Every Tuesday we engage in one big question, topic or idea. You are invited to write in with a suggestion you want to share. I surely do not have all the answers but know that together we can generate some great conversation and have fun in the process. (Feel free to post your topics, questions, and your great thoughts in the comments below!) Together, we will stay informed and equipped about topics that matter!
Today’s Blog Contributor:
Merrilee Swanson
Merrilee serves alongside her husband, Bruce as Senior Pastor of Montesano Assembly of God in Montesano, Washington. Merrilee oversees the Children’s and Women’s ministry there as well. She also serves on the Women’s team for the Northwest Ministry Network, planning events for women across Washington and Northern Idaho. Merrilee loves life. She loves to sing and entertain guests. Merrilee is a skilled administrator and a doer.
Today, Merrilee continues our blog series on prayer with, A Heartfelt Prayer. Enjoy!
A Heartfelt Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are a great big God, you have all the power. You created the planets and they are spinning today by your design. Your forgiveness for our sins is complete and available to any who humble themselves to ask for it. You love everyone on this earth, yet you are constantly caring about me, little me.
Since I am about to enter into the New Year, I want to thank you for some things and perhaps request a few blessings.
I am very grateful, God. This past year has not always been easy for me but you have been right there with me. Thank you for your constancy. My family has faced many challenges of their own, and you have provided a way for each one. Thank you for your caring. Beauty, of your design, has greeted me at every season. Thank you for these gifts that remind me of your artful love for me.
There are a few things that concern me as I look into this next year. I would love to live a life that brings you glory, every day. Please help me be more in tune with you that my every action would reflect your grace. Worries keep me from you, and I desire to be ever aware of your presence. Please help me this year to let go of the worry and give it to you before I even entertain it. Subject to your perfect plan, grant me health and strength to be a woman of action. May I never be afraid or too lazy to do the work you have called me to accomplish.
It is amazing how you allow me to intercede in prayer for the requests of others. I am amazed to see you answer their needs in ways that only you can. Grant me the opportunities again to pray on behalf of others. It is a great privilege and joy. Teach me to pray.
Through my life experiences I can report that you have always been powerful to meet my needs, always present in my trials and joys, always quick to forgive when I confess, and always calling me on to deeper and higher journeys with you. What an amazing adventure I have in you. I know that this next year will be just as blessed. God, please grant me courage to run ahead, toward your goal for me, the upward call of God.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Philippians 3:13b-15
…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (NASU)
What do you think?