2. A Prayer for When You Need Rest
Lord, sometimes the work I have to do is greater than my strength. Help me rest in you, Lord. Help me place my cares in your capable hands, knowing you are not surprised at all by the things that surprise me. You are the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end.
You know what will happen in my tomorrows. Father, Paul reminds me that in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 he asked you three times to take his infirmity, yet, you told him your grace is sufficient and your power is made perfect in weakness.
Like Paul, let me boast in my weaknesses because that’s when your Son’s power will rest on me.
God, help me to be content with things I have, so striving will not steal my peace and rest. I want to stop filling my mind with all sorts of worry. When it’s time to rest, help me turn my mind off.
Help me meditate on the Word of God whenever I start feeling overwhelmed, for that’s when the enemy prowls around. Help me linger as I read Psalm 23, and remember that you are our shepherd. You will make me lie down in green pastures and lead all of us beside the still waters.
Lord, show this sheep of yours where the still water is. You are the one who will restore my soul. You will prepare a table for me right in front of my enemies. God, let me stay in that place of solitude with you, where I can be refreshed.
Lord, as you tell us in Psalm 139:13, each of our bodies is fearfully and wonderfully made. And yet, you also say in 1 Peter 1:24 that all flesh is as grass. Grass withers, Lord, and flowers fall off. But you, God, are powerful. And though we all are like grass, Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
I need that strength, Lord. Help my body find rest unto my soul that you speak of in Matthew 11:29. Show me how to take your yoke upon me, instead of trying to carry my own load by myself.
Amen.
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