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:
- or use this page (see below).
March 2026
[From Nikki Douglass, borrowed from Lectio 365 app]
“Father, help me to live this day to the full, being true to you in every way. Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet. Spirit, help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.”
Lord, thank you for my daily bread. Please continue to meet my daily needs and help me be grateful for what I have. When I feel an urge to obtain more, may I filter that feeling through you, and if you reveal to me that I am discontent, help me seek more of You, not material things.
Father, bring to my mind today some command of yours that I’ve been resisting. Whatever it is, overcome my resistance with your glory, goodness, and grace. Teach me why your way is better than my way and help me surrender.
[From Steve Johnson: Read Psalm 101, then pray…]
I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
I will conduct the affairs of my house
with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval
on anything that is vile.
Thank you, Lord, for your provision for my spiritual needs as well as physical needs. Today I ask You for wisdom to make right choices that will be honoring to You. I want to follow Your leading and not trust in my own fleshly urges. You will lead me in paths of joy and peace when I trust in You.
Father in Heaven, today I lift up our students who go to Portage Central. Please bless them today, protect their minds and hearts and help them to know you. Any students who are struggling at home, please intervene in their families.
Lord, give me wisdom about my technology use. Am I compromising in any way by what I let technology show me or give me access to? Am I wasting time or money that would be better spent elsewhere? Is it growing my love for others or fueling my anger and hatred? Give me strength to answer these questions honestly before you, My God. Forgive me for any dependency I’ve allowed in my life that is not honoring of you. Show me how I need to repent.
7
[From Steve Johnson]
Today I pray for strength and discernment to resist sinful temptation. Help me, Father, to put on the full spiritual armor of Ephesians 6 so that I can stand firm in spiritual battles. I also pray this on behalf of all believers everywhere who are facing struggles or oppression. Give us all strength and victory.
8
I pray for joy, today, Lord. Fill me with joy! [say it outloud!]
9
Father, you are awesome and so so good. You’re the best thing in my life and in my future. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
[From Kathy Descheneau]
“My own prayer every morning is from Psalm 143:8 ‘Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.'”
11
Creator God, thank you for the sun. It’s warmth, light and energy fuel this planet. It’s an amazing testimony of your power, strength, and consistency, and I don’t want to take it for granted. Thank you also for Jesus, your Son, who is the light of the world and the proof of your unfailing love.
12
Father, give me the strength to be extra patient today. Help my mind and heart be quiet enough to give others space. Help me to be patient with myself as well.
Father, today I ask you to be with the 22 students and their families at Portage Central who our church serves with After School Packs so they are not hungry this weekend. May they feel your love and provision through this small act of kindness. And I will not forget those in need, because I am also needy and you provide for me.
Jesus, thank you for showing us the best version of a human life while you were on earth. Please teach me one thing that I can do today to be more like you.
15
Father, bless the Property Team with your vision and direction. Help them to think wisely about their work and bring them help for whatever they need to accomplish.
16
[From Jamie Schuring borrowed from Prime Time with God 1/29/26]
“Dear Lord God, I pray for those who are grieving today. I pray for those who have lost loved ones. I pray for those who have lost relationships. I pray for those who have had to surrender their dreams. I pray for all who have experienced loss of hope and loss of innocence. I pray that You will pour out Your comfort upon those who mourn, those who feel broken-down and those who feel abandoned. Thank you my Lord Jesus, for proclaimed in Your Sermon on the Mount: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4”
Father, I confess my sin to you this morning. I’m sorry I resist you so often. I’m sorry that I believe I am wiser than you. Forgive me. Heal my soul.
I pray today for our college students. May today be a great day for them. May they find joy in their studies, be disciplined and have good attitudes. Help them be an encouragement to their professors and a source of light to their fellow students. Help them to have fun and make memories without crossing the line into evil. Guard them in their relationships, both friendship-wise and romantically. If they need help with anything, may you provide just the right person at the right moment.
Father, thank you for the business owners in our congregation. Thank you for how they serve our community through their services. Bless them as employers and help them to care for their employees and customers well. Protect their businesses from harm, and bless their efforts. Thank you also for their generosity and protect them from the love of money.
20
[From Steve Johnson]
Heavenly Father, I ask you to help me avoid a spirit of complaining or discontent. You have blessed me with so much good, and I need to let my mind dwell on Your blessings. When I am discouraged, help me to find encouragement in Your rich promises and Your never ending presence with me. And help me to be of encouragement to someone today.
21
Heavenly Father, teach me what it means to fear you. I’m grateful that your perfect love casts out fear, so I do not fear your wrath or judgment (all glory to Jesus Christ who set me free!), but I confess I do not respect you as I should or have enough awe for your greatness. And I treat too lightly your commands, which reminds you that I do not properly fear you. You hold the stars in your hands, you hold the keys to life and death, every knee will bow before you. Make me feel your power and your love.
[This week, we will pray the workers’ Daily Prayer at the Missionaries of Charity Children’s Home, founded by Mother Theresa. You may not be caring for sick or orphaned children, but prepare yourself with these words for whomever you will interact with or serve today.]
Father, please bless Keith Lohman and his effort to raise money for Shalom by running the Boston Marathon. Give him strength as he recovers from his radiation therapy. Protect his body and mind and generously provide for the needs of the ministry and for his race, for your glory!
30
Lord, here’s a list of things I really like:____________________. I’m just so grateful I get to have or experience these things. Just want to share some of my happiness with you!
31
Father, be with Hayden as he transitions to his new job this Summer. Thank you for his time here and for the many ways he’s served our congregation and especially the youth. Please guide our next steps and as we work to identify the next step in leadership of our student ministry program. We trust you for the right person in the right time.