The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52
In every moment I have the option to rejoice in God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.
May I remember to turn to the light in hard times. May I ask the Lord to guide me in the way of wisdom, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, peace, and kindness.
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O LORD, be my helper. Psalm 30:11b
Let me not be ashamed to ask for the Lord’s help as often as I need. The Lord will not withhold from me. Let me always remember to say thank you.
Lord, may I rely on you to feed me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. May your unfailing, kind attention fill me with gratitude.
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19b
Let us not doubt the Lord’s peace. It is a peace of the heart, the peace of knowing God is here, with us now and forever. We have not been forsaken, no matter how outside events appear. The vision is God’s, the timing is God’s, the peace is ours for the taking.
Lord, whatever I am experiencing today, I know you are here with me. Help me to receive your peace and extend it to all people everywhere.
[Jesus] had to rise from the dead. John 20:9b
With love, there is no choice. Love revives us, renews us, raises us to new life where kindness, peace, and compassion meet, collaborate, and bless our words, actions, behaviors, and our very lives.
Today I will remember Jesus had to rise from the dead because of the power of love. God’s love raises us beyond darkness and injustice, confusion and grief, illness and death.
Lord, let my heart be open to receive and release the renewing power of your love.
The other [criminal]… said in reply, “…indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.“ Luke 23:40-43
Every day brings many challenges that require me to choose appropriate words, actions, and behaviors. When I ask the Lord to remember me, I am acknowledging my need for the Lord’s constant guidance so that I may reflect God’s love, peace, and kindness in all my interactions.
Love, peace, and kindness help make heaven on earth a reality. Today I will remember that taking responsibility for my words, actions, and behaviors is a step towards holiness.
[Jesus said to her,] “Has no one condemned you?”
She replied, “No one, sir.”
Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.” John 8:10-11
I am often tempted to judge and condemn myself and others. But this temptation is not of God.
Today I will remember God’s great mercy and kindness. I will reject fear. I will ask God to fill me with God’s love, peace, compassion, and joy.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. Psalm 34:7
God is present. God hears me when I call out. God saves me from distress by blessing me with courage and strength to bear a burden, by showing me what to do in a difficult situation, by giving me the right words at the right moment, by removing my resentments, by helping me to grieve, and through the kindness and compassion of other people.
Today I will call on God for all my needs. I will trust that my prayer will be answered and stay alert to receive the help God provides.
The Lord is kind and merciful. Psalm 103:8a
Kind words and actions and a compassionate presence do more to build up the kingdom of heaven than harshness, impatience, and an unforgiving attitude.
Lord, show me how to be more like you. Fill me with your kindness, peace, and compassion. May my words and actions reflect your infinite patience and love.
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. Luke 9:28b
A mountain of anxiety, distress, dis-ease, and grief fills our world. May I have the courage to go with the Lord up the mountain to pray for peace and healing for all people everywhere.
Today I will remember that prayer puts me in conscious contact with the presence of the Lord.
Lord, lead me on the path of love and goodness. Fill me with your compassion and kindness.
“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1b-2a
When I am tempted to be afraid… to blame others… to hold on to resentment… to criticize and deride those whose opinions, religions, lifestyles are different from mine… to flirt with self-pity…
… I will call on the Lord for help.
Today I will remember that temptation comes from within. I will ask God’s Spirit to lead me out of the desert of panic, anger, negative judgment, and despair to a place of peace, kindness, compassion, and acceptance.
Mary Ann McSweeny 