A prayer

Father, help me to renew my faith. Teach me again your ways. Change my heart, make me new, help me try again. As Paul said in Romans, "With my whole heart I agree with the Law of God. But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do...Thank God Jesus Christ will rescue me." (Romans 7:22-25, CEV)

I fear that I will fail yet again. More than that, I fear that a (large) part of me doesn't want to change. Grant me courage, Lord, to start again. You know my sins, you know my heart. Have mercy, I pray.

Be with my "children" who are grown now and far off - remind them of your presence and your grace. I ask also for the one who is almost grown, that you will bless her future and guide her plans.

I ask you to bless our church leaders with wisdom, to bless our church family with greater faith and willingness to follow. Be with the leaders of our country as well, that we may continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty and freedom of thought.

Thank you, Lord, for Jesus, and the life he gave that we might know you better.