25

of
Days
Advent
A Family Prayer Guide

25 Days of Advent: A Family Prayer Guide 1

 O come,
Emmanuel
Christians celebrate Christmas to honor the birth of Jesus, God’s Son,
on Earth. It is the long-anticipated event in the Christian faith; the
Messiah was born in a manger to a virgin mother, fulfilling ancient
prophesy, and setting off a chain of events to save the world from
sin. During this special Advent season, join us in daily prayer and
reflection. Because of Jesus, He remains with us, always. Emmanuel,
God with us. Here are prayers for each day of Advent, to pray on
your own, with your family or with a group of friends. These 25 short
advent prayers for your family will connect your heart and mind each
day to the reason we have joy this holiday season, and give you hope
for the age to come.

25 Days of Advent: A Family Prayer Guide 2

 An Advent Prayer to
Day 1 the Light of the World

SCRIPTURE The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living
in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

MEDITATION “Light” represents the presence of God. God spoke through Isaiah,
hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, to tell His people Jesus would
be “light” for everyone.

PRAYER Father,
The way you spoke through Isaiah hundreds of years before Jesus
was born is amazing! It helps us to understand your omnipresence
and your plan from the beginning of time. Help us to understand
your light, and what it means to be in your presence. We want to live
in your light, Father, and we want to be a reflection of the light of
Christ to others. Jesus came to be a light to all of us, not just a certain
people group. He came to brighten up all of our days. Help us to
discover this light in us, Father, and shine brightly for your kingdom!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

25 Days of Advent: A Family Prayer Guide 3

 An Advent Prayer to
Day 2 Our Wonderful Counselor

SCRIPTURE For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government

will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

MEDITATION Ancient names and titles have rich and deep meanings. These four
names given to the Messiah—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—specifically describe his character.

PRAYER Father,
We are in awe of who you are, and who Jesus is. May we understand
more each and every day of Advent what these names in Isaiah 9:6
mean and grow closer to our Savior Jesus as we learn more about
Him. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and
Prince of Peace. Wonderful Counselor, thank you for being the one
who marvelously works all things out for our good and God’s glory.
Help us have a better glimpse and understanding of your magnificent
power and miraculous nature.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer to
Day 3 the Root of Jesse

SCRIPTURE In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the
peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall
be glorious.
Isaiah 11:1

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the
churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright
Morning Star.”
Revelation 22:16

MEDITATION Only a small remnant of God’s people remained during Isaiah’s time,
but out of a seemingly impossible situation would come the Savior of
the world.

PRAYER Father,
Thank you for our Root of Jesse, our bright Morning Star. Thank you
that out of the smallest remnant you brought your son, and that he
has ushered the way for all tribes, tongues and nations to know you
and rejoice with you one day in Eternity. As we look to the past to see
how you have fulfilled your promises to us, let us look to the future
with hope and certainty that we will one day be in the presence of
the Root of Jesse.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer for
Day 4 the Spirit to Rest on and in Us

SCRIPTURE The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of
understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the
knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:2

MEDITATION Predicted hundreds of years earlier in Isaiah, John the Baptist

witnessed the Spirit descending on Jesus at His baptism. Today, we
have that same Spirit in us, helping us take hold of the mighty faith
we proclaim.

PRAYER Father,
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Let the Spirit
of wisdom and understanding, counsel and of might, knowledge and
fear of the Lord, be with us and direct us during this special season of
celebration for the gift that Jesus is. Help us to understand and obey
you by listening and paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s presence in
us as believers and followers of Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer of Praise for
Day 5 the Prophetic Word of Truth

SCRIPTURE I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning

Luke 1:3

MEDITATION Luke, a doctor, was familiar with investigating facts. His account, and
many others, reveal that Jesus’ life not only fulfilled over 300 Biblical
prophesies, but is historical fact.

PRAYER Father,
The Bible is not just a bunch of stories. It is the truth. Help us to
embrace the historical significance of Scripture, and strengthen our
trust in you to explain the parts we don’t understand, in your perfect
timing. Advent should create in us a hope rooted in Jesus Christ, as
we discover who he is in the Bible. As we connect the Old and New
Testaments of Scripture, knowing we can trust your Word as absolute
truth, let Jesus come alive in us like never before.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer of Praise
Day 6 for the Life of Jesus

SCRIPTURE “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife
Elizabeth with bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”
Luke 1:13

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:41

PRAYER Father,
It is a joy to discover the way You pieced together Jesus’ earthly
family. He had brothers, sisters, and cousins, just like we do! Though
Savior of the world, He experienced life on earth as we do. Because
of this, we can relate to Jesus in a special way. He truly knows how
we feel and understands both the best and hardest parts of living
on Earth. We’re thankful that Jesus’ calls us friends, and that he has
grafted us into his family. He is always with us. We are never alone.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer of Praise
Day 7 for the Life of Jesus

SCRIPTURE “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent
to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be
silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you
did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed
time.”
Luke 1:19–20

PRAYER Father,
Forgive us for our unbelief. We, like Zechariah, have a hard time
believing things we cannot see or make sense of ourselves. Jesus
said he came so that we would live life to the full (John 10:10), but
we can’t experience that fullness when we doubt you and your ways.
Help us to trust you, Father. Increase our faith! We want to live life to
the full. Teach us, as we prepare our hearts this Advent season, how
to embrace the truth of Christ in order to fully live.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer to
Day 8 Take Hold of Our Faith

SCRIPTURE “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will
conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will
be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will
give him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over Jacob’s
descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Luke 1:30–33

The angel’s news fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord
himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to
a son, and, will call him Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14

PRAYER Father,
Today we remember the earthly mother of Jesus and thank you for
her example of great faith and trust in you. “‘How will this be,’ Mary
asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?” Let our response to impossible
situations be like Mary’s, inquisitive, but not doubtful of what our
great God is capable of. “For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke
1:35). Lord, help us take hold of the same hopeful faith Mary had,
when she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant …May your word to me
be fulfilled.” For you have great things in store for those who say ‘yes’
to you, God!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer of Praise
Day 9 That God Has Prepared a Way for Us!

SCRIPTURE This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David.
Matthew 1:1

PRAYER Father,
Only you could orchestrate forty-two generations of storied history
and fulfilled prophesy leading up to the promised Messiah, Jesus
Christ. We are in AWE of your great plan for us. Each name we read
in Scripture has a story attached, to help us learn more about who
you are and who we are as yours. This Advent season, grow in our
hearts a love and appreciation for your compassionate heart toward
us. Thank you for preparing the way for us, and sending your only Son,
Jesus, to save us. Great are you, LORD.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer to
Day 10 Leap for Joy This Christmas

SCRIPTURE When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she
exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child
you will bear!”
Luke 1:41–42

MEDITATION Leaping was and is an expression of joy. Imagine, John in his mother’s
womb divinely experiencing joy in the presence of Jesus!

PRAYER Father,
The Advent season causes us to anticipate the joy of Christmas
morning. Our prayer today is that the joy we feel at Christmas will
last throughout the year! Will you bless our minds and hearts to
remember and celebrate Christmas joy all year-round?

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 Mary’s Song:
Day 11 An Advent Prayer of Rejoicing

SCRIPTURE “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for
he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.”
Luke 1:47–48

MEDITATION “Mary’s Song” (Luke 1:46–56) begins with her sheer joy over the fact
that God had noticed her. He is a personal God, and notices all of His
children.

PRAYER Father,
On this day of Advent, we thank you for noticing us! Like Mary, we
are blown away by the way you see all of us so personally. Jesus
being born on Christmas means that our relationship with you can
be personal through prayer, and your Word, and the Holy Spirit in us.
Amazing is the way you created us and care for us so specifically. Like
Mary, we praise you, Father, for WHO YOU ARE.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 Zechariah’s Song: An Advent Prayer on
Day 12 Preparation for Jesus’ Arrival

SCRIPTURE “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you
will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, and to give his
people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their
sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun
will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and
in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:76–79

MEDITATION “Zechariah’s Song” (Luke 1:68–80) is recorded after John the Baptist’s
birth. When Zechariah obediently agreed his name should be John,
and not a family name, his trust in God restored his speech!

PRAYER Father,
Advent is a special time in which we prepare for Jesus’ birth. Even
the birth of John, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus,
was special. And how compassionate was your heart to restore
Zechariah’s speech, giving him another chance to be faithful! Nothing
you do, Father, is a coincidence. We love discovering you in the
Christmas story of Jesus. Help us to remember that your work in our
lives is just as special and specific.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer to
Day 13 Believe the Truth of the Good News

SCRIPTURE “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,
because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give
birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he
will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:20–21

MEDITATION Joseph didn’t want to embarrass Mary, but he did not believe her at
first, and was still planning on divorcing her quietly before the angel
visited him.

PRAYER Father,
We remember Joseph today, and realize in a new way what courage
it must have taken him to marry Mary! He didn’t believe her at first,
Father, and nor do we believe people who are speaking truth to us
sometimes. As the angel visited Joseph to clarify the truth and assure
him the child was from the Holy Spirit, we pray to be able to hear
Your voice clearly through whomever you choose to speak through in
our lives. As we follow Christ in our daily lives, we pray to be obedient
to you.

In Jesus ‘ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer for
Day 14 Obedience Even When It’s Hard

SCRIPTURE So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea,
to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house
and line of David.
Luke 2:4

MEDITATION Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for a census decreed by

Caesar for the entire Roman Empire, however, their location fulfilled
Isaiah 9:7, “He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom …”

PRAYER Father,
Every part of Christ’s birth story reflects a prophecy fulfilled. The
faithfulness of Joseph and Mary is inspiring, and we pray to be
obedient as they were. Life didn’t stop for them because You chose
them for this important mission. They still had to go to Bethlehem for
the census decreed by Caesar. But God, your purposes were greater,
then and now. Help us to remember, when life is unfair and hard, you
are still at work in our lives. And nothing can stop the work You have
started.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer for
Day 15 Obedience Even When It’s Hard

SCRIPTURE While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and
she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloth and
placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available
for them.
Luke 2:6–7

MEDITATION The simplicity of Jesus’ birth circumstances tells us a lot about Him.
He didn’t come into this world in a palace, but in a stable …some say
a cave used as a stable.

PRAYER Father,
Praise, glory and hallelujah for the birth of Christ our King! Help us to
learn from the humble circumstances Jesus was born unto on earth.
The lack of room for Mary and Joseph did not delay You from coming
to earth to be with us. Immanuel means, “God with us.” You are a
God of purpose, intention and perfect timing. Allow us to discover
who you are through the birth of Jesus.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer for the
Day 16 “Shepherds” in Our Communities

SCRIPTURE And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping
watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to
them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified.
Luke 2:8–9

MEDITATION “Shepherd” was not a glamorous job. Shepherds were dirty and smelly
from tending their sheep, and a lower class in society. Yet the angel
appeared to them! Who in your communities are the ones who are
looked down on, to whom the glorious good news might have come
to today?

PRAYER Father,
The care and compassion to allow shepherds, who were not looked
upon very highly in their day, to witness an angel and Your glory,
teaches us You value all of us no matter what we do and how looked
down upon we may be. This Advent season, open our eyes to see
the “shepherds” in our lives and communities, and to love them as
we would any other. Create in us hearts of compassion, and like the
shepherds, hearts filled with awe of who you are.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 A Prayer of Awe to Jesus
Day 17 Who Came Down from Heaven

SCRIPTURE But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.”

Luke 2:10

MEDITATION The fear the shepherds felt was the same fear that struck Zechariah
when the angel visited him. God’s holiness creates a reaction of awe
when we are in the presence of his glory.

PRAYER Father,
Many times, you tell us not to be afraid. Help us to understand
the difference between fear of the things of this world, and fear in
respectful awe of you. We want to fear you, God, meaning to be
in awe of who you are and your love for us. Remind us that other
things threatening to scare us will pass away. You promise to defend
us, provide for us, and love us eternally. Jesus’ birth on earth and
death on the cross is the greatest expression of your love for us. This
Advent, let us be in awe of the plan you put in place to save us from
our sin. A baby, born in a manger, your Son, Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 A Prayer of Thankfulness That
Day 18 Jesus Took on Human Likeness

SCRIPTURE “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the
Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:10–11

MEDITATION The angel echoed Isaiah 43:11: “I, even I, am the LORD, and apart
from me there is no savior.”

PRAYER Father,
Fill our hearts with the truth of the angel’s words. Because of Jesus,
as believers we never have to be apart from you again. Thank you for
giving us the gift of your Son. Jesus, thank You for taking on all of our
sin by way of the cross. Thank you for walking the earth so you could
understand how we feel, and comfort us the way no one else can.
You truly are, a joy for all people. Let us not forget the joy and peace
you give us through our salvation. Don’t let the weight of this world
and the everyday stress of life cause us to forget it… or you.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer of Praise for the
Day 19 Signs and Wonders of Christmas

SCRIPTURE “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and
lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:12

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:20

PRAYER Father,
We praise You for giving us signs and wonders! For communicating
to us through prayer and miracles. Help us to see your hand in this
world, Father. You are always with us, guiding us, providing for us,
and embracing us in your perfect love. We are the ones who get
sidetracked by life and it’s distracting circumstances. May we stay
focused on you intently this Advent season and beyond, knowing and
trusting in Your work in our lives. Help us see the everyday miracles
of your presence and provision in our lives.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 A Prayer to Declare God’s
Day 20 Glory in the Highest

SCRIPTURE And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
Luke 2:13–14

MEDITATION The angels sang praise to God in heaven, and of the unique peace
believers in Christ experience in mind, body and soul.

PRAYER Father,
Glory to God in the highest! Oh, Lord, how we want to experience
your glory to the full, because there is nothing that compares to it.
Nothing on earth, no person or accomplishment, can satisfy our souls
completely. We were made to enjoy you and glorify you. Today we
declare your glory! We see it in all the beautiful decorations of the
season and the cheerful faces around us. We see your glory in all you
have created. Help us glorify you today!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer for God to Give Us
Day 21 the Courage to “Go” and “Tell” of Jesus

SCRIPTURE “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which
the Lord has told us about.”
Luke 2:15

MEDITATION In their travels to see Jesus, the shepherds spread the word of what
had happened.

PRAYER Father,
We are called to “go” and “tell” of the good news of Jesus. Just like
the shepherds on the night of our Savior’s birth, we are called to go
shine light in dark places by speaking of Jesus, and living in such a way
that our lives reflect his glory at work in us. But Father, it costs us to
follow Christ, and we often lack courage. Give us a boost of bravery
when we need it, to remember the shepherds awe and how they
couldn’t help but spread the good news of Christ’s birth. Let us be so
full of Your love that we cannot contain it.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer to Treasure All
Day 22 These Things In Our Heart

SCRIPTURE But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her
heart.
Luke 2:19

MEDITATION The observance about Mary in this verse is repeated in Luke 2:51 after
Jesus is found at the temple.

PRAYER Father,
The way You have created us is complex and wonderful. Full of
thoughts and brimming with emotion, help us to remember the
special moments we experience You in our lives. Like Mary preserved
certain moments in her heart as she had the privilege of raising
Jesus as her earthly son, let us not take for granted any of things
or opportunities we are blessed with in life. May we hold Your love
especially close, and top of mind, as we reflect on this Advent season.
Help us treasure the good news for us in our hearts today.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 A Prayer to Remember
Day 23 We Were Created in Love

SCRIPTURE On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he
was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was
conceived.
Luke 2:21

MEDITATION God knew all of us before the day we were born. The Bible says, “For
you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s
womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

PRAYER Father,
Just as Jesus was with You in the beginning, so You knew us before
we breathed in our first breath of earthly air. Your purpose for us is
good, because You are good. Help us to remember that we are known
to You, special to You, and purposed by You to do great things. Let
us celebrate Christmas! Because of Jesus, we can live the full life You
designed for us. You know and love us, Father, so much. Thank You.
We love You.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer to
Day 24 Fix Our Eyes on Jesus

SCRIPTURE When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the
house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed
down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and
presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:10–11

MEDITATION The wise men studied and followed the star that led them to Jesus.
Along the way, they encounter King Herod, who told them to report
the child’s location back to him. Warned in a dream to return home,
they did not inform the king.

PRAYER Father,
The wise men followed the star faithfully, not knowing where it
would lead them. Help us to follow You faithfully, not knowing what
we will have to go through in this life, but knowing we will eventually
be with You eternally in heaven. Help us to fix our eyes on You, Jesus,
to bow down and worship You in awe as these three kings we read
about today did. Let us offer the best of ourselves, as they presented
you with gifts. This Christmas, as we exchange presents with each
other, help us to remember that You, Jesus, are the greatest gift …of
all time.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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 An Advent Prayer to Our Emmanuel,
Day 25 Jesus, Who Is Always With Us

SCRIPTURE Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

2 Corinthians 9:15

MEDITATION Emmanuel means “God with us.” It’s a word we sing about at
Christmastime, but for believers, it’s a loving reminder that He
remains “with us” always.

PRAYER Father,
Today we are taking the time to prayerfully thank you for the gift
of Jesus Christ. He is the reason we celebrate Christmas. May we
remember Christ in a special way throughout the day. You love us
so much, God, that You made a way for us to be close to You, and
eventually with You in heaven, forever. And that way …is Jesus. It’s
hard to understand Your great love for us, but that will not stop us
from being grateful for it each and every day. Thank you, God, for the
gift of Jesus.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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About the Author

Meg Bucher writes about everyday life within the love of Christ. An
author, freelance writer and blogger at Sunny&80, she earned a
Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University. Her first book, Friends
with Everyone, is available on amazon.com. Meg leads/teaches Bible
Study in Women’s and Junior High Ministry.

Living in Northern Ohio, she’s been wife to Jim for a decade and
counting, is mom to two tween daughters, a distance runner,
photographer, and Cleveland Browns fan.

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