Your Nightly Prayer: Evening Prayers for Christians

• Finding Peace in the Middle of Your List

  If you’re a list maker, you know the strange mix of joy and frustration that comes with the habit. As our nightly prayer and devotional remind us, there’s a certain satisfaction in crossing things off — so much so that we sometimes write down tasks we already completed just to check them off. But on the days when the list goes untouched or grows longer instead of shorter, the disappointment can feel heavy. Greg Grandchamp reminds us that in those moments, our minds often turn against us. The “why didn’t I…” thoughts take over. The “I should have…” regrets pile up. The unfinished list becomes a source of stress, discouragement, or even shame. But God isn’t measuring our days by the length of our lists. He is far more concerned with the posture of our hearts than the productivity of our hours. Isaiah 26:3 gives us an anchor:God keeps us in perfect peace when our minds are steadfast — when our trust remains fixed on Him rather than on our performance. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”— Isaiah 26:3 MAIN TAKEAWAYS Your unfinished list does not define you; God’s sovereignty does. Peace isn’t the result of productivity — it’s the fruit of trust. God ordains your steps even when your plans fall apart. Prayer shifts your focus from frustration to rest. Your list may not be finished, but God’s faithfulness always is. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Isaiah 26:3 Philippians 4:7 Psalm 46:10 Ephesians 3:20 YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Father,You know me better than I know myself. You see the anxiety I feel over all I didn’t complete today. Help me take joy in what was accomplished, even if it wasn’t what I planned. Remind me that what mattered today was what You intended, not what I listed. Give me peace in knowing that Your purposes stand firm, even when my schedule does not. Teach me to rest in Your will rather than striving for my own. At the end of each day, help me remember that Your list is the one that matters most. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• When Peace Feels Far Away

  The closer the holidays get, the more the world around us paints a picture of perfect peace — Christmas cards with glowing fireplaces, sparkling mantles, idyllic families, and scenes blanketed in silent snow. But for many of us, peace feels anything but accessible this time of year. As Tracie Miles reflects, even though Christmas cards portray a serene and simple season, the reality often feels chaotic. Children grow up, families expand, schedules clash, and gift lists triple. The magic of the holidays can shift into stress, pressure, and exhaustion. In the busyness, we may find ourselves longing to step into one of those picture-perfect cards — even if only for a moment. Yet the peace we ache for isn’t found in a flawless holiday backdrop. It is found in Jesus. Tracie reminds us that Christmas was intentionally simple. God could have orchestrated a majestic spectacle filled with grandeur and earthly royalty, but He chose humility instead. TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”— Luke 2:14 MAIN TAKEAWAYS Holiday “peace” portrayed by culture is often unrealistic; true peace is found in Christ alone. Jesus’s birth was intentionally simple, modeling what real peace looks like. Busyness and overcommitment can steal our peace and distort the meaning of Christmas. Peace becomes accessible when we pause, pray, and refocus on Christ instead of expectations. A simple act of love often reflects the heart of Christmas more than any holiday perfection. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Luke 2:14 Isaiah 9:6 John 14:27 Philippians 4:7 YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Dear Lord,Help me resist getting swept into the world’s version of Christmas — the pressure, the perfectionism, the pace. When chaos begins to rise in my heart and mind, convict me gently and lead me back to Your peace. Replace my to-do lists with to-love lists and keep my focus on what matters most: loving You and loving others. Teach me to embrace simplicity, the simplicity You modeled at the manger, and help me live a life that reflects Your peace — this season and always.In Jesus’ Name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON What picture of peace am I pursuing this season?Is it shaped by cultural expectations, or by the presence of Jesus? Where can I choose simplicity over busyness?Saying no to an extra event? Reducing a list? Prioritizing relationships over perfection? Who around me needs a simple act of love?A note, a kind word, a meal, an invitation, or even a listening ear could reflect Christ’s peace more powerfully than any beautifully decorated space. CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer to stay centered on Scripture and peace throughout the season. Explore more devotionals on LifeAudio.com to deepen your Advent reflections. Share tonight’s prayer with someone feeling overwhelmed this holiday season. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Choosing Joy Today

  Joy is one of God’s greatest gifts to His people — but it is also one of His most misunderstood. In our evening prayer and devotional, we reflect on how often we confuse joy with happiness, believing joy is something we must wait for, feel, or stumble into. But Scripture paints a clearer picture: joy is chosen, not stumbled upon. Britt Mooney uses the image of a frightened child clinging to a rope, crying out in terror though she is only inches from the ground. Those around her gently try to convince her to simply step down. How often does God find us the same way — clinging fearfully to circumstances that cannot truly harm us, needing the gentle reminder that we can step onto the solid ground of His joy? Happiness shifts constantly because it is tied to temporary circumstances. But joy — the joy God gives — is rooted in eternal truth. It comes from the unchanging character of God and His finished work through Christ. It is not fragile, fleeting, or dependent on how our day unfolds. Psalm 118:24 calls us to “rejoice and be glad,” not because life is easy or perfect, but because God has already acted on our behalf. The command to “rejoice” means we must choose joy even when we don’t feel it — especially in hardship. This is why Nehemiah could tell a grieving, newly returned people, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Their joy did not erase the pain of their past, but it strengthened them for the future. The same is true for us. In seasons of loss, weariness, or uncertainty, joy is not denial — it is a declaration of trust. It is choosing to step down from fear and stand on the unshakable foundation of God’s promises. You don’t have to wait for joy. God has already given it. Today, and every day, we choose to step into it. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”— Psalm 118:24 MAIN TAKEAWAYS Happiness is circumstantial, but joy is eternal and rooted in God Himself. Joy is a choice — an act of obedience and trust — not a feeling we wait for. God offers His joy especially in times of hardship, using it as our strength. Psalm 118:24 reminds us that each day is a gift from God, and we can rejoice in it despite challenges. When we choose joy, we participate in God’s finished work and strengthen our faith for what lies ahead. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Psalm 118:24 Nehemiah 8:10 John 15:11 Romans 15:13 Galatians 5:22 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Heavenly Father,When I cling to fear like the child on the rope, help me open my eyes to see the solid ground of Your joy beneath me. Remind me that happiness fades, but Your joy endures forever. Through Your Son and Your Spirit, You have given me Yourself — the source of unchanging joy. Teach me to choose joy today and every day, and let it strengthen me through every hardship and loss. I step into Your finished work with trust and gratitude.In Jesus’ name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON When do you feel happiness, and when do you feel joy?Reflect on the differences and what anchors each one. Which characteristics of God bring you joy?Consider His unchanging nature, His righteousness, His mercy, His faithfulness. What eternal gifts has God given you that can be a continual source of joy?Think of salvation, forgiveness, His presence, His promises, and the hope of eternity. CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Visit LifeAudio.com for more devotionals, Christian podcasts, and spiritual resources. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that joy is still available today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Finding Peace in the Waiting

  Waiting is one of the most challenging spiritual disciplines. In our evening prayer and devotional, we reflect on the fact that whether we’re waiting for relief, clarity, provision, healing, or simply for a hard season to end, few things test our faith like God’s timing. By nature, we want immediate answers, instant resolution, and quick comfort. Yet Scripture teaches us that peace is not found in the fulfillment of our desires, but in learning to trust the One who holds every outcome. Greg Grandchamp reminds us that God’s people have always been waiting people. Israel waited thousands of years for their Messiah. Christians today continue waiting for Christ’s return. And in between these long stretches of longing, we also walk through personal seasons of waiting — for breakthrough, restoration, or direction. But the danger in waiting is that our hearts can grow weary. The beauty of Advent is that it invites us to slow down and remember why we wait at all:We wait because the promise is certain. We wait because Christ has already won the victory. The world pushes Christmas earlier every year, adding pressure, busyness, and expectation. But Advent offers the opposite: a quieting of the soul. A pulling back from the noise. A re-centering on the Prince of Peace who entered our chaos to bring calm that surpasses understanding. When waiting feels heavy, we often try to solve things in our own strength. We crave solutions instead of surrender. But peace does not come from fixing the problem — it comes from fixing our minds on God, trusting that He sees what we cannot and is working in ways we cannot yet understand. Isaiah 26:3 gives a clear promise: peace is not found in the absence of storms, but in steadfast trust. And the One who came as a baby in Bethlehem is the same One who now reigns in victory — over sin, death, fear, and everything that threatens our peace. This Advent, may waiting become not a burden, but a grace — a space to remember that God keeps every promise and never abandons His people. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”— Isaiah 26:3 MAIN TAKEAWAYS Waiting is hard because we desire control, but peace comes through trust, not answers. Advent invites believers to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember the meaning behind the season. God’s peace is not tied to circumstances; it comes from a steadfast mind fixed on Him. Solution-seeking can distract us from the deeper peace God wants to form in us. Jesus — the Prince of Peace — brings victory over everything that disrupts our sense of calm. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Isaiah 26:3 Luke 2:13–14 John 14:27 Philippians 4:6–7 Psalm 46:10 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Heavenly Father,Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son to bring love, joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and peace. In this season that often overwhelms us with noise, obligations, and stress, help me fix my mind on You. Guard my heart from the distractions that steal my peace. Teach me to rest in Your promises and trust Your timing, knowing that true peace is found only in You.In Jesus’ holy name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON Use Advent as a spiritual pause.Slow down, breathe deeply, and reflect on the true significance of Christ’s coming. Remember the meaning behind each Advent theme: Hope: Anticipation of Christ’s arrival Peace: The peace only Christ brings Joy: A joy unshaken by circumstances Love: God’s immeasurable love in sending His Son Reflect on the angels’ proclamation in Luke 2:13–14:What does it mean that peace came to earth the moment Jesus arrived? CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer so your evenings remain anchored in Scripture and reflection. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Advent devotionals and Christmas resources. Share this episode with someone who needs peace during a difficult season of waiting. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Finding Wonder Again

  For many of us, childhood Christmas memories are filled with wonder — nights spent driving through neighborhoods glowing with lights, marveling at displays that felt magical and larger than life. As children, we didn’t need words to describe our awe. Our gasps, smiles, and wide-eyed silence told the story. But as adults, the wonder can fade. In tonight's prayer and devotional, reflect on how loss, grief, loneliness, and hardship can dim the lights of the season. Instead of excitement, we may feel exhaustion or heaviness. We might question the point of decorations, traditions, or celebration when life feels complicated or painful. Sophia Bricker invites us to pause and remember that the wonder of Christmas was never meant to hinge on our circumstances. Our amazement is rekindled when we remember the heart of the story:The eternal Word — the God who formed galaxies and set the stars in place — stepped into our darkness. Jesus, the Creator of all things, took on human flesh. He entered into our suffering, our pain, and our human experience fully. He came not as a distant observer but as Immanuel — God with us (Matthew 1:23). Just as lights shine brightest against the night sky, the glory of Christ shines most brilliantly in the midst of our darkness. No hardship can extinguish His light. No grief can overshadow His glory. When we fix our gaze on Him, the wonder of His coming begins to stir again — not a childish nostalgia, but a deep, reverent awe at the God who walked among us and continues to dwell with us. May this season reawaken our hearts with the wonder of the One who still breaks through our darkness with His unfailing light. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”— John 1:14 MAIN TAKEAWAYS Wonder is often lost in adulthood but can be rediscovered by reflecting on the miracle of the Incarnation. Jesus — the eternal Word — took on flesh and entered our pain, bringing redemption and hope. His light shines most powerfully in darkness; no circumstance can diminish His glory. Remembering who Christ is rekindles awe, even when life feels dim or difficult. Advent invites us to rediscover the wonder of God choosing to dwell with us. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES John 1:14 John 1:1–5 Matthew 1:23 Isaiah 9:2 John 8:12 YOUR EVENING PRAYER Father,As the years go by, I often find myself worn down by circumstances that steal my joy and dim my delight in the Christmas season. When wonder feels distant, remind me of the miracle of the Incarnation — that the eternal God became flesh and lived among us. Renew my awe at the One who came to save, comfort, and redeem. When my spirit grows weary, restore my sense of wonder by helping me remember that You entered the darkness to bring light, and You continue to walk with me today.In Jesus’ name, Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON A nativity scene or artwork of Christ’s birth:Consider the details. What stirs your heart? What do you notice about the humility and glory of Jesus entering the world? Titles of Jesus:Choose one — Savior, Light of the World, Immanuel, Good Shepherd, Son of God. What does it mean that this Jesus was born in human flesh? A childhood memory of wonder:Recall an experience that filled you with awe. How might God use that memory to rekindle gratitude and wonder this Christmas? CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer to receive daily comfort and Advent reflections. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christmas devotionals, podcasts, and biblical encouragement. Share this episode with someone who may need help rediscovering hope and wonder this season. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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