7 Prayers That Work

Lord Jesus, How can I serve someone today? How can I be YOU to someone else? Maybe a stranger needs a smile and friendly hello. Maybe a neighbor needs flowers from my yard. Maybe my community needs my participation . Maybe my child needs encouragement instead of correction. Maybe my spouse needs affirmation and appreciation instead of my complaints. Maybe that person who hurt me needs to hear that I've forgiven the offense. Lord, you have put people all around me that need to see you in me. How is that so easy to miss? You have put me here to serve others, not make a better life for myself. Lord, forgive me for my selfishness, resentment, and criticism . I want to serve someone today because that's what you do. I want to be Jesus today. No one needs to thank me, notice me, or appreciate me. Only let them think about your great love . Thanks for calling me to serve. In Jesus' name, Amen. "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your serant, and whoever wan...

  A prayer of hope and purpose for the new year, from Philippians 3 -- Lord God, I want to know Jesus Christ and his resurrection. I can't understand his power or his suffering, or his perfection and righteousness. But you know that about me. You know I can't handle this world's problems on my own. You know I can't keep perspective on what matters. It's why you sent Jesus to us in the first place. Because I can't manage on my own, I cling to the hope that you can and will transform all things. I will forget what is behind me in this year. I will reach toward what you have before me in the new year. I will strain toward the prize of winning Christ, of choosing hope in my ordinary existence. I will press on toward the goal of becoming more like your son. My end of the pursuit is heaven. May I long to live in your presence, rather than be fearful of leaving this earth. Mature me this year. Transform me this year. Use me this year. I am yours. That is my hope . Hel...