Prayer from My Upcoming Book

Lord God, my faithful Lover, you have been so good to me, in spite of all my neglect and thoughtlessness. From my earliest moments of moral awareness, I have chosen my own way instead of yours. Over and over again in my life, I have wrestled the sovereign’s crown from your head and tried to place it on mine. Too many times to count, I have failed to give thanks for all your care and kindness to me—-worse than that, I have whined and complained like a bratty child rather than acknowledged and appreciated all your beauty and blessing.

Awaken me, God, to your constant care and generosity. Awaken me to the ways you have stood by me and the numberless times you have withheld judgment and punishment from me. Awaken me to your redemptive and constructive purposes in anything and everything I have ever seen as suffering in my life. Awaken me to my deep, fathomless need for your mercy, grace, and love....that I may rise and clasp your outstretched hand. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(from Falling in Love with God, which is scheduled for release April 9, 2013)