Let’s pray that as we close out 2021, we welcome 2022 as a year where our nation once again turns towards God and not away from Him. I pray for health and wellness of all mankind. I pray those that don’t have a close relationship with God and those that have committed to a life of following Jesus that they continue to grow their faith and stand strong on the word and the promises of our Savior. Amen. May you all be healthy and safe as you welcome in 2022.
God Is for Us
Dear Devotional and Prayer Partners,
It seems as though the last week or two has brought with it a whirlwind of death, tragedy and gloom for many people in America. From the storms that killed many in Kentucky and that area, to deaths related to Covid, illnesses, loss of homes to fires and just murders and attempts at murder. Satan is trying so hard to break the spirit of Christmas and to dilute to be just another day in this life. However, we know better. The devil seeks to destroy. God is showing His love and His compassion through all of these times.
I am asking for prayers much like I did yesterday for the Stone family, who live in the same small town as me, that now have nothing left and must start over. I pray for them as they put their faith in God and trust that He will carry them through. I pray for the same for each and every person that lost a family member this year, or their homes in the massive storms over the last week.
I pray for families that have to bury loved ones right now before Christmas, especially when there are children left behind. Please join me in praying for all of these issues as well as praying for our nation. Pray for people to stand on faith and if they do not know Christ to step out and put their trust in the Lord for guidance and for their eternal life going forward. May we all give thanks for the blessings we have and give a hand out and a warm heart to those that face any of these challenges during this Christmas season. AMEN!
I received this prayer for those who grieve at Christmas. I felt it was fitting to share it with you all today.
A Prayer for Those Who Grieve at Christmas
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10 NASB
I’ve spent the last eight months doing everything I can to keep my faith strong, to trust God. But this week, I am losing the battle. I am collapsing under the weight of this year.
The last few days, I find myself simply falling apart. I can’t hold back the tears for another moment. I can’t put a smile on my face and pretend I am doing just fine. I can’t hold in the grief that is filling every inch of my being.
Perhaps you understand. Perhaps you too feel as if this year has been a nightmare, destroying your peace and security. Perhaps you feel as if your very life is crumbling, collapsing. Perhaps you can no longer hold in the tears, no longer pretend everything is just fine.
If you are consumed by grief this Christmas, you are not alone. Can we just take a moment to pray?
Lord Jesus,
I am so overwhelmed. My heart is heavy, burdened. The losses this year are crushing me, overcoming my peace and joy. I know you tell us you are close to the brokenhearted, but I don’t feel you. I feel lost, hopeless, abandoned.
I know this is a season, a season that has a beginning and an end. But right now it feels like it will never end. I need hope, hope to believe you will truly restore me, strengthen me. I need hope to believe you will one day have me put together and on my feet for good. I need a vision of the future you have for me, a future of hope and blessings from you.
It’s so easy to become distracted, to focus on the many losses I have experienced. Forgive me. Help me to put my thoughts, my attention on you. Help me cling to you, to your word, to your promises. Help me be fixed on you because I know it’s the only way to enjoy your perfect peace.
As I walk through this holiday season, give me a fresh glimpse of who You are. Help me remember the suffering You experienced as You watched your Son on the cross, a gift given just for me. Help me remember with joy and wonder the amazing gifts we have simply because you gave, a precious baby born that Christmas morning. Help me focus my heart and mind on Immanuel, God with me.
You are my hope, my only hope, for Christmas and every day on this earth. May I always carry your hope with me.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Dear Devotional and Prayer Partners,
I wanted to update you on my daughter Jenna. She made it through the egg retrieval process today. Prior to the procedure they identified a potential of 18 eggs. During the procedure they found that 13 were suitable for next steps in identifying the best for the process. So now we wait for a week. Expectations are that about 3-4 eggs will show the capacity to become embryos. This is where Jenna found out during IVF retrieval #3 that there were no viable embryos. We are praying for just one to be the one God has specifically for Jenna and Taylor. Please continue to keep Jenna and Taylor in your prayers as this is the last attempt possible and we are all trusting that God will bring this Christian and Loving couple the desires of their heart. Your prayers are appreciated. Be blessed. Jeff
Dear Devotional and Prayer Partners,
I am asking for prayers for my daughter Jenna. She has had a very tough year going through 3 IVF procedures attempting to have a child. 2 resulted in miscarriages and one never produced embryo’s that were viable.
Tomorrow morning she will go through her final procedure to attempt to harvest a healthy egg for her to carry. She has gone through so many emotions and has suffered depression and medical procedures that would have brought down the toughest of men.
So your prayers for her procedure on Tuesday morning around 8:00 am would be appreciated.
Have a blessed week.
Jeff
Melanie Kirk’s brother Mark Allred was rushed to the hospital with heart complications a few days back and we are asking for prayer. Todays report is a very positive one in that he is gradually doing better. Lets keep the prayers going up ya’ll.
Foster
Dear Devotional Partners,
I am in prayer for one of my friends, Chris Marker. She was notified today that her brother Paul was found deceased in his apartment. Please keep her in your prayers as she deals with his death. Also, please pray for Dave, Diana and Katlynn Knier as they prepare for their son and Katlynn’s brother TJ’s funeral on Saturday.
Have a blessed weekend.
Jeff