Dear Heavenly Father,
I have something to say to You, but not sure how to… How do you address a Creator Who already knows all of your thoughts, prayers, desires and fears? I guess, in some ways, it should make it easier because there is no need to fill in the gaps.
When I am at a loss for words and ask, “Do you know what I mean, God?” You look down from Your throne and whisper “I feel what you mean, My child.”
So, with that assurance in my heart, here I go…
Lord, I want to deeply thank You… Thank You so much for everything You do and everything You are. You are an awesome God!! I wish to humbly extend my gratitude to You for sending Your only Son to take my place on the cross. Thank You for loving me enough to send Your Son as the ultimate and final sacrifice for my sins. I know Your word says for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son. John 3:16
But I know that if I was the only lost sheep or the only one who would have accepted your undeserved gift, You still would have sent Jesus to die for me.
I know that I don’t always live my life as though I believe this truth, but I want to. Father, help me to live my life as though I am the one You so badly want to hold in Your arms.
Lord, I also want to apologize… I am totally selfish. Even though I know the truth of Your salvation and even share it with others, I have not fully accepted it. I continually fall and fear what You will think rather than believing Your grace is sufficient for me.
God forgive me!
You have saved my life and I should declare Your goodness and faithfulness all the days of it.
You have ransomed my life. I should graciously and thankfully walk it out in honor of You!!
Yet, I live it as though it is mine and mine only… You have given me the most amazing gift ever known to man, yet I walk around with it as if it is merely an umbrella in the middle of a storm. When I see others with their umbrellas out, I proudly hold mine up and it keeps me dry… but when I don’t see others holding up umbrellas, I quietly put mine away as to not stand out and be different. What is the point in having an umbrella if I’m not going to use it?
The problem is that it isn’t a mere storm I’m standing in the midst of… rather a battle. Your word commands us to put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 If I am too naïve to not hold up my umbrella, how can I trust myself to put on Your armor to protect myself and fight for You?
God forgive me!
I am selfish and shallow. I look to men and worry what they will think about me rather than what my Creator would have me do… Oh me of little faith!!
Father God, I was once close to You… so close that I couldn’t go a single day without reading Your word or conversing about You. Lord, I want to get back to that. In the words of one of my favorite worship songs,
I want to know You… I want to see Your face, I want to know You more.
God, forgive me for fashioning myself idols out of my appearance, family, work, youth ministry, and mostly my husband. Although these are all gifts from You, I have abused them and You by placing them above You. I know I am not only cheating myself, but You and the people involved in my life by not having my priorities straight. You were once my sole priority and I desire to have the relationship back! I know that You are the only thing that matters in this life. Once I make You my priority, everything else and all other relationships will fall into their rightful place.
Lord, I humbly ask You to forgive me. Please teach me to live radically, because You expect nothing less. All of Your faithful children we read about in the Bible were radical. They put their very lives on the line, placing all of their trust and faith in Your holy hands. I desperately want that!
Father, I have to confess that I am scared though. As a young girl, my earthly daddy would hold my hand and walk with me, letting me know that everything would be okay… because he loved me. Although I am a woman now, I am still Your child. Almighty Father, as I reach out my hand will You reach down Yours and take hold of it? Please walk with me hand-in-hand teaching me Your ways and making Your desires my desires.
Help me to let go of all my fears and insecurities… radically abandoning them in service to You.
It fees like I have been struggling for some time to find who I am in Your plan… but I am starting realize who I am…
Thank You for that!
In loving service,
Your daughter,
Stephanie
