7 Prayers That Work

Lord God, I've been upset about something for awhile and I've prayed for clarity and wisdom. I have not been able to figure out what to do or why something has happened. You gave me clarity. You sorted the mess with me. I inquired of you, I sought counsel, and I opened myself up to the possibility  that I was mistaken and defensive, that my conclusions were incorrect. You helped me humble myself. You gave me insight. You spoke. I wonder how many times I miss what you're saying because I'm so sure that I'm right? Instead of seeking wisdom and perspective, I look for someone to agree with me. I seek validation. I seek vindication. I see a mess even though you've drawn a clear path to knowing you better. I am so proud. I wonder at your willingness to forgive and direct me. Thank you. I am awed by your mercy and grace, as well as your forgiveness and your continued pursuit to use me. Every time I learn something new about myself, I l...

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord of Creation, How do You do it? Year after year, spring astounds me. Thank you for the beauty of the flowers, the budding trees, the singing of birds as they flitter through the branches, gathering twigs for their nests. Thank you for creating such incredible details and weaving the world together in a tapestry of majesty. Your love is boundless, and I am awed by You. Amen. image by  Bobby Mikul

Dear Lord, Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides-- Thank you for providing me a heritage. No background is perfect, and no family is without pain and suffering. Yet regardless of present circumstances, my heritage is a provision from You to shape me and direct my attention toward You and toward Your never-failing, no-strings-attached love. Thank you for providing me a life, imperfect and filled with pain, yet bursting with opportunities for growth. You stretch me and challenge me because You love me. You have plans for me. These are just some aspects of Your unimaginable provision. Thank You, Jehovah-Jireh. Let me never forget or minimize the depth of your care, even when I don't understand it. Amen. image by  K Whiteford  

Lord Jesus, Somehow, help me to live a life worthy of you, to please you in every way. Produce fruit from my life through good works. Give me wisdom and insight to grow in the knowledge of God. Strengthen me with power according to your glorious might. Help me endure and be patient, give joyfully. Thank you, Father, for qualifying me to share in your inheritance of the saints in your kingdom. You have rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of the Son you love. Thank you for redeeming and forgiving my sins. Transform me. Make me wise enough to be satisfied with you. That's when the fruit will ripen. Amen. Col.1:9-14 image by  Petr Kratochvil

Dear Lord, Why am I afraid of the things I can't control, when You are all-powerful? Why am I afraid of failure, when You've promised give me a future? Why am I afraid to defend the truth--when You have called Yourself the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Why am I afraid I won't be happy submitting to Your will, when lasting joy can only be found in You? Why am I afraid to share the gospel, when You are the only answer to life's problems? Why am I afraid to truly worship You, when I know that no other pursuit will satisfy me? Why am I afraid to forgive others, when You let me live in Your grace and forgiveness? Why do You even put up with me? It makes no sense. But You are patience and mercy and love. Thank you! Thank You for power, purpose, joy, salvation, intimacy, forgiveness, and grace. You amaze me! I love You!! In Jesus' name, Amen. Psalm 56:11--"In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?" image by Piotr Wojtkowski