5 | Supplication

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Lord, 

You encourage us to lift up our worries.  You wait to take on our requests and carry our burdens.  Like a compassionate, caring parent, you yearn to help us through our struggles.  

Thank you for lifting our concerns off our stooped shoulders.  Thank you for taking them off our hearts and minds, for leaving your peace in their place. Thank you for taking our requests and responding to them through the goodness of your will and the righteousness of your way. 

Lord, we are burdened by our own struggles.  Today I ask you to help me to be my best self.  Work in me to...

• Know what needs doing, what needs undoing, and what needs to be ignored
• Squelch my frustration over life's little hiccups
• Live my love for my family out loud
• Reach out to a friend in faith and hope
• Write your words, for your glory

Lord, in our love for others we ache to see their struggles.  Please help...

• A friend through the long, lonely days of an autoimmune disease
• Parents who mourn the death of their newborn, who ache with the loss of their baby boy
• A loved one who worries about debt, who feels the oppressive pressure of being the family provider
• A woman who fears for her safety and the safety of her children, who fears the threat of an abusive relationship
• A friend's mother as her health wanes and her hope dwindles; give them both peace in knowing you'll care for them on earth and in heaven
• A mother who aches for her child as she struggles through school; soften the rough and painful edges of frustrated learning, of emotional hurts
• The many regions of the world that are experiencing political upheaval, dire financial straits, famine and drought, violence and war; bring wise leadership and lasting peace to these places of crisis and unrest

You know all these things before we even ask.  Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers.  And whether your answer be "Yes," "No," or "Wait," give us patience and faith in your answers.

Amen.

What worries weigh down your heart today?  

What requests do you want to lift up to the Lord?