THANKFUL

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, increase our desire to know you more. We who humbly come to you for forgiveness and grace find you to be our source of life and wellbeing. You bless us in ways we overlook, give us comfort in troubled times, laugh when we laugh, cry when we cry. You’re never far from your children. You’re faithful to do everything possible to keep us choosing to follow you, since we are tempted to wander off chasing something stupid or seeking temporary pleasures. Strengthen our commitment to you, Lord God, even when life doesn’t seem to go as we desire. Sharpen our spiritual vision to see you working on our behalf in all circumstances and in every situation, good or bad, enjoyable or unpleasant. Help us surrender to the truth that, as your children, you do work all things for our good, not what we want! (Romans 8:28) We seem to always want the chocolate and diet Cokes of life, when you know what we need are vegetables, sometimes even broccoli, and milk, from your heavenly table.

As your kids, Lord, God, help us order our lives by the promises found in Romans 8. Then we will find peace and rest in you for our anxious souls. You give us a heavenly joy amid the storms in this fallen world, assuring us you are in control to strengthen our faith and make us more effective Christians. No excuses—give us strength to praise you in all things.

For our friends recovering from the tornadoes, as only you can, bring good from this destruction. May this time of recovery be a time of recovering faith as well. Don’t let this act of nature be in vain but draw people to you, bring unity to our communities, and show us new ways to love one another as you love us. Provide their needs, calm their fears, comfort their anxious emotions.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation, spark a spiritual renewal in each of us.

Looking for your good in all things, Jesus. Amen.