In taking things one day at a time, I tend to do better if I start my day focusing on the One who gives me the strength to make it through the day. So I thought I would share a few brief, simple prayers that I start every morning with. My hope is that this would help others who may be struggling spiritually, maybe with their prayer life. For a long time my prayer life was a weak point in my spiritual walk.
Most days I have other people and situations that I pray for throughout the day and I use these prayers to kickstart my prayer life for the day, elaborating on them as needed. But, also there are days when life beats me down, or depression tries to sink its fangs into my heart, or fear and anxiety try to take my mind captive, that it is all I can do to force myself to open my mouth and even pray these simple prayers. But, I have made it a habit to make these be the first words out of my mouth every morning. They are familiar prayers that I have made my own. I know He hears. I know He answers. But they also help me focus on him.
Father, please grant me the serenity to accept the things. I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Help me live one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, as I accept hardship as a pathway to peace. Help me take this sinful world as it is*, not as I would have it to be, as I trust that You will make all things right according to Your perfect will as I surrender to Your will, that I might have REST and PEACE in Christ.
Father, holy is Your name. May Your Kingdom come, may Your perfect will be done in my life just as it is in Heaven. Please give me everything** that I need to make it through today. Please forgive me of my sins as I forgive those who sin against me. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the Evil One. For Your Kingdom, Your power, and Your glory forever.
Lord, please grant today that I would be a vessel of Your love, grace, and mercy to everyone around me; separated from selfishness, self-centeredness, and self-pity.
*Accept things, situations, and PEOPLE the way they are, not try to make them what I want.
**By everything I mean I am dependent on Him physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.