Special Prayers
Adding a short special prayer to our daily devotions for a particular topic, issue, or situation of significance is appropriate. These special prayers will change monthly, so please check back weekly for each week's special prayer.
January 1
WELS – Lord Jesus, head of the Church, we praise you for the privilege of being part of your body of believers and serving others with love and hope. Thanks for another year of blessings to our congregations and synod in 2022: the restarting of events after the pandemic, the opening of new mission fields, and the unique ministries being carried out by each of our congregations. We pray that you would guide our work this coming year. If it is your will, supply more called workers to lead ministry efforts and help us to reach many more people with the gospel. We pray this knowing that you’ll do for us immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. Amen.
January 8
Christian Aid and Relief – Dear Lord, we thank you for motivating so many people to help with the destruction caused by the recent hurricane in Florida. Give both aid workers and those suffering the strength they need to overcome this tragedy. Lead the congregations in the affected area to keep bringing assistance to both members and neighbors in need. We also thank you, Lord, for those who have generously supported this work with their financial gifts. It is heartwarming to see your people using time, talents, treasures, and your saving truth to serve those in need. Amen.
January 15
WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership – Father in heaven, you have given all of us abilities to be used in your service. We thank you for providing gifted leaders to share their knowledge and experience with many others at this week’s WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership. Bless those who attend this gathering with strong desire and ideas for sharing the important message of Jesus Christ, the Savior of all. Give the speakers the zeal of the prophets and the wisdom of Solomon to instill in those who attend love for you and others. May the participants receive many blessings in this endeavor. Amen.
January 22
Forward in Christ magazine – Holy Spirit, you use the Word about Jesus to lead people to faith. Our synod’s Forward in Christmagazine has been the source of many inspirational, uplifting, and Christ-centered articles. You have used those words about Jesus to lead people to saving faith and to nurture the saved in their Christian faith. We thank you for the service Pastor John Braun provided over the many years he served as the editor of the magazine and pray for Pastor Jim Pope as he takes over the role. Lead him, Lord, to be a blessing for readers in the years ahead. Amen.
January 29
Multi-Language Productions – Almighty God, Lord of the nations, just as Paul strived to reach all people by all means possible, so we pray that you would open many hearts to trust in Jesus through the biblical media created and distributed by WELS Multi-Language Productions. Help them to communicate the wonderful truths of Scripture clearly and concisely in 56 different languages as well as through artwork and music. Continue to inspire your servants as they carry out your work. Reassure them of your presence in their work and your blessing on their efforts. Amen.
Special Topic Prayers
Anger
Help my attitude
Heavenly Father, as I meet other people today help me treat them with love and kindness. Help me try to understand them instead of getting frustrated and angry. Let me be ready to forgive their sins, eager to help them, and bold to confess my Savior to them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Employment
Thankfulness for employment
Heavenly Father, it’s good to know that one way we show our love to you, is through the work we do for ourselves and for others. We praise you for the blessing of work. We realize, dear Lord, that our sinful nature grows tired of the same old routine, where we sometimes feel overworked, under appreciated, under valued, or overstressed. Yet you remind us in your the Word that we are to be thankful for a job, and that we can ask you to help us use the knowledge and skill you have given us to the best of our ability. Thank you that through work, you allow us to provide for our families and our future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Love
Loving others
God, how can I ever thank you enough for all the blessings you give? This day has again brought proof of your goodness. Trusting in your love, help me show the joy that I have because of what you have done for me. Teach me to love others as you love me. Help me be more patient and alert to the needs of others, and always ready to serve them with the gifts you have given me. In your name I pray. Amen.
Patience
Make us patient
Dear God, heavenly Father, all too often we are quick to become frustrated and angry. Make us patient, ready to endure trials that come our way, knowing you will work things for our good. Make us patient, willing to continue, believing your promise that we can do great things for you. Make us patient, bearing with others in their weaknesses and sin, realizing that we too are sinful creatures. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.