Inspirational Prayers

Jessica Cooper married the love of her life right after high school graduation only to have her happily-ever-after dreams burned to cinders the night her husband broke her arm in a fit of rage. Twelve years later Jesse says yes to Garrett’s proposal, convinced it’s finally her turn to have the life and love she’s always longed for, with a man who can be trusted to hold those dreams safe. When Garrett is accused of the unthinkable and her ex-husband turns up on her doorstep, offering apologies and undying love, who should she believe?

One day at a time, one prayer at a time, a busy working mother and playful six-year-old daughter transformed their bedtime prayers. They started rushed and tired. Distracted, "It's late. Let's go." And then, gradually, something happened. A thank you here. A vulnerable moment there. The perfunctory prayers became...opportunities. "What did you do today? What did you learn? Anything else?" Like a window into their relationship their prayers and reflections let us witness the growth, enjoy the childlikeness, and learn from their winsome faith.

What would it be like if someone were completely, 100 percent for you? The loser. The rising star. The drug addict. The good Christian kid gone bad. The undeserving overwhelmed with gratitude. Whoever you are and wherever you've been - Jesus is for you. Not when you clean up your act or when you do the right thing or when put your life back together. Jesus is for you - in the midst of now. Whether you woke up amazed by your blessings or shamed by the worst mistake of your life.

This thoughtful devotional speaks directly to the spiritual needs of teens and young people trying to find and follow Gods direction for their lives. The language has been updated, from that found in the classic Streams in the Desert, but the messages are timeless and challenge teens to be still and know that God is near.

What does it mean to be a child of God? We are told in scripture that followers of Jesus Christ are a member of the royal priesthood. We are told that we have been adopted into God’s family. We are told that we are a joint heir with Jesus Christ. We are told that we are loved by God as he loves all of his family. Yet, we often, and even most often, are reluctant to fully accept our adoption. We accept our salvation. But we do not accept the intimate love of our Father in heaven.