An Evening Prayer

An Evening Prayer

God, today is nearly complete. I prepare to get needed sleep to prepare for tomorrow. Before I retire, let me make time to thank You for Your many blessings.

You have made a way for me to get to this moment safely. You provided me with health and strength to cope with the challenges today. Your grace and mercies were abundant; even though I did not notice them always.

Thank You that today I had enough food. I am not going to bed hungry; unlike millions of others around the globe.

Thank You that I had enough clothes for today and I will have enough for tomorrow. The poorest people would call me rich if they saw the options I have in my closet and drawers.

Thank You that today I had easy access to plenty of water for drinking, washing and cooking. Meanwhile many millions in Africa and India did not have access to clean water today.

Today there were little things like a flush toilet and air conditioning that made my life better. Yet millions in remote villages did not have such conveniences and comforts.

Thank You for my employment and income. There are many that are unemployed.

Thanks for my family and friends. My relationships with them are not perfect. But thank You that I have those connections, unlike orphans and those without any friends.

Thank You for the local church where I am a member. Thank You that we can assemble peacefully, unlike all places in the world. You have made a way for us to gather for fellowship, service and worship. May I never take this wonderful opportunity for granted.

You went to great lengths to reveal Yourself in the Bible. You guided the writing and translating of Your Word. You provided wonderful preachers and teachers to open up Your Word. Thank You for this rich source of spiritual food for me and others.

The advertising industry worked hard day and night. They wanted me to notice what I do not have. They tried to get me to want to buy more stuff to fuel an endless search for happiness. But I choose to pause. I notice what You have provided. Thank You for these provisions.

I request that You open my eyes to see the many other provisions You make.

I ask You to work into my heart and mind genuine gratitude for who You are and what You have done. May I often and easily thank You for your many blessings in the coming days.

Amen.

A Midday Prayer

A Midday Prayer

Lord God Almighty, I come to You by faith. I choose to pause in the middle of my day.

I seek You earnestly in my prayers.

Thank You for the privilege of prayer. Thank You for being accessible any time. Thank You for answering payers in Your time and in Your ways.

You provided me with the greatest miracle when I was born again. My salvation has brought me into direct relationship with You. The sacrifice of Your Son on the cross made this possible.

Jesus Christ said that I am the light of the world and the salt of the earth. I believe that is a fact, even though it does not feel like it much of the time.

You are at work in me to conform me into the image of Your dear Son. You have been gradually transforming me from the inside to the outside.

Your Holy Spirit that dwells in me prompts me to desire Your righteousness. Little by little I find that I dislike my sinful habits and want to do right.

You are patiently at work using Your Word to renew my mind. As I read the Bible, hear sermons and listen to Bible lessons my thinking improves.

Your Word reminds me of how difficult it can be to bridle my tongue. Only by Your grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit do I want to control what I say.

God, much of this day is past and much still remains. I request Your wisdom in how to best use my time both today and in the future days.

God, may I be quick to hear others and slow to speak. Work in me to be an instrument of Your kindness.

Your Word says that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Guide me in how to best take care of my body.

You have made me with a unique combination of personality, talents and spiritual gifts. I ask for You to guide my choices and commitments so that I am a good steward of these.

Your loving kindness is wonderful and Your blessings are many. May I notice You in my daily life and give You thanks from a heart of genuine gratitude.