My Daily Devotional Prayer Journal by Barbour Books

THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO

ISBN 978-1-63609-681-0

Portions of the text previously published as Daily Wisdom for Women 2020 Devotional Collection

Prayer prompts written by Vickie Phelps.

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WELCOME TO

My Daily Devotional Prayer Journal

Life holds ongoing changes for everyone, including Christians. As a believer, you’re a new creature in Christ. But your story doesn’t end there. For if you allow Him, God will continue His work to transform you, making you more and more like Jesus. Through His Word and power, God’s Spirit plunges into the very depths of your being, equipping you with a new heart and mind, which changes up your thoughts and attitude, which, in turn, transforms your actions and behavior.

And you play a huge part in your transformation by your obedience and your prayers. Through them and by them, God molds and reshapes you, your situations, and your paths in accordance with His plan.

To help support you amid all the transformations going on within and without, here you’ll find 365 scripture-based readings about how to trust, follow, and walk with the unchangeable three—God, Jesus, and the Spirit—as you journey your way through your life, homing in on the new things God is doing in and for you (Isaiah 43:18–19).

As you read each devotion and focus verse, allow them to shed light on God, His Word, and His plan for you, helping you to become the woman God created you to be, beyond what you could ever expect, hope, or imagine.

The Editors

DAY 1

A Blessed Life

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1:1–3 niv

Want to live out the calendar year in a perpetual state of blessedness? You may be thinking, That’s not even possible! Yet the truth is, once you’ve made the decision to become a Christ follower, you’ve been transformed. . .and blessings—and so much more—are yours. The Bible says so! (See 2 Corinthians 9:8 and many other verses throughout scripture.)

If you’ve accepted Christ as Savior, your life is made new. Gone are your old ways of thinking. . .you’re on the path to righteous living! And, what’s more, each and every one of the hundreds of promises in scripture are yours to claim.

Today, on this first day of the year, make a conscious decision to delight in the Lord. . .to meditate on His law. Don’t live so you miss out on the blessings that God’s Word promises. Let the theme of your year be one of beautiful transformation. You won’t regret it!

Prayer Prompt:

What can you do today to delight yourself in the Lord and continue to live in a state of blessedness? Ask God how to live and delight yourself in Him as you claim His blessings.

Father God, I claim Your promise of blessing. If Your Word says it, I believe it!

DAY 2

A Faithful Focus

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1–2 msg

The Savior of the world was born. . .and the wise men, seeing the star that signaled His arrival, began their “pilgrimage”—their journey—to find and worship Him. These men had been waiting for Jesus. . .anticipating His birth.

The lengthy journey of the wise men was likely arduous and not without uncertainty along the way. But still they persevered in faith and with focus. They traveled on, knowing they would eventually have the honor of being in the very presence of the long-awaited Messiah, where they could shower Him with gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—and praise and adoration (Matthew 2:11).

Like the wise men, our faith journey will not come without trials and tribulation. But we continue on, knowing that if we remain faithful and focused, actively seeking Jesus, He will see to it that we safely reach our final, heavenly destination—where we will spend eternity in praise and adoration of Him!

Prayer Prompt:

What can you do to persevere in the face of uncertainty and difficulty? As you pray, ask God to keep your mind on Jesus today.

Father God, when the worries of the world threaten to distract me from You, I trust You will help me to maintain a faithful focus. I praise You!

DAY 3

From Despair to Hope

Many are saying of me, There is no help for him in God. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Psalm 3:2–4 ampc

In Psalm 3, we encounter these moving words of David, whose enemies likely longed to see their words—“There is no help for him in God”—come true, hoping for David’s total destruction. And knowing the sin that he had committed with Bathsheba, he probably thought their hurtful words had some merit.

David could have easily allowed himself to be swayed by the world’s words. But instead of allowing himself to wallow in despair, David recalled God’s power, His faithfulness, His protection, and His love. David trusted in God and chose to cling to and focus on His heavenly Father, who “hears” and would no doubt restore David’s joy.

As Christ followers, we can trust in our prayer-hearing God just as David did and know without a doubt that God will lift our heads, offering us His protection and salvation from a world that wishes for our downfall. With our trust in God Almighty, we will overcome!

Prayer Prompt:

How can you praise God during the attack of criticism? Pray for those who criticize you and ask God to encourage both of you.

Father God, I praise You for the hope and joy I can only find in You!

DAY 4

You Are Called

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew— throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Matthew 4:18–20 nlt

If you’ve accepted Christ as the Lord and leader of your life, think back to what your life was like before you had a relationship with Him. Where was your focus? Were you ready and willing to drop your plans and follow God’s lead, exchanging your plans for His?

When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, they immediately left their livelihood—including their nets, their boat, and more—behind, and they followed Him. The book of Matthew doesn’t say they “thought about it, weighing the pros and cons, and then decided at a later date.” No. They left their nets at once!

When you hear God’s call upon your heart, drop everything. Drop. It. All. Immediately! God wants to use you—yes, you!—to fulfill His purpose in this world, which requires a life transformed from service of “self” to serving others. Surrender all. Say yes to God’s plan today, and experience life as you’ve never imagined!

Prayer Prompt:

How have you heard God’s call upon your heart? Allow Him to use you for His purpose in the world.

Dear Jesus, I surrender all to You. I will follow You today and all my days to come!

DAY 5

Bringing Light to the Darkness

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14–16 msg

When you say yes to a relationship with Jesus Christ, something deep inside of you transforms. You now carry within yourself the light of the Holy Spirit . . .and along with this beautiful transformation comes purpose and responsibility:

1. Be a light to others. Shine!

2. Go public with the change God has made in your life. Don’t keep it a secret!

3. Be generous with others. Share!

In doing so, you’re sure to prompt others to open their hearts to the grace and love of Jesus.

When you know your future is secure because of your relationship with the heavenly Creator, why would you even want to keep it to yourself? When He works in your heart, you’ll want to shout His praises from the rooftops for all to hear.

Prayer Prompt:

What are some ways you can let your light shine to others? Ask God to make you a beacon in a dark world.

Father God, I will shine my light for You today!

DAY 6

Unfailing Love

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

Psalm 6:1–4 niv

David was deeply anguished. Thoughts of his sinful state likely kept him up at night. His troubles weighed heavily on his soul. His words here in Psalm 6 reveal his absolute dread of God’s anger and discipline. In fact, David begs for God’s mercy.

And after airing his negative thoughts and feelings, David then acknowledges that God is fully capable of delivering him from his torment. Because God is a God of “unfailing love,” David knows, without a doubt, that all will be well if it is God’s will for his life. And that’s that!

Like David, do thoughts of your sinful past interfere with a good night’s sleep? Do your troubles weigh heavily on your spirit? Today is the day to approach the heavenly Father in bold confidence. Let Him know that you trust Him with the outcome. You trust Him to see you through to better days ahead. He will hear you, and He will act. Praise Him!

Prayer Prompt:

Are you weighed down by negative thoughts and feelings? Commit them to God during your prayer time, and trust Him to give you peace.

Heavenly Father, I trust You for my comfort. . .for deliverance from my troubles. Thank You for saving me!

DAY 7

No Playactor

“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.”

Matthew 6:1–4 msg

If you were being completely honest with yourself, would you say there have been times (more often than you’d like to admit) that you’ve helped others just for the attention—to get noticed for your good deeds? A “look what I did” kind of performance? If so, how does it make you feel?

How much better would it feel to do something good for an audience of one: Jesus? Don’t be a “playactor.” Rather, work behind the scenes like Jesus. God will notice your good deeds done quietly and in secret, and that’s what really matters!

Prayer Prompt:

What are your motives behind your good deeds? Ask Jesus to help you keep your motives pure.

Father God, help me not do things for the recognition I’ll get from others. I want to do good for You and You alone!

DAY 8 Beautiful Lilies

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

Matthew 6:25–30 nlt

Do you often worry about everyday things in life—like food and clothing? Or do you instead leave all your worries in the hands of your perfectly capable provider, your heavenly Father?

If you’re a worrywart, these verses from the Gospel of Matthew should set your mind to rest and lead you to a place of tranquil transformation. . . from worry to wonder! For the God who cares for the birds and wildflowers also cares for you!

Prayer Prompt:

Are you a worrier? Verbalize your concerns to God, and trust Him to take care of your needs for today and in the days to come.

Heavenly Father, I trust You—the caretaker of all creation. . .the birds, the beautiful lilies, and me!

DAY 9

Everything Set Right

I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God. The day my enemies turned tail and ran, they stumbled on you and fell on their faces. You took over and set everything right; when I needed you, you were there, taking charge.

Psalm 9:1–4 msg

In this psalm we find David singing praises to God, the doer of great things—the one who sets everything to right. David isn’t praising halfheartedly, oh no. He’s putting his whole heart and soul into it. He’s “whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy.” His entire being is directed in praise to almighty God.

We can experience this same kind of bubbling-up joy that David did. Because when hard times come, when nothing is going our way, we can trust our heavenly Father with the outcome. He can—He will—transform our troubles. He knows just what we need. And if we give control over to Him, He’ll set everything right in His perfect timing. Ask God to take charge of your life, starting right this very minute. And once He begins to work, remember how He is always there when you need Him. Share with others the great things He has done for you. Telling of God’s awesomeness. . .what a wonderful way to praise Him!

Prayer Prompt:

What are you praising God for today? Put your whole heart into praising Him for His amazing goodness to you.

Today, I ask You to take complete charge of my life, Lord. No matter what, You are always the one who can set things right. I praise You!

DAY 10

A Strong Foundation

Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible. . .man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid. . .man who built his house upon the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it.

Matthew 7:24–27 ampc

Obedience seems like such a stiff, serious, b-o-r-i-n-g subject, doesn’t it? If you “obey,” aren’t you really giving up your own will, your own desires, to instead follow the path someone else—in this case, God—has set for you? And can that really lead to a fulfilling life?

These words of Jesus in Matthew 7 confirm that the answer is yes obedience to God always leads to a better life, creating a strong, faith-filled foundation to help you stand firm when the storms of life blow and batter against your weary soul. Allow your faithful obedience to transform your life—willingly give up your imperfect will for His perfect plan. Your house will stand strong!

Prayer Prompt:

Are you having trouble giving up your will for God’s will? Ask Him for help to submit to His plans for a fulfilling life.

Father God, help me build my house upon the Rock!