Prayer Book
Prayer Book
Prayer Book
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Read the verse based on the theme of Reflect on the day’s verse and prayer
the week. and write your thoughts on the lines
provided.
PRAYER APPLICATION
Join the prayer writer and others in Seek God’s guidance in how you can
praying the day’s prayer from the join others in giving generously toward
comfort of your own home or wherever Trinity’s vision and bringing your ONE
you choose. and others to Christ. Add these ideas to
your reflection that day.
1
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
• Talk to the God of Heaven, Creator of • Utilizes all three parts of the Godhead as
everything, and He truly listens to us! they actively engage with us.
• Tell God what He already knows. • Molds our hearts to higher and better
ways, continuously desiring for us to be
• Have our very own personal words enter
more like Christ.
the throne room of Almighty God.
• Never finds our requests too insignificant
• Draw near to God as He draws near to us.
or too big to handle.
• Share with our Father even if this means
• Never stops working for us even if we
the Holy Spirit intervening for us when our
find His answers too slow in coming or
groanings are too deep for human words.
not answered.
• Establish a relationship with our Lord.
• Is not offended or surprised and never
• Utilize the unlimited resources of God, not turns us away. Remember, God is
the limited ones of this world. our Father.
• Acknowledge we do not have what we
need in our own strength but can even Let’s Never Stop Praying!
2
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
WEEK 1 REFLECTION
GO Forward
Bible reading: EXODUS 3:1-10
Imagine for a moment that God spoke to you out of a bush in your backyard to invite you to
be part of his work in the world. It would be a most startling, disruptive encounter.
God met Moses in a burning bush to tell him that he was sending Moses to Egypt to set
his people free. When Moses focused on his perceived inadequacies and inabilities, God
assured Moses that he would be with him and give him all he needed to carry out the
mission for God’s glory. By going in obedience, Moses and the people of Israel experienced
deliverance and saw the power of God. Even still, their journey wasn’t easy. They struggled
to believe, and they blatantly disobeyed. They even wanted to return to slavery in Egypt.
God continued to call them to GO forward into God’s preferred future so he could bless
them as his holy people in the Promised Land.
We believe God wants our full attention. God wants to meet each of us in the ordinary
circumstances of our lives and invite us into his extraordinary ministry of setting people
free. God wants to use us to connect people to Christ so they will know God’s love and find
their purpose in their relationship with him. It’s not easy work, and we might find ourselves
in some uncomfortable situations. But let’s face it, when we settle into the familiar and
strive for comfort, we rarely see the work of God. Let’s commit together to GO forward for
God’s glory.
3
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 1 – APRIL 11
Dear Heavenly Father, you have done amazing things for me. I thank you for always
surrounding me like an unseen pleasing aroma. Please help me GO spread your message
to those who do not yet know and feel your love. May Trinity be a place where others can
come to know your constant love and salvation. I ask this in the name of your precious Son,
Jesus. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
4
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 2 – APRIL 12
Lord God, thank you for your faithfulness in my life. I pray that as you sent the disciples
into their community, you would send me into mine. Give me the boldness to share your
name to those in my life who need to hear the story of your abounding grace. Give me the
wisdom to train others up to become your disciples. Give me the perseverance to obey you
in the big things and in the little things. Help me to remember that you are always with
me. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
5
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 3 – APRIL 13
4 When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the
middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
5 “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing
on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and
the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to
look at God.
7 Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I
have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of
their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians
and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with
milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and
Jebusites now live. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen
how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You
must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”
11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the
people of Israel out of Egypt?” (Continued on Day 4)
Dear Lord,
Who am I to carry out such an important task? I’m a child of God, that’s who! Open my
eyes and ears to opportunities you place in front of me. Those nudges felt within, help me
to act on those gentle pushes you provide at just the right time. Rather than looking back
and wondering how many messages I’ve missed or ignored, help me to be present with
your eyes, ears, and heart. Help me to GO and spread the good news through my words,
actions, and behavior. Help me to trust that you have equipped me with all. Amen.
6
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
Personal Reflection:
7
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 4 – APRIL 14
13 But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your
ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell
them?”
14 God replied to Moses, “I am who i am.[d] Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me
to you.” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh,[e] the God of
your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me
to you.
16 “Now go and call together all the elders of Israel. Tell them, ‘Yahweh, the God of your
ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me. He told me, “I have
been watching closely, and I see how the Egyptians are treating you. 17 I have promised to
rescue you from your oppression in Egypt. I will lead you to a land flowing with milk and
honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites
now live.”’
18 “The elders of Israel will accept your message. Then you and the elders must go to the
king of Egypt and tell him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. So please
let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord, our God.’
19 “But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand forces him.
20 So I will raise my hand and strike the Egyptians, performing all kinds of miracles among
them. Then at last he will let you go. 21 And I will cause the Egyptians to look favorably on
you. They will give you gifts when you go so you will not leave empty-handed. 22 Every
Israelite woman will ask for articles of silver and gold and fine clothing from her Egyptian
neighbors and from the foreign women in their houses. You will dress your sons and
daughters with these, stripping the Egyptians of their wealth.”
Heavenly Father, You are the Lord and giver of life. All we have is from you. God, you are
beyond our comprehension and understanding yet we sit in awe and wonder at who you
are. We say with the Angels Holy, Holy, Holy. For there is none other than you that is Holy
and worthy of worship and praise. Lord, you know we are not Holy but instead you declare
8
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
us Holy despite our sin and countless times of turning away from you. Yet, for some reason,
Holy God, you call us and send us as your people into the unknown and into risky situations
just like you sent Moses to GO proclaim you to Egypt. Lord, without you, our efforts would
be futile so we trust that you will make a way where it seems there is no way. God, we ask
for boldness in our going and even in our not knowing. We always want the destination,
directions, and the final plans revealed to us before we GO, but give us faith to listen to
the simple call to GO and give us feet that move, hands that act, and hearts of courage.
Wherever you call us, Lord, we are ready to listen and obey. Give me faith where it is lacking
and sustain me as you lead Lord. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
9
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 5 – APRIL 15
Gracious Lord God, help me follow Abram’s example to follow you even if I do not know
where you are leading me. Remind me of times I prayed that you would show me the way
you wanted me to go or the action you wanted me to take and you revealed your will. Help
me trust that because you consider me your child, you welcome my petitions.
Be with our Trinity family as we delight in inviting others to worship with us in our beautiful
new worship center. Help each of us to find a way to consciously make visitors feel
welcome. Let us also view our physical church as a facility which prepares us to go into the
world to witness to and serve others.
We thank you for all those you placed in our lives who have introduced us to you and
guided us to come to know and love you. Use us to do the same for those in our lives who
do not yet have a relationship with you. Equip us to strengthen our resolve to prayerfully
consider how we can help make heaven crowded. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
10
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 6 – APRIL 16
EXODUS 3:10-12
Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out
of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the
children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for
you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve
God on this mountain.”
Generous God, you bless us to be a blessing to others. So often you call us to leave what
is comfortable and familiar to follow you to places we’d rather not go. We prefer to stay
where we are. We focus on what we cannot do instead of envision what you will do in
and through us. We do things on our own schedule and in our own strength rather than
stepping out in faith equipped with your strength and presence. We put our preferences
ahead of your priorities. In doing so, we miss the new things that you want to do. As we
follow you in obedience, show us your glory and strengthen our faith. Help us look beyond
what we think we cannot do to see what you are going to do. Remind us that you are
always with us in the journey. Enable us to anticipate with hope the many ways that you
will connect people to Christ as we joyfully and obediently follow you. As you have blessed
us, may we be a blessing to many others. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Personal Reflection:
11
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 7 – APRIL 17
JOHN 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
Dear Lord,
“If you love me, keep my commands.” That is such a big order, one that I fall short of every
minute of my life. Help me to see that you are really telling me that if I truly believe in you
– and I do – then it is my love for you and, more importantly, your awesome love for me
that will make me want to share this wonderful news with those around me. And I will do
so in both my words and my actions. Help me to be secure in my heart that YOU are my
safe place and to GO and show this to those around me so that they, too, will feel the safe
harbor of your love.
Personal Reflection:
12
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
WEEK 2 REFLECTION
GO Make a Difference
Bible reading: LUKE 9:51-56
Jesus remained focused on his mission throughout his time on earth. Many people tried
to get Jesus to meet their expectations for him, but Jesus lived steadfastly for his calling
to introduce the Kingdom of God and to complete his work of saving the world. In today’s
reading from Luke 9, we see Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. For Jesus, the journey
to Jerusalem meant obedience, sacrifice, and ultimately crucifixion. For us, Jesus’ journey
to Jerusalem means hope, forgiveness, salvation, and reconciliation with God and others.
Knowing what lay ahead, Jesus was resolved, determined, and committed to complete his
work as Savior of the world. He did not let rejection, distraction, or discomfort deter him
from completing his mission.
Trinity has set our eyes to GO make a difference by connecting people to Christ – one
person at a time. We are determined to do whatever is necessary to help our community
know and experience the hope, forgiveness, salvation, and reconciliation with God and
others for which Jesus gave his life. We will face distraction. We will encounter closed doors
and closed hearts. God will call us to set aside our time, our comfort, and our treasures for
his mission. How will you respond when these things happen?
Jesus set his eyes on Jerusalem and surrendered all he had to carry out God’s mission in his
life. Let’s respond with similar resolute determination so we can GO make a difference in
our world.
13
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 8 – APRIL 18
Schyler Cruse
MATTHEW 5:43-47
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I
say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting
as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the
good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love
you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are
kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.
Dear Lord, thank you for your steadfast love. While we are easily distracted by the things
of this world, you never leave us nor forsake us. Help us to GO and make a difference by
sharing your love with those around us. You call us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help
us to remember that our neighbors are made in your image, just as we are. That we are
all your children, whom you love. Thank you that you send the rains on the just and the
unjust, that you provide for all people. We ask that you would open our hearts to have the
same compassion for all our neighbors — including our enemies and those who persecute
us. Right now, we lift up those whom we hold bitterness towards. We ask that you would
transform our hearts to be more like yours, that we would have love for these people. We
are not perfect, but we thank you for sending us an example of your perfection in your son,
Jesus. Help us to be more like Him every day as we grow in your love, and empower us to
GO make a difference in the world around us each day. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
14
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 9 – APRIL 19
The main point is that we must have a growth mindset. Spiritually together we can grow as
we move from student to teacher. This allows us to grow in community as we join together
to make a difference in others’ lives. It can make a positive chain reaction. God loves both
the teacher and student but expects us to expand our faith. No better way than to enhance
someone else’s journey! No one is above the other regardless of where they are at in their
journey. God provides us all things including our intellect, tools, and resources. All of those
can be combined to make a difference in our families, church and wonderful community.
Now GO and make a difference!
Dear Lord, please let us possess a growth mindset in gaining knowledge of your generous
love. Whether we are student or teacher in our journey, show us your plan for us to
cultivate your grace. Provide the confidence to GO make a difference in our church and
community. Let us be comfortable in not knowing all the answers but have confidence
YOU will support us throughout our journey. Let us challenge ourselves to grow every day.
Be fruitful with our precious resources fulfilling our mission to GO and serve the Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for all you do. In your mighty name we pray. AMEN!
Personal Reflection:
15
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 10 – APRIL 20
Loving heavenly Father, we thank you for guiding us to go out and proclaim your word
and tell others about your love and your son, Jesus. Please help keep us centered and our
eyes open to the path you have for us. Continue to help and guide us to go out into our
community, just as your disciples did, and share your love. Give us the words to make a
difference and bring more people to know you on a more intimate level. Please help us to
walk by faith and trust that you are in total control. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
16
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 11 – APRIL 21
Dear Lord,
As believers, please give us the strength and fortitude to focus on God, the One who
provides for our family and blesses us with special moments to share. Help to keep the
sacrifice of your only Son ever-present as we venture into the world and interact with
others. May your light shine through us, onto the people we encounter in our lives.
Lord, help us to fix our minds on the Hope and Trust your great promise provides, not
material things or the weight of our sins as we know our faith in You will save us.
Help us to focus our minds on doing good works that mimic your ways, Lord, to be more
Christ-like, to draw closer to You and the people you want us to be by sharing your name
and your word by our words and actions.
Lord, giver of all, please continue to guide us, as your children and disciples, that we may
share all the wonderful splendors of your promise. In your name we pray, Amen.
Personal Reflection:
17
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 12 – APRIL 22
14 You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one
lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it
gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for
all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Dear Heavenly Father, please help us sprinkle kindness across our community by turning
our attention away from ourselves and highlighting the beautiful qualities in one another.
Fill us with hope, joy, and love so we can be a positive influence to those around us. Help us
to stand out as Christ followers so others will thirst for you and your Word. O Savior, let us
be your light. Please uncover the radiance that is within us, so it can shine the truth of your
love wherever we go. We pray that your light shines through our words and actions, as we
connect people to Christ. Let us illuminate the world by spreading love, serving others, and
fostering peace . Help us GO and make a difference. To you, we give our glory! Amen.
Personal Reflection:
18
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 13 – APRIL 23
Gracious loving God, as I come to You in prayer, I am reminded of Your faithful servant,
Matilda, who I know asks You for guidance every day. She calls upon Your name to reside in
her heart that she may be a witness for You as she invites others to know You and love You
as Lord and Savior.
As Matilda does, let each of us come to You in prayer and thanksgiving for all You have
given to us. Your words from Matthew 11: 28 - 30, help us to hear Your encouragement, “ ...
..For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
You free us from our sin and weariness. Help us to know with all certainty, that You, Jesus,
give us Your love and forgiveness. Give us strength and conviction to share Your Good
News with others we encounter in our daily lives. Help us to be bold in proclaiming Your
victory over sin and death and not be shy in telling others of Your goodness and mercy.
Personal Reflection:
19
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 14 – APRIL 24
You created us to go into the world and make it a better place. Our new mission outpost
is on a hill and cannot be hidden. In the same way, our own light that comes from You
must be shared. Help us be that light to all who surround us, especially in our community
of Papillion and the surrounding area. Help us go into the world and make a difference by
spreading light and love as Your ambassadors. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, show
us the way to connect our “one” person to Christ.
Personal Reflection:
20
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
WEEK 3 REFLECTION
GO Generously
Bible reading: CORINTHIANS 9:6-15
Generosity and caring for the needs of others have been part of the Christian story from
the very start. In Acts 2, the followers of Jesus in the early church pooled their resources
and sold their property and possessions to help anyone who had need. In 2 Corinthians 8
and 9, we find the Apostle Paul sharing instructions with the church in Corinth for their
participation in a regional collection that will help distressed believers in Jerusalem. The
call to GO generously was a natural component of life together in the early church.
Generosity doesn’t come naturally to many of us. It’s easy to think that we work hard for
what we have, that we deserve nice things, and that it all belongs to us. In contrast, the
Bible tells us that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1, NIV). Did you catch
that? It all belongs to God! All that we have is a gift from God that he entrusts to us. When
you GO generously, you give time and resources back to God with gratitude and awareness
of all that God has given to you. In God’s economy, generosity comes with a promise. If
you sow generously, you will reap generously. And your generosity will lead others to give
thanks to God!
21
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 15 – APRIL 25
3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did
it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the
gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first
action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you
and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in
your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from
us[c]—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by
comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your
sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last
year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now
you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be
matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is
acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t
have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean you’re giving should make life easy for others and hard for
yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty
and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you
when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 15 As the Scriptures say,
“Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little
had enough.”
22
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
2 CORINTHIANS 8 (Continued)
Titus and His Companions
16 But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have. 17 Titus
welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and
see you. 18 We are also sending another brother with Titus. All the churches praise him as a
preacher of the Good News. 19 He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take
the offering to Jerusalem—a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help.
20 We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling
this generous gift. 21 We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want
everyone else to see that we are honorable.
22 We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself
many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. He is now even more
enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you. 23 If anyone asks about Titus, say that
he is my partner who works with me to help you. And the brothers with him have been
sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ. 24 So show them your love, and prove
to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified.
23
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
Personal Reflection:
24
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 16 – APRIL 26
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey
my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and
remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes,
your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have
loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are
my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t
confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told
me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so
that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command:
Love each other.
18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one
of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out
of the world, so it hates you.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the word which is the absolute truth and I know that it will
not return to you void, but will accomplish what it says it will do. “You are the vine and we are
the branches and those who remain in you and you in them will produce much fruit. For apart
from you we can do nothing.” Father let the joy of your presence shine through me and open
my eyes to see the people around me the way you do. Let the seeds planted take root and
grow for your glory. You are a generous Father and everything we have is a gift from you. Teach
us, Lord, to be generous to serve you as you deserve.
Amen.
25
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
Personal Reflection:
26
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 17 – APRIL 27
Father, your word tells us that you knit together and created each one of us to live in the
world at just this time. All around we see the beauty of nature that you also created for us
to enjoy. We are so grateful to you. Help us to remember, that as you brought us into the
lives we have, you have also given each of us unique gifts, talents, skills, experiences and
opportunities to serve you. You have brought friendships into our lives to help us learn
and grow, and to counsel with us when we’ve made mistakes. Through the Holy Spirit, you
have given us the power to use all that we have been given to bring, as it is in Heaven, to
the earth. Precious Lord, we humbly ask that you provide the discernment and wisdom
we need to wisely steward all that we have been given. We want to serve you correctly
with any monetary wealth that you have allowed us to acquire, remembering that all we
have belongs to you, to You first. Show us clearly the needs of others less fortunate that we
can be your hands and feet. We are reminded in scripture to give generously, cheerfully
and quietly so that the poor in wealth and spirit understand that anything given to them
is from you alone. Thank you, Jesus, for your saving grace and the hope we have in you.
Amen.
Personal Reflection:
27
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 18 – APRIL 28
Dear God, You came to save a lost mankind. You have made known and earned salvation
for every sinner. Give us the power to proclaim this truth to all who will listen including
our ONE. Let the Holy Spirit give us and guide us in the words used for proclaiming our
salvation. In this endeavor, give us the wisdom to use the many blessings given to us. Grant
us courageous giving of our financial blessings to further the kingdom of God, connecting
people to Christ. Amen
Personal Reflection:
28
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 19 – APRIL 29
“Our Heavenly Father, Name above all names, please open our hearts to give as graciously
and as generously as you have given to us. You sacrificed Your best, Lord, the life of Your
precious and only Son, all for us. Now, may we, as Your children, also give of our best, and
may we remember that even this best was first given to us by You.
Yes, You ask us to give of ourselves, our time, our money, our talents and our spiritual gifts.
Help us to do that with a loving and cheerful heart, Lord. Let us see the financial need of
this church and give generously so that our focus can then be wholeheartedly placed on
bringing others to Christ.
Let us use these spiritual gifts you’ve provided each of us to boldly proclaim the Good News
of Jesus, whether it be to a loved one or a total stranger. All are precious in Your sight. Let
us see each person as Your child and as a person with whom we want to share eternity,
Lord. Help us realize our words could be the ones needed for that person to recognize
Jesus as Savior. Please use the Holy Spirit inside each of us to find those words and to
proclaim them with love, hope and affirmation.
Help us to sow bountifully, Lord, so that upon our entry into Heaven, we may witness one
of the most glorious of sights …. all those lives we found important enough to share the
BEST NEWS the world has ever known…the free gift You offer, Our Savior, Jesus! Thank
you for this gift, Lord, and help us GO and tell Your Story so that others may know You as
we know You!
29
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
Personal Reflection:
30
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 20 – APRIL 30
Father, we know that everything we have, whether it be a strength or spiritual gift, comes
from You. We pray we recognize that the fruits of all our efforts flow from these strengths
and gifts, and that we always use these gifts to bless others and to give glory to You. Since
none of us can do all things, You have chosen each person to use their talents in their own
special way. You have blessed the people at Trinity in so many different ways and allowed
us to go forward with our new building, even during this difficult time. So many members
have been faithful stewards of their time, talents and money to further this effort and to
continue our mission both locally and across the globe. We pray that we will be bold in
extending invitations to others to join us, especially our “ones,” so that they can be part of
our community of believers. Lord, we thank You for the ability to use all that You have given
us to make Trinity a welcoming place to worship You and fellowship with other believers.
We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
31
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 21 – MAY 1
Gracious Heavenly Father, You have blessed us with so many things: Life, love, health,
talents, and yes, stuff. For these and all your many blessings, we are truly thankful. Bless
us, also, with a generous spirit. A spirit that releases us from loving our earthly stuff, and
replaces it with the joy of feeling your pleasure. Help us to “give it away.” In Jesus’ Name,
WE PRAY. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
32
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
WEEK 4 REFLECTION
GO All In
Bible reading: PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 & MATTHEW 10:37-39
The teachings of Jesus are full of surprises and apparent contradictions. Think about some
of the following things that Jesus said and modeled. If you want to be first, strive to come in
last. If you seek blessing, you might find it through mourning and persecution. If you want
to be free, live in obedience to God. If you want to be great, be a servant. If you want to have
much, give away what you have. If you want to find your life, lose it for the sake of Jesus.
Jesus demonstrated what it means to live a fully human life as God intended for us to live.
He lived in constant awareness of his relationship with the Father, he lived for the values
of the Kingdom of God, and he surrendered his life completely to God’s will. Jesus’ all-in
commitment to the will of the Father cost him his life. The Good News is that his obedience
brought about the salvation of the world for the glory to God. The surprising part is that it
also brought him joy along with glory and honor.
The path to blessing in the kingdom of God is to GO All In in your life as a follower of Jesus.
That means that you and all of the rest of us will find God’s richest blessing when you Go
All in with your commitment to God and the ministry of the church. It won’t be easy. It will
likely come with cost and sacrifice. But the promise of Jesus is this: you’ll find your truest
self when you lose yourself in the Kingdom of God.
33
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 22 – MAY 2
Sharon Bernady
GALATIANS 2:20
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself
for me.
Lord, please help me to be ALL IN for You! I ask you to send your Holy Spirit to guide me
in my life ... I want to be a reflection of you and I want your will for my life. Even if I don’t
always grasp this on a daily basis, give me perseverance to continue this journey you have
for me. You are my ALL AND ALL and I thank and praise you for loving me the way you do! I
ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
34
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 23 – MAY 3
Tom Bernady
GALATIANS 2:20
I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live my life in this earthly body by trusting
in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Lord, I want to be ALL IN to serve you with all my heart with all my might and with all my
strength. I want to be guns a blazing and take you wherever I go, knowing that you are
standing next to me whenever I interact with others! I want you to be my WAY, my TRUTH
and MY LIFE. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
35
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 24 – MAY 4
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Thank You for how clearly You have demonstrated Your love for
us through what Jesus did in His life, death, and resurrection. You held nothing back when it
came to saving us from sin and death, and because of that, we now live with the gift of being
in relationship with You and with the hope of resurrection, both in this life and in the next.
Now, as we seek to live into our congregation’s mission of “connecting people to Christ,” we
ask that you would help us to have the same attitude that Jesus had. In the same way that
He humbly set aside His divine privileges and characteristics, taking on the form of a servant
to save us, help us to set aside our preferences and desires and to freely give of our time, our
energy, and our resources so that we might see Your kingdom come and Your will be done in
our community. We want to “go all in” so that our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and
strangers would experience the power of Your love and grace. We pray that you would fill us
with the Holy Spirit and give us the strength to live on mission. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Personal Reflection:
36
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 25 – MAY 5
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, thank you for all that You have provided for us. You sent Your
Son so that we may GO all in. While all things are possible for You, we ask that You take
our challenges and let us submit to Your will not ours. We know that all things are possible
through You, that there is nothing too hard for You, and that we have hope in the eternal life
You provide. While sin weakens us, overpowers us, and leaves us feeling unequipped, our
hope rests in the suffering of Your son, Jesus Christ. Let us be prepared for the challenges
You will put in our path. That through You, we accept Your challenges, grow with grace,
share Your story, and GO all in. For it is in the Father’s Holy Name, we pray, amen.
Personal Reflection:
37
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 26 – MAY 6
Alex Strehle
ISAIAH 6:8
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I
said, “Here am I! Send me.”
O Lord, who is like You? Who else is Holy, Holy, Holy? There is none like you for you are the
LORD, the LORD. A God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast
love and faithfulness. The mountains tremble at your majesty. May our hearts bow to your
glory. Guide us and give our lips to speak “Here am I” when you call on us. Lord, help us to
hear you and listen. Bring our feet to your calling and hands for your work. Lord, we cannot
do this without your Spirit, uphold us! Our ears are turned towards You. Your will be done, O
Lord, in Jesus name, amen.
Personal Reflection:
38
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 27 – MAY 7
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the Lord’s Prayer, for showing us how to pray, and for your
assurance that we don’t have to have the perfect words. You know our hearts before we even
speak a word. Thank you for the disciples and their boldness to ask how to pray and give us
that same desire to seek you in prayer. Help us to understand and see the power that comes
through prayer and your willingness to answer and meet us right where we are. May we
surrender our lives to you and accept Your call for our lives and for Trinity Church, knowing
how much you love us and that you have great things in store for us when we follow you. We
want to open our hearts and lives to Your will and Your goodness. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
39
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 28 – MAY 8
Eli Thompson
LUKE 9:57-62
“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay
his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury
my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim
the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and
say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks
back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Our Prayer:
“Jesus you are all that matters. Nothing in this world makes a difference besides exactly
what you call us to. God, I am so sorry that I have sinned grievously by not abandoning the
things of this world to chase after only you. I am sorry I have held so tightly to my family,
my friends, my possessions, my own life, how I am perceived, and my personal comfort
more tightly than I have held you. God, you call us to the plow to labor. Help us not to look
back. Thank you so much that the power that raised Jesus from the grave goes behind
and before us and is fused into our hearts. Embolden our lives. Lead us to cast off, with joy,
the good things that we try to do to earn your love and instead receive in humility the Holy
Spirit. Jesus, when you ask us to follow, leave no room for anything but yes or no. God, take
away the complacency of a lukewarm Christian life and invigorate our spirits with yours.
Draw us in to deep communion with you as we gradually release our hold on our sense of
control of our lives and instead learn to trust you when you say, ‘Seek first the kingdom of
God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you’. Lead us to be like you.
We want to walk in your way, your real way. Let us surrender our desire for earthly praise and
receive the mockery you endured. Let us surrender our comfortable lives and receive your
crucifixion. Let us surrender our possessions and receive your life of scarcity and generosity.
Let us surrender our control and receive your constant provision of our daily bread. Let us
surrender our weakness and receive your strength that makes mountains rock and reel.
Let us surrender our plans and receive yours that are higher than our understanding. Let
us surrender ourselves and receive the fullness of who you are. God, we know there is no
room for anything but 100% all in. God, help us fix our eyes firmly on you. You are worth
too much for us to look back. You don’t promise us your way will be easy, comfortable, or
even logical but you do promise it will be life to the absolute fullest, joy and peace beyond
comprehension, and your very presence dwelling in us. We love you. Have your way. Amen.”
40
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
Personal Reflection:
41
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
WEEK 5 REFLECTION
GO Into Life
Bible reading: EPHESIANS 2:1-10 & PHILIPPIANS 1:3-6
Nobody’s life is an accident. Everyone is made in the image of God for relationship with him.
Some people have never heard this great news. Others don’t believe it; they find the story of
God too good to be true. Still others have a hard time believing in a loving God because they
have experienced judgment and even condemnation from Christians.
In response to God’s incredible love for you, your primary work as a Christian is to love God
and show God’s love to others. You live out God’s purpose for you when you GO Into Life
loving others with the love God has shown to you.
Think again about your one. Which of the above truths from the Bible does he or she need
to experience? How can you help your one know that he or she is designed for relationship
with God? How can Trinity support you in sharing the love of God?
42
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 29 – MAY 9
Dear Lord, we ask that you guide us as Christians and Americans, in this nation that you
have so richly blessed, to continue to love one another and treat others how we want
to be treated. Help us to show love in the face of attacks and persecution and to not be
discouraged. We ask that you cause a change in others’ hearts as they witness our actions of
love, faith, and good works and connect their hearts to Christ. We pray for a cure for Covid-19
so we can once again worship and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us
to encourage our fellow Christians to have hope and to remind everyone that the battle has
already been won. And please encourage us all to have a spirit of forgiveness for each other.
Amen.
Personal Reflection:
43
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 30 – MAY 10
Please guide me to go forth with confidence in knowing that you who began good works in
me will give me the strength to continue to perfect and complete my abidance in you until
the day of salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Personal Reflection:
44
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 31 – MAY 11
Father God, thank you for your many gifts. You who began your good works in us and
continue to be with us on our faith journey, I know will help us find our way. Everything is
possible through Christ. As we go out into life and spread the Good News, guide us so that
those who have not heard will hear. Thank you for your everlasting love and the gift of your
grace. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
45
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 32 – MAY 12
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the amazing work of grace you have placed in the
soul of all believers. Open our hearts and minds that we may hear your voice and know your
plans and desires for us. Show us the work you would have us do. Empower us to do your
will. Allow us to make an impact in those around us, our community, that others will know it
is not us but Christ living in us and his Spirit working through us. We are sure in knowing the
good work you began in us will be made complete to our eternal benefit and your eternal
praise. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
46
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 33 – MAY 13
Juli Staab
JOHN 10:10
Go into Life
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have
it abundantly.
Lord God, you are good and gracious, merciful and kind. When the devil does his work, he
steals, kills and destroys. He takes from people love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
gentleness and self-control. No more! Father, close our ears to the voice of this thief. Remind
us that you have overcome the world. Point us to the finished work of Jesus. Open our ears
to the voice of your Son, the One who loves us so much that He took our sin and shame to
the cross. Lord Jesus, thank you that through your death and resurrection we rise to new
life, to whole life, to abundant life. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be your voice in
this world. Encourage us to tell our stories. Ignite in us a passion for those who are being
deceived and destroyed by the “thief.” Keep us from complacency. May we never settle; may
we never give up. We hear your voice, God. Once we were dead, but now we live. We will
go — to the young and to the old - and proclaim what you have done. We will GO into life!
AMEN.
Personal Reflection:
47
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 34 – MAY 14
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the blessings and faith you have given us. Help us remain focused on your will
to see the path we should take. Please reduce the distractions we face that will turn us away
from your will. Give us strength to support and encourage each other so that we can follow
your example in life. Show us how we can use your good works to demonstrate our faith to
others. We ask you to remain with us and support us with your Holy Spirit, until our time on
earth is done. In your name we pray. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
48
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 35 – MAY 15
Lindsey Wilson
1 THESSALONIANS 5:11
11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Heavenly Father, thank you for being an accepting and forgiving God. A God that wants
everyone to love You just as you love everyone. Please help us to be more like you. Help us
become more accepting, more compassionate and loving, so people will know that we are
Christians by our love and want to be connected to You because of it. In Jesus name. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
49
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
WEEK 6 REFLECTION
GO Celebrate
Bible reading: LUKE 10:20 & LUKE 15:3-7
Luke 15 includes three stories Jesus shared with a similar plot. In each story, something
valuable is lost, what’s lost is found, and there’s a big celebration. The stories are inspiring;
the setting is significant. At this point in his ministry, Jesus was gaining quite a following.
Some of the people drawn to Jesus were notorious sinners (as defined by the Jewish
religious leaders of the day). The religious leaders didn’t like that Jesus associated with
sinners, and they muttered their concern that Jesus was welcoming them and even sitting
down to eat with them.
The stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost (prodigal) son are Jesus’ response to
the muttering of the religious leaders. Jesus’ stories indicate that there are no lost causes; no
one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Lost people matter to God. They’re valuable to him,
he longs for them to return to him, and he celebrates when they find their way back to him.
Stop and think about this for a moment: there was a day when all of heaven celebrated your
return to the Father. Heaven celebrated you. What a happy thought! Heaven’s celebration
also comes with an important responsibility. When you follow Jesus, you become part of
heaven’s search party. You are called to GO to those who don’t know Jesus, to show them
the Father’s extravagant love, and to invite them into the abundant life they can have when
they’re connected to Christ. When that happens, all of heaven will celebrate the day they
came home to the Father. Let’s GO celebrate the life we have in Christ and invite more
people to the party!
50
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 36 – MAY 16
Lily Erb
LUKE 10: 17-20
17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us
through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the
enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that
the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Dear Lord, thanks for all you’ve done and for all the things you will continue to do for us.
You made the ultimate sacrifice of your only son so that we could someday live with you in
Heaven. You ask us to give our hearts and minds all to you but also to use the gifts you gave
each of us to bring others closer to you. Help us to do so. Help us to help others as Jesus did.
Help us to love our enemies as Jesus did. And help us to love ourselves as you love us. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
51
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 37 – MAY 17
ISAIAH 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,
a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will
not be in haste.’
LUKE 15:3-32
3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost
one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that
is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them,
‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be
more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons
who need no repentance.
8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and
sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she
calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin
that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner
who repents.”
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to
his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his
property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and
took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14
And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to
be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who
sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the
pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have
more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father,
and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer
worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose
and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt
52
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father,
I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put
a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us
eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’
And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard
music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things
meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened
calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused
to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these
many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me
a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came,
who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And
he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to
celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
JOHN 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should
not perish but have eternal life.
Our Father, God; Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, we give thanks for Your unfailing love and
presence in our lives. Today, as we complete our vision campaign, “GO,” look down on us with
favor and send Your Holy Spirit to lift us up in celebration. As the psalmist so aptly said, “This
is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad in it.” SO, LET US CELEBRATE!
We think of the mothers giving birth, enduring pain and anxiety but rejoicing in the gift
of a new life. When the foundation is laid for a new home or church, we can experience
anxiety over paying for it, but we rejoice in the new structure that will house dreams and
provide shelter and love. We think of astronauts sitting atop a mighty rocket and consider
the magnitude of the endeavor but rejoice when there is lift off and orbit attained. We can
visualize the challenges and possibilities in all these events, BUT WE CELEBRATE!
Now, Lord, stir our hearts to celebrate and rejoice in the possibilities for vision and mission.
Long ago, the Psalmist and Isaiah prophesied about our cornerstone. We sing of him today.
Jesus is our cornerstone, connecting us to our God, much as a building’s cornerstone forms
the foundation and connection to the entire building.
53
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
Lord, You spoke to us in the parable of the prodigal’s son. He was lost but returned to his
father when he realized that he had made a terrible mistake. His father welcomed him with
open arms and celebrated.
Lord, You spoke to us about searching for one lost coin and celebrating when it was found.
And You spoke to us about rejoicing after one lost sheep was found.
We have the most profound reason for celebrating — “For God so loved the world, that He
gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
“Was it a morning like this” when Jesus arose? And “Will I dance for you, Jesus? ... Sing
Hallelujah? ... Surrounded by Your glory? ... I can only imagine!”
Personal Reflection:
54
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 38 – MAY 18
PSALM 89:1-8
I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your
faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the
heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” 3 You have said, “I have made a covenant with
my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: 4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah 5 Let the heavens praise your wonders,
O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! 6 For who in the skies can be
compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, 7 a God greatly to
be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? 8 O
Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you?
MATTHEW 9:35-38
The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few
35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and
proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and
helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is
plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to
send out laborers into his harvest.”
Heavenly Father, Your faithfulness is true and so visible! You have poured out your steadfast
love and blessings on Your sons and daughters at Trinity Church. Let us join Heaven in songs
of praise of Your unending love for us, and may Your glory and light shine in all of Trinity’s
generations, present and future. Help us to reflect that love and faithfulness as we go out
into Your world to collect the harvest that You are growing. We pray and do all things in the
victorious, loving name of Jesus, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
55
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
Personal Reflection:
56
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 39 – MAY 19
Cindy Miller
PSALM 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Glorious Lord Almighty, Your gracious gift of each day is overwhelming. We have done
nothing to deserve this gift, yet you give it to us continually. Open our hearts to embrace
your gift, allowing us to serve you each day. Sometimes the difficulties of a day cause us to
be distracted from you. Gently remind us of the blessings of each day; our food, clothing,
shelter, our loved ones and, most important, Your gracious mercy. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Personal Reflection:
57
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
DAY 40 – MAY 20
PSALM 150:1-6
Let Everything Praise the Lord
1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise
him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with
trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud
clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Father, You have commanded us to rejoice and loudly praise your name and worship
You. Lord, we praise You for the work You are doing through us. Lord, these are exciting
times for us as a church and it’s so amazing that you chose us! You chose us to do your
good works and to spread Your Good News! We celebrate the journey that Trinity Church
has been on and now, Lord, please guide us as Trinity Church on the mission You have
put in our hearts and set before us. We know with Your Holy Spirit power living in us we
58
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
can succeed. We ask for You to help us GO be the church that loudly praises Your name
throughout our community, connect people to Christ, and build Your Kingdom here! Praise
the Lord! We love you Father. Amen.
Personal Reflection:
59
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
Keep GOing!
Reflect on your relationship with Trinity.
• How did you first get connected? How have you grown as a follower
of Jesus at Trinity? In what ways have you served at Trinity?
• How will you participate in Trinity’s ministry? What will you stop? What will you start?
What else do you need to know?
• Who have you invited to Trinity? Who will you invite to Trinity?
• What have been some important insights and highlights for you in the GO campaign?
• How is the GO campaign drawing you deeper into God’s work at Trinity?
What hurdles do you face about being involved?
• What next step will you take as you GO in joyful obedience to God’s call for your life?
60
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
61
40 DAYS OF DEVOTIONS Scriptures & Prayer
“Oh, Lord, You are an AWESOME God. Please lead and motivate us to
make changes, Lord, not begrudgingly but with anticipation for what is to
come, and such exciting things they could be. ONLY YOU KNOW. Yes, help us
pray with motivation and expectation, surrendering always to Your Will.
Oh, we continue thinking of the stories You’ve written when utilizing flawed
humans to impact the world through prayer and know they would make the
best mini-series ever, God. Many are untold, known only by You. Many are known
and nothing less than astounding …. General Patton’s prayer for good weather,
the prayer of Hannah for a son, thus giving birth to Samuel, the prayers of a small
church in Germany for 40 years and a wall coming down in 1989, prayers of Helen
Keller, Abraham Lincoln, Corrie ten Boom and so many more. You heard them all
and moved mightily, Lord. For all these things, we thank You. Help us imagine the
impact we could make in this community if we made prayer a real priority like
those you used to change the world before us, Lord. Please guide us forward.
We’re reminded of the men You chose in forming this country, our Founding Fathers.
These Founders were predominantly strong Christians, their numerous writings greatly
revealing their faith in You. They relied mostly upon Your Words from the Bible and
sermons to write the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. They sought
you daily. When they got “stuck” and couldn’t move forward with success, Benjamin
Franklin advised they needed a break, and where should they go? To church, to pray!
It worked! Oh, Lord, it’s because of YOU this country was formed. It’s because of YOU
that it became the greatest nation this world has ever known. It’s because of YOU we
live in this country. It’s because of You Trinity is now a beacon on the hill. It’s because
of YOU we have the freedom to GO and tell others the Good News. It’s because of You
that Trinity could be the church that changes a community like no other, all because
of its commitment to prayer. When we think of these prayer warriors, please help us
say, “I want to be like that! I want to PRAY like that!” Please make it happen, Lord.
Oh, God, Creator of the universe, help us to become more like our Founders, like Your
servants of the Bible, and all those in history who called upon Your Name as we seek You
and attempt to be more like Christ. Help us realize we could be used for Your Glory. Oh,
Lord, do help us to pray as You desire. Help us in our journey to connect our “ones” to
Christ and hundreds, if not thousands, of “ones” beyond that. You’ve given us a mission
field just ripe for the planting and watering, Lord. Help us to pray fervently and often
so Your Will on this earth be done. Yes, help us GO and connect people to Christ, Lord.
It’s in the precious Name and blood of Your Son, we pray, Lord. Amen.”
62
Into Prayer
Into Community