7 Prayers That Work

Oh, Lord, I did it again. I'm nit-picking and criticizing. I just can't stop myself. Or at least, I choose not to. I stand in front of people I love and I say unhelpful things with a big megaphone when I should just be listening. Help me to choose edifying speech. I want to give encouragement to my kids and husband, to speak lovely things about extended family and friends, to notice the good in church, school, and community organizations. I want to be a blessing to others. Lord, root out this spirit of criticism. I confess it. I know it comes from pride, and I confess it and pray against it in Jesus' name. Help me to learn your humility and your gentleness. Even when I see the wrong in something--even when I should take action against it or call it out--give me the grace to fight sin with mercy and understanding, to love sinners while hating sin. To give the Holy Spirit time to work in his own way and not according to my impatience. Why is this so hard? I am such a ...

Dear Lord Creator, Life is hard. Are you growing me? I want to grow strong and straight and sure,  but I feel safer when I'm not growing, not changing,  not venturing out into new territories.  Somehow, you know what's best for me.  You gently peel away my tough exterior, like white bark from a birch tree that hovers over the water's edge. You unmask my pretense, my pride, my accomplishments-- You tear away what I wear to hide my shortcomings that actually keeps me from maturity, beauty, and destiny.  You know that I will not grow unless you pull away my bark and uncover the tender trunk underneath.  Then you can broaden my perspective--  expand my territory--  raise my branches heavenward to provide shade and protection for others. You give me the chance to grow  a little straighter, a little taller, a little more beautiful. But if I resist the peeling, I will not grow at all. Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is ...