Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.—Matthew 5:15 (NKJV)

Are you shining your light on others? Sometimes fear can stop us from moving forward on the path that God has placed before us. If you are feeling stretched in a new role that is opening up for you, pray. Ask God to help you refocus your energy—away from your insecurities and back onto Him.

Thank You, dear Lord, for believing in me, even when I doubt myself. Guide me to hand my vulnerabilities over to You so that my gifts and talents can shine.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.—Luke 5:16 (NASB)

Jesus often went off alone to spend time in prayer. Do you make time in your day to get lost in the vastness of nature—whether that be on a hike in the woods or a walk in the park? As you spend time with Him amidst the beauty of His creation, your faith will grow stronger and steadier.

Lord, You renew my strength in so many beautiful ways! Let me follow Your example and slip off into the wilderness to pray.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.—Psalm 103:12 (NIV)

This psalm reassures us that God completely forgives our wrongdoings. There is no transgression so great that He cannot completely forgive you. When you bring your regrets to God, He, in His mercy, removes all evidence of your offense.

Lord, thank You for forgiving my shortcomings and guiding me forward to a life that aligns with Your will and is graced by Your peace.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.—Proverbs 19:11 (RSV)

Charles Spurgeon said, “Do not say, ‘I cannot help having a bad temper.’ Friend, you must help it. Pray to God to help you overcome it at once, for either you must kill it, or it will kill you. You cannot carry a bad temper into heaven.” Slow down your anger and rise above provocation. Build up resistance to anger by letting this verse guide your thinking.

Dear Lord, help me resolve differences with love and compassion and strive for solutions that bring peace and harmony.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.—Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Open your mind to your true potential. What you think of yourself defines your boundaries and limits what you think you are capable of. Often people reject a dream or goal because they mistakenly believe it’s beyond their abilities. Push away these thoughts—and ask God to help you stretch your self-image to see what He sees when He looks at you.

Heavenly Father, open my mind to consider new possibilities, new goals, new friendships, and new ways of thinking about myself.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Hallelujah! Praise God from heaven, praise him from the mountaintops; Praise him, all you his angels, praise him, all you his warriors, Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, you morning stars; Praise him, high heaven, praise him, heavenly rain clouds; Praise, oh let them praise the name of God—he spoke the word, and there they were!—Psalm 148:1 (MSG)

Try to say the above verse without sounding excited. It’s almost impossible! Just reading the words fills you with the joy of knowing that you serve a mighty God. When your spirit needs a boost, spend a few minutes praising Jesus. Invite joy into your life. Praise Him for who He is, what He’s done and what He has promised to do.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my victorious Savior, best friend and Holy Lord.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”—Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

The prophet Zephaniah warned others that a day of judgment would come. Yet there was no reason to fear, because God had chosen them and received them. When fear enters your heart, pray. Ask Him to calm your worries.

Lord, work in me to change my emotions. I ask for Your peace to guard my heart and mind.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”—Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

The prophet Zephaniah warned others that a day of judgment would come. Yet there was no reason to fear, because God had chosen them and received them. When fear enters your heart, pray. Ask Him to calm your worries.

Lord, work in me to change my emotions. I ask for Your peace to guard my heart and mind.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.—Philippians 4:5–6 (NIV)

Everyone knows that trust builds over time. Reflection your life and the many times God helped you out of a bind or gave you wisdom and perseverance to overcome difficult circumstances. Know that His love for you is infinite and unshakable. When you knock, He will open the door.

Dear God, my soul waits upon You. I trust that You will always answer me.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.—Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)

God knows what you need. Sometimes He answers prayers before they are even prayed. Release your concerns and center your heart on Him. Be patient and trust Him to give you what you need. Even when His answers differ from your desires, continue to believe and trust Him.

Heavenly Father, it is through my prayers to You that I know You better every day.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.—Proverbs 20:12 (NIV)

God sends small miracles to brighten every day. Do you notice them? The next time you experience a little blessing—a parking spot that opens up, a beautiful dragonfly that lands on your window, or a meaningful song that pops up on the radio just as you tune the dial—thank Him for shining His light on your life.

Dear Lord, Your fingerprints are all around me. Give me ears that hear and eyes that see Your many wondrous blessings.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.—Matthew 10:14 (NIV)

When Jesus sent the disciples to spread the Gospel, He knew that they would not always be welcome. His advice when this happened was to move on and keep going. Is there something in your life that you are clinging to that may just be a waste of time? Reflect on what is blocking you from moving forward. Shake the dust off your feet.

Lord, help me discern what I should let go of. Guide me forward on my faith journey.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.—Psalm 119:62 (KJV)

Often things that keep us up at night lose their significance and power in the light of day. The lonely hours of the night can break down our defenses and make us feel hopeless. God and strong faith are the cure for dark thoughts. His Word is a beacon of hope.

Heavenly Father, I know You are with me, guiding me to embrace life’s journey, even through the loneliness of dark nights.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)

Someone said, “The courage it takes to share your story might be the very thing someone else needs to open their heart to hope.” Reflect on your life, and ask Jesus to help you find ways to inspire others and give them hope by sharing a personal experience.

Dear Lord, guide me to bless others with my story.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)

Are you a good friend to yourself? Do you ever reward yourself by doing something that makes your spirit soar and your heart sing? Reflect on your accomplishments and the many life lessons you have learned. Treat yourself. You deserve it.

Dear God, sometimes I put myself at the end of my to-do list. Today, help me remember that being good to myself is essential for my wellbeing.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”—John 17:20 (NIV)

This beautiful verse reveals this humbling and magnificent truth: Jesus prays for you! So take that comforting message to heart: Jesus continues to plead for you before the throne of His Father. The Son of God prays for you!

Lord, thank You for showering me with Your love and prayers!

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV

“How’s Herb?” people would ask me when we’d meet on the street.

I was evasive. “Oh, I can’t really say. It changes from day to day.” My husband’s mental illness was not something I wanted to talk about.

“How are you doing?” my friend, Bertha, asked. “Fine,” I told her. “And you?” She looked me in the eye and said, “No. Really. I want to know how YOU are.” She didn’t accept the standard “fine.” I burst into tears. The floodgate was opened! Keeping my emotions pushed deep down inside was doing me real emotional and physical harm. As a caregiver for Herb for years, I was worn down from the pressure and stress of dealing with his illness.

Friends and family urged me to join a counseling group at a local hospital. After some resistance, I decided to give it a try, and immediately found I was met with kindness, understanding, support and love in the group. I saw that I was not the only brokenhearted person.

Over eight weeks of learning how to accept my situation, I became more confident. I opened up to people about Herb when they asked about him. I even elaborated on our situation without fear of being judged. I was finally free to talk about mental illness and the effect it had on our family, and it felt like such a blessed relief.

Lord, thank you for the support and encouragement of others who understand what I’m going through on my caregiving journey. Thank you for setting me free to talk about mental illness.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

God has wonderful plans to accomplish through each of us. In John 15, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (verse 5). A vine should bear fruit, and Jesus lists several variations on this theme: no fruit; some fruit; more fruit; and much fruit (verses 2, 8). Of these four possibilities, how would you rate yourself spiritually?

It’s important to remember that spiritual growth is not something you can do on your own. “Without me,” Jesus cautions, “you can do nothing” (John 15:5). In that same verse, He urges His followers to, “Abide in me.” Jesus wants you to live in His presence, to think of Him often, to pray to Him, to sing His praises, to talk and work with other Christians, who are really His body (Ephesians 5:30). You abide in Christ when you read His words in the Bible (often!), meditate on them and do what He says.

In John 15:7, Jesus gives us an amazing promise: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” When you truly abide in Christ, you can ask for whatever you desire—for your longings will have become those of Christ Himself.

Why not take time this week to read the entire 15^th chapter of John? Underline (or memorize) verses that challenge or inspire you. Abide…and bear fruit!

ELIZABETH PEALE ALLEN

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/