7 Prayers That Work

Dear Lord, I want so much. I want happiness and success and impact. I want friends and family. I  need to stop a second and thank you, because your generosity has exceeded my wants. Thank you for using me. Thank you for saving me and filling me and hanging with me even when I stop hanging with you. Thank you for gifting me, even though I don't always appreciate the gifts you choose for me. Thank you for my family, for our home, for our opportunities, for all the things I grumble about that are incredible blessings. May I complain less, argue less, pout less, despair less, give up less. Because all things are possible in Christ. I want your will. I want what you want, in the way that you want it for me. I just want You. Amen.

Lord, Servant of All, Please help me to serve others with a happy heart. Shut my mouth when I want to complain. Prick my heart when I feel selfish. Censor my thoughts when I think I deserve more-- when I believe my life should be marked by happiness, love, appreciation, and respect. You know what it feels like to be overlooked and misunderstood, to work hard at something difficult, something that expends all your energy and hurts you deeply inside, only to be rejected by the ones you served. Give me your attitude-- or at least, help me to learn it. I know it comes through hard work. I'll do it. I want to be like you, Jesus. Servant of Man. Bearer of the cross. Sin for me, although You knew no sin. May I serve like You serve! Amen.

Dear Lord, You inspire me with your creation. I am in awe of your majesty. How did You craft such brilliant colors and mix them together, painting them on trees and bushes, just to astound me? Every autumn, the voice of your artistry calls for attention. It give me just a glimpse of who You are and what You can do. Anything. You created the world; You set it in motion; You turned it on its axis and send it in its orbit to give the world seasons and climates, days and years which with to praise adore You. I cannot fathom Your goodness or Your power. I can only worship You for it. Amen. "He changes times and seasons . . . . He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." (Daniel 2:21)