7 Prayers That Work

  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...

Dear Lord, Remember me. Touch me. I'm discouraged. I don't know what to do or where to turn. I feel like nothing I do turns out right. I want to give up and crawl in a hole, but that doesn't feel good, either. Give me the faith to trust your plan for my life. Give me the courage to keep moving forward. Give me vision when I'm overwhelmed. Give me grace when I'm angry and hurt. Give me perseverance when I want to quit. Make me like Jesus. That's probably what you're doing, because this process is painful. So maybe you're up to something in my life after all. I love you, and I'm trying to trust you. Amen.