- Fear not – Fear and anxiety can undermine our courage and strength, but as followers of Jesus, such feelings need not destroy our lives (2 Tim. 1:7). Thank you, Lord, for filling me with the Holy Spirit, who is a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.
- Conquer – In the name of Jesus, and protected with God’s full armor, you can win the spiritual battle and stand against the various schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:10-11). Thank God for providing splendid spiritual armor that makes it possible for you to conquer even the strongest unseen enemies.
- Take responsibility – God has provided the spiritual armor that followers of Jesus need in spiritual battle. However, it is your responsibility to use it (Eph. 6:12-13). Lord, I pray that you will help me to protect myself by putting on the mighty armor that you have provided for me.
- On guard – “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God” (Heb. 3:12). Lord, help me always to stay close to you and allow your light to shine into my heart. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one.
- Finding rest – Oh Lord, at times I feel exhausted and inwardly restless. Now I see that my fleshly efforts have hindered me from experiencing your rest. I thought I was trusting you, but actually I was operating in unbelief, misplaced trust and disobedience. I repent of my unbelief. Lord, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
- Answered prayer – Lord Jesus, I have been hoping and praying that you would do something in my life. When Peter had fished all night and caught nothing, you showed him when, where and how to take action. I ask you to do the same for me. Cause me to step out in faithful obedience to your leading. (Luke 5:4-6)
- Trusting – Dear Jesus, sometimes I have such a hard time trusting you. I keep thinking I need a sign to reassure me. But I already have the greatest sign of all. The cross shows that you are all-loving, and the resurrection shows that you are all-powerful. This is all the proof I need. Therefore, I trust you with my life. (Matt. 12:39-40)
- Amazing grace – Heavenly Father, thanks for your amazing grace, which makes it possible for me to do your will. Through the life of Christ in me, I am now able to do that which is well-pleasing in your sight. Lord Jesus, I trust you not only to have your way in my life but also to live your life through me to the glory of God! (Heb. 13:20-21)
- Lighten up – “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12). Lord, you are the light of the world. When we trust your Word and let you clothe us in your righteousness, we arm ourselves against our enemies, who attempt to destroy or distract us.
- Daytime decency – “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy” (Rom. 13:13). Father, we cringe when we remember our foolishness before we came to know you. Shine your light into the darkest corners of our hearts so that we wholeheartedly become men of God.
- A well-dressed man – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Rom. 13:14). Lord, the world has trained us to place our own fleshly desires ahead of you and our families. Cause us to crave your best provision for our well-being as well as the well-being of those around us.
- Seek godly counsel – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Prov. 11:14). Almighty God, you alone know everything. Why would we attempt to do anything without consulting you first? Why would we listen to human counsel that contradicts your divine wisdom and to those who don’t have our best interest at heart?
- The proof is in the doing – “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people” (1 Pet. 2:15). Father, some people learn best from example. Rather than being discouraged by what others say, grant us the courage and grace to do your will in spite of the risks and consequences, thereby demonstrating your wisdom to a watching world.
- God is our refuge – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). O Lord, there is trouble on every side. Human predictions are failing, and the implications of the pandemic are felt in every area of life. Help me to keep my focus on you. Thank you that you are my eternal refuge and strength. I trust in you no matter what.
- Terrible times – “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves … abusive … unholy …” (2 Tim. 3:1-2). Heavenly Father, I confess that I am scared. The explosion of rebellion against your laws and values are destroying the moral fabric of our society. Please help me to know how to live and to stand up for you.
- Separation – “… having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them” (2 Tim. 3:5). The storms of life reveal the foundations of our faith and test the depth of our relationship with God. Free me, O Lord, from all forms of religiosity based on tradition and the philosophy of men. Reveal your power in my weakness.
- Knowing the truth – “… always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7). Lord, I have accumulated much intellectual knowledge about your Word but lack in the application of it. Forgive me that I have based my choices on what I considered convenient instead of humbly obeying your will. I want to walk in your truth.
- Depraved minds – “These men oppose the truth [and] are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected” (2 Tim. 3:8). The powers of darkness always oppose Jesus, the Light of the World. Therefore pray for the Lord to protect your heart and mind in order not to be lured by the false offers of relativism and philosophy.
- Way of life – “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecution, sufferings” (2 Tim. 3:10-11). Consistency should be the characteristic of the life of a Christian. Lord, help me to be a man of character who courageously professes and lives out the teaching of your Word.
- God-breathed – “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness …” (2 Tim. 3:16a). Thank you, Lord, for giving us your Word as the absolute standard of truth. I recognize my need to be an avid student of your Word and invite you to rebuke and correct me when I miss the point.
- Good works – “… so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16b). Good works should be as natural in a man’s life as the good fruit produced by a healthy tree. Therefore, I pray, Lord, apply your Word in my heart and mind in such a way that I understand it and produce good works.
- Sacrificial love – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy” (Eph. 5:25). Dear God, you created man and woman in your image to love each other and to be one in holy matrimony. Teach me to be a husband who gives up his rights for the purpose of honoring and loving his wife sacrificially.
- Be intentional – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). The father is responsible for the raising of his children. Lord, forgive me when I have been impatient instead of understanding and have been complacent instead of intentional and loving in the training of my children.
- Live-giving – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21). Children are especially sensitive and can be greatly encouraged or damaged by the message they receive from their caregivers. Lord, help me to weigh my words and be encouraging and life-giving in my communication.
- Pray with trust – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2). It is natural for us to cringe when we suffer. But God can make good come out of evil. Therefore pray with trust that the hardships in your life will build character.
- Wise administrator – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Prov. 22:7). Socioeconomic differences will always exist. But God gives wisdom to know how to avoid becoming riskily indebted to others. Be a wise administrator of your resources and pray to gather eternal treasures in this life and for the one to come.
- Jesus rules – “Jesus came to them and said: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18). Our Lord is in charge, even when he allows for evil to run its course. The day is fast approaching when he will judge the earth. In the meantime, prayerfully submit to him every area of your life.
- The Great Commission – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 20:19). When we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we are called to be disciple makers. Pray to be obedient to the call of sharing the good news of Christ’s redeeming work.
- Be a living witness – “… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20a). Through personal testimony, Bible studies, church services and gospel broadcasting, people are being informed about the person of Jesus Christ and invited to apply his teachings. Be a living witness for Christ, and pray and support the work of evangelism.
- Always present – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20b). If you are a disciple of Jesus, you must never fear. The Lord is with you always. You can count on him at any moment and in any circumstance. Tell him how thankful you are for his presence. Allow him to lead you, and let the joy of the Lord be your strength.
