A PRAYER FOR A FRESH START

Lord, thank You for a fresh week, a fresh start, a new page on the calendar. Thank You for Your presence, Your constant care over my life, and the gentle way You guide me day by day. 

As I step into a new week, Lord, help me keep my heart and mind set on You. Help me set my mind on things above. (“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2) Help me look for You throughout the moments of my day, trusting You are here with me and as close as my right hand. (I will keep my eyes on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8)

Lord, here are the things that are crowding my heart a bit today. Here’s every worry, every burden, and every detail that’s weighing heavily on my heart. (List those things here. ) Thank You that I don’t have to do life, this week, or this day in my own power. Thank You that I get to walk with you moment by moment. Thank You for carrying my burdens. Thank You for the gift of getting to bring every burden to You in prayer. (“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7)

Lord, help me live this week with joy as I remember that You are the source of all joy. (“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence…Psalm 16:11) Help me stay tuned into Your presence. Help me create space in my heart and soul for You each day. Invade every part of my heart and soul. Let the wind of Your Spirit fill me and carry me through the week. (“‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6)

And Lord, in those moments when I loose my footing a bit…maybe I forget You’re with me or I forget that You have a purpose for my life, my week, and my day or maybe I simply get caught up in all the wrong thoughts or begin striving through my week instead of leaning into Your grace…draw me back to You. Help me step towards You again. Help me return to You again and step deeply into the refreshing waters of Your presence. (“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping’, your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.'” Psalm 94:18)

You know the dreams of my heart. (“You know me…” Psalm 139:1) You know the things I long for, the prayers I long to see answered, and the desires that sometimes drive my heart crazy. Lord, match my heart’s desires to Yours. (“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4) Shape my heart, desires, and dreams so that I live my life as an offering to You. (“…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1)

Lord, let’s do this week together.

Be my guide. (“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8)

Be my shepherd. (“The Lord is my shepherd.” Psalm 23:1)

Be my light for every step. (“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105