AN ARRIVAL OF HOPE
I grew up in a Presbyterian Church. I remember very spirited Christmas programs and traditions like Advent.
Now, I’m seeing big businesses selling Advent Calendars. Google it.
Advent as marketing is a far cry from what it’s about…
Because Advent is all about preparing hearts and minds for the arrival of Jesus—it’s such a beautiful way to remember Jesus is the reason for the season.
The word Advent literally means coming or arrival in Latin.
That’s why I decided to write and share prayers for the next 25 days.
Starting today, December 1st — the first day of Advent.
I hope you’ll enjoy my devotionals and guided prayers for the next 25 days.
Join my email list: https://bit.ly/learnwithlola
12/1 HOPE BEYOND WHAT YOU SEE
Bible Verse: Romans 8:24
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?
Reflection: True hope isn’t always something we can see. It’s also not about what we can have now — but what we trust God to fulfill. Hope shows up to remind us to look beyond the present and anchor our tomorrow in His promises, even when we can’t see the outcome.
Prayer: God, help me to place my hope in You, not in what I can see. Teach me to trust Your plans and believe in the unseen blessings You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Action: Ask God to help you sense someone who’s struggling or feels alone. Then, reach out and remind them that you’re there for them.
12/2 WHAT IS HOPE?
Bible Verse: Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection: Hope isn’t just wishful thinking. Hope is a confident trust in God’s promises—what’s seen and what’s yet seen. When you don’t know what will happen, hope is an anchor to hold you steady.
Prayer: God of Hope, please fill me with Your joy and peace today. Help me to trust You—fully—knowing Your plans are good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Kindness Idea: Write a note of encouragement to share with a friend.
12/3 HOPE IN GOD’S PROMISES
Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Reflection: That verse reminds me that God has good plans for us—even when we can’t see them. I can be content wherever I am, but I shouldn’t settle because better is coming.
Prayer: God, remind me of Your faithfulness if I start to doubt. Please help me to hope in your promises and trust Your plans are better than my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Action: List some Bible verses that brought you hope and peace. See my list — https://thesmokingprophet.com/scriptures-to-find-peace-overcome-anxiety/
12/4 WHEN HOPE SEEMS TO FAIL
Bible Verse: Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Reflection: Waiting can feel like hope is failing, especially when answers don’t come quickly. But hope is more than quick results. Hope is about trusting God’s timing, even in silence. Because even when it’s quiet, there’s still something to hear.
Prayer: God, please strengthen me when I feel like giving up. Teach me to trust You, even when I don’t see the way forward. Remind me that my waiting isn’t wasted, and You won’t fail me. God, waiting on you is time well spent. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Action: Today, you’ll see someone who needs encouragement. Offer hope—whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or just listening to them. They may not accept your offer, but here’s some uncommon wisdom: an offer to help sometimes means more than the help itself.
12/5 HOPE OF THE WORLD
Bible Verse: John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Reflection: Some days, it’s hard to see hope, whether looking around online or in real life. But remember, Jesus came to bring salvation to everyone. Even when we openly reject Him—God’s love is for all.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the hope of the world. Help me to live as a reflection of that hope so others see Your love in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Kindness Idea: Give an anonymous gift to someone.
12/6 HOPE THROUGH CHALLENGES
Bible Verse: Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Reflection: One thing is for sure…Trials don’t mean God has abandoned us. Even in the trials, the challenges, and the storms—God is with you.
Prayer: God, thank You for being with me through every difficulty. Whatever comes my way, please teach me to cultivate hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Action: Post this on social media— Storms don’t mean God has left you. You may get hard-pressed, but you’re not abandoned. #thesmokingprophet
12/7 SPREAD HOPE
Bible Verse: Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Reflection: Have you ever seen a room of people become influenced by the energy of one person? You can become that person. When you carry hope, that hope can become contagious. Your life can shine brightly in dark places and point people back to Jesus—a divine source of hope.
Prayer: God, please work through me to bring hope to someone today. Let my life reflect Your love and light—even on hard days. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Kindness Idea: Plan to donate food or clothing to a local charity or shelter.
DEVOTION DELIVERED TO YA’ INBOX
Did you enjoy the first seven days of devotion and guided prayers?
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👋🏽 Hi, I’m LOLA ⸻ the creator of offbeat life advice brand, The Smoking Prophet, owner of a growing content agency, and cultivator of life (family first)!
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