Praise you, Lord, that you never lose your way, never lose your focus, never lose in the end, but always will finally bring a just and positive conclusion. I praise you for your will and power to do so, because you live outside of time, are everywhere at once, and exist forever.
After watching the film of the Gospel of John, I thank you for reminding us of the difficulties you suffered in living as a human being and revealing yourself as God. It also reminds us of how stubborn and negative we are as humans, protective of our position and status, willing to reject eternal truth in order to keep some temporary comfort.
I praise you that you did not shrink back from any challenge, that you did not move too fast, and that you did not give up.
I praise you that you pressed on to the conclusion of your task here on earth, dying in agony in the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realms, so that we, your enemies, might be set free from the clutches of sin. Praise be to you for your noble, gracious, loving acts of redemption and restoration.
Thank you, too, for all the protection you provide, for all the provision you supply, for all the positives you pour out every day, every minute, in every situation.
I think of how many, many times we’ve gone places by car and returned safely because you are the God of power and protection. We must not take that for granted, for all an accident requires is for me, or another driver, to lose concentration for a second or two.
Praise be to you, Lord for all that you do, orchestrating a myriad of actions and events to protect us daily. You are a wonderful God, a marvelous Shepherd, and majestic King. I give you glory and honor now for what you will do as the day unfolds.
Lord, in praising you ahead of time, I want to align my desires with yours, to give up my small and selfish ambitions for your great and good ones. I want to wholeheartedly let go of my desires and to wholeheartedly embrace yours, knowing that they are far better, far higher, far richer than any I want.
Praise you for your work in me to bring my will into line with yours, knowing that what you will work out will be part of the great plan you have for bringing sin and suffering to an end.
So I submit to your wisdom, to your power, to your decisions. Knowing that you are good, wise, loving and kind, I can trust you to bring into our lives what is edifying, transforming and good, even though it may not seem so to me. Therefore, I bow before you afresh, gladly surrendering to you, giving you my will and taking yours in its place. May you be honored in my life today.
