60 Days of Prayer December 2020/January 2021

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And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. LUKE 2:10 (KJV) THIS TIME OF year, I look forward to climbing the attic stairs and bringing down my Christmas decorations. My favorite item to display is an antique nativity set with beautiful hand-painted paper-mâché figures. I bought it more than twenty years ago at a thrift store and have cherished it ever since. The best part? The previous owner had lovingly written a portion of the above Bible verse and tucked it inside the hollow back of the angel—a treasure for me to discover. Each year before I place the angel on the crest of the manger, I unroll the yellowed scrap of paper with…

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ROMANS 15:13 (NIV) WITHOUT A DOUBT, this year has been difficult with unique challenges, disappointments and fears. Yet, when you reflect on the present you can see how God’s grace helped to pull you through. God is always with you, leading you through difficult times and creating opportunities that will enrich your life. Heavenly Father, in this holiday season, help me to bring joy to others.…

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 JOHN 1:9 (NIV) JESUS IS ALWAYS at work in our lives but because we are human and have free will, of course there are days, months, or even possibly years that we would like to edit or maybe even erase completely. Fortunately, God’s grace does exactly that. He allows us to forgive ourselves, to view our past with compassion and understanding and to be grateful for every day we have lived. Lord, Jesus, help me to release the fear of taking responsibility for my past actions—guide me to wholly and completely accept the grace of Your forgiveness.…

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit… For in this hope we were saved. ROMANS 22-24 (ESV) THE CHRISTMAS SEASON can stir up feelings of longing—recalling memories of times past, or missing a loved one. Recognize that it’s okay to feel sad or unfulfilled during this time of year. Turn to God’s Word and ask for His help in filling you with hope for what lies ahead. Dear God, when my heart aches with longing, comfort me and help me focus on my future—planned by You and filled with hope.…

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. MATHEW 6:6 (ESV) WHEN YOU ARE having a rough time, invite God’s glorious presence into your heart. As you shift your focus beyond your personal problems, you’ll find yourself capable of not only handling your own circumstances, but able to support others who also face similar struggles. Dear Lord, You are the source of all good! When I lose myself in prayer, I find abundant blessings.…