7 Prayers That Work

  "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again." ( John 12:27-28) Oh, God, I'm really sad . I feel overwhelmed . It's not any one thing-- I just feel a heavy weight of so many concerns , fears, and disappointments. I feel lost. Although you always knew your purpose on earth, and you always knew how things would end, you were sad, too. Maybe the knowing is worse than the not-knowing? You knew the enormity of your calling. But what if I'm not sure of mine? What if I've gotten off track? What if I've ruined everything? Please take my sadness away-- I'll try to give it to you. I know you can transform it into something beautiful and worthy, something life-giving. Hear me, Lord. Wipe my tears. Hold my heart . Wrap me in your comforting arms. ...

Wow, Lord, I'm a little overwhelmed. I'm back in the old-but-not-normal grind. It's physical work but virtual, too. I'm having to get up early, work all day, and manage to do everything in person and online. It's great to wear normal clothes and see human faces, even behind masks. But every day is a new struggle. Something's different. Something's changed forever. Something's harder than before. So much has changed, sometimes I resent that I can no longer  plan  or feel secure about my work or my life. I belong to you. My work belongs to you. Why is it so hard for me to be joyful about my situation? Convict me when I complain about how things used to be. Remind me that you are a God of transformation -- you don't want anything to stay the same. Not even me. Not ever. When I feel inconvenienced or overlooked, remind me that I'm here on a global mission , in your service, for your glory. It's not about me....