Category Archives: Prayer

A Collection of Prayers

Anchored in Hope in a World of Instability

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Every day, headlines remind us that the world feels increasingly uncertain. From ongoing conflicts and economic instability to rising living costs and the quiet weight of personal struggles, many people are navigating a constant undercurrent of pressure and fear. The digital age amplifies it all: Bad news travels faster, lingers longer, and often leaves us feeling overwhelmed or powerless. In times like these, hope can feel fragmented or non-existent. It is precisely in seasons of uncertainty that hope becomes not just necessary, but a divine gift. It’s a steady anchor that keeps us grounded, resilient, and moving forward despite what we see around us.

Everyone handles obstacles, challenges and opposition differently. How do you react or respond to turmoil? Hope is an underestimated response to trauma and crisis.

How you’re able to cope with change determines how you will go through difficult seasons in life. Adaptability is priority in shifting seasons.

There are some people who live a very meticulous life. They’re very calculated. They dot their I’s and cross their T’s. Their life has order and structure. They set goals and meet them. Life has balance and everything adds up. If it doesn’t, they cannot handle it. They may find it hard to adapt to change. Their plans are made and they cannot deal with distractions or obstacles that deter or disrupt their schedules.

There are also another group of people who live a carefree life. They don’t set goals. They live on a whim. They do not care about much in life. They live reckless lives. They tend to believe everything is someone else’s fault and they do not take accountability for their actions. They believe they’re the victim and that the world owes them something. They’re careless and do not value anything. It shows in how they treat people and how they treat themselves as well as how they take care of their possessions. They are poor stewards to what has been given to them. They play Russian Rolette with their life.

There are another group of people who never expect ed much out of life. They play it safe so life won’t disappoint them. They move through life with caution or skepticism. They may look at others and desire their goals, aspirations and to acquire what they have but do not want to work to achieve it. They have a “One day or Some day” I’ll do it mentality. They tend to procrastinate. They roll the dice and call it a day.

Lastly, another group of people have high expectations in life. They planned for the future and set goals but somehow life didn’t turn out how they had planned. They took a wrong turn, made bad decisions or life simply was full of obstacles, challenges and opposition. They may have missed opportunities or constantly prepared for opportunities that never came but they do not grow weary or tired but carry strength and resilience despite the challenges in life.

You may find yourself in one of these descriptive scenarios or maybe a mixture of them. Either way, there is a big difference between luck, chance, wishing and hoping. Let’s look at the definition of luck.

LUCK (Noun)

  1. The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events or opportunities
  2. Good fortune; advantage or success, considered as the result of chance
  3. A combination of circumstances, events, etc. operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person
  4. Some object on which good fortune is supposed to depend. (EX: The rabbit foot is my lucky charm).

In the world, people believe in luck. They believe that circumstances led them to success, usually by their own actions or by serendipity. They believe they’ve designed their own destinies by the choices they’ve made in life or things just fell into place by luck.

However, they do not acknowledge or believe in the divine plan of the Lord and the divine order He has for their life. In Isaiah 46:10 it states, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure”

CHANCE (Noun)

  1. The absence of any cause of events that can be predicted, understood, or controlled: Often personified or treated as a positive energy.
  2. Luck or fortune
  3. A possibility or probability of anything happening
  4. An opportune or favorable time; opportunity.

CHANCE (Verb)

  • To happen or occur by chance
  • To take the chances; risks

In this culture, people take a lot of chances which is a series of random events or actions. However, as believers we are encouraged to believe in God’s favor, promises and blessings over our lives. We do not leave our life to chance. In life there will be unpredictable events and circumstances, but we should have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God and put our trust in Him.

11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happened to them all.

Eccl 9:11

In Prov 19:33 it states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11

WISH (Verb)

  1. To wish; desire; long for
  2. To desire (a person or thing) to be (as specified).
  3. To make a wish

WISH (Noun)

  1. An act or instance of wishing
  2. A request or command

Throughout childhood, wishing has been implanted in us. In Disney movies, wishing and magic are the driving force to making dreams come true. Magic wands, crystal balls and fairy dust are some of the whimsical methods they use to enchant children. Some people believe that wishing is harmless however wishing is void of God. We should seek the Lord in prayer and align with God’s will. In 1 John 5:14-15 it states, “14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

However, we should not ask in selfish gain or selfish motives. Often when people are done wrong, they wish bad on others but the Lord is our contender. He will consume the enemy. In Rom 12:14-21 it states, “14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;  if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

HOPE (Noun)

  1. The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best
  2. A particular instance of this feeling

Hope (Verb)

  1. To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence
  2. To believe, desire or trust.
  3. To feel that something desired may happen
  4. To place trust, rely in

Unfortunately, we live in a society that is losing hope. Hope is vital to survival. Hope is underestimated but it’s literally as powerful as faith. Without hope, people commit suicide. Without hope, people give up on their dreams. Without hope, people fall into depression, discouragement and despair. Without hope, people don’t have strength to keep going. Hope sounds like a weakness almost like you’re leading life by chance, but in reality, it’s the driving force to resilience. Hope keeps you moving forward despite the curve balls life throws at you.

In a world where uncertainty often feels louder than reassurance, hope is not a passive feeling. Hope is a conscious decision. You choose to believe that what lies ahead can still be good, even when the present feels heavy. Hope doesn’t ignore reality; it strengthens us to face it with courage, clarity, focus, and faith. When everything around us shifts, our faith becomes the steady foundation we stand on, while hope reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the story. By holding onto hope, we not only uplift ourselves but also can encourage others to keep going. And in times like these, we need to walk in obedience and seek the Lord for His divine purpose and plan for our life.

If you just happened to come across this website, don’t let this be where your journey with hope end. let it deepen. If you’re ready to anchor your life in truth and strengthen your faith in uncertain times, download your free Bible Study Guide “Anchored in Hope” today. It’s designed to help you reflect, grow, and hold onto hope through every season. Click below to get your copy to grow and strengthen your relationship with Christ.

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The Pivotal Turning Point in America

Posted on by yolandaberry
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College students in classroom, Education

This has been a horrific week. For the past few days, I’ve watched countless videos of Charlie Kirk’s debates. I don’t follow politics besides watching the debates prior to the presidential elections. Unfortunately, I have never heard of him until the shooting that took place a few days ago. I’ve been quite numb trying to gather my thoughts on this whole thing.

Freedom of speech will not be silenced due to the lack of intolerance of differences in views, perspectives, beliefs, opinions and values. No one should be murdered for their beliefs or viewpoints. No one should be murdered period. We have witness countless shootings in schools, churches, concerts, major venues, public transportation, and in the streets of our communities.

On the anniversary of 911 this is a tragedy to witness the extremes of the changes that have taken place in America. This is not who we are and not what we stand for. I’m disgusted with the violence in this country. I’m disguised by the celebrations taken place by someone losing their life. This is an outrage and has created a Holy Ghost roar in the Spirit. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Prov 18:21.

In the Last Days, many hearts will grow cold. Lawlessness will rise. In 2 Tim:31-5, it states “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

You cannot silence the Word of God. His Word is a two-edged sword; it penetrates dividing the soul and spirit. joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb 4:12

The truth digs deep and gets under the skin and exposes the evil and darkness in people’s hearts.

What I tell you in the dark, speak in daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops! Matt 10:27

We will not bow to fear. We will not be silenced. We will not compromise our faith, freedom, values or political views. This country was founded on Biblical principles, morals and values. Let God arise and let our enemies be scattered. Psalm 68:1

God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.

Nahum 1:1-3

The Lord led me to read Nahum a few weeks ago. Nahum was an Old Testament prophet who has not been mentioned much or at all in church sermons. Nahum pronounced God’s judgement against the nation of Assyria. Nineveh was the ancient capital city of the Assyrian Empire. There was a great rise and fall in the Assyrian nation which was taken over by the Babylonians. In 612 B.C. Nineveh was destroyed as the prophet Nahum warned.

Ninevah, much like today’s modern cities in America, was full of evil, and wickedness just like in the days of Noah. Jonah was called to deliver a message of repentance to the city. Jonah called a fast upon the city of Nineveh. The people were delivered and turned back to God and the city was restored.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Jonah 3:5-10

We are on the cusp of a turning point in America. The warning signs are all around us. Will we stand for holiness and righteousness, or will the hearts of many grow cold and callus as we falter into perverse, wickedness which has taken place in this nation and around the world?

I believe in humanity. I know there are still a multitude of people searching for God and want to get saved and baptized, learn more about God’s character, promises and principles and to do the right thing in their life. There are many others who are living for God and living as an example for Jesus Christ. Charlie Kirk was a great example of this.

Hope is not lost. It is found in opposition, chaos, conflict and strife. We must learn to be tolerant of other people’s differences, beliefs, perspectives and opinions even if we do not agree with them.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17 God loves you so much that He gives you freedom of choice. You can believe how you want to believe, however “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [In other words, you choose not to believe] And this is the condemnation that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:18-21

May our eyes be opened, may our hearts receive truth and fresh revelation of the Spirit and may our minds be transformed to the obedience of Christ. Let us carry boldness to stand in our faith, speak truth to the lost and stay prayerful with a repentance heart.

Much like in Nineveh, we must turn our hearts to the Lord to escape the destruction coming upon the land.

My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. He is resting with Lord in peace. To God be the Glory who is found in Jesus name!

Additional Bible Reading

14 If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:2

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Luke 12:12

19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Eph 6:10-20

4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4

Ye though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

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The Wind of Change

Posted on by yolandaberry
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sunset, field

Everything is changing very quickly in this world. Unfortunately, I don’t have a high level of anticipation, like I did when I was younger, for the new year. What I can say is that times and seasons are shifting beneath our feet whether we want it to or not, but we should maintain a high level of expectation in our Lord for He does not change. He is unmovable and unshakeable.

The current fires in Los Angeles have brought extreme devastation to California. This situation will not only affect California but will affect the economy and nationwide home insurance policies. Whether the fires were caused by a natural disaster or started by arsonists, the God of the father of Abraham, Issac and Jacob is calling His attention to the sins of this nation. How will we choose to respond or react to this catastrophe? Will we throw our fists in the air and grow angry, callus or rebellious toward God? Or will we fall on our knees in reverence and honor to the King of Kings and intercede and repent on behalf of this country?

Hollywood is well known for its idolatry. The exposure and fallen out of explicit sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, pornography, parade of homosexuality, sexual addiction and sexual abuse in the entertainment industry is a prime example of a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah. The spotlight is shining on Hollywood as they face tremendous loss and an overwhelming recovery effort in this heartbreaking tragedy.

I noticed while looking at the map of California that the fires were in a circle which I was referring to as the “Ring of fire.” These fires are a warning. The alarm has sounded. Will the fires be a pre-cursor to a devastating earthquake? Let us pray against an earthquake hitting the state of California or additional tectonic plates around the world.

In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot was warned to leave the city before destruction and to not look back upon the city for else he and his wife would turn into a pillar of salt. In Genesis 19, Lot was warned that the land would be destroyed due to the sins of the people.

13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.
14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.
24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven;

Gen 19:13-14, and 23-24 
13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. 14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. Gen 19:13-14

23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; Gen 19:23-24

28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. Gen 19: 28-29

History has a way of repeating itself especially when the lessons are not learned from the past. The vanity, greed and arrogance of man is embedded deeply in our culture. Celebrities are worshipped like gods. The music industry displays the demonic agenda boldly and proudly flaunts their wickedness on stage and within their lyrics as fans flock to their concerts to support them at any cost. Athletes are icons where fans rather attend sporting events than go to church. The movie industry plant seeds of witchcraft and evil to celebrate chaos, destruction and devastation as well as murder, crime, and torture. A woman’s anatomy has become a playground for lust and perversion. Children are no longer safe among adults. In reality, you have to keep a close eye on everything and everyone around you. Unfortunately, many innocent people suffer at the hands of evil men. We are in a spiritual war and it’s a real fight.

“For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt 5:45

Most don’t do anything until it affects them personally, but will we continue to be complacent with a blind eye or draw closer to the Lord? May the light of God shine amid darkness and awaken the blind.

The Lord says to the people, “Awake and come out of deep sleep and perverse darkness!”

“4 And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. Ezk 30:4

7 And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.

8 And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed.

9 In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh. Ezk 30:7-9

13 Thus saith the Lord God; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt. Ezk 30:13

15 And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. Ezk 30:15

18 At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.

19 Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the Lord. Ezk 30:18-19

Prayer for the Nation

Lord Father, we cast down our idols in honor to worship the one and only true God, “The Father God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.” Forgive us for our selfish nature and disobedience. We repent and we turn away from sin. Wash our hands clean of all unrighteousness, cleanse our heart and renew our minds. Establish our steps to walk Holy as representatives of Christ. We pray for strength, courage and wisdom as we navigate through the terrains of life. May you uphold us with your righteous right hand and do not let us slip. We rest under the shelter of your wings.

May you provide strength, comfort and safety to all those affected by the current tragedies upon this new year and grant peace for those who have lost loved ones in the fatal attacks or L.A. fires. May you increase the strength and safety of the first responders and fire fighters and all those assisting in the care and outreach of those who have lost their homes. May you bring restoration and salvation to the loss. May the outpouring of the Holy Spirit be evident in the lives of your people and may the wind of the Holy Spirit be upon us.

In the precious Blood of Jesus. Amen.