Sunday, May 25
by, Vanessa Kanerva
(8th grade)

Psalm 23:1-3

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

To me this means that God is our “shepherd” and we are his “sheep,” practically. We shouldn’t try to ask for something impossible for Him to give us, or that we shouldn’t want ALL the time. Like we should only ask God for the things we really need, and not take advantage of his kindness and giving. He will lead us in His way. He purifies our souls.

Thank you God for giving me the wonderful life that I have. Thank you for standing beside me and forgiving me. Amen

Monday, May 26
by, A.J. LaCosse
(6th grade)

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

I was brought to this world with God’s love. I will love others as God has loved me. The Lord will not punish you, he will protect you. I know how much the Lord has loved me and everybody else. He is our savior.

Lord, thank you for giving up your life for us. I ask that you give us your blessing of eternal life. Amen.

Tuesday, May 27
by, Cheyenne Poore
(6th Grade)

Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

This verse means to me that God will always be there for me. He will be there whenever I’m scared.

Dear Lord, thank you for always being there for me when I have been scared. Amen.

Wednesday, May 28
by, Carly Hansen
(6th grade)

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me.

If I’m scared I could just think about God or Jesus and he could help me get over my fear. He makes me feel better. This also means that no evil could harm me, that You keep me in your safety.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for keeping me safe and comforting me. Amen.

Thursday, May 29
by, Erin Wodrich
(6th grade)

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

This Bible verse means to me that if you trust in God he will tell you what to do. If you do something wrong and ask him to forgive you, then he might. Just trust in the Lord.

Dear Lord, you guide me through all the tough times in my life and you are always right beside me. Amen.

Friday, May 30
by, Crystal Hadel
(7th grade)

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

This verse means to me that all good things will follow and be in my life and no bad things shall interfere. I shall live side-by-side with God now and forever.

Dear God, thank you for everything in my life so far. You have treasured me with many things and you have not troubled me. Please keep me in your love forever. Amen and thank you.

Saturday, May 31
by, JoAnne Barrix
(Confirmation mentor)

Psalm 25:5

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

For the last two years I have been a confirmation class mentor. When I started attending the classes, my goal was to assist the pastor with teaching our students about the Small Catechism and the Bible. I prayed each week for guidance and inspiration.

For the last two classes of this past season, the assignment was to write devotions for the “Prayfaithfully” website. Pastor Devon asked me to lead this effort with the help of Jane Kaukola, a member of our congregation. When I announced to the class what we would be doing, my words were met with moans and groans and comments, like: “I can’t do that.” “That’s too hard.”

I explained that we had provided a list of Bible verses to choose from. We read through them all. Then I asked who would like to choose one of the verses. There was silence. I prayed for guidance. I asked again. Then, finally, a hand was raised. “Can we choose our own verse that isn’t from the list?” Others: “Yea, we want to choose our own verses.” And they were off and writing!

In this season of Pentecost, we especially celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit. He guides and teaches us and guides and teaches through us…often in ways that we do not plan or expect.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to me and our confirmation students. Let us always look to You for guidance and teaching, for You are our hope. Amen