Mindful Prayers for Students: Recent Episodes
Sydney Montgomery
Welcome to Mindful Prayers for Students, I’m your host Sydney Montgomery. On this show, I provide students a moment of peace, meditation, and prayer, in the midst of the stressors of applying to college or law school, studying for exams, and juggling competing work and family obligations. As the owner and founder of S. Montgomery Admissions Consulting, and the first lawyer in my family, I am passionate about helping students through the college and law school admissions process in a way that helps them break down generational barriers, gain confidence, and feel supported through community.
I want to thank you for showing up today and carving out just a few minutes of your time to center and listen to yourself and what you need. Prayer is such a powerful way to stay connected to your faith, whether that's a Judeo-Christian faith, or whether you simply want to focus on this as a time for meditation and self-reflection.
In this episode of Mindful Prayers for Students, host Louvetta Jenkins, wellness and outreach coordinator for Barrier Breakers, offers a powerful message about staying committed to one’s goals and calling. Speaking to students who may feel uncertain, exhausted, or tempted to give up, she reminds listeners that God has a purpose for each of them—even in moments of doubt or spiritual dryness. Backed by scripture and personal encouragement, she shares a heartfelt prayer for renewed strength, focus, and commitment. The episode affirms that starting over is okay—and that faith, not perfection, is the foundation of perseverance.
In this episode of Mindful Prayers for Students, host Louvetta Jenkins, wellness and outreach coordinator for Barrier Breakers, offers a compassionate message and prayer for students facing financial hardship. Acknowledging the stress of unmet needs—from food to tuition to housing—she reminds listeners of God’s unwavering provision and love. Drawing on personal experience and scripture, Louvetta shares a powerful story of trust and faith during difficult times and delivers a heartfelt prayer asking for favor, resources, and community support for those struggling. The episode encourages listeners to hold onto hope, seek help boldly, and trust that God will meet every need.
In this episode of Mindful Prayers for Students, LoVetta Jenkins, Outreach and Wellness Coordinator for Barrier Breakers, offers an honest and heartfelt prayer about overcoming procrastination. She reflects on her own struggles with delaying important tasks and acknowledges that many students likely face the same challenge. Emphasizing the importance of using time wisely and honoring the plans God has for us, LoVetta prays for renewed discipline, energy, and peace of mind. She encourages listeners to let go of laziness and pressure-induced stress and embrace productivity, intention, and purpose as part of a faithful and well-balanced life.
LaVetta Jenkins, a speaker from Barrier Breakers and host of Mindful Prayers for Students, delivers a heartfelt reflection and prayer on trusting God during times of uncertainty. She draws from biblical scriptures, including Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalms 46:1-3, and Romans 8:28, to emphasize the importance of faith when faced with challenges. Acknowledging that life is often difficult and unpredictable, she reassures listeners that God is always present, even in moments of silence or struggle. Through personal testimony, she encourages embracing God's plan, even when it diverges from one’s own expectations. She concludes with a prayer of gratitude and strength, urging believers to trust in divine timing and find peace in knowing that every trial ultimately leads to a greater purpose.
She discusses the challenge of maintaining motivation over time and emphasizes the importance of perseverance, even when one's best effort varies daily. Drawing from Romans 5:3-4, she highlights how suffering builds endurance, character, and hope. She encourages listeners to push through hardships, comparing endurance to strength training—where consistency leads to growth. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer asking for renewed strength, resilience, and guidance, urging listeners not to give up on their goals and to trust in God's support.
LoVetta Jenkins, the Wellness and Outreach Coordinator for Barrier Breakers, offers a prayer for students facing test-taking anxiety, emphasizing resilience and faith. She reassures listeners that no test—whether in school or life—is insurmountable and encourages them to believe in their own strength. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10:13, she reminds students that they are never tested beyond their ability and that God provides a way to endure challenges. She advocates for speaking to God in plain, personal language, asking for guidance and clarity during difficult moments. The prayer seeks divine support for memory recall, confidence, and peace, reinforcing the belief that success is possible with faith and preparation. Jenkins also acknowledges that not everyone passes on the first try but reminds students that second chances exist. She concludes by wishing students peace, confidence, and success in their academic journeys, encouraging them to trust in their abilities and embrace learning as part of their growth.
LoVetta Jenkins, the outreach and wellness coordinator for Barrier Breakers, delivers a reflective prayer on steadfastness, emphasizing the importance of perseverance despite challenges. She explains that being steadfast does not mean being stuck but rather being firmly grounded in one's beliefs and goals. Drawing on biblical passages like 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Romans 8:28, she reassures listeners that even setbacks and struggles contribute to their growth and ultimate success. Using real-life examples, she illustrates how everyone's journey has ups and downs, but remaining steadfast leads to eventual clarity and achievement. She encourages students to stay committed to their goals—whether in academics, career aspirations, or personal growth—while being flexible in how they navigate obstacles. The prayer thanks God for providing strength and resilience, reinforcing the idea that challenges shape individuals and prepare them for future success. LoVetta concludes by urging listeners to reflect on their goals, write them down, and approach each day with unwavering determination, reminding them that perseverance leads to blessings.
In this episode of “Mindful Prayers for Students,” host Lovetta Jenkins discusses the importance of mindfulness in everyday life. Drawing from her experience as a mindfulness and meditation coach, she emphasizes that mindfulness goes beyond mere awareness of one’s surroundings; it involves being considerate towards oneself and others, as well as keeping a focus on God. Jenkins encourages listeners to pray not only for themselves but also for those around them, fostering a sense of community and compassion. She highlights the significance of being mindful of our thoughts, actions, and what we consume, both physically and mentally. The episode concludes with a prayer for greater mindfulness and positivity, especially during challenging times.
In this episode of Mindful Prayers for Students, host LaVetta Jenkins addresses the topic of homesickness, offering encouragement and perspective for students away from home for the first time. She emphasizes the importance of this separation for personal growth and maturity, referencing Romans 8:18 for spiritual support. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer asking for strength, patience, and protection for those missing their loved ones. Jenkins also provides practical advice on staying connected with family and maintaining self-motivation during challenging times.
Settling Down and Embracing New Beginnings In this episode of 'Mindful Prayers for Students,' host LaVetta Jenkins, wellness and outreach coordinator for Barrier Breakers, discusses the importance of settling down at the start of a school year. LaVetta shares practical tips for staying organized, personalizing your space, and maintaining positive habits while letting go of unproductive ones. She highlights the value of being mindful and grounding yourself amid the chaos of new beginnings. The episode also includes a prayer for guidance, strength, and a successful academic journey, emphasizing that everyone is equipped to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Feeling overwhelmed as you start your academic journey? For this episode, LoVetta invites you to take a calming moment to reflect on your achievements and embrace your new path with confidence. Whether you’re beginning college for the first time or returning for another year, we hope these encouraging words and prayers will help you find peace and motivation. Discover how to approach your orientation with a sense of belonging and readiness for the challenges ahead.
In this inspiring episode, LoVetta welcomes Mellreanna Ferguson, a resilient 23-year-old pursuing her master’s in medical physiology. Mellreanna shares her incredible journey as a 10-year cancer survivor, detailing her diagnosis at age 13, the challenges she faced during treatment, and how she maintained her faith throughout. She also discusses her passion for becoming a doctor, inspired by her own medical experiences, and offers heartfelt advice on building a personal relationship with God. Join us to hear Mellreanna’s story of perseverance, faith, and the pursuit of her dreams in the medical field.
Are you feeling anxious about leaving behind old friends and stepping into a new chapter of your life? For this episode, LoVetta offers encouragement, reassurance, and peace for your academic journey. Reflecting on the bittersweet experience of parting ways with old friends, LoVetta shares personal anecdotes and spiritual wisdom, reminding us of the importance of growth and the everlasting bond of true friendship. She emphasizes the significance of embracing new beginnings, finding peace in solitude, and trusting God’s presence through it all. Join us in prayer as we bring ranquility and protection to you and your friends as you embark on this new chapter.
We are joined by Pastor Kenny Eldridge for an inspiring conversation. Pastor Eldridge shares his journey of staying true to his faith while growing up and pursuing his education in Youngstown, Ohio. For this episode, we discuss the importance of being grounded, staying true to oneself, and allowing one’s gifts to open doors. Pastor Eldridge emphasizes the significance of maintaining character and integrity, and he offers practical advice for students navigating their academic and spiritual journeys.
We welcome author and entrepreneur D. E. Eliot to share his remarkable journey from a first-generation college student to a published author. For this episode, Eliot discusses the challenges and inspirations that shaped his life, including his time in the military, the influence of his supportive and resilient mother, and the trials that bolstered his faith. Offering advice to students, Eliot highlights the importance of discipline, taking risks, and maintaining faith through struggles.
Feeling overwhelmed about packing for your next academic chapter? Today, LoVetta offers guidance and wisdom on what to take and what to leave behind, both physically and emotionally. We discuss the importance of self-reflection, growth, and embracing change while remembering the role of faith and trusting in God's guidance. We offer wisdom and scripture to support you in embracing change and new beginnings.
Are you looking for faith and community as you embark on your college journey? We are joined by Brittny Jackson, an ordained elder and executive administrator at Legacy International Worship Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to share some spiritual guidance for students leaving home for college. She shares her experience in ministry and offers valuable advice on preparing for life outside the home, finding a faith-based community, and even creating the spiritual support you need while away from home.
LoVetta shares insights and encouragement for navigating the challenges and uncertainties that come with internships, reminding you of God's guidance and blessings along the way. LoVetta offers solace and guidance, urging you to find peace in knowing that your paths are guided by a higher purpose. Join in for a session filled with wisdom, reflection, and spiritual support as you embark on your internship journey.
We are joined with Emily Drake who shares her experience of moving away for college while maintaining her faith. She discusses the challenges of finding a new faith community and the importance of personal spiritual practices such as reading, prayer, and journaling. Emily emphasizes the need to be open to new experiences and to focus on personal growth while away from home. She also talks about the impact of her college experience on her faith and how it has become more personal and intimate. Emily offers advice to students preparing to move away, encouraging them to seek community, stay strong in their beliefs, and focus on what is real, true, and good in life.
Whether you are gearing up for a summer of rest and rejuvenation, diving into work or study, or seeking a balance of both, LoVetta offers insightful reflections, scriptures, and heartfelt prayers to guide you. Through moments of reflection on scripture, gentle reminders of self-care, and sincere prayers for success and peace, this episode serves as a beacon of support for students at any stage of their journey. So, whether you're seeking solace, motivation, or simply a moment of mindfulness, join LoVetta on this empowering episode to embark on your summer with renewed purpose and grace.
Welcome to season 2 of Mindful Prayers for Students. For our first episode, our new co-host, LoVetta Jenkins, and Sydney discuss the importance of maintaining faith while navigating college life. They share their own college experiences and emphasize finding a supportive faith community on campus, maintaining connections with your home church, and the value of having friends with similar beliefs. We hope you enjoy our first episode, and look forward for this second season.
For this episode we are joined by Dana Calhoun, who is currently studying to get her Masters of Divinity. Today, we pray for peace and read from the Gospel of John. Dana highlights the assurance that even in unfamiliar situations, God remains with us, offering His peace and guidance. Dana invites you to lean on God's peace, find solace in His guidance, and trust in His plans, even in the midst of life's challenges. Experience the reassurance of God's unwavering presence and His invitation to live in His peace today.
For today's episode, we will be hearing from Reverend Ronda Gentry, the Director of Operations for Barrier Breakers, about the significance of rest. As the academic year comes to a close, Reverend Gentry encourages students to prioritize rest and self-care. Drawing inspiration from the story of Elijah, we are reminded of the importance of finding strength in moments of exhaustion. We pray for God's guidance in embracing rest, and we take this time to take a pause, nourish our bodies, and embrace the silence to connect with Him.
We have a special guest hosting today's episode, Taylor M. Silvestri. Taylor is currently in a Master of Divinity program at seminary. They share a deeply personal reflection on Psalm 139 and the profound impact it has had on their life. Taylor highlights that God's deep knowledge and commitment to be with us always, no matter where we go or what we do.
Taylor shares their struggle with imposter syndrome, depression, and the lasting effects of emotional neglect and trauma. They offer a prayer for themselves and listeners, asking God to open is up to the truth of our belovedness, goodness, and the ever-present nature of God's love and care.
Today I talk about imposter syndrome and how it can affect various aspects of our lives, from education to appearance and talent. The feeling of not being good enough or feeling like an imposter can lead to negative self-talk and attacks from the enemy. For this episode, I offer encouragement and remind you that if God has called you to something, it doesn't matter what others have or what you feel you lack.
Today, I address the feeling of being overwhelmed with not just schoolwork, but other responsibilities that we may have in our life such as extracurricular activities, jobs, family responsibilities, health issues, and financial stress. I want to remind you that if God has called you to a particular academic program, then He has also given you the tools you need to succeed. Rest is available to you and God wants to give you rest. We must seek God intentionally and trust in Him to provide for our needs. We thank God for calling us to our academic program and asking for His guidance and support.
Today's episode is hosted by Rev. Ronda Gentry. Join her in prayers for mental health and wellness, and remember God's presence in our life during our lonliest times. Ronda shares a song from her church called, "Oh Love Divine," and we lisen knowing that God gives us strength to fight our inner demons.
It's midterm season, and whether you've already finished your exams and projects or just begun, I pray for God's blessings over you to feel confident and uplifted. The scipture verse for today's episode is Proverb 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom from his mouth, come knowledge and understanding. We thank God for the widsom and knowledge given to us to accomplish all that we need to accomplish during this time.
Last week we spoke about God's grace and new beginnings, and I want to continue on the theme of grace. Today, I want to discuss about the grace that is tied into self-compassion.
Sometimes we may expect too much of ourself and put so much pressure on our life having to hit 100%. It's okay to have goals, but we have to also remember that it's okay to not be perfect and it's okay to ask for help. A goal is an idea or an opportunity, but it is not a requirement. We are God's works of progress and He has wonderfully made us in His image. We ask God to remind us of that as we go into this year.
Happy New Year, Happy 2023! This is my favorite holiday and I love the sense of new beginnings and turning a new page. Today, I want to start off this year praying for grace and new beginnings I don't know about you, but there are things that happened in 2022 that I'm just not super proud of. However, I also think I did the best I could, and I really want to work on this notion of giving myself grace.
I think it's really easy to set these goals for ourselves, and then when we fall short, we don't give ourselves grace. It's a new season and we ask God to give us grace and release us from holding on to any feelings of disappointment. We ask God to continue to bless us and ask that the seeds that we sowed in 2022 will blossom into a large and bountiful harvest in 2023.
Last year I started having a word for the next year. For 2023, my word is rest. I've learned that sometimes God can't do what he wants to do in us because we are resting. God calls upon us to create, but we need to rest to have that space and ability to create.
The new year is usually about new beginnings and I think in order for us to have that new beginning, in order for us to create what God wants us to create in 2023, in order for us to have that rejuvenation, we need to have rests. Rest may seem impractical with how busy we are, but we ask God to give us a season of self care and allow us to say yes to rest. We ask God that we might need people to come in and support us to give us the time for rest. There is no day that is promised to us and so I ask God to continue to remind us that every day that we have the opportunity to spend resting in His presence and is a blessing.
2020 was a year of uncertainty for everyone, and it really showed in my vocational plans. Today I talk about my journey as a seminarian at Princeton Theological Seminary, and how this journey was a difficult and easy decision for me. My vocational call seemed like two distinct paths: my admissions consulting business and seminary. Was it possible to combine these two? How would that happen? I've learned so much about bringing my full self into every room that I walk into, and I hope you can learn that too.
Although it is exam season, it is also marking new beginnings. It's the beginning of winter break and rest. Today, we'll pray for peace during exams and take the time to remember our worth outside of exams. We ask God to remind us that our worth cannot be determined by external factors like exam grades and test scores because we are so much more than that. There is no single test score or single exam that can rob us of the gift, purpose, and calling that God has on our life. God already knows the plans for us and those plans are to prosper and give us a good future.
If you've made it to this point in the semester, whether it's been effortless or not. You have made it. God has not brought either of us this far to fail. We have all that we need at all times to do the good work that God has called us to do. Today we ask God to guide us as we get through our exams and be for us what we cannot be for ourselves.
Sometimes we're not really sure why God called us on this crazy path. We are not sure sometimes. We may think that yes, God has called me to be a lawyer. But then the road is still not easy and we're confused. God called me to be a lawyer, but the LSAT exam has been difficult.
For this prayer, we ask that God would illuminate some clarity for us and remind us that yes, God has called us, but He did not necessarily say it was going to be easy. He did not say we would fail either. We pray for hope during the fits of adversity.
Whether it's a paper or project, the ability to focus can be impossible. Our minds wander to anything, but the task at hand, and we eagerly imagine the end. However, we can't just skip to the end. Blessings are at the opposite end of our focus, and we must pray against distractions that would rob us of our blessings, our reward. We pray to remove the temptations of distraction so that we may focus and reap the blessings that are brought to us. For, we know that patience is a virtue.
The future can be daunting. The uncertainty and questions we have for our path can be stressful. Are we even going the right way? Today we pray for clarity and ask God for peace and reassurance as he continues to forge our path.
I want to talk to you about asking for letters of recommendation and building relationships with others. It can feel like you are losing control by having someone else write an important part of your application, but it is important to remember that God puts people in our lives to help us.
The scripture I want to share with you today is Philippians 4:19, God will supply all your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. God has a plan and He will supply your needs. Maybe your needs are to get into a certain school or achieve a certain score, but whatever your needs are I challenge you to think about how God has supplied your needs up to now and will continue to supply your needs.
I want to talk to you about having faith that God will see His plan through. The scripture I'm sharing today is Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” As you wrap up your applications and exams, remember that God will help you through to the end.
I know that the LSAT exam can feel like a stressful and anxious time. We place so much weight on our score but it is important to remember that our worth is not tied to a number or a school. God has a divine plan for you and His plans are so much better than our own. I am praying for all of you as you prepare to take the November exam.
I want to talk to you today about the importance of community and the fact that we are never alone. There are so many people in the education process and the application process that God has intentionally placed in our lives to help us.
I want to talk to you about how to write about yourself in your admissions essays. We tend to be so outwards focused, with such little time for introspection, that we struggle to really write about ourselves in detailed narrative. It can feel overwhelming to try to define who we are, and that's ok.
I want to talk to you today about how planning can empower you and help you take control in your life. While things can go wonderfully sometimes without a plan, it always helps to have a plan in place when it comes to your applications and education. Plans are a way for us to have organization and structure. And with structure comes peace, and with peace comes an abundance and clarity.
It can be difficult to carve out time in your life for your applications. It is important to remember that for everything there is a season. For everything there is it's own time. As you enter this application season, remember this is a season to prioritize yourself, to prioritize this process.
Making decisions about our educational career can cause stress, anxiety, and doubt. We oftentimes forget that God already has a plan and a destination for you. God already knows where you're going to school. God has plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future.
Sometimes you find yourself in a tough situation that you weren't expecting to be in. Sometimes it seems that even though you are working tirelessly, the work is not enough. The scripture I want to discuss today is James 1:2-5, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Today, I'm going to be talking to you about endurance. In order to build endurance, you have to go through trials and struggles and overcome them. Endurance develops strength of character, and that character strengthens our confident hope and our faith and salvation.
Today I'm going to be talking to you about encouragement, staying motivated, and the fact that you're not alone in your journey. The scripture that I want to bring to you today is Deuteronomy 31:8: So as the Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. So do not be afraid and do not be discouraged.
I want to talk to you about disappointment and staying encouraged, especially when you feel stressed about grades and test scores. Proverbs 3: 5-8 says, Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean, not on your own understanding. When we have setbacks, when we have disappointments, that is the time for us to really remember that we trust in God and we trust that His plans are bigger.
Today I'm going to be talking about a special empowerment message for women. I want to share Proverbs 31:25: She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.
Sometimes we feel like we are trapped. This entrapment can be physical or emotional. We can feel like we're stuck in a specific environment or situation or we feel trapped with certain thoughts and feelings. I want to encourage you, that if you are feeling trapped, know that God has already made a way out.
Sometimes when we think and we hear negativity, it can be easy to be discouraged. But our God is big and our God is great and He is able to do exceedingly more than we can imagine. So even if we do have a little bit of a confidence shake, if the negative words of those around us rattle our security, we just need to remember that God is with us and that there is nothing that He cannot do. That the words of the enemy and negativity are not for us.
The scripture that I want to read to you today is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: It just reminds us that there is a time in our life and a season for everything. Sometimes we feel really overwhelmed because we're trying to do everything out of its season. Everything happens in due time and we need to find ways to make room on our plate.
I want to talk about the power of our words. The power of speaking love and kindness over ourselves. Your words have meaning and have great impact on how appreciate and affirm ourselves. Proverbs 19:8 says, To acquire wisdom is to love oneself. People who cherish understanding will prosper.
I have been talking with a lot of first-generation students and my Barrier Breakers group about the pressures we sometimes feel as the firsts in our families. Feeling like we have to succeed because our whole family is praying for us and expecting from us. Our whole church is praying for us and expecting for us and maybe our whole neighborhood, our whole town. Sometimes we feel like we have to succeed because if we don't then so many other people in our life won't be taken care of.
It can feel like the burden or the responsibility is really high. Or rather, feeling that the success of others or the longevity, the sustainability of others in your family, in your neighborhood and your community depends on you, can be a blessing too.
I'm going to be talking to you about hope in uncertain times. Uncertainty can cause feelings of confusion, anxiety, dread, and disappointment. I want to remind us that our hope and our faith and our trust is built on Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:23 says, Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for He who promised is faithful.
I'm going to be talking to you about having faith. Faith is so tricky because I feel like sometimes it can feel like we're on a faith rollercoaster. The scripture that I wanted to share with you is Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for. The conviction of things not seen.
On this Good Friday (2021), I am reminded of how good God's grace is. That Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his grace to us. Sometimes, we can be so hard -- and almost mean -- to ourselves. But God called us into his fold even while we were still sinners. So I want to remind you to give yourself the same grace that God has already freely given to you.
The first thing that I want to speak on is motivation. I know I always feel like I have so much on my to-do list and sometimes it can be hard to motivate myself, to push through that very next task to get it done.
I know for many of you, if you're studying for your LSAT, having just the motivation to see that through can be difficult. So I want to just give you a moment to encourage you to push through with your LSAT and also to give you some essay writing tips before we go into prayer.
Today, I'm going to be talking to you about strength and praying for strength. Today's scripture is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
I think that so many of us are dealing with so much right now with the pandemic. So I really want to take this time to just pray for strength, pray for physical strength and healing, but also pray for emotional strength and perseverance and motivation because it can be really hard to feel like you constantly going and constantly fighting.
Today I'm going to be talking to you about patience. There's so much going on probably in your own life that I feel like sometimes we don't slow down and we don't stop and we don't check in with ourselves and check in with our breath and check-in with how we're feeling and what our body needs. For me, I feel like sometimes it's easier to have patience for other people than it is that patience for yourself. Today's prayer will be a guide to having more grace and compassion for yourself and patience for God's blessings.
If you're feeling really burned out from studying, if you're feeling like, I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Take a break. And I know that I'm the one that always says to try to dedicate a certain number of hours to the LSAT every day. But if you burn out, you're not going to be good for anyone. You're not going to be good to yourself. You're not going to write great essays. You're not going to be sharp when it comes down to test time.
In this episode, focus on being there for others and showing up for others. I think that sometimes we can all get really busy, and it's hard to feel like you have time. In this episode, though, I encourage you to show up and check in on others and check in on your friends and how they're doing, and maybe what they might need in the midst of the chaos and the crazy that's going on.
Scripture says, let your eyes look directly forward in your gaze, be straight before you. So I want you to take that thought as we go into prayer about focus. How do I set my eyes directly on the task at hand? How do I make sure that I'm staying present in the moment?
Today, I just wanted to take a moment to pray for all the students who are studying for exams or taking exams, and that they might find peace and confidence, wisdom, joy, and assurance in this moment. I want to remind you to trust in the Lord from whom your help comes. Trust that He's got your back, that He will pour into you the wisdom that you need for these exams, that the outlines and study guides and test prep books, and tutoring and cheat sheets and all the good things that you have are going to be useful to you and that God will be there with you during troubled times. Even when you go into the exam room, you're not alone. You've always got God on your side.
In today's mindful prayer for students, I talk about the power of our words and the power of speaking love and kindness over ourselves. I always tell my students to be kind to themselves in this process. And I mean that truthfully. Your words are powerful and your words are meaning. Scriptures remind us that we are to love ourselves, that we are the church and God lives within us. So we are to speak positivity and live over our own dreams and our aspirations.
In this mindful prayer for students, I'm praying that you stay encouraged and push through, even when things are hard. John 16:33 says, "in the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer for, I have come to overcome the world." Jesus reminds us that we will face hard times. Just because we believe in Him and we trust in Him does not mean that things won't be without difficulty. I think that's so important to remember right now, especially with everything going on in the world.
In this episode, I'm going to be praying that God will use 2020 to reveal miracles for your 2021. So I'll be praying us out of 2020 and praying us into 2021, that you may have joy and prosperous peace and blessings abundantly in the new year.
I know that this year has been difficult for so many of us. So when I pray us out of 2020, I am acknowledging that it has been a tumultuous year for so many of us. I know that it has affected us all differently. But what I'm sure of is that the darkness does not last forever. And that light comes at the end of the tunnel and that God is going to create miraculous blessings in our lives.
I hope that this prayer resonates with you and that it gives you new strength and a new outlook as we go into 2021.
Today, I'm going to be talking about incremental change. What exactly do I mean by that? I think sometimes we all have these really big goals and there's nothing wrong with dreaming big or having big goals. But if we don’t quite accomplish the big marker we set for ourselves, it can be easy to get frustrated, get overwhelmed, and quit.
Change doesn't happen overnight. It happens little by little, but God is in the small steps and God is in the incremental changes. The Bible says that setting small goals and praying on them actually helps us build our faith. Luke 16:10 says one who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.
Ecclesiastes, 3:1 says that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. So perhaps look at incremental change as a faith-building exercise.
What are some small changes you can make today that will eventually lead to your larger goal? Where can you practice patience and give yourself grace?
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Today I am going to be talking to you about rest. I want to share a little bit about how I have been dealing with this concept in my own life, and give you some encouragement to build rest into your own schedule.
Rest is so layered. It’s the quality of sleep you get at night, but it’s also taking the time during the day to stop and breathe. I know it can be hard to even find the time to rest because we are so busy, but if you don’t take the time to rest, your body will still do that, and it will usually become at an inopportune moment. You are not your best self unless you rest.
God gave us the gift of rest. He wanted us to build in the Sabbath. That day doesn’t have to be Sunday, but it does matter that you carve out the time. He even took a day to rest and reflect when he was creating the world.
Jeremiah 31:25 “For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”
Isaiah 40:31 “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar on wings like eagles and they will run and not grow weary.”
I hope I can inspire you to reflect on your schedule, looking where you can build in some rest, so you can show up for yourself and others. How are you going to build in rest this week or next week? What things are you going to take off your plate so you can have an abundance of energy and maximize your potential?
Healing can take many different forms, physical, spiritual, or emotional. Healing is a big theme in my life as someone with an autoimmune condition, and it’s a big theme for us all right now living through COVID-19. In this episode, I am going to talk about God as a healer in your life as you navigate your schoolwork or your job.
You are not alone. It can be difficult to talk about the things we are struggling with, especially physical struggles because we don’t want to burden anyone or be pitied, but it’s important to reach out for support.
Psalm 32: “Lord my God, I call to you for help and you healed me.”
It can especially be hard to focus on school when you are navigating a health journey, so I would especially like to say a prayer for students who need healing today.
I would also like to pray for anyone who has been working to heal on a physical or emotional level because physical health is not the only part of healing.
I pray that no matter what you are dealing with that you will find hope, peace, and you will reach out. I am a big mental and physical health advocate as someone who is dealing with multiple chronic conditions, so reach out to me if you need to connect with the resources that will help you take the next steps.