When I Need to Make a Fresh Start

Posted on Sep 22, 2014 Topic : Weekly Devotionals

To me, to live is Christ. Philippians 1:21

Gracious Father, giver of every good gift for my growth as Your child, I acknowledge my utter dependence on You. I have nothing I have not received from You. You sustain me day by day, moment by moment. I deliberately empty my mind and heart of anything that does not glorify You. I release to You any pride, self-serving attitude, or willfulness I may have harbored in my heart. I ask You to take from me anything that makes it difficult not only to love, but to like, certain people. May my relationships reflect Your initiative, love, and forgiveness.

Dear God, so often in my prayers I present You with my own agenda. I ask for guidance and strength and courage to do what I have already decided. Usually, what I have in mind is to receive from You what I think I need in order to get on with my prearranged plans. Often I present my shopping list of the blessings I have in mind for my projects, many of which I may not have checked out with You in the first place. Sometimes I make little time to talk to You or listen to You.

I want to be all that You want me to be, and I want to do what You have planned for me. May this prayer be the beginning of a conversation with You that lasts all through the day. Help me to attempt something I could not do without Your power. In the name of Christ who calls me to admit my need, submit my failures, and commit my life to make a fresh start. Amen.