A Prayer to Serve the Lord with Gladness

When a family steps out in faith to serve on the mission field, it can look sudden or even reckless to outsiders. Yet, as our daily prayer and devotional remind us, behind their decision is often years of prayer, discernment, and obedience to God’s calling. Their example reminds us of Paul’s humble request to the Thessalonians—not for money or comfort, but for prayer that the gospel would spread quickly and powerfully. Missionaries—whether across the world or in our own communities—need prayer more than anything else. They face opposition, transition, and spiritual warfare, but also carry the beautiful calling of making Christ known. Our greatest support is to stand with them before the throne of God, asking Him to open hearts and prepare soil for the good news to take root. As Paul reminds us, prayer fuels the advancement of the gospel. Today, let’s intercede for missionaries stepping onto the field, trusting that God’s Word will not return empty but accomplish His purposes. Key Takeaways Missionary work requires not only financial support but fervent, ongoing prayer. Paul’s request for prayer in 2 Thessalonians shows us the true priority of gospel ministry. God uses ordinary people, willing to say “yes,” to advance His kingdom. Prayer paves the way for hearts to be opened and lives to be transformed by Christ. Let’s Pray Together Heavenly Father, we thank You for the missionaries who faithfully go where You call. We ask for Your protection, provision, and power over their lives. Open hearts to receive the gospel and strengthen missionaries with courage and perseverance. May Your Word spread quickly and be honored. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Set aside time this week to pray by name for missionaries you know or for global missions in general. Consider supporting missions with both prayer and tangible resources—time, finances, or encouragement. Share this prayer with a missionary family as a reminder they are not forgotten. Related Resources How to Pray for Missionaries – Crosswalk.com Bible Verses on Sharing the Gospel – BibleStudyTools.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Serving God is not a burden—it is a privilege. Psalm 100:2 reminds us to “Serve the Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing.” In a world that encourages us to serve ourselves first, this passage calls us back to the joy of putting God above all. Keneesha Saunders-Liddie invites us to rediscover the beauty of living a life fully surrendered to God—whether through worship, our work, our relationships, or even the simplest acts of daily living. True service is not drudgery but gratitude in action, born from recognizing God’s endless blessings and faithful provision. Main Takeaways Serving God is a privilege, not an obligation. Every aspect of our lives can become an act of worship and service. Gratitude transforms service from a duty into joy. God is worthy of our glad-hearted praise in all circumstances. Bible Verse References Psalm 100:2 – Serve the Lord with gladness. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Colossians 3:23 – Work at everything as if working for the Lord. Calls to Action (CTAs) Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for biblical encouragement each morning. Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder of the joy of serving God. Leave a review to help others find hope and encouragement through prayer. Resources & Related Articles What Does it Mean to Serve the Lord with Gladness? – Crosswalk.com 10 Ways to Worship God Every Day – iBelieve.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life can feel overwhelming and messy—whether it’s a cluttered desk, chaotic schedules, or the heavy emotional and spiritual burdens we carry. As our daily prayer and devotional remind us, some mess is self-made through poor choices or sin; other times, it comes from circumstances beyond our control or from lies we’ve believed about ourselves and God. Psalm 40 reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: no matter how “together” we appear, we are always in need of God’s help. The psalmist doesn’t hold back in his cry—he names his need and calls on the Lord to deliver. In the same way, when life feels messy, we are invited to bring our chaos, questions, and burdens honestly before God in prayer. The good news is that God doesn’t turn away from our mess. He invites us to cast our cares on Him (Psalm 55:22) and promises to carry our burdens. When we surrender our cluttered hearts to Him, He replaces our chaos with peace, guiding us step by step in His love. Your Daily Bible Reading: "As for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay." – Psalm 40:17 Key Takeaways Everyone experiences messy seasons in life—spiritually, emotionally, and practically. Psalm 40 reminds us to acknowledge our need and cry out to God honestly. God invites us to cast our burdens on Him, promising to carry and deliver us. Prayer is the path from chaos to peace; God meets us right where we are. Let’s Pray Together Gracious Lord Jesus, thank You that I can bring the mess of my life honestly before You. You know my needs more deeply than I do, and You are my help and deliverer. Calm my anxious heart, guide me through the questions I face, and give me Your peace in place of my chaos. I trust that I never walk alone, for You are with me always. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Write down the “messy moments” you’re facing right now and bring them to God in prayer. Memorize Psalm 55:22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” Share this devotional with someone who may be walking through a chaotic or heavy season. Related Resources How to Find Peace When Life Feels Overwhelming – Crosswalk.com 10 Encouraging Bible Verses for Stressful Times – BibleStudyTools.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are seasons in life when everything feels overwhelming — family struggles, financial pressures, illness, or work challenges. As our daily prayer and devotional remind us, in those moments, even getting out of bed can feel like too much. But God never intended for us to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Instead, He invites us to lean on Him, to trust Him fully, and to remember His goodness. Lynette Kittle encourages us that when life feels unbearable, we can take intentional steps to anchor ourselves in God’s truth: remembering His past faithfulness, staying persistent in prayer, feeding our souls with Scripture, and reaching out to encourage others. These small but powerful practices help lift our eyes off the heaviness and fix them back on the One who carries us. God’s Word promises that He is our Savior, our hope, and our strength. Even when life seems too hard, He is with us, sustaining us moment by moment. Your Daily Bible Reading: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." – Psalm 43:5 Key Takeaways God never designed us to carry life’s burdens alone; He calls us to lean on Him. Remembering God’s past faithfulness builds hope for today. Prayer, even when it feels hard, keeps us connected to God’s strength. Scripture refreshes weary hearts with truth and perspective. Reaching out to others, even in our struggles, brings blessing and renewal. Let’s Pray Together Dear Father, thank You for being my Savior and my God. Although my body, mind, and heart feel weary, I choose to put my hope in You. Remind me of Your goodness and faithfulness. Strengthen me through prayer and Your Word, and help me to bless others even when I feel weak. Thank You that in You, I have hope and reason to praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Write down three ways God has been faithful to you and revisit the list when life feels heavy. Set aside 5 minutes today to pray, even if it feels hard. Share this devotional with a friend who may be facing difficult circumstances. Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement and prayer. Related Resources When Life Feels Overwhelming, How Do I Pray? – Crosswalk.com 10 Verses to Bring Hope When You Feel Weary – BibleStudyTools.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every day brings choices — some small, some life-altering. In today's prayer and devotional, we remember that whether it’s navigating relationships, parenting, work, or personal growth, our need for God’s wisdom is constant. Wisdom is more than human intelligence or cleverness. It is discernment rooted in God’s will, applied through a humble heart that acknowledges His way is always better. Amanda Idleman reminds us that our natural instinct is to react emotionally or cling to control. But God’s wisdom invites us to pause, pray, and listen. His way looks beyond the moment and steers us toward goodness, mercy, and Spirit-led living. Seeking wisdom requires intentional rhythms — morning prayers, moments of worship, pauses in the middle of our busyness — that anchor us in His guidance. God promises that wisdom is His gift to those who ask (James 1:5). As we cultivate hearts that surrender and listen, we learn to discern His gentle nudges, recognize His peace, and walk confidently in His direction. Today's Bible Reading: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." – Proverbs 2:6 Key Takeaways Wisdom is God’s gift, rooted in discernment and alignment with His purposes. Our way is often reactive, but God’s way sees the bigger picture. Building daily rhythms of prayer and Scripture helps us hear His guidance. God’s wisdom shapes not just our choices but also our character and faithfulness. Let’s Pray Together Father, I need You to help me know Your way and find Your path. I need Your wisdom for today’s decisions. Show me how to pause and listen for Your Spirit before I rush ahead. Forgive me for relying on my own pride and control. Teach me to live humbly, trusting Your way is better. Thank You for being faithful to provide wisdom for every circumstance. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Begin each day by asking God for wisdom before making decisions. Create small “holy pauses” throughout your day to re-center on God’s direction. Share this episode with someone facing a difficult choice and remind them of Proverbs 2:6. Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement and prayer rooted in Scripture. Related Resources How Do We Define Someone Who Shows Wisdom? - Crosswalk.com 5 Ways to Pray for God’s Wisdom Every Day – BibleStudyTools.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Peace often feels elusive in our fast-paced, worry-filled world. In your daily prayer and devotional, we consider how our thoughts can become like a traffic jam of fears about the future, regrets from the past, and anxieties over what feels out of our control. But Isaiah 26:3 offers us a different picture: perfect peace — God’s shalom shalom — a wholeness and calm that transcends chaos. Rachel Wojo, host of Untangling Prayer, reminds us that this peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances but in a steadfast mind fixed on God. When we choose to trust His unchanging character, rather than our shifting situations, we can anchor ourselves in His eternal stability. God is the Rock who never moves, and when our minds remain focused on Him, His peace guards our hearts, even in anxious moments. Perfect peace doesn’t come because life gets easier. It comes because we remember that God is greater than anything threatening our peace. Bible Reading: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3 If you're looking for more guidance on anchoring your heart in God's faithful promises, Rachel invites you to check out her new prayer journal, Praying the Promises of God: 52 Week Guided Journal at https:promisesprayerjournal.com. You'll find encouragement and space to meditate on the promises that can transform your prayer life. Until next time, remember, God sees you, hears you, and He knows your needs. Key Takeaways Perfect peace is possible in Christ, even when life feels overwhelming. God’s peace is not based on circumstances but on trusting His unchanging nature. Choosing to fix our thoughts on God helps us take anxious thoughts captive. God is the Rock eternal — stable, steady, and always faithful. Let’s Pray Together Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of perfect peace. When my mind races with worry, help me fix my thoughts on You instead of my fears. Remind me that You are my Rock — steady and unchanging when everything around me feels uncertain. Guard my heart and mind today with Your peace that surpasses understanding. I choose to trust You right now, in this moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Begin your day by meditating on Isaiah 26:3. When anxiety creeps in, pause and redirect your focus to God’s faithfulness. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement in an anxious season. Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for more daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Related Resources How to Experience God’s Peace in Daily Life – Crosswalk.com 10 Scriptures to Pray When Anxiety Strikes – iBelieve.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life can leave us feeling like victims of our circumstances—overwhelmed by grief, hardship, or unfair struggles. In today's prayer and devotional, Scripture calls us to shift our perspective: instead of asking “Why me, God?” we can ask “How can You use this, Lord?” Keri Eichberger shares the inspiring story of her friend Mark, who battled cancer with unshakable faith. Even in his hardest days, Mark chose to see himself not as a victim but as a vessel of God’s glory. His testimony reminds us that God can redeem our suffering for good and use our pain to point others to His strength and hope. When we lean not on our own understanding but on the Lord, our hardships become platforms for His faithfulness. Today, ask yourself: Am I living as a vessel of God’s light, or am I letting my circumstances define me as a victim? Today's Bible Reading:  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 Key Takeaways God can use even the hardest circumstances to bless others and bring Him glory. Choosing to be a vessel shifts our mindset from despair to purpose. Trusting God with all our heart allows us to endure trials with peace and hope. Our legacy can inspire faith in those who watch how we live and suffer with trust in God. Let’s Pray Together Heavenly Father, You are the one I can hold tight to. Thank You that You use every valley, every hardship, and every tear for good. Help me choose to be a vessel of Your glory and not a victim of my circumstances. Fill me with Your peace and joy today, so that my story points others to Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Begin each day asking God to make you a vessel of His love and truth. Encourage someone walking through a difficult season by reminding them of God’s presence. Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer to receive fresh encouragement and devotionals each day. Resources & Mentions When Life Feels Too Hard, Remember This – Crosswalk.com Trusting God in Difficult Times – Christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? In our daily prayer and devotional, we consider that too often, our view of ourselves is clouded by shame, insecurity, and the critical voice in our own heads. We imagine God sees us the same way — through the lens of our failures and flaws. But Scripture tells us something very different. Through Jesus Christ, we are chosen, loved, redeemed, and clothed in righteousness. God doesn’t see us through condemnation but through the finished work of the cross. He calls us His children, His holy people, and His treasured possession. Keneesha Saunders-Liddie reminds us that learning to see ourselves through God’s eyes is life-changing. Instead of walking in guilt or striving for worth, we can rest in the truth that His love is unconditional and His gaze never wavers. To God, you are not a mistake, a burden, or too far gone. You are His. Today's Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9 Key Takeaways God sees you through Christ’s finished work on the cross, not through your failures. You are chosen, loved, and secure in Him. Seeing yourself through God’s eyes motivates a life of holiness and confidence. His love is steadfast, unconditional, and never based on performance. Let’s Pray Together Abba Father, thank You for seeing me not through condemnation but through the sacrifice of Your Son. Help me to walk in confidence as Your chosen child, knowing that I am forgiven, loved, and secure in You. Teach me to view myself through Your eyes, living a holy life that reflects Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Start your day by declaring aloud who God says you are (1 Peter 2:9). Replace negative self-talk with God’s truth from Scripture. Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement and hope-filled devotionals. Resources & Mentions What Does It Mean That We Are a Chosen People? – Crosswalk.com 5 Verses About Your Identity in Christ – Christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As summer fades, we’re reminded how fleeting seasons of beauty can feel. In our daily prayer and devotional, we ponder the last warm days, long evenings, and golden light as gifts to savor — yet as believers, our longing for light runs deeper than the sun’s rays. Scripture reminds us that before the sun ever rose, there was Light—the eternal Light of Christ. In today’s devotion and prayer, Lynette Kittle helps us reflect on the end of summer not just as a farewell to sunshine, but as a reminder of our identity as children of light. Just as we soak up summer’s glow, we are called to carry Christ’s light into a world often clouded by darkness. Summer’s end doesn’t mark the fading of joy, because our source of light and life is Jesus himself — the One who promises we will live forever in His radiant presence. Today's Bible Reading: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9 Key Takeaways Summer light points us to the true Light of the World: Jesus. God’s Word reminds us that before the sun was created, God’s light already existed. Believers are called to be “children of light,” carrying His presence into a dark world. Every season — including endings — can draw us closer to Christ, our eternal source of joy and hope. Let’s Pray Together Dear Father, help us to savor these final days of summer, treasuring the light that reminds us of Your Son. Thank You for making us children of light, free from the grip of darkness. Teach us to walk daily in Your presence and shine brightly so that others are drawn to the Light of the World. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action As summer ends, take time to thank God for His blessings in this season. Ask Him to help you carry His light into the fall and beyond. Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for encouragement every morning. Resources & Mentions How to Walk as Children of Light – Crosswalk.com What Does It Mean That Jesus Is the Light of the World? – Christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This year marks twenty-four years since the events of September 11, 2001. In today's prayer and devotional, we remember that though decades have passed, the grief, memory, and impact of that day remain deeply etched in our hearts. Nearly everyone remembers where they were when tragedy struck, and as a nation — and as people created in God’s image — we carry both the sorrow and the call to remembrance. In today's devotional, Cally Logan leads us in five heartfelt prayers: for the families who lost loved ones, for the survivors, for the memory of the fallen, for our nation, and for peace in our world. These prayers not only honor those directly impacted but also point us to the God who keeps record of every tear and whose compassion is unending. As we pause today, let’s choose to remember — not only the events of that day but also the way God’s presence sustains us through grief and how His love compels us to seek peace with one another. Today's Bible Reading “Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record?” – Psalm 56:8 Key Takeaways Families of the fallen still need our prayers for comfort and peace. Survivors carry both visible and invisible scars; we can pray for healing and strength. The memory of the lost — including first responders and ordinary citizens who acted heroically — deserves to be honored. Our nation needs God’s wisdom, unity, and revival to remain a “city on a hill.” Lasting peace in the world can only be found through Christ, who transforms hearts. Let’s Pray Together Heavenly Father, on this day of remembrance, we lift up families who lost loved ones, survivors who carry wounds, and our nation as it seeks unity. Comfort those who grieve, strengthen those who struggle, and help us honor the memory of the fallen. Lord, bring peace to our hearts and to our world. Let us never forget, and let us always turn to You as our hope and refuge. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Take a moment of silence today to pray for families affected by 9/11. Share this devotional with a friend or family member as a way of remembering together. Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for more guided moments of prayer and Scripture reflection. Resources & Mentions Where Is God When Bad Things Happen? Crosswalk.com Why We Must Remember 9/11 – Christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.