God's Encouragement

This week, we begin the second prayer of Advent.

Advent Week 2 – HOPE.

Prayer for Peace

Father, in a season when every heart should be happy and light, many of us are struggling with the heaviness of life’s burdens that steal the joy right out of our stockings. Tragedy arrives as innocent victims suffer, and an inner voice whispers, “Be afraid!” We need your peace, Jesus. We confess that our hearts are too often filled with wonder of a different kind: wondering when the bills will be paid, when the fear will stop, when rest will come. Will it ever? Is the message still true? In a world where worry, not peace, prevails, stir up that good news again.

This Advent, make it real in our hearts. Never have we needed Your joy and peace more than now. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh. We not only need Your peace and joy, Lord, we crave it. You’ve promised rest for the weary, victory for the battle-scarred, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the broken-hearted—not just at Advent, but every day of every year. Your name is still called “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” and “The Prince of Peace.”

We know that peace on earth can only come when hearts find peace with You. You are still our Joy. You are still our Peace. You are no longer a babe in the manger. You are Lord of lords and King of kings. And we still celebrate You as Lord—this Christmas and always.

In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen. 

WEEKLY MEDITATION 18-24 AUGUST 2025

Lord, we thank you for coming into our world as the light and the way. We ask that you help us understand your word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and open our hearts and minds so that we may incorporate your word into our daily lives. We know we can do all things through you. Jesus, we thank you for your peace and comfort. Your wisdom, guidance, grace, and forgiveness. Your provision, blessings, and healing. You are our rock and salvation. Please help us to see your blessings in our lives and give us a spirit of gratitude to you and for you…in Jesus’ name, we pray.

– Amen

“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

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

WEEKLY MEDITATION 5-11 FEBRUARY 2024

Jesus, we thank you for coming into our world as the light and to be. We ask that you help us understand your word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and open our hearts and minds so that we may incorporate your word into our daily lives. Jesus, we thank you for your peace and comfort. Your wisdom, guidance, grace, and forgiveness. Your provision and healing. You are our rock and salvation. We cling to you through your word and the presence of the holy spirit. Please help us to see your blessings in our lives and give us a spirit of gratitude to you and for you…in Jesus’ name, we pray.

– Amen

“Don’t be afraid, because I have saved you. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross the rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3)

“Don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you…I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I will tell you, “Don’t be afraid, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:10,13)

“How great is your goodness that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you have given to those who trust you. You do this for all to see. YOu protect them by your presence from what people plan against them. You shelter them from evil words.” Psalm 31:19-20)

WEEKLY MEDITATION 31 JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2023

Father, we ask that you help us understand your word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and open our hearts and minds so that we may understand and incorporate your word and will into our lives. Father, we thank you for your peace and comfort in these challenging times. We cling to you through your word and the presence of the holy spirit. Father, please help us to see your blessings in our lives and give us a spirit of gratitude to you and for you. Lord, we know that you are still in control and will use these challenging times for your good…in Jesus’ name, we pray.

– Amen

“This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)

“You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry” (Psalm 10:17)

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22)