Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, we praise you for your steadfast love, daily mercies, and doing the impossible. We need all three. Because of your steadfast love, we have incomparable peace. Because of your daily mercies, we have the freedom to be vulnerable every day. Because nothing is impossible with you, we can trust you with our heaviest burdens and hardest situations.
Some of us run to your throne of grace today, expectant and hopeful. Some of us are making our way very slowly, under the weight of weariness and emotional exhaustion. Others of us are like the paralyzed man who needed his friends to lower him through the roof to you. Thank you for meeting us where we are, as we are. Thank you for always running towards us in the gospel.
Jesus, we want to trust you with various items from the smorgasbord of life: Health challenges, limited finances, or unexpected reversals; big and little decisions, spiritual malaise, or job upheaval; children who are “all over the map,” or relationships in need of fresh grace—and other stories as well. With palms up and knees bent, we bow, worship, and surrender to you.
Some of us ache with the pain of loss, betrayal, or fear. Hold us tightly, close to your heart. We want healing and freedom, yet some days we want control and justice more. Help us Lord. We don’t want to get stuck in bitterness or resentment.
Some of us feel the burden of our guilt, the pain of failure, or the shame of choices. Grace us, and keep us from falling into vain regrets, self-contempt, or medicating foolishly. Make what feels impossible a garden for the display of your kindness and faithfulness.
Jesus, you do all things well and make all things beautiful, in your time. May your time be our time. Thank you, Lord. So very Amen we pray, in your loving and powerful name.