In my introductory post, I shared with you a prayer that I try to recite every morning, sometimes multiple times per day. This prayer represents the kind of person I wish to be and is not so much about attaining a new business or financial goal. Whether I am working on the construction site, traveling with my wife, or riding my mountain bike in the Rocky Mountains, I want those around me to see the attributes of this prayer in my life.
Here is the full prayer again:
Lord, give me the strength to live for you today.
Help me to avoid cowardice, but in boldness, face the day’s difficulties and duties.
Assist me with being a godly husband in mind and action.
Keep me from losing faith in people.
Despite meanness, stress, or frustration, let me approach others in a conscientious and calm manner.
Lord, help me to quickly forgive the little stings from others and quickly apologize for giving them.
God help me to live a fearless life of honesty and integrity.
Do not allow my failures to dishearten me, or steal my confidence.
Lord, let my life be a mirror constantly reflecting your light to others.
Open wide the eyes of my soul, so that I may see good in all things.
Reveal today some new pieces of my vision puzzle.
God, let me be inspired and overwhelmed with your spirit of joy and gladness.
God help me to be a full cup of strength for those who are hurting and thirsty.
Bring to me those divine opportunities to serve your creation in love and selflessness.
In the name of our strong deliverer and only Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Section part 1:
“Lord, give me the strength to live for you today”
This opening portion may seem like a standard opening to any prayer, but I would like to look closely at what is acknowledged and requested in this opening line. The very first word is “LORD” which immediately recognizes an authority above our own. The word Lord means: “a person or authority having power over others or a ruler”. I am addressing a force that can see and do things outside of my own abilities. The question of “Who is LORD” has been debated by humanity throughout history but the vast majority of humans have petitioned a higher power for protection and strength. As for me, I am praying to the only triune God who created the universe with immeasurable power, yet has the desire to assist in my individual situation and struggle.
“Give me strength” What type of strength am I requesting? In this instance, I am not necesarily referring to physical strength. I like the definition of strength given on Wordik “The capacity to resist strain, stress or attack” Synonyms include impregnability, durability and endurance. In this confession, I concede that life can be hard and I am in need of positive energy or a refreshed mental capacity to face the day. Also, this request indicates that I believe that supernatural intervention is possible and available. Somedays it seems that I lack the inner strength to vocalize this prayer.
“Live for you” What does it mean to live for God? To me, living for God means that I try to mimic the attributes of God in my life and that I am aware of a purpose outside of my own desires. There are many attributes of God that humans cannot imitate, such as God’s omnipotence or eternal nature. But when God became flesh and dwelt with mankind, we see the example of love in Jesus that should be the highest calling for any of us. Consider the Godly attribute of sacrifice ~“giving up something highly valued for the sake of something else considered to have a greater value” or service ~ “An act of assistance or benefit; a favor”. God is the architect of all Mankind and we are designed to serve one another. In fact, when we offer acts of charity to others we often reap the biggest reward. health benefits of serving others
“Today” When I ask God to give me the strength for today I’m not suggesting that I won’t need God tomorrow, I am asking for focus on the immediate needs of today. I am asking God to help me concentrate on the present. While there are important lessons that have shaped us from past events, I do not believe that ruminating on the past is healthy. In addition, setting goals and working towards a future vision is also essential, but living in the present is the healthiest mindset for us. Sometimes living for today can be very difficult. Catchphrases like “carpe diem (seize the day)” or “stop and smell the roses” are valuable pieces of advice. “So do not be anxious about tomorrow. for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today”. MATT 6:34 NLT
I have often thought that there is a danger in repetitive prayers, in just regurgitating words over and over until they lose their meaning. However, breaking down my daily prayer is helping me to really focus on what I am requesting and reaffirm the person I wish to be. It can be easy to speak words without really considering what is being said. Words are powerful and I think we should examine what and why we are making these requests of God. Do we truly believe that God hears us? Do we actually understand the consequences of getting what we pray for? The above prayer is full of powerful requests and ideas that are capable of transforming my life.
SMW 2023