Daily Dose of God's Word For December 31

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Proverbs 3:27-35, Revelation 22:12-21, Isaiah 12

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

taking, as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to Your will;

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 29

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Proverbs 3:7-18; Revelation 21:22-27; Isaiah 61

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

taking, as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to Your will;

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 30

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Proverbs 3:18-26, Revelation 22:1-11, Isaiah 11

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

taking, as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to Your will;

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 28

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Proverbs 3:1-6; Revelation 21:9-21 ; Isaiah 54:11-17

Dear Lord, please give me the heart to trust you completely. Help me fight the pride of leaning on my own knowledge and intelligence. May I be faithful in thanksgiving to all You have given me, and may I follow your teaching. In Jesus’ name, Amen.(https://dailyprayerguide.net/prayer-overcoming-pride-proverbs-3-5-6/)

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 27

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 127;Revelation 21:1-8; Isaiah 54:1-10

Lord, with your coming, our lives have a greater demand placed upon them. Help us learn the art of active, consistent service while maintaining enough silent spaces to hear your call. Amen.   (commonprayer.net)

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 26

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Ruth 4:13-22; Revelation12; Isaiah 53:7-12

Lord, your coming is still miraculous. Your joining the family of the poor and displaced still baffles and convicts us. Keep us by your manger until we learn the way of love. Amen. (commonprayer.net)

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 25

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Ruth 4:1-12; John 1:15-18; Isaiah 53:2-6

We Pray for (silence) Joy in our hearts.

                                         Hope in our God.

                                         Peace on earth.

We Pray for (silence) For those who have not heard that a Savior was born in the Town of David, that they would know.

For the poor and marginalized to find abundant life in Christ.  For the sorrowful to experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

For the haters to find the love and peace of Christ. (REM)

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 24

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 69:29-36;John 1:9-14; Isaiah 52:13-53:1

Christ Jesus comes to us this day. With the angels we sing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven.”

Together we sing for joy.

A baby has been born in Bethlehem. With the shepherds, we kneel before the manger of hope.

Together we sing for joy.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings us good news, who announces salvation, who says to us, “Your God reigns.”

Together we sing for joy.

Sing out with praise! Hope has come to us: to poor and to rich, to old and young, to the infinite sky and the reaved earth, to people of all nations and all hues of color.

Together we sing for joy.

Break forth together in singing! Jesus is born! As we light this candle, the candle which represents Christ, let us sing with praise and joy, for Hope is born today.

Together we sing for joy. Amen.

Beth A. Richardson

 https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 23

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 69:22-28; John 1:1-5; Isaiah 52:1-12

Loving God, you are our peace;

     prepare our hearts for your coming.

Forge the swords of bitterness into plows of blessing;

     till the soil of our souls for your springing forth in us.

Remove our heart’s defensive armor,

     clothe us in light alone,

     and pierce our wide-open hearts with your love.

By your Spirit in us, may we be at peace:

     awake, and ready to welcome your presence.

Amen.

Steve Garnaas-Holmes  https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 22

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 69:14-21; Matthew 2:19-23; Malachi 4

In the beginning, O God, was your Word:

     a light in the darkness shining.

Your Word came to life in Jesus,

     a light in the darkness shining.

Your grace has come to us with salvation,

     a light in the darkness shining.

A child has been born among us,

     a light in the darkness shining.

Your love comes to life within us,

     a light in the darkness shining.

May your love chase away all evil,

     a light in the darkness shining.

May your mercy come fill and transform us,

     a light in the darkness shining.

May we live with your love in this world,

     a light in the darkness shining.

Amen.

Steve Garnaas-Holmes  https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 21

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 21

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 69:13-18; Matthew 2:13-18; Zechariah 12

In the joy of your Incarnation, we pray to you this day:

Come, let us adore him.

God has heard our cries; the Messiah has been born!

Come, let us adore him.

Our dreams have come true: the Savior will redeem all of creation.

Come, let us adore him.

God has not abandoned us: we will never be alone.

Come, let us adore him.

Joy has been exemplified: death cannot have the last word!

Come, let us adore him.

Peace has been promised to us: weapons of war will one day be no more.

Come, let us adore him.

The midnight cries of a baby will soon become the redeeming words of forgiveness.

Come, let us adore him.

In the incarnation of your love, you have transformed our humanity into the promise of glory.

May the love that gave birth to this day, be born in us each day.
Amen.

Maria Kane   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 20

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 69:5-12; Matthew 2:7-12; Zechariah 11:1-13

Redeeming God, we are given many labels throughout our lives,

help us remember that the only one that matters is Beloved.

When we are unsure of our purpose,

grant us the conviction of John the Baptist.

When we cower in the face of great responsibility or the rejection of others, grant us the tenacity of Joseph to trust
not in our reputation, but in your love.

When we want to give in to disbelief and despair,

grant us the trust and joyful abandon of Mary.

When we face long nights of darkness and uncertainty,

grant us the eternal hope of the Wise Ones.

When the terrors and heartaches of this world threaten our faith, grant us the confidence and witness of the shepherds in the night.

When hope fails us and doubt constrains us,

let us remember the redeeming Love that comes down on Christmas and lasts for always.
Amen.

Maria Kane   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 19

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 69:1-4;Matthew 2:1-6; Zechariah 9:9-13

From the deepest exhale of your being, you brought forth creation.

We yearn for your Word to set us free —
free to laugh, to sing, to give thanks for the dawn of a new day.

May the oil of gladness flood the sorrow of our longest nights.

We long for the Light of the World to cast away
the hidden shadows of our lives.

Just as you calmed Mary’s fears and gave her a song of joy,

we give thanks that you give us new songs of hope.

We surrender ourselves to the Prince of Peace.

We confess that far too often we substitute

control and independence for faith and trust.

We need the Good Shepherd to show us the way.

In the face of violence and oppression,

we cling to your redeeming love to transform the world.

We give thanks for Emmanuel, God-with-us.

Now, grant us the courage of our convictions,

that we may be heralds of your love.
Amen.

Maria Kane   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 18

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 118:22-27; Matthew 1:18-25; Micah 5:1-4

An Advent Prayer to Remember God’s Promises

Lord,

Advent is here, but so is family tension.

Advent is here, but so are dysfunctional relationships.
Advent is here, but so are old habits.
Advent is here, but gone are people we love.
Advent is here, but old baggage still exists.
Advent is here, but fears surface.
You say, "I see all that, and I can handle all that."
You say, "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."
You say, "Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid."
You say, "Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…"
What looks unscalable, You boost me over.
What seems unbearable, You bring me through unbelievably.
What can't be managed, You say, "Let down your guard and I will guard you."
Amen.

~Edited from Kelly Balarie's “7 Verses When Relationships Hurt at Christmas”

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 17

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 16:8-11; Matthew 1:1-17; Daniel 3:16-30

From the deepest exhale of your being, 

you brought forth creation.

We yearn for your Word to set us free —
free to laugh, to sing, to give thanks for the dawn of a new day.

May the oil of gladness flood the sorrow of our longest nights.

We long for the Light of the World to cast away
the hidden shadows of our lives.

Just as you calmed Mary’s fears and gave her a song of joy,

we give thanks that you give us new songs of hope.

We surrender ourselves to the Prince of Peace.

We confess that far too often we substitute

control and independence for faith and trust.

We need the Good Shepherd to show us the way.

In the face of violence and oppression,

we cling to your redeeming love to transform the world.

We give thanks for Emmanuel, God-with-us.

Now, grant us the courage of our convictions,

that we may be heralds of your love.
Amen.

Maria Kane   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 14

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Proverbs 3O:1-4; Luke 2:41-51; Daniel 3:1-15

We have hung stockings, mailed cards, and decorated the tree,

but our hearts remain restless for your coming.

We hear the voice of your prophet, O, Lord: Cry out! 

Prepare the way!

How, God, do we prepare for the birth of a king, 

the Prince of Peace?
Do we bow at his feet? Do we hide our faces in the 

presence of such glory?

In a world searching for easy answers and quick fixes, 

remind us of the gift of stillness.

Lord, we need your Spirit of peace to calm our anxious hearts.

Help us remember that you do not ask us to come as 

perfect people,

only as people longing for your salvation.

In our frenzy, may we never forget that Christ has already prepared us a place with you.

We give you thanks that we are never alone.
Amen.

Maria Kane   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 15

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 89:14-52

Divine Mystery, the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. 

Oh, come to us, abide with us.

Loving Mystery, you have lifted every sorrow, fear, and hatred that weighs us down. 

Oh, come to us, abide with us.

Living Mystery, you have trampled the powers of death that oppress your people. 

Oh, come to us, abide with us.

Faithful Mystery, you sent into the world as a child your Son, the Prince of Peace. 

Oh, come to us, abide with us.

Powerful Mystery, through Jesus, you have established justice and righteousness on the earth. 

Oh, come to us, abide with us.

Eternal Mystery, glory to you in the highest heaven. 

Oh, come to us, abide with us.

Gentle Mystery, let your peace fill all the earth. 

Oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel. Amen.

by Beth Ann Gaede   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 14

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 89:9-13; Luke 2:36-40; Isaiah 9:18-21

Tear open the heavens, O God;

we are your children who long for your coming.

Sorrow, injustice, and fear surround us on every side.

With our hearts on bended knee, we cry to the heavens:

Come, Lord, Jesus, set your people free!

Free us from the snares of darkness that drive us away from you,
that we may entrust ourselves to your love.

In the confidence of your love, we march toward Bethlehem

as our souls await the dawning of your redeeming light.

Amen.

by Beth Maria Kane   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 13

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 89:1-8; Luke 2:28-35; Isaiah 9:8-17

God our Savior, all generations call you blessed. 

Holy is your name!

You have done great things for us. 

Holy is your name!

You have shown us your strength. 

Holy is your name!

You have humbled the proud. 

Holy is your name!

You have raised up the weak. 

Holy is your name!

You have fed the hungry. 

Holy is your name!

You have kept your promises to your people. 

Holy is your name!

We thank you for your mercy. 

Holy is your name!

We praise you for your wisdom. 

Holy is your name!

We rejoice in your love and faithfulness. 

Holy is your name! Amen.

by Beth Ann Gaede   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 12

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 110; Luke 2:21-27; Isaiah 9:1-7

Creator God, by your word you made earth and sky, land and sea, fish and bird, plant and animal, and humankind. 

We rejoice in your handiwork, O God.

Tender Shepherd, through the voice of prophets and the wisdom of poets, you show us paths of justice and mercy. 

We rejoice in your guidance, O God.

Supreme Ruler, in your wisdom you used the power of Pharaoh, Cyrus, and Herod to carry out your promises. 

We rejoice in your strength, O God.

God of paradox, ignoring worldly ways, you called the weak -- the boy David, the girl Mary -- to work your will. 

We rejoice in your wisdom, O God.

Faithful Healer, in the fullness of time, you sent your long-promised Son Jesus to reconcile all creation to yourself. 

We rejoice in your salvation, O God.

Ever-present Comfort, you continue to walk with us, your children, in our fear, grief, sickness, hunger, and loneliness. 

We rejoice in your gentleness, O God.

Good News Incarnate, for all the ways you show your love, 

We give you joyful thanks, O God. Amen.

by Beth Ann Gaede   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 11

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 22:16-31;Luke 2:13-20; Isaiah 7:18-25      

  

God of hope, you are sending your messenger to prepare your way, to ready our hearts and minds for your coming. 

Soon, the dawn from on high will break upon us.

You heal the brokenness that keeps us far from you, from one another, and from your good earth. 

God of hope, you make straight what is crooked.

You fill the deep valleys and lower the steep mountains that challenge us in our daily lives. 

God of hope, you make smooth the rough ways.

You forgive our sins as we forgive one another, calling us always to a life of wholeness. 

God of hope, make us instruments of your peace.

You save us from our enemies, from all the forces of evil in this world, and from the power of death. 

God of hope, let us shine your love on all creation.

You bring light to all who suffer in darkness, showing us how to live without fear. 

God of hope, use us to show others your compassion.

You guide our feet into the way of peace. 

Soon, the dawn from on high will break upon us. Amen.

  

by Beth Ann Gaede   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 10

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36 

Psalms 22:1-15; Luke 2:4-12; Isaiah 7:10-17

        

O God of promise, with cloud and fire, by day and by night, you led Israel from slavery to the land of milk and honey. 

Show us your path; teach us to trust you.

O God of promise, through your prophets and angels, with wonders and signs, you prepared the way for Jesus. 

Show us your path; teach us to follow to you.

O God of promise, from the manger in Bethlehem to the empty tomb, you walked with the least and the lost. 

Show us your path; teach us to rely on you.

O God of promise, in water, bread, and wine, in Advent word, you draw our eyes to your coming at the end of time. 

Show us your path; teach us to feast on you. Amen.

.  

by Beth Ann Gaede   https://www.upperroom.org/resources/advent-prayers

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 09

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36

Psalms 2;Luke 2:1-3; Isaiah 7:1-9

        

God of hope, you are sending your messenger to prepare your way, to ready our hearts and minds for your coming. 

Soon, the dawn from on high will break upon us.

You heal the brokenness that keeps us far from you, from one another, and from your good earth. 

God of hope, you make straight what is crooked.

You fill the deep valleys and lower the steep mountains that challenge us in our daily lives. 

God of hope, you make smooth the rough ways.

You forgive our sins as we forgive one another, calling us always to a life of wholeness. 

God of hope, make us instruments of your peace.

You save us from our enemies, from all the forces of evil in this world, and from the power of death. 

God of hope, let us shine your love on all creation.

You bring light to all who suffer in darkness, showing us how to live without fear. 

God of hope, use us to show others your compassion.

You guide our feet into the way of peace. 

Soon, the dawn from on high will break upon us. Amen.  

by Beth Ann Gaede

Daily Dose of God's Word For December 08

Memory Verse  “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:36

Proverbs 1:20-30; Luke 2:1-3; Numbers 24:15-19

        

Dear Heavenly Father,

This is my one-word prayer: PEACE.

I can’t see ahead. I don’t know what to do.

Here are all my fears and my questions… [share yours]

I want to experience your perfect peace.

Let it be with me. Just as you say.

Hold me, God, so I can hear you whisper to me, "You don't have to know the way. I do."

In Jesus' name, Amen

~ Bonnie Gray, from “Praying for Perfect Peace When We Can't See How”