Father, in Jesus' name, I confess that I have been anxious and worried about many things in my life and in the world. Focusing on these things has me at times absolutely overwhelmed. Yet there is only One that is worthy of my attention and necessary for my life. It is Jesus, the giver of eternal life, who will not be taken away from me. Constantly remind me that there is nothing more important than spending time daily with You sitting in Your presence and listening to Your Word.
Jesus, forgive me for allowing the things of this world, work, and even ministry to distract me from You. I realize that I am not needed or necessary for any people in this world or for the nations of the earth. You alone are the Savior of the world and the hope of nations. No one needs me to show up anywhere or to hear what I think or know. We need Your presence, Your knowledge, Your understanding, and Your wisdom. To put it simply we need You and Your Words. You only have the words to eternal life and salvation is found in no one else but You.
Do not allow me to go anywhere or do anything unless Your presence goes before me and You are with me. Unless You untie me and are riding on me, like the colt that You rode into Jerusalem, then there is really no need for me to go anywhere and do anything. Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing to use me to carry Your presence and Your words. I need You to do a work in my heart, mind, soul, and life that prepares me be a holy vessel that carries the presence of Christ to this world. Sadly, too often it has been about me when Your Word declares that no flesh shall glory in Your presence.
God, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and use me to show forth the reality of Jesus through my life and to proclaim Your gospel with my lips. Too often I fail to yield to Your Spirit and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. I talk a far better game of walking with Christ than living out the reality of it. Like the Pharisees and religious leaders of the first century, my lips are often near You while my heart is far from You. Who am I to talk to anyone about You when I often fail to live out what it means to follow Christ? Perhaps Your expectations of me are different than I think, and it is me putting demands on me that You have not. Thank You for being patient with me. Help me to love You and live for You. For apart from Your help, I cannot. Lord, I need You!!!
Show me what You require of me. What do You want me to do? Help me to be ok with just being alone in Your presence and doing nothing but being silent. God, break that in me that deep down just wants to do 'big things' that others will notice. Help me to be faithful in the 'little things' that most will never see. Those things that are done before You my audience of One. Bring me to the end of myself, to the place where I quit trying so hard and just rest in Your acceptance, approval, and love for me that is unfailing. Help me to avail myself to You freely and fully that You may use my life for Your glory as You see fit. In Jesus' name, Amen!!!