To Follow Christ

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.

—Luke 9:23 (NLT)

My Lord and Savior, Jesus,

Grant me the strength and the commitment to turn away from my selfish ways and embrace with courage and patient endurance whatever challenges our Heavenly Father may place before me—daily following wherever You lead, that I might represent You well.

Help me always remember that my life is found in You—that I belong to You and that the life I am called to live serves Your plans and purposes and not my own.

Give me a heart that is willing to deny myself in order to accomplish that which has been placed before me to do—and hands and feet that move quickly and willingly toward the work at hand.

Help me not to merely serve You with my mouth, but rather demonstrate my love and gratitude for all that You have done for me, by truly living out my life—moment by moment—for Your glory, honor and praise.

Grant me the strength and the commitment to turn away from my selfish ways and embrace with courage and patient endurance whatever challenges our Heavenly Father may place before me—daily following wherever You lead, that I might represent You well.

It is in Your Name, Jesus, that I pray, Amen.

To The LORD Who Saves

Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!
    Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.

—1 Chronicles 16:23 (NLT)

LORD Who Saves,

Let the whole earth be filled with singing—proclaiming the Good News that You save!

With each new day You give, fill my heart with gratitude, LORD—for Your life-giving power which saves.

Then let that uncontainable fullness of my heart spill over my lips in expressions of thanksgiving to You, LORD—in unending life-songs of praise to You for Your unfailing love for us all.

And quicken my spirit within me so that I would know that You are present with me—in each moment that I live.  Let me feel You power at work in me, through me and all around me, as You change me and use me in Your plan and for Your purposes!

Each day, let my life proclaim the Good News—through my thoughts, words, and actions—as a testimony to how Your love continually saves me in every way, as I put all of my trust in You!

Let the whole earth be filled with singing—proclaiming the Good News that You save!

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Guide Me, Advise Me, Watch Over Me

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
    I will advise you and watch over you.

Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
    that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

—Psalm 32:8-9 (NLT)

Loving LORD,

Guide me along the best pathway for my life—advise me and watch over me always.  Let my heart be fully submitted to Your will, Your plan and Your purpose for me.

I don’t want to find myself fighting against You—like a senseless or stubborn horse or mule—only to end up having to endure the discipline and deal with the consequences of my foolish disobedience.

Help me to remember that the path You lead me down is the best way for me to go—the way that will keep me safe and the direction in which I will find my every need met according to Your plan and Your perfect timing.

Help me to seek out Your counsel, listen for Your advice, willingly obey Your instruction—and then, by faith, rest in Your provision, protection, peace and joy.

Guide me along the best pathway for my life—advise me and watch over me always.  Let my heart be fully submitted to Your will, Your plan and Your purpose for me.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.