This familiar painting once had a prominent place in our home. It was a constant reminder to take all our cares to Jesus in prayer. Prayer was taught to us at an early age, not because it was a tradition, but a necessity. As years progress, our prayers become more and more personal. We include all sorts of things in those words. When we are sad, hurting, anxious, lonely, fearful we seem to rely on prayer more. We are told in the Bible to lift our hearts to God in everything we go through in life. There is nothing like talking with the Creator of the Universe. As each day begins, turn to the Master. Thank Him for allowing peaceful sleep. Praise Him for the beauty of another day. Lay your troubles on His shoulders. You can be sure that He will hear you and act on your requests. Not because He’s a great genie ready to grant our every wish, but because He loves us and cares for each of our needs. As we begin another week, pray for His presence in your life.

Dear, Holy, Father,

You know every single one of our needs before we even ask for help.  I come to you today and ask that you bless us throughout the coming week, with the comfort of that promise. Sometimes it seems like there’s no good left in our world; that we’ve lost control over everything.  Maybe you want us to know that we don’t have control – that you are the one who sets the time and day for everything that happens.  As we face problem after problem or lose sight of the blessings you’ve laid right before us, open our eyes to those precious gifts.  Help us put our focus back on you and your love for us. Remind us of your patience – your consistency – your eternal presence in all that we experience here in life and will enjoy in eternity.  You have promised throughout time, to be with us.  I know you always keep your promises and that your healing is real and not something made up to keep us thinking positively.  Heal our nation – heal those who face life threatening situations – heal our thinking.  Let us be assured that you have our backs and that we can bear anything that the world throws at us. As we walk through each day this week, guide us into your light and give us your wisdom to work through each of those situations. In Jesus name.  Amen!