Prayers For Everyday Living
Today, may you taste and see that the Lord is good, and may you sing songs of praise to Him. Let Him help you to forget about what troubles you so that you can change your expression, and put a smile on your face. Take this time to enjoy the life that Jesus has given you, savor every moment, and be glad that you belong to Him. Amen.
The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain,
and he is always ready to restore the repentant one. (Psalm 34:18)
A heavy heart is a burden a person carries with them whenever they are unhappy, sad, or even upset about what is going on in their life.
Are you troubled by a heavy heart? Maybe a loved one has passed away in your life, or maybe you have broken up with someone you love. Either way, it’s not easy for you now, but things won’t always stay the same if you are willing to trust God to lead the way.
God’s love can bring you comfort right now, and His care can bear your sorrow. His kindness is remarkable, for He knows just what you need. It may be difficult to get in touch with your emotions, and maybe you feel numb from the pain, but that’s just an awareness that comes when you are starting to grieve.
God is near to you, and He cares for you. He is able to strengthen you in the midst of any adversity. You can cast your burdens on Him. If you feel afraid, then let His perfect love cast out all fear. When you feel anxious, let Him guard your heart and your mind with His peace. In the midst of overwhelm, let His comfort soothe the ache in your heart and the pain in your soul.
There is nothing impossible for God to do, and with Him, you can do all things. So, take time to share your grief with Him, and let Him help you in your sadness. Fellow believers in Jesus can also help you if they are willing to listen to you, and just be your friend. So, choose to come forward if you are needing to talk to someone. Ask for help, so that you can share your burden with others.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
May you reveal your love to everyone who is grieving and going through a difficult time. Let your care and your kindness be the refuge for their soul. May the love of your Son, Jesus of Nazareth, embrace them in their weakness, comfort them in their pain, and give them rest to fully recover.
You know how to speak your words of life to everyone who is troubled. You call them by their beautiful names to come to you as they are. You secure them in your love and satisfy them in their hunger for an intimate relationship with you. Let them come forward to receive your love, knowing that they can trust you, hear from you, and remain with you, as long as they desire.
To you be the glory Father, Amen.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. (Psalm 51:17)
Praying to God is not about outward appearance, but an inward conviction of the heart. It requires a proper attitude and a humble heart. If you pray with a sincere heart, then God will hear your prayers. However, if you pray with a closed heart that only criticizes others while elevating yourself, then you might as well stop praying.
Those who are poor in spirit recognize their need for God. They are broken and incomplete, so they turn to God for help. They seek His mercy and ask for His forgiveness. They know that God is holy, so they treat Him with the utmost respect. Their righteousness does not come through outward appearance, but merely from trusting Him.
However, the proud in spirit think only of themselves. They believe that they are declared righteous before God based on their good works. Their conduct and understanding are perfect and far superior to anyone else. They do not see their own sin, and they have no need for forgiveness because they are spotless before God.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector:
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Luke 18:9-14)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
I recognize my own need to become poor in spirit so that I can receive your mercy and grow in your grace. Forgive me of trying to maintain my pride by boasting in my good works and criticizing others. I want to be justified before God, just like the tax collector. I trust you to save me by your grace and to declare me in right standing before God. Thank you for showing me my need for your salvation. Amen.