Jesus Listens February 29

Gracious Lord,

Often I pray intensely for something and wait eagerly for the answer. If You grant my request, I respond joyfully and thankfully. But rather than lingering in a grateful attitude, I tend to move on too quickly to asking for the next thing. Lord, instead of experiencing only a short-lived burst of gratitude, I want to learn to remain in an attitude of thankful Joy letting my gratefulness spill over into the future.

Help me to train myself to remember Your gracious responses to my requests. I find it beneficial to tell others about blessings I’ve received from You. Another way of being mindful of answered prayer is to write down the answers someplace where I’ll see them frequently.

Please teach me to remember Your marvelous works with thankfulness. You’ve shown me that gratefulness blesses me doubly with joyful memories of answered prayer and with the pleasure of sharing my happiness with You!

In Your jubilant Name, Jesus, Amen.

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭95‬:‭2‬

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬

“And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens November 21

Glorious God,

I offer You the sacrifice of thanksgiving I don’t want to take any of Your good gifts for granted- not even the rising of the sun. Thankfulness does not come naturally to me, but You’ve been training me to respond supernaturally.

Your Word teaches me how important it is to have a grateful attitude. Before the serpent tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, thankfulness was a natural response. But the evil one’s temptation pointed her to the one thing that was forbidden. Though the garden was full of delicious fruits that were freely available, Eve focused on the one fruit that was off-limits. This negative focus darkened her mind, and she succumbed to temptation.

When I focus on things that I want, but can’t have, or on situations that displease me, my mind also becomes darkened. I take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, loved ones, and countless other gifts from You. I look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that situation is fixed. But when I approach You with thanksgiving, the Light of Your Presence pours into me transforming me in the depths of my being. Help me to walk in the Light with You, Lord-delighting in You and practicing the discipline of thanksgiving.

In Jesus’ wondrous Name, Amen

I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

Psalm 116:17

but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’”

Genesis 3:6

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:7

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens November 12

Delightful God,

You’ve been showing me that I can find Joy in Your Presence no matter what my circumstances may be. On some days, Joy is generously strewn along my life-path, glistening in the sunshine.

During these bright, cheerful days, being content is as easy for me as breathing the next breath. But other days are overcast and gloomy, and I feel the strain of the journey- which seems end. less. Dull, gray rocks greet my gaze and cause my feet to ache.

On gray days, I must search for Joy as for hidden treasure.

Help me remember that You have created this day; it is not a chance occurrence. Please remind me throughout my day that You are present with me whether I sense Your Presence or not.

I’m thankful I can talk with You about whatever is on my mind. I rejoice in the truth that You understand me perfectly and You know exactly what I’m experiencing. I’ve found that if stay in communication with You, my mood gradually lightens.

Awareness of Your marvelous Companionship can infuse Joy into the grayest day!

In Your glad Name, Jesus, Amen.

“For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭21‬:‭6‬

“1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens November 6

Dear Jesus,

“Help me to lead a victorious life by living in deep depend-once on You. I used to associate victory with success- not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes. But being successful in my own strength made me vulnerable to going my own way, forgetting about You. It is through problems and failure, weakness and need, that I’m learning to rely on You.

I realize that true dependence is not simply asking You to bless what I have decided to do. It involves coming to You with an open mind and heart inviting You to plant Your desires within me.

Sometimes You instill a dream in me that seems far beyond my reach. I know that my own resources are inadequate for attaining such a goal. Thus begins my journey of profound dependence on You. It’s a faith-walk, taken one step at a time, leaning on You for strength and guidance. This is not a path of continual success but a way of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by a growth spurt nourished by increasing reliance on You. I want to enjoy the blessedness of a victorious life by deepening my dependence on You.

In Your victorious Name, Amen.

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭17‬-‭18‬

“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13

Jesus Listens November 5

Almighty God,

Thelp me not to be overcome by evil but to overcome evil win. good. Sometimes I feel bombarded by all the bad things hap. pening in the world. News reports are alarming, and people are calling evil good and good evil. All of this can be overwhelming unless I stay in communication with You. It’s so comforting to know that You are not stunned by the horrors of this world that appall me. You have perfect understanding of the deceitful, desperately wicked condition of human hearts. Nothing takes

You by surprise!

Instead of being disheartened by the condition of this world, I long to be a light shining in the darkness. When evil appears to be winning, I need to be more determined than ever to accomplish something good! Sometimes this involves working directly against the bad things that are troubling me. At other times, just try to do whatever I can to promote true goodness according to my abilities and opportunities. Either way, I want to focus less on bemoaning evil circumstances and more on doing the good works that You prepared in advance for me to do.

In Your sovereign Name, Jesus, Amen.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.””
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭9‬-‭10‬

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

Jesus Listens October 31

Eternal God,

In Your Presence there is fullness of Joy, perfect Peace, and unfailing Love. I delight in walking with You along the path of Life, enjoying Your company each step of the way. Because You are continually by my side, the Joy of Your Presence is always available to me!

You have promised to keep me in perfect Peace as I fix my thoughts on You. Please help me stay in communication with You through my spoken words, thoughts, and songs. When I spend ample time absorbing Your Word- letting it soak into my mind- it changes the way I think and live. As I ponder who You really are, Your Light shines warmly into my heart and blesses me with Peace.

Lord, I want to flourish in Your Presence-like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God. As the sunlight of Your Presence shines upon me, it nourishes me so I can produce fruit in Your Kingdom. And the more I trust in Your unfailing Love, the more I realize how utterly secure I am in You!

In Your bright, loving Name, Jesus, Amen.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3

“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭29‬:‭11

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭52‬:‭8‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens October 30

Compassionate Jesus,

You are the One who keeps me safe. My natural tendency is to rely heavily on my thinking and planning, as if that is where my security lies. When I start to feel anxious about something, my mind goes into overdrive-searching for solutions, seeking to feel secure. All the while You are with me, holding me by my right hand. Help me to remember and rely on Your continual Presence with me.

Instead of trusting in myself, which is foolish, I want to walk in wisdom and depend on You to keep me safe. You’re teaching me that biblical wisdom involves trusting in You more than in myself or other people. You are always ready to guide me with Your counsel, so I can bring all my concerns to You. Sometimes writing out my prayers clarifies my thinking, especially when I’m feeling confused.

Please show me the way forward as I wait in Your Presence–asking You to guide my mind while I focus on You and Your Word. Whispering “Jesus” is one way I stay focused on You. Your Name is a strong tower; when I run into it I am safe.

In Your strong Name, Amen.

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭73‬:‭23

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭26

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens October 29

Worthy Jesus,

Help me to stay mindful of You as I go step by step through this day. Your Presence with me is a precious promise–and a comforting protection. After Your resurrection, You reassured Your followers, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” That promise was for all Your followers- including me!

While journeying with You, I’ve seen that Your Presence is a powerful, essential protection. As I walk along my life-path, there are numerous pitfalls nearby. Just a few steps away from my true path are pits of self-pity and despair, plateaus of pride and self-will. Various voices compete for my attention–trying to entice me to go their way. If I take my eyes off of You and follow someone else’s path, I am in real danger. I realize that even good friends can lead me astray if I let them usurp Your place in my life.

Thank You for showing me that the way to stay on the path of Life is to keep my focus on You. Awareness of Your loving Presence both protects me and delights me!

In Your comforting, protecting Name, Amen.

“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭20

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭16‬:‭11

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens October 28

Promise-keeping Lord,

It’s awesome that You have an eternal grip on me. Your Love will never let me go! I live in a world that is unpredictable and unsafe in so many ways. As I look around me, I see broken promises littering the landscape.

Thankfully, Your Love is a promise that will never be broken. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, Your unfailing Love for me will not be shaken. This verse paints a picture of dire circumstances: quaking mountains and disappearing hills. Yet no matter what is happening, Your Love remains unshakable. I can build my life on it!

I admit that it’s difficult for me to receive Your Love in full measure. Please strengthen me with power through Your Spirit-helping me to really grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Your Love for me. Lord, I yearn to know this Love that surpasses knowledge!

I ask You to set me free from faulty self-images so I can view myself as You see me radiant in Your robe of righteousness, wrapped in luminous Love.

In Your righteous Name, Jesus, Amen.

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭10‬

“That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭19‬

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭10‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Jesus Listens October 27

My great God,

Teach me how to approach problems with a light touch.

When my mind moves toward a problem area, I tend to focus on that situation so intensely that I lose sight of You. I pit myself against the difficulty as if I must conquer it immediately. My mind gears up for battle, and my body becomes tense and anx-ious. Unless I achieve total victory, I feel defeated.

I know there is a better way! When a problem starts to overshadow my thoughts, please prompt me to bring the matter to You talking it over with You and examining it in the Light of Your Presence. This puts some much-needed space between me and my concern, enabling me to see it more from Your per-spective. Sometimes I even end up laughing at myself for being so serious about something that’s insignificant.

I realize I will always face trouble in this world. But more importantly, I will always have You with me_-equipping me to handle whatever I encounter. Help me approach problems with a light touch by viewing them in Your revealing Light.

In Your brilliant Name, Jesus, Amen.

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬-‭26

“Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭89‬:‭15

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬

Excerpt from Jesus Listens by Sarah Young