Prayer for Joy

Lord, fill me with joy
Whatever the circumstance.
Grace me with patience
On all occasions.
Make me quick to listen
And slow to speak.
Keep me from becoming angry.
May love and kindness
Be my first response.
May I be known for my love.
May I be known for my joy.
May my life be a light,
A flame burning bright
That draws others to you.
Burn away my depravity.
Refine what is good in me.
When trials come,
Give me the grace
To see them as gifts
From your hand.
What a crazy statement.
Why should I love difficulty?
Why wouldn't I run
From pain, annoyance, and spite?
Because you didn't.
You don't.
You teach me
That the greatest blessing
Comes from staying.
A dangerous thought.
Controversial.
What about me?
Should I stay to be hurt?
Yet you whisper,
"Stay.
There is more to life
Than self-preservation."
I am stronger with you
Standing firm
In the face of adversity
Than I ever could be
In running away.
So give me joy
In difficult moments.
Give me deep breaths
And peace.
And I will find you there.

Prayer for Purpose

Lord, give purpose to my day.
Direct my attention to the things that matter,
Whatever they are.
Give me a gentle spirit
And words of life for my children.
Thank you for quiet,
Thank you for coffee.
You see my piles of laundry,
My unfinished schoolwork,
My dirty floors.
I see them, too.
May I quit escaping to social media.
May I open my eyes to the world,
My ears to my children,
My mind to the task at hand,
And my spirit to you.
Make me effective and responsible,
A good keeper of all within my care.
Teach me to prioritize.
Give me wisdom
For things of this world and of yours.
Marry them both within me.
Fit me for today and tomorrow,
That I might live today with purpose,
Fully present in it
While still invested in the future.
Refine my character.
Work out my flaws.
May my words and deeds be pleasing to you.
Lord, give purpose to my day.