Lord Jesus, folks talk a lot about gratitude these days. That we should have lots of it flowing out, but some of these people send that grateful tribute out to the universe. Sounds like one of the many deceptions that the enemy is flooding us with right now. I choose to recognize and glorify the Creator God who made me—You. Lord, I enter Your gates with thanksgiving, and I praise Your holy name. May I never forget that You alone are worthy of my worship.

Lord, people seem to look right through me at times. Thank You that You never exclude me in Your plans or draw a circle that does not include me in Your mercy and grace. In Your world, none of us are invisible or unwanted. I belong. You see me and I am loved! May I share that same compassion when I tell people about Your offer of redemption to all!

Lord, sometimes I can’t tell if the miseries I’m going through are of my own making, or the enemy’s attacks, or Divine discipline from You. Honestly, trying to figure it out keeps me awake at night. And my life problems get so complicated and weird. So, I am asking for the wisdom You promise in Your Word. Help me to understand the real source of my problems and how to deal with each and every one.

Lord, honestly, sometimes I feel I am just pretending. I do and say whatever I think other people want me to do and say. I have acted a part for so long I am no longer sure who I am! Like swiping a pile of junk off a table, please clear off all that nonsense from my spirit and show me more fully who You created me to be. I choose to deny my own will and the will of other people and follow You completely. Lord, let a more surrendered me bring about a more real and righteous journey!

Dear God, I love the wonderful scents of Your creation. Peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and rose being a few of my favorites. And I love the way Your Word speaks of the aromas that bring You pleasure. I pray that my life puts off a heavenly fragrance which pleases You—yes, the aroma of Christ—and may it waft exquisitely and powerfully over every soul I meet in this lost and hurting world!

Lord, when I hear long repetitive and ostentatious prayers, sometimes they leave me empty. Maybe You’d rather hear simpler prayers from me—ones that are real, briming with trust and bursting with our friendship rather than a mountain of words that ring hollow and are lacking our sweet communion…

Lord Jesus, I can be such a Martha like in the Bible—always rushing around, trying to make all kinds of things pretty and perfect but forgetting the importance of feeding my soul—with You. Help me to be more like Mary in the Bible—a woman who wants to humbly listen and learn at Your feet. Help me to remember that the enemy would love for me to stay always distracted—so busy doing a thousand and one things that I miss all the real action. What is real and wonderful and transformative. What is life-giving and eternal. You.

There are days, oh Lord, when I am almost too weary in mind and body to even pray. I feel as though I have fainted on a nameless, dusty road and cannot rise. Please hold me, whisper Your love, and infuse my spirit with Your supernatural strength. With You—and only You—can I rise again and sail on the wind.

Jesus, sometimes people seem to be going through the motions when it comes to listening to me and loving me. But I guess I do that to You sometimes too. Not love You deeply enough, not listen like I should. I’m sorry for not being “all in” with You. I want to follow You as my beloved Shepherd all the days of my life. Show me how to listen to Your voice like my life depends on it—which it does—and to love You the way You deserve to be loved.

Creator God, every time I step out into a clear night sky, I am in wonder at Your starry host–Your majestic celestial creation. I thrill at Your great power and mighty strength to create such resplendent marvels. I sigh in a holy hush—never deifying the stars but instead exalting You for Your unfathomable glories!

Oh Lord, I am afraid of all the nastiness, the chaos, and all the unknowns on the earth right now. And some of the people around me are starting to look like strangers to me. Even people I know and respect are saying appalling things on social media. In my flesh I want to shout back, giving them a piece of my mind. But alas, I know You would rather I speak the truth in love and not in anger. Please bring me Your supernatural calm. Guard my heart and my mind to help me cope with a world gone mad. Thank You!

Dear God, wow, humans can be so annoying! They can be petty and scheming and greedy. The worst part is, I can be all of that too! Sigh. Forgive me, Jesus, and help me to forgive others. And with the power of Your Holy Spirit, please strengthen me. I want all the pesky parts of me to be transformed. The ones that disappoint You and me and all those who pass through my life.