Your Nightly Prayer: Evening Prayers for Christians

• Christ Came for the Weary

  Exhaustion doesn’t just drain the body—it drains the will. As Clarence describes from his week of disrupted sleep and long hours, fatigue has a way of turning even the strongest resolve into quiet surrender. The phrase “fatigue makes cowards of us all” becomes painfully true when our strength is depleted, and every step forward feels heavier than the last. Perhaps your weariness looks different. Maybe you have been searching for a job with no success.Maybe you’ve poured yourself into your ministry or business, seeing little fruit.Maybe you’ve prayed faithfully, waiting for God’s answer, yet the silence continues. Weariness, in all its forms, is familiar to every believer. What we sometimes forget—especially during the Christmas season—is that Christ came for the weary. He came to lift the burden of sin, yes, but also to strengthen those weighed down by the pressures and disappointments of life. Isaiah reminds us that Jesus gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. His power flows most fully when we openly admit our weakness. The beauty of God’s strength is that it does not appear when we are at our best—it appears when we finally confess we can’t keep going on our own. Acknowledging our inability positions us perfectly to receive His ability. So while this season may tell us to hold everything together, Jesus gently says the opposite:You don’t have to.You don’t need to rely on your own strength.You can come to Him exactly as you are—tired, weak, worn—and He will restore you. When you lean on Christ, you’ll find enough strength for today, and enough hope to believe you can rise again tomorrow. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”— Isaiah 40:29 YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Lord,I’m tired. I’m tired of waiting, tired of fighting, and sometimes tired of praying. I come to You tonight because I need Your strength. I acknowledge that I cannot do this on my own. Restore me. Lift me out of my weakness and give me the strength I lack. Thank You that I can be honest before You and that Your power is always available when I call. I rest tonight knowing You have heard my prayer.In Jesus’ name,Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON Don’t apologize for your weakness.Your weakness is the doorway through which God’s strength enters. Christ’s restoration is limitless.Go back to Him again and again—His strength never runs out. You never have to pretend.He sees your true condition and meets you with compassion, not disappointment. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• When the Season Feels Too Busy

  The Advent season carries a beautiful intention, yet many of us enter it with schedules that feel more like pressure cookers than peaceful celebrations. Between holiday shopping, school programs, family gatherings, travel, work commitments, and endless to-do lists, it’s no wonder December often feels more overwhelming than joyful. Scripture doesn’t ignore the need for hard work or productivity. But it does warn us about misplaced priorities and the unhealthy pace that can pull our hearts away from God. That’s exactly what happened to Martha. When Jesus arrived, she immediately sprang into action—cooking, preparing, serving—doing all the things she thought were necessary. Meanwhile, her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening, resting, and receiving. To Martha, this felt unfair. To Jesus, it revealed something deeper.“Martha, Martha… you are worried and upset about many things.”In other words: You’re busy, but you’re missing the better thing. It’s easy to relate. Many of us run through December so fast that we barely hear the soft invitation of Christ calling us to slow down and sit with Him. Jesus Himself modeled this rhythm of rest. In the midst of a demanding ministry, He slipped away early in the morning to pray, to be still, and to reconnect with the Father (Mark 1:35). If the Son of God prioritized intentional quiet, how much more do we need it? The danger of constant busyness is that we become spiritually drained. We lose joy. We lose patience. We lose perspective. And slowly, we begin to lose sight of why we’re celebrating in the first place. Christmas is meant to draw our hearts toward the Savior—not toward stress. If the season feels too full, too heavy, or too chaotic, perhaps God is gently whispering the same words Jesus spoke to Martha:Choose what is better. Choose Me first. Even if the list remains unfinished.Even if the house isn’t picture-perfect.Even if plans change or things go undone. He is the One thing that matters most, and when we sit at His feet, peace returns. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”— Luke 10:41–42 YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Father,You know my limits and the weight I carry. As my days fill with tasks and responsibilities, help me keep my heart centered on You. Slow my pace where it needs slowing. Redirect my focus where it has drifted. Let the joy of this Advent season outweigh the pressure of my to-do list. And remind me that even if everything doesn’t get done, everything is still okay as long as I remain close to You.Thank You, Father.Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON Make time for God.Find a quiet moment—perhaps in the early morning—to meet with Him. Let your mind settle before the day begins. (Mark 2:27) Use your free time wisely.Turn off distractions. Step away from screens. Instead of numbing your mind, lean into the Lord who offers true rest. (Matthew 11:28–29) Re-evaluate priorities every morning.Ask God to order your steps. Make a reasonable, achievable list. Invite Him into the planning, and let Him determine what truly matters today. (Proverbs 3:6) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Changing the World One Gift at a Time This Christmas with Samaritan's Purse

  What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world? This episode goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference? Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe. Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent. Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion. Editor's Note: This is a bonus feed drop in partnership with Samaritan's Purse. Our regular schedule for Your Nightly Prayer will resume this evening. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe. Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten. Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible. Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need. Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them. Call to Action: This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity. Episode Links: Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina. Parents, what new tradition will you start this year to show your children the joy—and eternal impact—of generosity? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• God Sees Your Silent Nights

  Grief has a way of amplifying the silence around us, especially during seasons that once overflowed with joy. For Angie, Christmastime has carried a tender ache since the passing of her mother six years ago. Her mom wasn’t just part of the celebration—she was the celebration. The cook, the storyteller, the giver, the one who made Christmas feel full. In the early years of loss, everything felt muted. Holidays didn’t feel festive; they felt hollow. And yet, in the quietness of that grief, Angie discovered a profound truth: Christmas would not be the same, but it could still hold meaning. It could still hold beauty. It could still hold God. By stepping into the traditions her mother created—telling the stories, baking from the old recipes, blessing strangers, reading the Christmas story aloud—Angie found that these moments kept her mother’s love alive for her children and grandchildren. Legacy became a bridge between grief and gratitude. And it was there, in the soft spaces of remembrance, that Angie encountered the God who sees. Genesis 16:13 tells the story of Hagar, a woman alone, misunderstood, and wandering through her own wilderness. She did not seek God out—He sought her. He found her in the barren place, looked upon her sorrow, and spoke hope into her heart. She named Him El Roi—the God who sees me. God still sees like that. He sees you in the holiday moments that feel too quiet.He sees the empty chair at the table, the tradition that now feels tender, the memory that brings both tears and warmth.He sees the ache behind the smile and the courage behind every small step forward. Grief can make life feel blurred, but God’s gaze is steady. In every silent night, He is the God who sees—not glancing over your pain but entering it, meeting you in it, and holding you through it. You are not unseen in your sorrow.You are not forgotten in your longing.You are deeply known by the One who carries both your grief and your hope. TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE “Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, ‘You are the God who sees me.’ She also said, ‘Have I truly seen the One who sees me?’”— Genesis 16:13 YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Father,Thank You for carrying me through both my grief and my hope. Tonight, I rest in the truth that You see me—fully, gently, and with compassion. Thank You for drawing near in my sorrow and meeting me with Your presence. As I step into this holiday season, may it not be barren but fruitful, marked by Your nearness. Fix my eyes on You, the One who holds all things in Your hands and who never overlooks my pain.In Jesus’ name,Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE ON Do I feel seen in my grief or pain tonight? Take a moment to acknowledge honestly where your heart is. Am I trying to carry this sadness on my own? What might it look like to let God shoulder some of the weight? What perspective might God be inviting me to embrace as I walk through grief in this season? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Faith Like the Shepherds

  The shepherds of the Christmas story were not the soft-spoken, pastoral figures seen on greeting cards. In biblical times, shepherds were often social outcasts — men with criminal pasts who were unwelcome in mainstream work and pushed into fields far away from public life. Their days were spent in isolation, tending sheep under open skies. And yet, these are the men God chose to receive the first birth announcement of the Savior. Peyton Garland invites us to consider why. Why would God send His angels to criminals, vagrants, the nameless and unclean? Why not kings, priests, or respected religious leaders? Because God was teaching us something about the kind of heart that truly sees Jesus. When we place ourselves in Mary’s shoes, the shock becomes even more pronounced. Imagine giving birth and having strangers — dirty, exhausted shepherds who smell like livestock — suddenly appear, claiming God sent them. Most of us would freeze at the idea. Peyton imagines herself only allowing them to peer from the doorway, not draw near to hold a newborn child. And yet, God invited them first. This is not a story about shepherds.This is a story about the heart God honors. Humble. Simple. Unpretentious. Expectant. The shepherds had nothing to offer — no status, no impressive résumé, no refined presentation. They simply responded to God’s invitation with obedience, awe, and haste:“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see…” Their faith was uncomplicated. It was real. It was immediate. This season, Peyton reminds us that we are the shepherds — flawed humans with messy backgrounds, broken patterns, limitations, and desperate need. We don’t come to Jesus cleaned up, qualified, or credentialed. We come as we are, drawn to the light of the gospel. If we’re honest, we can easily slip into believing our accomplishments, traditions, or spiritual “tidiness” make us worthy of Jesus. But the moment we do that, we become more like the Pharisees and less like the shepherds. The gospel is not about us elevating ourselves — it is about bowing low before Christ. If Jesus is not at the center of our Christmas traditions, then those traditions become ornaments of self-focus instead of worship. The shepherds remind us to return to the simplicity of the gospel — a Savior born in humility, drawing near to the lowly, inviting us to respond with wonder and surrender. This Christmas, choose faith like the shepherds.Choose humility over pride.Choose obedience over hesitation.Choose awe over self-importance.Choose Christ over everything else. Let the miracle in the manger become the miracle in your heart. TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”— Luke 2:15 MAIN TAKEAWAYS God revealed the birth of Jesus to outcasts first, highlighting humility over status. The shepherds demonstrate simple, immediate obedience — a model of genuine faith. We cannot approach Christ with pride; the gospel invites us to come low and come honest. Christmas loses its meaning when Christ is not at the center. The nativity invites us to humility, surrender, and awe. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Luke 2:15 Matthew 5:3 James 4:6 YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Father,Thank You for sending Your Son and for revealing His coming first to humble shepherds. Their story reminds me that You draw near to the lowly and the willing. Help me submit my heart to You with the same simple faith and obedience they showed. This Christmas season, overwhelm me with Your love and joy. Let the miracle of the nativity reshape my focus and deepen my desire to share Your story with others.Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON God’s choice of the lowly:What does it reveal about His values and the posture He desires from us? Surrendering control:Where might God be inviting you, like Mary, to trust Him beyond your comfort? Keeping Christ central:Have your traditions become more about you than Him? What needs recentring? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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