7 Prayers That Work

Lord, God of Time and Eternity-- A year is passing, and a new year is beginning. This is no big deal to you, because You've watched a millennia float by, neither rushed by it nor slowed by it. But we humans are obsessed with time; we can't get enough of it. Yet You give us exactly what we need to do exactly what You've decided we should do. (If only we would follow Your plan, we'd always have enough time for everything!) That's why I'm praying. I'm tempted to ask for a better year, but I know that's selfish and short-sighted. So instead, I'm asking for Your will, Your guidance, Your discipline, Your conviction. Make me more like Jesus this year. Please. I need more of Him and more of You and more of the Holy Spirit. I need the Trinity at work in me. I suspect that endeavor will use up all the time I have. It will be time well spent. Thank You for investing in me! Thank You for blessing me! Thank You for creating a way f...

He has given us a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. --from Psalm 40:3 Give us miraculous vision and fill us with courage to implement it. Make us radiant with your love yet make us transparent in our weaknesses. Enlarge our territory in this world yet keep us humble about our own contribution. Give us an eternal and earthly legacy that leads only back to You. Amen. image from  zackhunt.net

Dear Lord God, Forgive me for my selfishness this year, for my pre-occupation with myself. Thank you for your patience and love in redirecting my heart towards you.  Your generosity astounds me. You have given me another year to praise you--another year to enjoy my family and my health--another year to serve you.  Thank you for your long-suffering spirit, because I know I have not served well.  Thank you for my family and friends--I am blessed beyond measure.  Please give me perspective to see the work you have for me this coming year and the courage to do it. Give me the humility to ask for help and the faith to believe that you can use me.  Open my eyes to see where you are working so I may join you and broaden my influence so others can find you through me.  Stir in me a spiritual awakening so that I will know you on a deeper level than I ever have before.  Protect and empower me through the work of the Holy Spirit. I am yours.  I love you. I...