I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.  Isa. 49:16

Lord, forgive me for putting 

   so much time and energy

       into worldly things. 

Help me to clear my mind

     of unnecessary, 

             frivolous concerns.

 Help me to stay focused 

      on You and Your kingdom.

 Let me honor You in all I do or say. 

Give me patience 

      with myself and others. 

Just as I am not perfect, 

      let me forgive others

     who are not perfect either. 

Let me show love and humility to those

      with whom I become annoyed.

 Let me be a willing, eager servant 

       to those in need. 

Forgive me for not doing 

     those things I should.

Be with those who are hurt,

     sick, …..grieving,….. lonely. 

Remind me that they 

      are my responsibility. 

Let me show kindness… mercy … 

      love to all.

Let me turn my back 

      on self pity and jealousy.

 Let me return good for evil.

Let me build up 

      instead of tearing down.

Help me to remember

     that my name is engraved

     on the palms of Your hands.

Assure me that You 

      will not forget or desert me. 

I praise You 

      for the goodness and joy 

      I experience daily. 

Thank You, Almighty God 

     for all things.

In Christ's name.

                                                              

Lord, I have been so remiss 

   about having quality time for You, 

   with You, my Creator and Sustainer. 

Forgive me.

When I am not putting You first,

      I get into trouble with myself and my relationships.

      I become dissatisfied with my life,

          … wallow in self pity,

          …become ugly and nasty,                                                  

          … feel inferior and worthless.

Lord, help me remember

      I cannot bring honor and glory

          to Your name

          when I am so negative. 

I hurt others and myself unnecessarily

           --actions that make me  feel

           more disgusted with myself.         

Forgive me.

Remind me that I am Your child, 
       Your beloved. 

What joy it is to know this;

       but, even knowing this,

       I continue to let petty slights 

       hurt and sour my day.  

Let me look up, not down.

Let me look inward and find rest and peace for my soul.  

Remind me  I have been created

     to glorify you  

     to do all things

    in accordance with Your will.  

    I am here to serve, not to be served.

    I am to be Your hands and feet, Lord;  

    I need Your strength and guidance.   

Thank you for my family, 

     for a husband who has loved me over fifty years, 

     for grandchildren who love us, 

     for daughters who bless us, 

    for sons-in-law who value their wives and children, 

    for friends, 

    for my church and church family, 

    for blessings innumerable.  (July 21, 2016)

Let Me Build Others Up  Heavenly Father, Be with me today. Let my words and actions  please You. Let my heart sing with joy      because I am Your child. Let me bring honor and glory      to Your name. Let me love. Be with my loved ones;   Guide me to hurting people; Lead me to places       where I am needed. Let me feel your holy presence; Give me strength; Give me Your comfort Help me to see the lonely hearts      in my life. Be with those who mourn      the loss of loved ones,      the loss of the security of routine,      the loss of jobs and traditions. Assure them that all things      will be done in accordance      with  Your Will.

Be with those who are estranged      from family members      from friends.      from You. Lead them and show them      how to walk across the room          of reconciliation. Be with those who live      in the dark caves of depression,      feeling unloved,       rejected,       worthless. Shine the beacon of Your light on them. Illuminate the path for them to follow       from the depths of despair      into the sunlight of Your love and grace. Let them feel the warmth of Your presence. Lord, as I age, help me      have a positive attitude,      look at myself and evaluate myself      before giving in to the temptation       to point accusing fingers at others. Thank you for my many blessings/ Let me build others up in love;       not tear them down in jealousy.                                     In Christ's name.