Rest

Lord,

Please teach me to sleep and to make time for it.  Thank you for building into my design that I get blurry eyed when I absolutely must sleep.  I'd rather that than to have health problems from not sleeping.

Teach me to see the signs through my stubborn pride that I must take time for rest.  I do not have the answers.  I cannot always make up for things by staying up a few extra hours, working a few extra hours, etc.

Help me to recognize and acknowledge when the answer is to cut things out of my life that don't lead me to You rather than trying to fit everything in just because I'm attached to unnecessary things. Help me to see that it is only in embracing You that I will find fulfillment.  Everything else is clutter.

Amen

Joy

Lord,

Help me to be open to joy in my life.

Help me me to accept that I can turn things around when I feel like the storm is rocking the boat too much.  You are with me, ready to walk, even on water, to help me.

Help me to know when to open my petals to others.

And when to close my petals to rest.

Lord,

Thank You for the gifts you have given to me and are giving me.  Let me learn how to best use them.  I have needed to be shown that the stream flows above ground and is not meant to be buried.

Amen

Crack Me Open

Lord,

Crack me open so that I let You in rather than running away when I am afraid, tired, or stubborn.

Let your Spirit flow within me so that I might always seek to know You better.

Show me that there are places to rest along the journey of walking with You and toward You while picking up my cross and following You.

When I rest in You, help me to remember that it is ok to truly rest; I don't have to keep one eye open while looking for danger like those who rest in only the world must do.

Lord,

Help me to remember that it is wonderful to stand out from the crowd if I am standing out for You.

For even though there are thorns that come with standing out and standing up for You, there is great beauty and reward.

Amen

Doctor

Lord,

Help me to find rest.  Help me to stay in a state of rest before I must work.

Help me to sway in the wind but not to jerk so much that I hurt to the point of not being able to sleep or work.

Help me to find a doctor who understands the problem I'm having.  Let us work together to battle this thing...

And if it be your will that I continue to face this challenge, then help me to shine vibrantly for You in the midst of constant distraction.

For no struggle is greater than the gifts You give, even if the journey seems dark and dreary.

Amen.

Let Me Rest in You

Lord,

Let me rest in You!

Hold me close to your heart, Lord, for I don't always understand your ways.  Catch me when I fall, and hold me close.  

Amen