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The Power of Prayer E-Book

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Unlock the transformative power of prayer with this classic daily devotional. The Power of Prayer is a beautifully crafted collection of meditations that invites you into a deeper, more intimate walk with God. It offers wisdom and insights drawn from some of Christianity's most profound voices, including A.W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, and other timeless spiritual leaders. Each day's reading will inspire, challenge, and guide you to cultivate a richer prayer life, grounding you in the truth that prayer is not just a practice but the pathway to communion with your Creator. Whether you are new to prayer or a prayer closet veteran, these meditations will provide daily nourishment for your spirit. Discover the power of persistent prayer and gain practical guidance and encouragement from Christian classics that have withstood the test of time. Let this devotional be your companion on the journey to greater intimacy with God, as you tap into the deep well of prayer's power and experience the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit.   Features: - High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. - Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. - Metallic, pearl, or matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - High-quality sturdy Smyth-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. - Uncoated woodfree paper is of premium quality and thickness, lending itself to long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. - A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.

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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Savage, Minnesota, USA

Broadstreetpublishing.com

THE POWER OF PRAYER(A Christian Classic Devotional)

© 2025 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424571314

9781424571321 eBook

Devotional entries compiled by Sara Perry.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. No portion of this book may be used or reproduced in any way for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies. As per Article 4(3) of the Digital Single Market Directive 2019/790, BroadStreet Publishing reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Typesetting and design by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com

Editorial services by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com

Printed in China.

25 26 27 28 29 30 31  7 6 5 4 3 2 1

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

JAMES 5:16 NKJV

CONTENTS

January

January 1: Teach Us to Pray

January 2: Keep Praying

January 3: Greater Things

January 4: Children of God

January 5: Powerful Prayer

January 6: Ask Much

January 7: Forgiveness First

January 8: I Am

January 9: Moving God’s Heart

January 10: Turn Toward Him

January 11: Grace Enthroned

January 12: Holy Spirit Help

January 13: Rest in God

January 14: Wordless Prayers

January 15: Wholehearted Trust

January 16: What You Need

January 17: Drawn to Jesus

January 18: Direct Your Gaze

January 19: Make Prayer a Priority

January 20: Communal Prayer

January 21: Unfailing Mercy

January 22: Unchanging One

January 23: Law of Love

January 24: Ever Present

January 25: Promised Peace

January 26: Faithful Friend

January 27: Elevated Acts

January 28: Seek and Find

January 29: Passionate Pursuit

January 30: Better Still

January 31: Behold Him

February

February 1: Knowing God

February 2: Daily Sustenance

February 3: Faith to Ask

February 4: God’s Work

February 5: Alert and Thankful

February 6: Source of Strength

February 7: Sowing Seeds

February 8: As Natural as Breathing

February 9: Spiritual Forces

February 10: The Lord Hears

February 11: Connected to the Vine

February 12: On Record

February 13: Motivated by Love

February 14: Living Compassion

February 15: Listening Heart

February 16: Merciful God

February 17: United with Christ

February 18: Living Prayer

February 19: Live in Peace

February 20: Thy Will Be Done

February 21: Praying for Others

February 22: Great Expectations

February 23: Wait for the Lord

February 24: Praying the Promises

February 25: Listening in Love

February 26: In Jesus Name

February 27: Trustworthy Jesus

February 28: This I Know

March

March 1: Prayerful Action

March 2: Foundation of Faith

March 3: Motivated by Love

March 4: Friendship with God

March 5: Even So

March 6: Belief in Action

March 7: Private Prayer

March 8: It’s No Trouble

March 9: Directed Hope

March 10: Great Things

March 11: Filled with Love

March 12: Spirit Led

March 13: Quench Your Thirst

March 14: Morning Joy

March 15: Shining Face

March 16: Fullness of God

March 17: Present Portion

March 18: Straight to the Point

March 19: Precious Treasure

March 20: Always Praying

March 21: Believing Prayer

March 22: Restorative Power

March 23: Simply Ask

March 24: All Sufficient

March 25: Standing on the Promises

March 26: Deep Communion

March 27: Longing for the Lord

March 28: Secret of Contentment

March 29: Confident Trust

March 30: Eternal Treasures

March 31: Immeasurably More

April

April 1: Alone with God

April 2: Trust in the Waiting

April 3: Our Helper

April 4: Inner Confidence

April 5: Perseverance

April 6: Stay Humble

April 7: All Is Possible

April 8: God’s Work

April 9: A Shared Load

April 10: Beautiful in Time

April 11: Commit to God

April 12: Encountering God’s Love

April 13: Inner Strength

April 14: Obedience Is Honorable

April 15: Bowls of Incense

April 16: First Steps

April 17: Foundations

April 18: Full Portion

April 19: He Straightens the Path

April 20: Abundant Readiness

April 21: Completely Known

April 22: High and Exalted

April 23: Freedom for Your Soul

April 24: Childlike Faith

April 25: Patience in His Presence

April 26: Modeled after Jesus

April 27: Joyful Gratitude

April 28: Sweet Surrender

April 29: Don’t Hold Back

April 30: Rich Substance

May

May 1: Worship the Lord

May 2: God Is Near

May 3: For All People

May 4: Securely Attached

May 5: Daily Business

May 6: Practice of Cultivation

May 7: Infinite Resources

May 8: A Priority

May 9: In the Stillness

May 10: Delighted In

May 11: Good Gifts

May 12: Prayers and Promises

May 13: Sufficient Grace

May 14: Unseen Power

May 15: Pairing Our Prayers

May 16: Deep Calls to Deep

May 17: Joyful Satisfaction

May 18: Healing Power

May 19: Seek First

May 20: Unseen Treasures

May 21: Vessels of His Glory

May 22: Back to the Start

May 23: Spiritual Oxygen

May 24: Spirit Work

May 25: Prayerful Action

May 26: Happy Communion

May 27: Living Sacrifice

May 28: A Clean Heart

May 29: Overcomers

May 30: Echoing God’s Promise

May 31: Wise Living

June

June 1: A Gentle Approach

June 2: It Starts with Us

June 3: With Every Heartbeat

June 4: Walk in His Ways

June 5: Furthering Faith

June 6: Hopeful Patience

June 7: Straight to the Heart

June 8: Always Pray

June 9: A Sweet Life

June 10: Pray for Them

June 11: Come Together

June 12: In His Name

June 13: Never Forsaken

June 14: A Different Way

June 15: Sons and Daughters

June 16: Lean into Love

June 17: Overjoyed

June 18: As It Is in Heaven

June 19: Christ’s Greatest Offering

June 20: Whatever You Do

June 21: Natural Overflow

June 22: Music to His Ears

June 23: Everlasting Truth

June 24: Evident Mercy

June 25: Higher Ground

June 26: Working in Prayer

June 27: Run Toward the Lord

June 28: Spiritual Power

June 29: Endeavor to Love

June 30: Eternally Sighted

July

July 1: Glorify His Name

July 2: Christ’s Life in You

July 3: Persistent Peace

July 4: Trustworthy Father

July 5: Power Follows Prayer

July 6: Become Familiar

July 7: He Sees

July 8: Authentic Prayers

July 9: A New Name

July 10: Meditate

July 11: With a Word

July 12: Every Day in Prayer

July 13: The Lord Answers

July 14: River of Grace

July 15: Faith-filled Action

July 16: Peace in the Storm

July 17: Little Movements of Love

July 18: Start Here

July 19: Changed by Love

July 20: Present Joy

July 21: Sure Provision

July 22: Walk with the Wise

July 23: Life-giving Leadership

July 24: Spirit Winds

July 25: Willing Obedience

July 26: Meekness

July 27: Growing Hunger

July 28: Closer Still

July 29: Fullness

July 30: Keep Knocking

July 31: Glorifying the Trinity

August

August 1: Reflections

August 2: As You Can

August 3: Count It Joy

August 4: Pleasing God

August 5: No Limitations

August 6: Expressions of Life

August 7: Knees to the Earth

August 8: Unfailing Love

August 9: Pray for Workers

August 10: Hopeful Waiting

August 11: Foundations of Faith

August 12: Go to God

August 13: Hidden Desires

August 14: Spirit Power

August 15: Whispered Hallelujahs

August 16: Ever-living Intercessor

August 17: Without Hindrance

August 18: Cleansed and Free

August 19: The Only Savior

August 20: Whatever We Ask

August 21: At Work in the Details

August 22: Thank Jesus

August 23: By Faith

August 24: Power of Holiness

August 25: Ask for Wisdom

August 26: What God Wants

August 27: Resistance

August 28: Heaven’s Mysteries

August 29: The Mind of Christ

August 30: Give Ear

August 31: Recognizable Fruit

September

September 1: Fountain of Life

September 2: Live in His Presence

September 3: Keep Asking

September 4: Accept It

September 5: Plans for Good

September 6: Prayerful Repentance

September 7: The Power of Integrity

September 8: Potent Prayers

September 9: Obey God

September 10: Contented

September 11: Wholehearted Surrender

September 12: Hand in Hand

September 13: Grace and Supplication

September 14: Built on the Rock

September 15: Majestic Meditations

September 16: The Abundant Life

September 17: Prepare Your Heart

September 18: Mediator

September 19: Pursuit of Godliness

September 20: Full Fellowship

September 21: Perfect Peace

September 22: Simply Holy

September 23: God’s Nature

September 24: Conduits of the Spirit

September 25: Fear as a Motivator

September 26: A Bigger Perspective

September 27: Immovable Trust

September 28: Total Surrender

September 29: Power to Believe

September 30: It’s a Practice

October

October 1: Sure Victory

October 2: Stop Striving

October 3: Lovely and True

October 4: Set Apart

October 5: As You Are

October 6: Creative Force

October 7: Give Thanks

October 8: Well-rounded

October 9: God’s Gracious Gifts

October 10: He Can’t Refuse

October 11: Practice the Presence

October 12: Children of God

October 13: Time Well Spent

October 14: Be the Bridge

October 15: Bound up in Love

October 16: Vessels of Prayer

October 17: Devoted Hearts

October 18: Untroubled

October 19: By Day by Night

October 20: The Father Waits

October 21: The Best You Can

October 22: A Better Gift

October 23: Reason to Rejoice

October 24: Seek God First

October 25: His Answer

October 26: Go to the Hills

October 27: So Very Near

October 28: Worship Him

October 29: With All You Are

October 30: Endurance Needed

October 31: Communion of Love

November

November 1: Giving Thanks

November 2: Find Rest

November 3: There’s Room

November 4: Priceless Treasure

November 5: Spiritual Work

November 6: Showers of Blessing

November 7: Knock and Ask

November 8: Lift up Holy Hands

November 9: Greatest Romance

November 10: Absolute Surrender

November 11: Abundant Grace

November 12: Tried and Tested

November 13: Learning Curve

November 14: Approved

November 15: Faith Support

November 16: Look to Jesus

November 17: Set Your Mind

November 18: Safety in Prayer

November 19: Ordinary Goodness

November 20: Speak Plainly

November 21: Choosing Trust

November 22: Enduring Hope

November 23: Paired with the Spirit

November 24: Creation Declares

November 25: Ready to Receive

November 26: Christ’s Example

November 27: Holy Teacher

November 28: Heard

November 29: Rejoice in the Light

November 30: Fasting for Breakthrough

December

December 1: Nothing Too Hard

December 2: Love Is Everything

December 3: Wondrously Made

December 4: Faith Walk

December 5: A Different Measure

December 6: Still Working

December 7: Better than Life

December 8: Continual Satisfaction

December 9: Redirection

December 10: Timely Help

December 11: Found in God

December 12: All in Christ

December 13: All Things

December 14: Starting Point

December 15: Wholehearted Praise

December 16: Keep a Look Out

December 17: Expressions of Love

December 18: Living Power

December 19: Growing Passion

December 20: Spiritual Secret

December 21: Fleeting Thoughts

December 22: Highest Calling

December 23: Perfect Unity

December 24: Let It Flow

December 25: Great Reward

December 26: Liberating Truth

December 27: Glorious Transformation

December 28: Be Filled

December 29: Chosen

December 30: Make Way

December 31: Hopeful Trust

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Unlock the transformative power of prayer with this classic daily devotional.

The Power of Prayer is a beautifully crafted collection of meditations that invites you into a deeper, more intimate walk with God. It offers wisdom and insights drawn from some of Christianity’s most profound voices, including Spurgeon, Murray, Augustine, Bounds, Tozer, and other timeless spiritual leaders.

Each day’s reading will inspire, challenge, and guide you to cultivate a richer prayer life, grounding you in the truth that prayer is not just a practice but the pathway to communion with your Creator. Whether you are new to prayer or a prayer closet veteran, these meditations will provide daily nourishment for your spirit.

Discover the power of persistent prayer and gain practical guidance and encouragement from Christian classics that have withstood the test of time. Let this devotional be your companion on the journey to greater intimacy with God, as you tap into the deep well of prayer’s power and experience the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit.

JANUARY 1

TEACH US TO PRAY

“When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”

LUKE 11:2 NKJV

This wonderful prayer was dictated by our Lord in reply to the question on the part of His disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray.” His answer was to bid them pray. This is the only way we shall ever learn to pray, by just beginning to do it. —A.B. Simpson, The Life of Prayer

Prayer is not a hard language to learn, nor is it something you have to master before you do it. Prayer is communication with your heavenly Father. The only way to learn how to pray is by praying. You don’t have to read up on it, and you don’t have to waver in it either. The more you practice it, the more natural it will become.

The most solid foundation of prayer is the one that Jesus himself taught his disciples. If you don’t know what to say, repeat Jesus’ words found in Luke 11:2-4. Your Father listens to your prayer, and he will answer you.

Today, pray the Lord’s Prayer.

JANUARY 2

KEEP PRAYING

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

EPHESIANS 6:18 NIV

I must pray, pray, pray. I must put all my energy and all my heart into prayer. Whatever else I do, I must pray. —R. A. Torrey, How to Pray

Prayer is not something saved for special occasions or our worst days. When we are sick, yes, we should pray. When the world is haywire, let’s pray. But we must not forget to pray when times are good, and we are filled with love. Let us pray for those around us, as well as for the goodness of God to meet us in every season.

Prayer is a practice that is meant for every day. It is as vital to our soul’s health as food, water, and sun is to our body’s well-being. We need connection with God to thrive. Our prayers will change in tenor and tone, but the connection to God remains the same. He is faithful, unchanging, and always available to his children!

Pray to God whenever you think of it today.

JANUARY 3

GREATER THINGS

“As heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

ISAIAH 55:9 CSB

Do not bring before God stinted petitions and narrow desires, and say, “Lord, do according to these,” but, remember, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are his ways above your ways, and his thoughts above your thoughts, and ask, therefore, after a God-like sort, ask for great things, for you are before the throne of grace, for then he would do for us exceeding abundantly above what we ask or even think. —C. H. Spurgeon, The Throne of Grace

When you come before the throne of grace, you approach the King who is above every ruler and power of this world. He is able to do far more than you can imagine, and he delights in answering the prayers of his children. Why not take your prayers to God and hold them up to him in hope?

You don’t have to keep your prayers small. No! Ask for the greater things: mountains moved, bodies healed, and hopes fulfilled. Nothing is impossible for him.

How freely do you ask God for greater things—the things of his kingdom?

JANUARY 4

CHILDREN OF GOD

The Spirit we received does not make us slaves again to fear; it makes us children of God. With that Spirit we cry out, “Father.”

ROMANS 8:15 NCV

All true prayer begins in the recognition of the Father. It is not the cry of nature to an unknown God, but the intelligent converse of a child with his heavenly Father. —A.B. Simpson, The Life of Prayer

God is not a far-off figure who is out of touch with the world or what is going on in it. He is not a dictator, bossing us around and expecting us to fall in line without question. He is not simply a figurehead without power to enact change. He is a Father, and we are his beloved children.

When we come to God through prayer, we can pour out our hearts to him without fear. He wants us to share our lives, our troubles, and our joys with him. We don’t have to edit ourselves. He knows our hearts already, and to speak the truth of what is in us to the God who not only knows but loves us is powerful.

Talk to God like the loving, interested, invested Father he is.

JANUARY 5

POWERFUL PRAYER

The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

PROVERBS 15:29 ESV

No amount of money, genius, or culture can move things for God. Holiness energizing the soul, the whole man aflame with love, with desire for more faith, more prayer, more zeal, more consecration—this is the secret of power. —E. M. Bounds, Power Through Prayer

We cannot convince God to listen to us with what we offer him. Power, money, and influence do not move his heart. What moves God’s heart is love, humility, the desire to know him, and a hunger for wisdom.

You don’t have to dress yourself up for God to earn his attention. You don’t have to prove yourself to him either. He delights in coming close to the seeking heart. He shows himself to those who wait on him. Don’t follow the ways of this world and think you’ve found the answer to power. God’s power is better than any you could find in halls of influence, without corruption, manipulation, or greed.

Humble yourself before God and let love lead your prayer.

JANUARY 6

ASK MUCH

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

MATTHEW 7:7-8 NASB

Fellow-laborers in His vineyard, it is quite evident that our Master desires us to ask, and to ask much. He tells us we glorify God by doing so! —Anonymous, Kneeling Christian

We don’t have to wait around helplessly wondering whether God will show up and meet us or not. Ask, and it will be given. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened. Waiting seasons don’t necessitate seasons of silence. No, let’s bring our questions, our longings, and our requests before our heavenly Master, our good and gracious Savior!

When we have questions, we don’t have to hide them from God. When we have needs, we don’t have to ignore them. Faith brings our lack and holds it up to God’s faithfulness. Let’s not forget to ask, and ask much. God honors the seeking heart, always, and he will meet us in our need.

Do you hesitate to ask God for what you need in prayer?

JANUARY 7

FORGIVENESS FIRST

“When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

MARK 11:25 NLT

Every prayer rests upon our faith in God’s pardoning grace. If God dealt with us after our sins, not one prayer could be heard. Pardon opens the door to all God’s love and blessing: because God has pardoned all our sin, our prayer can prevail to obtain all we need. The deep sure ground of answer to prayer is God’s forgiving love. —Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer

God’s grace gives us freedom. He forgives us our sins, and we come before him without the weight of guilt, fear, or shame. We are to follow his example in our own hearts and lives. When we choose to forgive others as he has forgiven us, we live from the freedom of his gracious love.

Let’s not overlook the importance of forgiving those we hold grudges against. If there is a bitter root in our hearts, it will keep us from the freedom Christ offers. As we offer Jesus our open hearts and choose to forgive the failings of others, we make room to receive what we truly desire from God.

Consider the grudges you may be holding on to (even toward yourself). Will you forgive today?

JANUARY 8

I AM

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

PSALM 57:5 NKJV

When God would make His Name known to mankind He could find no better word than “I Am.” When He speaks in the first person He says, “I Am”; when we speak of Him we say, “He is”; when we speak to Him we say, “Thou art.” Everyone and everything else measures from that fixed point. “I am that I am,” says God, “I change not.” —A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

God is worthy of our praise, no matter the season or circumstances of our lives. He is all that we could ever dream, and he is so much more. God, the exalted one, is glorious and good. We cannot exaggerate his goodness, nor can we praise him enough.

When we pray, let’s not overlook his majesty or power. He is faithful, unchanging, and true. He is that he is, and he will always be. He is present, he is perfect, and he is waiting for us to turn our attention to him even now. Let’s give him our adoration and praise.

Let praise be your prayer right now.

JANUARY 9

MOVING GOD’S HEART

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 NIV

Prayer affects men by affecting God. Prayer moves men because it moves God to move men. Prayer influences men by influencing God to influence them. Prayer moves the hand that moves the world. —E. M. Bounds, The Possibilities of Prayer

Isn’t it comforting to know that your prayers move the heart of God? Not only that, but he uses your prayers to influence others. There is every reason to pray, no matter the situation, your feelings about it, or your energy. You always have access to God through prayer. How often do you connect to him through it?

You can give God your anxieties and leave them there. He knows exactly what to do in each and every situation. He has solutions for your problems, strength for your weakness, and overwhelming love to fill every need. Present your requests to God, and let him move. Let him do what he does best. You don’t have to control a thing.

Let every anxious thought become a prayer and a petition.

JANUARY 10

TURN TOWARD HIM

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 CSB

You need not utterly despair even of those who for the present “turn again and rend you.” For if all your arguments and persuasives fail, there is yet another remedy left, and one that is frequently found effectual, when no other method avails. This is prayer. —John Wesley, Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount

The consistent turning of our hearts to the Lord is what prayer is. No matter where we are in the world, no matter what is going on in or around us, God is available. He is ready to receive us as we come to him, and he is present in our midst by his Holy Spirit.

God’s will isn’t that we struggle on our own. It’s not that we would pick ourselves up by the bootstraps. It’s not for us to keep striving until we break. The invitation—his hope—is that we’ll lean on him. None of us can earn our salvation, and we don’t have to try to keep ourselves in his good graces. We are his children, and he is our loving Father. In all things, let’s rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

Are you trying to prove yourself to God, or have you pressed in to know him as a good Father?

JANUARY 11

GRACE ENTHRONED

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

HEBREWS 4:16 ESV

The throne of grace. The word grows as I turn it over in my mind, and to me it is a most delightful reflection that if I come to the throne of God in prayer, I may feel a thousand defects, but yet there is hope. —C. H. Spurgeon, The Throne of Grace

We don’t have to dress ourselves up before God or tidy up our emotions before approaching him in prayer. He already sees and knows us as we are. Why should we pretend? No, he welcomes us with grace and mercy, and he is ready to restore our hope, our strength, and our peace in his presence.

Whenever we are in need, that’s a good time to go to God. Grace isn’t a limited resource. God’s generosity is greater than we can imagine. We cannot deplete his stores of mercy or exhaust his gracious patience. He is always ready to help us in our time of need (even if that is every day!).

Do you limit your prayers, thinking you’re being a bother? Go with confidence to the throne of grace as many times as you need.

JANUARY 12

HOLY SPIRIT HELP

Then we can continue to pray and to teach the word of God.

ACTS 6:4 NCV

Every provision is made for us. But only the Holy Spirit can stir us up to take hold of God. And if we will but yield ourselves to the Spirit’s promptings we shall most assuredly follow the example of the apostles of old, who gave themselves to prayer, and continued steadfastly in prayer. —Anonymous, Kneeling Christian

Prayer is a practice, and it becomes more natural by repetition. The more we turn our hearts to the Lord, the more the Spirit stirs and directs our attention to God’s desires. If we want to have solid prayer lives, we cannot wait around for it to one day click. With a little intention and action, we can yield our hearts to God, and he will stir up a hunger to continue.

Knowing that the Holy Spirit is our help, we don’t have to wait a moment longer to put prayer into practice. Even when we don’t know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. When we surrender ourselves to the Spirit’s promptings, we will know the power of God in our hearts, minds, and lives.

Ask the Holy Spirit to move in your heart as you pray.

JANUARY 13

REST IN GOD

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

PSALM 62:1-2 NIV

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. —St. Augustine, Confessions

It is possible to find rest in God each and every day. We don’t have to bear our burdens, no matter how weighty they are, alone. Christ is our rock and our salvation, and when we make our home in his love, he wraps around us with the peace of his presence.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When your heart is weighed down by the burdens of this life, come to Jesus. Bring him everything you carry, and lay them at his feet. He will care for you, offer you the strength of his grace, and revive you in his love. You were made out of love, and to love you return. Find your rest in your Creator.

Bring every worry, fear, and burden to the Lord today.

JANUARY 14

WORDLESS PRAYERS

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise.

PSALM 51:17 NASB

In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. —John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

When you don’t have words to pray, don’t be discouraged. God reads the prayers of your heart as you turn your attention toward him. Romans 8:26 promises, “the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

When our words fail, the Holy Spirit steps in and prays on our behalf. What a beautiful God, that we can trust him to partner with us in prayer, not only in what we ask, but also in the things we don’t have language to petition him for.

When you don’t have the words to convey your prayers, invite the Holy Spirit to pray on your behalf.

JANUARY 15

WHOLEHEARTED TRUST

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

PROVERBS 3:5 NLT

It is not for us to know what the future holds, but to trust in God’s purpose for us, and prayer is a way to live into that trust. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison

Prayer isn’t just about communicating with God. It’s not only about asking him for what we need, nor is it about appeasing him. He is already full of love, and he wants us to know the extent of his faithfulness. Prayer helps us build our relationship with him, and it is a practice of trust.

When do you most pray to God? Is it when you are feeling settled and happy, or is it in the more tumultuous or unknown times of life? Ideally, we pray in every season. However, when we feel the pressures of life, we may feel the need to reach out to the Lord more. God is faithful at all times, and he never changes. Prayer moves us closer to his presence, and it offers peace through placing our trust in God’s unfailing nature.

When you pray today, actively put your trust in God’s purposes for you, and ultimately, in his faithfulness to his nature.

JANUARY 16

WHAT YOU NEED

“Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

MATTHEW 6:8 NKJV

We must not think that [God] takes no notice of us, when He does not answer our wishes: for He has a right to distinguish what we actually need. —John Calvin, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew

You don’t have to beg God to provide for your needs. He already knows all that you require, and he won’t hesitate to care for you. Jesus’ reassuring words to his followers are the same he speaks to us today.

So, what does that mean when what we want goes unmet? Let’s take a step back from our expectations and ask God to shine the light of his wisdom on our minds and hearts. Though we might think we know how God should answer our prayers, God’s solutions are thorough. He considers details that we are not aware of. Let’s trust him even when we don’t understand.

Have you ever looked back through the lens of hindsight and been thankful God didn’t answer your prayer the way you thought he should?

JANUARY 17

DRAWN TO JESUS

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

JOHN 6:44 NIV

We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit. “No man can come to me,” said our Lord, “except the Father which hath sent me draw him,” and it is by this very prevenient drawing that God takes from us every vestige of credit for the act of coming. —A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

If you have ever questioned the authenticity of your desire for God, may today’s verse and quote put your mind at rest. God drew you to himself before you knew him. He called you before you knew his voice. Whatever desire you feel, it originated in the heart of God. And he loves you! He welcomes you with open arms no matter when or how you come to him.

Let your pursuit of the Lord be uninhibited. Don’t hesitate in his presence, for he draws you to himself with loving-kindness. Your pursuit of God is not something to use as a measuring stick against others. Don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s. Just look to the one who draws you with mercy.

Let your heart be led in love as you pray, and let your doubts fall away in his presence.

JANUARY 18

DIRECT YOUR GAZE

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

HEBREWS 12:2 ESV

Faith is not a once-done act, but a continuous gaze of the heart at the Triune God. Believing, then, is directing the heart’s attention to Jesus. It is lifting the mind to “behold the Lamb of God,” and never ceasing that beholding for the rest of our lives. —A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Prayer is an act of faith, directing the heart’s attention to Jesus. We behold the Son of God with the eyes of our hearts, and we are transformed by his character. The more we offer God our attention, the more our hearts are filled with the glory of his presence.

Even when we experience the hardest days, God’s presence is as near to us as the skin on our bones. His peace is as life giving as the air in our lungs. With thoughtful intention, let’s make prayer a practice, and turn our attention to the one who watches over us continually. He will never leave us, and he is always available to hear our prayers.

Continually turn the gaze of your heart toward the Lord today. Whenever you think of it, pray!

JANUARY 19

MAKE PRAYER A PRIORITY

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.

MARK 1:35 CSB

There is a still weightier reason for this constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer. It is, prayer occupied a very prominent place and played a very important part in the earthly life of our Lord. —R. A. Torrey, How to Pray

Jesus was sure to keep prayer an important part of his routine. Why do you think this is? Do you suppose it was an obligation he felt? Or rather an opportunity to connect with his heavenly Father? In the secret place of prayer, Jesus could pour his heart out to God. It’s the same for us.

When you awake and are alone in the quiet, what if you got up and used that time for prayer? You may not be able to rearrange much in your already busy schedule, but you can follow the example of Jesus and carve out time to connect with your Father. Whether in the morning or the evening, or anytime that is possible, get up, get alone, and pour your heart out to God.

Spend time in the secret place of prayer with your God.

JANUARY 20

COMMUNAL PRAYER

“Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them.”

MATTHEW 18:19-20 NCV

You have need not only of secret solitary, but also of public united prayer. And He gives us a very special promise for the united prayer of two or three who agree in what they ask. As a tree has its root hidden in the ground and its stem growing up into the sunlight, so prayer needs equally for its full development the hidden secrecy in which the soul meets God alone, and the public fellowship with those who find in the name of Jesus their common meeting-place. —Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer

We need both solitary prayer and communal times of prayer. In the former, you can empty your heart before God. In the latter, you come together in agreement for God to move in specific ways. The united prayers of God’s people are powerful!

You don’t need a large group to pray communally. You can do it with even one other person. Partnered prayer can be a mighty comfort, grace, and strength in the moment.

Seek out or offer prayer to another today.

JANUARY 21

UNFAILING MERCY

The LORD’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail.

LAMENTATIONS 3:22 NASB

Seek a suitable time for thy meditation, and think frequently of the mercies of God to thee. —Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

The more we focus on God’s goodness, the more readily we recognize it in our lives. This isn’t just something we say, it is how our minds work. This is why it’s so important to direct our thoughts to the Lord and to remember his mercies toward us.

Meditative prayer is not a new way to pray. Also known as contemplative prayer, it focuses on stillness and inner reflection. Joshua 1:8 says, “You shall meditate on [the Book of the Law] day and night.” When we direct our thoughts and move our attention toward God and his Word, our understanding of who he is will deepen. The more we reflect on his faithfulness, his mercy, and his provision in our lives, the more grateful we will become in response.

Spend time in meditation, remembering the specific kindnesses of God toward you.

JANUARY 22

UNCHANGING ONE

God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.

NUMBERS 23:19 NLT

We ought, once for all, heartily to put our whole trust in God, and make a total surrender of ourselves to Him, secure that He would not deceive us. —Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God

Prayer is an act of putting our trust in the unchanging God. He is faithful to do all that he has promised, and he does not change his mind. What he says, he follows through with. What he promises, he does. It may not be in our timing, but as the Scripture says, “A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day” (2 Peter 3:8).

God’s faithfulness is his character, and he will not change like the shifting winds of this world or of popular opinion. He cannot be talked out of his love, and he will not be convinced of a lie. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and you can trust that his heart and eyes are unclouded from manipulation. If you are waiting on God to move, don’t lose heart. He will do what he promised to do.

Surrender yourself to God in prayer as you actively choose to trust his timing.

JANUARY 23

LAW OF LOVE

“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

MATTHEW 7:12 NKJV

The need of help outside of man being so great, man’s natural inability to always judge kindly, justly, and truly, and to act the Golden Rule, so prayer is enjoined by Christ to enable man to act in all these things according to the Divine will. By prayer, the ability is secured to feel the law of love, to speak according to the law of love, and to do everything in harmony with the law of love. —E. M. Bounds, The Possibilities of Prayer

The law of love is clearly spelled out in what we call The Golden Rule. It encompasses the whole of the Old Testament Law and Prophets. When we choose to walk in the ways of Christ, we cannot ignore the example of his incomparable kindness, overwhelming mercy, and gracious generosity.

When we begin to use our faith as an excuse for our lack of love, we miss the point entirely. Love turns the other cheek. It helps those who others overlook. It invites in and cares for the poor, those without family, and the refugee. If this is hard, we must pray. Pray for more of God’s love to move in our hearts.

Pray for your actions to line up with the law of Christ’s love.

JANUARY 24

EVER PRESENT

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

PSALM 139:7 NIV

Wherever we are, God is here. There is no place, there can be no place, where He is not… No point is nearer to God than any other point. It is exactly as near to God from any place as it is from any other place. No one is in mere distance any further from or any nearer to God than any other person is. —A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

What a relief it is to know that we don’t have to worry about straying from God’s presence. Wherever we are, there he is. We can’t outrun his love, and we can’t lose his Spirit. Just as the air always surrounds us, so God’s presence is near from birth to death.

As you pray, remember how close God is. Turn your attention to the way the air fills your lungs as you breathe it in. Let it serve as a reminder that God’s presence is as close. Combine your deep breathing with prayers of meditation on his Word. It will help calm your anxiety and focus your attention on God.

Inhale: Lord, my heart searches for you. Exhale: You are with me.

JANUARY 25

PROMISED PEACE

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 4:7 ESV

Just keep in constant touch with God, and when any trouble or vexation, great or small, comes up, speak to Him about it, never forgetting to return thanks for what He has already done. —R. A. Torrey, How to Pray

Why do we pray? Is it to put on a show for God or others? Is it so we feel more spiritual? Prayer is not a one-sided act. We are the prayers, God is the hearer. It is an act of relational connection, and there is a divine exchange that occurs through it. It doesn’t end when we say “Amen.”

We use prayer as a conversation, thanking God for what he does as we trust him with what we present to him. And his Spirit moves in response, giving us peace that guards our hearts and minds. His presence speaks peace, wisdom, and power to our bodies, and we receive what he so willingly offers.

When you pray today, end with thanks and take time to receive what the Holy Spirit offers.

JANUARY 26

FAITHFUL FRIEND

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father.”

JOHN 15:15 NCV

He is a Friend, not only in season, but at all seasons, and at the most unseasonable times. The peculiarity of God’s grace is that He helps when man would refuse to help, and its highest trophies are associated with hours when mercy seemed long past and hope forever dead. —A.B. Simpson, The Life of Prayer

There is never a bad time to show up at God’s door. You can come to him in the middle of the night, looking a mess, and he will open the door to his presence. As soon as you turn to him, in fact, you will discover that he is already nearer than you knew.

Jesus is the best of friends. He doesn’t leave when you are in a hard spot. He is ever faithful, ever present, and ever loving. Why would you stay away from him when he has everything you need? He’s got the wisdom, grace, patience, clarity, and peace you’re looking for.

Spend time in prayer with your faithful Friend.

JANUARY 27

ELEVATED ACTS

Brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:1 CSB

Prayer is no trifle. It is an eminent and elevated act. It is a high and wondrous privilege. —C. H. Spurgeon, The Throne of Grace

Prayer is a holy act, and yet it is one of the simplest ways we put our faith into practice. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to come before the Lord with boldness. We offer him our heartfelt trust as we petition him for the needs of others.