As I sat down to spend time with my Father this morning, I went through a ritual of sorts. Not the kind of dead ritual of thoughtless, purposeless religious duty, but a heart-felt practice I’ve developed over the years. I share it here hoping that you may find something that helps you drawl closer to God each day.
This is not a list. I don’t do everything here each day and not in any set order. These are just some of the things I pray as I sit down to spend time with God:
Thanks for the privilege of being able to come to you. I know it’s only possible because of what Jesus did for me.
I surrender what I want for what you want with my life. Not my will, but yours be done.
You alone are God. I praise you. You are worthy of my praise, adoration, love … all that I am. (I often speak attributes of God, especially those that feel very true that day.)
I am sorry for my sin. (I take some time and take an inventory of where I’ve fallen short and confess it to God. I try to be tough on myself here and ask myself before God if I am really sorry for my sin.)
What do you want me to see today? What do you want me to hear from you?
What do you want to change in my heart?
In what area(s) am I conforming to the world rather than to you?
What part of my mind needs to be transformed/renewed?
Help me to be humble and quiet before you so that I can truly hear what you have to say to me. Help me set aside my own agenda or anything else that would keep me from hearing from you.
I know I have an enemy who does not want me to talk with you or hear from you. But I know you are for me and are fighting for me. Send your angel armies to protect me today. (I sometimes spend time here asking for God’s protection on my family and every other part of my life.)
Thank you for your Holy Spirit who guides me, comforts me, and counsels me. You have taken up residence in my heart and you have given me power through your Spirit to do the things you are calling me to do.
As I read your Word today, I acknowledge that it is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I want it to be my guide for living. I believe your Word gives me the way to live life your way, which is the absolute best way for me to live. I accept your Word for what it says.
Help me to obey what you tell me in your Word and through your Spirit. I will obey your Word!
It’s not about me. It’s all about you. I am your vessel. Show me what you want me to do today. Show me how you can use me to bring about your purposes. I am no longer my own. I belong to you.
I love you, Lord. I love you Father. I love you Jesus. I love you Spirit. I love you … but I know I only can do that because you loved me first. Thank you for your unconditional love for me. I know I don’t deserve it on my own accord, but I thank you Jesus that you redeemed me. I love you.
