others because I know I am uniquely and wondrously made by You. I am a reflection of Your faithfulness and others see Your light shining through me. My character is shaped after Yours and my soul is beautiful, seasoned with grace. I do not look at tasks and think to myself how I cannot accomplish them, but I look at what is before me and praise You that I am able through Christ to do my very best and that will be enough. Because You have given me the capacity to nurture and love others, I can also honor Your design for me by caring for and loving myself. Lord, I am a woman, I am a wonder, I am tenderhearted, but I am not gullible. I am not alone on my journey, unseen or unprotected, I am not a victim to my circumstances but victorious over my pain. I am Your daughter, cherished, covered, and deeply loved. Help me rise each day with purpose, to care for those entrusted to me, to steward my resources well, and to serve with joy even in the unseen moments. In Jesus’ name. Amen      

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate—Proverbs 31:29-31  

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day—Psalm 46:5

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

  As I look around this world Lord, it’s easy to see how far too many have no idea of their worth and value; they struggle to know their true identity and take on  whatever personality is popular or suits them best. One thing is certain, Lord, people are confused. I’m so grateful for the Scriptures that teach me about my identity and purpose: I know you made me with Your own hand; every muscle, vein, bone and organ was carefully formed by You. I know You made me for Your purposes which is to worship You, serve you, and bless others. I know that in the beginning You, along with Jesus and the Holy Spirit determined people would be fashioned in Your image which is full of grace and beauty, intellect, and a heart of love. I know I am one of Your masterpieces, created anew in Jesus Christ, so I can do the good things You planned for me long ago. I know I must be Your treasure, cherished, and valuable because the Scriptures say You are constantly thinking about me; looking for ways to bring me close and making sure I will return home to live with You eternally. Even though I’m still maturing and increasing in my understanding of my purpose and discovering the fullness of my identity as a child of God and reborn through Christ, I pray, arrange for me to cross paths with someone who doesn’t yet know their true value; someone who is still searching or been told they are worthless and treated like trash, someone who isn’t certain that the God of the universe, who has existed forever made them. May my certainty of faith and unwavering testimony about my identity and worth be a turning point for them on their journey. Amen  

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer:

Know that the LORD is God. It is the Lord who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture—Psalm 100:3

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago—Ephesians 2:10

It is through him that we live and function and have our identity; just as your poets have said, “Our lineage comes from him—Acts 17:28

 Note: from the moment you came out of the womb the enemy set himself against your soul, your well-being, your future on earth and in eternity. Satan declares war over you and intends to bring destruction, grief and separation between you and the God who created and loves you unconditionally and eternally, but you have been given spiritual tools that can keep you from living in weakness and in fear. God’s Word and promises to empower and declare you are strong in the Lord; He supplies spiritual tools to give you an advantage over the world and over the enemy. You do not engage in war as the world does but can learn and utilize the powerful spiritual tools which are effective and can extinguish every fiery dart and break any stronghold the enemy seeks to establish in your life and over your person…Today, you can declare God’s Word of strength over yourself: 

Strong God who gives me strength, I am your daughter and that makes me a woman of strength. I am not weak or helpless. The world may be demanding, my enemy may be pursuing me, but I am safe under the protection of Your mighty wing; Your hand holds me steadfastly.   

Today I choose to walk in courage, knowing that my strength is not my own. In every challenge, every joy, and every unknown, I know I am empowered by the One who sustains me, so I do not faint or give up. I am fearless. No obstacle is greater than the grace within me, and no season is beyond my Mighty, Every-Where-Present God’s reach. I will persevere, Lord, I will endure and I will thrive—Even in moments where I don’t feel strong, I know the truth is Your strength is still being poured into as a constantly flowing river and refreshing stream. Today I declare in Jesus’ name, because Your strength comes to me, I can truly endure, face any challenge, overcome any obstacle, defeat any enemy. Amen    

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall—I Samuel 22:30

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

The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence—I Samuel 32:2-3 

 Dear Comforter, I love how you see my true condition and need. I can put on a false-front for others, but You always know when I’m not doing as well as I say I am; when my smile is practiced and forced. You always know when I need comforting even when I haven’t expressed my need or been able to put my need into words. Thank You for knowing me so thoroughly and intimately. You are always calling me to come close so You can wrap Your comforting arms around me like a warm, weighted blanket that makes me feel secure and calm. You can sense when I need a word of assurance that’s not empty or baseless, but solid; something I can anchor my hopes in. I pray, Lord, though not everyone in this big, busy, cold, oblivious, self-focused world is a safe place to share my thoughts or troubles with, send me safe people to calm, reassure, and comfort me—people who love me. They are Your living word; Your word of promise to comfort in the flesh. Let me locate those places in Your word that are especially comforting in times of distress, sorrow, disappointment and trials. When I find them I won’t keep them to myself, but I’ll share them with those around me when they are in need of comfort also. In the comforting name of Jesus. Amen     

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

All praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us—2 Corinthians 1:3-4

LORD, you know the cries of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them—Psalm 10:17

As a mother comforts her son, so I will comfort you, and you will be comforted in Jerusalem—Isaiah 66:13

 Heavenly Father, in this world where there’s no end to brokenness and confusion, it’s easy to become numb and oblivious to chaos and accepting chaos and dysfunction as the norm; even in our own life and personally. God, the Bible teaches me that You are not a God of chaos and disorder, and Jesus did not suffer and die on the cross so we could remain entrenched in this world’s dysfunction or bring it into our personal space and environment. Jesus suffered and died so we could be people of order, peace and efficiency. I pray, help me be the first to recognize when I am accepting chaos, confusion, or dysfunction as my norm. Open my eyes to see the truth and give me a heart of courage, determination and strength to make the necessary changes that will shift me from chaos to peace, disorder to order, and dysfunction to godly function. Humble my heart to accept admonishment and conviction when its needed and encourage my heart to move in whatever direction You point me.

Inspiration for Today’s Teacup Prayer

Because God does not want us to be in disorder but in harmony and peace…I Corinthians 14:33

For God is not characterized by disorder but by peace—I Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace—I Corinthians 14:33

For God is not of unsteadiness, but of peace—I Corinthians 14:33

Because God is not chaotic, but peaceful—I Corinthians 14:33  

God, You are a forgiving God and because there isn't anything You won't forgive when we approach Your throne of grace You set the standard for our forgiving others. We cannot enjoy Your forgiveness yet hold things against those who have hurt us in any way. Forgiveness is a central theme in the Christian faith, essential for spiritual growth and healing, and a central biblical principle, reflecting Your mercy and ensuring we receive Your forgiveness in return. When I forgive others, let go of my anger and resentment towards myself and others I experience freedom in my soul and peace with You. It's not easy for us to forgive, Lord, and we don't pretend that it is. From time to time, we will struggle with forgiving. We have to constantly look at the cross and be reminded of our own sin, our need to be forgiven and why it's necessary to forgive if we want to live in peace with You and experience the blessing that follows. Because I desire to live in peace and experience new life, healing, and freedom I will speak forgiveness with my mouth and pray my heart my thoughts and emotions will follow. In Jesus's name. Amen

Inspiration for Today's Teacup Prayer:

Matthew 18:21-22 – Peter asks how often to forgive, and Jesus replies, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times,” 

Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with one another and forgive one another if anyone has a complaint against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive”

Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses”