DEVOTIONALS

Graced and Loved

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” —Titus 3:4-7

Guided Prayer

Dear Abba, 

There are times when I listen to the enemy’s accusations of how I am not good enough and that I am only as good as my mistakes. Sometimes, I brood over my inadequacies and my insecurities, believing that I will only be accepted if I do this and accomplish that. But then Your tender voice and abundant mercy envelop me. I remember that I am loved and that I am Yours! Remind me always to live in the truth of who I am!

Do not forget me, Lord!

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” —Isaiah 49:15-16

Guided Prayer

Dear Abba,

I often wonder if You care enough for me. There are times when I feel that You are not with me in my darkest and most difficult hour. As a result, I often withdraw and shut You out in those moments. But thank You for pursuing me and showing me that You truly are with me and that yes, my Father is very fond of me! Please help my unbelief. I want to rest safe in Your arms.

Like Little Children

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” —Matthew 18:1-3

Guided Prayer

Dear Abba, 

Your kingdom is so much different from how things are done in this world. In your kingdom, grace is not earned, it is wholly given. I want to start this day with an awareness of Your goodness. As the day progresses and I inadvertently slip back into trying to earn Your favor, forgive me, I pray, and pull me back and assure me that You are my Father and that I am Your child, and it is Your kingdom I desire—not mine.

Tired from the Journey

“Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.” —John 4:4-6

Guided Prayer

Dear Abba,

I feel like I have walked through Samaria a couple of times and back today. I am exhausted from the different trips in between—having to attend to people who need my help and give off myself when I could not anymore. So Jesus, here I am, fully knowing my limitations and my weaknesses. I’m tired— from all that I need to do and all that I need to be—but I’m all Yours, and I believe You understand.

Your Beloved

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 

—Ephesians 2:8-10

Guided Prayer

Dear Abba, 

I want to trust You today, and on all other days. I want to believe in the fact that I am accepted, included, and loved even if I am imperfect and flawed. Even if death, panic, depression, and anxiety are as real to me as my own breath, trusting You means believing that I am who You say I am. Faith means living out my true identity: Your beloved, fearfully and wonderfully accepted.

Come to the Party

“Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. Then he sent some more servants and said, “Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.” —Matthew 22:1-4

Guided Prayer

Dear Abba,

Thank you that in Your kingdom there is room for me. I am Your child and I’ve been personally invited to the celebration; there’s even a place prepared for me with my name and everything. Forgive my lack of excitement. Restore the joy of my salvation and may You fill my heart with gladness!