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:
August 2026
1
Thank you, Dear Lord, for the past month. For rest, for work, and friends.
2
Father, help me redeem the time. Teach me patience until you make it clear it’s time to go; then let me act with purpose. Help me anticipate your direction and be eager to follow.
3
May we put our trust in you alone, O Lord. Psalm 103:20-21. Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty one who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will!
4
Jesus, you are the perfect Savior, those who accept you as savior have all they need for their salvation. Read: Col. 1:19-20; 2:10 and 1 John 1:7
5
Lord, when difficulty or adversity interrupts my life, help me to respond like Job and still bless your name. When I feel like you are ignoring me, help me to lean into you even more. Refresh my joy for today.
6
Lord may we please you in every way by growing in the knowledge o God, doing good deeds, and being strengthened by the power of your Word for great endurance and patience.
7
Father, be with the student and parents leaving for Cedar Point this weekend. Give them safe travels, good sleep and a really fun time riding roller coasters! Bless the time these students spend together and give them memories that bond them together in Christ.
8
My we devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, that God may open doors for our message of the gospel.
9
Lord, please bless Kindness Acts and our church’s connection with them. I pray this morning for Eric and Shannon, for their leadership and energy. Should I help with the camp coming up in a few weeks (Aug. 17-20)? Should I go to Malawi to serve?
10
Dear God, I am troubled by all of the division and hatred in our society. It is especially disturbing when people celebrate the death or assassination of a person they despise politically. Help me to avoid such extremist attitudes toward people with whom I may disagree. I pray that we all will nurture a spirit of understanding and respect toward each other. And above all, cause the love of Jesus to permeate our culture.
11
Christ, anointed, you are ordained by God the Father and anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher. By you our deliverance has been perfectly revealed. Read: Luke 3:21-22; 4:14-19; Hebrews 1:9 and Acts 3:22
12
In accordance with Psalm 25:4, show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Where are you taking me? Am I trying to blaze my own path, or settle for the well-worn highways? Take me to yourself, Jesus.
13
Heavenly Father, I lift up to you the students of our church who will be heading back to school soon. Help them to be focused and ready to begin studies again. Give our Christian young people the spiritual strength to stay strong in their faith while surrounded by secular and sometimes ungodly influences. Guard their hearts and minds, and help them to stay close to you and your Word.
14
Lord, I pray today for the teachers and professors who will be the instructors of our students. Many will likely be unbelievers. Perhaps some may be hostile toward our Christian faith. But I pray that they will not be successful in any attempts to negatively influence or destroy the faith of our kids. And I pray for Christian teachers. They may be limited in how they are allowed to share their faith, but cause their presence and demeanor reflect Jesus and be a quiet and positive influence on the lives of their students.
15
Father, be with those in our church helping the homeless or hungry. Fill them with compassion and provide the resources they need to serve these friends. And use me to help in some way, Lord. Forgive me for seeing them as a different class of people. Instead, let me see them as my brothers and sisters. Give me the courage to let them into my life.
16
Jesus you have set us free, our only high priest, by the one sacrifice of your body on the cross. Read: John 1:18; 15:15; Hebrews 7:17; Hebrews 9:12;10:11-14
17
Jesus, thank you for your righteous pleading for our cause with the Father. Read: Rom. 8:34 and Hebrews 9:24
18
Lord, I thank you for Summer days and the many activities we enjoy, like picnics, camping, swimming, hiking, walks on the beach, outdoor concerts, and so much more. Help us all to stay safe as the weeks of Summer wind down and Fall is just around the corner. Thank for the blessings and beauty of your creation.
19
Lord Jesus, I commit to building a new relationship with someone at church. I’m comfortable and don’t really have time for new people. Change my heart. Fill me with your Spirit and a desire to love others well. I need some help to do this. Please help me.
20
Thank you, Jesus, our eternal King, who governs us by your Word and Spirit, guards and keeps us in freedom you won for us. Read: Matthew 21:5; Matthew 28:18-20; John 10:28 and Rev. 12:10-11
21
We are called Christ Lord, because we are members with you and so we share in your anointing. Read: 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Acts 2:17 and 1 John 2:27
22
Almighty Father, I am grateful that you love me even when I am not very lovable. Your grace is so amazing and your mercies are so great. I stand in awe of your power and awesomeness, and I am humbled that you take notice of me. Help me to live in the arena of your love and righteousness, and to honor you in all I do and say.
23
I pray today for missionaries that are serving in dangerous places around the world. Keep the safe from harm, and expand their ministries as they spread the Gospel of Jesus.
24
Help the Tiger’s win today, Father! But seriously, thank you for fun and baseball and beautiful summer nights. Keep those going to the game tonight safe and may the conversations and connections be a part of tying together our fellowship.
25
Lord, our church is seeking your vision for our future. There are many needs in our community that your Spirit could draw us into meeting. Which ones? How? Give Kyle and Consistory clarity on where we can serve and fill us as the congregation with an eager spirit to follow you. Make me into a Cloud Chaser, Lord. I want to be a part of what you’re doing in our community.
26
[Turn on your favorite worship song or album. Sit quietly and soak in the words, or stand and sing along. Have your own worship time with music. Invite the Lord to fill your heart with his love.]
27
Lord, help us to confess your name and present ourselves as living sacrifices full of grace and thanks. Read: Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 12:1 and 1 Peter 2:5 & 9
28
I confess my sin to you, Lord. I confess that I seek refuge in dark places sometimes. Forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me.
29
Help us, Jesus, to strive in good conscience against sin and the devil. We thank you Lord, for our future hope to reign with you over all creation in eternity. Read: Gal. 5:16-17; Eph. 6:11; 1 Tim. 1:18-19; Matthew 25:34 and 1 Tim. 2:12
30
Jesus, prepare us for Bethlehem Journey this year. Preparations are beginning and we want this to be a wonderful gift to our community. Provide the people and resources needed for us to put on a great event that brings you honor and glory this Christmas season. Thank you for becoming a man and entering into our world and experience. Thanks for showing us the way back to the Father. Help us tell your story.
31
Inhale: “I trust the plans you have for me.”
Exhale: “You give me hope and a future.”
Repeat for 10 minutes, breathing slowly and deeply. It’s God’s breath in your lungs.