Posts Tagged ‘Prayer’

So thankful

Our nation has endured an extraordinary series of natural disasters over the past few months, including hurricanes, tornados, torrential rains, devastating floods, and enormous wildfires. If you’ve tuned in to the evening news lately you’ve probably seen disaster victims who have lost nearly all of their material possessions. Despite suffering tremendously, many of these people express gratitude for the simple fact that they are alive and still have their family and friends. They get it!

As I grow older, the things that truly matter in my life have become crystal clear. These are Faith, Family, Friends, and Freedom. I call them the 4Fs and I’ve written about them several times over the decade that I’ve written this blog. 

Today, as we mark the annual Thanksgiving holiday, I’m offering a special thanks for my friends. I’ve heard it said that families are issued to you, but you choose your friends. This is just one of the many things that makes true friends so special.

So, what is a true friend?  I don’t have all the answers, but here are some characteristics of my true friends that I’ve observed over the years:

  • They are there for you when others walk away.
  • They meet you where you are, warts, wrinkles, and all.
  • They are forgiving.
  • They will make time for you, even when they haven’t the time to spare.
  • They expect nothing in return and do not keep score.
  • They are good listeners.
  • They respect confidentiality.
  • They tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
  • They say, “Wow, you really made a mess of this! Now how can I help you fix it?”
  • They walk beside you in the demon filled valleys, propping you up.
  • They are at their best when you are at your worst.

A number of my dear friends are currently struggling with serious life challenges. These include the early onset of dementia, the death of a spouse, a spouse developing dementia, a spouse with cancer, a child abusing alcohol, and a child suffering with seizures. The longer one lives the more frequently such challenges seem to occur. So now I lift them up to the Lord.

Lord, hear my prayer.  Father God, I pray for my friends who are struggling.  I pray that you will grant them mercy and peace. You know exactly what they need at this moment. Draw near to them and let them feel your presence. Open their eyes, ears, and hearts to you. Protect them from the attacks of the evil one and shelter them in your loving arms.  I pray this in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.  

Sirach 6:14-16 (RSV)

Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter:
    whoever finds one has found a treasure.
Faithful friends are beyond price;
    no amount can balance their worth.
Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;
    and those who fear the Lord will find them.

The Triumphant God

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Matthew 21:1-11

The dominance of Rome

As a retired Army Officer, I find Roman history fascinating.  The Roman Empire’s territory in Jesus’ time completely enveloped the Mediterranean Sea. Roman society was very militaristic. The military played a central role in the empire’s territorial expansion, governance, and social structure. Rome aggressively employed its strong military capabilities to conquer new territories and maintain control over its sprawling empire. Military prowess was a key aspect of Roman cultural identity.

The Roman Senate sometimes granted a festive procession through the streets of Rome to pay tribute to a general who was victorious in battle. Called a Triumph or a triumphal procession, it was a grand and elaborate ceremony designed to celebrate and publicly recognize the military achievements and conquests of the general being honored.

A Triumph was a blend of religious, political, and social elements, showcasing the glory of Rome. The general being honored wore a special ceremonial toga. He rode in a chariot drawn by four horses, followed by his troops, prisoners of war in chains, strange animals from the conquered lands and wagons filled with the spoils of war. Adoring citizens lined the streets, cheering as the different elements of the Triumph passed by them. The air was full of the sounds of music and chants, creating a jubilant, reverent atmosphere. The Triumph not only honored the general but also reinforced the power and splendor of the Roman state.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem

In Jerusalem a large crowd of Jews gave Jesus an impromptu Triumph of His own. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem is described in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. Each provides a slightly different perspective on the event, but they all highlight the significance of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem as the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus’ triumphal entry, in Christian tradition, marks the beginning of Holy Week. It sets the stage for the events leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection, which are central to the Christian belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of the living God.

According to the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey (or colt), fulfilling a prophecy found in both Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9. As He approached the city, a large crowd gathered, spreading their cloaks and palm branches on the road before him. They shouted “Hosanna” (loosely translated as “save us” or “help us”) and praised Him as the “Son of David” and the “King of Israel.”

The atmosphere at Jesus’ triumphal entry was one of celebration and anticipation, as the jubilant Jews who were present believed him to be the promised Messiah, who they supposed would be a military leader who would free them from Roman oppression. However, in stark contrast to a Triumph for a Roman General, Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem symbolized the peaceful role of His mission as Messiah, the humble King of Israel who fed the hungry, healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, gave sight to the blind, prayed for His enemies, and washed the feet of His disciples.

Sadly, most of the Jewish people and religious leaders failed to recognize Jesus as Redeemer, the sacrificial Lamb of God who would suffer and die under the orders of Pontius Pilate and after three days gloriously rise from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all. Jesus freely sacrificed himself for the sins of the world and offers eternal life to all who believe on Him and profess that He is the son of God. We all need the Most Holy Redeemer of the world. Jesus Christ is the Triumphant God.

Prayer to the Most Holy Redeemer

 (Anima Christi)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, embolden me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within thy wounds hide me.

Never permit me to be parted from you.

From the evil Enemy defend me.

In the hour of my death call me.

and bid me come to thee,

that with your saints I may praise thee

for age upon age. Amen.

2 Corinthians 2:14 –But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession…” 

* All Bible quotes are ESV

Bing Copilot AI was used to assist with the historical research used to write this piece.

Going home

My home is in heaven.  I’m just traveling through this world.  –Billy Graham

I served 24 years of active duty in the US Army. For my entire career my sweet wife stood by my side, sacrificing her own career in order to accommodate my needs. I was gone a lot, but somehow along the way we managed to birth and raise two children. We moved over a dozen times during my career.  More than once we moved three times in a single year. This was done so that I could attend short, specialized training courses and schools between my permanent changes of station.

We lived in some wonderful locations, saw some incredible things, and had some great times. One thing we never had, however, was a place to call home. The idea of a place called home is almost magical for some people. Recall Dorothy’s most memorable line in the Wizard of Oz as she yearns to return to friends, family, and a little farm in Kansas, “There’s no place like home.”  Or as American pioneer and writer Laura Ingalls Wilder said, “Home is the nicest word there is. 

Then there’s this from Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., “For there we loved, and where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” Home means different things to people, but a common thread is the thought of being in a safe, comfortable place surrounded by those we love the most.

Unfortunately, many people yearn for home during their lives, but never find it. Saint Paul often spoke of heaven as every believer’s true home. In Corinthians 2 5:1* he says:

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

Here, Paul compares our temporary physical bodies to a tent and contrasts it with an “eternal house in heaven,” highlighting the permanence and divine nature of our heavenly home.

In Philippians 1:23-24, Paul writes:

“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”

And in Philippians 3:20, he writes:

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

This verse emphasizes that our true citizenship is in heaven; it reinforces the idea that our ultimate home is with God.

The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” — Maya Angelou

Taken together, the preceding passages from Paul show he understood that while we live on earth temporarily, our true eternal home is in heaven with God. And like the prodigal son’s return to his father’s house, our Father in heaven eagerly awaits the day when all his children will return to their heavenly home. So, if you’re a believer with an unquenchable ache to go home and be at peace, rest assured in the knowledge that the Father is eagerly awaiting your return and will run to embrace you when you come home to your rightful place in heaven at His appointed time.

I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world below
There is no sickness, no toil, no danger
In that bright land to which I go
I’m going there to see my father
And all my loved ones who’ve gone on

I’m just going over Jordan
I’m just going over home

Wayfaring Stranger, song by Johnny Cash

*All Bible quotations are NIV.

Scary times

I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. —Isaiah 41:13

Many people today fear a wide variety of things they see and hear around them. Fear is running rampant right here in America. Polls indicate that the majority of Americans now believe that their children’s lives will be harder than their own. They worry about unemployment and the economy. Many fear illegal immigration. Others are afraid to gather in public places for fear of violence. We see campus protests turn violent. School shootings don’t surprise us anymore.

On a cosmic scale we hear about giant solar flares that could destroy technology, pushing humankind back into the Stone Age. A large meteor or asteroid collision could destroy life on Earth.

In the natural world, we hear that a major eruption of a super volcano, like the one beneath Yellowstone National Park, could cause destruction and death on a planetary scale. Earthquakes and tsunamis in diverse places threaten millions of people. Climate change is blamed for killer storms, droughts, melting polar ice, coastal flooding, wildfires and more.

On the human plane, we read and hear about flesh eating bacteria, brain eating amoebas, and drug resistant bacteria and viruses. Abortion rights are a hot button topic that can trigger anger and rage. Some people hunker down in their homes, worried about riots, violence by and against the police, and other street violence. Others fear that computer hackers or scammers will steal their identities and wealth.  

There are wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and rumors of a global war that’s coming. Religious persecution is increasing around the globe. There is a growing wave of antisemitism right here in America. There are ample reasons for fear.

The Bible mentions two very different types of fear. The first is fear of the Lord. This fear is not associated with being scared. It is an awe and reverence of God and is to be encouraged. According to Psalm 111, fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and leads to rest and peace.

The second type of fear is detrimental. In the first chapter of 2 Timothy it is described as a “spirit of fear.” A person can be completely overcome by a spirit of fear, virtually frozen and unable to function. Such fear weighs a person down physically, emotionally and/or mentally.

Unfortunately, many Christians have succumbed to living with a spirit of fear. Some fear those of other religions and are reluctant to reach out to them in Christian love. Some fear those who are different from them culturally or racially. Others are hesitant to invite those in need into their lives for fear they might lose something or it might cost something. Some are afraid to leave the comfort of their homes and familiar surroundings in order to reach out to the needy. Others are hesitant to give of their wealth for fear they might later find themselves in need.

Many Christian fears boil down to a fear of losing something—possessions, comfort, safety, security. In Philippians chapter 3, verses 7-8, Paul describes how he has let go of the things of this world in order to focus on what is truly important:

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

One can’t grasp Christ’s outstretched hand while clinging to things of this world. As David tells us in Psalm 34, verses 4-7:

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them
.

You may be facing a health crisis, unemployment, divorce, a call to Christian service, or other difficult challenges. Don’t live in fear. Take the fears you struggle with today and give them to the Lord in prayer. Make this a habit. I will not tell you to “let go and let God” because it makes letting go of fear sound so simple. Instead, I encourage you to explore the Bible and learn what it says about fear. Read and believe!

Begin with Psalm 23. Then read Psalm 118. Other relevant Psalms include 27, 34, 46, 61, 91, 103, and 121. Once you have read these Psalms, locate a red letter edition New Testament and read every word spoken by Jesus. Then read Paul’s epistles. Become steeped in scripture. Do this and you will be well on the way to giving your fears to the Lord.

The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.   —Oswald Chambers

*All Bible quotes are ESV.

A God of second chances

As I began penning this piece, it was January 1st, a day traditionally associated with resolutions. According to the American Heritage dictionary, a resolution is “a firm decision to do something.” Common resolutions people make for the New Year include exercising more, losing weight, curbing alcohol consumption, and paying off credit cards. Making a New Year’s resolution requires one to recognize they’ve failed in some facet of their life and need a second chance to set things right.

Everybody needs a second chance at one time or another.  Fortunately for Christians, we serve a God of second chances, who shows His grace and mercy to sinners who repent and turn to Him. The Bible is full of second chance stories.  Here are just a few, starting with the book of Genesis.

In Genesis 2, we are introduced to Adam and Eve, who God created man and woman and placed in a beautiful garden in Eden.  There they tended the garden and enjoyed its magnificent food and natural beauty. God made only one rule for the garden.  The couple was not to eat from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. You’ve likely heard the story—in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve break the rule and as punishment they are forever cast out of the garden and forced to work the soil to raise food by the sweat of their labor. In chapter 4, Eve gave birth to two sons, Cain and Abel.  Out of jealousy, the older brother Cain murdered his brother Abel. Yet by the end of chapter 4, Eve gives birth to another son named Seth, to replace Abel. Seth was surely a second chance for Adam and Eve, even though there is no evidence they ever repented of their sins against God.

In Genesis 6, begins the story of Noah and the great flood. By this point in time mankind has become evil and rebellious towards God.  It is so bad that God actually regrets having made man.  Yet there remains Noah, a righteous man who is favored by God. God tells Noah he is going to cause a flood to destroy every living thing on the surface of the Earth.  He instructs Noah to build a giant ark (or ship) and to fill it with certain animals that will repopulate the Earth after the flood waters recede. Noah obeys God’s instructions. In addition to the animals, Noah takes his wife, his sons, and his sons’ wives into the ark. Noah’s entire family received a second chance and survived the flood.  From this small group, the entire Earth was repopulated with humans.

In Genesis 12, God calls Abram, a keeper of flocks and herds, out of Babylon to go to the land of Caanan, which God pledges to give Abram’s descendants. Abram takes his wife Sarai and brother-in-law Lot and departs for Caanan along with his animals and servants. Sarah was barren and could not give Abraham an heir. Years later, with Sarai and Abram growing old and fearful Abram might die without an heir, Sarai convinces him to take Sarai’s Egyptian slave Hagar as his wife to bear an heir for Abram. Hagar bore him a son named Ishmael when Abram was 86 years old.

But God had plans for Abram and Sarai. When Abram was 99 years old, God made a covenant with him, changing his name to Abraham, meaning “father of many nations.” God also changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, meaning “princess” and promised that she would bear a son, Isaac, who would be the heir of the covenant. Sarah conceived in her old age. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. As a natural born heir, Isaac was a second chance for Abraham some 14 years after Ishmael, Abraham’s son by a slave, was born.

The Apostle Peter’s denial of Jesus is described in all four Gospels.  Just before Jesus was arrested, He warned His disciples of what is going to happen. Peter boasts in John 13, that he would lay down his life for Jesus.  Jesus counters and declares Peter will deny him three times. After Jesus’ is arrested, Peter denies Jesus three times out of fear of His captors. This is described in John 18. Jumping to John 21, the resurrected Jesus forgives Peter and reinstates him to his former position of leadership, commanding Peter to care for Jesus’ flock (people).

Like Peter, it is easy for us to believe we are more righteous than we really are. Like Jesus forgave Peter, so we ought to forgive those who sin against us. Christians serve a God of second chances. While I have given only a few examples, God gave second chances to many people in the Bible, forgiving and restoring them after they sinned or disobeyed Him. As Peter learned firsthand, God offers the ultimate second chance to all humanity through His Son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life. God invites us to respond to His second chance by repenting of our sins, trusting in His grace, and following His will.

Look up from the situation you lament and let it become the pleasant place where God comes to save you.–Rev. Tim Fountain

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. –Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Walking alongside a friend

During this church season of Advent, Christians anxiously await the celebration of Jesus’ birth. We commemorate His arrival in this world on December 25, the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we await the arrival of the Christ child, my wife and I recently said goodbye to a departing friend who moved to another state to be near family. I’ll call him John for the sake of privacy. John was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) about two years ago, but has displayed ASD symptoms most of his life. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 5,437,988 (2.21%) adults in the United States have ASD.

For the past three and a half years my wife and I walked alongside John, providing him companionship, counsel, and a small lifeboat to climb into during frequent storms he encountered. John first came into our lives by means of our church. One day our priest asked us if we would be willing to help a single man who had recently arrived in our community. We said yes without really knowing what to expect. I share the details below not to glorify my wife and me; give all the glory to God! I share this to make a point which I’ve discussed before—being a follower of Jesus Christ can be messy.

We answered 2 a.m. phone calls so John could rant about whatever was bothering him at the time. We shared meals with him and checked periodically on his welfare and the state of his small apartment. We tried to help smooth the situation when John irritated his neighbors. We helped him move to a new apartment.

We drove him to appointments and to help him tend to his local business affairs when something needed fixing. We provided in-person support when John’ family could not contact him because his phone was (frequently) broken or lost, or when he was simply not answering calls or emails. 

We invested many conversations with some of his family members who are active stakeholders in John’s life–over lunch, dinner, coffee, phone calls, and Zoom meetings. We supported John and these same family members during the complex endeavor to have him evaluated for ASD. We coordinated the dedication of funds from our church’s rummage sale to help defer the costs of the evaluation; printed forms and obtained John’s signatures; and prayed for the process.  We coordinated with our church members to provide overnight accommodations for John’s family members when they periodically visited the area to check on his welfare.

Walking with John was not easy, but it was very spiritually rewarding and has made us three new friends, including John and two very special members of his family—they know who I mean. As we anxiously await the Feast of the Nativity and the celebration of the Christ child’s birth, Christians should recall that following Christ can get messy—Just read the book of Acts and see. 

In June, 2019 I published a blog piece titled “Messy Christianity.”  I invite the readers to read it again or discover it for the first time. https://divine-simplicity.com/2019/06/08/messy-christianity/

I wish you all a very blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year. –Zack

Advent 2023

Almighty God, as we begin this season of Advent,

we thank you for your grace and mercy in sending your son Jesus

to be our Savior and Lord.

We confess that we have not always lived in the light of His coming,

and we have often wandered from your ways.

Forgive us, we pray, and renew us by your Spirit,

that we may watch and pray for His glorious return,

and follow Him in holiness and love.

Grant us, O Lord, the wisdom to discern the signs of the times,

and the courage to proclaim the good news of His kingdom

to a world in need of hope.

In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Now thank we all our God*

Harvest moon near Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Thanksgiving Day 2023 – Pause for a moment today and thank God for all His blessings!

1. Now thank we all our God
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom God’s world rejoices,
who from our mother’s arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

2. Oh may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us,
and keep us all with grace,
and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills
in this world and the next.

3. All praise and thanks to God
who reigns in highest heaven,
the Father and the Son
and Spirit now be given,
the one eternal God,
whom heaven and earth adore,
for thus it was, is now
and shall be evermore.

*Nun danket alle Gott (Now thank we all our God), BWV 192 is a church cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1730. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quYd7qJzsAE

Heavenly homes

“You can’t take it with you” is an adage often used in discussions surrounding money and death. Similarly, if you’ve been a church going Christian for a while, you might have heard a preacher say something akin to, “You never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer.” Well, perhaps the person in the photo never got the word, but the spirit of the idea remains valid. Naked we were born and naked we will stand before God’s judgement seat after we depart this world.

I recently heard a sermon where the preacher suggested that maybe there is something we can take with us when we die—souls. By this, he meant that in heaven we will see the one’s we’ve led to faith in Jesus Christ. I believe the preacher got it right. In death, we can take something with us after all.

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

God has surrounded each of us with people we ought to love and want to take to heaven with us—family, loved ones, friends and other acquaintances. This got me thinking about how can we make our homes a little more heaven-like for our children.

I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was eight years old. For the next 10 years I did my best to follow Him as I was able. Then came college, where I drifted away from the church. I married just before graduating and continued my journey “in the wilderness” with my then non-Christian wife. 

My period of wandering away from Christ ended abruptly some seven years after it started.  It happened on the occasion of the birth of my wife’s and my first child. The first time I gazed at this tiny new human that God had gifted us was a wakeup call from the Holy Spirit. I literally heard, “she’s your responsibility.” I took this as a commission to raise our new daughter in a Christ-centered home. Like the Prodigal Son, I had come to my senses. My new insistence on raising the child in a Christian home came as a shock to my wife, but thanks be to God she slowly became a believer herself, as did our daughter.

Now I understand our greatest responsibility as Christian parents is to raise children who are Christ followers. How to go about that differs from family to family.  As Christian author and radio host Susie Larson has written, “Refuse the temptation to form your children into your own image.  They are the handiwork of God. He will show you how to love them, lead them and pray for them.” My advice would be that you should make decisions for your children based on Godly principles. You need search no farther than the Holy Bible to find sound child rearing instruction.

For many Christian homes, the concept of Sunday as the Sabbath has fallen by the wayside.  Sundays have become days for children’s sports league competitions, watching NFL football games, doing household chores, and almost anything but worshiping our Creator. The fast-paced life found in many modern-day households is a challenge to living Christ-centered lives. Observing the Sabbath establishes the perfection conditions for enjoying the Christ-centered, fellowship that God desires for each of our families.

Be forewarned! Deciding to create a “heavenly” home environment, one that is Christ-focused, won’t come without a price. It’s almost certain to create conflict. This can be extremely challenging, as those we love the most are often the ones who hurt us the worst. Fortunately, God has given us the perfect example of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. God so loves us that he forgave all of our sins through the death and glorious resurrection of his beloved Son. The pathway to building heavenly homes begins and ends with the Son.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it. –Proverbs 22:6

*All Bible quotes are NIV

Finding work is hard work

Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work. –Oswald Chambers

I once was employed under contract as a workforce developer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During the course of serving in this role I performed as a case manager for several hundred men and women who had lost their jobs. For the most part, my clients were blue collar workers from manufacturing industries in the Greater Pittsburgh area. If there’s one lesson I learned from this experience, it is that the only thing a worker complains more about than his or job is complaining about not having a job to go to each day.

For the past 12 years I’ve helped job seekers as a volunteer job coach. Many of those I assist are Christians.  I encourage believers to put God at the center of their job search. Christians job seekers can approach the process with the same principles that guide their faith and values. The following discusses some tips and guidance I give them.

Prayer: Begin by seeking God’s guidance through prayer. Ask for wisdom, discernment, and clarity in your job search. Pray for guidance on what kind of work aligns with your skills, interests, and values.

A prayer – Heavenly Father, you know my needs before I speak them. I come to You humbly seeking guidance and mercy in my job search. Provide suitable opportunities and lead me through a journey aligned with Your will. Grant me strength, wisdom, and favor as I seek employment.

When you are unemployed: I encourage unemployed job seekers to make the job search process their full-time job. Try to work at it at least six hours per day, five days per week. Make church, prayer and scripture reading part of your routine. Set aside time for family, fitness, recreation, and rest.   

Reflection: Reflect on your skills, interests, and values. Consider what type of work aligns with your talents and passions. This self-assessment can help you identify job opportunities that resonate with your God-given abilities.

Networking: Build and leverage your network of friends, family, and fellow believers. Networking can often lead to job opportunities and provide valuable insights into companies and industries. Attend church events and gatherings to connect with others who might have job leads or advice. Search the Internet for job networking groups near you.

A prayer – Heavenly Father, Guide and bless me as I network for my job search. May the connections I make be in accordance with Your will for my life. Help me to build meaningful relationships leading to opportunities.

Resume and cover letter: Build a well-written resume and cover letter that highlight your skills and experience. Be honest and accurate about yourself.

Online job search: Use online job search platforms to find job openings. Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and others can help you identify job opportunities matching your qualifications.

Employer values: Research potential employers to ensure their corporate values and culture align with your beliefs and principles. Investigate their mission statement, corporate social responsibility, and work environment.

Christian Ethics Check: Ensure that the job you’re pursuing doesn’t involve unethical practices or conflicts with your Christian beliefs. For example, consider the ethical implications of the products or services the company provides.

Interview preparation: Prepare for job interviews by practicing common interview questions and formulating answers that reflect your values and experiences. Be honest and transparent during the interview process.

A prayer – God of all wisdom, you have promised to give wisdom to anyone who asks. As I approach my interview, please give me wisdom in my speech. Guide my thoughts and direct my steps. When I experience uncertainty and confusion, may I lean on your limitless wisdom. May your Holy Spirit be at work in me like a lamp to my feet and shield to my mind. Help me to think clearly and calmly. Help me to speak with confidence and clarity. Help me to glorify you in this interview.

Work-life balance: Prioritize work-life balance. Overworking can be detrimental to your spiritual and personal lives. Seek employers who offer flexibility and understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Patience and Trust: Job searches are marathons, not sprints. Trust in God’s plan for your life and exercise patience in the job search process. Sometimes, it may take time to find the right opportunity that aligns with your values and skills.

Seek advice: Consult with mentors, pastors, or other trusted individuals in your Christian circles for guidance and support during your job search. They can provide valuable insights and spiritual advice.

Remember that the job search process can be challenging, and it’s important to remain faithful to your principles and values throughout. Seek opportunities that allow you to be a positive influence in your workplace and community, and always strive to honor God in your work.

A prayer – Heavenly Father, help me to remain diligent in my job search because I know it is only with Your guidance that I can truly succeed.  Thank You, Holy Father, because I have faith that you are leading me toward the perfect employment opportunity.

*AI was used to search for the prayers used in this piece.