An Open Prayer

On this day in your life, remember this: a decision remains a mere wish until you take that first irreversible step. You might convince yourself that you've already made up your mind, that nothing can deter you, but what happens when taking that step forward feels riskier than taking a step back? 

It's during these moments that you need to stay committed to your path, especially when the going gets tough. Sometimes, the right thing to do is to embrace that irreversible step, the one after which there's no turning back. And right now, it's one of those times.

With these thoughts, I offer a heartfelt prayer:

For My Family: May they walk alongside me in this journey with minimal hardships, for they bear no responsibility for the circumstances that brought us here. They are the reason I strive to better myself, to provide a brighter future for them. God, guide me with unwavering peace and understanding on this path.

For My Haters: I've learned to pray for my adversaries. Not for how they've wronged me, but for their lives, their families, and the challenges they face. I prayed with sincerity, not because I am inherently good, but because God is good, holy, and righteous, and I love Him.

Today, I still wrestle with inner turmoil. Today, I'm reminded that my actions speak louder than my words, teaching those around me what I truly believe. Today, I grapple with that lingering sense of loneliness in the depths of my being. Today, I acknowledge I have much to learn and transform, much in need of the redemptive touch of a Mighty God.

Yet today, I continue to surrender to the One who is a sanctuary. The One who sees the ultimate outcome, no matter how challenging it may be for me, the One I trust wholeheartedly. Today, I persist in praying for my adversaries, as fervently as I know how, recalling the words of Matthew 5:44: "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."

For Me, Myself & I: Strengthen my trust in You, Lord. Enable me to trust myself as I place my trust in You. When things don't unfold as I expect and my efforts seem fruitless, grant me the resilience to persevere with hope, even in the face of past failures. Help me trust in myself as I trust in You, drawing upon Your strength within me to persist and give my best.

Guide me away from doubt and frustration when I falter in discerning and acting in my best interest. Free me from the burden of judging the righteousness of Your plan in my life. Teach me to admit that I don't always know what's best for myself. You've promised to make my crooked paths straight if I place my trust in You in all my ways. Allow me to rely not just on Your promise, but also on the righteousness of trusting in You.

Show me how to embody Your desire for mercy over perfection in my life. Lead me to place my hope in You by trusting in the rightness and goodness of whatever You guide me to do.

Help me celebrate You, not only in the heavens or among the nations, but also within the narrative of my life. Enable me to trust myself as I trust in You, so that I may let go of self-doubt and walk by faith rather than by sight.

Amen.

Perhaps, it's time to open my doors wide, to trust and unveil my soul. It's time to move forward with sincerity, to love and be loved once more.