A Prayer for Strength
I have begun the Dissertation phase of my doctoral journey. I promised myself that I would approach each day with joy that I had reached this part…joy for the possibilities…joy for the work…joy for the opportunity. I swore I would not be like so many countless others who arrive at this point only to flake out.
And what have I done?
Flaked out.
I opened my dissertation yesterday – and the first thing I saw was the announcement – You last edited this document September 2nd. Three weeks passed without a word.
I swore that would not happen.
I prayed so much to be able to go back to school…to have the strength to finish my coursework…to earn that Dr. in front of my name.
Now I just pray to stay in the program.
Please, Lord – don’t let me come this far just to let me give up on the dream.
A dream deferred and all…
A Prayer for Peace
To have come to this point in my life and suddenly be concerned about money again, Lord. I cannot do it. I know You have a plan. I cannot see it. I know You have a way for us to get out of this. I cannot conceive of it. Help me stay strong, Lord. Help me have peace.
If I should take a second job, provide one. If I should make a career move, show me. I am so scared and angry and worried – though I know none of those come from You.
Help my unbelief, Lord.
My husband has worked for 50 years before this happened. How can it take so long to receive an answer from SSA? I know you will provide a way. Help me stay in the peace of knowing this – because I forget every single time I remember about another bill that is due.
I am terrified.
Help my unbelief, Lord.
I have no reason to doubt You. You have always provided for our needs. Help me stay busy with work and with doing Your will, so that I do not look to the bank balance anymore.
In Your name I pray, Jesus, AMEN.
Prayer of Gratitude
Thank You, Lord for all the blessings from this year.
Thank you for both of Danica’s graduations – one from high school last week and the other from college the previous week. Thank you for each of my children. Continue to bless and protect them all the days of their lives. Thank you for my parents, our siblings, nieces and nephews, and extended families. We are beyond blessed to have all these wonderful people in our family.
Thank You for this year at work – for the Teacher of the Year award that I never saw coming, for the TIA designation that will mean a bonus in August. I am beyond appreciative for all the opportunities to move higher in my career.
Thank You for the 50 years that You allowed Danny to work. I pray his work ethic for his career translates over into his home life now.
Thank You for the unexpected financial assistance when I have nothing more that I can think to sell or trade for extra cash until SSA gives Danny a decision. I pray You grant me the patience to wait without worry. I pray You continue to bless my father for helping me without my asking. I know that You are his model. You bless without finding fault. You grant wisdom and understanding. Grant these to me in abundance, Lord, so that I will see the way I know You have provided somewhere. Help me find it.
I want to be able to help my mother fix her truck. I want to buy Julyssa an icemaker. I want to give Danica a nice graduation party, buy Dan a new welding shirt, get Jordan in summer basketball, and buy something for Jared and Amanda’s home.
Grant me the path to do this, Lord. Show me the way.
Thank You for all the blessings – for every single time You rescue me. Help me to rescue others.
In Your name I pray, Lord, AMEN.
Letters and The Word 