Playing trivia games is a fun way to learn more about the Bible in a non-threatening environment as you blast the Christmas carols. They also introduce a little competition and fun activity interaction at your holiday parties.
Small groups are better than large groups, but any age can play. The best part is that this free printable Bible trivia quiz provides a great way to learn both the Old Testament and New Testament.
Some of the Christmas bible quiz questions are easy. Most adults and kids of all ages would know most of the answers, but there are a few difficult questions that I had to look up!
Prophecy About Jesus’ Birth
The birth of Jesus was foretold centuries before He was laid in the manger. Before time began, God set in motion the perfect way that mankind could be saved from His wrath: a Savior.
The Savior to come would not be just anybody. Our Savior is God’s one and only Son! So here are trivia questions about the prophecy of Jesus’ birth, the names of Jesus, and His lineage.
Which Old Testament prophet said that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem?
Which book’s title in the Old Testament is a variation of Jesus’ name?
What Old Testament book makes the very first reference to Jesus?
Baby Jesus and His Birth
Knowing the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the low status of Jesus’ earthly parents reinforces how our Savior came lowly to save all.
Jesus could have been born in a palace with servants catering to His every whim. Yet He was born in poverty so that He would be accessible to all people.
What’s the name of the town where Jesus was born?
What was the name of Jesus’ mother?
Who was Mary engaged to when she became pregnant?
What was the name of the angel who told Mary she would give birth to Jesus?
How far did Mary & Joseph have to travel to Bethlehem?
What did Jesus sleep in after he was born?
Who was the emperor of Rome when Jesus was born?
Who was trying to kill baby Jesus?
The Shepherds
The shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem that night were no ordinary shepherds.
These were Temple Shepherds tasked with tending unblemished sheep for the Temple sacrifices in Jerusalem not far away.
It only makes sense that the shepherds who presented unblemished lambs to the Temple would announce to the world that the Unblemished Lamb of God had just been born!
What did the shepherds do after they heard the announcement?
Where did the shepherds find the baby Jesus?
After seeing Jesus, what did the shepherds do?
When the shepherds told Mary why they were there, what did Mary do?
The Wise Men
The wise men were magi from the East. They were known as the “kingmakers.” No one in the Medo-Persian empire was crowned king without their approval and consent.
They were kingmakers and accomplished astrologers. The stars revealed to them that there was a new king of the Jews. So they set out west.
These questions are included in this free printable game ready for your next holiday party:
Who were the “wise men”?
How many wise men were there?
What did the wise men follow to find Jesus?
What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus?
How old was Jesus when the wise men showed up with their gifts?
In what town did the wise men find Jesus?
General Christmas Bible Trivia
Other than the categories above, there are important and fun facts to know about the Christmas Story.
These are related to the birth and early years of Jesus that are relevant to the Christmas story. Good luck!
How many days after his birth did Mary and Joseph give him the name Jesus?
Where did Mary, Joseph, and Jesus flee to after Bethlehem?
What main book in the New Testament contains the story of Jesus’ birth?
Game Rules
It is always best to keep the game rules simple so that it is easy for younger players, as well.
As Christians, we celebrate Christmas because it is the day that God put His promise into action to send a Savior to the world.
Because of Jesus’ birth, perfect life, death, and glorious resurrection, we have the hope of eternity for all who believe that He is Lord and Savior.
I pray that this fun game is a blessing for your Christmas get-togethers as you listen to Christmas music and celebrate the real reason for this holiday season: JESUS.
Merry Christmas blessings to you and your whole family!
{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}
The Christmas holiday season holds precious traditions. Amongst the delicious Christmas food, family traditions, and favorite Christmas songs, Christmas games are simply part of the festivities.
Whether you’re gathering your entire family for family get-togethers or looking for holiday fun for your office party, here are fun Christmas trivia questions for all occasions (plus free printables and digital download).
A lively Christmas trivia game provides your party guests with a fun activity for any holiday gathering or family game night. Plus, your more competitive guests will love the challenge! Scavenger hunts are a great option, but sometimes space and time constraints are not ideal.
The full, busy days of Christmas can be a tad hectic, so the best holiday game is also going to be a simple game. No hard work necessary! Holiday trivia games are also easy on the wallet, so a free printable game leaves spare dollars to offer a small prize or two.
As we gather near our festive Christmas trees with family and friends, fun games are a great way to put people at ease. So free Christmas trivia games are the perfect addition to your next holiday party!
To include fun for the whole family, a mix of challenging questions and easier ones make up great trivia games. These printable games are as simple as printing them out and passing them around.
Christmas Carols and Songs Trivia
Singing at Christmas has always embodied the spirit of Christmas. The angels even sang at Christ’s birth! Here are trivia questions that include a popular Christmas song or two.
Question: Where was Mommy when she kissed Santa Claus?
Answer: Underneath the mistletoe
Christmas Movies Trivia
Christmas movies are an integral part of the Christmas season as much as jingle bells and Christmas decorations. Here are a few holiday movie questions to toss out.
Question: What did Ralphie want Santa to bring him in the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story“?
Answer: A Red Ryder BB Gun
Question: Why did Santa need Rudolph to guide his sleigh on Christmas Eve?
Answer: So the light from Rudolph’s nose could cut through the foggy night.
Question: In Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas“, in what state was the snow lodge?
Answer: Vermont
Question: On what street did Santa’s miracle take place?
Christmas food is not simply about eating rich, lavish meals. It’s about sharing uninterrupted time with our loved ones as we appreciate the special, festive time we get to spend together.
Each of us has at least one favorite food that we like to see during the Christmas holidays. They have the power to ignite cherished memories of simpler times.
Question: Which fairy tale served as the inspiration for the first gingerbread houses?
Question: What country did the candy cane and gingerbread house originate from?
Answer: Germany
Question: What do the shape and color of candy canes represent?
Answer: They are shaped like a shepherd’s staff (or a “J” for Jesus); white represents the purity of Jesus and red represents the blood He shed for us on the cross.
Question: What beverage is also known as “milk punch”?
Answer: Egg nog
Question: What do American children traditionally leave for Santa by the fireplace?
Answer: Milk and cookies
Question: What do Swedish children traditionally leave for Santa?
Answer: Coffee
Santa and North Pole Trivia
The North Pole has long been famous for being the home to Santa Claus and year-round Christmas festivities. But what else do we know?
Question: Who lives at the North Pole other than Santa Claus? (list at least one)
Answer: Mrs. Claus, Santa’s reindeer, the elves
Question: Who did Santa bring back to life?
Answer: A melted Frosty the Snowman
Question: What is Santa called in the United Kingdom (England, Great Britain)?
Question: What does Santa leave in naughty children’s stockings on Christmas morning?
Answer: A lump of coal
Bottom Line
Since Christmas time can be somber for some people, trivia games are a fun way to bring laughter to every face. These Christmas trivia game printables are easy to download for instant fun at your next Christmas party.
The Christmas story is one of hope, salvation, and redemption. And it’s also FUN. Merry Christmas!
{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}
During Christmastime, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the Christmas season. In the midst of traditions such as decorating a Christmas tree, we can forget to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus. You need an Advent reading plan!
This Advent Bible reading plan helps us focus on God’s Word and His beautiful gifts to us during the Advent season – despite the busyness of the season.
While you may see a chocolate Advent calendar or one made out of Legos serving as a countdown to Christmas in the secular world, Advent for the church is more than just a countdown to Christmas.
The word “advent” is from the Latin word for “coming” (adventus). In simplest terms, it describes the arrival of Jesus as a baby in the manger. During the month of December followers of Jesus around the world reflect on the nativity story and what the birth of Christ means for our faith.
Jesus’ birth and the Christmas story are best reflected in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:1-21). If you attended Sunday school class as a child, you probably learned the real meaning of Christmas in the New Testament.
However, the Old Testament contains God’s promises concerning the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. So the Sundays of Advent comprise the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. In 2023, Advent begins on Sunday, December 3rd, and ends on Christmas Eve.
What Part of the Bible Should I Read During Advent?
The true story of Christmas is contained in these portions of the Bible:
This Advent plan that walks us through daily Scripture readings for your Advent study time. It is a great way to know the real reason for our Advent journey this holiday season.
Why Do Christians Read Scriptures During Advent?
Christmas exists to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Reading daily Scriptures is not a random tradition of Advent. Rather, those words remind us why this special season exists: to celebrate the birth of the promised Messiah that God foretold from the beginning of time.
Glittery decorations are very festive and contribute to the beautiful things of Christmas. However, we celebrate the best gift of all in the true reason for the season: Jesus Christ.
He came to offer the hope of eternity with Him for all who believe that He came, lived a perfect life, died, and rose again to secure a place with Him in heaven.
How to Celebrate Advent
Traditionally we gather at church or at home around an advent wreath with four candles in the wreath and one candle in the center. These candles represent Jesus Christ as the light of the world. Traditionally, three outer candles are dark purple, one is lavender and the center candle is white.
Although you may enjoy a traditional Advent wreath you can also use any five candles and be as creative or simple as you like for your family or church!
How to Use These Advent Resources
There are Scripture readings each day of Advent: December 3-24, 2023. You can read these on your own or with your family.
If you have a little more study time some days, read the Bible verses and chapters surrounding the daily readings to better understand the context of what you are reading.
On Sunday, gather your family (friends, roommates, Bible study group) together (or you can certainly do it alone) and read through that week’s Bible passage list while lighting the next candle on your Advent wreath. This provides a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of the season, rather than ticking off items on a Christmas shopping list.
Advent Bible Reading Plan
I’ve created this FREE DOWNLOAD containing the Advent reading plan, Just print it out and tuck it into your Bible to read during Advent. Print it out and by all means, share it!
Connect to my ministry Facebook page to read the short daily Advent devotions that go with each day’s Scripture. Here are the days of readings from Scripture at a glance.
First Week in Advent
December 3: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
December 4: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him.” (Isaiah 11:1-2)
December 5: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
December 6: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23)
December 7: “And the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.'” (Luke 1:26-27, 31)
December 8: “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'” (Matthew 1:20)
December 9: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” (Luke 2:8)
Second Week in Advent
December 10: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'” (Luke 2:10)
December 11: “And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God. (Luke 2:12-13)
December 12: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14)
December 13: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)
December14: “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see that which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:15-16)
December 15: “So they hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16)
December 16: “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18)
Third Week in Advent
December 17: “All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:18-19)
December 18: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem…wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.” (Matthew 2:1)
December 19: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)
December 20: “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:11a)
December 21: “Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11b)
December 22: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1, 4-5)
December 23: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11)
December 24: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
You Can Do It
An Advent Bible reading plan provides a meaningful way to reflect and center your heart on Jesus during the season of Advent.
If you get behind on your daily Bible readings, simply skip to the appropriate day – no need to make up. The key is being intentional about seeking Jesus during this season.
Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Intentionally setting aside time to spend with Jesus in His Word is the greatest gift of Christmas!
{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}
There is no reason to beat around the bush. You and I are facing serious times of trouble in the world, communities, and families. A prayer for protection from the Word of God is key.
Times of uncertainty in today’s world can threaten your safe place and sense of comfort. However, Christ’s followers understand that God’s Word and His divine protection offer hope in difficult times.
It is helpful to be reminded that the shelter of the Most High stands unwavering against the terrors of the night. Your prayer life does not need to cease in times of famine (whether spiritual, mental, or physical). God’s word is Spirit-filled.
If you are not comfortable with prayer, you don’t have to try to think of any new prayer point. You can simply pray the words already contained in the Bible right back to God.
Here are powerful prayers that you can pray for God’s presence, His hedge of protection, and great comfort in your daily life despite fierce lions and dangerous situations.
The Soldier’s Psalm
Psalm 91 is sometimes called “The Soldier’s Psalm.” It is one of the most powerful chapters in Scripture as a prayer of protection.
I recently contributed the forward to a brand new devotional from my publisher that focuses solely on Psalm 91 for peace and protection. Here is the beautiful cover.
God’s children experience daily warfare on the spiritual battlefield—both large and small. Some days you shout for joy when God brings victory. Other days exhaustion settles in and you wonder if you have the strength to endure.
God’s inspired words tucked in this psalm of protection provide you with confidence in Almighty God when doubt and weariness step onto the battlefield in this world today.
On those hard days, God wraps Psalm 91 around your heart and mind like a protective shield. He reminds you that He has not abandoned you to fight alone or unprotected.
God’s Promises in Psalm 91
Three players interact in Psalm 91: a believer (verses 1-2), an audience of encouragers (verses 3-13), and God (verses 14-16).
The first two verses provide a humbling example of how to proclaim unwavering trust in God as your shelter and refuge. This beautiful statement of faith flows from a life thankful for His divine protection!
When the Lord is your dwelling place, no evil, plague, or darkness ever triumphs. The Name of the Lord is mighty to save! Pray these words back to Him as a strong reminder:
Loving Father, you promised: “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my Name.” (Psalm 91:14)
O Lord, on the days when I struggle, help me remember: When I call to You, You will answer me; You will be with me in trouble; You will rescue me and honor me. (Psalm 91:15)
Dear Jesus, today and every day: With long life You will satisfy me and show me Your salvation. (Psalm 91:16)
O Commander of the heavenly host, you promise: A thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it will not come near me. I will only look with my eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. (Psalm 91:7-8)
Prayers For A Place of Safety
Even though intense battles seem never-ending, you can trust that God is your strong tower. God’s angels stand guard over you at His command. Picturing that truth– actually envisioning His protecting shield in your mind—provides the strength you need to stand in times of great need.
The words of Psalm 91 provide the perfect Bible verses for the most powerful prayers of protection. Simply pray in the first person as you say these words directly to your dear Heavenly Father:
Dear Lord, you promise that: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)
Father, remind me each day that: “He will deliver me from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.He will cover me with His pinions, and under His wings I will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:3-4)
Lord, only you can faithfully: “…command His angels concerning me to guard me in all my ways.” (Psalm 91:11-12)
Power of God Prayers
The Soldier’s Psalm concludes as God reassures you that He’s got this. He’s got you. He promises to deliver you from fear and trouble today, tomorrow, and into eternity.
If you are struggling with feeling His divine presence in our fallen world, these Psalm 91 verses provide power and a sense of comfort through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray the words back to Him:
Father God, “I will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.” (Psalm 91:5-6)
O God, “Because I have made the Lord my dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall me, no plague come near my tent.” (Psalm 91:9-10)
O Lord, “I will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent I will trample underfoot.” (Psalm 91:13)
Prayers of Protection from the Word of God
Refuge awaits all who take shelter under His protective care. All who hold fast to Him in love. All who know His name. Consistent Bible study is a vital tool for knowing these truths.
Here are key verses from both the Old Testament and New Testament containing the faithful promises of God. They are a beautiful source of comfort as you pray His words back to Him:
Dear God, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Father God, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
O Father, I will: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Lord Jesus, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Prayers for Peace
Lasting peace only comes from God the Father. Despite war, natural disaster, destroying plague, perilous pestilence, or anything else, every child of God can rely on His peace that passes all understanding.
Grief is a natural part of life when dark days happen. God collects every tear in a bottle. But grief is not how your faith life ends. Your story begins and ends in HOPE thanks to Jesus’ life, death, and glorious resurrection.
Pray these words back to Him:
Thank you, Lord, for promising: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“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)
Father, help me remember: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Keep a Prayer Journal
Prayer is powerful, and you have the privilege to come to the Lord with what is on your heart and spilling down your cheeks.
Logging your prayers and being watchful of how the Lord is moving equips you. It cuts through the noise of everyday life to find fullness in the presence of God.
I have kept a prayer journal for years. It provides a way to walk with purpose along my faith journey with my eyes open to the leading of the Lord.
Download this Prayer Journal
If you are new to keeping a prayer journal, here is a FREE DOWNLOAD to get you started. Just print and go! Also, here are some of my favorite journals.
When you call on the mighty name of Jesus, He will answer, He will rescue, and He will show you His salvation.
A vibrant and faithful prayer life reminds you daily that you are the precious children of God. In that most intimate relationship, you enter into the secret place of the Most High and find rest in the shade of the Almighty.
There is no terror of night or fowler’s snare in the whole world that the blood of Christ has not already defeated. In your times of need, the Lord Jesus Christ is your High Priest and holy hiding place.
{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}
As Thanksgiving approaches, hearts turn toward giving thanks for the good things Christ Jesus brings us daily. His steadfast love sees us through each day regardless of difficult times. Learning Bible verses of gratitude and thanksgiving are key.
Thankfulness to our great God expresses gratitude for all that He has done for us. Give a great shout in a loud voice! The glory of God and His wonderful works accomplish great things.
The perfect gift of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit tell of His unwavering, unconditional love for us. Each of us has a hungry soul, a longing soul, to experience God’s love in our everyday life because it may be missing everywhere else.
A heart of gratitude and thankfulness allows the peace of Christ to rule over our lives. All of us can use peace, can’t we? Especially around big holidays when a busy schedule and family/church commitments rush in. Try keeping a gratitude journal!
Is Giving Thanks Important?
Offering God thanksgiving is an integral part of our faith life. Through it, God strengthens our faith, nurtures a thankful heart, and opens our eyes to His wondrous works and wonderful deeds.
The name of God is above every name. We have a voice of joy to express our thanks through the Spirit. Whether through a good report, a psalm of praise, or joy despite hard times, the Lord of lords is faithful to provide for our every need.
Gratitude helps us remember every good gift and abundant grace that the Most High has bestowed on us. These thanksgiving scriptures will help you express gratitude to the God of heaven.
25 Bible Verses for Giving Thanks
Here are some key verses from the Word of God for this Thanksgiving Day or any time with a voice of gladness. I have included several translations so that you can pick the ones most meaningful to you.
ESV: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.”
KJV: “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”
NIV: “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”
NLT: “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.”
ESV: “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!”
KJV
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.”
NIV
“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways.You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.”
NLT
“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!”
ESV: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, aboundingin it with thanksgiving.”
KJV: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
NIV: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
NLT: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
ESV: “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
KJV: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
NIV: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
NLT: “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
ESV: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.”
KJV: “Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.”
NIV: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.”
NLT: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.”
ESV: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
KJV: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
NIV: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing songs of praise from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
NLT: “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
ESV: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
KJV: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
NIV: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
NLT: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
ESV: “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand, it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
KJV: “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”
NIV: “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.”
NLT: “Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!”
ESV: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”
KJV: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
NIV: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
NLT: “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”
ESV: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
KJV
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
NIV
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with a grateful heart. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
NLT: “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
ESV: “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also.The sea is His, for he made it, and His hands formed the dry land.”
KJV
“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.”
NIV
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”
NLT
“Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.Come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.”
ESV: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
KJV: “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
NIV: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
NLT: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
ESV: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from troubleand gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.”
KJV: “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; and gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.”
NIV: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.”
NLT: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south.”
ESV: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
KJV: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
NIV: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
NLT: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
ESV: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
KJV: “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
NIV: “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
NLT: “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”
ESV: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”
KJV: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
NIV: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
NLT: “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”
ESV: “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and the grace of God was upon them all.”
KJV: “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
NIV: “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”
NLT: “The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.”
ESV: “You are enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”
KJV: “Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”
NIV: “God enriches you in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
NLT: “Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.”
ESV: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
KJV: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”
NIV: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
NLT: “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”
Free Printable Downloads
If you would like to print these 25 Bible verses to tuck into your Bible, here is a list for each of the four translations. Pick your favorite and share!
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Christmas is the biggest, most celebrated, and holy holiday season in the world. In the United States of America, it is a cherished time of the year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, decorate a Christmas tree, hang Christmas lights, and invite family and friends for Christmas dinner.
A lot of merrymaking activities accompany this special time of year. Have you ever taken the time to make a list of Christmas words that make up your Christmas vocabulary?
Here is a holiday word list (plus free game sheets for your holiday gatherings) containing a lot of Christmas words that are the most beloved from each letter of the alphabet.
Christmas has many meanings for each of us! What can you add to this list? Print out the master list for you, then print out the blank sheets for each of your guests. Print double-sided to save paper! Give a prize to the one who comes up with the most.
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I just returned from leading a 12-day tour in the Footsteps of Paul through Greece, Turkey, and Rome. My stops included some of the most picturesque and historical photography locations imaginable.
The tour included a 3-day cruise of the Greek islands which resulted in amazing pictures along the Mediterranean Sea and Aegean Sea.
Although I am not a professional photographer, I love taking beautiful pictures of the best spots with an eye toward lighting and framing the shot.
Below are the best photo shots (some in the early morning or sunset golden hour). It shows some of the best photo spots that you can use for your own photo shoot.
This was my first time being a Santorini photographer and it was a joy. Santorini Island, specifically the Oia Village, is a must for any Greece photography trip.
Santorini’s white buildings and blue-domed churches are stunning against the skaros rock and deep blue sea. There are several amazing views to choose from.
A quick warning about any Santorini photoshoot: the place is CROWDED. I mean, really crowded. There are limited places where you can set up for the perfect photo. Every local photographer stakes out places early in the day so get there early.
Securing good spots in specific locations near Santorini’s iconic backdrops is challenging (such as the Oia Castle). It is worth the effort because of the perfect backdrop of cruise ships and different colors.
Ephesus, Greece
The ruins of Ephesus are stunning! The library stands as one of the largest structures from the ancient world. “Simply breathtaking” describes the detailed carved pieces and mosaics.
Numerous excellent photo locations exist throughout the ruins. One of the best places is the Library of Celsus, which stands as the largest ancient library in the world.
Take a selfie stick! The ruins are vast, so a selfie sticks will make your photo session truly incredible to grasp the full scope. Take a zoom lens to capture the intricate carvings, as well.
The ancient amphitheater of Ephesus still holds concerts today and seats 20,000 people. Ephesus is by far one of my favorite locations.
I wrote a Bible study called “Your Strong Suit” based on Ephesians 6, the full armor of God, which came to life as I walked through these ruins.
Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Ephesus ended with a stop at a traditional Turkey carpet-making shop called the “Golden Fringe“.
Silk and wool is used to make stunning rugs that can have anywhere between 150-650 knots per square inch. Making a large rug by hand with 650 double knots per square inch takes between 24-26 months.
Maintaining the knot tension integrity throughout means only one person can work on a given rug. These rugs in all shapes, colors, and sizes are truly artisan masterpieces.
Mykonos, Greece
An island of beauty and magic. Mykonos is known as the island of the winds. It’s located in the heart of the Cyclades group.
Mykonos boasts lovely Cycladic architecture (whitewashed houses, alleyways, and chapels). It exudes a cosmopolitan vibe with luxury accommodations and services.
Mykonos boasts beautiful, sandy beaches and internationally acclaimed restaurants. The seafood is amazing! I usually do not photograph food, but this shrimp dish stared back at me. Ha!
Visiting Mykonos during one of its breathtaking sunsets is best. It offers colorful, excellent photo opportunities of the Aegean Sea.
This amazing place offers sunsets that you simply cannot beat.
Cruising the Greek Islands
We embarked on a 3-day Mediterranean cruise among the Greek Islands. Taking iconic phots was easy with the crystal clear weather and breathtaking vistas.
If you are planning an island cruise, there is no “formal night” on the ship. Eating in the main dining room calls for dinner long pants but no shorts.
As with any cruise, a photography session on a ship can present windy conditions and flying dresses. Waiting until the ship is docked drastically eliminates high wind issues.
If your Greek vacation does not include a cruise, make it a bucket list item for your next trip.
Ancient Corinth
The Apostle Paul visited Corinth for the first time at the end of his second missionary journey around 50 AD. The ruins are not as extensive as Ephesus, but still beautiful and moving.
Paul stayed with Jewish tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla for eighteen months while he reasoned in the synagogues and established the Christian Church at Corinth.
Many ancient relics have been unearthed, restored, and preserved.
Paul visited Corinth a total of three times over six years and they were dear to his heart. The museum here is well worth a visit with your camera.
Athens, Greece
As the capital of Greece, Athens boasts a population over five million people.
Filled with vineyards, farmlands, and a beautiful coastline, Athens is a must-stop for any Greece photography trip.
The Acropolis is a collection of ancient ruins that sit on a hill above the modern city of Athens, Greece. Be prepared for a hike if you are carrying a lot of photography gear! You must purchase tickets well in advance.
The Acropolis also became the home of the patron goddess of wisdom, Athena. It has remained on top of the hill since it was built in the 5th century BC, surviving all kinds of human and natural disasters.
Throughout the centuries, the Acropolis has been considered a place of architectural and artistic beauty.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is the most recognizable portion of the Acropolis. When the Acropolis’ temple was built, it was to celebrate Athens’ prowess against the Persian army.
The temple is generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order, the simplest of the three Classical Greek architectural orders.
The Parthenon was part of a magnificent rebuilding program directed by the Athenian statesman Pericles, following the sack of the Acropolis during the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BC).
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Parthenon is breathtaking in both daytime and nighttime. It is so well lit at night that I snapped the photo below with my iPhone from my hotel.
Crete, Greece
Ancient Crete is the place where the Minoan civilization, one of the most important civilizations of the world (2600-1150 BC), started. And this island is a beauty!
Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest of the islands forming part of modern Greece.
The population consists almost entirely of Cretans who speak Greek and belong to the Greek Orthodox Church. English, German, and French are also spoken by many of the younger and urban Cretans. Our guide was a native of Crete and spoke very good English.
Knossos Palace
The Knossos Palace was the center of Minoan civilization and capital of Minoan Crete. As a major center of trade and the economy, Knossos maintained ties with the majority of cities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Knossos flourished for approximately two thousand years. It had large palace buildings, extensive workshop installations and luxurious rock-cut cave and tholos tombs.
The Minoan palace was an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th century AD. The palace was built on the Kephala hill and had easy access to the sea and the Cretan interior.
According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.
Delphi, Greece
Delphi lies in the heart of the breathtaking Parnassus mountains. Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the Navel of the Earth, a place seen as a spiritual focal point for all Greeks.
Delphi included many sanctuaries and the most prestigious oracle in all of ancient Greece.
Delphi is now a major archaeological site with well-preserved ruins. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
The sweeping landscape and rugged ruins are perfect for any photo shoot! Make sure the weather agrees with your plan, because rain or heavy fog will severely limit panoramic photo opportunities.
Temple of Apollo
According to legend, the Temple of Apollo is where Pythia, the high priestess, uttered the divine advice of Apollo to mortals who traveled from across the world to seek a prophecy.
Apart from Greeks, the Oracle was visited also by foreign leaders and dignitaries who were anxious to know the will of Apollo on important state affairs.
Thessaloniki, Greece
The thriving city of Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece.
The Old City is situated by the sea and provides beautiful expanses of walking and community areas. Alexander the Great rides high on a horse overlooking the harbor.
Ancient Philippi
Ancient Philippi is an incredible archaeological site in Macedonia where Paul visited during his second missionary journey.
The best photography places are the remaining church that still stands among the ruins, along with the amphitheater, which was a social hub in ancient times.
Lydia Springs
Lydia Springs is a beautiful oasis commemorating Paul’s baptism of Lydia. Lush surroundings and the clear spring make for peace-filled pictures.
A stunning basilica near Lydia’s baptism site commemorates Paul’s second missionary journey.
A sunny morning or afternoon photo shoot works well with the river, small forest, and glittering basilica.
Meteora, Greece
The incredible Byzantine Monasteries of Meteora form a UNESCO World Heritage site. This monastic community dates to the 12th century.
Each monastery or nunnery is built on the very top of a cliff above the quaint town of Kalabaka.
Out of the original 24 monasteries of the 16th century, only six remain today—two of which are nunneries.
We visited the Holy Monastery of St. Stephen, which dates back to the early 12th century with the first hermit monks who settled on the cliff.
The panoramic views from atop the cliffs are a photographer’s dream. Take your time to get some truly terrific shots.
Bottom Line
Greece’s topography is varied and ever-changing. The weather can shift in a matter of minutes, so be prepared to protect your gear from rain and/or wind.
Greece is truly one of the rare beauties in Europe and a truly magical place to photograph. I am already making plans to return.
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Jesus believed money was significant. Other than the kingdom of God, He talked about it more often than almost any other topic. When your financial situation is out of control, you need to pray for financial breakthrough.
Knowing what Jesus has to say about money can help shape how you view and spend money.
These 12 Bible passages (one per month for a year) are paired with confession, prayers, and action items that specifically focus on finances. They will help you become a good steward of the resources that God provides.
I have experienced horrible debt and financial crises. I fully understand the heavy emotional, mental, and spiritual burden of carrying several thousands of dollars of debt for years. But there is hope, so it’s a good thing you are here.
After years of hard work and a steep learning curve, I am completely debt-free and financially stable. These prayers and Bible verses helped me say goodbye to financial debt for good. Let’s go.
Understanding what Scripture says about your financial life is key. We will focus on one Bible verse at a time. Each is paired with confession, powerful prayers and action items so that you can pray with confidence.
I was horrible at managing my money which caused many difficult times. Perhaps that is your situation, as well.
God needed to shift my priorities and give me a strong faith to make it through. Since struggling increases the muscles of our faith, God wants you to learn something new to become stronger in that area.
1. Ask, Seek & Knock
Bible Verse: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, ESV).
The first and most important thing to know is that God’s promises never fail. He plainly says to ask Him, seek Him, and knock on the door of our God of abundance.
Confession: Dear Heavenly Father, you are the Lord Almighty who can open the floodgates of heaven. I confess that my finances are a mess. I have not been diligent to ask You and seek Your wisdom regarding my financial difficulties. Forgive me, dear Lord, and send help the Holy Spirit in my time of need.
Prayer for Blessing: Dear God, I am so weary of dealing with financial struggles. I am asking, seeking, and knocking on the windows of heaven for Your divine intervention. Guide me to a solid budgeting plan and give me Your strength to carefully follow it through my financial challenges. Show me, gracious Lord, where waste can be cut. and where my thinking needs to be adjusted to understand how to make wise financial decisions. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Action Item: Seek a proven method or professional advisor for managing your finances. At the suggestion of a godly friend, I decided to order Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Workbook. I can tell you from first-hand experience, this works. As long as you stick to it, with God’s help you will start to experience financial freedom.
2. God Supplies Your Every Need
Bible Verse: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, ESV).
There’s a huge difference between saying a prayer and praying. Going through the motions of following a budget will not stand the test of time if wise decisions regarding budgeting do not become a daily habit. God blesses the work of your hands when your good work regarding financial affairs is surrendered to His will.
Confession: Heavenly Father, I confess that some days I do not have the energy to even think about my financial troubles. In this hard battle with my financial burdens, my heart is sometimes not in the right place to surrender control. Forgive me, Lord.
Prayer: O Lord, You promise in Your Word that You will supply all of my needs according to Your riches in glory. I am in desperate need of Your intervention regarding my financial situation. Only You can bring about a financial miracle to provide for my daily needs. I trust You to guide me through this financial crisis. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: If you don’t pray each day, set aside 2 minutes each day to pray to your faithful Father. That two minutes may seem like an eternity. After your prayer habit forms, two minutes goes by like lightening. Simply start by thanking Him for supplying for your every need. Keeping a journal is a bonus.
Most Powerful Prayers for Financial Breakthrough
Financial security comes when you trust God to be your ultimate financial advisor. Over time, He develops a heavenly mindset when it comes to handling your financial resources.
3. Lead Me Not Into Temptation
Bible Verse: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13, ESV).
This is one of the most powerful prayers you can say when it comes to your financial needs. Temptation and money go hand in hand. The devil’s lie that worldly wealth is the most important goal in life is the root of all kinds of evil.
Confession: O God, I confess that I have been tempted by a love of money. Influenced by the world and social media, I have misunderstood the purpose of your financial blessings. I have believed the lie that I never have enough money when the truth is that I am a wasteful spender. I am drowning in a mountain of debt. Forgive me, Almighty God. I need a wake-up call.
Prayer: Dear Father, I pray that You teach me that abundant prosperity begins with a right relationship with You. Thank you for covering my sin with the blood of Jesus. Strengthen my heart and mind against the devil’s schemes and provide Your divine power to overcome every temptation. Only Your power and wisdom can bring the financial breakthrough that I desperately need. I trust You to show me the way in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Action Item: Anytime that you feel tempted to stray outside of your budget, stop and say a prayer for God to intervene. Cut up your credit cards if you cannot pay them off completely every month. Keep praying until the temptation flees and thank God for another victory!
4. God Gives Graciously
Bible Verse: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18, ESV).
Scripture says that the blessing of the Lord makes a man rich and adds no sorrow to it. Many different definitions can be applied to the word “rich,” including spiritual, health, and financial status. However, all of it comes from only one power source: the Lord.
Confession: Lord God, some days I feel overwhelmed by financial hardship. When another bill arrives and my bank balance shows zero, I confess that it is hard to remain hopeful. Forgive me for my lack of faith. Father, replace my lack of faith with complete trust in Your good measure of blessing.
Prayer: Holy Father, in a world where the rich rule, teach me Your definition of wealth. I need a financial miracle to get out of this hole of debt. That miracle power only comes from You. Give me the daily bread and proper skills I need to manage money well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: One of the biggest blessings during my journey toward financial responsibility was keeping a gratitude journal. Each time God brings you a victory – no matter how big or small – along your journey, log it in your journal. On those tough days, it’s encouraging to re-read them.
Bible Verses for Prayer for Financial Help
Financial stability means more than releasing control of your bank account to Jesus Christ. When I exhausted myself with one failed plan after another, giving God my finances was a huge relief.
5. No One Can Serve Two Masters
Bible Verse: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24, ESV).
God is clear in this verse that you have to decide who you will serve. Money is a self-centered, cold master. God sacrificed His one and only Son to give you the hope of eternal life. There’s no competition for who to love and serve first.
Confession: Father, I confess that I have often elevated a love of money over my love for You. Forgive me, Lord. Thank you for covering me Your divine grace and love even then.
Prayer: Lord of Hosts, there is none above You! You desire that all of Your children, including me, prosper spiritually above materially. Lack and poverty are weapons of the devil, but You supply my every need. Even when I struggle through this season, please remind me of Your perfect provision every single day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: Get a blank notebook. Take time to search through Scripture to find and write down every instance where God promises to provide for you. You will be amazed by how He completely cares for you.
6. God’s Tests
Bible Verse: Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not” (Exodus 16:4, ESV).
When I finally released my vice-like grip over my finances, God transferred that huge weight off of my shoulders and onto His. I no longer felt alone in the process. When you experience that moment, you will never forget it.
Yet God still tested me along the way to reveal what I had learned – not to cause me to fail, but to see where I still needed His strength to improve.
Confession: Father, I confess my impatience. Some days, I just want You to instantaneously zero my credit card balances and increase my bank balance. Yet in your wisdom, You know that I still have so much to learn about fiscal responsibility. Forgive me, Lord, when I get impatient with Your tests. Give me the eyes to see that Your timing is perfect.
Prayer: Gracious Father, as You rained bread from heaven over Your children in the wilderness, rain financial blessing and wisdom over me in my current desert season. Open my mind to learn from Your tests. Open my hands to receive abundant financial blessings from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: It is normal to feel overwhelmed during financial struggles or while digging out of debt. Set small budget goals each week as encouragement boosters. Write them down! A good goal is to eat at home for every meal during one whole week. When you meet each goal, it will spur you on to achieve another.
Good Bible Verses About Money
When it comes to money, the posture of your heart matters. Simply put, what your heart desires is what you chase. So it is critical to discern what you believe to be your greatest treasure.
7. Your Heart Follows Your Treasure
Bible verse: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:32-34, ESV).
This is probably the best Bible verse of all about money because of its clarity. If you, like I once did, treasure possessions more than the Lord, this verse clearly reveals that as a bad choice.
The treasures of this world, including money, do not last. Jesus Christ is the only treasure that matters. Entrusting our money decisions to Him brings sure victory.
Confession: Dear Lord, I confess that I treasure the things of this world. I have elevated possessions above Your wisdom so my finances are in shambles. You delight in blessing me, yet I have squandered and mismanaged those blessings. Lord, forgive me. Teach me to treasure You above all.
Prayer: Jesus, deliver me from divided loyalty. I pray that You turn my heart to embrace You as my true treasure. Fill my cup to overflowing. I need Your good gifts in full measure today. You alone are my treasure and portion. I trust You completely.
Action Item: In your home, you likely have more clothes and possessions than you need. Spend half an hour one evening going through your closet to gather clothes you have not worn in a long time or will never wear again. Donate that bag(s) of clothes to your local shelter. Your abundance will be someone else’s blessing. Then thank God for that abundance and His generosity.
8. Guard Against Greed
Bible Verse: Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own” (Luke 12:15, NLT).
This verse does not mince words. The saying that “the one who dies with the most toys wins” is not God’s measure of success. Being good stewards of the monetary blessings God provides truly honors the Giver.
Confession: Lord, I confess that I know far more brand labels than I know the words of the Lord Jesus. I confess that I fear not fitting in more than I fear the Lord. Forgive me, Lord. Draw my heart back to You.
Prayer: Father, I long to measure my life in spiritual faithfulness rather than monetary foolishness. Anytime that greed rears its ugly head, choke it out! Continue teaching me Your wisdom to end my financial struggles and become a good steward of Your good gifts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: If you have an overabundance of possessions, think of one large ticket item that you no longer use or own more than one. Then give that item with no strings attached to someone you know who truly needs it. It could be furniture, lawn equipment, a bicycle, or even an extra set of dishes.
What to Read in the Bible When Struggling Financially
Praying for a financial breakthrough requires diligence. God’s financial blessings contain corresponding responsibilities. For example, God instructs us to bring our first fruits, tithes, and offerings into His storehouse. God does not bless disobedience.
9. Open the Floodgates
Bible Verse: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10, NIV).
When it was hard to pay my electrical bill, tithing to my local church was not a priority. But obedience matters. So if I received one hundred dollars, the church received ten. It was hard, but God blessed my faithfulness. Write it in your budget as the top item. After all, every dollar comes from Him anyway.
Confession: Father, I confess that I have not been obedient in tithing. Forgive me, Lord, and change my heart.
Prayer: Lord, this struggle with money is a burden in my life. You promise that I can cast my burdens on You. I am giving this burden to You. Free me from the bondage of debt so that I am no longer a slave to my lenders. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: When you receive a paycheck or any money whatsoever, automatically put aside ten percent to give back to the Lord. When you obey the Lord, He will bless you abundantly.
10. Lender Not Borrower
Bible Verse: “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none” (Deuteronomy 28:12, ESV).
Putting your faith into action is crucial when getting out of debt. It takes prayer, a budget, and unwavering commitment. God will be with you every step of the way.
Confession: Father, I confess that I have been a borrower. I have been unfaithful to pay those debts in full. Forgive me, Father.
Prayer: God, you have called me to be a lender and not a borrower. And Your Word says that I have no outstanding debt but the continual debt of love (Romans 13:8, NIV). Lord, I want to honor You by becoming debt-free. Teach me the way, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: Credit card debt is the most senseless debt. I know that from personal experience. Commit today to charge nothing unless you have the cash to pay the balance in full on its due date. No exceptions.
Good Bible Verses About Money
Worry goes hand-in-hand with financial problems. Here are some verses that will help you release your worry into His capable hands.
11. Do Not Worry
Bible Verse: “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 than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27, NIV).
Worry adds to the burden you already feel. God wants to release burdens from you, not pile them on. Surrender completely to Him.
Confession: Father, I confess that worry consumes my day. I worry about how to feed my family and how to make ends meet. Forgive me, Lord, for not trusting You completely.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that You open up opportunities for me to increase my income to pay off debt. Grant me discernment regarding ways to reduce my expenses. I need Your wisdom on how to be responsible with my money. Only You can do this and I trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: Releasing worry and control to the Lord is hard – especially if you are a Type A driven personality. Before you to go sleep at night, grab your journal and write out everything that you are worrying about. Pray for God to take those worries from you, close your journal, and go to sleep.
12. God Will Provide
Bible Verse: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33, NIV).
If you are between jobs right now, let’s specifically go before the Lord about that right now. No confession, just straight-up prayer.
Prayer: Lord, right now I need employment. I desire to work so that I can provide for my family. Only You can open doors that cannot be shut (Revelation 3:8, NIV), so I’m asking you to open a door for a job with the right company. Allow the gifts that You have given to me to open doors of opportunity to bring glory to your name. And when opportunities come, give me discernment so that I can know which one to pursue. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Item: There are many online services that list employment opportunities. Create an account on Linked In, list your qualifications, and indicate that you are open for employment. That platform is an excellent resource to make helpful connections in your area of expertise.
How Do I Give God My Finances?
When I was in debt over a decade ago, I held an excellent job. However, I was a terrible manager of those financial blessings.
I was not paying proper attention to my spending. I often confused a want with a need. Giving your finances to God looks like:
Write out a budget and never waver from it (no matter how tempting),
Give God the first fruits (tithes) of His good gifts.
The enemy will throw roadblocks in your path every day. That one thing that you have had your eye on finally goes on sale. You get the gist. Keeping your unflinching gaze on God makes all the difference.
Why is God Letting Me Struggle Financially?
I was not a faithful servant of God’s blessings and had never really learned how to make solid financial decisions. The work of my hands was not bringing financial increase or peace. I struggled because I was financially irresponsible, living paycheck to paycheck.
Responsible money management looks like living below your financial means in order to offer God a whole tithe. It also looks like sharing God’s provisions with those in need.
They key to financial responsibility is learned through the lens of the Word of God. Success does not mean a huge cash windfall or instant financial prosperity. However, God can certainly bring those about in His divine power.
Seek the Lord. Seek expert guidance from financial experts to manage your money. Write out a budget and stick to it.
Remember, financial freedom also means freedom from worry and anxiety. May God give you good health and a long life free of financial struggles.
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A beautiful day always starts with realizing just how abundantly God’s blessings pour over your life. Tuesday morning blessings are just as important as any other day of the week.
First of all, you woke up. You have breath in your lungs. You have eyes to see and read. Just those three truths are very good things.
Even though these are Tuesday Blessings, these 52 inspirational Bible verses and morning prayers can make each Tuesday of the year a blessed day.
Any good day starts with the right mindset. Monday is over and you survived! Perhaps you thrived.
So what is your mindset for Tuesday’s fresh start? Remembering the steadfast love of the Lord is a great way to begin.
Regardless of what happened on Monday or what awaits the rest of this week, the good news is that today is a new beginning.
And what better way to start your path today than by being inspired?
Inspirational Quotes for Tuesday Morning Blessings
Being inspired toward great things helps you appreciate the gift of life. Many opportunities await. You awoke with air in your lungs, so use it toward something positive.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” ― Bill Keane
A Spiritual Prayer for Tuesday
A good Tuesday morning begins with prayer. When you hand over your worries for the day, the peace of God provides a clear mind and the right perspective.
Dear Lord, You have given me the perfect gift of a new day. Give me word of Your unfailing love. Regardless of what happens to my outer self, let my inner self focus on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, You have given me Your good gift of eternal life. This morning is a gift. Give me the mindset not to waste this day. Increase my own understanding of Your love. Help me reflect that love to everyone. Let others see You in the words of my mouth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, as the sun rises today may Your face shine upon me. Let me seek Your way today so that Your light shines through my good work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dear God, I admit that my prayer life has been spotty at best. Remind me today that Your righteous right hand guides me. Show me the best way forward today to operate in and spread Your unshakable joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Christ Jesus, You rule over this whole earth. I entrust my day to Your capable hands. You can do so much more with it than me! I pray that You make it a lovely Tuesday. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
There are numerous passages from the Word of God that can be used as Tuesday prayer messages to the Lord. Here are five good morning Bible verses that are excellent places to start:
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, ESV).
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV).
“Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting in You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You” (Psalm 143:8, NLT).
“Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13, NLT).
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:25, ESV).
What’s a Good Saying for Tuesday?
Countless writers and poets have penned inspirational and motivational words that offer an excellent perspective to start a wonderful day.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― H. Jackson Brown, Jr. (P.S. I Love You)
Setting Your Mind for a Lovely Day
This world is full of hurt, strife, and anxiety. Setting your mind on God’s love for you is one of the best good morning blessings. These Bible verses can help accomplish that:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV).
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV).
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT).
“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV).
Good Morning Tuesday Blessings
Every single day you wake up under the direct blessings of God. Rather than listing them for you, take some time pondering these things and giving thanks to God for them.
You woke up today with breath in your lungs and the gift of eyesight. Thank you, Lord.
You received an education that allows you the blessing to be able to read. Thank you, Lord.
God has given you the faith to believe that He is God who sacrificed His Son to give you the hope of eternity with Him. Thank you, Lord.
God has provided you with shelter, food, and your basic needs to get through today. Thank you, Lord.
God has given you a brain, knowledge, and opportunities to read His life-giving Word. Thank you, Lord.
When you focus on gratitude, there is little room left for complaining. Gratitude shifts your focus upward, past any momentary affliction. Here are some Bible verses to include in your daily prayer of gratitude for the entire day.
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24, NIV).
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15, NIV).
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT).
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things” (Psalm 103:2-5, NLT).
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, ESV).
Thankful Prayer for a Blessed Tuesday
Besides the many popular prayers that you can offer for provision and favor, giving thanks to God is a truly beautiful way to start your day.
Daily morning prayer initiates a thoughtful Tuesday focused on God. It truly prepares your heart to face anything that Tuesday can throw at you!
O Lord, you are the God of hope! I pray that You inspire me to appreciate the small things today. Whether it’s an excellent cup of coffee or noticing a lovely flower, remind me to give You thanks and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
O God, I am so thankful for your Holy Scriptures. Regardless of anything that I face today or the rest of my life, Your Word provides guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. Thank you, Lord God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus, I am so thankful that Your perfect love drives out fear. I am complete in You. I am perfectly loved by You. Let me live in those assurances today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Father, thank you for this new day. I don’t know everything that awaits me, but You do. Your watchful care gives me ultimate peace. Thank you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for every blessing that You pour into my life. Thank you for protecting me through this day and loving me more than I can possibly imagine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Beautiful Tuesday Morning in God’s Word
One of the greatest blessings that God has given us is His Word. Faithful Bible study reveals God’s strength, wisdom, and unwavering faithfulness. Any beautiful day begins in Scripture, so here we go.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13, ESV).
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV).
Courage for Tuesday
I admit it. Some days I don’t feel very brave. If you struggle with that some days, these verses are perfect.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV).
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27, NIV).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).
Possibilities and blessings abound on Tuesdays! Start with the name of the Father on your lips and Bible study under your belt. His Word hidden in your heart provides the foundation for an incredible day.
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The beautiful roots of the Lord’s Prayer in the Old Testament are clearly evident. Though the actual prayer appears only in the New Testament, its roots go way back.
That may come as a surprise, but Jesus was raised in the Jewish culture. Remembering that He shared that same Jewish heritage with the very disciples who asked how to pray helps your understanding. Let’s look closer.
In Matthew 6 and Luke 11, Jesus instructs His disciples (and disciples today) how to pray. Arguably the most well-known prayer around the world, it is also known as the Our Father Prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
From Matthew’s Gospel: “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” (Matthew 6:9-13, ESV).
From Luke’s Gospel: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, ESV).
The Context
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus Christ regularly went off to a quiet place to pray His own prayers. He understood that God’s help to carry out God’s will demanded significant time with His Heavenly Father.
Jesus was doing exactly this when the disciples approached Him and asked: “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1, ESV). Without hesitation, Jesus instructed them in this powerful prayer.
He did not propose a magic formula; rather, a model prayer to surrender your life to the will of God.
Christian traditions have added a closing phrase: “For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”
Jesus was sent first to the Jews (Romans 1:16; Matthew 15:24), and he was speaking to disciples who were Jewish. Those men of faith and passionate children of God had their feet firmly planted in Old Testament truth.
Old Testament Roots
When Jesus answered His disciples’ question, He framed it in a familiar Jewish context. The Jewish law (The Torah) reigned supreme and taught the elements that all Jews were to include in their prayers.
Jesus was raised Jewish, as were Jesus’ disciples. Though the Lord’s Prayer is a short prayer, it contains many of the Jewish elements. Reading the Jewish Bible in English is helpful.
The Torah refers to prayer as “the service of the heart.” It was considered an act suffused with love and reverence much like a child approaching a loving parent.
Originally, the mitzvah to pray did not include any specific times, nor was there a defined text. Every individual chose his or her own words with which to address the Creator.
There was, though, a standard format for prayer: praise for God, followed by asking Him for all one’s needs, followed by expressing gratitude for all God has done for His people—both collectively and individually.
Here are the elements of the Lord’s Prayer, along with the Old Testament Bible verses that show just how grounded it is in the Old Testament.
Our Father
God’s name is central and the most important element so “Our Father” comes first. The Jews never uttered the proper name of God (even today) to avoid blasphemy.
Consequently, they proclaimed God as “our Father”, as well:
“For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is Your name” (Isaiah 63:16, ESV).
“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and you are out potter; we are all the work of Your hand” (Isaiah 64:8, ESV).
Who Art in Heaven
Christ Jesus also affirmed to His disciples during His earthly ministry that God reigned in the kingdom of heaven. We also see this repeatedly in the Old Testament:
“O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you” (2 Chronicles 20:6, ESV).
“OurGod is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases” (Psalm 115:3, ESV).
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place’” (Isaiah 57:15, ESV).
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool'” (Isaiah 66:1, ESV).
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Holiness is not simply an attribute of God; rather it is the very nature of God. He is the One True God who laid the foundation of the world. Jesus included this truth as part of the prayer:
“And you shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 22:32, ESV).
“And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you” (2 Samuel 7:26, ESV).
“And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!’” (Isaiah 6:3, ESV).
Thy Kingdom Come
As the Bread of Life, Jesus’ prayer bridged the Word of God beautifully between the Old and New Testaments. Consequently, he taught these founders of the early church about the coming kingdom of God:
“And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44, ESV).
“Behold, your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9, ESV).
Thy Will Be Done
God’s will and God’s plan will never change nor fail. By including those truths in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus conveyed that the new covenant believers were to trust God’s perfect will for everyday life, just as believers of old:
“He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth” (Daniel 4:35, ESV).
“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God! Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” (Psalm 143:10, ESV).
On Earth As It Is In Heaven
Jesus knew that it would be helpful for His disciples to understand that a believer’s walk is not always going to be easy. Nor was it during Old Testament times.
God’s will on earth unmistakably reigns supreme, just as it does in heaven. This means that God will protect us from all evil – even to the point of sacrificing His only Son.
Martin Luther put it this way: “If we would be Christians, therefore, we must surely expect and count on having the devil with all his angels and the world as our enemies.”
“You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them” (Nehemiah 9:6, ESV).
“He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth” (Daniel 4:35, ESV).
Our Daily Bread
Because of Jesus, the Bread of Life, we have the good news of His presence and God’s love.
“This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent’” (Exodus 16:16, ESV).
“He will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure” (Isaiah 33:16, ESV).
Forgive Us Our Debts
We cannot wipe our own sin away. We cannot cleanse our souls from it, either. Only God can do that.
Just as the prophets of old fell on their faces before God asking for forgiveness of sins, we do likewise today. Not just to assuage a guilty conscience, but so that God can remove that sin and wash us white as snow.
Keeping open, honest communication with God in prayer and confession, God’s forgiveness washes over us without hesitation. Jesus knew the disciples would desperately need to know that even when they sinned, they could still carry out Jesus’ ministry.
“Keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:7, ESV).
“And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive” (1 Kings 8:30, ESV).
“Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy” (Psalm 103:3-4, ESV).
As We Forgive Our Debtors
Forgiving those who have hurt us can be one of the hardest things we ever face. In fact, I wrote a whole book about forgiveness as a Bible study.
However, forgiving others with a sincere heart frees us from the cage of anger and bitterness. Unforgiveness hurts ourselves, not the offender.
Just as God told His people in the Old Testament, Jesus reminds His disciples today that we need to extend forgiveness as relentlessly as He does.
“Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord” (1 Samuel 25:28, ESV).
“Then they said, ‘We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say‘” (Nehemiah 5:12, ESV).
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Jesus knew from firsthand experience that our spiritual enemy tirelessly tempts us.
With perfect wisdom, He knew that His disciples (both then and now) would need the strength of God Almighty to withstand it, just as believers had for centuries.
“For those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up” (Isaiah 9:16, ESV).
“A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good” (Proverbs 16:29, ESV).
But Deliver Us From Evil
Anyone who does not believe that evil exists has not read Scripture.
Again, Jesus bridges the Old and New Testaments by warning that it not only exists but that only God can deliver believers from it.
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life” (Psalm 121:7, ESV).
“I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless” (Jeremiah 15:21, ESV).
Kingdom, Power, and Glory
Although the Gospel of Matthew does not record the end of the Lord’s Prayer as we say it today, the words are still rooted in Old Testament truth. The power and glory of God were brilliantly displayed as He rescued the Israelites from Egypt.
His Kingdom, power, and glory shone brightest as He resurrected our Savior Jesus from the grave.
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord” (1 Chronicles 29:11, ESV).
“And to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him” (Daniel 7:14, ESV).
Forever and Ever
Our Triune God existed before the timeline of eternity was even established.
Just as the Israelites learned in the Old Testament, Jesus wanted New Testament believers to know that He is the same yesterday, today, and for all eternity.
“But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever,forever and ever” (Daniel 7:18, ESV).
Even though this common prayer that we share known as the Lord’s Prayer was memorialized by Jesus in the New Testament, all of the elements are rooted in God’s teaching since the days of Moses and the Patriarchs.
If you have not savored the words of the Lord’s Prayer recently, take some time right now to say it aloud slowly. And if you struggle keeping a regular prayer life, the Lord’s Prayer is a great place to start.
Let the full assurance of God’s grace and forgiveness take on a special meaning for you today.
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