Prayer from May 20, 2021

 Holy Father, 

I have been avoiding you.
I confess that I feel hurt and angry.
This year has been so difficult.
It has been too easy to dwell on things I lacked.

Right now, I'd rather dwell on your Word.

You say, abide with me.

You say, I have loved you as my Father has loved me.

You say, keep my commands and abide in my love. 

You say, I am telling you this so that you know what it means to have great joy.

You say, take heart, for I have overcome the world.

Lord, I have tasted and seen. 
It's true: you have brought me peace and courage and great joy.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.

When I forget to abide, when I forget the gospel, when I stop
praying or
seeking or
rejoicing 
then my exhaustion suffocates all else.

Lord, I confess that I have such a distorted view of things...
Help me to see myself and others as you see. 
Help me to be courageous in hope and love.

You are the vine. You are the vinedresser.

Thank you for your love and forgiveness.

Thank you for your imputed righteousness and your Word to me. 

Amen.