Daily Prayer for December 26

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. John 3:16, TEV Lord our God, our light and our life, in our longing to live by your Word we lift our eyes to you. Let your Word come into our hearts. Let your Word help us to understand our lives and our time, so that we can recognize your leading in everything and gather courage every day in spite of our weakness, sins, and faults. We can still find joy, for your kingdom is coming. We can feel that you are among us, however great the anguish of these times. Let the light of Jesus Christ shine out; let your Spirit of peace and grace come to all nations so that your will may be done. Free people from all their confusion. Release them from their bondage. Make them free for what is good, true, and eternal. May your name be praised among us today and forevermore. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough In Dulci Jubilo Marianne Wright Hear the story behind a popular Christmas carol so angelic it made a fourteenth-century monk stop self-flagellating. Read now Joy of Christmas Emmy Arnold My most beautiful childhood memories are of celebrating Christmas. Not surprising, perhaps, for a girl born on Christmas Day. Read now Keeping Christmas Henry van Dyke There is something better than observing Christmas for a day or twelve days, and that is keeping Christmas. Read now Where God Enters Meister Eckhart If the eternal birth does not happen in me, what does it profit me? Read now The Time Is Fulfilled Eberhard Arnold Christmas did not come as the successful result of any human effort. It came as a miracle. Read now

Daily Prayer for December 25

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6, RSV Lord our God, you have sent light to shine on earth and have revealed your heavenly power in Jesus Christ, so that in spite of all the darkness and evil we may rejoice because we have a Savior. Reveal your power in our day. Let something be done anew toward the building of your kingdom on earth. Let something draw men’s hearts to you to give them light so that they may thank and praise you for all you have done and are still doing to bring the whole world into your hands. O Lord God, let men be moved by the opening of the heavens. May their hearts awaken and their sadness give way to joy in Jesus Christ the Savior. We are your children who are allowed to wait in expectation for you to set everything right. We can know that even in our troubled times your hand is at work to reveal your will, to make your will plain to all generations on earth, as you promised through Abraham. May your name be glorified, O Lord God. May your name be honored, your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough Joy of Christmas Emmy Arnold My most beautiful childhood memories are of celebrating Christmas. Not surprising, perhaps, for a girl born on Christmas Day. Read now Keeping Christmas Henry van Dyke There is something better than observing Christmas for a day or twelve days, and that is keeping Christmas. Read now Where God Enters Meister Eckhart If the eternal birth does not happen in me, what does it profit me? Read now The Time Is Fulfilled Eberhard Arnold Christmas did not come as the successful result of any human effort. It came as a miracle. Read now The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now

Daily Prayer for December 23

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17, TEV Lord our God, our Father in heaven and our Father on earth, our Lord and our Ruler, we thank you that to this very day you have guarded and guided us and delivered us from great need. We praise you with hearts full of hope as we continue on our pilgrimage. For Christmas Day is coming with its message of hope that we may somehow bring honor to you in spite of all hindrances, mistakes, and sin, in spite of all death and the horror of dying. We know that you hold us in your hands. With your help we can look ahead, and again and again we may take a small step forward and live to the praise and honor of your name. So be with us now and bless us. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough Keeping Christmas Henry van Dyke There is something better than observing Christmas for a day or twelve days, and that is keeping Christmas. Read now Where God Enters Meister Eckhart If the eternal birth does not happen in me, what does it profit me? Read now The Time Is Fulfilled Eberhard Arnold Christmas did not come as the successful result of any human effort. It came as a miracle. Read now The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now Celebrate Advent with Children Julie Kilcur The church’s liturgical traditions remind us that we don’t need to innovate. Advent is a great time to start forging meaningful memories. Read now

Daily Prayer for December 22

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 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. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4–7, NIV Dear Father in heaven, let your joy be always in us, your children. Let your joy bring light and peace to our lives, no matter what happens around us. May we serve you in joy, aware of your peace at all times, so that something of this peace may go out from us to grieving hearts and to regions of the world that are in darkness. Father in heaven, how many unhappy people look up without knowing where to find help! But you will come to them. We beseech you, come to those who mourn, and let them find joy and trust for their redemption in Jesus Christ. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough Where God Enters Meister Eckhart If the eternal birth does not happen in me, what does it profit me? Read now The Time Is Fulfilled Eberhard Arnold Christmas did not come as the successful result of any human effort. It came as a miracle. Read now The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now Celebrate Advent with Children Julie Kilcur The church’s liturgical traditions remind us that we don’t need to innovate. Advent is a great time to start forging meaningful memories. Read now The Great Floodtide of the Spirit Johann Christoph Blumhardt We are dehydrated people and since we need the Spirit, God will give it again. Read now

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus’ presence this Christmas! Our world has faced a very difficult and challenging season these last five years with COVID-19, armed conflicts, political divisions across many countries, and the resulting isolation, travel restrictions, severe illness, loss of life, revolts, and fear. You, however, have blessed us immensely during these hard times as members of our team have buried loved ones, battled cancer, faced isolation from our ill loved ones, and moved to live in new places. On top of that, you — our VerseoftheDay.com and Heartlight.org family — our supporters, subscribers, and encouragers have made these last five years our very best in our twenty-nine-year history. Thank you! God bless you! We appreciate your partnership! Our prayer for you this Christmas is that the presence of Jesus will be near and tangibly real to you. Thank you for being part of our worldwide family of believers and sharing your faith with others. Because we love the LORD, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s mission and share the love of Jesus with others. We believe that the apostle Peter gives us the words that we need for this season of joy: Though you have not seen [Christ Jesus in the flesh], you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9). Hallelujah! May this inexpressible and glorious joy given us in Jesus be yours in abundance this year for Christmas! Your Heartlight & Verse of the Day Team

Daily Prayer for December 21

He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:17–18, NIV Lord Jesus Christ, to you we may lift our eyes, for you have broken free from our world of death and live in the glory of life, and you offer your life to us on earth. Let the power of your life be revealed today in us and in many others who want to celebrate Christmas. Send your Spirit to move our hearts so that we hear, see, experience, and understand what you and your gift of eternal life truly mean for us. So watch over us in these days and strengthen us in faith. Shed the light of your grace over us and within us. Protect us as your disciples. Lead us into communion with our Father in heaven and into community with you, O Jesus Christ, for all eternity. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough The Time Is Fulfilled Eberhard Arnold Christmas did not come as the successful result of any human effort. It came as a miracle. Read now The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now Celebrate Advent with Children Julie Kilcur The church’s liturgical traditions remind us that we don’t need to innovate. Advent is a great time to start forging meaningful memories. Read now The Great Floodtide of the Spirit Johann Christoph Blumhardt We are dehydrated people and since we need the Spirit, God will give it again. Read now Let Children Play Peter Gray In an age of high-pressure childhoods, free play is more necessary than ever. Read now

Daily Prayer for December 20

This is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” Matthew 11:10, NIV Lord our God, thank you for bringing us into glorious day. Let the rays of your grace, the grace of Jesus Christ, shine into our hearts so that we are truly born of the Spirit and serve you as your children at all times, also when hard days come. Through your might and your revelation pry us loose from all earthly things. Pry us loose from worries and from pleasures. We are your children, O Lord God. We come before you, our Father in heaven, and you will accept us so that we may be a people who prepare the way for you. May all the words you speak be a blessing to us and make us joyful in expectation for the day of Jesus Christ, which has begun in power and glory and will bring power and glory when all is fulfilled according to your merciful and perfect decree. O God, your children entreat you, “Accept us. Hear us. Set the light aflame in our hearts for the coming of your great day!” Amen.   Recent articles on Plough The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now Celebrate Advent with Children Julie Kilcur The church’s liturgical traditions remind us that we don’t need to innovate. Advent is a great time to start forging meaningful memories. Read now The Great Floodtide of the Spirit Johann Christoph Blumhardt We are dehydrated people and since we need the Spirit, God will give it again. Read now Let Children Play Peter Gray In an age of high-pressure childhoods, free play is more necessary than ever. Read now We’re Alone Together Caitrin Keiper A review of Edwidge Danticat’s new essay collection, We’re Alone. Read now

Daily Prayer for December 19

When the Lord brought us back to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! How we laughed, how we sang for joy! Then the other nations said about us, “The Lord did great things for them.” Indeed he did great things for us; how happy we were! Psalm 126:1–3, TEV Dear Father in heaven, we hope in you and in your promise, which we hold in our hearts as our most precious possession. Protect us when times grow hard. May your Spirit come. May your Spirit constantly reveal your Word and give your promise to the hearts of many so that they may share in the hope, the faith, and the struggle for the great day. On that day we will be allowed to rejoice, exulting with all people because your salvation comes for the whole world. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough The Great Floodtide of the Spirit Johann Christoph Blumhardt We are dehydrated people and since we need the Spirit, God will give it again. Read now Let Children Play Peter Gray In an age of high-pressure childhoods, free play is more necessary than ever. Read now We’re Alone Together Caitrin Keiper A review of Edwidge Danticat’s new essay collection, We’re Alone. Read now How Math Makes You a Better Person Frederick K. S. Leung Across cultures, I found that math can be more than mere problem-solving. Read now Your Guardian Angel Is Always Present Bernard of Clairvaux With angelic protection, you will walk on the asp and the basilisk; you will trample the lion and the dragon underfoot. Read now

Daily Prayer for December 18

Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. Psalm 65:1–2, NIV Lord our God, our Father, out of reverent silence comes the praise that is due to you, O God in Zion. It is right for us to praise you and to keep our promises to you. People everywhere shall come to you, for you answer prayer. Protect us your children in the task you have given us. Watch over us so that we can serve you in the right way and receive from you the gifts we need in order to go toward your kingdom and witness to your name. Help us on every step of the way. May our lives be entrusted to your hands, and may we always find our strength in you, our God and Savior. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough Let Children Play Peter Gray In an age of high-pressure childhoods, free play is more necessary than ever. Read now We’re Alone Together Caitrin Keiper A review of Edwidge Danticat’s new essay collection, We’re Alone. Read now How Math Makes You a Better Person Frederick K. S. Leung Across cultures, I found that math can be more than mere problem-solving. Read now Your Guardian Angel Is Always Present Bernard of Clairvaux With angelic protection, you will walk on the asp and the basilisk; you will trample the lion and the dragon underfoot. Read now Trumpet Man Robert Lee Williams A mystery man sporting a salt-and-pepper afro blew a golden trumpet in the prison yard. His tune took me back to the streets. Read now

Daily Prayer for December 16

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Isaiah 50:4, NIV Lord our God, we thank you for giving us the task of serving you in the name of your servant, Jesus Christ, for letting each of us have a part in carrying out your will. Keep us true to this service. We want to be faithful, always listening to you, for you open our ears and help us know your will and respond to it. Be with us in these days. Strengthen your love and compassion in all hearts. May the life of Jesus Christ gain greater and greater power in all people on earth. Amen.   Recent articles on Plough How Math Makes You a Better Person Frederick K. S. Leung Across cultures, I found that math can be more than mere problem-solving. Read now Your Guardian Angel Is Always Present Bernard of Clairvaux With angelic protection, you will walk on the asp and the basilisk; you will trample the lion and the dragon underfoot. Read now Trumpet Man Robert Lee Williams A mystery man sporting a salt-and-pepper afro blew a golden trumpet in the prison yard. His tune took me back to the streets. Read now Tell an Old Story for Modern Times Lisabeth Button A Bruderhof teacher applies lessons from her mentors and Homer in her classroom and beyond. Read now A Failsafe Cure for Loneliness Johann Christoph Arnold If we look at what we can give to others, our loneliness will evaporate. Read now