To See My Heavenly Father

Dear God,

Of all the promises in Your Word, my quiet time for today seems to be the most amazing because I know that if I am pure in heart, I will one day see You. That truth fills me with awe, but there is another thing that to me is even more precious than that...

You know that my own heart is aything but pure, so You provided the most perfect way to purify it: You sent Your Son to take my wickedness upon Himself and to purify my heart with His blood. Sometimes this is hard for me to grasp and fathom...

I know You love Jesus far more than I will ever be able to love my own children, yet I cannot imagine having my own DS (or DD) take on himself the wickedness of others! What a supreme sacrifice, Father. How great is Your love for me.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8

Good Friday Reflections

Dear God,

How can my heart be perfect toward You...? On my own I am nothing. Useless. Empty. Zero. Only through You am I complete and made whole. Please direct and guide my steps, Father.

My reflection for today, Good Friday, tells me You are watching. You know and see the numerous times that I sin and when I cover it most of the time. But here at home, in front of DS and DD -- these are some of my worst times. And it makes me sad and so disappointed with myself when I don't set a good example for them.

Lord, please make my heart perfect. I know I am still a long way from it, but take my hand, hold it, and give me strength. Be strong for me when I don't measure up -- which is most of the time -- I know that the only way to achieve my goal is through You alone, so please don't take Your eyes away from me... More than anywhere else, I want and need a heart from you in my home. Thank You, Father.

For the eyes of the LORD
range throughout the earth
to strengthen those
whose hearts are
fully committed to him.
You have done a foolish thing,
and from now on you will be at war.
2 Chronicles 16:9

Don't Fall

Dear God,

You have given us so many warnings about the dangers and pitfalls of pride, but many times, it seems we pay so little attention to them. I know that for myself, this is very true. Some days I'll start thinking that I have really arrived... I have met so many of my goals in life, and although I am far from perfect, I know tht I am a fairly strong individual. My DS and DD are the best, and life, no matter how rough, is rather great. I begin to take credit for things when I should be glorifying You. And about the time it starts happening, I crash or fall flat on my face.

Father, I know I should have learned my lesson by now, but even in that area, I'm too proud. Falling hurts, and just like everybody, I don't like it a bit. And I don't like letting pride control me. Please forgive me, Lord, and help me get rid of the pride in my life.

So, if you think you are standing firm,
be careful that you don’t fall!
1 Corinthians 10:12

A Go-Between Prayer

Dear God,

I am aware that one of the greatest gifts you have given us, Your children, is the Holy Spirit, to step-in for us during prayer time. You very know, Lord, that for many times I have stopped and prayed for the Holy Spirit to take over the reigns for me... Sometimes I get confused about the matter I am praying for, and I am almost always at a loss for words on how to pray for my request properly.

Other times it is somewhat like the feeling of fear that prevents me from putting words into my prayers. I know that it has been especially true because I have tried to completely give my DS and DD to You, and I wanted to hoard and care for them myself, especially when they are away for me. Occasionally I try to pray and say what I need or desire, and I just get stuck.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for intervening and for making my requests better than I ever could.

In the same way,
the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
We do not know what we ought to pray for,
but the Spirit himself intercedes for us
through wordless groans.
Romans 8:26

Set Apart

Dear God,

Sometimes I just couldn't believe it... My Bible quiet-time reading for today says that You chose me from the creation of the world. That means from the beginning of time, You very well knew that one day I would belong entirely to You. I find that too much for me to understand. You, the God of all creation, chose me to be made holy through the blood of Your Son, Jesus. You set me apart, Lord!

My praises are not enough to express what I truly feel for You, for all the powerful, mighty, amazing and wondrous things You have done for me. I probably will never understand what You saw in me...

To You, Father, I am precious. To me, You are beyond words. I praise You Lord, with all my being.

But you are a chosen people,
a royal priesthood,
a holy nation,
God’s special possession,
that you may declare
the praises of him
who called you out of darkness
into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9