The full Lord’s Prayer, recorded in Matthew 6:9-13, reads as follows:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

This prayer outlines core tenants of the Christian faith – acknowledging God’s sovereignty, seeking His kingdom, asking for provision and forgiveness, and requesting deliverance from evil. The petition for daily bread is smack in the middle, indicating its importance.

Bread has always been a staple food and symbolizes God’s faithful provision. When we ask for “daily bread,” we’re asking to be sustained just for today. It’s a prayer for our needs, not our greeds. This request teaches us to rely on God daily and find contentment in each day’s provision.

The History and Significance of the “Daily Bread” Petition

References to bread as our sustenance abound in Scripture. In the Old Testament, manna from heaven sustained the Israelites in the wilderness. Jesus later proclaimed Himself as “the bread of life” and the Word of God as our true bread from heaven.

In the 1st century Jewish context of the Lord’s Prayer, bread represented your entire livelihood and daily sustenance. Asking God for daily bread was asking Him to provide for and sustain you each day. This petition reflected the precarious nature of life at the time – famine and starvation were common. Many lived day to day, relying on God to provide enough food for their families.

Jesus instructs his disciples to pray for daily bread, reminding us to humbly rely on God for provision, not riches. Similarly, we can bring Him our needs and trust that He will faithfully sustain us each day. The “daily bread” petition continues to be relevant today as we’re faced with economic uncertainty, poverty, unemployment and hunger in the world. It’s a prayer for God to meet our basic needs as we seek His kingdom first.

The lesson remains – don’t be consumed by anxiety over the future. Instead, ask God to sustain you today. Find contentment and thanksgiving for the daily blessings He provides. Tomorrow’s needs can wait until tomorrow. Approach each day with gratitude and freedom from worry.

Bringing the “Daily Bread” Prayer Into Our Lives

This profound yet simple petition has much wisdom for our lives today. Here are some ways we can apply the “daily bread” prayer:

• Pray it each morning to start your day mindful of relying on God’s provision.
• When faced with anxiety over finances, future needs or greed, remember to ask for just “daily bread.”
• Practice contentment in looking at your needs met for today. Don’t keep wanting more.
• Thank God throughout the day for providing your “daily bread” – whether literal food or other needs met.
• Remember that true life is not defined by possessions or wealth. Don’t make money or earthly things your priority.
• Trust that God promises to sustain you each day. Have faith in His daily grace and mercy towards you.
• Let go of worrying about tomorrow. Focus on doing God’s will today and trusting Him to provide for tomorrow’s needs then.

The simple petition for “daily bread” contains profound truth to shape our priorities, trust, gratitude and contentment. May we continually bring this prayer to God, relying on Him to provide what we need today and finding freedom from anxiety about tomorrow.CopyRetry

The post The Daily Bread Prayer – A Powerful Petition in Scripture appeared first on Late Faith.

Why Belongingness Matters

There are many reasons why cultivating a sense of belonging within a church community is so important. Here are just a few:

1. It helps people fully engage in worship. When we feel like we belong, we are more likely to participate wholeheartedly in worship services through singing, praying, listening, and responding. We feel comfortable being our authentic selves.
2. It encourages spiritual growth. Developing meaningful relationships and connecting regularly with fellow believers provides accountability, support, and encouragement for continued spiritual formation.
3. It meets our need for community. Humans are created for relationship. Finding a church home helps satisfy our longing for camaraderie, understanding, and shared purpose.
4. It reinforces our identity in Christ. Knowing there are others on this faith journey with us reminds us we are not alone. We are secure in God’s love.
5. It enables us to live out the gospel. When we feel accepted and cared for, we are more empowered to extend that same grace to others. Belonging fuels our mission.
6. It boosts overall wellbeing. Studies show that having strong social connections and a sense of belonging to a community contributes to better physical and mental health.

How Churches Can Cultivate Belonging

With so much hinging on belonging, churches should make this a top priority. Here are some practical ways church leaders and members can help attenders feel welcomed, included, and valued as part of the congregation:

• Greet people warmly. Say hello to newcomers, learn their names, and introduce them to others. This simple act makes a powerful statement that they matter. Train greeters to look for new faces.
• Provide name tags. Name tags help break the ice and promote connections. Have attendees wear them each week.
• Start a welcome team. Designate members specifically to help welcome new people, answer questions, and help them get connected. Follow up with contacts.
• Create a pathway to belonging. Develop clear next steps for how newcomers can get involved in small groups, serving opportunities, classes, and ministry teams. Make the process to belong obvious.
• Schedule inclusion moments. During worship services or small groups, intentionally facilitate opportunities for greeting one another, sharing prayer requests, or discussing reflection questions that help people open up.
• Develop a culture of hospitality. Encourage members to invite others to sit with them and go out of their way to talk with those outside their normal social circles.
• Offer diverse programming. Ensure your church offers various programs and small groups that appeal to a wide demographic. Having options that align with different ages, life stages, interests, and needs makes more people feel included.
• Assess barriers to participation. Consider if you have unnecessary obstacles like rigid dress codes, insider language, age segregation, or difficulty finding spaces that hinder bonding and engagement from those new to your community.
• Provide mentorship. Pair new attendees and members with “big brothers and sisters” who can guide them, introduce them to others, and support them as they integrate into the church.
• Preach on belonging. Have pastors regularly emphasize the importance of community, how valued each person is, and the call to make room for all in God’s family. Stress this virtue from the pulpit.
• Share stories of those who found belonging. When people describe how the congregation embraced them and helped them heal and grow in faith, it affirms to others they can experience the same here.
• Evaluate regularly. Conduct focus groups and surveys to assess if your attendees truly feel connected and involved. Ask what else could improve their sense of belonging. Be willing to adapt.

Moving Forward in Community

Cultivating an unmistakable culture of belonging within our churches is not always easy, but incredibly worthwhile. As leadership casts vision for being an intentionally welcoming and inclusive community, and as members live this out in their everyday interactions, people are drawn closer to God and one another. They find healing and purpose in the gift of doing life together. When it comes to growing God’s kingdom, belonging comes before believing. Let us do the hard work to make sure all who enter our doors feel they have found their place.

The post Belongingness in the Church: Why it Matters and How to Cultivate it appeared first on Late Faith.

The Setting of the Story

Jesus had been teaching and healing the crowds throughout the day in the region of the Sea of Galilee. As evening approached, he told his disciples that they should take him across the sea to the other side.

So the disciples took Jesus in a boat, assumed to be a traditional Palestinian fishing boat approximately 26 feet long by 7 feet wide. Jesus, exhausted from a long day of ministry, went to the back of the boat, lay down on a cushion, and promptly fell asleep.

Soon after setting sail, the Sea of Galilee lived up to its reputation for severe storms. The descent of cold air from the Golan Heights collided with the hot, humid air over the sea, generating large waves and brutal winds.

As the storm strengthened, waves were sweeping over the boat, filling it with water. The experienced fishermen aboard realized their lives were in danger from the storm. Fearing they would drown, the disciples rushed to wake Jesus, urgently crying out, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

Jesus’ Miraculous Response

Despite the chaotic scene, Jesus remained asleep, resting peacefully through the violent storm. But once awoken by his disciples’ cries for help, he calmly spoke three words that would end the storm: “Peace, be still!”

Instantly, the wind ceased blowing and the sea became “perfectly calm,” as recorded in Mark 4:39. The disciples were awestruck, asking each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Jesus’ ability to quiet the storm with a mere verbal command demonstrated his divine authority over the forces of nature. The disciples witnessed Jesus’ miraculous power firsthand, evoking reverence and deepening their faith.

The Contrast Between Fear and Faith

The story also highlights the contrast between fear and faith. The disciples were fearful, convinced that death was imminent as waves crashed over their small vessel. They panicked, awaking Jesus in desperation and questioning if he cared about their plight.

Jesus, however, rested in perfect peace, sound asleep amidst the violent squall. He fully trusted God, showing no signs of fear or anxiety. The Son of God knew he was safe in his Father’s hands, despite the dire circumstances.

For the disciples, adverse circumstances produced fear and doubt. But for Jesus, difficult times evoked confident faith, rooted in the assurance of his Father’s constant presence and protection.

The disciples had much to learn about genuine faith in God’s power and plans. This miraculous incident was an important faith-building experience for these early followers of Christ.

A Lesson in Faith for All Believers

This account holds valuable lessons for all believers in every generation. When we feel tossed about by the “storms” of life – illness, grief, financial trouble, broken relationships – will fear and panic overcome us? Or will we trust God, remembering that he is ultimately in control over every circumstance?

Though Jesus may not miraculously intervene in the tangible ways he did for the disciples, he hears our cries for help. He is moved with compassion, offering his peace when we call out to him. Trusting prayer is an antidote for fear, inviting divine comfort and perspective.

As one commentary expresses, “Just as Jesus stilled the storm outside, so must he be called upon to still the storms within us.” Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith, allows us to rest despite surrounding storms.

No matter what hardship or trial we face, may we echo the words and posture of Jesus, “Peace, be still.” Confident that God is sovereign, we can sleep in peace amid the wildest storms of life. The boat will reach the shore safely, for Jesus is on board!

The Deeper Significance of the Story

Beyond revealing Jesus’ authority and the importance of faith, this account has deeper theological significance when viewed in light of the Old Testament.

In Psalm 107, the story of sailors caught in a powerful storm is used as a metaphor for the nation of Israel enduring seasons of hardship due to their disobedience. Just as the terrified sailors “cried out to the Lord in their trouble,” God heard their plea and calmed the storm, bringing them to safe harbor (Psalm 107:28-30).

Centuries later, Jesus came as Israel’s long-awaited Savior, but was initially rejected by the Jewish leaders. However, Jesus as the Son of God had ultimate authority over the chaotic “waters” that threatened them – an authority Israel’s leaders failed to recognize.

The sleeping Jesus in the boat echoed Jonah sleeping during another storm at sea (Jonah 1:5). Yet unlike Jonah, whose disobedience caused the storm, Jesus’ perfect obedience calmed this fierce gale. He is the greater Jonah – the faithful Son and Servant who succeeds where Israel was faithless.

With this episode, Jesus powerfully previews his capacity to bring God’s kingdom and bestow peace in place of sin’s chaos. One day, just as Jesus stilled the storm with a commanding word, he will calm the turmoil of this fallen world and usher in everlasting peace upon his return.

Key Takeaways from This Remarkable Event

In summary, here are the key points that stand out from this account:

• Jesus’ exhaustion showed his humanity, but his miraculous power over nature revealed his divinity. He is the Son of Man AND the Son of God.
• Jesus can bring perfect peace amidst turmoil. His presence and power impart comfort and faith when believers encounter life’s storms.
• Jesus cares deeply about his followers during difficulties. Despite being asleep, he immediately responded to the disciples’ cry for help.
• Genuine faith requires keeping our eyes on Jesus above the surrounding storms. He remains sovereign even when circumstances seem out of control.
• This episode previews Jesus’ ultimate authority to calm the storms of sin, evil and death through his redemptive work. He alone can speak peace into existence.

Nearly 2,000 years later, this account still edifies Christians in every cultural context. Seeing Jesus command the winds and waves through the eyes of the awestruck disciples builds our faith. And hearing his gentle rebuke, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” reminds us to place our trust in Him above all else.

Though stormy seas may arise, Jesus remains the powerful, yet compassionate captain of our boat. With him aboard, we can rest securely no matter how violently the gales rage. His perfect purposes will always prevail!

The post Jesus Sleeps on the Boat: A Miraculous Demonstration of Faith appeared first on Late Faith.

Devotions usually involve 3 main elements:

• Reading a passage of Scripture: This is to hear from God through His Word.
• Prayer: This allows two-way conversation with God – for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scripture, speak into needs/concerns, and listen for God’s voice.
• Meditation/Reflection: Taking time to ponder spiritual insights/truths from the Scripture and think deeply about applying it.

For believers, devotions provide the spiritual nourishment and grounding needed to navigate daily life. Just as our bodies need consistent meals, our souls need regular spiritual meals through devotions. Setting aside devotional time honors God as worthy of our focus and nourishes intimacy with Him.

The Focus of Devotions

The focus of devotions is centering our minds and hearts on God. This involves eliminating distractions, quieting ourselves, and consciously pursuing connection with the Lord. We engage our minds by reading/hearing Scripture and intellectually reflecting on its meaning. But devotions also involve spiritually engaging our hearts in prayerful response to God.

Through devotions, we prioritize listening to God’s voice over other voices in our lives. The busyness and noise of life makes it easy to crowd out spiritual focus. Devotions help drown out distractions and tune our ears into what God is saying. They provide space to hear God’s gentle promptings over the cacophony of competing demands.

Regular devotions also build the habit of intentionally seeking God first, which spills over into the rest of life. As Dallas Willard wrote, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.” Devotions force us to stop hurrying and intentionally seek God.

Common Elements of Devotions

While devotional habits can look different, most devotions incorporate a few common elements:

Scripture Reading: Selecting a passage to read, reflect on, and apply. This may involve slowly meditating on a single verse up to reading a couple chapters.

Prayer: Prayers of praise to God, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession based on the scripture reading. Silent prayer and listening for God’s voice.

Journaling: Writing out reflections, spiritual insights, application of the scripture, prayers, and anything God speaks.

Meditation: Quietly pondering the scripture’s meaning and how to apply it. Visualizing biblical stories. Memorizing key verses.

Song/Art: Singing or listening to worship songs. Responding through art – drawing, painting, crafting on biblical themes.

Scripture Memory: Reciting and meditating on memorized verses selected in advance or from the passage read. Hiding Scripture in your heart through memorization.

While not every devotional time will include all these elements, using a combination can help deepen focus and application. The goal is thoughtfully responding to God through His Word rather than just speed reading for the sake of checking a box.

Length of Devotional Time

There is no mandated correct length for devotional time. The key is finding a sustainable rhythm that works within your schedule. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes for meaningful engagement. But 10 focused minutes are better than 30 minutes of distraction. On busier days, even 5 quality minutes connecting with God replenishes the soul.

It’s ideal to start your day with devotions to focus on God first before life gets busy. But sometimes lunch, evenings, or other set times may work better. The most important factor is consistency in prioritizing regular devotion time. Setting a reminder can help build the habit.

As Dallas Willard wrote, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.” So don’t watch the clock. Follow the Holy Spirit’s leading rather than rush through or extend time arbitrarily. Let devotions flow naturally rather than stress over length.

Posture of Devotions

More vital than timing or length is cultivating the right heart posture:

• Attention – Eliminate distractions and focus fully on God. Silence notifications, sit somewhere quiet.
• Openness – Approach God with open hands and heart ready to receive from Him.
• Expectancy – Come with anticipation waiting to hear God’s voice through Scripture and the Spirit.
• Dependence – Rely completely on the Spirit to enlighten your study and prayers.
• Availability – Make yourself fully available to whatever God wants to speak or do in you.
• Honesty – If your mind wanders, be honest with God about your struggle to focus.
• Reverence – Remember you’re meeting with the Lord of the universe and adjust your heart accordingly.

Devotions are about encountering God, not just checking off items. Reflect on your heart’s posture in God’s presence. Removing distractions helps eliminate barriers to intimacy with God.

Personalizing Your Devotional Time

While certain elements provide helpful structure, each person can customize their devotional approach based on personal needs and season of life. Ask yourself:

• What length and time of day is truly sustainable for me?
• What healthiest rhythms and habits do I need right now?
• What mix of Scripture, prayer, writing, etc. best connects me to God?
• What resources (devotional books, apps, etc.) could enhance my time with God?

For example, some find praying through the different types of psalms a helpful devotional format. Others follow a devotional book’s daily readings. One simple approach is to read a chapter of the Bible along with a paragraph commentary each day. Those new to Bible reading may start with a short Gospel like Mark. Creative personalities may alternate reading Scripture with responding in song, crafts or visual art.

While structure is important early on to build the habit, don’t be afraid to follow the Spirit’s spontaneous leading once devotions become more established. Focused, unhurried time with God may follow different formats on different days according to your needs and God’s guidance.

Starting and Sticking with Devotions

If devotions aren’t currently part of your rhythm, taking the first step is often the hardest. But consistency is key. Consider starting with just 5-10 minutes reading a devotional book or app like First 5, which builds up time and habits. Scheduling set reminders and pairing devotions with an existing habit like morning coffee helps.

To stick with devotions long-term, stay centered on their purpose: Intimacy and life transformation, not duty. Think through what certain barriers tend to derail your consistency like busyness or lack of structure. Troubleshoot solutions. Enlist an accountability partner. Most importantly, draw near to God and trust that He will meet you there (James 4:8). His presence is the reward.

Devotions nourish and sustain us spiritually. Through them, we root our lives firmly in Christ, drinking deeply from the streams of His endless love and grace. Just as our bodies instinctively grow hungry when mealtimes are missed, so too our spirits instinctively thirst and yearn for time alone with God. Devotions are an indispensable lifeline for every believer seeking communion with their Creator.

The post What Are Devotions? appeared first on Late Faith.

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• Bible Verses About …
• 30 Bible Verses About Life
• 20 Bible Verses About Family
• 30 Bible Verses About Prayer To Lift You Up
• Helpful Bible Verses About Forgiveness
• 12 Bible Verses About Marriage
• 10 Bible Verses About Anxiety and Tough Times
• 20 Bible Verses About Healing When You Need Faith
• 20 True Bible Verses About Love and Loving
• 100 Bible Verses About Eyes

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Life sometimes gets difficult but it’s how we handle those adversities that matters. It’s helpful to read Bible Verses About Life to help get us though the tough times.

1 John 5:12

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:13

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:20

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true–even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

1 Peter 1:18-19

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,

but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

2 Corinthians 3:6

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant–not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Timothy 1:9

who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Acts 20:24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 6:7-8

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that naturewill reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 3:13

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

John 1:4-5

In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:28-30

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

I and the Father are one.”

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 6:35

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 16:25

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

Matthew 6:25

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Philippians 2:14-16

Do everything without complaining or arguing,

so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Proverbs 21:21

He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Psalm 121:7-8

Psalm 146:1-2

Psalm 42:8

Psalm 63:3

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:1-2

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:11

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

The post 30 Bible Verses About Life appeared first on Late Faith.

Family is everything! God wants us to love our family and tells us so many many times. Here are a few Bible verses about Family.

1 Corinthians 11:3

Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

1 John 4:20

If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

1 Timothy 5:8

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Ephesians 3:14-15

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

Ephesians 5:33

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 6:1-2

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

“Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise–

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Exodus 20:12

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Isaiah 49:15-16

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Isaiah 66:13

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”

Malachi 2:16

“I hate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel, “and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment,” says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.

Proverbs 15:20

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Proverbs 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 6:20

My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Psalm 103:17

But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.

Psalm 128:3

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

Psalm 133:1

A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

The post 20 Bible Verses About Family appeared first on Late Faith.

When we cry in prayer and lift your hands up to the Lord, He hears us. These 30 Bible verses about prayer will help remind you that He listens. I hope they lift you and your prayers up to Him always.

1 John 5:16

If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

pray continually;

1 Timothy 2:8

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

2 Chronicles 7:14

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Ephesians 1:18

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

James 5:13

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Jeremiah 29:12

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Job 22:27

You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows.

John 17:15

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

Luke 11:2-4

He said to them, “When you pray, say: ” ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ “

Luke 18:1

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Luke 6:27-28

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Matthew 21:22

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Matthew 5:44

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 6:6-7

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Matthew 6:9-13

“This, then, is how you should pray: ” ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Proverbs 15:29

The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs 15:8

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

Psalm 102:17

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.

Psalm 141:2

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 143:1

Lord, hear my prayer,

listen to my cry for mercy;

in your faithfulness and righteousness

come to my relief.

Psalm 4:1

Answer me when I call to you,

my righteous God.

Give me relief from my distress;

have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 8:26

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

The post 30 Bible Verses About Prayer To Lift You Up appeared first on Late Faith.

One of the hardest, but most sought after things in life, is forgiveness. Complied are some of Bible verses a bout forgiveness. I hope you find them helpful.

1 John 1:9-10

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

1 John 2:12

I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

2 Chronicles 7:14

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Acts 10:43

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 1:13-14

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Daniel 9:9

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Jeremiah 31:34

No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Luke 17:3-4

So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.

If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

Luke 23:33-34

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals–one on his right, the other on his left.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Luke 6:37

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Luke 7:49-50

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Mark 11:25

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 26:28

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Numbers 14:19-20

In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.”

The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked.

Proverbs 17:9

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Psalm 130:3-4

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Psalm 32:1

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

The post Helpful Bible Verses About Forgiveness appeared first on Late Faith.

These Bible Verses About Marriage are as true today as they once were. It’s nice to remind ourselves of the scriptures related to man and wife to fill your heart.

Mark 10:9

Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

Matthew 19:4-6

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’

and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Romans 13:8

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Ephesians 4:2-3

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Song of Solomon 4:9

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.

Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Genesis 2:18-24

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.

Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman, ‘ for she was taken out of man.”

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 31:10-12

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

1 Peter 3:7

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

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