MY Devotional: Daily Encouragement from Leading The Way

“Have faith in yourself.” “Have faith in the system.” “Just believe.” In today's world, faith often means optimism or manifestation—but Scripture defines faith very differently. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef clears away the confusion with two essential truths. First, there is no power in faith by itself. Faith isn't a force; the object of faith is what gives it weight. If your faith is anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone, then you stand on unshakable ground—because Christ is powerful, victorious, and trustworthy. Second, faith is not the same as feelings. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence and assurance—not emotional certainty. Faith says, “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.” And to keep us from boasting in our “strong faith,” Dr. Youssef points to the deeper foundation beneath it all: even faith is God's gift. By grace, God raises believers up with Christ and saves them through faith—not by works—so all glory belongs to Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:6–9). Prayer: Father, You are the object of my faith. I rejoice knowing that my faith is not in vain because my faith is in You alone and not based on how I feel. You are always faithful and what You say will come to pass. I trust in Your Word and sovereign love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon 12 Evidences of Faith, Joy in Trials: LISTEN NOW| WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What does it really mean to be “fallen away from grace”? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef clarifies Paul's warning in Galatians 5:4—a passage often misunderstood as teaching that salvation can be lost. Dr. Youssef explains that Paul is addressing believers who are tempted to enslave themselves again to the law—trusting external rules, rituals, or church dogma as though grace needs help to get us to heaven. The Truth is that God's grace saves us, sustains us, and will present us holy and blameless before the Father. “Falling from grace” happens when we stop believing grace is enough and begin living as though it's grace plus something. That “something” may look spiritual—good works, traditions, personal standards—but the moment it becomes a basis for acceptance with God, it turns gratitude into repayment and replaces Gospel freedom with legalism. Dr. Youssef reminds us: if salvation is by works, it is no longer a gift (Romans 6:23). And if we teach “grace plus,” we are denying the exclusive saving name of Jesus (Acts 4:12) and the God-given nature of faith itself (Ephesians 2:8–10). This episode calls you to guard your heart from subtle legalism and return to the all-sufficient grace of Christ—so your confidence rests where it belongs: in Jesus alone. Prayer: Father, give me the wisdom to discern those times when I begin to add to Your Gospel for my salvation and to repent and rest in Your finished work of salvation. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Got Freedom?, Freedom Not Excuses: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

There's one essential Truth every believer must grasp: grace equals power—supernatural power that can raise a dead soul to life and carry you through the darkest seasons. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef anchors your heart in God's promise to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Dr. Youssef explains why thorns matter: without weakness, we would rarely see—or be able to testify to—the sufficiency of God's grace. Grace is most clearly displayed when self-reliance collapses, when circumstances feel heavy, and when you realize you need God more than you need relief. You'll also be reminded of God's steadfast commitment to finish what He started in you (Philippians 1:6), to empower you for godly living (2 Peter 1:3), and to keep you secure in His hands forever (John 10:28–29). No sin is beyond the atoning reach of Christ's blood, and no trial is too dark for the Gospel's sustaining hope (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). If you've been staring so long at the thorn that you can't see the rose of grace, this devotional calls you to look up—remember God's promises—and rejoice in the power of His sufficient grace. Prayer: Lord, help me to take my eyes off my thorn. May my gaze instead be fixed upon Your throne. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power” (Ephesians 3:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series The Secrets of Positive Living: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Have you slipped into self-sufficiency—trying to navigate life with your own wisdom, grit, and ingenuity—only to feel discouraged, depleted, or stuck? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds you that God never intended you to live on human strength. Paul learned this firsthand through his persistent “thorn,” pleading for relief—only to hear God's life-changing answer: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Instead of viewing weakness as failure, Paul came to see it as the very place where Christ's power rests most clearly—turning hardship into holy dependence and defeat into spiritual strength. Dr. Youssef also highlights Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9–12, showing what God's power is meant to produce in everyday life: deeper understanding of God's will, a life that pleases the Lord, fruitfulness in good works, growing knowledge of God, and supernatural endurance marked by joyful gratitude. God doesn't only want you to acknowledge Him as Creator—He wants you to know His power personally, especially when you feel weakest. Prayer: Mighty God, thank You for Your power that is available to me personally. Forgive me for the times I have worked in my own strength instead of finding my rest in You. Help me to depend on Your power today so that I can serve You and those You have put in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series The Secrets of Positive Living: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Do you feel constantly troubled by your sin—driven to create new “lines in the sand” just to feel good enough? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef warns that when we try to earn God's acceptance, we trade Gospel freedom for spiritual exhaustion—shackling ourselves with legalism and elevating our own rules to the level of God's commands. Jesus confronted this very mindset in the Pharisees, who were meticulous about external religious behavior while neglecting the weightier matters God desires—mercy, faithfulness, and justice (Matthew 23:23). Their outward appearance looked impressive, but Christ exposed the inner reality: hypocrisy and emptiness (Matthew 23:27–28). Dr. Youssef explains that legalism always leads to discontentment because it makes salvation feel like “grace plus something”—church attendance, rituals, moral checklists, reputation, or performance. But the Gospel is better: Jesus did it all on the cross. Peace with God comes by grace through faith—God's gift, not our achievement—so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). If a legalistic mindset has shifted your focus from God's grace to man-made rules, this devotional calls you to repent of self-righteousness and rest in Christ's finished work. Prayer: Father, thank You for Your grace. Help me to be on guard against legalism in my life, allowing You to sanctify me from the inside out instead of trying to change myself from the outside in. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Got Freedom?: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

When Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He was not imagining separation from the Father. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to the staggering reality of the cross: in that moment, the sin of humanity was laid upon the sinless Son of God, and Jesus endured the judgment every believer deserved. Dr. Youssef explains why Jesus addressed the Father differently in His anguish—seeing Him as Judge as our guilt was heaped upon Him. This is the center of the Gospel: every person will face God's judgment, but those who receive forgiveness are those who trust that Jesus took their judgment upon Himself. You'll be led to reflect on the breathtaking exchange Christ accomplished: He became sin though He never sinned, so we could be made righteous. He died in darkness so we could live in light. He was forsaken so we could be accepted. He was rejected so we could be received. This devotional is a call to pause, remember, and worship—because your salvation cost Christ everything. Prayer: Lord, thank You for bearing my sin on the cross. Thank You for Your sacrifice. May I live wholeheartedly for You in the freedom You have secured for me. I want to bring You honor and glory, giving all praise and credit to You for any good You work in my heart. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “. . . walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Love Gives, Part 2: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What if you truly believed God's throne is no longer a place of judgment for you—but a place of help? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef unpacks the invitation of Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence…” Through Jesus Christ, the door is open for every believer to come boldly to God—not to be shamed, but to receive mercy and find grace exactly when you need it most. Dr. Youssef reminds us why this confidence is possible: Jesus is our Great High Priest—He understands us, sympathizes with our weakness, and was tempted in every way without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He is not waiting to condemn you; He is waiting to strengthen you—day after day—so you can overcome temptation, endure hardship, and walk in righteousness. As you come to the throne by the blood of Christ, trusting Him for salvation and ongoing transformation, you are equipped to face whatever comes. The Holy Spirit indwells you and empowers you to say no to sin and yes to obedience—because grace isn't merely pardon; it's power. Prayer: Great High Priest, thank You for allowing me to approach the throne of grace with confidence. May I never take such a gift for granted but humbly come before You daily with my praises and petitions. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon The Awesomeness of God's Grace, God's Grace Gives Us Confidence: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

“Good works” are the backbone of every man-made religion—systems built on striving, earning, and self-improvement. But in today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef draws a bright line between human effort and the Gospel: Christianity is not about what you can do for God, but what God has done for you by grace. Dr. Youssef shows why it's a tragic—and eternally dangerous—mistake to assume, “I've lived a good life. I don't need saving.” The Bible's verdict is universal: we are all under sin's curse and unable to earn heaven by morality, rituals, or religious performance. That's why Paul's words are so freeing: salvation is by grace through faith, a gift from God, so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). And here's the hope that lifts shame: no one falls beyond the reach of God's grace. Romans declares that where sin increases, grace increases all the more—because through the obedience of Jesus Christ, sinners can be made righteous and receive eternal life (Romans 5:19–21). If you've been trying to “work your way” into peace with God, this devotional calls you to stop striving and come to Christ—who alone can forgive, redeem, and restore. Prayer: Father, thank You for Your extravagant grace demonstrated in the gift of Your Son. Thank You for doing for me what I could never do for myself. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!” (Romans 5:15). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Got Freedom?: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

It's part of human nature to perform—for God, for ourselves, and for others. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef identifies two common traps that quietly distort Christianity: The Do-Gooder: believing enough good deeds, kind words, or moral improvement can earn heaven—yet Scripture says our best righteousness apart from Christ is “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). The Ritualist: trusting Jesus initially, then drifting into rituals and traditions as though baptism, communion, or a familiar church routine can secure salvation—subtly adding works to grace. Dr. Youssef brings the focus back to the true Gospel: salvation is God's work from beginning to end because He “so loved the world” (John 3:16). Jesus is the author and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2). Faith itself is God's gift (Ephesians 2:8–9), and God will sustain what He started in you all the way into eternity (Philippians 1:6). If you've been exhausted by striving—or tempted to settle into spiritual autopilot—this devotional will help you rest in Christ's finished work and live from grace, not performance. Prayer: Father, at times I have focused more on doing good things and on the rituals of my faith than focusing on Christ, the only means of my salvation. Forgive me and help me to remember that faith is a gift prompted by Your grace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Got Freedom?: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Whatever skeletons haunt your past—whatever memories shame you or condemn you—the resurrection declares that redemption is not only possible, it's promised in Christ. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Jesus' victory over death is the ultimate assurance that His cross truly atoned for sin and that God's power is able to transform hearts. Because Jesus rose, God's power is at work to illuminate truth, renew desires, and change people from the inside out—selfishness to selflessness, despair to joy, defeat to victory. Scripture describes this resurrection transformation as putting off the old self and putting on the new (Colossians 3:9–10), becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Dr. Youssef also points forward to what resurrection hope guarantees: comfort now, courage for tomorrow, and ultimate triumph when Christ returns in glory. The risen Jesus will raise the dead, make all things new, and bring history to its fulfillment—His resurrection standing as God's pledge of complete redemption for all who surrender to Him and place Him at the center of their lives. Prayer: God, thank You for the promise of resurrection. Thank You that I experience new life even now. I trust You for that day when all will be made new. Your mercy and goodness lift me up. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace . . .” (Ephesians 1:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon excerpt The Power of the Resurrection: WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Imagine being a respected religious leader—immersed in Scripture, meticulous in keeping the law, admired by your community—yet still sensing a desperate emptiness. That's the world Nicodemus lived in. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef takes you into John 3, where Nicodemus approaches Jesus under cover of night—intrigued by Christ's authority, yet fearful of what it could cost him. Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was encountering the Kingdom of God in a way he was not (John 3:2). But Jesus dismantled the age-old misconception that eternal life is earned through performance. Humanity's sin problem isn't solved by better behavior or stronger willpower; it requires God's supernatural work within us. That's why Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again—a spiritual rebirth that comes through believing in Christ, staking your life on Him now and forever. Dr. Youssef also highlights the evidence of real transformation: Nicodemus didn't stay hidden forever. After the crucifixion, he publicly honored Jesus by bringing an extraordinary amount of burial spices—an unmistakable act of devotion and courage (John 19:39). The message is clear: dead ritual cannot save, but the living Christ can make you new. If you've been trying to “work your way” into peace with God, this devotional is an invitation to stop striving and start trusting—the only One who is enough. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

The rich young ruler didn't just have wealth—he trusted it (Matthew 19:16–30). His money gave him a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, convincing him he was in control. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef shows why Scripture repeatedly warns against that trap and calls believers to live differently. Paul's instruction to Timothy is direct: don't be arrogant, and don't put your hope in wealth “which is so uncertain,” but in God who provides richly (1 Timothy 6:17). Jesus goes even further, urging us to stop stockpiling temporary treasures and instead invest in eternity—because what you treasure reveals what you truly worship (Matthew 6:19–21). Dr. Youssef also exposes the deeper misconception behind the ruler's mindset: thinking salvation can be earned, purchased, or donated into existence. No amount of rule-keeping, good deeds, or financial generosity can reconcile a sinner to God. Jesus makes the point unmistakably: what is impossible with man is possible with God (Matthew 19:26). Only God can change a sinful heart, and only the blood of Jesus can secure forgiveness and eternal life. If you've been tempted to rely on resources, status, or self-effort for security, this devotional will redirect your hope to the only sure foundation: Christ alone. Prayer: God, thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross for me. Help me to remember to put my hope in You every day, not in my finances. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Encountering Christ, Arms Wide Open: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Since Babel, mankind has chased a self-made path to heaven—measuring life by achievement, control, and success. But Scripture teaches the opposite: the way to salvation is surrender. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef walks through Matthew 19:16–30, where the rich young ruler asks Jesus, “What good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Even after claiming obedience to the commandments, he still senses something missing: “What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19:20). His wealth, influence, and accomplishments couldn't satisfy the deeper hunger of his soul. Jesus exposes the real issue—not merely money, but the idol behind it. The ruler kept the law outwardly, yet had not humbled himself to yield everything to God. His grip on earthly treasure revealed his refusal to fully trust Christ for true spiritual riches. When confronted with surrender, he walked away sad—because he wasn't willing to release what he loved most. This devotional turns the question toward us: What are you unwilling to leave behind for the sake of Christ? What “treasure” are you holding so tightly that it keeps you from repentance, obedience, and joy-filled freedom? And it ends with Gospel hope: the Father gave what mattered most—His Son—and Jesus humbled Himself all the way to the cross so you could be forgiven, restored, and led into life you could never earn. Prayer: Lord, help me understand the infinite worth of life in Christ so that I do not cling to lesser idols. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things” (Philippians 3:8). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Encountering Christ, Arms Wide Open: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

There's so much to learn from Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman—and even the language He used reveals the difference between what the world offers and what Christ gives. The woman spoke of water like stagnant cistern water, but Jesus spoke of living water—a bubbling, ever-refreshing spring that becomes a continual source of life and purpose for every believer (John 7:37–39). In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights how Jesus offers the only satisfaction that can reach the deepest thirst—fulfillment the world can't provide, no matter how many pursuits promise joy but leave the soul empty. Then he turns to Jesus' example of sharing the Good News with someone from a very different background: Christ lingered, asked questions, refused to condemn, refused to excuse sin, and offered hope as a gift of grace. The result was transformation—repentance, cleansing, and a new future. And the promise extends to you: when you receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, rivers of living water flow from within you—an inexhaustible fountain meant to bless others as you share Christ with the spiritually parched around you. Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your offer of living water. Help me to remember that there are people all around me who are thirsty for that eternal life and love that only You can offer them. Give me courage and discernment to start those conversations that will lead people to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life'” (John 4:13-14). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Encountering Christ, Freedom from Bondage: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Sometimes we feel unworthy of God's love—and instead of running to Him, we hide, convinced our sin is too great to forgive. We try to earn His favor, but like Adam and Eve, our striving ends in failure and shame. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us of a life-giving Truth: God's love is greater than our sin, and He has already made a way to set us free. Dr. Youssef takes us to John 4, where Jesus deliberately traveled through Samaria—crossing cultural and religious hostility—to meet a Samaritan woman whose life was marked by broken relationships and moral failure. She didn't realize her greatest problem wasn't men, marriage, or even adultery—it was a deep, unsatisfied thirst only Jesus could quench. This devotional helps you see yourself in her story. Without Christ, we become more entangled the harder we fight sin in our own strength. But Jesus comes straight to the point of need—bringing truth to light, uncovering hidden struggles, and offering real freedom. The same Savior who met that woman at the well is ready to meet you today with living water—cleansing, restoring, and renewing all who come to Him. If you need forgiveness, healing, or restoration, this episode is an invitation: come to Christ—and trust Him to make you new. Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the ways I have tried to satisfy my heart-longings apart from You. May I be filled with Your living water today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Encountering Christ, Freedom from Bondage: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

One of the most stunning portraits of Jesus' love overcoming prejudice and meeting human desperation is found in John 4:4–26—the story of the woman at the well. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria was shocking. Many Jews would take a longer, harsher route just to avoid contact with Samaritans. Yet Jesus deliberately walked into Samaria, sat at the well, and waited—tired from the journey, but intentional in His mission. The Samaritan woman was scorned on multiple levels: by ethnicity, by gender, and by her moral reputation. And still, the Son of God addressed her personally: “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7). With one sentence, Jesus shattered social barriers and opened a door to saving Truth—showing that no person is beyond His reach and no stigma is strong enough to repel His mercy. This devotional turns the spotlight toward your everyday life. The Lord has placed you at a “well” in your community—neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and people whose values or backgrounds differ from yours—so you can lovingly point them to the Savior who gave His life for them. Prayer: Father, help me to have a desire to share Your love with everyone, no matter what their cultural background. Open my eyes to see those You have placed in my community who need to hear the Gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Encountering Christ, Freedom from Bondage: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW   The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What happens when Christians stop contending for the faith and choose silence instead? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights three warnings from Jude that expose the dangers of indifference toward false teaching and spiritual drift. Israel after the Exodus (Jude 1:5): God delivered His people, yet many later doubted Him—believing obstacles were bigger than God's promises. Their unbelief led to prolonged wandering and loss of blessing. Dr. Youssef warns that apathy toward truth can similarly rob believers of God's best—His power for victory. Rebellious angels (Jude 1:6): Just as Satan deceived many, spiritual leaders can drift through apathy and pull others with them. It often starts when believers stop contending for the faith, resulting in loss of influence and spiritual effectiveness. Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot's slow compromise (Jude 1:7): Lot moved closer to sin step by step—distressed by evil, yet passive. In the end, judgment came and he lost dearly, showing how spiritual apathy can cost privilege and stability. Dr. Youssef's message is clear: apathy produces loss—but contending for the faith is faithful service to our mighty King. This devotional will challenge you to reject passivity, stand on Scripture, and speak truth with courage and love. Prayer: God, I pray against apathy in my life and ask for Your wisdom and love to guide me in sharing the hope of Christ with those inside and outside the church. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe” (Jude 1:5). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Truth: The Most Endangered Species: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

God has entrusted believers with something priceless: the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges Christians to embrace their responsibility as custodians of Gospel Truth—passing it to the next generation unmodified, unwatered-down, and unchanged. But here's the danger: many believers rarely open their Bibles, and “we cannot contend for something we don't know.” When Scripture is neglected, deception becomes inevitable, and false teachers flourish—often appearing kind and spiritually polished while quietly draining the Gospel of its saving power. As Paul warned, they may have “a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5). Dr. Youssef reminds us that contending isn't about quarrelsome pride—it's about love for God and love for the lost. The true Gospel transforms people from the inside out, and that's exactly why it is worth defending. This devotional will strengthen you to know, love, and live the faith—so you can recognize error, speak truth with grace, and hold fast to the whole counsel of God. Prayer: Lord, thank You for the transforming, saving power of Your Gospel. May I be bold to stand against false teaching out of love for You, Your Truth, and the lost in need of redemption. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you” (Jude 1:4). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Truth: The Most Endangered Species: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Everyone is created in God's image, but only those who have been called to follow Jesus have become children of God—and that identity changes everything. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef anchors your heart in the Father's lavish love (1 John 3:1) and the unshakable security that flows from belonging to Christ. Because you are His: you can fight temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can have peace in turmoil, you can contend for the faith with courage, and you can rest knowing no one can snatch you from God's hand (John 10:28–29) and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38–39). That security also confronts complacency. Dr. Youssef reminds us that true believers cannot habitually live in careless disobedience. We may still struggle with sin, but conviction drives us back to confession and repentance—and gratitude compels us to submit to the whole counsel of God's Word. Finally, this devotional clarifies a vital tension in today's culture: God's love does not muddy Truth. Love does not excuse false teaching or “baptize” sin into the Church. Love speaks the Truth—even when it's unpopular—because the Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). If you've felt intimidated by accusations of narrow-mindedness, this episode will strengthen you to stand firm, love freely, and contend faithfully. Prayer: Lord, embolden me to proclaim Your Truth in love, that more might come to know eternal life in Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance” (Jude 1:1-2). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Truth: The Most Endangered Species: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Some voices today try to make Christianity “easier” by removing whatever feels uncomfortable—reducing the faith to a few agreeable points and ignoring the rest. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why that approach doesn't produce stronger believers—it produces weaker ones. Jesus Himself affirmed the Old Testament, including accounts like Noah and Jonah (Matthew 24:37; Matthew 12:40). That means we cannot claim to believe in Jesus while dismissing what He declared to be true. Scripture isn't a buffet. If the Bible records Christ's virgin birth, His miracles, His cross, and His resurrection, we don't get to select the parts we prefer and discard the rest. Dr. Youssef then turns to Jude, who urged Christians to “contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3). Truth does not shift with the times—and when we forget the magnitude of God's grace toward us, our faith grows thin and our witness loses strength. But when we hold fast to the Gospel, we submit to Christ fully, trust every Word He affirmed, and stand firm—even in a culture that pressures compromise. Prayer: Father, help me cling firmly to Your Gospel and trust and obey Your Word—contending for Truth. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, . . .” (Jude 1:1). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Truth: The Most Endangered Species: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

In ancient warfare, an archer was often more feared than a swordsman because arrows struck swiftly, from a distance, and sometimes before the target even knew what was coming. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef uses that vivid image from Psalm 127:3–5 to show God's purpose for the next generation: children are meant to be “arrows in the hands of a warrior”—instruments of spiritual warfare who stand firm in faith and help bring freedom to the captive. But arrows don't become effective by accident. Dr. Youssef challenges believers to do more than tell and train—we must also pray and model. Quiet, one-on-one discipleship often leaves the deepest legacy: encouraging young people to live boldly for Christ on campuses, in workplaces, and wherever God places them. Ask them hard questions. Challenge them with Scripture. Pray over them daily. Then comes the sobering reminder: the next generation is watching what we do far more than what we say. Dr. Youssef shares a painful example of a young man who abandoned the faith because of hypocrisy at home—public religion, private contradiction. Real disciples are formed where authenticity is lived. This episode will encourage you to surrender fully to God's leadership so your life becomes the pattern that helps raise up disciples—sure, swift, and steady as arrows in His quiver. Prayer: Lord, may the Church prepare our youth for service to You so that they may shine as lights in this dark world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:4-5). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Preparing the Next Generation: LISTEN NOW Scripture Focus: Psalm 127:3–5 The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

In Judges 6, Israel's disobedience opened the door to oppression—and the Midianites devastated the land year after year, leaving God's people harassed, hiding, and hopeless (Judges 6:3, 5). It took seven long years before Israel humbled itself and cried out to the Lord (Judges 6:6). In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef draws a sobering parallel to our own time: when adults fail to model faithful obedience, the next generation often learns to retreat—running and hiding from the “Midianites” of their day rather than standing firm in God's strength. But God's pattern with Gideon still holds: before He delivers His people from external threats, He must deliver them from internal unbelief. Dr. Youssef calls believers to welcome God's gift of revival through confession and repentance, then to cling to the Lord, rest in His strength, and show the next generation what it looks like to “stand up and be counted.” If you're burdened for the future of your family, your community, or your nation, this devotional will re-center your hope: God can still rescue, but He begins by reshaping hearts. Prayer: God, forgive us for the poor example we have set for the next generation. I pray that my generation would humble itself before You before it's too late. Help us show our children what it means to stand up for Truth instead of being overrun by our culture. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Beware of Spiritual Amnesia, Part 3: LISTEN NOW Scripture Focus: Judges 6:1-6 The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Every generation is entrusted with a sacred responsibility: to pray for, train, and model faith in Jesus Christ for those coming behind. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to a sobering warning in Judges 2:10–11. Joshua's generation saw God's power firsthand and remained faithful—but after them arose a generation that “knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel,” and spiritual drift turned into open rebellion. What happened? Dr. Youssef explains the danger of slow, subtle compromise—small concessions that seemed harmless at first, but eventually became the normal air the next generation breathed. When parents and leaders stopped telling the stories of God's deliverance and stopped modeling wholehearted devotion, their children became easy targets for the enemy's snares. Yet this message also carries hope. Just as God repeatedly rescued His people in Judges when they cried out to Him, He still meets repentant hearts today. Even in a culture that has largely turned its back on God, we can still pass the baton of victory—by returning to uncompromising faith and discipling the next generation with urgency. Prayer: Lord, show me how to lead my children well, that I might pass on a legacy of faith to the next generation. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Preparing the Next Generation: LISTEN NOW Scripture Focus: Judges 2:10–11   The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Before David ever faced Goliath, he faced lions and bears in the lonely places—guarding sheep, practicing with a sling, and learning to rely on the Lord. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef unpacks 1 Samuel 17:32–37 to reveal a powerful principle: public courage is formed in private faithfulness. Then Dr. Youssef turns the spotlight on us. God calls parents, grandparents, and spiritual mentors to help prepare the next generation for the trials ahead—not by shielding them from reality, but by pointing them to God's promises and modeling what trust looks like when life is hard. In this devotional, you'll hear three practical ways to strengthen your children's faith: Share your trials appropriately so they learn to expect difficulty and develop perseverance, Bring Scripture to life during hard seasons by reading God's Word and highlighting His faithfulness, Lift their eyes to eternity—because our ultimate hope is anchored in Christ and God's promise to wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). If you want your children to face the “giants” of their generation with steady confidence, this episode will encourage you to let them see how you trust God today—so they'll know where to run tomorrow. Prayer: Father, as I model trust in You with real-life challenges, may the faith of the next generation be strengthened. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds” (Psalm 71:17). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Preparing the Next Generation: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What kind of inheritance lasts longer than money, success, or comfort? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reflects on growing up in Egypt and hearing his grandfather praise the Lord in the middle of the night—again and again—until it became one of the greatest spiritual treasures Dr. Youssef ever received. Despite profound losses—children gone too soon, a wife taken early—his grandfather remained full of joy. The secret wasn't perfect circumstances. It was praise. Dr. Youssef explains how that model of devotion shaped his mother's life as well, cultivating a rhythm of prayer and worship that no worldly achievement could ever replace. And he points us to a bigger reality: you can't read Revelation without realizing that praise is the language of eternity. Heaven is filled with worship right now—and every believer in Christ will join that unending chorus forever. This devotional will encourage you to see praise not as something you do only when life feels good, but as a pathway to joy that remains steady through grief, hardship, and uncertainty—because God is always worthy. Prayer: Your faithfulness fills me with joy, Lord. Truly You have done great things for me. Thank You for giving me infinite reasons to rejoice. You are worthy of all praise, glory, and adoration! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:2). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Empowered by Praise: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Divorce is easier than ever, marriage is increasingly devalued, and children often grow up without the stability God intended. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef speaks candidly about the modern assault on family unity—and offers a hopeful, attainable starting point: change what you can change inside your own home. Dr. Youssef explains that lasting family strength begins with what you prioritize. It's not enough to say your spouse or children matter most—your calendar reveals what you truly value. To make someone a priority, you must make time for them. He also emphasizes the power of words of affirmation. Approval and encouragement—especially from the people closest to us—can steady hearts, build confidence, and cultivate deeper connection. When family members feel seen, valued, and loved, unity grows. If you want to avert a family crisis—or rebuild relational strength—this devotional will help you take meaningful steps toward deep, stable relationships that bless your home and reflect God's design. Prayer: Lord, help me to be one who strengthens my family and brings everyone together. May my family be ruled by Your peace and grace—a witness of Your love to the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Building Godly Families: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Dr. Michael Youssef shares a powerful picture of spiritual inheritance: hearing his grandfather pour out midnight prayers for the next generation. It's a sobering reminder that we can pursue bigger houses, fuller schedules, and greater worldly success while our spiritual homes quietly crumble. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, you'll hear why the future of our families depends on prayerful dependence—not self-reliance. When children see adults clinging to God's promises, they grow up anchored in His goodness. But when we fail to pray for and with the next generation, they can become spiritually uncertain—attending church outwardly while losing biblical moorings inwardly. Dr. Youssef urges believers to call on the Lord for: our homes, our cities, our nation, and the hearts of those who will carry the faith forward. Behind many men and women God has used mightily, someone was interceding. This devotional invites you to become that intercessor—trusting God to cultivate wisdom, deepen love for Him, strengthen resolve, and raise the next generation into courageous “powerhouses” for Christ. Prayer: Father, I pray that my children would trust You as they see me cling to Your promises. I pray that You would work in their lives and that they would have a deep, growing relationship with You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Preparing the Next Generation: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Dr. Michael Youssef shares a vivid picture of spiritual inheritance: hearing his grandfather pray through the night for the next generation. It's a reminder that we can build impressive lives on the outside while our spiritual homes quietly crumble on the inside—unless we return to the only foundation that holds: prayerful dependence on God. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Youssef explains why our children gain confidence in God when they see us clinging to His promises—and why neglecting prayer for (and with) the next generation leaves them spiritually unsure, untethered, and vulnerable to losing biblical moorings. You'll be challenged to shift from chasing worldly success to pursuing spiritual stability that endures—calling on the Lord for: your home, your city, your nation, and especially the hearts of sons and daughters who will carry the faith forward. Behind many men and women God has used powerfully, someone was interceding. This devotional invites you to become that someone—trusting God to cultivate wisdom, strengthen resolve, deepen love for Him, and form the next generation into bold, faithful witnesses for His glory. Prayer: Father, I pray that my children would trust You as they see me cling to Your promises. I pray that You would work in their lives and that they would have a deep, growing relationship with You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Preparing the Next Generation: LISTEN NOW   The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

God invites you to come to Him with every need—big or small. But in today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges believers to move beyond “small” prayers that stay centered on comfort and into big prayers that seek God's renown, praise, and honor among the nations (Jeremiah 33:9). Dr. Youssef clarifies what makes these prayers powerful: they rise from hearts truly devoted to God—hearts that want Christ to be magnified, nonbelievers transformed, and the work of His Kingdom advanced. At the same time, he offers a sober warning: God sees every hidden motive. We can't disguise selfish ambition as “for Your glory,” and we can't pretend faith when we're nurturing doubt. As you grow in daily relationship with the Lord—learning His character and trusting His promises—your prayers naturally expand. You begin to pray with genuine faith because you know God is capable, willing, and faithful. And when your heart is clear before Him, Scripture says you can pray with confidence, receiving from Him as you seek to please Him (1 John 3:21–22). This episode will help you realign your prayer life toward God's glory—so you don't just ask for outcomes, but for God to be seen, trusted, and honored through every outcome. Prayer: God, help me to come to You with a heart that is in the right place. Help me pray big prayers that seek to glorify You and reveal Your majesty. May I seek You first and foremost. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Call on Me, Call on Me for Great Things: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Have you ever noticed that the moment you decide to pray, interruptions multiply—phone calls, doorbells, to-do lists, daydreams, even sleepiness? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why that's not an accident. Prayer is sacred fellowship with your heavenly Father, and Satan will do whatever he can to disrupt it—because he knows prayer is a vital source of spiritual power. Dr. Youssef reminds us that prayer is how we communicate with God, learn His heart, and grow in faith. It's where we receive encouragement, strength, and the power to face life. That's why Jesus urged believers—especially in chaotic times—to always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). When prayer becomes only a crisis-response, we reveal we haven't made prayer a daily relationship—thanking God in joy as quickly as we cry out in pain. This devotional reframes prayer as more than requesting, persuading, or “getting God to act.” Prayer is the evidence of love, surrender, obedience, and sincerity—joyful, intimate communion with the Lord who wants to meet with you. Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for neglecting prayer and time with You. Thank You for blessing me with an intimate relationship with You. Help me never to neglect my time with You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Call on Me: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Do you ever find yourself praying like a sailor using a pump—only when the ship is leaking? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges the habit of “need-driven prayer,” where we pray furiously in crisis but neglect prayer when life feels stable. Dr. Youssef offers simple, actionable guidance on how to take prayer seriously: Give prayer adequate time: Relationships don't grow through rushed check-ins and request lists. If we sow only a few minutes of prayer, we shouldn't be surprised by shallow spiritual strength. Give prayer adequate space: Jesus taught us to pray in a place where we can focus without distractions (Matthew 6:6). Undivided attention helps our hearts listen, not just speak. Give prayer adequate attention: Effective prayer requires prioritization. Mark it on your calendar. Treat it as essential, not optional. He also points to Jesus' example of early-morning prayer—not as a rigid rule, but as a wise pattern that offers God the first fruits of your day. And even then, prayer doesn't “end” after a quiet time; it continues through every situation because prayer is both discipline and lifestyle—the most important part of every day. Prayer: Father, help me to take prayer seriously and to give You the time, space, and attention You deserve. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series The Prayer That God Answers: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Do you have someone in your life who only reaches out when they want something? That kind of one-sided relationship feels transactional—and it's a powerful mirror for how many believers approach God. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges us to move beyond “laundry-list” praying—requests without worship, needs without thanksgiving, future-focused anxiety without remembering God's past faithfulness. When we forget what God has already done, our prayers weaken because forgetfulness reveals ingratitude—and we begin taking credit for victories only God could have accomplished. Dr. Youssef points to a pattern throughout Scripture: God repeatedly calls His people to remember—sometimes by setting up visible memorials of His provision. These “Ebenezer stones” (“stone of help”) become spiritual markers that spark renewal, revive gratitude, and draw us back into abiding fellowship with Christ. They remind us where our help truly comes from—and they re-center our hearts on God's glory, not just our requests. As you listen, ask yourself: What memorial is God calling you to set up today so you'll stay focused on Him, abide in His presence, and learn to pray without ceasing? Prayer: Father, forgive me for forgetting to take the time to praise and adore You. You have been so faithful to me. Thank You for loving me and saving me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:11-12). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon What Is Your Ebenezer?: WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Have you noticed how quickly disappointment follows when expectations are placed on the wrong things—people, circumstances, plans, even your own strength? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that only God's promises can carry the full weight of our expectations. Dr. Youssef takes us to Luke 2:25–35, where we meet Simeon—an ordinary man with extraordinary hope. Simeon had spent his life waiting for the Messiah, trusting God's Word that he would personally see the Christ. After years of watching and waiting, Simeon finally held the infant Jesus in his arms and prayed with calm certainty: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised… you may now dismiss your servant in peace” (Luke 2:29–32). Simeon wasn't shocked that God came through—he expected it, because his hope was rooted in the faithfulness of God. This devotional will help you contrast Simeon's steady confidence with the shaky expectations we often place on this world—and call you to re-anchor your heart in what never fails. God's timing may stretch longer than you'd like and His methods may surprise you, but He will always fulfill His promises. Prayer: God, help me to place my expectations in You, not in this world. I know that You will never disappoint me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Unrealistic Expectations, Hope That Will Not Disappoint: WATCH NOW   The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Why do we pray—really? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that the ultimate purpose of prayer is not self-fulfillment but the glory of God. Jesus Himself said He answers prayer “so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). And even when God meets our needs, the goal remains the same: His Name honored and His goodness displayed. Dr. Youssef also tackles two common extremes believers fall into: Fatalism: “Prayer doesn't matter—God will do what He will do,” Manipulation: “Prayer makes God act like He wouldn't otherwise.” Scripture, he explains, teaches a better way: God is fully sovereign, and yet within His sovereignty He truly responds when His people pray with the right focus. That's why we must avoid two unhealthy attitudes—being afraid to ask God for anything, or treating Him like a “bellhop” who exists to serve our agenda. Instead, Dr. Youssef points to our identity as God's children: we can ask boldly, but we trust the Father to give what is best—just as good parents do (Matthew 7:11). Mature prayer sounds like Jesus: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” If you want your prayer life to deepen, this episode will help you realign your requests with God's glory and grow in faith-filled dependence. Prayer: Father, thank You that You want to hear from Your children and that You glorify Yourself as You meet our needs. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Psalm 121: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Imagine being there as a young Mary—likely no older than fourteen—walked into the hills of Judea to embrace her cousin Elizabeth. In that moment, Mary's heart overflowed with the Magnificat, a prayer that would echo through generations as a testimony of God's faithfulness. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights why Mary's prayer matters so deeply for your everyday faith. Mary's circumstances were bewildering and weighty, yet she faced them with steady confidence because her life had been shaped by a deep relationship with God and a lifetime of immersion in His Word. Her praise flowed from gratitude: God had chosen her to bear the long-promised Messiah—the Savior of the world. Dr. Youssef also points to the remarkable balance in Mary's Magnificat: authentic, biblical self-esteem that is neither prideful nor insecure—confidence without arrogance, humility without shame. Mary's life wasn't warped by materialism, possessions, or peer pressure; it was anchored in God's promises. And through her prayer, Mary declares what every believer must learn to trust: God always keeps His promises. This devotional invites you to ask yourself: Will you magnify God in every circumstance—especially the ones you don't understand? That posture is the essence of Mary's prayer and a key to power in prayer today. Prayer: Lord, You are the matchless, sovereign God. You alone are worthy of my praise. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Focus: “From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (Luke 1:48-49). *This devotional adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 7: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Habakkuk ministered in a tense moment in Israel's history—when Babylon was rising and judgment was approaching—yet the heart of his book is deeply personal: moving from impatience and confusion to steadfast trust in God's timing. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef walks through Habakkuk's prayer in chapter 3 and points to three features that can reshape your own prayer life when answers feel delayed: Humility before God: Habakkuk begins by questioning God's silence (Habakkuk 1:2), but ends with reverent awe—learning to submit his perspective to God's sovereignty. Adoration of God: Instead of using prayer only to get solutions, Habakkuk models prayer as worship—asking to know God more and responding in obedience. Focus on God's work: Habakkuk pleads for mercy and awakening—not because the people deserve it, but because he longs for God's Name to be glorified. Where many sink into anger, depression, or prayerlessness when heaven feels quiet, Habakkuk turns delay into discipleship—asking, in effect, “Lord, what are You teaching me? How can I trust You more?” This devotional will help you pray through waiting seasons with faith, perspective, and joy that isn't dependent on circumstances. Prayer: Father, may I set my heart on You, the God of grace, wisdom, and sovereign power. I believe Your promises and will wait on You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Focus: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).  *This devotional adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 4: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Jonah didn't run toward God's calling—he ran the other way. Sent to Nineveh, he fled to Joppa, boarded a ship for Tarshish, and ended up in the last place he expected: the belly of a great fish. Yet in that dark, desperate place, Jonah did one thing right—he prayed with everything he had. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef invites you into Jonah 2:1–6, a prayer for anyone who feels trapped by a storm—whether that storm was caused by disobedience or came through no fault of your own. Dr. Youssef highlights a crucial detail: Jonah didn't improvise empty words—he prayed the Scriptures back to God, echoing God's promises (especially from the Psalms) when he didn't know how, when, or even if deliverance would come. This devotional will encourage you to: pray God's promises when your emotions are overwhelming, trust God's sovereign rescue even when you can't see a way out, and remember this hope-filled Truth: even if we forsake God, He never forsakes His people. Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your steadfast love and forgiveness. Because of Your grace and mercy, I can face any storm, for I know You are with me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Focus: “To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit” (Jonah 2:6).  *This devotional adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Biblical Compassion, Part 3: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

As we conclude this series on Daniel's effective prayers, Dr. Michael Youssef brings the focus to two essentials many believers overlook: knowing God's Word and responding in obedience. How can you be confident you're praying God's will—and not simply your own desires? Jesus gives the priority: seek first God's Kingdom, and trust Him to provide what you need (Matthew 6:25–33). Dr. Youssef explains that the pathway to will-aligned prayer is immersion in Scripture: the more you know the mind of God, the more your requests begin to reflect His purposes. As you pray specifically, you learn to check those requests against God's Word—because God will never lead you to pray against what He has already revealed. This devotional also pulls together the pattern we've seen in Daniel: Praise that magnifies God, Confession that stays honest and humble, Petition that asks God to act for His glory, and then a crucial final step: listen and obey. God often accomplishes His purposes through individual believers who are willing to move from prayer into faithful action. If you've felt weary in prayer or tempted to give up, Dr. Youssef anchors you with a promise of perseverance: don't quit—God's harvest comes at the proper time (Galatians 6:9). Keep praying, keep obeying, and keep trusting God's timing. Prayer: Father, help me spend more time in Your Word so that I will be better equipped to pray Your will. Help me respond in obedience when I sense You leading me to do something. And help me not give up! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands” (Psalm 119:60). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon 12 Evidences of Faith, Releasing His Power Through Prayer: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

As we continue learning from Daniel's prayers, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that we are completely reliant on God's love and forgiveness—and that Daniel's approach is a blueprint for praying with spiritual power. First, appeal for mercy. Daniel doesn't present God with reasons he deserves an answer. Instead, he pleads on the basis of God's covenant character: “We do not make requests… because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy” (Daniel 9:16–18). Daniel's driving concern wasn't comfort, success, or ease—it was the glory of God. This devotional calls you to pray the same way: acknowledge you don't deserve God's blessings, yet trust Him because He is merciful and faithful. Second, petition for God to act. Daniel prays with urgency and clarity: “Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!” (Daniel 9:19). His requests aren't selfish—they're aimed at God being honored and His Name being vindicated. Dr. Youssef encourages believers to pray boldly for God to move in ways that most clearly display that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. If you've been hesitant to pray specifically or feel unworthy to ask for God's intervention, this devotional will help you recover the right posture: humility before God, confidence in His mercy, and God-centered petitions that seek His highest glory. Prayer: God, as I humble myself before You, I realize that I don't deserve Your blessings, but I am grateful that You are a merciful God. Apart from You, I am nothing. God, I pray that You would take action, showing Yourself strong, so that You would receive all praise and glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Scripture Focus: “Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name” (Psalm 119:132). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 1: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What makes “the prayer of a righteous person” so effective? Dr. Michael Youssef points to Daniel's plea in Daniel 9:4–19 as a clear model for believers today—and then highlights the key components you can practice immediately. First, start with praise. Daniel doesn't rush into requests; he begins by magnifying God as “great and awesome,” faithful to His covenant of love (Daniel 9:4). Prayer isn't merely a tool to get what we want—it's fellowship with God, cultivating an intimate relationship through adoration and thanksgiving. Second, confess your sins. Daniel doesn't minimize Israel's guilt or make excuses. He owns it plainly: “we have sinned and done wrong… we have turned away” (Daniel 9:5). Dr. Youssef reminds us that honest confession isn't self-condemnation—it's God's pathway to restore us to the fullness of right relationship with Him. If you've felt stuck in prayer, distracted, or discouraged, this devotional will help you reset your approach: praise God for who He is, confess what He reveals, and pray from a heart that longs to be aligned with Him. Prayer: God, I want to praise You today for Your love and for the gift of salvation. Thank You for giving us Your Word to provide examples like Daniel for us to follow. Forgive my sins, my Redeemer. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Scripture Focus: “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!” (Psalm 18:46). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 1: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Daniel didn't become courageous in the lions' den overnight. Long before he stood firm before kings, he first bent the knee in secret—day after day, seeking the Lord when no one was watching. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef traces Daniel's life from exile in Babylon to his unwavering refusal to stop praying, reminding us: whenever you see someone standing strong for God, you'll find they first learned to kneel. Dr. Youssef highlights Daniel's remarkable prayer in Daniel 9, offered after nearly seventy years of exile. It's a prayer marked by confession, intercession, and petition—and it flows from a man anchored in God's promises. Daniel trusted the Lord who had already revealed His plan through prophets and who moves history according to His timetable—sending His people home precisely as promised, and later sending the Messiah at the appointed time. This devotional will encourage you to: prioritize prayer over panic, rely on God's promises when the future feels uncertain, and remember that prayer makes us partners in God's unfolding plan. Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the honor of serving Your Kingdom through prayer and obedience. Help me to be faithful. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Focus: “Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name” (Daniel 9:19).  *This devotional adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 1: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Deep in the Arabian Desert, a small fortress once served as a place of safety for Lawrence of Arabia. When stronger forces attacked, he would retreat behind its walls—finding protection, provision, and renewed strength. Dr. Michael Youssef uses this vivid picture to remind believers of an even greater refuge: prayer. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, you'll hear why prayer is not a last resort, but a secure stronghold available day or night. In God's presence, His strength becomes your strength—and His protection steadies your heart when the world feels unstable. Dr. Youssef points to Jesus' promise that when believers gather in His name, He is with them, and that heaven moves as God's people pray in agreement (Matthew 18:18–20). When deception, anxiety, or spiritual pressure crowds your mind, this devotional calls you to turn immediately to Christ—asking Him to surround you with protection, clarify your thinking, and supply the strength you need to persevere. God's fortress doesn't crumble, His power doesn't weaken, and His deliverance is sure for those who call on Him. Prayer: Lord, thank You for providing me with the safety of Your strength, power, and salvation. Because You've set up Your Kingdom in my heart, I call on Your power to defeat feelings of fear, doubt, and confusion. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Scripture Focus: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Pray or Faint: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

David's life looked like the definition of success—power, influence, a throne. Yet behind the scenes, his family was unraveling through tragedy and rebellion, and he found himself fleeing his own son Absalom. In exile and grief, David prayed not with polished words, but with a heartfelt plea for mercy and justice—and Psalm 28 captures that cry for every believer who has ever felt overwhelmed, slandered, mistreated, or misunderstood. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights the turning point in David's prayer: when your world is falling apart, the most revealing question isn't “Why is this happening?”—it's “Will I run to God, or blame Him?” Even when we face consequences from our own wrong choices, David shows the right posture: humility. A cry for mercy is the opposite of saying, “God, You owe me.” You'll also hear why David's posture mattered—arms raised, fully engaged—because sometimes wrestling in prayer becomes the pathway to victory. And through every layer of collapse—family, leadership, reputation—one Truth held steady: God was David's Rock. If you're facing betrayal, pressure, or pain that feels bigger than you, this devotional will re-anchor your heart in the unchanging character of God: His power doesn't diminish, His love doesn't shift, and His mercy doesn't fade. Prayer: Lord, I will trust in You when circumstances threaten to overwhelm me. I will rest in Your mercy toward me and hope in Your coming Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Focus: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (Psalm 28:7).  *This devotional adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission.Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon God Has the Answer to Every Problem You Face, He Is Our Rock and Role: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Hannah had every reason to quit. She carried years of sorrow, emotional wounds, and physical exhaustion—yet her faith remained unshakable and her prayers did not stop. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef continues Hannah's story and highlights a miracle many overlook: after God answered her cry and gave her a son, Hannah kept her vow and gave Samuel back to the Lord—without resentment, without regret. Instead, she responded with worship, declaring, “There is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2). Her song of praise echoes forward into Scripture, reflected in Mary's Magnificat as God's redemptive plan unfolds through generations. God didn't stop there. What once looked hopeless became overflowing testimony—Hannah was blessed again and again, while Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:20–21). Dr. Youssef reminds us that people and circumstances may fail, but God's security and compassion never run out. The question is personal: when desperation hits, do you broadcast your burdens to anyone who will listen—or do you run to the throne of grace? This devotional will encourage you to bring your brokenness to the Lord, trust His timing, and believe that He is able to bind wounds and bring beauty from pain. Prayer: God, help me to come to You in my hour of desperation. Thank You for Your love. I pray that You would bring blessings out of my brokenness. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Scripture Focus: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3) Learn more in Dr. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 6: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

In 1 Samuel 1, we meet Hannah—whose name means “favored,” even though her heart felt anything but favored. Crushed by grief and unable to conceive, Hannah pours out a prayer so raw that Scripture says she prayed “in deep anguish… weeping bitterly” (1 Samuel 1:10). And from this prayer of brokenness, God would raise up a man who would shape history—Samuel, who would anoint the king in the lineage of the coming Savior. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights several powerful lessons from Hannah's prayer: God honors brokenhearted prayer—even when it's painful and messy. Silent prayers still reach heaven—Hannah's lips moved, but no sound came out, because she wasn't performing for anyone. True prayer seeks God, not attention—Hannah wasn't trying to impress, manipulate, or gain sympathy; she went straight to the only One who can do the impossible. If you're carrying heartbreak, unanswered longing, or grief too heavy for words, this devotional is a reminder that God hears “groaning too deep for words”—and He delights to meet you in weakness with His faithful love. Prayer: Thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted. I bring my brokenness to You today, knowing that in You alone am I made whole. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Focus: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). This devotional is adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018 (Baker Books), used by permission. Learn more in Dr. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 5: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

“What should I do next?” is one of the most common questions believers bring to God—and in today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef takes you to Genesis 24, where Scripture records the first prayer offered in the same way we pray today. Abraham's trusted servant Eliezer is sent on a mission that will shape the covenant line: find a wife for Isaac. Along the journey, he stops and prays a clear, specific prayer for guidance (Genesis 24:12–14)—and God answers before he finishes praying (Genesis 24:15). Dr. Youssef highlights why this matters for your decision-making: Specific prayers aren't unspiritual—God often honors clear, faith-filled requests. Flexibility matters—God may answer differently than expected, but never outside His wisdom. Prayer doesn't replace action—Eliezer prays and keeps moving, watching, and obeying. The takeaway is simple and challenging: faithful prayer + unconditional obedience = answered prayer. If you're seeking guidance for a major decision, this episode will help you pray with clarity, walk with confidence, and discern God's direction as He leads. Prayer: Lord, thank You that I can bring my specific requests to You and trust that You hear and answer them in Your perfect wisdom and timing. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). *This devotional is adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 2: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

If you feel weary, discouraged, or defeated by sin, Scripture doesn't offer a shortcut—it offers a doorway: prayer. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that there is no lasting power over temptation and no consistent victory over sin without spending time with God in prayer. Dr. Youssef challenges the common habit of treating prayer like a last-ditch effort. Instead, prayer should be your first option—in trouble, in joy, and in every in-between moment. He points to the testimonies of Scripture where God moved mightily as His people prayed: Moses, Joshua, Hannah, David, Elijah, Daniel—and most powerfully, Jesus Himself. When Christ prayed in Gethsemane, the forces of darkness trembled, revealing that heaven's strength is unleashed when we align our will with God's perfect plan. Whether your relationships feel strained, your heart feels heavy, or your soul feels dry, this devotional calls you back to the simplest, strongest step of faith: pray—trusting God is not intimidated by your circumstances, and believing His promise that when you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. Prayer: Lord, in Your mercy, restore my soul and prepare me for the life You have planned for me. I want to live for You and trust You to finish Your work in me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Come near to God and he will come near to you. . . . Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:8, 10). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Pray or Faint: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

When life disappoints, it's easy to drift into a subtle resignation: Why pray? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef refuses that mindset and calls believers back to prayer as a matter of the will—not emotion, not mood, not convenience. Rooted in God's promise in Jeremiah 29:12–13, Dr. Youssef reminds us that God invites His people into real relationship: call on Me, come and pray… seek Me and find Me. Through Christ, we have the privilege of entering God's presence—where we receive wisdom, guidance, protection, and power to stand firm against the enemy. You'll also hear why prayer is indispensable in spiritual warfare. Scripture makes clear that a battle rages beyond what we can see (Ephesians 6:12), but we are not defenseless. Our weapons are not worldly or “carnal”—they carry divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3–4). When the bottom drops out, this devotional will strengthen your resolve to pray with faith, knowing God hears you and meets you with sustaining power. Prayer: Father, You are Almighty God, and I acknowledge my utter dependence on You. I pray for Your will for my life. May I receive it with joy and thanksgiving knowing You love me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Call on Me: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. Read John 20:15-18. Mary had likely heard Jesus say He would rise on the third day—yet grief blinded her to hope. Then everything changed with one word: “Mary” (John 20:16). In an instant, sorrow became joy, depression turned to delight, and her tears transformed from sadness to gladness as she recognized her living Savior. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Jesus' next words matter so deeply: “Do not hold on to me…” (John 20:17). Christ wasn't rejecting Mary—He was preparing her for a new reality. He would ascend to the Father and send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate who makes it possible for every believer to enjoy a deep, intimate, ever-growing relationship with Jesus—every day, everywhere. Dr. Youssef also offers a sobering reminder: many Christians live as though Jesus died but never rose. When we function like the resurrection isn't real, discouragement, hopelessness, and heaviness follow. But the good news is you can return to the empty tomb—renew your surrender to Christ—and exchange depression for delight, because the risen Jesus is with you always and will never let you go (Matthew 28:20). Prayer: Father, You have called me by name, and I belong to You. Therefore, may I live with joy and confidence. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!' (which means ‘Teacher')” (John 20:16). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Our Tears and the Resurrection of Jesus: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. Read John 20:11-15. Mary Magdalene had been rescued by Jesus from seven demons—and from the crushing shame of sin—so her devotion ran deep (Luke 8:2). While others fled in fear, Mary stayed near Jesus through His suffering and crucifixion, steadfast and unashamed. She saw enough to know He truly died, so when His body was missing from the tomb, she assumed the only explanation: someone had stolen Him. Then came the turning point. Through her tears, Mary was asked twice why she was crying—first by angels, then by Jesus Himself: “Woman, why are you crying?” (John 20:15). Dr. Youssef explains that Jesus wasn't dismissing her grief—He was lovingly correcting her conclusion. Her sorrow was rooted in a mistaken belief: she was searching for a corpse, but God had provided a living, resurrected Savior. This devotional meets us in our own distress. Job loss, frightening diagnoses, family turmoil, lingering fear—so often we weep because we can't see the risen Jesus at work in the midst of the trouble. Christ's question still presses us toward clarity: Who are you looking for—and what are you assuming about God's power right now? When you recognize that Jesus is alive and present, despair gives way to hope, and temporary sorrow is reshaped by eternal confidence. Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that my tears are unnecessary. Though this life will have sorrow, all my trials pale in comparison to the glory that awaits me in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?' Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him'” (John 20:15). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Our Tears and the Resurrection of Jesus: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. Read John 19:28-30. Just before He died, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). In English it's three words, but in Greek it's a single, triumphant word: Tetelestai—a perfect passive verb meaning the work has been fully accomplished, and its effects continue on and on. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef unpacks why that matters for your faith right now. On the cross, Jesus completed everything necessary for salvation—atonement for sin, forgiveness, reconciliation with the Father, and an everlasting place in God's family. And because Christ's sacrifice is sufficient, its life-changing power continues to reach people from every nation as they confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead. Dr. Youssef also reminds us this has always been God's plan: Old Testament believers were saved by faith in what God would accomplish through the coming Messiah. From Genesis to the prophets to the Psalms, Scripture anticipated the moment the serpent-crushing Savior would declare, Tetelestai—and nothing can separate those in Christ from God's love. This episode calls you to rest in the finished work of Jesus—and to proclaim it boldly to a world still trying to earn what Christ has already completed. Prayer: Lord, I praise You that it is finished! By Your incredible grace, You have redeemed me from the grave. May I lovingly and boldly share Your Good News with those You put in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon It Is Finished: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.