My Awesome and Eternal God, I give thanks for the warmth of Your love which has been given to me today. May the tenderness of Your love chase away any doubt that may come to separate me from You. I listen attentively for Your soft, gentle voice that makes my burdens seem lighter and gives me restful peace. As You smile upon me, I feel treasured and valued. Having You as My King fills my heart with gladness and I am joyful throughout my day. Knowing that You are standing with me gives me strength to endure when things are not going the way I planned. I treasure our friendship and I enjoy the benefits of Your loving acts of kindness. It is comforting to know that You walk with me each day protecting me from evil.
When I cannot sense Your presence, I find myself confused and unable to make good choices. In those times, I reach for my Bible and begin to read knowing that You (and my resolution) are contained in the Scriptures. And by prayer, I make my needs known and I become confident that they will be met as Your hand is offered for me to take hold. When life steals my contentment and I seem to be waiting endlessly for Your response to my prayers, I know that I must hang in there … patiently waiting for You to respond to my requests. Doubt is my enemy so I must always guard against it. And even when I do not understand the things going on around me, I must not lose sight of the fact that You are The Great Architect who framed the world and gave me life. I must trust that You know what is best for me and have everything under control. As new obstacles confront me, I will do my best to handle them with the knowledge You’ve given me, but I will also invite You to be my partner in dealing with them. Because of my faith in You, I believe that You have a solution for every problem that I face.
O God of Hope, fill me with a peace that comes from believing in You at all times and in all things. Cause hope to flourish in my life as a “true believer” who has centered his life in You. When I am frustrated or depressed over failed dreams and life’s disappointments, give me the faith to believe and the courage to persevere … knowing that all things will work out for my good. You alone provide me with a peace that gives my mind rest, soothes my aching heart and eases the tensions in my body. I yearn to hear Your voice reassuring me that You will do what You promised … if only I will believe. Because of my abiding love for You, I know that the impossibilities I face will be made possible because I believe that my prayers are heard and I’m confident that what I’ve asked will be done in a way that serves my best interest. Therefore, it is with a believing heart that I follow You knowing Your way is the right way. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Matthew 16:24 If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.