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:
July 2026
1
Sovereign King of Heaven, the nations bow before You. What you decide must happen. Your plan will prevail. You call nations into existence, and remove them when you see fit. Who can stand against you? Jesus, you have been declared King and every knee will bow before you. I pledge my allegiance to you and to obeying your decrees.
2
Today I pray for Christian song writers as they use their gifts to help us in the expressions of our worship of You. Guide them by Your Spirit into an accurate understanding and application of Scripture in order to convey song lyrics that sincerely exalt You and help us to express our worship and praise in the context of Biblical truth, humility, and faith.
3
Thank you God, for your providence, your almighty and present power by which we are upheld as with your hand. Read: Jer. 23:23-24; Acts 17:24-28
4
Father, 250 years ago, this country was formally declared an independent nation. A desire for freedom birthed a nation. Thank you for this place I live, for this country which is unique in all of history. Thank you for the legacy of faith that was created by many of the original founders. Thank you for all of the provision and opportunity that has been created because the United States exists. Thank you for my life, for my home, for my work, for education and opportunities. May we understand that we can never be independent of you.
5
Lord, as we think back on original Declaration of Independence, we remember that though our freedom was written on paper, it would require decades of war, sacrifice, campaigning and service to become a reality for all. Similarly, I know my salvation has been declared in Heaven, but I’m in a war with my flesh and the powers of this dark world to realize my freedom. Help me to live free in Jesus. Free from guilt, free from sin, free from hatred for others, free from anxiety over my life and future. Give me the will to fight the good fight.
6
Lord, I lift up those in our church, my family, and friends who are going through illnesses or other physical problems. Please give them comfort, grace, and endurance as they heal or recover from surgery or other treatments. I ask You to grant them strength in their weakness and that You would touch them with Your healing power according to Your perfect will.
7
God of Peace, I pray for my heart to be opened to the people in our country different from me. Our nation is uniquely diverse and forgive me for wanting it to be shaped in my image. You tell us to care for the stranger and the alien, to be hospital and welcoming. You also tell us to be one. Show me how I can fulfill our motto “One nation, under God.”
8
Jesus, ruler of all things put under your authority in heaven and earth including all creatures, we worship your Holy name. Read: Hebrews 1:3
9
Today I pray for our teens and young adults that are susceptible to the negative influence of social media and the perverted ideas and perspectives that permeate our culture. Help them to be more informed and influenced by Your Word and Truth. Help them to guard their minds and hearts. And give them wisdom to filter out the lies and misinformation that confronts every day. Give them a love for Your Word and a desire to walk in the path of righteousness.
10
We continue to ask You, Father, to bring us our next Student Ministries leader. Bring us a leader who will love our students and serve your vision for building up the next generation. May they be a wonderful compliment to our staff. And for those struggling to see the importance of this role in our congregation, change their hearts.
11
All things leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty come by the hand of our almighty God. Read: Jer. 5:24; Acts 14:15-17; John 9:3 and Proverbs 22:2
12
Lord, we pray for the Cook’s today. As Peter and Peggy continue their transition back to Canada to be near family, may you bless them in an abundant way. May their new house and neighborhood be a delight. Let the move go smoothly and without any difficulty. And may they continue to be a light shining your love to those around them.
13
Creator of Joy and Laughter, thanks for motorcycles and other super cool machines. Keep our riders safe!
14
Father, please grow our college and twenty-somethings group. We are so grateful for these people in our church family, for their joy and energy. Help First be a thriving community for them.
[If you are a college student or twenty-something: “Lord,
15
We take assurance in your plan God, for we know that it is your will that brings about all things for your glory and honor. Read: Proverbs 16:33
16
Father, I ask that you would help me today to focus on these three things:
1. That I will set my mind of things above, not on earthly things.
2. That whatever I do, whether in word or deed, I will do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to You through Him.
3. That whatever I do, I will work at it with all my heart, as working for the Lord, and not for human masters. I am serving You. (Taken from Colossians 3).
17
Father, I am in a war with my flesh. There is something, maybe big, maybe small, that you desire to free me from. What is it? What is keeping me from experiencing your love to its full extent? Set me free, O Lord.
18
Provider and Sustainer, thank you for another day of life. Teach me today to be more generous. Bring someone to my awareness today who has a need I can provide for. I want to give with a joyful heart, so remind me of the joy you have given to me through all your provisions.
19
We do not fear the future for you hold all things in your hand. No chance or fate is at work but rather your will, O God, is where our trust is found. Read: Matthew 10:29
20
[Take a moment to think of your immediate family or household. How could you together bring the joy of the Lord into your home or relationship? How could your family prioritize the mission of Jesus more effectively? Ask the Lord for his leading in this area and for courage to pursue his answer.]
21
Who can I share the gospel with today, Lord? I will not chicken out. Holy Spirit, give me the boldness and the words.
22
Knowing you’re in control God can help us be patient when things go against us and thankful for the things that go well. Read: Job 1:21-22; James 1:3; Deut. 8:10 and 1 Thess. 5:18
23
Father, today I admit that sometimes I like being a slave to sin more than being free in Christ. Like the Israelites who wanted to return to Egypt, I am weak and prefer the routine of bondage to the trust and hard work of the wilderness. Change my heart. I want you. I want your life. Thank you for freeing me in Christ Jesus.
24
The knowledge of God’s providence can give us the confidence in our faithful God and Father’s love. We are completely in your hand God, and your will makes us secure in your promises. Read: Job 1:12; Job 2:6; Proverbs 21:1 and Acts 17:24-28
25
[Confess your sins to God. Sit silently for a few moments in your forgiveness.]
26
Jesus, Savior, your salvation by death on the cross is the only way for our redemption from sin. Thank you for your sacrifice and devotion to us. Read: Matthew 1:21 and Hebrews 7:25
27
I lift up our shut-ins to you today, Father. For those unable to easily travel or come to church, let them know they are loved. Show me how I could care for them, whether it is a visit, a phone, call, or note of encouragement. And thank you for those who regularly care and visit our sick and elderly. Continue to fill them with Your spirit of compassion and love and bless them for their sacrifices of time and energy.
28
[From Jamie Schuring, Prime Time with God, June 22, 2026]
Dear Heavenly Father,
The Bible teaches that “faith without works is dead.” James 2:26
Please give to me the wisdom and inspiration to step out of my comfort zone and to put my faith into action.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally and without reproach,
and it will be given to him. James 1:5
I don’t want to keep the good news of Jesus and His gift of eternal life to myself.
I want to share Your love, grace, mercy and salvation with everyone, as Jesus told us…
And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Mark 16:15
I want to to show and tell others what You have done for me.
I want to prove that my faith is real, so that others will be drawn to You.
Please forgive me for when I have not represented You well.
Please help me to be strong and active in my Christian faith and witness — for Your glory and for the sake of those who need Your love and salvation.
And let me hold onto your great promises to me for my future…
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
I Corinthians 2:9
In the faithful name of Jesus I pray,
Amen.
29
There is salvation in no one else. We praise you, Lamb of God, and you alone for this eternal sacrifice. Read: Isaiah 43:11; John 15:5; Acts 4:11-12 and 1 Tim. 2:5
30
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the freedom to worship you without consequence. I confess that most days, I take this freedom for granted. I pray for those in other nations who do not share this freedom and risk their lives to be your follower. Give them strength and resolve. Help me not to waste such a privilege.
31
When we understand your providence Lord, we realize your will upholds the saints, ourselves, angels or any help from elsewhere. Read: 1 Cor. 1:12-13 and Gal. 5:4-6