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The twenty-eight days of prayer are divided into four weeks, each week centered around a theme. Each seven-day cycle ends with a sabbath, so start your weeks on a Monday. Sabbath offers a time for rest and reflection. On that one day set all things aside to focus on your place with God and to give thanks.

Begin each day’s reading by taking a minute to reflect on the topic of the day. What does this mean to you? What goes through your mind when you are faced with the thought the topic suggests? Next, read the Bible text for the day. Read the passage slowly. Take note of words or phrases that stand out for you. Ask yourself what the scripture has to say about the topic. Then read the meditation.

These meditations represent reflections on the Bible passage and on the topic that helped Natalie and me as we grappled with our own questions. Each meditation leads to a prayer that starts with the words “Almighty God.” I have used this form of addressing God intentionally. In times when we feel weak, it is important to acknowledge that there is One on whose name we can call; this God is more in control than we are. Feel free to make the prayer your own. Fill in the blank lines with your own words.

Finally, consider the Suggestion that accompanies each meditation. Each Suggestion presents a practical way you might bring the topic, scripture, meditation, and prayer into your own situation.

I pray that these meditations, prayers, and suggestions will bring you strength, comfort, and the assurance of God’s presence with you.