Stephanos, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Tychicus, Barnabus, Timothy, and Onesimus. When you hear these names, what does it make you think of? For many of us, most of these names would not “ring any bells” at all. So who were they? And why were they mentioned in Scripture? - Maggie Cooper

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The Crosswalk Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Stephanos, Fortunatus, Achaicus, Tychicus, Barnabus, Timothy, and Onesimus. When you hear these names, what does it make you think of? For many of us, most of these names would not “ring any bells” at all. So who were they? And why were they mentioned in Scripture? - Maggie Cooper
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotional/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>

Every morning, the team of women behind iBelieve.com bring you a devotional and prayer to help you start your day in conversation with God. The Bible tells us to bring our prayers and petitions before God and He WILL give us peace! May these daily prayers help you find the words to pray and focus your heart and mind on the love of God today.

Every morning, the team of women behind iBelieve.com bring you a devotional and prayer to help you start your day in conversation with God. The Bible tells us to bring our prayers and petitions before God and He WILL give us peace! May these daily...

Your Daily Prayer

Every morning, the team of women behind iBelieve.com bring you a devotional and prayer to help you start your day in conversation with God. The Bible tells us to bring our prayers and petitions before God and He WILL give us peace! May these daily prayers help you find the words to pray and focus your heart and mind on the love of God today.

A Prayer for Us to Intentionally Encourage Others

Good Friday invites us to slow down and sit with the weight of what Jesus willingly endured for our sake. Before the cross, in the quiet of a garden, Jesus fell to the ground in anguish — sweating drops of blood as He surrendered His will to the Father's. He was betrayed, falsely accused, stripped, mocked, and struck. He hung in darkness for three hours before breathing His last and declaring, "It is finished." Every step of His suffering was an act of profound love — not for people who had it all together, but for a broken world desperately in need of a Savior.

And yet, we do not grieve as those without hope. What felt like the end to those who loved Him was, in truth, the moment everything changed. His sacrifice made us holy — not through anything we could earn, but through the offering of His body, once and for all. On this Good Friday, we are invited to receive that gift again with fresh eyes and grateful hearts, remembering that the same Jesus who bowed His head and gave up His spirit is the One who rose in victory — and because of that, so shall we.

Today's Bible Verse

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" — Philippians 2:6-8

Ponder Today
Jesus' suffering began before the cross — in the garden, He prayed in such anguish that His sweat was like drops of blood. His obedience to the Father cost Him everything.
Unlike the disciples on that first Good Friday, we have the comfort of knowing the full story — the resurrection changes everything about how we face suffering and grief.
Jesus endured false accusation, mockery, and humiliation in silence. His surrender was not weakness — it was the most profound act of love in history.
His final words, "It is finished," were a declaration of victory. The penalty for sin was fully paid through His perfect sacrifice.
Because Jesus gave up His spirit, we have been made holy — not by our own effort, but through His body offered once for all (Hebrews 10:10).

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, thank You for the comfort we receive through Jesus' finished work on the cross. Soften our hearts with compassion for those who don't yet know You, and give us the courage to share the story of what Jesus did on their behalf. Like Jesus, teach us to humbly yield to Your will each day, trusting that Your way always leads to life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Enjoy Today's Prayer?

If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today.

If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/

Good Friday invites us to slow down and sit with the weight of what Jesus willingly endured for our sake. Before the cross, in the quiet of a garden, Jesus fell to the ground in anguish &mdash; sweating drops of blood as He surrendered His will to the Father's. He was betrayed, falsely accused, stripped, mocked, and struck. He hung in darkness for three hours before breathing His last and declaring, "It is finished." Every step of His suffering was an act of profound love &mdash; not for people who had it all together, but for a broken world desperately in need of a Savior.
And yet, we do not grieve as those without hope. What felt like the end to those who loved Him was, in truth, the moment everything changed. His sacrifice made us holy &mdash; not through anything we could earn, but through the offering of His body, once and for all. On this Good Friday, we are invited to receive that gift again with fresh eyes and grateful hearts, remembering that the same Jesus who bowed His head and gave up His spirit is the One who rose in victory &mdash; and because of that, so shall we.
<hr>
Today's Bible Verse
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death&mdash;even death on a cross!" &mdash; Philippians 2:6-8
<hr>
Ponder Today
<ol>
<li>Jesus' suffering began before the cross &mdash; in the garden, He prayed in such anguish that His sweat was like drops of blood. His obedience to the Father cost Him everything.</li>
<li>Unlike the disciples on that first Good Friday, we have the comfort of knowing the full story &mdash; the resurrection changes everything about how we face suffering and grief.</li>
<li>Jesus endured false accusation, mockery, and humiliation in silence. His surrender was not weakness &mdash; it was the most profound act of love in history.</li>
<li>His final words, "It is finished," were a declaration of victory. The penalty for sin was fully paid through His perfect sacrifice.</li>
<li>Because Jesus gave up His spirit, we have been made holy &mdash; not by our own effort, but through His body offered once for all (Hebrews 10:10).</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Today's Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for the comfort we receive through Jesus' finished work on the cross. Soften our hearts with compassion for those who don't yet know You, and give us the courage to share the story of what Jesus did on their behalf. Like Jesus, teach us to humbly yield to Your will each day, trusting that Your way always leads to life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
<hr>
Enjoy Today's Prayer?
If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com">LifeAudio.com</a> for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode &mdash; subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today.
If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">Your Nightly Prayer</a> - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/</a>

A Prayer of Comfort for Good Friday

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/3694d4a5-615d-482e-8f07-b41a00c60218/transcript

I thought my life was over. Dead. Gone. Never to return.

When my husband died from cancer at 33, I didn’t know how life could possibly go on. The future we dreamed about together, the vision we shared, the trips we planned, the dream home we hoped for, all gone. Wiped away in that one final breath.

Bible Reading:
“Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! … I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’” - Ezekiel 37:4-6

I walked out of that stale hospital room putting one foot in front of the other, not knowing how I would take a million more steps without him. I was forced to begin again. From scratch.

Ezekiel wrote this passage around 600 B.C. while living in exile. Jerusalem had been destroyed. Israel was conquered. The temple was gone. The people felt spiritually dead, defeated and scattered.

“Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.” - Ezekiel 37:11

During that dark season, God gave Ezekiel a vision: a valley filled with dry bones. Not recently dead, very dry. Long gone.

God asked him, “Can these bones live?”

Ezekiel answered wisely, “Sovereign Lord, You alone know.” (v.3)

The real question underneath the vision is this:
Do we believe God can bring dead things back to life?

God assured Ezekiel that He would restore what had been lost.

“These bones are the whole house of Israel… I will open your graves and bring you up from them… I will put My Spirit in you, and you will live.” (vv. 11–14)

Life can usher us into seasons so dark we wonder if light will ever return. We can find ourselves in valleys that feel permanent. Hopeless.

But God is in the business of restoration.

After my loss, I began to see my life slowly take shape again. Small pieces of hope returned. I noticed light breaking through. I felt a faint but steady glimmer of what my new life could become.

God gathered the broken pieces and resurrected the hope that had once felt buried.

He can do that for you, too.

When we surrender our loss, our pain, and our hopelessness, we create space for God to rebuild.

When Jesus died on the cross, the disciples were devastated. Confused. If He truly was the Son of God, why did they watch His lifeless body breathe its last and be laid in a tomb? A stone rolled over the entrance. It seemed final.

Deep disappointment feels that way.
Like the stone has sealed what we loved forever.

But three days later, resurrection came.

Just as Jesus rose from the grave, God can breathe life into the areas of our lives that feel buried. No matter how devastating the loss, when we seek Him in our disappointment and pain, we will begin to see dry bones stir.

“After you have suffered a little while, He will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” - 1 Peter 5:10

Resurrection is still what He does.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, there are areas in my life that feel dead. I carry the ache of things I may never get back. I live with regret, disappointment, and moments of hopelessness. I wish certain things had turned out differently. They didn’t unfold the way I envisioned, and it’s hard to reconcile the dreams I once held with the life I’m living now.

But Lord, I don’t want to live in hopelessness. I don’t want lost dreams to steal the joy from my days. I want to see your hand even in hardship. I want to trust that you can rebuild what has been lost. Help me to view my struggles through the lens of Your goodness and hope.

I trust that you can bring dead things back to life. I believe that the same God who raised Jesus from the tomb can resurrect the places in my life that feel buried. I want to live with hope, with trust, and with the belief that hardship does not have the final word.

You did not create us for a life of comfort, but for a life that reflects Your goodness, even when it’s hard. I believe that You work all things together for good for those who love You. Help me to see that goodness. Give me patience when change feels slow, and restoration seems far away.

Teach me to surrender instead of control. Help me to keep bringing everything to You in prayer. And most of all, Lord, help me to live like Christ, encouraging others even as You are restoring me.

Thank You, Jesus, for loving me through the difficulty. Thank You for my salvation.

In Your precious name we pray,
Amen. 

If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/

I thought my life was over.&nbsp;Dead. Gone. Never to return.
When my husband died from cancer at 33, I didn&rsquo;t know how life could possibly go on. The future we dreamed about together, the vision we shared, the trips we planned, the dream home we hoped for, all gone. Wiped away in that one final breath.
Bible Reading: &ldquo;Prophesy to these bones and say to them, &lsquo;Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! &hellip; I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.&rsquo;&rdquo; - Ezekiel 37:4-6
I walked out of that stale hospital room putting one foot in front of the other, not knowing how I would take a million more steps without him. I was forced to begin again. From scratch.
Ezekiel wrote this passage around 600 B.C. while living in exile. Jerusalem had been destroyed. Israel was conquered. The temple was gone. The people felt spiritually dead, defeated and scattered.
&ldquo;Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.&rdquo; - Ezekiel 37:11
During that dark season, God gave Ezekiel a vision: a valley filled with dry bones. Not recently dead, very dry. Long gone.
God asked him, &ldquo;Can these bones live?&rdquo;
Ezekiel answered wisely, &ldquo;Sovereign Lord, You alone know.&rdquo; (v.3)
The real question underneath the vision is this: Do we believe God can bring dead things back to life?
God assured Ezekiel that He would restore what had been lost.
&ldquo;These bones are the whole house of Israel&hellip; I will open your graves and bring you up from them&hellip; I will put My Spirit in you, and you will live.&rdquo; (vv. 11&ndash;14)
Life can usher us into seasons so dark we wonder if light will ever return. We can find ourselves in valleys that feel permanent. Hopeless.
But God is in the business of restoration.
After my loss, I began to see my life slowly take shape again. Small pieces of hope returned. I noticed light breaking through. I felt a faint but steady glimmer of what my new life could become.
God gathered the broken pieces and resurrected the hope that had once felt buried.
He can do that for you, too.
When we surrender our loss, our pain, and our hopelessness, we create space for God to rebuild.
When Jesus died on the cross, the disciples were devastated. Confused. If He truly was the Son of God, why did they watch His lifeless body breathe its last and be laid in a tomb? A stone rolled over the entrance. It seemed final.
Deep disappointment feels that way. Like the stone has sealed what we loved forever.
But three days later, resurrection came.
Just as Jesus rose from the grave, God can breathe life into the areas of our lives that feel buried. No matter how devastating the loss, when we seek Him in our disappointment and pain, we will begin to see dry bones stir.
&ldquo;After you have suffered a little while, He will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.&rdquo; - 1 Peter 5:10
Resurrection is still what He does.
Let&rsquo;s Pray:
Lord, there are areas in my life that feel dead. I carry the ache of things I may never get back. I live with regret, disappointment, and moments of hopelessness. I wish certain things had turned out differently. They didn&rsquo;t unfold the way I envisioned, and it&rsquo;s hard to reconcile the dreams I once held with the life I&rsquo;m living now.
But Lord, I don&rsquo;t want to live in hopelessness. I don&rsquo;t want lost dreams to steal the joy from my days. I want to see your hand even in hardship. I want to trust that you can rebuild what has been lost. Help me to view my struggles through the lens of Your goodness and hope.
I trust that you can bring dead things back to life. I believe that the same God who raised Jesus from the tomb can resurrect the places in my life that feel buried. I want to live with hope, with trust, and with the belief that hardship does not have the final word.
You did not create us for a life of comfort, but for a life that reflects Your goodness, even when it&rsquo;s hard. I believe that You work all things together for good for those who love You. Help me to see that goodness. Give me patience when change feels slow, and restoration seems far away.
Teach me to surrender instead of control. Help me to keep bringing everything to You in prayer. And most of all, Lord, help me to live like Christ, encouraging others even as You are restoring me.
Thank You, Jesus, for loving me through the difficulty. Thank You for my salvation.
In Your precious name we pray, Amen.&nbsp;
If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">Your Nightly Prayer</a> - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/</a>

A Prayer for Resurrection in the Areas I Thought Were Dead

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/833000e8-27fd-4d19-839b-b41a005773fa/transcript

Do you have plans for Easter Sunday? Are you making a list of groceries, responsibilities, and church events? Whether you'll be spending this important holiday alone, with friends or family... or possibly at work... I hope you'll center your heart on the peace Jesus provides. 

Bible Reading:

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” - John 20:19

The weekend when Christians celebrate Good Friday, Sabbath Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday occurs in the springtime in the Northern Hemisphere. So it's often dressed up in the colors, symbols, and delights of the season. From pastel candies to blooming flowers and baby birds—Easter often vibrates with signs of joy and rebirth. And although the word Easter was not the name of a dedicated holiday in the Bible, it is now widely associated with the celebration.

If you’re like me, you can sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed during Christian holidays that are tightly (or loosely) tangled with non-Christian traditions and expectations. For many, Easter can be a busy blur, brimming with baskets, egg hunts, candy, and tall tales about a gift-bearing bunny. What I want to believe is that choosing to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in this kaleidoscope of ways is a sign. 

It’s divine reassurance that Jesus lives—regardless of the chaos we create to distract ourselves from him. 

There’s no prescription or requirement for how a diversity of humans will spend this special Sunday appreciating what Jesus accomplished. Some are sick in the hospital, some choose to serve, others find church crowds overwhelming, and still others rush to sunrise service. Some turn up at wild parades with even wilder hats, while others prepare a meal for more guests than usual. Yes, when I was raising my children, I filled their baskets, shopped for chocolate, and made sure we attended service. I'm not sure, however, that my family was there in spirit, while marshmallow peeps were nesting back home. 

My point is that Resurrection Sunday, affectionately called Easter, can be celebrated in many ways, but the reason for it all is peace. And the truth is... we often forget to be peaceful on Easter Sunday. Which is why it’s good to revisit the simple, powerful words Jesus spoke after resurrection: Peace be with you. 

He didn't tell anyone to fret or rush, put a meal on the table, or even to gather sweets. And he certainly wasn't into hiding—or pretending to be someone he wasn't. As Easter approaches, I hope we can all consider this: his resurrection represents a shedding of fear and doubt. 

You see, there's nothing wrong with serving, resting, or attending church on Easter. It’s also beautiful to cook, gather, and give in all the ways we love to show love to ourselves and others. But I do hope on the Sunday set aside to glorify the ultimate gift—whether you call it Easter or Resurrection Sunday—you remember what Jesus said: peace be with you. Especially when any preparations or activities feel off-center. 

During the Last Supper, we read in John 14:27 that Jesus prepared his disciples, saying:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” 

I think this could also mean you don't have to be afraid you won’t find the perfect Easter outfit, or have perfectly well-behaved children, or know exactly what to say at the dinner prayer. Honoring the resurrection is admitting and embracing a victorious freedom — to receive the peace of Jesus. 

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank you for the marvelous and awesome gift of proving there is life after earthly death. What a joyous message that even after experiencing brutality beyond belief, you arrive with open hands and encouragement to not fear and to be at peace. This Easter holiday, help me not to allow plans, obligations, or lists overshadow the peace you have for me. Let this be the weekend I resurrect peace within. Let me not worry about who goes where, who shows up, or whether everyone’s holiday is unforgettable. Just help me remember that you are with us, keeping your promise of everlasting peace. 

In your precious name, Amen.

If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/

Do you have plans for Easter Sunday? Are you making a list of groceries, responsibilities, and church events? Whether you'll be spending this important holiday alone, with friends or family... or possibly at work... I hope you'll center your heart on the peace Jesus provides.&nbsp;
Bible Reading:
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, &ldquo;Peace be with you!&rdquo; - John 20:19
The weekend when Christians celebrate Good Friday, Sabbath Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday occurs in the springtime in the Northern Hemisphere. So it's often dressed up in the colors, symbols, and delights of the season. From pastel candies to blooming flowers and baby birds&mdash;Easter often vibrates with signs of joy and rebirth. And although the word Easter was not the name of a dedicated holiday in the Bible, it is now widely associated with the celebration.
If you&rsquo;re like me, you can sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed during Christian holidays that are tightly (or loosely) tangled with non-Christian traditions and expectations. For many, Easter can be a busy blur, brimming with baskets, egg hunts, candy, and tall tales about a gift-bearing bunny. What I want to believe is that choosing to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in this kaleidoscope of ways is a sign.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s divine reassurance that Jesus lives&mdash;regardless of the chaos we create to distract ourselves from him.&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s no prescription or requirement for how a diversity of humans will spend this special Sunday appreciating what Jesus accomplished. Some are sick in the hospital, some choose to serve, others find church crowds overwhelming, and still others rush to sunrise service. Some turn up at wild parades with even wilder hats, while others prepare a meal for more guests than usual. Yes, when I was raising my children, I filled their baskets, shopped for chocolate, and made sure we attended service. I'm not sure, however, that my family was there in spirit, while marshmallow peeps were nesting back home.&nbsp;
My point is that Resurrection Sunday, affectionately called Easter, can be celebrated in many ways, but the reason for it all is peace. And the truth is... we often forget to be peaceful on Easter Sunday. Which is why it&rsquo;s good to revisit the simple, powerful words Jesus spoke after resurrection: Peace be with you.&nbsp;
He didn't tell anyone to fret or rush, put a meal on the table, or even to gather sweets. And he certainly wasn't into hiding&mdash;or pretending to be someone he wasn't. As Easter approaches, I hope we can all consider this: his resurrection represents a shedding of fear and doubt.&nbsp;
You see, there's nothing wrong with serving, resting, or attending church on Easter. It&rsquo;s also beautiful to cook, gather, and give in all the ways we love to show love to ourselves and others. But I do hope on the Sunday set aside to glorify the ultimate gift&mdash;whether you call it Easter or Resurrection Sunday&mdash;you remember what Jesus said: peace be with you. Especially when any preparations or activities feel off-center.&nbsp;
During the Last Supper, we read in John 14:27 that Jesus prepared his disciples, saying:
&ldquo;Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.&rdquo;&nbsp;
I think this could also mean you don't have to be afraid you won&rsquo;t find the perfect Easter outfit, or have perfectly well-behaved children, or know exactly what to say at the dinner prayer. Honoring the resurrection is admitting and embracing a victorious freedom &mdash; to receive the peace of Jesus.&nbsp;
Let&rsquo;s Pray:
Lord, thank you for the marvelous and awesome gift of proving there is life after earthly death. What a joyous message that even after experiencing brutality beyond belief, you arrive with open hands and encouragement to not fear and to be at peace. This Easter holiday, help me not to allow plans, obligations, or lists overshadow the peace you have for me. Let this be the weekend I resurrect peace within. Let me not worry about who goes where, who shows up, or whether everyone&rsquo;s holiday is unforgettable. Just help me remember that you are with us, keeping your promise of everlasting peace.&nbsp;
In your precious name, Amen.
If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">Your Nightly Prayer</a> - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/</a>

A Prayer for Peace This Easter

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/f1d0dcf5-370c-443f-b0c8-b41a00567548/transcript

A Prayer for Us to Intentionally Encourage Others

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