Morning Prayer - With A Heart That Waits For You

God,

In the quiet of this new day, I come to You like the prophetess Anna in the temple. I do not come with grand words, but with a simple desire to be with You.

I long for her persistence, her faithfulness, her heart that knew how to wait and serve You in the simplicity of daily life.

“She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” (Luke 2:37)

And when she saw Your Son, a child in arms, she recognized Him immediately. She did not need signs from heaven; she did not need proof.

Her closeness to You had opened the eyes of her heart, so that she saw the Savior. Grant me such eyes today, that I may recognize You in the small things, in the people I will meet.

“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)

Lord, help me to remain in Your presence

Today, I want to grow in You, just as Your Son grew. Not by my own strength, but by Your grace. May I not remain a spiritual child, but be strengthened in the wisdom that comes from You.

“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” (Luke 2:40)

This grace is for me, is it not, Father? You assure me that through the name of Jesus I am cleansed, that I can come before You as Your beloved child, without fear or shame.

“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” (1 John 2:12)

Yes, Father, Your word is in me

Your word makes me strong. I do not love the world or its fleeting glamour. The lust of the eyes and the pride of life will not satisfy me, for I know that all this passes away.

Let me not seek perishable things, but instead write Your will upon my heart, for only the one who does Your will remains forever.

“I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” (1 John 2:14)

Instead of the emptiness of the world, fill me with Your joy. Not a joy that depends on circumstances, but a deep, inner joy that flows from You. This is a joy that no one can take away.