“The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.”

Prayer is a powerful thing in my life. It humbles me when I become too proud; it raises me up when I feel down. It can make me happy and bring joy into my life and it can also make me cry – sometimes out of sorrow, sometimes out of sheer joy. I have come to rely on prayer to open my mind to do the will of God through me – in my thoughts, in my actions, in what I do and say, in how I deal with family, friends and coworkers. So in this final week leading up to the one of the greatest prayers answered for mankind – the birth of our Savior – let’s all take time to pray in His name. Pray for the dead, pray for the sick, pray for those in prison, pray for the poor and the rich alike. Pray, and when you’re done praying, start it all over again. Prayer is a powerful thing in my life – I pray that it is the same for you.

Do something great for our Lord today – pray early; pray often.

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid; just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.

He must increase; I must decrease.

Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.

But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.