Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day and for your unconditional love for all of your children. You are all-powerful, faithful, and all-knowing, and we know that we can trust you with anything and everything. We pray now that you would be with us and grant us the ability to fend off the attacks and vices of this world and keep our eyes focused on you and your Word. Help us to take to heart and live out the words of Matthew 7:13-14:
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
In this world, in uncertain times, and during situations of hardship, grief, unrest, confusion, and more, it is easy for us to fall victim to temptation and sin, to become weary and skeptical, and even place our hope and trust in things which we feel we can control. Be with us and give us your comfort, guidance, and peace in knowing that as so many verses from Scripture tell us, that we can and should place our trust in you. By trusting in you, help us remember that you will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6), that you are our shelter and refuge (Psalm 9:9-10), that you know the plans you have for us that give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11), and that you will never fail us (Romans 10:11). As we place our request in your mighty hands, continue to give us your peace that surpasses understanding and rest assured that we can confidently take one step at a time, knowing that you are there with us every step of the way. Help keep us on the narrow path that leads to you and in so doing, grow closer in love with you.
Thank you for being our perfect and gracious Father, for your promises to us, and for being our rock and our cornerstone.
We pray this all in your holy name. Amen.