I received an invitation that reminded me of a painful incident from my youth. I prayed:
“Jesus, You were there when it happened. You longed to quiet my pain, but I thought I had to handle it myself. Why couldn’t I receive Your love and comfort? Perhaps back then I knew You only as a far-away God or as a Spirit who didn’t enter the reality of my daily teenage world.
“But now I know You better. You are Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth. You are also the God who loves each person You created. You see us, not just as a group, but also as individuals.
“And You are the God of all comfort, the God who knows when a sparrow falls and who counts the stars and yet also knows the ever-changing number of hairs on my head.” (See 2 Corinthians 1:3, Matthew 10:29-30, Psalm 147:4.)
Dear Lord Jesus, Savior, Friend, I want to sing Your praise again. You are my life, my God, my King, Ruler over everything. Jesus, You are all I need. I want to learn Your voice to heed So I can walk in Your good plan, Son of God and Son of Man. Anger tries to push You off Your throne. Bitterness turns my heart to stone I reject these things that cling to me And accept Your offer to set me free. O Jesus, Lover of my soul, Cleanse and heal and make me whole, As I repent and seek Your face And the kingdom of Your grace. Amen. (See Ephesians 4:31.)
Prayed that prayer with you sister. Bitterness does turn our heart to stone but it’s also a root from which bad fruit grows.
May the Lord truly free our hearts from all that is unlike Him! ❤
Amen, Lisa Beth!