A prayer of ANTICIPATION

When I wonder what great things God has planned for me...

O God,
My life is so noisy -- and sadly, it resounds more often with ringing of phones and droning of lit video screens than with praise and worship for you.  Do I ever pause and wonder what momentous things you might be preparing to do next?  How many moments of awe-inspiring anticipation do I miss by never being still before you?  I need your help to dicipline myself.  Help me to build moments of silent anticipation into each day, making time to pray and open myself up to what you want to do in and through me.  I pray, God, that in these moments, you will reveal enough of your plan to make me ready for your great purposes.  I come before you with reverent awe and anticipation for the glorious future that lies ahead.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

Psalm 73:24

A prayer about INITIATIVE

How does God continue to initiate a relationship with me?

Holy God,
I believe that you sometimes initiate a change of heart in me so that I will desire to be in closer relationship with you.  Selfish ambition and spiritual blindness steal my passion for you, and sometimes you need to point out these ways within me.  Your Holy Spirit convicts me of my sin, prompting me to remember you, confess my waywardness, and seek restoration with you.  Lord God, thank you that you take the initiative in this way.  But you don't only point out the offense; you also guide me back to the right path.  You never initiate a change of heart and then abandon me.  Thank you for constantly taking the first step.  No matter how many times I wander, you are always ready to take me back and restore me into right relationship with you.

"My wayward children," says the LORD, "come back to me,

and I will heal your wayward hearts."

Jeremiah 3:22