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...

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...