Heavenly Father, I praise You for all of the creation YOU have made and for the wisdom behind it. I ask forgiveness for man allowing sin to come into this creation and make it so that it will eventually be destroyed. I praise You for making a way of escape and still offering us eternal life as You first intended. I praise You for the salvation we can accept and receive, even though we have done nothing worthy of receiving it.
Holy Spirit the Lord told Samuel when he was looking to anoint a 2nd king of Israel how he views us when he the Lord said, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” We learn early from Your word that our very core of who we are, why we are and what we choose to do with who we are is what interests God the most. How often have I read, guard Your heart, this is because the center of who I am is central to what God desires of me.
Holy Spirit help my heart to be righteous, humble and forgiving. Help me to realize forgiveness does not remove consequences from people but does remove my offense against them. The only person hurt the most from unforgiveness is the one who does not forgive. No matter the offense or the person who offends help me to forgive. This does not mean that I will stand up for what is right, defend those who need defending and when in my power to punish those who violate the laws of God or man. But give me wisdom to never abuse this power or process. Help me to demonstrate restraint and compassion for I do not wish to be judged for my bad choices either by others. Help me to accept correction when I need it for I want to live as a righteous person which is not a perfect person, just one who is doing all they can to live within the wisdom of God’s word, within the leading of the Holy Spirit and emulating the life Christ lived for us to follow.
Holy Spirit help me to remember and to apply Your word when it tells me: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness near; it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before me. My name was inscribed and my sin was nailed to the cross when Christ was crucified and I accepted His offer of salvation. The power of Spirit now runs in my veins. For I am not only His creation but now I am an adopted heir to His kingdom. Let me always be faithful to do all that can build His kingdom here. Amen.
[1 Sam. 16:7; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 46:10-13; Isaiah 49:16]