Prayer of Confession Day 325

Gracious God, you encourage us with your love, bringing new life out of death.  We confess that we need your life-giving power in our lives and our relationships.  We have hurt others and been hurt by them.  We are often angry and afraid.  We are not sure when to assert our needs and when to care for others` needs.  We continue to live in ways which do not lead to peace and justice.  Forgive us, O GOD!  Pour your Spirit of wisdom and healing upon us, that by our lives and our loving, we may glorify you, through Jesus Christ the Risen One.  Amen.

This week after speaking with two friends, one a widow seeking companionship to fill the void created after her husband`s untimely death, the other a man in a difficult relationship with a drug addict.  They are both loosing themselves in an effort to fill God-given desire for a partner; from both of them I heard, I`m praying but God`s not listening?   Who`s not listening?

Ecclesiastes 8:5-6  Whoever obeys his commands will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.  For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man`s misery weighs heavily upon him.

So many times, God has reminded me of this difficult, hard to swallow lesson.  Often I wanted what I wanted, when I wanted it, not how God operates!  Lack of patience lead me down the streets of distress and disobedience; opening the door for you know who, Satan was delighted to be in the driver`s seat.

2 Timothy 2:25-26  Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 

I thank God for the gift of time and the lessons learned that He allows me to share and witness for His glory.

1 Peter 3:15  But in your hearts set apart Christ as LORD.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.

Father God, thank you for leading me to 1 Peter 3:15, how long have you been directing me to this?  Is this one of my favorite, God winks?  Of course, it`s no co-inky-dink that 3:15 is also the date of my birth, I love you Heavenly Father! Thank you for the joy of your love.  Amen.