Dear God,

We are tired. We are stressed. We are sorrowful. We are broken. In the midst of these cold months, the world outside is dark and gloomy. It seems to be hard to find sunshine these days.

Some mornings when we wake up, we get a melancholy feeling in the pit of our stomachs even before the day begins. We feel unworthy and ashamed. Everywhere we look, there is pain. People are getting sick. People are fighting. People are suffering. People are hurting.

We so desperately need you, Jesus. We need you every hour. One minute, we feel so close to you. But then, in a split second, we turn around and follow something else. We fall for the remedies for our hurt this world has to offer. We are left unfulfilled and in the dark.

Remind us that you are good. Remind us that you have a plan. Remind us that you are present with us right now. We don’t have to wait to taste your goodness—we can experience your marvelous works in this very moment.

Cleanse our hearts Jesus. Set us free from the chains that wrap our souls in bitterness. Grant us the chance to start fresh, right here and right now. Forgive our sins and forget them as far as the east is from the west.

Give us strength and patience, Lord. May our hearts find rest in you as we call upon your name. Fill us with your power and walk with us as we take on our days.

Show us peace. Quiet our fearful and restless minds. Help us to pause and realize that you have the whole world in your hands. There is no greater comfort than to know that you are our Savior, our Father, and our best friend.

Thank you that when we draw near to you, you draw near to us. Thank you that a single whisper of your name brings us solitude. Thank you for turning our mourning into dancing. God, when we come to you spilling out our hearts, you lift our spirits with your gift of unexplainable joy and peace.

Give us wisdom as we journey through mountains and valleys alike. Help us to make good decisions and seek righteousness. Prick our hearts to turn from our wicked ways and begin walking in the light. Help us understand that we cannot continue to dance with the enemy and you at the same time.

Give us the power to stomp on our temptations and run to your promises. When we seek to cut out the darkness in our lives, the vibrant color of the world begins to shine through. Thank you for your gift of everlasting joy, Jesus.

Lift us from our ruts. Find us in our sorrow. Drown our sins in your never-ending grace. Light the path you would have us take. Heal those who are sick and hurting. Help us to realize that even when we don’t feel like you are with us, you will never leave us nor forsake us. Your sweet joy is greater than anything on this planet. We love you Jesus. Amen.