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:
October 2026
1
Father, I pray for a harvest of souls. Jesus told us the harvest was plentiful, but the workers were few. How can I be a worker in your harvest in Portage? Teach me to see those who are ready for a conversation or seeking you in some way. Give me the courage and the words needed to befriend them or invite them to our community.
2
Lord, I am grateful for the literal harvest of food that I enjoy everyday. Most of us are far removed from the actual production that provides our daily bread, but I am grateful for the farmers, laborers, transporters and resellers who make it possible. I’m also reminded that despite all of our science and technology, you are the one who both made the seed and makes it grow. Thank you for my food.
3
[From Steve Johnson]
Lord, give me a desire and hunger for your Word so that I can declare the testimony of Psalm 119:162, “I rejoice in your Word like one who discovers a great treasure.” And bless me with understanding as I read it, so that I will have discernment as I confront the issues, challenges, and decisions of life.
4
Today I pray for Jan and Bill as Jan officially retires this morning. Thank you for her faithful service over these many decades. Thank you for the gift of music you blessed her with. Thank you for her servant heartedness. Please bless her today and in this next phase of life. Let this time be one of joy and relief, even if there is some grief and nostalgia.
5
As the colors change, Holy Father, I’m reminded of the seasons of life. Give me clarity on which season I’m in right now. Help me see the blessings and accept the limitations. Show me how I can serve you best in this time.
6
[From Steve Johnson]
Lord Jesus, I come to you as my great High Priest who has ascended to heaven where you empathize with my weaknesses. I approach your throne of grace to receive your mercy and help in my time of need. Help me when I face sin’s temptations to hold firm to my profession of faith and to draw on the strength of your Holy Spirit. (Based on Heb. 4:14-16).
7
Jesus, you became the sinless human to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin, thank you! Read: Hebrews 4:15 and Hebrews 7:26-27
8
Thank you, Lord, for the Holy conception and birth of our Savior Jesus the Christ. Read: 1 Tim. 2:5-6 and Hebrews 9:13-15
9
Healer, today I ask you be with those in our church family fighting cancer or some other serious ailment. Please heal their bodies, take away their pain, give them hope. Sustain them with your grace. We pray also for their doctors and surgeons, that they would know the best treatment plan and would execute them flawlessly.
10
Father, we continue to pray for a youth pastor. Please connect us with the right person to encourage and teach our young people. Open doors and connect dots for the right person at the right time.
11
Father, please bless and help connect those who are new to our congregation. Show me how I can encourage them and get to know them. I pray for room in my heart for new friendships and an awareness of the need for hospitality. Let me also act on ideas I have for small gestures of kindness rather than letting them pass.
12
Thank you for donuts, apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes! Amen!
13
By the innocence and perfect holiness Jesus, you remove from the Father’s sight my sin, mine since I was conceived. Read: Ro. 8:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 4:4-5 and 1 Peter 1:18-19
14
[From Steve Johnson]
I lift up my praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In your great mercy you have given me new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Though I do not see him with my eyes, I love him and am filled with inexpressible joy. (Based on 1 Peter 1:3 & 8).
15
This God, you have provided, the incarnation planned since before time. Our redemption is complete in Jesus our Savior. Amen.
16
Please watch over and grow our interns, Ben and Derek. Be with them in their college studies, in their friendships and relationships, and their work here at church. Thank you for their willingness to serve here and help in worship (Ben), maintenance (Derek), and youth group. Continue to fill their hearts with your love.
17
Christ our Savior, we lift our prayers in your name. Your whole life on earth, especially at the end, you sustained in body and soul the anger of God against the sin of the whole human race. Read: Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 24; 3:18
18
Father, we pray for the Bethlehem Journey leadership team as they continue to plan and prepare for the event coming up in December. We pray for organization, creativity, and outward focus as they use this living nativity to bless our community with the story of Jesus’ birth. Please also prepare the guests, especially those who may be looking for a church home.
19
“”Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on your mighty deeds.”
Psalm 77:7-12
20
By God’s design Jesus, you are the only sacrifice able to set me free, body and soul. Read: Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:14 and 1 John 2:2; 4:10
21
[From Steve Johnson]
Lord God, there are evil and perverse people in our world who commit unspeakable crimes. Today I am praying for all of the innocent victims; for women and children who have been abducted and forced into sex trafficking. I pray that you would provide for their help and release, and for good people who are trying to come to their rescue. And I pray for ministries and counselors that provide care and therapy for rescued victims. In addition, I pray on behalf of all victims of so many other crimes and assaults. Give them help and comfort as they recover from both physical and emotional injury. May they all find hope and healing in Jesus.
22
Jesus, you have set us free from eternal condemnation. Thank you or this grace. Read: Rom. 8:1-4 and Gal. 3:13
23
Comforter and Friend, please be with those who you have blessed with years, but are also watching their friends pass. It can be lonely to reach old age and I pray that you would comfort those who are in this season of life. Help me find a way to reach out to someone who might be in this situation and give them encouragement.
24
Father, be with the Portage Central football team. Keep them safe from injury. Bless their efforts and the lessons they are learning through the sport. Be with their coaches and managers, that they would be people of integrity and understand that they are shaping young men, not just win games.
25
Help me desire holiness, Lord. Help me see the goodness in your nature and help me reflect you to those around you. Forgive me for thinking the world’s ways could ever compare to yours.
26
Father, thanks for allowing me to wake up again. Who can I serve today? Give me eyes to notice someone who could use some help.
27
This gift of yours, Jesus, grants us righteousness and eternal life. Read: John 3:16; Rom. 3:24-26
28
Help me steward my finances better, Lord. Show me how to use my earthly mammon to create eternal fruit. Where I am wasteful, make me intentional. Where I am too frugal, teach me generosity. Replace my worry and anxiety with trust in you.
29
Thank you for music, Lord! I sing your praises and remember your truths in song! Fill my heart with your melody!
[Listen to some worship music and sing along.]
30
Be with our middle schoolers today. Help them continue to grow into young adults with big hearts for you. Help them discover their true selves, find good friends, and learn from their mistakes.
31
Teach me to a person of Light and Life, Father. Today is a day when darkness and death often turns into entertainment. May it not be so in my house. Teach me to celebrate and promote what is good.