Prayer Starter

  “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” — John 17:3 Many people know the stories of Christ, but knowing Jesus means allowing those stories to shape how we live, love, and respond to the world around us.  Jesus invites us into a living relationship, not a distant belief. He calls us friends (J ohn 15:15 ) and promises to remain with us in every season of life. When we seek Him in prayer, Scripture, and quiet moments of reflection, we begin to recognize His presence in both our joys and our struggles. Knowing Jesus transforms our hearts. His grace teaches us humility.  His mercy leads us to forgiveness.  His love compels us to love others well.  Each day becomes an opportunity to grow closer, to trust more deeply, and to reflect His light in a world that needs hope. Lord Jesus, help me move beyond simply knowing about You and into truly knowing You. Draw me closer to Your heart today. Teach ...

Today is January 15th, the birthday of my mother-in-law, Helen. Those who attended church with our family in Bay City for any length of time will remember her well. Helen was a woman of deep faith - quiet, steady, and powerful in prayer. A few weeks ago, while my wife and I were traveling, we heard the Randy Travis song “When Momma Prayed.”     Here is a link if you want to hear him sing it.   As it played, I couldn’t help but think of her. The song echoes the heart of someone who prayed faithfully for years, often without seeing immediate answers. Helen prayed for everyone. My in-laws often spoke openly about their prayers -how they prayed for their children and grandchildren, and even for the future spouses of their children long before marriage was ever on the horizon. Their prayers were not casual; they were intentional and rooted in trust. That led me to reflect today: Are we praying for God’s influence in our future? In the lives of our children, our spouse, and the...

Good Wednesday Morning, Friend, How is your week going so far? What concerns are weighing on your heart? What blessings are bringing you joy? Are you guarding your heart, or allowing the enemy to distract or discourage you? Take a moment today to pause. Write down your blessings.  Notice the ways God is helping you whether big and small. Then talk with Him. Praise Him. Offer Him your gratitude and love. Psalm 34:1–9 I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed ...

The miracles of Jesus were never just displays of power. These events were expressions of compassion and signs pointing people to faith. When Jesus healed the sick, calmed storms, and fed the hungry, He revealed the heart of God at work among His people. In Mark 1:41 we read, “Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’” Every miracle met a real need and reminded those watching that nothing is impossible with God. Jesus still works in miraculous ways today. Sometimes the miracle is physical healing; other times it is peace in a storm, strength in weakness, or hope restored. When we trust Him, we open our hearts to the transforming power of Christ.  Jesus sees our need, cares deeply, and responds in perfect timing - as only God can do! Today, let's pray and thank God for still being a God of healing, compassion, and real miracles everyday. Holy Father, Thank You for caring for us and watching over us. You still do miracles -...

  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”    — Lamentations 3:22–23 Each new day begins with a quiet reminder of God’s faithfulness. Through every season of life, it is His love that has sustained us and His mercy that has carried us forward. We are here today not by chance, but by grace. On this morning, we pause to thank God for mercies that never run dry and compassion that never fails. No matter what yesterday held, today is greeted with fresh grace. As the year unfolds, we trust the same faithful God who has walked with us all along. His love remains steady, His promises sure, and His mercy new --- every single morning.  - Personalize as you need - Faithful God, we thank You for Your unfailing love and the mercy You give us each morning. As we begin this day, help us rest in Your compassion and trust in Your faithfulness for all that lies ahead. Even in the c...

A compass is designed to point true north, helping travelers stay on course even when the path ahead is unclear. In much the same way, Jesus provides direction for our lives. When He said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24), He invited us to set our direction by Him alone. Life often presents crossroads, distractions, and detours. Feelings, opinions, and circumstances can pull us off course. But when Jesus is our true north, His words and example keep us aligned with God’s will . “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Following Jesus does not mean the journey is easy, but it does mean we are not wandering aimlessly. As we fix our hearts on Christ, He faithfully guides our steps, leading us toward purpose, peace, and life with Him.  Jesus, You are my true north. When I feel uncertain or distracted, help me fix my heart on You. Align my thoughts, my ch...

  “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 Jesus’ invitation is simple, yet life-changing: “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). He did not offer a detailed roadmap or promise an easy path. Instead, He offered Himself.  To follow Jesus is to trust His lead, even when the way ahead is unfamiliar. Following Christ means leaving behind what once defined us and allowing Him to shape who we are becoming. It is not about us.  The disciples left their nets immediately - not because they understood everything, but because they were drawn to the One who called them.  Jesus still calls us today, inviting us to walk with Him daily.  Jesus wants us to learn from Him, Jesus wants His love to be reflected in our lives. In 2026, let's make our prayer goal to get to know Jesus better. Learn to follow Him. Learn to be like Him. Here is a short prayer starter... please just start praying these words in red and...