Prayers To Encourage Your Soul

Heavenly Creator, bring to us an awareness of how we can better live in harmony with your creation. This awareness is the first step in redeeming the harm done to the world, which you gave us to tend. Spring us into action so that we can become your instruments to heal the damage we see around us. Teach us to truly love what you have made. It all starts with picking up that first scrap of litter in my own backyard. Amen

Great and wondrous God, creator and Keeper of the word. You are so high above and beyond my little thoughts and ways that I cannot by my own reason or strength comprehend the extent and fullness of Your being. With thanks and praise I acknowledge Your majesty and power. Help me to grow and learn and keep growing and learning, not just in knowledge, but in fullness of You. Amen   

It's hard, O Lord, to change. To give up that which is desirable to us is like giving up sun-warmed air for frost-chilled air. Nevertheless, thank you for surrounding us--even as close as our own backyards--with the reassuring message that you have a purpose for everything, even approaching winders. In Jesus' name. Amen  

Lord, we thank You for the daily bread you provide us in so many ways, some we are not even aware of. Help us not only to always be grateful for your blessings but also to always be obedient to your Word, which is a great blessing in itself. We promise to strive to be always right with you so we can fully enjoy the abundant life you have given us. 

This is an appropriate time, Lord, for me to take personal inventory of all your blessings. I think first of relationships with which you've filled my life. These are most meaningful, and I'm grateful for the time you've granted with the ones I love. Then there is my health, my home, my income, and my faith. Today' I'll spend some time reflecting on such things, and as I do, may I gain an even deeper appreciation for your presence in my life. For you are truly my Father, the one who cares for me in every way. 

Lord, I know it's not enough just to say the words "thank you" when a blessing, a kindness, or a gift comes my way. Verbalizing my thanks is a good start, but words are not the essence of gratitude. What I really desire, heavenly Father, is to have a grateful heart--a heart that so relishes love, mercy, grace, and all good things that it glows with appreciation long after receiving your many blessings. Teach me this kind of thankfulness, Lord, and let it inspire those around me to a deeper sense of gratitude as well. Amen 

Lord, help us take time to unwind, time to be silent, to pray, and time to reflect on all that's happened over this past week. Let us take time to heal from the trauma and drama of this past week and election cycle so calm will replace anxiety, clarity will chase away confusion, and refreshment will erase exhaustion. Help our country to take needed time of solitude, reset, and reflect so we can take the path of forgiveness and peace; may this become our way of life going forward. May peace and tolerance become our hallmark, and each day may we receive the blessing awaiting us. Amen