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, the day is over and the bed is ready. Before I sleep, I put myself back in Your hands — the same hands that held me all day long.

Thank You for everything today held, and for getting me through the parts I didn't think I'd get through.

Forgive what needs forgiving. I don't want to sleep on an unconfessed heart. You know my failures better than I do, and You are kinder to me about them than I am.

Bless the people I love — each one, by name, in my heart. Keep them through the night.

Now, Lord, let me sleep. Not the thin sleep of a worried mind, but the deep sleep of someone who knows the door is locked, the night is watched, and the One keeping guard never closes His eyes.

Into Your hands I commit my spirit — tonight, tomorrow, and always.

In Jesus' name, Amen.