Devotional:
We wither beneath your anger; we are overwhelmed by your fury. You spread out our sins before you—our secret sins—and you see them all. (Psalm 90:7-8)

God knows our secret sins. There is nothing hidden from His eyes. If we go back to (Psalm 32:3-5, it highlights our two options of dealing with sin in our life: keeping silent or confessing them. “When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

Make the choice to confess your sins. Know that you can’t hide them from God and that He already knows them. God’s grace is waiting for you. Don’t waste away by keeping it hidden. Experience God’s freedom by bringing it to light.

Pray it:
Father, I confess that I have sinned against you in word, thought and deed, in what I have done and what I haven’t done. Forgive me of these sins and help me not to seek to hide my sins from you but rather to experience your grace as I confess them to you each day. Amen.

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Devotional:
No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave. (Psalm 89:48)

Death is a reality that looms over every person. Humans fear it not just because we can’t stop it but also because it is a reminder that a judgment day awaits. We can’t save ourselves on that day – we are dead in our sin, and we deserve eternal punishment. BUT GOD…God the Father sent Jesus to die for us and take our punishment. Because Jesus rose, so we know death does not have the final word. Therefore, even in the bleakest of circumstances, we can have hope. How can we ever give thanks enough for this? Praise be to God for this indescribable gift!

Pray it:
Jesus, I thank you for experiencing the death I deserve in my place and rescuing me from its power and grip. Help me to live in light of the hope found in your death and resurrection. Amen.

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Devotional:
I have been sick and close to death since my youth. I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors. (Psalm 88:15)

You can feel the agony in the psalmist as you read his words. This Psalm can be difficult to read, but as we reflect on the global issues of today such as war, child trafficking, starvation, poverty and abuse of power, we realize that many around the world live in difficult realities in which they feel helpless. Will you weep with those whose hearts are distraught? Weep with them, and pray that God will show them that they are not ultimately without help and that they are not to be hopeless in spite of their difficult circumstances because of His presence and His promises.

Pray it:
Father, help me to neither ignore nor be overwhelmed by the difficulties I see in this world. May you empower me to weep with those who weep and cry out with and for those in need of help, looking to you for hope in any and every situation. Amen.

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Devotional:
I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me—also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem! (Psalm 87:4) 

This Psalm speaks about foreign nations being “born” in Zion (Jerusalem). What does that mean? This is referring to the reality that there will be people “born again” into His people from every nation of the world. The list of these nations is interesting, though, in that it includes groups that were often the enemies of God’s people: Rahab is another name for Egypt, Babylon destroyed the kingdom of Judah, and the Philistines constantly fought with Israel. Let us remember God’s global vision for His people and that He can transform anyone, no matter how much they seem opposed to Him.

Pray it:
Father, I pray for our mission partners who are at work seeking to bring your gospel to new nations and among new people. Help me to have this same vision, knowing that the gospel is not just for me or those like me, but for those who may even seem today to be your enemy. Amen.

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Devotional:
But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15) 

In this Psalm, we read about five amazing attributes of God that we see repeated throughout the Bible. These traits should lead us to pray in a way that reflects the acronym of ACTS. We should adore God because He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in faithful love and truth. Those traits also invite us to confess our sins, knowing that He will forgive us. We thank Him for the ways that we have seen these traits work themselves out in our lives, and we can then offer supplications (or requests) knowing His great love and mercy. God doesn’t just want us to know what He is like, He wants us to draw near to Him.

Pray it:
Father, I thank you and praise you for your compassion and grace, that you are slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth. You alone are worthy of my praise, my trust, my confidence. Amen.

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Devotional:
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. (Psalm 85:8) 

In our busy world full of distractions, it is easy to go an entire day without any moments of silence. When we are constantly bombarded with noise and ideas, it can be difficult for us to hear God’s voice – and then to do what He says. Take time to intentionally sit in silence today, even if it is for only five minutes. Ask God today to speak to your heart and listen for what He will say; it may be a word from Scripture, a reminder of His promise or a conviction to confess or act. When you hear from Him, take action and give Him thanks!

Pray it:
Father, help me to hear your voice in the midst of this loud world that seeks to drown it out. Help me to take your words into my heart so that I may think and act in step with your truth rather than the foolish ways that come from my flesh, the world and the evil one. Amen.

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Devotional:
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2)

One thing that many of us realized during the COVID-19 pandemic was how special and important the physical gathering of God’s people in worship was. While we can worship Him at all times and places and know God dwells in us, there is something special when we gather together as a community that is different from our private worship and that does not translate fully in an online experience. Let us remember the gift of gathering together, and may these gatherings remind us of our ultimate hope being gathered together in heaven.

Pray it:
Father, being in your presence is better than anything else that I can experience on this earth. Help me to overcome obstacles that get in the way of drawing near to you so that I may experience this great joy as I await the day in which I will always dwell in your presence. Amen.

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Devotional:
O God, do not be silent! Do not be deaf. Do not be quiet, O God. (Psalm 83:1)

“GOD, DO SOMETHING!” Have you ever cried out like this? Sickness has afflicted many, injustice abounds, things aren’t fair, oppression persists. What should we do when we see or experience these things ourselves? Cry out to God! Know that He hears, He knows and He will answer. Keep persevering in prayer, trusting in our loving Father who is ready and waiting to hear our cries – and one who promises to end injustice and suffering one day.

Pray it:
Father, help me not to grow cold, callous or cynical at the evils and suffering that I see in the world. Instead, help me to cry out to you in this time and to trust you as I wait for your kingdom to come in all its fullness.

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Devotional:
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. (Psalm 82:3) 

God has overwhelming compassion for those who are weak and afflicted. We, His church, are called to care for the weak, fatherless, afflicted and destitute. How do we do that? Not out of obligation, but out of a heart of compassion. It is so easy to become numb to the problems in our world and wrapped up in ourselves, but God promises to change our heart of stone to a heart of flesh. Will you ask Him today to give you His heart of compassion?

Pray it:
Father, I praise you for your concern for those who are weak and afflicted, for helping me and others in our time of need. Create in me this same heart of compassion for others so that I may honor you and reflect your character in this world. Amen.

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Devotional:
You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you; I answered out of the thundercloud and tested your faith when there was no water at Meribah. (Psalm 81:7)

God tested His people, the Israelites, at Meribah by withholding water from them (see Exodus 17:4-7). We have probably all encountered a season in which we felt like our faith was being tested – maybe that is how you are feeling right now. If you have not experienced that, know the time likely will come and not when you expect it. These seasons show us if we really trust that God is good and in control. As we call to Him in our distress, we know He is listening and will answer…with a “yes”, “no” or “not now”. No matter what the answer is, it is His best for us. Pause to share your concerns, worries and cares with Him. He will deliver you and give you rest.

Pray it:
Father, I confess that at times my concerns, worries and cares seem bigger than you. Help me to trust in you no matter what the circumstances, knowing both the power and grace you have shown us in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.

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Devotional:
Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. (Psalm 80:19) 

At three different points in this prayer for restoration and salvation, we find this request: “make your face shine on us.” This phrase recalls the words of Numbers 6:24-26, in which Moses gives this blessing to Aaron and his sons: “May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.” Have you ever prayed a blessing over someone? Receive this blessing today and consider praying it over someone you love to bless them. Restoration and salvation occur when God’s face shines in our life.

Pray it:
Father, thank you that you are not only a God who sees but one who shines His face upon His people. Help me to remember your presence with me wherever I go and the protection and blessings you bestow. Amen.

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Devotional:
Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors! Let your compassion quickly meet our needs, for we are on the brink of despair. (Psalm 79:8)

Every day we sin and fall short of the glory of God, but we have assurance from Him that if we confess our sin, He forgives and remembers it no more. Because of this promise, we should not be fearful of confessing our sins before God but rather do so with confidence and hope. Confession should be a regular practice of our prayer life because of how often we sin. Do you have a practice of confession in your prayer life? As we practice daily confession, we will experience His compassion meeting us right where we are, even when we are feeling low. What a gift His forgiveness is!

Pray it:
Father, I come before you as one who has sinned against you in my words, thoughts and deeds, in what I have done and what I have left undone. As I confess and repent of these sins, I cling to your promise of forgiveness through the blood of my Savior Jesus Christ and praise you for compassion. Amen.

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Devotional:
For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. (Psalm 78:5-7)

God has called us to teach the next generation so that they may place their hope in God and follow His ways. How can we do that? We can teach children God’s truth through His Word, share testimonies of His work in our lives, and pray with and for them. There is such joy in seeing our children (both our own children and the children in our church family) put their hope in Him. Are there children in your life that you can encourage today?

Pray it:
Father, I pray for the children in our church family, that they may come to know your great love and walk in your ways. Help me and others point them to your truth with my words, actions and prayers. Amen.

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Devotional:
You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. (Psalm 77:14)

In this cry for help, the writer looks back and considers the things that God has done – calling them wonders. Where have you experienced the wonders of God? We can see the wonders of God as we read His Word and see His gospel plan unfold. We can see the wonders of God in our lives. How has He been good, faithful and kind to you? Take time today to reflect on His might, both giving Him thanks and trusting in Him in any difficulties that you are facing right now.

Pray it:
Oh wonder-working God, remind me of the things you have done and the things that I have seen when I find myself doubting you or fearful in this life. Help me not only remember these wonders for my own sake, but to tell others so that they might hope and trust in you. Amen.

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Devotional:
God is honored in Judah; his name is great in Israel. (Psalm 76:1)

Today’s Psalm was written as a song of praise to the Lord. The psalmist declares that God’s greatness is known and expresses some of the reasons why God has captured everyone’s attention. Do you take time each day to praise God for all He has done? It is easy to ask God for help, but it isn’t always as easy to adore Him for who He is. Will you make Him known today and share how you have seen His blessings in your life?

Pray it:
Father, Your power is beyond my comprehension and towers over the powerful people I see on earth. Help me to remember to praise and adore you both for who you are and what you have done in my life. Amen.

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Devotional:
When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. (Psalm 75:3)

Do you ever feel like the whole earth is tottering and sometimes even doubt if God is really in control? It’s easy to feel this way when we see wars around the world and division within our land and our lives. This verse provides a great visual of the God of the universe holding this entire world steady. Do you trust that He won’t let us crumble? Take time today giving thanks to God for His promise to be our steady foundation.

Pray it:
Father, I thank you that you remain steadfast and faithful in the midst of this topsy-turvy world and the rollercoaster that life can be. Help me steady by reminding me that you are in control and that you will bring justice and perfect peace to this earth in your time. Amen.

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Devotional:
Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them. (Psalm 74:11) 

We can (and should) cry out to God when we’re in the thick of troubles. He knows all our thoughts and emotions already, and it is good to know He wants us to be real with Him. Just as God had a deliverance plan up His sleeve for the Israelites, so He has a plan for us. Are you having a difficult time waiting for His deliverance? Ask Him to help you trust His perfect timing.

Pray it:
Father, help me turn to you in both the good times and bad, trust you and your plan, and call for you to come to my rescue. I praise you that you saved your people Israel and that you continue to have a wonderful and perfect plan for your people, including me. Amen.

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Devotional:
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. (Psalm 73:26) 

Our human bodies can be affected by sickness and disease, and our hearts can be filled with fear, anxiety and doubt. What is the condition of your flesh and your heart today? We can take comfort in the promise that God is the strength of our heart and the hope we have of eternal life where there will be no more pain, suffering or tears. When we remember these truths, we can have confidence and joy even as our bodies waste away and also as we see the wicked rather than the righteous prosper on earth. Will you take a moment now to thank Him for being the strength of your heart and your portion forever?

Pray it:
Father, I thank you for your promises that are true even when they seem to fly in face of what I see or experience in this earthly life. Help me to see life from your perspective and in light of your promises and Word. Amen.

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Devotional:
Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen! (Psalm 72:18-19)

God is worthy of our praise. Period. It’s okay to cry out to God, to seek Him, to ask for things, but we should never cease in blessing His name. Everything good, everything holy and pure, everything that makes our hearts leap for joy comes from God alone. Bless His name through which everything was made and is sustained. Bless His name because it is glorious and eternal. Bless His name because someday its glory will fill and cover this dark world with His glorious light! Let all the weight and darkness of this fallen world be just a faint remembrance of a half-forgotten dream as every fiber of your being strives to rise in ever-increasing praise of the name above all names. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Amen and amen!

Pray it:
Father, I long for the day when your name will be praised from sea to sea, all day long. Help me to live in anticipation of that day by praising you with all my heart wherever you may take me this day. Amen.

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Devotional:
I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. (Psalm 71:15).

It’s easy to turn to God when things get difficult or when we need something, but do we spend more time asking for help or dwelling on the goodness that has been poured out in our lives? When we’re constantly asking for help, it can be easy to dismiss the favor already shown. Look back on your life. Write down the times you’ve seen God working and then remember that we don’t even see the whole picture. God is undoubtedly more involved with us than we are with Him, so let His countless works in your life be the impetus that moves your mouth to declare His praise all day long.

Pray it:
Father, I praise you for all the wondrous works you have performed in my life. Help me not to forget them but to remember them and declare them to those around me. Amen.

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Devotional:
But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!” But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O Lord, do not delay. (Psalm 70:4-5) 

We all want to be better. We want to be happy people who have lives that reflect the joy of our salvation. The road to rejoicing, though, needs to be traveled with a great deal of humility and a recognition that we don’t always feel the joy we seek. We are all poor and needy. When life presses in on us, we want a quick solution — an answer that sometimes seems to never come. Seek God in the waiting. Let your praise overcome your impatience and preach God’s greatness into your heart as you await the help God will bring in His timing. Let patience reveal that God is greater than all our needs.

Pray it:
Jesus, I thank you for your promise to be with us until the end of the age and also for your promise to come – soon. Help me to both be encouraged as I wait and to long for the day of your return to come soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

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Devotional:
I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power. Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:29-30).

Life can sometimes be difficult. There is no shame in bringing our pain to the God who covers our shame. Let God remind you of the gift of His salvation through Jesus Christ who lifts broken hearts to the heights of heaven. It isn’t the cessation of suffering that pushes us to praise. We sing because we have a Savior. We sing because of who God is. Let your thanksgiving flow not from where you find yourself, but from where you find God, and because of who He is.

Pray it:
Father, thank you for listening to me and helping me in my time of need. Hear my cries to you for help then lead to praise for your faithfulness and power. Amen.

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Devotional:
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. (Psalm 68:5-6). 

How great is our God! He not only seeks out those who are broken, lost, and alone, but He becomes exactly what we need when everything else is lost. Jesus never promises that our lives will always be perfect. He knows the trials we face and promises us something better. He promises to be the strength that overcomes our weakness so that we don’t have to live under our circumstances because He overcame them for us! Submit your life to God so that you can live life fully in Christ.

Pray it:
Father, that you for the care you show people – including me – in our times of deepest need. Give me the same heart for the fatherless, widows, homeless, and imprisoned that I read about here in your word. Amen.

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Devotional:
May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us. (Psalm 67:1 CSB). 

What an amazing morning prayer to start your day. God’s grace and favor in Christ is our greatest blessing that we need to remember by asking for it daily. Whatever might be overcast or gloomy in your life will fade away in the light of God’s face shining on you. Those who are around you will take note of it as well. May His glorious face shine on us today.

Pray it:
Father, I thank you for your blessings in my life. Help me to remember that these blessings are not just gifts to me but are to be used to reveal your name and salvation to others. Amen.

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Devotional:
You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver. You captured us in your net and laid the burden of slavery on our backs. Then you put a leader over us. We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance. (Psalm 66:10-12)

God’s testing is never easy. Often we trudge through our sufferings and trials and question if God is even there. The key thing to note here is that God either applies or allows the tests of life. There is comfort in knowing that God is in control and He is leading us toward abundance. Has life left you feeling crushed, trapped, tested, or tried? God is there with you and refining you to transform you to look more like Jesus. The weight of this life is preparing you to bear the weight of His glory in the life to come. Trust God to carry you safely through it all!

Pray it:
Father, I praise you for your glorious plan and working in this world. Help me to find joy even in the midst of trials and sufferings because I know that you are with me and working for my good.

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