Prayer of the Day

Father, I open my hands.

Everything I'm gripping this morning — my plans, my reputation, my people, the outcome I've already decided I need — I loosen my hold and lift it to You.

Not my will, but Yours. I've prayed those words before and taken them back by lunchtime. You know that about me, and You love me anyway. So I'll pray it again, today: not my will, but Yours.

Whatever You give today, help me receive it. Whatever You take away, help me release it. Whatever You delay, help me wait for it without sulking.

I'd rather be in Your will with empty hands than outside of it holding everything I ever wanted.

Have Your way in me today, Lord.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Father, before this day slips away, let me look at it with You.

Walk back through it with me, hour by hour. Where were You in it? Show me the moments I missed — the gift disguised as an interruption, the answer disguised as a delay.

What did I do today that I'm glad of? Let me thank You for it instead of congratulating myself. What do I wish I could take back? Let me confess it instead of excusing it. You already know; help me be as honest as You are merciful.

Teach me whatever today was trying to teach me, so I don't have to repeat the lesson too many times.

And then, Lord, help me close the book on it. Today is finished. It belongs to You now — the good, the bad, and the unfinished. I entrust it all to Your keeping, and myself along with it.

In Jesus' name, Amen.