MY PRAYER

by Charles Robey
(Trussville, AL USA)

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 24-25)

Father God, I now come to you. I am in awe of You, Lord (Daniel 2:20-23). Your just not a book I read, not just an occasional passing thought, not just a place I visit once a week, not just one I come too when I am in trouble. You are my Father, my Heavenly Father. The all mighty living God. The great "I AM" (Exodus 3: 1-22), who was, who is and who is to come (Revelation 1:4). The one who made me by your breath, by Your thought, by Your deed. The one who has my life mapped out from beginning to end (Ephesians 1:11).

I love You God. I love You with all my heart, mind and soul. Thank you for Your only begotten Son (John 3:16). Your Holy Spirit (John 14:26), and most of all for Your very existence(1 Chronicles 29:10-15).

I can't ever fully comprehend Your almighty eternal power, not in my limited finite mind, but by faith I accept Your free grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). I know I don't deserve your love, in my frail human traits, but "Praise Your Name", by Your unconditional love I am yours forever (1 John 3:1).

In this troubled world, in which we live (Psalm 42:5-8), please help me day-by-day, not to fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Not to fail (Deuteronomy 31:8). Not to give in to the world's temptations (1 Cor 10:13). And thank You, my Father, for Your forgiveness, when I do fall (1John 1:9).

Thank You, for not having to come to you as all others, but by just being myself. A sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23). So, here's my heart Lord. I lay it all on Your alter of forgiveness (Hebrews 4:6).. Take me as You will (Psalm 138:8). Use me as You may (Proverbs 19:21) I'm Yours forever more (Hebrews 13:20-21).

I pray for my precious loved ones (1 Timothy 5:8). I thank you for keeping them safe, and at rest in Your faithful loving out stretched arms.

I can never thank You enough, my Father. Where would I be without You ? Where would I be if You hadn't taken me in under Your loving care (Ephesians 2:12) I'd be lost forever (Psalm 66:18-20). I am so thankful to You forever, for Your unending unconditional mercy. Thanks for hearing my prayer (John 11:41-42), for giving me the victory (Psalm 118:21). In the name of Christ Jesus I pray. Amen!

Author's Post Script

I must admit, often times finding the time for prayer doesn't come natural with me. For you see, my struggle is actually with self. Sure, I know the scripture tells us to "always be joyful" and "never stop praying" (1 Thess5:16-18), but there are times I just don't feel like it. Still by God's grace, I am coming to realize that it is not always something you feel, but all importantly it's something you do. God's word tells us to take delight in Him (Psalm 34:1). This verse reaches home to me. It directs me away from my complacency, into a higher way of thinking and praising the one who has not only made me, but keeps me day-by-day.

My prayers don't need to be fancy. They don't even need to be spoken in "Old English". You see when I take my eyes off self and put them on God, a fresh hope soon follows. God never leaves us where we are. In prayer, He will always come close to us (James 4:8). So, go ahead and take the leap of prayer (Psalm 31:7-8).