Pray

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

When We Pray by Tauren Wells

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And 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

(This photo was taken while traveling in southern New Mexico)

He Knows

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.”

Psalm 139:1-4 NIV

He Knows by Jeremy Camp

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For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Reflect with Gratitude, Go Forward with Hope

Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Father God, thank You for being faithful.  Thank You for making a way for me in this life.  When I reflect on past events give me an eye for gratitude in all circumstances.  Please show me how You are at work in my life.  I want to choose to patiently wait on You, becasue I know that You will finish the work You have started in me.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5 NIV

(This photo was taken at sunset by a lake in Plymouth, Minnesota)

The Goodness Of God

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8 NIV

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17 NIV

Father God, thank You for being our good Father.  We are so grateful we can always count on You.  You bless us and Your love is poured into us.  Thank You for Your mercy and grace.  Thank You for sending us Jesus.  Remind us of Your goodness in everything and help us remember You are greater than any circumstances or difficulties we face.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Goodness Of God by Jenn Johnson | Victory

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 in Tettegouche State Park in northern Minnesota)

God’s Presence Is All Around Us

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV

God Is With Us by Casting Crowns

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

(This photo was taken in September of 2022 in Big Sky, Montana )

Allow Christ to Change You

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Father God, take back my life.  Take my burdens and fears.  Replace my insecurities and my anxieties with Your peace.  Teach me to trust in Your promises and Your faithfulness.  Restore my joy and give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow.  Lord, I want to be different.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Different by Micah Tyler

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I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV

(This photo was take in September of 2022 in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming)

Holy Spirit

“If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you.”

John 14:15-17 NIV

Father God, please draw close to us.  Help us rejoice in hope, to be patient in trouble, and to never stop praying.  Thank You for sending us the Holy Spirit, help us follow Him to prayer, worship and rest in You.  Becasue You are always with us we can find true joy at all times, especially when our circumstances distract us away from You and Your Word.  Continue to fill us with the Holy Spirit and guide us to live our lives with hope and undefeatable joy.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:26-27 NIV

(This photo was taken on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Light In The World

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 NIV

Father God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to rescue us from a life separated from You.  Today and during this season, please give us the courage to draw close to You, and to seek You with all our heart.  Your Son is our Light in this dark world.  Your Light is our salvaltion and guide.  Please use us as a light in the world to show Your love, grace and mercy.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.”

John 1:4-5 NIV

(This photo ws taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

God’s Presence

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11 NIV

Father God, You are the foundation upon which I build my life.  You are my source of protection and strength.  I know that you fight for me, You protect me, and You are leading me through difficult times.  Because of Your presence, I am never alone or abandoned.  Thank you Lord!  Thank you for watching over me and for being my source of strength.  Thank you for guiding me closer to You and never leaving me.  Amen.

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For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota)

A Prayer Of Declaration

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Lord Jesus, I believe You are alive.  I believe You are ever-present and working in the world.  I believe no matter what circumstances I face, You are good.

I believe You weep, mourn, and rejoice with us.  I believe You are my God and my Redeemer.  I believe You are making all things new and You are making me a new creation.

So come what may, Jesus, I place my faith, my hope and my trust in You.  Amen.

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.”[a]

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)