In 2026, we are growing in prayer. We need to connect with our Father in Heaven in a meaningful, heart-felt way every day (every minute?). Many of us struggle with this because it feels like we are talking to ourselves or the ceiling. Or we just don’t what to say. Use the following guide to train yourself to pray. Whether you just read the prayer by itself or use it to spark a longer conversation with God, we hope this will help you build a strong, active, two-way relationship with Jesus.
There are multiple ways to access the guide:
May 2026
1
May 1 or “May Day” has historically marked the beginning of Spring for many European cultures and included festivals to pagan gods. Later, the Roman Catholics had observances to honor the Virgin Mary. For those of us who know the Risen Christ, we can celebrate the power and love of the One True Creator, Savior and Comforter, who designed the changing seasons, but Whose character never changes. Oh, God, we worship You alone. You give us the rain and the harvests in their seasons; You alone are worthy of praise. Bless me this month in my pursuit of You. May I plant things today that grow and produce fruit in the coming weeks.
2
We have been blessed by you Father God by way of Abraham’s seed our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. We are the ingrafted branches. Thank you, Lord for mercy on our souls. Read: Genesis 22:18; and 49:10
3
Lord, your people waited for our Savior because of revealed prophecy, as we now await the return of our own Savior. We know that your Word is true. Read: Isaiah 53; Jeremiah 23:56; Micah 7:18-20; Acts 10:43 and Hebrews 1:1-12
4
Thank you, Lord our Redeemer. We no longer need to offer sacrifices of animals and grain because of the final sacrifice of the blood of Jesus our Savior from sin. Read: Lev. 1-7; John 5:46; Hebrews 10:1-10; Romans 10:4; Galatians 4:4-5 and Col. 2:17
5
Father, many of us our planting flowers or garden plants in this time. How amazing! A small seed is put into the earth. It absorbs water and nutrients from the soil and the living organism sprouts, puts down roots and then rises up, feeding on sunlight. Its colors are beautiful to the eye, it’s shape unique and purposeful, and it participates in the life of the ecosystem around it, producing fruit. As I look at the wonder of nature, or put my hands in the soil, or eat of what it grows, I will praise You!
6
We approach you, Holy God, with respect and wonder at your marvelous ways. We pray Lord for fruitful study and discernment of truth. Read: Matthew 7:14; John 3:16.18,36 and Romans 11:16-21
7
Today, I pray for our babies and toddlers in our church family. Thank you for the blessing and wonder of new life. Help them to grow strong and healthy. Be with the moms, dads, siblings and grandparents who will help protect them.
8
Heavenly Father, we know that along with good plants, weeds can also grow. What are the weeds in my life right now? Show me, Holy Spirit, what I am worried about but shouldn’t be, or what wants or goals are choking out time for the right things. [Spend some time reflecting. And when God answers your request for insight into your life, what will you do about it?]
Father, give me the obedience and the courage to pull those weeds.
9
From Psalm 6:1-10
“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.
Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave?
I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.
Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.”
(NIV11)
10
Lord help us face life ahead with the assurance of my sin from Adam’s fall being forgiven, placed on the only sacrifice worthy, Jesus. Create in me, Lord, a holy spirit filled with love of you, O God, forever in your kingdom. Read: John 17:17; Hebrews 11:1-3; James 2:19; Romans 4:18-21; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:10; Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 16:15-17; John 3:5; Acts 16:14; Romans 1:16+10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21; Romans 3:21-26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-10; Gal. 2:20; Romans 1:17 and Hebrews 10:10
11
Help me accept your Word for it is the truth of salvation. Read: Matthew 28:18-20
12
Lord God, we ask for wisdom as a congregation for financial matters and planning. Give us first, trust in You as our provider. Bring glory to Yourself by meeting our needs and resourcing us to carry out Your plan. Be with our leaders as we seek Your will and when that is clear, to courageously follow in faith. But help us also be responsible and good stewards of what you provide.
13
Your Gospel, Lord, has been written for our eyes, believed in our hearts and spoken by our lips. Thank you, God for this revelation of truth. Read: John 20:30-31
14
We pray today for the many people who will pass by our building at the new Farmer’s Market. Lord, help us to serve those in our community who are not seeking you yet. May we take this opportunity to reach out in love, to be inviting, and a resource for those interested in you. Bless Roger Bus who is using his interest and skill in magic along with the Mission and Outreach team to create conversations and connections to our church.
15
Father, teach me to struggle well. Teach me to turn to you first when things get hard.
16
Lord, I believe God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Read: Genesis 1:1-51
17
Holy Spirit, thank you for our Tech and Security Team. Thank you for how they serve behind the scenes. Thank you that they use their gifts and interests to serve our church. Please continue to fill them with a spirit of love and service. Add to their team as needed and continue to grow them in wisdom and skill.
18
[If you are lonely today, confess that to God. Ask him for connection with others or new friends. If there’s anything you’re doing to push others away, confess it and repent.]
19
Father, guide me to a book that you want me to read. I know that so many wise people and saints have taken the time to write down their stories and wisdom and I want to benefit from that. I also know reading is good for me. So even as I read the Bible, I open myself up to learn from a good book.
20
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. Read: 1 Peter 1:20-25
21
As our high school seniors finish their last days of school, fill them with your joy! Thank you for providing for them throughout their schooling and bringing them to this point. May they be grateful for their accomplishments and refresh them with their time off this summer. For those working, bless their efforts and may they have fun in ways that honor You.
22
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Read: 1 Peter 1:12
23
God the Father our Creator and Maker, we bring our offerings of praise to you. Thank you for all we have and are.
24
Lord, help me bring sunshine into someone’s life today. Show me a person I can compliment, encourage or comfort.
25
Thanks for hard work, Father. Thanks for the opportunity to use my mind or my body to create things or serve others. I know that the strain and effort makes me stronger.
26
God the Son our deliverer and Lord, we thank you for a grace-filled sacrifice.
27
God the Holy Spirit you bring us back in harmony with our created purpose, to praise God.
28
Jesus, thank you for those who recently joined church. Continue to lead them as they participate more fully in the life of the congregation. Tie them to others in the bonds of friendship. Give them direction on where they can serve. Fill them to overflowing with happiness in You.
29
There is but one God and we worship you. Grant us faith in your Word, Lord. Read: Deut. 6:4
30
Holy Spirit, today I pray for lovebirds! Romantic love is such a gift from you and one that is closely tied to your heart. You said it was not good for a man to be alone, so you gave him a helpmate. Though marriage may not be your plan for every person, for those who do desire a companion, give them the desire of their hearts! Let them trust in your timing. For those dating, may they delight in getting to know the other person, soak up all the excitement of the presence of the other person, and also be honorable towards them. And for those who are married, renew their passion for the other person. Love is the strongest force in the world; our relationships are modeled on your love and commitment to us. May we honor that truth and delight in it.
31
Speak to me today, Lord. I am listening.