Living Story Blog
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A Prayer about Suffering with the Savior
Comforting Father, As this year draws to a close, I know many who, like me, look forward to a new year, hoping that it will soften the harsh edges of last year’s grief, looking forward to new joys. May it be so. And yet, as we consider the words of Simeon to...
A Prayer about Jesus’ Tears
Generous Father, Even though the day most people exchange gifts has come and gone, or maybe especially because that day has come and gone, it’s a good time to contemplate this baby in the manger. Many of us love the Christmas lullaby “Away in a Manger,” but I...
6 Ways to Cope with Grief during the Holidays
Dear Friends, As we enter Thanksgiving week of 2021, the first after my mother’s death, I feel a little like I’m in a hotel room groping in the dark to find the light switch. The terrain is unfamiliar, and I’ve already bumped into the desk a few times. Whether you...
A Prayer about Feeling Lonely during the Holidays
Very-Near Lord, There’s nothing like the holidays to make those who are grieving feel a little lonely and forsaken. People may be mingling in our home, and yet we feel more deserted than a mall on Christmas morning. Or, we may be truly alone, because we can’t...
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Helpers
Lord Jesus, Thank you for all of the helpers you give us in this life: For friends who listen carefully but don’t rush to quick fixes or easy answers when we are struggling, For medical personnel who have trained for years to heal all sorts of illness and injury,...
A Prayer for When Someone Harms Us
Father God, It’s hard to know how to react when someone deliberately harms, betrays, or abuses us. Thank you for reminding us through the story of Joseph, whose story foreshadows the true story of our Savior, that even brutal betrayal by loved ones can be...
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Daily Prayers
A Prayer about Perfect Peace
Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ John 20:21 Heavenly Father, Even as Holy Week begins, may we remember its conclusion. In the days leading up to his death, Jesus suffered physical, mental, and...
A Prayer about a King Who Wins by Dying
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 Author God, Who would think to write such a story— the hero completes his mission by dying? And yet, this is just the true story you wrote. “It...
A Prayer about the Humiliation Jesus Endured
And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. Mark 15:19-20 King of the...
A Prayer about Faithlessness and Faithfulness
Peter answered, ‘Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, the very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ Matthew 26:33-34 Faithful Lord, How like Peter we all are, thinking we...
A Prayer about Watching Jesus’ Sorrow
“And he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.’” Mark 14:34 Father God, This scene in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before Jesus’ arrest both challenges and comforts me. Jesus first confessed to Peter, James, and John ...
A Prayer about the Hope of the Last Supper
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take, eat, this is my body.’ Matthew 26:26 Lord God, I confess, I too often read past Jesus’ profound words to his disciples without stopping to think ...