Prayers to Papa: A Journey through the Bible

By Kate VanPelt

Have you ever read the Bible from Genesis through Revelations? Does it seem like a daunting task? How can you apply what you read to your own life?

Prayers to Papa seeks to turn this daunting task into a beautiful journey through the Bible at your own pace. It offers scripture, prayer, music recommendations, and space for you to journal your praises, intentions, and answered prayers. This journey can comfort, educate, and inspire you, but most of all, it can bring you into a special, intimate relationship with God, connecting you to His plan from the beginning of time. Some days, the travel may be hard, and other times it may seem like a vacation; this was author Kate VanPelt’s experience. But God showed up for her every day, giving her prayer and song, hearing her intentions, and answering her. He became her closest, most cherished friend—and he can do the same for you.

This devotional presents a guided reading journey through the Bible, filled with scripture, prayer, music, and space for journaling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385011834

Kate VanPelt

Kate VanPelt is a wife, mother, prayer warrior, teacher, and Christian music lover. Prayers to Papa is the product of a three-year journey of her reading, journaling and praying her way through the Bible. She currently teaches seventh-grade math, which she describes as a ministry unto itself. She and her husband, Jon, reside on the shores of Lake Michigan, in New Buffalo, Michigan, where they raised four children who are now grown. Follow her website at prayerstopapa.com

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Copyright © 2023 Kate VanPelt.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1181-0 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1182-7 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1183-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023921534

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/27/2023

CONTENTS

Introduction and Dedication

Chapter 1    Prayers to Papa through Genesis

Chapter 2    Prayers to Papa through Exodus

Chapter 3    Prayers to Papa through Leviticus

Chapter 4    Prayers to Papa through Numbers

Chapter 5    Prayers to Papa through Deuteronomy

Chapter 6    Prayers to Papa through Joshua

Chapter 7    Prayers to Papa through Judges

Chapter 8    Prayers to Papa through Ruth

Chapter 9    Prayers to Papa through 1 Samuel

Chapter 10   Prayers to Papa through 2 Samuel

Chapter 11   Prayers to Papa through 1 Kings

Chapter 12   Prayers to Papa through 2 Kings

Chapter 13   Prayers to Papa through 1 Chronicles

Chapter 14   Prayers to Papa through 2 Chronicles

Chapter 15   Prayers to Papa through Ezra

Chapter 16   Prayers to Papa through Nehemiah

Chapter 17   Prayers to Papa through Esther

Chapter 18   Prayers to Papa through Job

Chapter 19   Prayers to Papa through Psalms

Chapter 20   Prayers to Papa through Proverbs

Chapter 21   Prayers to Papa through Ecclesiastes

Chapter 22   Prayers to Papa through Song of Songs

Chapter 23   Prayers to Papa through Isaiah

Chapter 24   Prayers to Papa through Jeremiah

Chapter 25   Prayers to Papa through Lamentations

Chapter 26   Prayers to Papa through Ezekiel

Chapter 27   Prayers to Papa through Daniel

Chapter 28   Prayers to Papa through Hosea

Chapter 29   Prayers to Papa through Joel

Chapter 30   Prayers to Papa through Amos

Chapter 31   Prayers to Papa through Obadiah

Chapter 32   Prayers to Papa through Jonah

Chapter 33   Prayers to Papa through Micah

Chapter 34   Prayers to Papa through Nahum

Chapter 35   Prayers to Papa through Habakkuk

Chapter 36   Prayers to Papa through Zephaniah

Chapter 37   Prayers to Papa through Haggai

Chapter 38   Prayers to Papa through Zechariah

Chapter 39   Prayers to Papa through Malachi

Chapter 40   Prayers to Papa through Matthew

Chapter 41   Prayers to Papa through Mark

Chapter 42   Prayers to Papa through Luke

Chapter 43   Prayers to Papa through John

Chapter 44   Prayers to Papa through Acts

Chapter 45   Prayers to Papa through Romans

Chapter 46   Prayers to Papa through 1 Corinthians

Chapter 47   Prayers to Papa through 2 Corinthians

Chapter 48   Prayers to Papa through Galatians

Chapter 49   Prayers to Papa through Ephesians

Chapter 50   Prayers to Papa through Philippians

Chapter 51   Prayers to Papa through Colossians

Chapter 52   Prayers to Papa through 1 Thessalonians

Chapter 53   Prayers to Papa through 2 Thessalonians

Chapter 54   Prayers to Papa through 1 Timothy

Chapter 55   Prayers to Papa through 2 Timothy

Chapter 56   Prayers to Papa through Titus

Chapter 57   Prayers to Papa through Philemon and Hebrews

Chapter 58   Prayers to Papa through James

Chapter 59   Prayers to Papa through 1 Peter

Chapter 60   Prayers to Papa through 2 Peter

Chapter 61   Prayers to Papa through 1 John

Chapter 62   Prayers to Papa through 2 John and 3 John

Chapter 63   Prayers to Papa through Jude and Revelation

INTRODUCTION AND DEDICATION

My mother was an educator, an English teacher, a writer, and a devout follower of Jesus Christ. Her dream was to retire, continue writing, and publish a book. God had other plans, though, as he called her home on April 20, 2020, leaving behind her husband of fifty-four years, five children, and fourteen grandchildren. She was a force, and her death left me searching, questioning, and missing her guidance. I turned to God and started trying to read the Bible. I would just open it up and ask God to speak to me, yet sometimes I felt more confused after reading the verses as I had never read it from cover to cover. It was now the fall of 2020 and a high school friend of mine, Michael Troth, had posted a Bible reading plan from his church from beginning to end. I hadn’t spoken to Michael since high school, but the day he made his post was the day my journey through the Bible began.

Three years later, I realized that my prayers to Papa, my journey through the Bible, was a book that needed to be shared. It had taken me on a spiritual journey and become my favorite time of the day. I would read the verses for the day, write my prayer to God, and listen to music that connected the verses to my prayer as I journaled my thanksgivings, my prayer requests, and my answered prayers. I shared it with my sister, Kerry McKinney, who opened my eyes to the fact that our mom had written her book through me. Kerry read and edited each page and encouraged me to add the music as it had brought us all so much closer to God, to our mom, and to each other.

God had this plan and wanted this book written and used so many different people to get it done. I believe this book makes reading the Bible a less daunting task and turns it into a beautiful, prayerful journey connecting us to God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The word journey was given to me many times throughout this process. Some days, the journey was hard, and other times seemed like a vacation. There were days in between when I was stuck, tired, depressed, lonely, rushing, confused, and even ecstatic. Every day, though, God showed up. He gave me my prayer, gave me my song, heard my intentions, answered me, and became my closest, most cherished friend.

I want to thank my mom, Judy Krueger; my sister, Kerry McKinney; and my friend Michael Troth for leading me to and through God’s glorious plan of writing this devotional journey through the Bible. It has comforted me, educated me, and inspired me, but most of all, it has brought me into such a special relationship with God, my Papa. I hope this journey does the same for you.

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CHAPTER 1

PRAYERS TO PAPA THROUGH GENESIS

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Read Genesis 1–3.

So God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)

Dear God,

Made in your image. Help me to hold on to that today. Help me to remember that you love me as I am and you want all of me, even as messy as I am sometimes. Thank you, Lord, for being so patient with me when I hide from you or when I forget whose I am. Help me to remember that I am enough, I am strong, and I will say yes to anything and everything that you ask of me because you will provide everything that I need. Give me the faith, Lord, to move past my fears and insecurities and act boldly in your name. Feed me with your presence, Father.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: I’m Not Alone by Riley Clemmons

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 4–7.

Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.’ (Genesis 4:6–7)

Dear God,

Give me strength today to give my life to you, Lord, and to live it according to your plan. Remind me that even when I mess up, you still have your mark on me; I am still yours. From the beginning of time, this world became broken because of humankind’s choices. Give me the strength today to make choices that are pleasing to you, that show others love and compassion, and that bring peace to my soul. Help me to rule over all the sin in my world by focusing only on you—the one who created me in your image, the one who knew me before I was born, and the one who loves me—all of me.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: Follow You (with Brandon Heath) by Leeland

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 8–10.

For in the image of God has God made mankind. (Genesis 9:6)

Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth. (Genesis 9:16)

Dear God,

I have seen so many rainbows in the last few years, and this world seems so out of control. Are you trying to speak to us? Are you trying to speak to me? Are we listening? Am I listening? There have been so many losses, and after each, a rainbow appears—the symbol you gave us for the covenant you made with us. Help us to listen! Help us to hear you say, You are not alone! I have already won the war! Be still and know! Be not afraid. I can do all things! You can have it all. Remind us of these promises and give us the faith to believe them and the strength to act on them with boldness.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: Prophesy Your Promise (Café Session) by Bryan and Katie Torwalt and Worship Together

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 11–13.

The Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curse you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ (Genesis 12:1–3)

Dear God,

Thank you for your blessing. It is so comforting to know that our Father was protecting us and blessing us all the way back to Abram. You had a plan for Abram back then, you had a plan for all of us back then, and that is still true today! Your promises never fail. What a patient Father you are. We stray, we think we know better, and we mess up your plans for us, but you are always there to make things new, to love us, to bless us, and to redeem us. Help me to receive this tremendous blessing today. Help me to bless others as you do me.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: Love Like This (Live) by The Belonging Co and Hope Darst

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 14–17.

Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. (Genesis 15:1)

Dear God,

You have been protecting and guiding us from the beginning. I can only imagine how Abram (a.k.a. Abraham) felt when you spoke those words to him, the man whom you made the father of many nations. Through Abraham, I have received this promise that I treasure. When things look dark, when illness, disease, and addictions rear their ugly heads, when depression and anxiety strike, when grief begins to drown me, when loneliness and isolation seem never-ending, and when guilt and shame make me feel like I will never be enough, I hear you speak those words to me. Do not be afraid … I am your shield, your very great reward. Allow me to fully receive your words, God, and give me the abundant faith in you to fully believe them and move boldly in the direction in which you are so ever faithfully guiding me.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: Always Been God (Studio) by Hillsong Worship and Hannah Hobbs

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 18–20.

Then the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, Will I really have a child, now that I am old? Is there anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.’ Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, ‘I did not laugh.’ But he said, ‘Yes, you did laugh.’ (Genesis 18:13–15)

Dear God,

There is nothing too hard for you. This is nothing impossible for you to do. You show us that, time and time again. From Genesis to the present, you make the impossible possible. You make a mess beautiful. You can lead us out of or into anything. All we must do is follow and believe. You don’t want perfection; you just want us. Today, God, I ask that you use me. Help me to say yes to whatever you ask of me, however absurd it might seem. Sarah was old when you told her she would conceive, and she laughed! Thank you for showing us your sense of humor, and thank you for showing us that your timing and your blueprint for our lives are all that matter. I will follow with firm faith today and try not to laugh at the plan you show me!

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: There’s Nothing That Our God Can’t Do (Feat. Kristian Stanfill) Live by Passion

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 21–23.

Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’ And she added, ‘Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.’ (Genesis 21:6–7)

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’ (Genesis 22:14)

Dear God,

Your promises are true, and you are so very faithful. You are even funny! Sarah is so right. Her story makes me laugh and shake my head! You will always provide, and you do it in your own perfect timing. You are the blueprint of our lives, and sometimes it is so hard to surrender to your will. We lose hope; we lose faith only to be shocked and surprised at your timing. Thank you for making me laugh, especially at myself! Thank you for showing me daily that your plans and your timing are perfect! Open my eyes and my heart to all the prayers that you answer today and to all the ways you make me laugh while you are answering them.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: Morning Song by Jess Ray

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 24–26.

I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the numbers of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham. (Genesis 26:24)

Dear God,

Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your promises. Thank you for never leaving my side. Help me to be like Abraham, completely dependent on you and completely faithful to you. Take away all my doubts and insecurities. Help me to lay them at your feet and rest in the plan that you have set for my life. I surrender everything to you, Lord. Today and every day, I will follow you without fear. I will say yes to everything you ask of me. Thank you for your blessing.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: I Will Follow You (Live) by Kristene DiMarco

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 27–29.

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. (Genesis 28:15)

Dear God,

What a blessing to know that I am never alone. You are with me in this moment, and you are already in my tomorrow guiding me, watching over me, making my blueprint, and fixing it when I mess up. Your promises are true. This world is filled with chaos and noise. Help me, Lord, to filter out all of it and solely focus on you and your plan for me. Fill me up with your presence. Draw me closer to you. Help me to lean in and feel your guidance, hear your whisper, and follow with my whole heart. Here I am. Thy will be done today and all my tomorrows.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: You Already Know by J. J. Heller

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 30–33.

Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.’ Jacob said, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he replied, ‘Why do you ask my name?’ Then he blessed him there.

(Genesis 32:28–29)

Dear God,

How many times are we struggling or wrestling with humans and not recognizing that it is you? How many times in our days, weeks, months, and years are you present in our lives, teaching, guiding, and strengthening us, and we miss it? Looking back, I now recognize you in so many situations, but things could have been so different if I had recognized you in the moment! Open my eyes, Lord! Search my heart and find whatever I am wrestling. Come, Holy Spirit, and teach me, guide me, and even wrestle with me so that I may recognize you in my life in that moment and be blessed.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: God Speaking by Mandisa

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 34–36.

And God said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you and kings will be among your descendants. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.’ (Genesis 35:11–12)

Dear God,

I get so much comfort when I hear you repeating your promises generation after generation. Has our generation become deaf to your voice, Father? Are you speaking and the noise of this era is drowning you out? Are we too busy to listen? My favorite part of my day is this: reading your word, writing my letter to you, and feeling your presence while I listen for your voice. I hear you, Lord. I feel you, Lord. I say yes to you, Lord. Is there something you want me to do? I long for an encounter with you. Help me to encourage future generations to come to you so that they will receive and accept your blessings and continue to see that your promises are true and your love is everlasting.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: Promises (Feat. Joe L. Barnes) by Maverick City Music and Naomi Raine

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 37–40.

When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. (Genesis 39:3)

But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him, he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (Genesis 39:21)

The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. (Genesis 39:23)

Dear God,

It doesn’t matter what our circumstances are if we have you! Help me to hold fast to that promise today. Help me to always remember that when things are going well, you are at the center and I should praise your name! When I am tempted to stress or panic when things are bad or feel out of control, I should celebrate and praise because you are with me just like Joseph. You will provide. All you want is all of me, so today, Lord, I say yes to you before you even ask. I am so blessed to be your child.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: God of All My Days by Casting Crowns

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 41–43.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.’ (Genesis 41:39–40)

The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.’ (Genesis 41:52)

Dear God,

You are always with us. You never leave us. I am just resting on those words today. In the midst of our joys and celebrations, you are near. And like Joseph, in the midst of our suffering, you are near. You made Joseph fruitful in his suffering and you never left him. What a comfort that is. There is no need to stay up at night and worry about things. You say, Rest! I am here. Sometimes you take us through the sufferings to increase our faith and our dependence on you. I surrender to you, Papa. I will walk the hills and the valleys with no fear because I know you are always near.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: By the Grace of God by Bethel Music and Brian Johnson

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 44–46.

I am your brother, Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing or reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by great deliverance. (Genesis 45:4–7)

Dear God,

Your plan never fails. Help me to be more like Joseph. His brothers sold him into slavery. He could have been bitter, he could have been unforgiving, he could have shown revenge, but he had faith in your bigger plan. He knew his brothers were not in control. He knew that that his purpose and his circumstances rested in you. He knew you would not only provide for him but also allow his faithful and obedient actions to save a nation. Thank you, God, for loving us so much. Today, I ask for the heart, wisdom, and faith of Joseph, especially to the people who have betrayed me. I now see that there were even blessings from you in those betrayals.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: Still in Control (Live) by Jesus Culture and Mack Brock

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 47–48.

May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm-may he bless these boys. May they be called by name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac and may they increase greatly on the earth. (Genesis 48:15–16)

Dear God,

What a beautiful prayer this is. I pray this blessing that Jacob blessed over Joseph over my family and all my intentions today. What a connection we have to the past. To see God’s work and his wisdom come to life is truly amazing. To this present day, God’s work continues. Open my eyes to your work, Father. Open my ears to your direction. Open my heart, God. Give me humility and the room to receive all that you have planned, and give me the boldness to act on it.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: Open My Eyes Lord by Steffany Gretzinger

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

Read Genesis 49–50.

But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19–21)

Dear God,

Thank you for your vivid example of how to forgive and have great, unwavering faith. Joseph’s brothers sold him and wanted to kill him because they were so jealous. Joseph went to prison. He suffered, but he kept his eyes focused on you and your plan. He saw how you provided for him in every circumstance, and in the end, Joseph forgave his brothers and was kind to them. He still wept, though. It still hurt him, yet his faith in you was bigger than his pain. Give me the faith of Joseph, Father. Help me to rise above my pain, see the good that you intended, and move forward with kindness and forgiveness.

I love you, Papa.

Suggested song: There Was Jesus (Piano Version) by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton

Prayer requests, thanksgivings, and answered prayers:

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