Praise to You, O Merciful God, for I once was alienated from You due to my evil thoughts and deeds … but You’ve reconciled me to Yourself through Your suffering and death. By Your resurrection … the final act in the salvation epic … I’ve been given a newfound freedom and my relationship with You has been restored. I’ve been given a fresh start and I am convinced that You will stand with me in all of my struggles. I know that when I cry out, You will hear my prayers and come quickly to my aid. You are a Faithful Helper in my times of need and You sustain me through my most difficult times. Because of Your kindness, I will continually offer up to You the fruit of my lips … my praise … my heart-felt thanks … and, my loving devotion. Through a deep and abiding faith in You, I know that You will shower me with favor and blessings. Without You my life is empty and unfulfilling … that’s why I cling to You so tightly.
Much of the time I feel very close to You. In those times, I am full of joy and gratitude for all the things You’ve done for me. There seems to be no obstacle that cannot be overcome with You by my side. But, at other times, my zeal fades, my love burns less brightly and I find myself drifting away from You and Your ways. This illustrates to me that my relationship with You changes over time and my conversion into Your likeness will be an ongoing, lifetime process. I recognize that confession of my sins and repentance for them provides me with a path back into Your waiting arms. Through this process of reconciliation, I experience forgiveness, mercy and love. Through the gifts of Baptism, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and my ability to partake in Your Body and Blood, I am conformed into Your likeness. In Your strength, I am able to overcome my human frailties and weaknesses. Through Your mercy, I am restored to right standing with You so that I can hear Your voice … and, respond to it promptly.
O Gracious Lord, I feel secure in Your love for me and I know that no matter how many times I fail, You are willing to take me back. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, I am encouraged to keep persevering in my search for a deeper walk with You so that I might fulfill Your aspirations for me. I trust that You will stand with me at all times and never be far away. I must never forget that my inner strength and wisdom come from You and that Your hand is extended to help me reach a higher plain. You are the source of all good things in my life and my faith is in You alone. When I encounter trials and struggles, I am confident that if I persevere in faith … my outcomes will all be good. I give You thanks and praise for the help and the blessings You bestow. Help me continue to grow in perseverance and faith so I can remain faithful to You in everything I do. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
II Timothy 4:7 I have fought the fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith.