Tag Archives: Verses and Prayers

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

I know it’s impossible to live happy 100% of the time.

Bad things happen, people are cruel, relationships end and happiness fades.

And even when you and I are trying our best to do everything “right” … a choice made by someone else has the ability to turn our happiness into pain.

Yet, I still believe God wants His children to be happy … not entitled, not indulged, not spoiled rotten, but happy. Good parents don’t give their children everything they want. They allow them to live out the consequences of their poor choices. They don’t give them cake and ice cream at every meal nor do they take them to Disneyland every day.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t want their children to be happy.

They do!

They just care more about the long-term happiness of the children than they do about their momentary pleasure.

I don’t know about you, but I can act like a pouty indulged child sometimes … moments when I focus on what I want more rather than on what I already have.

I want to be more like Sadie.

Our Cavapoo, Sadie, was sick earlier this year and due to that illness, she will have to be on prescription dog food and treats for the rest of her life. No tastes of “people” food or bites of her former favorites.

Every meal and every treat tastes exactly the same every day … and it will forever!

But Rev and I get the giggles every time we feed her. You would think she was getting a gourmet steak dinner the way she dances around the room completely delighted with life!

If only I could be more like Sadie and less like the Children of Israel…

The people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”

Numbers 21:4–5

God had rescued them from slavery and was providing for them each day but rather than choosing to count their blessings and live contented and happy, they grumbled and complained.

So, I’m going to God today and I’m asking Him to help me count my blessings and focus on the fact that He is a generous and loving Father.

Will you pray with me?

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

“God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through Him.”

John 3:16–17 (NCV)

Father, You not only knew my greatest need but You provided Jesus to meet that need. I was lost and broken by sin, selfish and without hope. And even after You saved me from slavery to sin, I can still be like the grumbling Israelites. But still, You forgive me again and again.

Your love overwhelms me! If You never gave me another thing, the gift of Jesus would be enough! Through Him I have life. Through Him I am free.

Happy is the person
    whose sins are forgiven,
    whose wrongs are pardoned.
Happy is the person
    whom the Lord does not consider guilty
    and in whom there is nothing false.

Psalm 32:1–2 (NCV)

Father, You forgive me! You forgive my grumbling and complaining. You forgive my selfishness and foolishness. Because of Jesus, I can bring all of my guilt and shame to You and receive the blessing of unconditional love and forgiveness. You don’t see my guilt and shame. You see Your Son in me making me clean and redeemed.

Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven! Thank you!

Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 119:34–35

Father, by Your grace and with the help of Your Spirit, please help me SEEK to know, trust, and obey Your will. Give me wisdom and understanding to know what to do, when to do it, and when to stay out of the way and leave it to You.

I will study Your Word to know Your commands. I will follow wherever You lead me – trusting that You will always go with me, giving me whatever I need one day at a time. And having what I need each day … that is where true happiness is found. Please help me remember and appreciate all I have in You that I might live happy for Your glory.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38–39

Father, Your love is my source of joy and happiness. That is Your will for me. And this promise, that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate me from Your love gives me peace and everything I need to live with hope.

I am Yours no matter what I’m worried about or what frightens me. I am Yours no matter what happens. Thank you, Father. In You, I am secure today, tomorrow, and always and that is the perfect reason for me to live happy. By Your grace, help me keep my eyes on You.

Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (Phillips)

Father, forgive me for failing to celebrate my faith each day. It’s so easy for me to get distracted by stuff and people and circumstances. Once again, I come to You in prayer, thanking You for Your grace, mercy, and love. You have walked with me through painful and difficult times. You have forgiven me and given me strength and indescribable peace. Thank you!

Please help me live happy in ways that give You glory. Help me be so happy in You that others want to know You … my source of peace and joy! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

Something I’ve realized lately is that many of my attitude issues have to do with my perspective.

Before you get the wrong idea … you need to know that my life is far from perfect. I have relationships that are not even close to what I’d like them to be. I have family members struggling with difficult health issues. I have aches and pains that gnaw at me. And plenty of additional things that nip at me trying to get me to settle in to worry and anxiety.

But God…

Two of my favorite words … words that speak a life-changing truth for people of faith.

But God:

  • loves.
  • forgives.
  • delivers.
  • strengthens.
  • comforts.
  • cares.
  • provides.
  • guides.
  • helps.
  • renews.
  • transforms.

God gives us hope.

And the hope He gives changes everything!

When you and I have hope, we can count on the truth that whatever is happening in our lives today, whatever is not perfect, whatever is painful, whatever is missing … God is able to give us everything we need because He is faithful to keep His promises.

Promises like…

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

And…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.

Luke 12:31

Everything includes all we need to live happy!

God bless you! Have a wonderful day in the Lord!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

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You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Christmas is just days away and as I read through and lift up the prayer requests left on the Blessing Counters Prayer Page, I can’t help but notice how families seem to have two areas of pain and concern that rise to the top … especially at this time of the year.

Finances and relationships.

It’s funny how we get it into our heads that this year we need to do everything we can to make our memories perfect. And for many of us, that means all of our loved ones blissfully gathered together around an amply piled Christmas tree.

Now, I’ll be one of the first to admit – that loving relationships are important and part of God’s desire for us. And I’ll also admit that this time of year makes our broken relationships even more painful. And I know that giving gifts at Christmas is one of the ways we express that love.

I’m also aware that many of the problems people are praying about are greater than gifts and gatherings. It’s just that the Christmas season tends to make us even more aware of what’s lacking in those areas of our lives.

And I wonder if we aren’t all tempted to put a bit of our Christmas focus on what’s less important. I wonder if we expect people and things to fill a hole in us that only God Himself is able to satisfy?

What if we’re hoping God will fix our circumstances … forgetting that He has already given us everything we need in and through Jesus to fix everything in our lives forever.

So, I’m pausing from all the planning and preparations and praying for HOPE. I’m praying to let go of the less important to focus on the One who is the hope of Christmas … Jesus!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone.

Psalm 33:22

Father, my prayer is that You alone might be my source of hope. The hope You give is the confidence that I can trust Your promises. Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise You have ever made. He is the Living realization of Your love and through Your Spirit … Your unfailing love surrounds me.

You show me through Your Word and the details of my life that I am secure when I place my trust in Jesus, the promise and source of my salvation.

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Luke 2:10–11

Father, I try to imagine what that night must have been like. The night the Word in flesh took His first breath of earthly air. The night Your Garden promise was fulfilled.

As I celebrate Jesus’ birth in a few days, please settle my heart and mind on Your grace, mercy, and love. Help me focus on the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord … the One who gave up everything to give me hope I can count on. Hope that is the assurance of Your grace, mercy, and love.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Oh Father, how I love these words of Jesus. It’s so tempting to worry about our finances and relationships. This world is broken and too often it robs me of my peace and contentment … things You want for me. Things You invite me to bring to You. Things You want me to bring to You. Things You offer to help me carry.

Thank you! I bring You every concern and burden and ask You to replace it with hope … by Your grace and for Your glory.

God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

Hebrews 6:17–18

Father, Your promises are sure and unchanging. I can count on You and trust Your Word. I can rest secure in Jesus … the Way, Truth, and Life. So, I run to the safety of Your embrace confident that I can place my hope in You … not just for today, but for the New Year, and for the rest of forever.

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
    His mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:21–23

Father, I will hold this promise close to my heart whenever I am tempted by doubt and fear. I will remember with hope…

Your unfailing love is perfect and lasting. Your mercy covers every part and every moment of my life. Your grace makes it possible for me to know with certainty that my problems are temporary … that Your grace is sufficient to give me hope when life overwhelms me.

I will hold on to the hope I have in Jesus, the promised One who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End … the One who came to earth to live the perfect life I am unable to live and suffered the death I deserve that He might rise again to give me life forever with You.

That is grace and mercy. That is Jesus. That is HOPE in the One who is Christmas! My thanks and worship and praise are Yours forever and always. Amen.

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I’m Praying for Hope for You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed by expectations you are putting on yourself or disappointed by your circumstances or the choices of others, know that this is my prayer for you today…

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

May your celebration be blessed by the One who is Christmas.

You see the meaning of the word Christmas is Christ’s Mass. He is the reason we celebrate. He is the gift that will last forever. He is the source of our hope!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

There’s a word we don’t use very often anymore.

Behold!

Even in the more recent translations of the Bible, the word behold has been replaced with words like … look, see, and watch.

But I think beholding something is so much more than simply looking or seeing. We hurry past things we see every day and I can watch an entire show while texting, online shopping, or perusing social media.

Because like everyone else, I’m typically multi-tasking in a rush to get things done.

So, this simple word grabbed my attention. Because to really “behold” something means to stop and gaze … to fix my eyes and my attention on something.

Beholding is so much more than just glancing as I hurry by, it’s actually pausing long enough to allow the object or idea to touch me.

You and I are so accustomed to life happening fast – especially at Christmastime … that I’ve decided I need a pause. So, I’m challenging myself to take some time to Stop and BEHOLD GOD’S BLESSINGS!

I’m praying and asking God to help me fix my attention on the things He wants me to behold … beautiful blessings of His grace, mercy, and love that change everything at Christmas and every other day of the year. Oh, and on and on into forever, too!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

Behold, the eye of the Lord 
is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.

Psalm 33:18,22 (NKJV)

Father, thank you!

In this crazy busy time of the year, it’s so easy for me to get distracted by the activities and my long list of self-imposed things I tell myself I need to do. Please forgive me and help me behold Your blessings. Help me focus on the things that matter to You. Help me SEEK YOU FIRST in spite of life’s demands and distractions.

Because no matter what is going on in my life … I can count on the blessing that You are watching over me. I love you, Lord! I trust Your love and I put my life and my hope in Your grace and mercy.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Father, these simple words always grab my heart. The miracle – a Son, Your Son … He could have been born anywhere to anyone. Jesus could have left the glories of heaven and entered into the luxuries of earth. He could have joined the rich and powerful. But your plan of love from the beginning chose a humble virgin from a modest family.

And by the power of Your Spirit through Mary, the Word became flesh. God became Man, taking on human limitations to do what we were unable to do for ourselves. You sacrificed yourself to give us life! The best news in the world is … “God with us.” Lived among us. Died our death. And rose to give us life forever. Thank you! Thank you!

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:10–11, 13–14 (NKJV)

Oh, Father, I want to pause and behold this sight. I want to picture what it must have been like to be one of the shepherds standing in that field on a typically quiet night when suddenly the angel proclamation became a massive heavenly choir praising You for Your holy gift.

May I live each day in anticipation of the day when I will personally behold Your glory filling the skies. Fill me with humble faith that I might live surrendered to You today and trust Your forever promises for the future.

[Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Luke 24:38–39 (NKJV)

And Father, when life is hard and doubts arise please help me pause and behold my risen Savior, Jesus. Help me remember all He has done for me. Help me remember His promises and follow His teachings and examples. Help me behold His sacrificial love that changes everything.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection … I am forgiven and free. I am redeemed. I am Your child. I am treasured. I am loved. And I have an eternal future filled with hope.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Father, Because of Jesus, You are making me a new creation. I have Your Spirit with and within me. Because of Jesus, I am blessed with “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

Because of Jesus … my past is behind me, my guilt is gone, and my future is secure. I am able to live each day confident that through Your all-sufficient grace I have everything I need to live with hope today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ name, I am Yours. Thank you! Amen.

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

Our hope, my hope rests on God’s promise of a perfect eternal future in His presence. So, I want to stop one last time today to BEHOLD His Revelation Promise!

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 21:3–6

I’m stopping to pray that the thought of beholding what we have received through God’s gift of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, blesses you today and every day for the rest of your life.

God bless you as you stop and behold!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

10 Things to Thank God for Every Day

Thank God for who He is and for all He does. Thanksgiving may be over but for those who follow Jesus ... every day is a day to thank and praise God. #Thanksgiving #PraiseGod #BibleQuotes #ThankGod #WWGGG #Blessings

I’m keeping it simple today…

There has been a lot of talk over the past days about being thankful.

We’ve counted our blessings and listed the good things we enjoy. We’ve feasted with family and friends and now, the day after it seems like it’s time to move on to all-things Christmas.

But before we do, I want to take a few more minutes to stop and simply thank God for who He is and all He does for us heart, mind, soul, and strength…

10 Things to Thank God for Every Day

Thank God for who He is and for all He does. Thanksgiving may be over but for those who follow Jesus ... every day is a day to thank and praise God. #Thanksgiving #PraiseGod #BibleQuotes #ThankGod #WWGGG #Blessings

Thank God for being our Burden Bearer – He is faithful to help us carry every burden and will strengthen us to endure every challenge when we surrender our lives to Him.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Psalm 55:22

Thank God for being the Great “I AM” – His goodness is beyond measure. His power is beyond understanding. His grace is sufficient for every circumstance.

How kind the Lord is! How good He is! So merciful, this God of ours!

Psalm 116:5

Thank God for being Mighty and Powerful – Throughout time God has demonstrated His power and might and He is mighty and powerful enough to help you and me with whatever difficulty we face.

Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; His holy arm has shown His saving power!

Psalm 98:1

Thank God for being Righteous – He is the “One who is right!” Everything He does is perfect and holy.

Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with You, O God?

Psalm 71:19

Thank God for being Merciful and Kind – Everything He has done from creation through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and all He will continue to do from today and into eternity … comes from a heart of loving mercy.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Psalm 103:8

Thank God for being Sovereign King – Rulers and leaders will come and go but God reigns supreme over all creation … that was true yesterday, it is true today, and it will be true forever and always.

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

Psalm 93:1

Thank God for being Present – He is always with you and me. He knows every need and hears every prayer.

Lord, even before I say a word, You already know it. You are all around me—in front and in back—and have put Your hand on me.

Psalm 139:4–5

Thank God for being your Provider – What an amazing blessing it is to know that He provides everything we need. Not everything we want but everything we need!

The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.

Psalm 23:1

Thank God for being your Forgiver – What an amazing blessing to know that no sin is too great … through God’s grace given through Jesus, we can be confident that when we go to Him in humble repentance, we are forgiven!

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, You forgive them all.

Psalm 65:3

Thank God for being the perfect Promise Keeper – Every word of God has proven true. They always have and they always will. God faithfully keeps His promises — ALWAYS! What a blessing to know we can trust Him completely.

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does.

Psalm 145:13
Thank God for who He is and for all He does. Thanksgiving may be over but for those who follow Jesus ... every day is a day to thank and praise God. #Thanksgiving #PraiseGod #BibleQuotes #ThankGod #WWGGG #Blessings

A Thank You Prayer

Thank you, Lord!
  You have heard my cry for mercy.
O, Lord, my strength and shield.
    I trust You with all my heart.
Thank you for helping me,
and for filling my heart with joy and thanksgiving.
(Psalm 28:6–7)

Lord, thank you, You are so good and ready to forgive,
  thank you for Your unfailing love that covers me
when I come to You for help.
(Psalm 86:5)

Teach me Your ways, O Lord,
    that I may live according to Your truth!
Please help me and grant me purity of heart,
    that I may honor You.
And I will praise You with all my heart, O Lord my God.
    I will give glory to Your name forever!
(Psalm 86:11–12)

Amen.

Welcome to Our Last Faith ‘n Friends Link Party
here at Counting My Blessings
If you are a Christian blogger I’d love to have you join the
Blessing Bloggers Facebook Group
where we have a weekly thread for sharing blog posts
and social media help and encouragement.

Our goal in the Blessing Bloggers Group is to…
Share, Encourage, Connect, and Pray

We can’t wait to see you there!
Of course, I hope you’ll continue to visit me here.
By God’s grace, I will still be posting here every Monday and Friday!

And now…

This Week’s Friday Favorites
Highlight Posts of the Week!

How to Fight Holiday Overwhelm with Christian Meditation by Sarah Geringer @ Finding Peace in God's Word

How to Fight Holiday Overwhelm
with Christian Meditation

by Sarah Geringer
@ Finding Peace in God’s Word

Self-Care for the Holidays by April @ Healing in Heart

Self-Care for the Holidays

by April
@ Healing in Heart

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings

I’m so glad you’re here!

And I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
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No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!

I’d love it if you would invite your friends to join us.
I visit every linked post and share many of them on social media.

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

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Click on the link to learn more!

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Thank you and God bless!

Verses that will Inspire and Encourage You to Glorify God

To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

What does it mean to glorify God?

Henry Blackaby wrote:

“Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world.”

And every day, I can think of countless things I am unable to do on my own. Things the Bible says God asks of you and me … things I know would be impossible without Him also giving us the counsel, courage, and comfort of His Holy Spirit.

And just to remind myself how very much I need His Spirit’s help, I decided to make a list of things the Bible says I should do … things that will glorify God.

So, from A to Z here’s a list of…

Verses to Encourage and Inspire You to Glorify God

To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. John 15:4 (NRSV)

  • Father, please help me remain connected to You through Your Word, prayer, and the power of Your Spirit.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

  • Lord, please help me sit at Your feet, know Your heart, and trust Your will.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

  • Lord, please help me bring every concern and problem to You in prayer … knowing You will give me everything I need.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

  • May I delight in You, Lord … loving You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:16 (NLT)

  • Father, please give me all I need to love others in ways that glorify You.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me. John 10:27–28 (NLT)

  • Lord, it can be hard to follow You when the road ahead appears challenging. Please help me trust You to go before and behind me to keep me safe. With Your Spirit’s help … I will follow wherever You lead.

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

  • Father, grace is a gift I don’t deserve and I definitely don’t deserve all that You have given me in and through Jesus. Please help me grow in wisdom and knowledge that I might grow closer to Him and live for Your glory.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

  • Lord, please keep me humble and kind … remembering that all I am and all I have is a gift from Your loving hand.

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Psalm 119:1 (NLT)

  • Father, please help me trust and obey You always … even when I don’t believe anyone is watching.

I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8 (NLT)

  • Lord, may trusting and obeying Your will be my joy and not an obligation or burden.
To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

  • Father, may I rest in the knowledge of Your sweet presence today and every day.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Mark 12:30 (NLT)

  • More than anything, I want to love You with all that I am, Lord. Please help me by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. Luke 6:36 (NLT)

  • Father, may I glorify You by extending the same mercy to others that You have so lovingly given to me.

You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God. Colossians 3:10 (NLT)

  • Father, thank you for the new life you have given me in Jesus. May it shine Your light and give You glory.

If you love me, you will obey my commands. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15–16 (NLT)

  • Oh, Lord, I want to obey You but I stumble and fall on my own. Thank you for the gift of Your Spirit. Please help me rely on His strength each day.

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2 (NCV)

  • By Your grace and with Your help, I will praise You now and forever.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5–6 (NLT)

  • Quiet is hard in this world, Father. It’s hard to slow down and wait in faith when the world is shouting at me. When I can’t, I will trust Your all-sufficient grace to give me strength and hope.

Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (NLT)

  • Father, I am so sorry. You have shown me countless times that Your way is better than mine. Please forgive me and give me all I need to trust You and obey.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

  • Lord, this will be my prayer every day the rest of my life … that You will help me SEEK You above all else.
To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

  • When I SEEK You first, Lord … I can trust You to guide me and help me through Your grace, mercy, and love.

I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me. John 17:23 (NLT)

  • Father, please help me glorify You by doing all I can to honor Your prayer for unity among Your children. Forgive us and help us to love like Jesus.

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

  • Thank you for the victory we have in Jesus! Help me live in victory today … free of the past and confident of the future.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Ephesians 5:15 (NLT)

  • Father, please give me the wisdom I need to live each day for You.

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:1 (NLT)

  • Lord, You are the X … the Christ (Χριστός) and I will exalt You and lift Your name high forever.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17 (NLT)

  • May I be humble, Father … willing to yield my will to You and to others out of love.

“I am the A and the Z,” says the Lord God, the one who is, the One who was, and the One who is coming, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8 (MSG)

  • Lord Jesus, You are eternal … present before creation and You will reign forever and ever. May I live every day by Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

A Heart Prepared to Glorify God

Whenever I’m inclined to be a little self-righteous and Pharisaical, all I have to do is pray through a list of verses I know God wants me to obey. I’m always humbled when His Spirit affirms the ways I know the Lord wants me to demonstrate my love and trust for Him and my love for others.

On my own, I will consistently fail because as Blackaby wrote, when we “function according to our ability alone, we get the glory” or maybe another way of saying it is … we take the glory.

But when you and I humbly surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we not only receive the counsel and courage we need to more consistently trust and obey God’s will but we are able to humbly admit our failures and share God’s grace, mercy, and love to a hurting world.

And that, my friends, is one of the best ways to Glorify God!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Because of Jesus, My Home is Overflowing with Thankfulness by Tiffiney Holmes @ Welcome Home Ministry

Because of Jesus,
My Home is Overflowing with Thankfulness

by Tiffiney Holmes
@ Welcome Home Ministry

One Simple Truth to Help Your Heart Feel Grateful by Betsy de Cruz @ Faith Spilling Over

One Simple Truth to Help Your Heart Feel Grateful

by Betsy de Cruz
@ Faith Spilling Over

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
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No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!

I’d love it if you would invite your friends to join us.
I visit every linked post and share many of them on social media.

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

And I’d love for you to join our new Facebook Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. Click on the link to learn more!

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

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5 Prayers for the Holidays (Soon to be Upon Us)

The holidays are full of both excitement and anxiety. I love these prayers for the holidays. They are the hope & attitude adjustment I need. #Prayer #Hope #Holidays #Hospitality #WWGGG

It’s November! What?!

We’re less than three weeks away from Thanksgiving and it always seems like Christmas follows in a blink after that. And for most of us, we can’t help but think about what that means for us and for the other people with whom we’ll interact over the holidays.

Because there are always emotions attached to the way we look at the holidays. Emotions attached to past memories and emotions connected to our current relationships.

Praise God, He understands our emotions, loves us, and invites us to bring all of those amped up feelings to Him in prayer so He can help us.

I’m so excited that my friend Sue Donaldson, of Welcome Heart, is sharing wisdom concerning many of the ways our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can affect us over the weeks ahead. And I love that she’s doing it by taking it all to the Lord in prayer.

So, please make her feel welcome and don’t forget to say “hello” and bless her with a comment.

5 Prayers for the Holidays
(Soon to be Upon Us)

How we feel about the holidays-soon-approach may have everything to do with how we were raised, whose turn it is to host, or how badly the turkey turned out in 2008 which is now the stuff of family legend, no (stuffing) pun intended.

Here are 5 Scriptures and prayers for the holidays to ready our minds and hearts for seasonal festivities. May this be the best year yet all because God invites us to know Him deeper and follow Him better.

The holidays are full of both excitement and anxiety. I love these prayers for the holidays. They are the hope & attitude adjustment I need. #Prayer #Hope #Holidays #hospitality #WWGGG

PRAYER FOR EXPECTATIONS

Expectations are great in their place but their place may only be in my imagination. I get into trouble when I expect someone to read my mind and do and say exactly as I was thinking they would do or say.

My favorite Scripture that helps me balance my best-laid plans and the reality of the moment…

 “My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.”

Psalm 62:5 (NKJV)

Father, I give you all my hopes and dreams for the holidays. Please grant the ones that glorify you most and which grow me best into Your likeness. May I allow You to be in control. And when things don’t turn out exactly as I thought they might, may I let it go and rest in You. Thank You and Amen. 

PRAYER FOR COMMUNICATION

Whether or not your family is a talkie-bunch, how we communicate can make or break a holiday event. I was anxious about how I might talk with an almost-relative who I knew I would be seeing soon. A friend counseled me: “Brag on her son when you see her.” That was great advice and smoothed over any awkwardness. You don’t need to make things up to be nice, but you can always be kind with your words.

Paul wrote…

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Lord God, I want to use my words for blessing (not cursing!) this holiday season. I will see some people I don’t know well nor see very often, and only You know what’s going on in their lives. May I look for ways to say kind things and believe the best about another even if they say something offensive to me. Help me respond rather than react, and if I know I’m getting impatient, may I give myself a time-out until I spend time communicating with You. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

God’s presence brings peace so I wonder, “Why don’t I always feel peaceful?” It’s a matter of the mind. Preparations for the holidays can fill my mind so much so I leave God on the perimeter and start wringing my hands in worry instead of folded in prayer to the One Who can actually do something about my anxieties. Jesus understood our proclivities to stew in the details of how much stew to make for how many guests as He recalls His Father’s loving care…

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:31–33 (NLT)

Father God, I’m so glad you are in the details. Remind me every day that You’ve got it all under control even if I don’t have it on the list or, God forbid, I lose those precious lists. Thank you that You know what I need and what my guests and family needs. Teach me how to seek Your kingdom above all else. As I set each table may I set my mind on things above. Thank You and Amen. 

PRAYER FOR FORBEARANCE 

I love that old-fashioned word. Think: patience. My sister heard this great definition: “Forbearance is putting up with more than you are due (or that you THINK you are due!)” The funny thing about forbearance is that we want everyone else to “forbear” with us but forget to forbear with everyone else, depending on how much coffee we’ve had or how little sleep we’ve managed. It can be tricky to rub shoulders and hips in close proximity in a kitchen meant for one and now there are five, and you just wish everyone would go away for thirty minutes so you could get yourself together. Instead, we are called to forbear…

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Dear Father, I have no excuse for not exercising patience with others. After all, You are amazingly patient with me. Grant me the grace to forgive, the cognizance to hold my tongue, and the humility to keep my huffiness at bay. May I love lavishly and find You at every turn of the shopping aisle and what space is left at the kitchen island. Thank You and Amen.

The holidays are full of both excitement and anxiety. I love these prayers for the holidays. They are the hope & attitude adjustment I need. #Prayer #Hope #Holidays #Hospitality #WWGGG

PRAYER FOR CELEBRATING

Holidays are for celebrating! I love a great tradition that brings joy and sweetness to friends and family. However, my love for Christ and my purpose to make all my life all about Him gets lost in the trappings of tradition and wrappings of “we-must-do-it-this-way-again-because-that-is-what-we’ve-always-done.” I’m fairly certain flexibility–not cleanliness–is next to godliness.

When I remember Who I treasure and surrender each event to God–no matter how small, commit each task to His favor–no matter how simple, I can celebrate with abandon: my family and friends, the music, food, decor, the dark nights and special lights, the fire in the fireplace or a simple candle.

I want my heart’s cry to be like the Psalmist’s…

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:25–26 (ESV)

Oh, God, I love You so! I celebrate You and what You purpose through my life. May I not be trapped by my traditions. I offer them all to You. Show me how to celebrate You best and foremost. May your love and sacrifice sink deep into my bones so that when people come into my home they know that they have been with Jesus. Now that’s something to celebrate! Thank You and Amen.

Sue Donaldson and her husband, Mark, live in San Luis Obispo, California. Sue taught high school English, part of the time in Brazil with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She and her husband, Mark, have raised 3 semi-adult daughters who keep them at the bank and on their knees. Sue loves connecting people to one another, to God, and to His Word, and has been speaking for the last 20 years or so with long pauses for babies, diapers and soccer pasta parties. She blogs at Welcome Heart.com – Ordinary Hospitality, Extraordinary God. 

Sue’s books include:

Come to My Table: God’s Hospitality and Yours
Hospitality, 101: Lessons from the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study
Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Answer Me When I Call - Psalm 4 Devotional by April Schwarz @ Fishy Mom

Answer Me When I Call
Psalm 4

by April Schwarz
@ Fishy Mom

How to Experience Peace While You Wait by Debbie Wilson @ Refreshing Faith

How to Experience Peace While You Wait

by Debbie Wilson
@ Refreshing Faith

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!

I’d love it if you would invite your friends to join us.
I visit every linked post and share many of them on social media.

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

And I’d love for you to join our new Facebook Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. Click on the link to learn more!

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thank you and God bless!

Simple Prayers that will Help You Praise God in the Storm

It's hard to praise God in the storm when I just want Him to stop the chaos. So, I've written prayers so I'm ready to praise Him even when life is hard. #Prayer #Faith #PraiseGod #Blessings #Hope

I can sing my heart out along with Casting Crowns anytime I hear – Praise You in this Storm.

And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Or with Mercy Me when I hear – Bring the Rain.

So I pray…

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I’ll admit, I’ve often had tears streaming down my face as I sing along because the truth is … sometimes it’s hard to praise and worship in the middle of the mess.

And it’s even harder to surrender the mess when I just want God to take it away. My heart wants to accept whatever it takes to bring Him glory but my stubborn humanness just wants it to go away.

When life is hard, my prayers include way more pleas than praise.

It hit me this week, that in those moments it would be so helpful if I had prayers of praise and worship ready to lift up when my heart hurts and soul aches … when I want to praise God in the storm.

And I thought you might find those prayers helpful too.

So, I’d love for you to join me as I pray…

Simple Prayers that Praise God in the Storm

It's hard to praise God in the storm when I just want Him to stop the chaos. So, I've written prayers so I'm ready to praise Him even when life is hard. #Prayer #Faith #PraiseGod #Blessings #Hope

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.”

Revelation 4:11

Father, when I look at the beauty of Your creation, I’m overwhelmed. You spoke and earth, sea, and sky came to be. Sun, moon, and stars filled the sky in perfect formation. Plants and animals filled the earth showing us Your creativity. Colors and forms beyond anything we could imagine came into being at Your command.

Then You created me and You even created people for me to love. Then when we made a mess of what You made … You gave us Your healing mercy and grace.

Thank you, Lord. I will lift Your name all the days of my life. You alone are worthy of my worship and praise for Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.

Psalm 103:1–2

Father, life is hard and I’ve prayed and prayed. When I concentrate my attention and energy on my problems, I’m frustrated and discouraged. But when I remember all You have done for me in the past and cling to Your promises to provide for me now and in the future … I can face today with hope and peace.

Thank you, Lord. Life is hard but You are able! When I face the impossible I can trust You to give me everything I need. So, I will praise You. I will tell others of Your goodness and grace and I will live today for Your glory.

 O Lord, You are my God. I will praise You. I will give thanks to Your name. For You have been faithful to do great things, plans that You made long ago.

Isaiah 25:1

Father, when I think of Your faithfulness, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and praise. Just a few verses later, Isaiah wrote — “You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat.”

You invite me to run to You in the middle of the storm and You promise to be my place of safety. Lord, I know You may not choose to change my circumstances but I believe You are forever faithful to give me everything I need to endure through. My days do not come as a surprise to You and with Your Spirit’s help, I can live each one for Your glory.

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

Psalm 34:4–5

Father, this verse is so personal to me. You allowed me to live through one of my greatest fears and taught me that You are truly greater than my worst concern. You have and continue to forgive me … replacing my pain with the joy of Your presence.

David wrote, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!” And all I can say is, “Amen!”

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:1–2,14

Father, I just want to thank and praise You for Jesus! The Word – who was with You at creation and promised by the prophets. The Word – who became fully human and lived a perfect life … full of inexhaustible love and truth.

And Your Word says, that because of Jesus, I can truly know You. Jesus Himself said, “No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” So today, I simply want to thank and praise You for allowing me to know and love You through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I surrender my all to You. In the storm or when skies are clear, I will trust Your love, worship and praise Your holy name, and live each moment for Your glory. Help me by Your grace and the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It's hard to praise God in the storm when I just want Him to stop the chaos. So, I've written prayers so I'm ready to praise Him even when life is hard. #Prayer #Faith #PraiseGod #Blessings #Hope

One of the things I love about the Bible is reading the accounts of people of faith who were able to praise God in the storm.

I’m also thankful for the accounts of people like me, who at times cried out in fear before they felt God’s peace and strength … before their pleas became praise.

So, I will keep these prayers close at hand, always ready to praise God who is with me even in the worst of storms.

When life is hard and I want to praise God in the storm!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

How the Holy Spirit Inspires Christians to Serve Him by Valerie Murray @ Cord of 6

How the Holy Spirit Inspires Christians to Serve Him

by Valerie Murray
@ Cord of 6

7 Practical Ways for Engaging the Scripture When Days are Busy by and @ Deborah Haddix

7 Practical Ideas for Engaging the Scripture When Days are Busy

by and @ Deborah Haddix



AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

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Thank you and God bless!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help When You are All Used Up

When you are all used up, depleted, and exhausted by life...you need help. Jesus says, "Come to me and rest." These verses and prayers go to Jesus for help. #Prayer #Exhausted #Hope #Blessings

Do you ever feel used up and depleted emotionally?

Times when you get to the end of the day and you are all used up and the thought of getting up and doing it all again tomorrow feels like more than you can take?

I have friends who are dealing with…

  • physical and/or mental illness
  • emotional trauma
  • major life changes
  • rebellious children
  • grief
  • loneliness
  • stress
  • problems that seem to never go away

And so many who are simply exhausted because their to-do list is waaay longer than the amount of time they have available.

If any of that describes you … you’ve come to the right place today.

I’m taking my “all used up” feelings to the Lord. I’m taking my circumstances and emotions and laying them at the throne of grace. Then I’m going get away with Jesus to a quiet place and rest with Him.

And I’d love for you to join me…

5 Verses to Pray that will Help When You are All Used Up

When you are all used up, depleted, and exhausted by life...you need help. Jesus says, "Come to me and rest." These verses and prayers go to Jesus for help. #Prayer #Exhausted #Hope #Blessings

 Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4:16

Father, thank you for inviting me to come to You with everything. What an amazing gift to know that I can enter Your throne room because Jesus has made it possible. The words before this verse bring peace to my weary soul … [He] “understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.”

Jesus lived the perfect life I am unable to live and endured the punishment I deserve so I can come to You and receive. All because of Jesus, I receive Your mercy, grace, and help.

Thank you! I need You today. I need Your mercy to cover the things I’ve done and the things others have done to bring to this place of feeling all used up. I need Your grace to fill me with hope and remind me that this is a season to walk through not a permanent situation. And I need Your help Lord as I work to put one foot in front of the other and live today. Please give me all I need to live this day for Your glory.

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told Him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”

Mark 6:30–31

Father, I love this moment in Your Word. The apostles had to be so full of emotion. They had experienced the highs and lows of ministry … the overwhelming blessings and exhausting challenges.

And Jesus in all wisdom says, “Come off by yourselves. Let’s take a break and get a little rest.”

I need time to get away with You and rest. Please help me see where I can make choices that will give me that time I need. Please give me wisdom to know when it’s okay to say “no” to life’s demands. And please fill my heart and mind with peace, strength, and encouragement as I sit quietly and Your feet and rest in Your presence. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Jesus, I am weary and at moments this burden feels like it is more than I can endure. And You say, “Come to me.” Your promise to “give me rest.” And you do that by helping me carry this burden. You promise that when I walk with You my burdens are easier to bear.

You don’t promise to remove them … You promise to help me carry them. And when I remember the times you have helped me in the past, I am strengthened and encouraged. You have never left me alone in the past. You have always been with me, even in my darkest moments.

So, I’m coming to you again today. I need You to help me carry this weight and give me the rest I need to move ahead in faith.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
    for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will not be shaken.

Psalm 62:5–6

Father, please forgive me. I can get so busy and overwhelmed by my circumstances and feelings that I forget to wait quietly before You. I stubbornly try to do things my own way, charging through life as my thoughts dart from one problem to another and my hope begins to fade.

But Lord, my hope is not in things of the world. My hope is in You. My hope comes from You. It is a gift You give to me through Your Spirit. The One who reminds me that You alone are my Rock and my Salvation! You alone are my firm foundation … the Savior on whom my hope is built. And by Your grace, I will not be shaken by the circumstances of my life. As I live through this season You are allowing, I will remember that I am not alone. The One who holds the stars … holds me.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7

Father, I give it all to You! My worries and cares. My burdens. My overwhelmed emotions and my “all used up” exhaustion. My pain and heartache. My fear and anxiety. Everything! I bring it to You. I will live today under Your care.

I will live with hope! I will stand on faith! I will trust Your love. In Jesus precious holy name. Amen.

When you are all used up, depleted, and exhausted by life...you need help. Jesus says, "Come to me and rest." These verses and prayers go to Jesus for help. #Prayer #Exhausted #Hope #Blessings

Friend, I’ve realized that when I feel all used up … it’s usually because I’m trying to do it “all” on my own.

It’s when I’m worried about people and things and situations over which I have no control.

The blessing is we know the One who is in control. When I surrender the things over which I have no control to Him in prayer, and trust Him to do what only He can do … He fills me with everything I need.

And I believe by His grace, He will give you everything you need as well!

And if you need some specific tips of things you can do to turn things around when you’re exhausted, check out – This is for You – the One Exhausted by Life.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

5 Ways to Find Quiet in a Noisy World

by and @ Rebecca Hastings

How to Trust God When You Feel Betrayed by Him by and @ April Knapp

How to Trust God When You Feel Betrayed by Him

by and @ April Knapp



AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thank you and God bless!

5 Prayers that will Help When You Want to Focus on Jesus

It's hard to focus on Jesus when circumstances are hard and life is crazy but the Bible says it's the way to have peace, strength, and the change you want. #Faith #Prayer #Jesus #Blessings

I don’t know about you, but one of the hardest parts of walking in faith for me is keeping my focus on Jesus.

It’s easy for me to get tossed around by my circumstances and my thoughts about those circumstances. Like the disciples, I can get so frightened by the storms that I fail to remember I have the One who calms the storm with me.

I can hear Jesus say…

“Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Mark 4:40

And I realize it’s because even though the Lord has revealed His power countless times (His power to calm storms and/or to strengthen and calm me), I can still let life’s concerns distract and unsettle me.

I take my focus off Jesus and deny myself the blessings He wants me to have … blessings He wants to give me.

Today, I’m going to the Bible and praying God’s Word, asking for help to focus on Jesus and receive the strength and peace I need when the storms blow in and rock my boat.

I’d love for you to pray with me…

5 Prayers that will Help When You Want to Focus on Jesus

It's hard to focus on Jesus when circumstances are hard and life is crazy but the Bible says it's the way to have peace, strength, and the change you want. #Faith #Prayer #Jesus #Blessings

“Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”

Psalm 46:10

Father, when the enemy uses the noise of this world, the lure of negativity and controversy on social media, and circumstances in my life to distract, discourage, and distress me … please help me. Please forgive me for the times I’ve joined in on the noise and negativity. Forgive me for the times I’ve agonized over the way things might be without trusting You to give me everything I need to live today with the way things are.

Please help me to “be still and know” You. Help me remember the many times You have met my need in the past. The times You have calmed the storm and delivered me. And the times You have allowed the storm to continue but given me strength and peace. You are Lord of all – worthy of all my worship and praise. Thank you!

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Hebrews 12:1b–2a

Father, Forgive my stumbles and weaknesses. Forgive me for the times I’ve gotten off track because of fear, worry, and doubt. You have plans and purposes prepared for me as I run my race. Please help me. Give me the endurance I need to keep moving along the path. Help me keep my focus on Jesus, the One in whom my faith is found.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

Father, Please help me focus my heart and mind on You and on Your truth as You have revealed it through Your Word. You tell us what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, and admirable. Please forgive me for the times I have listened to and entertained distortions of Your Word. By the power of Your Spirit, please help me.

Father, I love You! By Your grace, help me SEEK You first. love You with all I am, and focus my heart and mind on that You have made excellent and praiseworthy!

My child, pay attention to what I say.
    Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:20–21

Father, may I make time with You a priority in my life. May I sit at Your feet through the study of Your Word and may I prayerfully talk with You throughout each day. Lord, may Your truth be so imprinted on my heart and mind that I rely on them when the enemy tempts me and the world unsettles me.

Father, there are so many things I could do better that would guard my heart. I could carefully limit my time on social media and show more discernment in the things I choose for entertainment. Please help me make wise choices on the teachings I absorb, the books I read, and the things I hear and observe. By the power of Your Spirit, help me make decisions that are pleasing to You.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Father, I give my life to You. I surrender my heart and mind and ask You to transform me into the person You want me to be. Mold me. Change me. Focus my heart on mind on You that I might know and follow Your will for me. Your Word says that when I seek You first … You will give me everything I need. What an awesome and amazing blessing! Thank you! Help me, in the name of Jesus, trust and obey Your good, pleasing, and perfect will for my good and Your glory. Amen.

It's hard to focus on Jesus when circumstances are hard and life is crazy but the Bible says it's the way to have peace, strength, and the change you want. #Faith #Prayer #Jesus #Blessings

Sometimes I wish God’s transformation was more like flippin’ a switch than remodeling a house. The process of knocking down walls, tossing the junk, replacing and rebuilding with new … is slow and tedious.

It takes patience.

Once again, I’m thanking God for His patience and persistence with me as He works to change me. I’m praising Him for the gift of His Spirit who helps me focus on Jesus and receive peace and strength when I’m impatient and discouraged.

God’s grace is sufficient. It is well with my soul.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

How to Rise Above Sinking Circumstances as a Christian by Diana Abe @ Diana's Diaries

How to Rise Above Sinking
Circumstances as a Christian

by Diana Abe
@ Diana’s Diaries

Good News and God News About Love by Karen Friday @ Karen "Girl" Friday

Good News and God News About Love

by Karen Friday
@ Karen “Girl” Friday



AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thank you and God bless!

Verses that will Help You to Pray Every Day

The Bible tells us to never stop praying and pray about everything. These prompts, verses, and prayers that will help you want to pray every day. #Prayer #Bible #Faith #Blessings

I love praying Scripture.

Each morning, I sit with my Bible and journal … writing the verses the Lord uses to speak to my heart. Then I write the prayers those verses inspire.

At the bottom of each journal page, I have a section where I list the prayer needs of friends and family as I stop to lift them up before the Lord.

The greatest struggle I have when I stop to pray every day is knowing what to pray for myself. Oh sure, I shoot quick bullet prayers to the Lord throughout the day but actually stopping to pray over my life is hard for me.

I faithfully and easily ask God to help me seek Him first and love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

But to pray every day for everything … for the “stuff,” the needs and anxious thoughts that distract me and the things I dream, those are often hard for me to put into words.

And I wonder if you might understand the struggle.

So, I’ve looked for verses to encourage us to pray without ceasing about everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Philippians 4:6) And I’m writing prayers I believe will help when it’s hard to find the words.

I’m so glad you’re here to join me…

Verses that will Help You to Pray Every Day

The Bible tells us to never stop praying and pray about everything. These prompts, verses, and prayers that will help you want to pray every day. #Prayer #Bible #Faith #Blessings

♥ Give Thanks

When my needs overwhelm me, I want to remember to begin my prayers by being thankful!

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Colossians 4:2

Father, You are loving, faithful, and good. Your mercy and grace touch every part of my life. Thank you for Jesus, for being with me, for forgiving me, and caring for me. Thank you for blessing my life today with __________.

♥ Grow in Faith

My greatest prayer this year is to be a SEEKER through His Word and prayer. What a blessing to know that He wants to give us all we need to trust and follow His will each day.

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7

Father, help me know and love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Teach me Your promises and work in my heart and mind to surrender my all to You, faithfully trusting Your perfect will. Today, I’m struggling in this area of my faith, ___________. Please pour out Your Spirit and help me.

♥ Increase in Wisdom

The world wants to give us a distorted version of wisdom. I want and need godly wisdom to guide me and I love that the Lord invites us to ask and promises to give us the wisdom we need.

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.

Proverbs 3:13

Father, please give me the wisdom I need to make godly decisions each day. When I rely on my own wisdom or the world’s confusing messages … life is harder and I struggle to find joy. But You promise to give wisdom to those who ask … please help me, guide me, and give me all I need to trust and obey.

♥ Things that Worry You

Sometimes it feels like the world is changing at lightning speed and the number of things to worry about is increasing exponentially. I love that I can be honest and take every worry to God in prayer.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

Philippians 4:6

Father, life is busy and changes seem to be happening around me constantly. Today, I’m worried about __________. Your word tells me not to worry but some days my circumstances seem overwhelming. Thank you for all the ways You have helped us in the past and please give me everything I need to trust You today.

♥ For Courage and Strength

I am neither courageous nor am I strong. I love that I can come to God and ask Him to help me face each day with courage and strength.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 40:10

Father, I’m really struggling with __________ today. What-ifs frighten me. It’s hard for me to do what I have to do. You tell me not to be afraid because You are with me … that You will hold me up and give me the courage and strength. I need You. Please help me.

The Bible tells us to never stop praying and pray about everything. These prompts, verses, and prayers that will help you want to pray every day. #Prayer #Bible #Faith #Blessings

♥ For Your Daily Needs

I love that we can come to God with everything and anything. Big or small, basic or out of the ordinary … God wants to come to Him with child-like faith in prayer about everything.

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things … Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”

Luke 12:29,31

Father, Please help me trust you with all my needs. Help me discern the difference between my needs and my wants. Help me seek You over everything else in my life and trust that You know what is best for me. Today I need Your help with __________. Please give me the wisdom and help I need to do to accomplish all You want for me today.

♥ For Your Hopes and Dreams

I love that God plants seeds of hope and gives us dreams to serve Him and use the gifts and talents He’s given us. And I love that He wants us to talk about our those hopes and dreams with Him.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20

Father, I’m excited and nervous about __________. You have shown me possibilities and I’m not sure the best ways to pursue them. Please guide me by Your mercy and grace. Show me the best path for the future. Open doors that are good for me and shut tight those that are not.

Father, thank you for inviting me to come to You in prayer. Thank you for Jesus … whose sacrifice makes it possible for me to enter the throne room with my gratitude, worries, needs, hopes, and dreams. Please forgive me for the ways I have fallen short of Your will for me. Guide me. Help me. Make me more like Jesus. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

May your days be blessed with the Lord’s presence as you turn to Him and pray every day.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

to Be Seen Known and Loved by Stephanie @ InstaEncouragements

To Be Seen Known and Loved

by Stephanie
@ InstaEncouragements

Spiritual Renewal is Possible by Jana Carlson @ Wield the Word

Spiritual Renewal is Possible

by Jana Carlson
@ Wield the Word



AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thank you and God bless!

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to be Strong

When the challenge your facing feels overwhelming and it's hard to be strong, it's time to pray. These 5 Bible verses and prayers will help when it's hard for you to find the words. #Prayer #Faith #BeStrong #Hope

You tossed and turned most of the night and still, you can’t believe it’s morning already.

The challenge you’re facing feels overwhelming and if you could, you’d just pull the covers over your head and stay in bed … all … day.

Oh, I can relate!

Truth is … you and I have to live through what Jesus called “trouble” more often than we’d like.

“I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.”

John 16:33

I’ll admit, I hate the “trouble!” I’m guessing you do too!

But you and I can be “brave.” We can be strong because Jesus defeated evil.

  • By living a perfect sinless life.
  • Through His suffering and death.
  • Through His resurrection.

He spoke those words just prior to His arrest. He knew what was coming. Jesus was no stranger to “troubles.”

He understands … and that truth gives us strength and hope when our giants loom large.

Whatever you and I are going through … whether it is a failing relationship, a daunting diagnosis, a financial concern, a legal problem, a what do I do now decision, or an ongoing pain that feels like it will never end.

Whatever it is … the Lord is able to give us everything we need to be strong one day at a time.

But I’ll admit…

When I’m going through “trouble” it’s hard for me to turn from my restless anxiety and focus on God’s all-sufficient grace.

Which is why I need to pray. I’d love for you to join me.

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to be Strong

When the challenge your facing feels overwhelming and it's hard to be strong, it's time to pray. These 5 Bible verses and prayers will help when it's hard for you to find the words. #Prayer #Faith #BeStrong #Hope

I was so foolish and ignorant—
    I must have seemed like a senseless
animal to You.
Yet I still belong to You;
    You hold my right hand.
You guide me with Your counsel,
    leading me to a glorious destiny.
Whom have I in heaven but You?
    I desire You more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
    but God remains the strength of my heart;
    He is mine forever.

Psalm 73:22–26

Father, You gave me Psalm 73:26 to claim as my own, when my heart was broken.

And I can so relate to the words above…

I’ve had many times when I’ve made foolish choices. Yet … You continued to call me Your own. You held me close and patiently taught me Your truth.

Thank you for Your loving me and covering me with Your grace and mercy. Thank you for Your healing touch … for holding me and for giving me strength when I was at my weakest.

Father, thank you for guiding me. There is nothing in this life I desire more than You. Even if my health fails and my spirit is weak, I believe You will always be my strength. In Jesus name. Amen.

Remember that I commanded you to
be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid,
because the Lord your God will be
with you everywhere you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Father, on my own, I’m not strong … not even a little bit. And this problem feels overwhelming.

But then I remember, You divided the Sea (Exodus 14) and used a marching band to defeat a city (Joshua 6). You gave life to dry bones (Ezekiel 37) and healed a broken world through Your Son.

My circumstances are not too great for You. Please help me turn my focus from the problem to You, the One who already knows the outcome. Please make me aware of Your presence. Help me trust Your will for me. Help me follow wherever You lead with courage and strength.

God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1,10–11

Father, You are my safe place and source of strength.

Your Word says You are always ready to help me. You invite me to “be still” and know You … Lord of all, God of gods, and King of kings.

Father, I need You to help me be strong.

I need You.

So, I will quietly sit here in Your presence trusting that You will give me whatever I need to face the day ahead. Thank you, Lord.

When the challenge your facing feels overwhelming and it's hard to be strong, it's time to pray. These 5 Bible verses and prayers will help when it's hard for you to find the words. #Prayer #Faith #BeStrong #Hope

The Lord is king. He is clothed in majesty.
    The Lord is clothed in majesty
    and armed with strength.
The world is set,
    and it cannot be moved.
Lord, Your kingdom was set up long ago;
    You are everlasting.

Psalm 93:1–2

Father, this world is Yours … everything in it. You speak the word and creation obeys.

Sometimes when I look around, I see a world in chaos. People turning on each other over ideology. Terrorism. War. Natural disasters. Personally, we are suffering with broken relationships, financial hardships, and health concerns. And we’re afraid.

Yet, nothing is new to You. You have always known the end from the beginning and You are always in control. Father, please help me keep my eyes focused on You, for You are able to make me strong today and give me the hope I need for tomorrow.

I begged the Lord three times to take
this problem away from me.
But He said to me,
“My grace is enough for you.
When you are weak,
my power is made perfect in you.”
So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses.
Then Christ’s power can live in me.
For this reason, I am happy when
I have weaknesses, insults,
hard times, sufferings,
and all kinds of troubles for Christ.
Because when I am weak,
then I am truly strong.

2 Corinthians 12:8–10

Father, Help me remember that whatever I’m going through … Your grace is enough for today. Please help me remember that when my circumstances don’t change … when the struggle I’m facing doesn’t end.

I’ve prayed and prayed and You quietly remind me of  Your more than enough grace. You are able to help me face today and I believe You will help me face tomorrow … because You have strengthened me through many yesterdays. Thank you!

I know Jesus is with me and Your Spirit is within me. I trust You to guide me. and give me all I need … joy in the midst of weakness and strength to live through this trouble with courage.

Thank you, Father. With Your help, I will be strong and live this day surrendered to You. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

God knows exactly what you need to be strong.

He is with you.

And..

He will give you what you need today and what you need again tomorrow.

When I’m tempted to center my attention on my struggle and anxiously remind myself that I’m not enough … that I can’t, I will turn to the One who is able to give me exactly what I need through His grace, mercy, and love.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

When Your Busted Flip-Flop Speaks to You by Lauren Sparks

When Your Busted Flip-Flop Speaks To You

by Lauren Sparks
Where Thoughts of a Special Needs Mom
Intersects with the Cross of Christ

10 Powerful Bible Verses to Help When You Fear the Future by Tammy Kennington

10 Powerful Bible Verses to Help When You Fear the Future

by Tammy Kennington
Restoring Hope. Pursuing Peace


AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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Thank you and God bless!

5 Verses to Pray When You are in a Time of Change

It’s that time of the year…

I’ve heard friends are calling it #Maycember.

And I understand. I still remember overstuffed calendar pages filled with end of the school year events and activities, and although the days were long and exhausting, that wasn’t the hardest part…

The hardest part was dealing with impending CHANGE!

Any time of change is part of life but it's not always a welcome part. It can spike your stress level and leave you sleepless. Let's pray about it... #Prayer #Faithblogger #LinkParty #SeekGodFirst #GoodNews

The end of every school year was another reminder that my children were growing up!

Change is part of life but in all honesty, it’s not always a welcome part of life, is it?

Our children growing up makes us emotional but it’s anticipated and expected … honestly, they’re supposed to grow up.

But what about the unexpected changes that spike our stress levels and leave us staring at the ceiling each night.

Things like…

  • losing a job.
  • receiving a difficult diagnosis.
  • caring for an ailing parent.
  • having an unforeseen/overwhelming expense.
  • moving.
  • finding out you’re pregnant.

Good or not so good – change is often stressful.

So today, we’re taking our time of change to the throne of grace … asking God to meet every need and give us His hard to understand peace.

5 Verses to Pray When You are in a Time of Change

Any time of change is part of life but it's not always a welcome part. It can spike your stress level and leave you sleepless. Let's pray about it... #Prayer #Faithblogger #LinkParty #SeekGodFirst #GoodNews

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

Father, You have faithfully given me everything I need in the past and I know You are with me today. Why is it so hard to simply wait trusting You will faithfully give me what I will need tomorrow.

Life is hard. When I look around it’s easy to see that plenty of bad things happen. And this change, Father, feels like it could go either way. So, please help me remember all You have done for me in the past. Help me trust You to give me all I need tomorrow. And fill me with Your Spirit that I might experience Your hard to explain or understand peace.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Psalm 32:8

Father, I love this promise. It comforts me. I can trust You to guide me and You always guide with love and wisdom because You are Love and Wisdom! I am never alone, even during this time of change! You are watching over me. Your Spirit is with and within me guiding me according to Your will. Help me quickly and willingly follow wherever You lead.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Oh, Father, please help me remember this … You are with me. You will never leave me. And Your love never fails. Through this time of change calm my fears and help me defeat discouragement as I continually keep in mind that whatever tomorrow may bring—You are already there. Nothing comes as a surprise to You. Father, You know exactly what I need today and exactly what I will need tomorrow.

You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in You,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on You!  Trust in the Lord always,
    for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:3–4

Father, I do trust You. I will not be shaken when I trust Your Word and Your promises. I can experience peace even through uncertain times when I remained focused on who You are and all You’ve done. You are my Creator, Redeemer, Comforter, Helper, Healer, Shepherd, and Provider. You are my Lord and Savior … I can face tomorrow secure in Your mighty power and unchanging love.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Father, thank you! Your Word, from beginning to end, points to Jesus. John called Him the Word, with You from before the beginning of time. (John 1:1) The One promised in the Garden. (Genesis 3:15) The Word made flesh … full of unfailing love and faithfulness. (John 1:14) The Alpha and Omega … the One who always was and always will be forever. (Revelation 1:8) The One who sits on the throne. (Revelation 5:13) The One who is coming soon. (Revelation 22:21)

When I keep my heart and mind focused on Jesus with an eternal perspective … this time of change simply becomes part of the adventure we are taking together.

Father, thank you for never leaving me to face day to day adventure alone and thank you for making it possible for me to know with confidence that my adventure will continue forever in Your presence. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

Any time of change is part of life but it's not always a welcome part. It can spike your stress level and leave you sleepless. Let's pray about it... #Prayer #Faithblogger #LinkParty #SeekGodFirst #GoodNews

Friend, if you’re going through a time of change…

My Bible reading this week included Psalm 103…

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things He does for me.

Psalm 103:1–2

David continued by naming things he wanted to remember. Things like…

  • forgiveness
  • healing
  • righteousness and justice
  • redemption
  • tender mercy
  • compassion and patience
  • grace and unfailing love

You and I can trust God through each and every time of change be He is unchanging. We love, trust, and pray to the same heavenly Father that David did and all of those “good things” He did for David … He continues to do in your life and mine.

When I remember all that God has done for me in the past I have strength and courage for today and hope for tomorrow.

Praise the Lord!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Before She Was Your Mother by Pam Ecrement @ A New Lens

Before She Was Your Mother

by Pam Ecrement
@ A New Lens

20 Reason You are a Great Mom by Dr. Michelle Bengtson @ Hope Prevails

20 Reasons You are a Great Mom

by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
@ Hope Prevails


AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thank you and God bless!

5 Verses to Pray When You are Sick and Tired of Waiting

We quickly get tired of waiting in lines, traffic, and waiting rooms. When God says "wait" and we don't know what that means for the future - it's hard! #Prayer #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #BibleVerses #CountingMyBlessings

Waiting is my favorite … said no one ever!

Entire industries have been developed because we want what they want and we don’t want to wait for it!

We hate waiting in lines. Traffic jams make our heads spin around. We pull our phones out to pass the time in waiting rooms and still we grow more impatient with each passing moment.

So, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that we really struggle when God’s answer to one of our prayers is … “not now.” Especially because He doesn’t tell us when. He simply says, “wait.”

And waiting is hard. I know … we’ve had some experience with waiting.

Let me give you a few personal examples…

Rev and I experienced seven years of secondary infertility. Years of temperature charts and hormonal roller coasters.

We waited almost a year for a diagnosis when Rev was ill and that was just the beginning of many more months of waiting on treatment, surgery, and praise God … healing.

Then my mom took a terrible fall and broke her neck, wrist, and hip. We waited for weeks as she seemed to be recovering … only to have her fall again and die from her injuries.

Six weeks after my mom died, our first grandchild was born at 24 weeks, weighing just a little over a pound and a half. And we waited and waited as he spent time in hospitals and doctor’s offices. Praise God … he is a happy and healthy 11-year-old today!

Friend, I get it! Waiting is hard!

And one of the hardest parts of waiting on God is although He knows the outcome … you and I do not.

Maybe you’re waiting because of a health issue, a relationship struggle, or a financial problem. Maybe you need a door to open professionally. Maybe you’re waiting on a loved one to surrender their heart to Jesus.

Whatever you’re waiting for … God’s Word tells us to bring our prayers to the Lord as we wait with hope. So, today we will pray..

5 Verses to Pray When You are Sick and Tired of Waiting

We quickly get tired of waiting in lines, traffic, and waiting rooms. When God says "wait" and we don't know what that means for the future - it's hard! #Prayer #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #BibleVerses #CountingMyBlessings
Psalm 27:7–8

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”


Father, I feel like I’ve prayed for this a hundred times or more. My heart cries out. Sometimes I feel like a pestering child pleading again and again … asking You to give me the answer my heart desires. And yet, as many times as I come to You, You never turn me away.

You say, “Come and talk with me.” So, here I am once again. Please strengthen me while I wait and help me trust Your will for me. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me Your peace. I can’t do this on my own. But I believe Your promise that I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13) Amen.

Isaiah 55:8–9

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

Father, forgive me. I really am shortsighted. I only see my immediate needs. It’s hard to imagine the “what-ifs” of the future. But You know them all. You see the end from the beginning. And not just the big picture, You are personally involved in the details of my life.

Help me trust You! Help me know that if You ask me to wait … there is a good reason. Help me rest knowing that whatever You allow, even this season of waiting, is filtered through Your love. Hold me close, Father, and bless me with Your perfect peace. Amen.

Romans 8:24–28

(If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Father, waiting patiently and confidently is hard … especially when the enemy taunts me with doubts and fears. Please place a hedge of protection around my heart and mind. Give me Your promises to defeat the enemy’s lies in my life.

Thank you, for this word of promise that even when I’m discouraged and exhausted from waiting, Your Spirit continues to pray for me in line with what You know is best for me. And then … You graciously and lovingly work it all out for good.

I’ll admit, sometimes Your answers don’t seem “good” at the moment but with Your help, I will trust that You know what is best for my eternal good even when I don’t understand right now. I surrender this need to Your love and care. Amen.

Psalm 40:1–3

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.

Father, I want to wait patiently for Your help. But honestly, I’m not very good at it. I can be whiney and pouty. Sometimes I sound like those complaining wilderness wanderers. But You never stop loving me. You hear my cries from the pits I dig for myself and You reach down when I’m sinking in self-pity … gently offering me Your outstretched hand.

By Your grace, help me to look up. Make me aware of all You are faithfully doing on my behalf. And help me to trust You to lift me up and lead me. You not only know what lies ahead for me; You promise to go with me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Psalm 33:20–22 (NCV)

So our hope is in the Lord. He is our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in Him because we trust His holy name. Lord, show Your love to us as we put our hope in You.

Father, whatever happens today … my hope is in You. While I wait … my hope is in You. I believe that You are protecting me in countless ways.

I trust You to give me everything I need to wait today and I will trust You to give me everything I need again tomorrow.

Yes, I will continue to ask. I will seek and I will knock on the throne room door. I will come to You in faith trusting that You always keep Your promises. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might experience “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” today. By Your grace and for Your glory … in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

We quickly get tired of waiting in lines, traffic, and waiting rooms. When God says "wait" and we don't know what that means for the future - it's hard! #Prayer #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #BibleVerses #CountingMyBlessings

Yes, waiting is hard.

But you and I don’t wait alone. By God’s grace, we have the Holy Spirit who is holding us up before the throne of grace. Jesus called Him, the Advocate … the Spirit of truth (John 15:26) He is with us and in us giving us what we need while we wait.

If you’re tired of waiting for something today … I would love to join you in prayer. Please leave your prayer request in the comments or on the Blessing Counters Pray Page.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

3 Fantastic Ways to Pass the Hope of Easter to Our Children by and @ Crystal Twaddell

3 Fantastic Ways to Pass the Hope of Easter to Our Children

by and @ Crystal Twaddell

16 Names of God and What They Mean by Patsy Burnette @ InstaEncouragements

16 Names of God and What They Mean

by Patsy Burnette
@ InstaEncouragements


AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thank you and God bless!

5 Prayers that will Increase Your Faith When You are Worried

Praying God's promises and asking Him to help us seek Him first, increase our faith, and trust His promises ... things we need to have courage and strength when we're worried. #TrustGod'sPromises #Faith #BibleStudy #Hope #CountingMyBlessings

Why do I put myself out there week after week telling you about my struggle with worry and anxiety?

Because I hated it! And if, by God’s grace, one or two of you might be spared the emotional, mental, and physical suffering that accompanies perpetual worry … I will shout my story from the rooftops.

In all honesty, the problem for me was … weak faith.

I had a list of things that terrified me. Things I believed I couldn’t survive even with all of God’s promises to the contrary.

Luke chapter 12 begins with these words spoken by Jesus…

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.”

And then the promise…

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.”

Luke 12:31

Everything! No qualifiers. No exceptions.

Look at what follows…

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

Luke 12:32

“Great happiness” … your Father will not withhold a thing from those who seek Him.

The Life Application Notes say…

To “seek the Kingdom of God above all else” means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything.

Oh, how I wish I could consistently do that!

I know, when I put God first, when I fill my thoughts with His truth and promises, when I prayerfully want what He wants for me, and when I spend my time living for Him – I’m not worried!

So, today I’m praying God’s promises and asking Him to help me seek Him first, to increase my faith, and trust His promises to give me everything I need when I’m worried. I’d love for you to join me…

5 Prayers that will Increase Your Faith When You are Worried

Praying God's promises and asking Him to help us seek Him first, increase our faith, and trust His promises ... things we need to have courage and strength when we're worried. #TrustGod'sPromises #Faith #BibleStudy #Hope #CountingMyBlessings

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Father, I need You to hold me up. I need You to strengthen me and help me.

I don’t want to worry. I don’t want to be afraid or discouraged. My heart wants to seek You first and trust You completely.

Please help me. By the power of Your Spirit, fill my thoughts with Your truth, Your promises. Help me want what You want for me. Help me know that if You have not allowed something … if it’s not in Your will then it’s not for my good. Even when I don’t understand.

With Your Spirit’s help, I will surrender this day to You trusting that You will give me everything I need. Amen.

“Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”
1The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress. 

Psalm 46:10–11

Father, for this moment … quiet my mind and my spirit as I sit here with You. I know You are sovereign, Lord of lords and King of kings. Whether people realize it today or not, at some point every knee will bow before You. You will be honored everywhere by everyone.

And the overwhelming miracle … You love me. You are with me. You care for me. You call me Your child.

So, like a little child is unafraid curled up in her daddy’s lap … I will rest in You! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is with me protecting me. I have nothing to worry about! Amen.

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you.

1 Peter 4:19

Father, suffering is never pleasant and honestly, it’s hard to imagine that any suffering “pleases” You. Yet, Your Word tells us there is evil in this world and You sometimes allow it to touch Your children that they might show others Your ability to give them everything they need as they suffer.

You never fail Your children. I believe that! You have proven it time after time. Thank you! I will trust You! I will stand secure on the promise that Your grace is sufficient to meet every need every day. Amen.

Praying God's promises and asking Him to help us seek Him first, increase our faith, and trust His promises ... things we need to have courage and strength when we're worried. #TrustGod'sPromises #Faith #BibleStudy #Hope #CountingMyBlessings

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:33–34

Father, Help me want You more than anything.

Jesus said that Your Kingdom is a priceless treasure, (Matthew 13:44) worth more than anything this world can offer; yet, You give it as a gift. By Your grace, You give Your children … peace, joy, patience, hope, love, and so much more. I have no reason to worry when I know You will give me what I need.

Please help me keep my heart and mind focused on You today, trusting that whatever this day offers You are with me and You are all I need. Amen.

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

Father, thank you for giving me this promise to hold in my heart as I lived through that painful and difficult time. You proved to me that You are able to give me the strength I need each moment. Day after day, You showed me that You will never leave or forsake me. You are mine forever. Whatever happens I can trust in You and that is a truth I can hold close any time I am tempted to worry. Amen.

I’d love to be able to tell you that I’m worry-free but you probably wouldn’t believe me anyway. Understandably!

Although, I’ll admit I still have “what-if” thoughts … I no longer live consumed by those thoughts. With God’s help, I’m able to prayerfully give my worries to God as I ask Him to replace them with “everything I need.”

And He is faithful, which is why…

I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.

Psalm 73:28

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

When Jesus Didn't Show Up: Four Vital Truths About Prayer by Julia Kyte @ Committing My Way


When Jesus Didn’t Show Up:
Four Vital Truths About Prayer

by Julia Kyte
@ Committing My Way

How to Slow Down When Life is Too Fast by Christine Wood @ Living with Margins


How to Slow Down When Life is Too Fast

by Christine Wood
@ Living With Margins


AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

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Deb Wolf
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I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

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5 Verses and Prayers that will Draw You Closer to Jesus

Verses and prayers for the season of Lent that will draw you closer to Jesus through reflection, anticipation, and hope. #Jesus #Lent #BibleStudy #VersestoPray #CountingMyBlessings

Why in the world do we talk about Lent anyway?

Many churches have stopped making much of this season of preparation but I’ve always found it a blessing to slow down a little and prayerfully think about all Jesus has graciously done for me through His life, death, and resurrection.

I see comments out there from people who are giving something up as a way of fasting … not as a diet or to better the environment (I understand there’s a push to give up plastic this year) but as a way to consider what Jesus may have felt as He lived out 40 Days of fasting in the wilderness.

And actively taking on some small form of self-sacrifice as a way of remembering Jesus’ far greater sacrifice can be a beautiful way of drawing closer to Jesus.

However…

For the past few years, I’ve chosen to add rather give up. So, I make a plan each Lenten season to intentionally spend even more time in prayer and Bible study than I do throughout the rest of the year.

Why?

Because I want to use this time to reflect on being humble, repentant, and grateful for Jesus gracious sacrifice that saved me.

And … I also want to use it as a time of anticipation…

Not just the anticipation of remembering and celebrating Jesus’ “Easter” resurrection but as a time of heartfelt preparation for His glorious promised return.

So, what is Lent for me?

It’s living in awe and wonder at God’s amazing grace, underserved mercy … and unfailing love! The reasons that bring me to my knees in humble repentance, reflection, and anticipation.

So, I’m praying today and asking God to fill me with His Spirit and to draw me closer to Jesus.

Most of all, I’m praying that He will help me love Him more and more each day.

5 Verses and Prayers that will Draw You Closer to Jesus

Verses and prayers for the season of Lent that will draw you closer to Jesus through reflection, anticipation, and hope. #Jesus #Lent #BibleStudy #VersestoPray #CountingMyBlessings

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.

John 3:16–17

Father, Your love is evident in everything. In the past … the present … and the future. It is most evident through Your Son, Jesus. He told us how very much You love us … then He showed us by sacrificing everything for us.

Please, by the power of Your Spirit, help me keep my heart and mind focused on all I have been given through the gift of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. And help me live each day in humble service, overwhelmed with gratitude for all You have done for me through Him. Amen.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Psalm 51:17

And Father, all You ask in response to this amazing sacrificial gift is the offering of a humble heart, broken in repentance. I can’t earn this gift. There is nothing I can say or do. So, I come to You today to say…

I am so very sorry. I am self-righteous, prideful, and impatient. I’m not as kind and compassionate as You want me to be. Each day there are countless things I fail to do that I should and just as many things I do that I shouldn’t … all ways I fall short of Your will for me. Father, please forgive me and by Your grace, help me to change. Amen.

[Jesus] opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And He said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’”

Luke 24:45–47

Father, You promised a Savior, a Messiah, who would suffer my punishment as soon as sin entered Your perfect world.

I love that Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after His resurrection … after Your promise had been fulfilled.

You keep all Your promises. I can trust every Word You’ve given and count on Your faithfulness to forgive my sins.

Wow! No matter how often I come to You … You remove my sins and wash me clean. I am humbled and grateful. And yet, words of gratitude don’t seem like enough. So, I give You my surrendered heart. Amen.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Jesus, Some days are just hard! You said there would be trials and sorrows and You knew what You were talking about … You lived through unimaginable trials and sorrows because of Your great love for me.

So, I can be confident that when You told us to “take heart”You were telling us to be encouraged and hopeful because of who You are and what You’ve done. And because I belong to You, the One who has defeated the enemy and overcome the world.

Lord, You not only give me peace … You are my peace. You are my hope. You are my Way, Truth, and Life. Thanks and praise forever. Amen.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then He said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And He also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.”

Revelation 21:4–6

And this is the hope I have, Father. Whatever today brings, I know that my Redeemer lives. He lives with and within me reminding me of Your promises, calming my fears, and filling me with Your love. He is making all things new! He is the Beginning and the End … my Savior, my Always!

Father, thank you! Please help me keep my heart and mind focused on Jesus and all He has done for me. And help me spend every moment of my life serving You in humble gratitude for Your grace, mercy, and undeserved love. Amen.

Verses and prayers for the season of Lent that will draw you closer to Jesus through reflection, anticipation, and hope. #Jesus #Lent #BibleStudy #VersestoPray #CountingMyBlessings

And one final closer to Jesus thought from Dietrich Bonhoeffer…

“Self-denial means knowing only Christ, and no longer oneself. It means seeing only Christ, who goes ahead of us, and no longer the path that is too difficult for us… . Self-denial is saying only: He goes ahead of us; hold fast to him.” 

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

When a Loved One Disappoints: Six Biblical Ways to Respond by and @ April Knapp


When a Loved One Disappoints: Six Biblical Ways to Respond

by and @ April Knapp

Walking in the Abundant Promises of the Good Shepherd: Psalm 23 by Diana Abe @ Diana's Diaries


Walking in the Abundant Promises of the Good Shepherd:
Psalm 23

by Diana Abe
@ Diana’s Diaries


AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

[Tweet “I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! “]

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

 Loading InLinkz ...

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

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Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thank you and God bless!