Prayers and Verses that Carried Me Through 2020 into 2021

Verse of the Day:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end.

To all readers both veteran and new, Happy New year and welcome to the Ebony Quill. I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all of our worlds first responders, nurses and doctors. Your unyielding efforts and dedication to saving lives in the midst of Covid-19 will not go unnoticed. I at the Ebony Quill appreciate your efforts and am tremendously grateful. My prayers and countless others are extended to you.

I would also like to express prayers and condolences to those of my readers and beyond who have personally lost anyone to the virus. My prayers are with you, and my inbox is open to anyone who would like prayer or to simply express your grievances with someone who will listen. (Disclaimer) I am not a licensed emotional councilor nor attempting to claim myself as one. I advise anyone who feels compelled to reach out to professional counselling to do so by all means. What I am, and who I am is a person who's heart and compassion have grown to love people. So for anyone who would like to talk with me, feel free to inbox me any time. :) I will also include my personal email information and will be more frequent in checking my inbox this year. May you be blessed.

Personal Email: Jasminehoward95@yahoo.com

Today, I'd like to share with you five biblical texts and five personal prayers from 2020 that inspired and encouraged me during such a trying year. Prayers and scriptures that I carried with me in to 2021 and pray that they reach the hearts of all who reads them on today.

In a previous post, I nicknamed 2020 the year of spiritual alignment. In the very midst of the heartache, horror, loss and unimaginable grief, I feel as if God used tragedy and illness to bring out the very best and worst in humanity. I greatly believe this. Many of his children experienced a shift in their lives, their purpose rerouted and everything they once pursued became dulled by the intentions that our heavenly father had for us in that moment, I am one of them. 2020 was the year that reminded the children of God of whom their faith should belong: not in government officials, or law enforcement, not in people or politics, but in HIM.

Prayers

Prayer #1-

3/21/20

@ 11:31 A.M

Dear Heavenly father, I am secure, I am safe and confident under your watchful eyes. I believe you are the alpha and omega to which all life began and where it will end, the father of Jesus, who you sent to earth to pay the ultimate price that we may have a chance to meet you one day. He died for the sins of the world that we might one day come to eternity. I am not worried, nor am I afraid, my hopes, my faith, and all of my future, rests in your never changing hands, In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

Prayer #2

3/22/20

@12: 37 P.M

Dear Heavenly father, I come asking for healing Lord, for those who have contracted this virus, I ask that they find it in their hearts to look to you for their healing just as you healed the snake bitten Israelite's in the desert Lord. I praise you Lord as I see the works of your glory, and I thank you most high. On this day, as we go about our day, I ask that cover us in your protection, let us not be fearful but cautious and wary Lord. I pray for my students and their parents, for my coworkers, that they stay safe during this time Lord, may you keep watch over them day and night, in your son Jesus name, Amen.

Prayer #3

3/23/20

@12:05 P.M

Dear Heavenly father, Thank you for your perfect clarity that's bestowed upon your children during their awakening in the spirit. May you continue to feed my spiritual man dear Lord. May I not be spiritually malnourished , may I continue to yearn and desire the word. May I hunger after your righteousness and all that is right so that I may humble myself accordingly. I am excited Lord! I am excited about getting to know you better. Jehovah, Abah, Father, I praise you most highly. Through the events of this past week, I see your wonderful works, the beauty of your magnificence has shone bright, the might of your strength and the sincerity of your mercy have I witnessed and I thank you for allowing me to. You are beautiful, beyond all I can dare to imagine, magnificent in every way imaginable and I love you from the depths of my soul. In Jesus name, Amen.

Prayer #4

3/26/20

@ 11:31 A.M

Dear Heavenly father, thank you for people Lord, and for my heart, love and understanding for people. Life is so beautiful with you in it Jehovah that I can't bear to think of it without you, so Lord, I come to you with nothing but thanks for YOU, your life, your light and your love, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Prayer #5

(same day but later)

Dear Heavenly father, Thank you for your grace during this turbulent time, I come with prayers not only for myself, but my family Lord, those I love and cherish, my students, my coworkers, my best friends, even those of fame who I admire, I pray for them along with the heart of this entire nation. May this time of trouble turn my eyes to you, may more hearts be opened to receive you Lord for it is YOU who can life the sickness of the Corona-virus, it is YOU who are the vaccine and it is YOU who I look to and pray for healing. In the absence of people, I've witnessed and heard stories of the Earth being renewed, almost as if WE were the virus. Many people are leaving this world and I pray that they have found a place in you. May the people of God be encouraged now more than ever to be a beacon of light in their communities, may the Church be of one body, mind and spirit, with you as the lead, I trust that you will always be by my side, till the end, my Lord, Jehovah. In Jesus name, Amen.

These prayers were written in the very first journal I began during the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak. They kept my spiritual eyes open to the events going around me and kept my mind on the Lord in spite of all that was happening. I chose that month to finally place my life in the hands of God.

Verses

Verse #1

Psalm 139:14

I praise you God, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Verse #2

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Verse #3

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

Verse #4

Philippians 4: 19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Verse #5

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have every lasting life.

May these prayers and scriptures meet and agree with all those whom need them. As we begin the journey into 2021 may we continue to walk in strong faith and use our gifts and talents for the healing of the world and not its destruction. Thank you for reading, may you be blessed, and remember...

"For the love of life and literature, stay prayerful, stay positive and write on!"