Jesus Awaken Me from Spiritual Apathy: Prayer for Renewal and Devotion (Prayer Journal 284)

Father, in Jesus' name, I praise and thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness, goodness, kindness, and love. At times during my day, I feel the urge to indulge in worldly entertainment, only to end up feeling disappointed and distracted from You. I need the reminder that only You can truly satisfy me. Nothing else will suffice; bring me to the point where my only desire is for You.

Why do I feel so apathetic, complacent, indifferent, irreverent, inconsistent, wavering, and non-committal towards You? There are numerous instances where my actions in my relationship with You don't match my words about You. My words suggest closeness to You, yet my heart remains distant. I need You to awaken my heart and make me weary of my lukewarm attitude and sin.

Jesus, to be truthful, I am not genuinely living my life for You or serving others. More often than I'd like to acknowledge, I'm simply going through the motions and pretending to love You. I'm weary of being this way. Ministry has turned into 'my job' instead of an expression of deep fellowship with You.

Stir my soul from its lethargy, rouse me from my sleep, and clear my mind from the distractions of the world. Tear down the barriers around my heart that prevent the love You've instilled in me through Your Spirit from reaching You and others. Guide me to care deeply for You, the Good Shepherd, and for the sheep You have called for me to nurture and nourish.

Regrettably, I sometimes believe I can accomplish what You have called me to do alongside You, without Your help. I often rely on the things You've entrusted to me, rather than relying on You. However, the reality is that I can achieve nothing without You. Empower me to do what I could never accomplish on my own. Set me apart and prepare me to bring Your presence and Word to those You surround me with and send me to.

I avail myself to You for You to use me as You see fit. You can use anyone and anything that You want. So, Lord please use me! Bring me to the end of myself that I may truly experience You. I need to be broken, cleansed, disciplined, and pruned.

My life focuses too much on myself and not enough on Jesus. Please forgive me for seeking glory in Your presence while in this flesh. I am in desperate need of You. Rid me of my self-reliance and pride. Transform me into a humble person who depends entirely on You. Let me be a genuine worshiper who loves You far more than this fallen world. Amen!