Church in the Valley

06/05/2026

05/24/2026

DAY 11 — PRAYING THROUGH DELAY
“At the Proper Time”

Scripture

Galatians 6:9

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

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Devotional Thought

One of the greatest challenges in prayer is learning to trust God during seasons of delay.

We pray for breakthrough, healing, direction, restoration, or change—but sometimes the answer does not come as quickly as we hoped. In those moments, discouragement can begin to whisper:

* “God has forgotten you.”
* “Your prayers are not working.”
* “Nothing is changing.”

But delay does not mean denial.

Throughout Scripture, God often worked through waiting seasons:

* Abraham waited for the promised son.
* Joseph waited through years of hardship.
* Hannah waited and prayed for a child.
* The disciples waited in prayer before Pentecost.

God’s timing is never careless. While we wait, He is often strengthening our faith, deepening our dependence, and preparing us for what is ahead.

The Holy Spirit helps us persevere when answers feel slow. Prayer keeps our hearts connected to God even when circumstances remain unchanged.

Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons.

Sometimes God changes us in the waiting before He changes the situation.

Do not lose heart. The God who hears your prayers is still working behind the scenes, even when you cannot yet see the full picture.

Reflection Questions

1. What prayer request have you been waiting on God to answer?
2. How has waiting affected your faith or emotions?
3. What might God be developing in you during this season of delay?
4. How can you continue trusting God while you wait?

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Prayer

“Father, help me trust You in seasons of waiting and delay. When I grow discouraged, remind me that You are still working. Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith and help me persevere in prayer without losing heart. Teach me to trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your goodness even when I do not yet see the answer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Today’s Encouragement

God is never late. What feels delayed to you may actually be God preparing the right timing, the right growth, and the right breakthrough for your life.

05/23/2026

DAY 10 — PRAYING FOR HOLINESS

“Create in Me a Clean Heart”

Scripture

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

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Devotional Thought

The Holy Spirit does more than comfort us—He transforms us.

In a world filled with distractions, compromise, pride, bitterness, and temptation, it is easy for our hearts to slowly drift away from intimacy with God. We may continue outward activity while inwardly becoming spiritually dry.

David understood this after his failure. Instead of hiding from God, he came honestly before Him in repentance and surrender. He recognized that what he needed most was not image management, but heart transformation.

Holiness is not about perfection—it is about surrender.

The Holy Spirit works within us to refine our motives, attitudes, thoughts, and desires so that we increasingly reflect the character of Jesus. Sometimes this process is uncomfortable because God lovingly exposes areas that need healing, repentance, and renewal.

Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to search our hearts deeply.

God does not expose our brokenness to shame us, but to heal us.

As we persevere in prayer, the Spirit purifies us from the inside out:

* replacing bitterness with forgiveness,
* pride with humility,
* fear with trust,
* and compromise with obedience.

True spiritual power flows from a surrendered heart.

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Reflection Questions

1. Are there areas of your heart or life that need surrender or repentance?
2. What attitudes, habits, or distractions may be hindering your closeness with God?
3. How is the Holy Spirit inviting you to grow in holiness today?
4. What would deeper surrender to God look like in this season?

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Prayer

“Holy Spirit, search my heart today. Reveal anything within me that does not reflect Jesus. Create in me a clean heart and renew my spirit. Remove pride, bitterness, fear, and compromise from my life. Help me walk in holiness, humility, and obedience as I grow closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Today’s Encouragement

God is not finished shaping you. The Holy Spirit lovingly refines those He calls His own, producing a heart that reflects the beauty and character of Christ.

05/22/2026

DAY 9 — PRAYING THROUGH DISAPPOINTMENT
“We Had Hoped”
Scripture

Luke 24:21

“But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.”

Devotional Thought

Disappointment can quietly drain our faith. It happens when expectations collapse, prayers seem unanswered, or life unfolds differently than we imagined.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus knew this feeling well. After Jesus’ crucifixion, they were discouraged, confused, and heartbroken. They believed their hopes had died with Him.

What they did not realize was that Jesus was already walking beside them.

Sometimes God is still working even when we cannot recognize His presence.

Disappointment often narrows our vision. We focus on what did not happen instead of trusting that God may be doing something deeper, greater, and eternal beneath the surface.

The resurrection reminds us that God can bring life out of what feels dead.

Prayer helps us process disappointment honestly instead of allowing bitterness, cynicism, or hopelessness to take root. The Holy Spirit comforts us, renews our perspective, and reminds us that God’s plans are still unfolding—even in seasons we do not understand.

You may not see the full picture today, but God is still faithful.

Reflection Questions
What disappointment are you currently carrying before God?
How has disappointment affected your faith or perspective?
Can you identify ways God may still be working in this season?
What would it look like to trust God even without complete understanding?
Prayer

“Father, You know the disappointments and unanswered questions in my heart. Help me not to lose hope when life does not unfold the way I expected. Holy Spirit, comfort me, renew my perspective, and remind me that You are still working even when I cannot see it clearly. Teach me to trust You through every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Today’s Encouragement

Your disappointment is not the end of your story. The same Jesus who walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus still walks with you today—even in seasons of confusion and waiting.

05/22/2026

Church family, please note that our worship gathering location for this Sunday has changed.

🗓 Sunday, May 24th
⏰ 11:00 am
📍 Four Points by Sheraton
18540 100 Ave NW, Edmonton

We’re looking forward to worshipping together as we continue to glorify God and make disciples of every nation and generation!

Invite a friend and we’ll see you Sunday!

05/21/2026

DAY 8 — PRAYING IN UNITY
“One Accord”
Scripture

Acts 2:1

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.”

Devotional Thought

Before the Holy Spirit moved in power at Pentecost, the believers gathered together in unity and prayer. They came from different backgrounds, personalities, and experiences, but they shared one heart and one purpose: seeking God together.

Unity is powerful because it reflects the heart of God.

The enemy often works through division, offense, pride, and isolation because he understands that disconnected people are weakened people. But when believers humble themselves, pray together, and pursue God collectively, the Holy Spirit moves with strength and power.

Praying in unity does not mean everyone agrees on every detail. It means we choose love over division, humility over pride, and mission over personal preference.

In a divided world, unified prayer becomes a testimony of the gospel.

The early church changed the world not merely because they had strategy, but because they had spiritual unity empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Ask God today to strengthen your relationships, your church, your family, and your community through the power of unified prayer.

Reflection Questions
Are there relationships where you need to pursue peace, forgiveness, or reconciliation?
How does pride or isolation sometimes affect your spiritual life?
What would it look like to pray more intentionally with others?
How can unity strengthen your family, church, or ministry community?
Prayer

“Father, help me walk in humility, love, and unity with other believers. Remove pride, division, and bitterness from my heart. Teach us to seek You together with one mind and one spirit. Holy Spirit, strengthen Your church through unified prayer and shared mission. Amen.”

Today’s Encouragement

When believers pray together in unity, the Holy Spirit builds strength, peace, encouragement, and spiritual breakthrough among them.

05/20/2026

DAY 7 — PRAYING FOR COURAGE
“God Is With You”
Scripture

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Devotional Thought

Courage is not the absence of fear; it is choosing faith in the middle of fear.

Every believer will face moments where obedience feels intimidating. Sometimes God calls us to step into unfamiliar territory, difficult conversations, leadership challenges, or seasons of uncertainty that stretch our faith beyond what feels comfortable.

Joshua experienced this after the death of Moses. He was stepping into enormous responsibility, but God did not promise him an easy path—He promised His presence.

That same promise belongs to you today.

The Holy Spirit strengthens believers to keep moving forward even when fear tries to stop them. Courage grows when we pray, trust God’s promises, and take the next faithful step.

Fear says:

“What if you fail?”
Faith says:
“God is with me.”

Fear says:

“You’re not ready.”
The Holy Spirit says:
“My grace is sufficient for you.”

You do not need all the answers before obeying God. Often, courage is built one step of obedience at a time.

Prayer connects you to God’s strength so you can walk boldly into His calling.

Reflection Questions
What is God calling you to do that requires courage?
What fears are holding you back from stepping into God’s purpose?
How does knowing that God is with you strengthen your faith?
What is one bold step of obedience you can take this week?
Prayer

“Holy Spirit, give me courage today. Help me to trust You even when I feel afraid or uncertain. Remind me that I am never alone because You are with me wherever I go. Strengthen my heart, calm my fears, and help me walk boldly in obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Today’s Encouragement

You are braver than you think when God is with you. Courage is not found in your own strength, but in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

05/19/2026

DAY 6 — PRAYING FOR WISDOM
“God Guides Your Steps”Scripture

James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Devotional Thought

Life is full of decisions—big and small. Some are simple, while others carry spiritual, relational, and eternal weight. In seasons of uncertainty, pressure, and transition, it is easy to react emotionally instead of seeking God’s direction prayerfully.

But Scripture reminds us that wisdom is not something we must manufacture on our own. God invites us to ask Him for it.

The disciples experienced this after the resurrection. They did not fully understand what God was doing next, but instead of rushing ahead, they waited, prayed, and listened. Through the Holy Spirit, God gave them wisdom for every step forward.

Prayer positions us to hear God clearly. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor—guiding, teaching, correcting, and directing us according to God’s will.

Wisdom is more than knowledge. It is the ability to see situations from God’s perspective and respond with faith, discernment, and obedience.

Sometimes the wisest thing you can do is pause, pray, and trust God before making your next move.

Reflection Questions

What decisions or situations are you currently facing?
Are you seeking God’s wisdom or relying mostly on your own understanding?
How can you create more space to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
What would it look like to fully trust God’s direction, even if it differs from your own plan?
Prayer

“Holy Spirit, I need Your wisdom today. Show me what to do and what not to do. Help me to hear Your voice above fear, pressure, and confusion. Guide my steps and order my path according to Your perfect will. Thank You for generously giving wisdom to those who ask. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Today’s Encouragement

Your steps are secure when God is your guide. Pray first, listen carefully, and trust the Holy Spirit to lead you one step at a time.

05/16/2026

DAY 5 — PRAYING FOR STRENGTH

“God Is Your Power”

Scripture - Isaiah 40:29–31

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Devotional Thought

There are seasons when the pressure of life leaves us physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. Responsibilities pile up, prayers feel heavy, and even strong people grow weary.

The good news is that God never asks us to carry life in our own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers believers from the inside out. Prayer is not merely asking God for help—it is positioning ourselves to receive His strength for today.

Sometimes we think strength means never feeling weak. But biblical strength is learning to depend on God in our weakness.

The disciples themselves experienced this after the resurrection. They were afraid, uncertain, and exhausted, but as they waited in prayer, the Holy Spirit filled them with courage and endurance far beyond their natural ability.

You do not have to manufacture spiritual strength on your own. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives within you.

When you feel tired:

* Pray. When you feel overwhelmed
* Pray. When you feel like giving up:
* Pray again.

God renews those who wait on Him.

Reflection Questions

1. Where in your life are you feeling weary or drained right now?
2. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in those areas?
3. What promises from Scripture remind you that God will give you the strength you need?
4. How can you rest in God today instead of trying to rely on your own strength?

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, fill me with Your strength today. When I am weak, be my power. When I am tired, be my endurance. Help me to rely on You and not my own strength. Renew me from the inside out and teach me to persevere through every season. Amen.”

Today’s Encouragement

You do not have to carry tomorrow’s burdens with today’s strength. God gives grace for each moment as you depend on Him.

05/14/2026

DAY 4 Praying Through Fear Peace in the Storm

SCRIPTURE Philippians 4:6–7
"Do not be anxious about anything…"

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Fear pushes us toward panic, but prayer pulls us toward peace.
The disciples prayed through persecution, uncertainty, and danger because they understood something
important: peace is not found in controlling circumstances but in trusting God's presence.

PRAYER
"Father, I surrender my fears to You. Replace anxiety with Your peace and teach me to trust You in
uncertain seasons. Amen."