A Thirty Day Prayer Journey

THIS WEEK, I’LL RELEASE THE BURDEN OF WORRY…

SUNDAY "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things." (Matt. 6:34) Anxiety is an expensive habit. Of course, it might be worth the cost if it worked. But it doesn't. Our frets are futile. Jesus said, "You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it" (Matt. 6:27). Worry has never brightened a day, solved a problem, or cured a disease. Father, Give me the courage to place in your hands all of my worries. And give me the faith to leave them with you.


MONDAY "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Luke 12:25) trying to overcome the burden of worry? There is no better place to begin than in verse two of the 23rd Psalm. "He leads me beside the still waters," David declares. "He leads me in paths of righteousness." God isn't behind me, yelling, "Go!" He is ahead of me, bidding, "Come!" He is in front, clearing the path, cutting the brush, showing the way. Just before the curve, he says, "Turn here." He leads us. He tells us what we need to know when we need to know it. Lord, I'll trust my worries to you because I know that you will lead me.


TUESDAY "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear" (Luke 12:22) Did God save you so you would fret? Would he teach you to walk just to watch you fall? Would he be nailed to the cross for your sins and then disregard your prayers? Come on. Is Scripture teasing us when it reads, "He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go" (Ps. 91:11)? I don't think so either. Father, Forgive me for worrying. Thank you for reminding me how much you care for me and my problems.


WEDNESDAY "Let us therefore boldly approach the throne of our gracious God, where we may receive mercy and in his grace find timely help." (Heb. 4:16) When I travel with my kids, I carry all our tickets in my satchel. When the moment comes to board the plane, I stand between the attendant and the child. As each daughter passes. I place a ticket in her hand. She, in turn, gives the ticket to the attendant. Each one receives in the nick of time. What I do for my daughters God does for you. He places himself between you and the need. And at the right time, he gives you the ticket. God will do the right thing at the right time. What a difference that makes. Father, Thank you for being ever present in my life.


THURSDAY "God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (Matt. 6:34 MSG) The key is this: Meet today's problems with today’s strength. Don't start tackling tomorrow's problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today. Lord, I need your holy strength today. Please give me what you think is best, to help me face the struggles of this day.


FRIDAY "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him..." (Nah. 1:7) We do not need to know what will happen tomorrow. We only need to know he leads us and "we will find grace to help us when we need it" (Heb. 4:16 NLT). Father,
your grace truly is sufficient for me. Thank you, Gracious Lord, for watching over me and calming my anxious heart.


SATURDAY "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28 NIV) Just last night I was worrying in my sleep. I dreamed that I was diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative muscle disease, which took the life of my father. I awakened from the dream and, right there in the middle of the night, began to worry. Then Jesus’ words came to my mind, "Don’t worry about tomorrow." Can I prevent the disease by staying awake? Will I postpone the affliction by thinking about it? Of course not. So I did the most spiritual thing I could have done. I went back to sleep. Why don’t you do the same? God is leading you. Leave tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. Father, Help me remember that you don’t want your children to worry, that you want me to release the burden of worry to your tender care.



THIS WEEK I WILL RELEASE THE BURDEN OF GUILT...

SUNDAY "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins aid live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." (I Pet. 2:24) God is planning a party... in the throne room of God. The guest list is impressive. But more impressive than the names of the guests is the nature of the guests. No egos, no power plays. Guilt, shame and sorrow will be checked at the gate. We will see, not God’s work or words, but we will see him! For he is not the host of the party, he is the party. His goodness is the banquet. His voice is the music. His radiance is the light, and his love is the endless topic of discussion. Father, Your immeasurable gift of forgiveness brings me joy and hope. May my life prove worthy of your great sacrifice.


MONDAY "God will show his mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve him." (Luke 1:50) God does not save us because of what we’ve done. Only a puny god could be bought with tithes. Only an egotistical god would be impressed with our pain. Only temperamental god could be satisfied by sacrifices. Only a heartless god would set salvation to the highest bidders. And only a great God does for his children what they can’t do for themselves. Lord, Today I surrender my life, my past, my sins to you. I am nothing without you, Father. And yet, I am everything with you. I praise your holy name for redeeming me.


TUESDAY "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (11 Cor. 5:21) Carry a load of guilt? Many do. So many do. Guilt doesn’t bring us nearer to God, it distances us from him. Listen. Disappointments may discourage you. Anxiety may plague you. But guilt? Guilt consumes you. So what do we do? Confess our need. Proclaim our guilt to the Father. And accept the righteousness of God, freely given by the one whose sacrifice makes us righteous. Father, You are holy and righteous, and I gratefully accept you.


WEDNESDAY "God has a way to make people right with him." (Rom. 3:21) David said it like this: "He leads me on paths of righteousness" (Ps. 23:5). The path of righteousness is a narrow winding trail up a steep hill. At the top of the hill is a cross. At the base of the cross are bags. Countless bags full of innumerable sins. Calvary is the compost pile for guilt. Would you like to leave yours there as well? Father, Today I will transfer my burden of guilt to your loving arms. Thank you for leading me on the path of righteousness by taking in guilt.


THURSDAY "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Rom. 3:23) Rather than dismiss our sin, God assumes our sin and, incredibly, sentences himself. God’s holiness is honored. Our sin is punished. . .and we are redeemed. God does what we cannot do so we can be what we dare not dream: perfect before God. Lord, thank you for reminding me to focus on your holiness instead of my own guilt.


FRIDAY "Where God’s love is, there is not fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear." (I John 4:18) We have a Father who is filled with compassion, a Father who hurts when his children hurt. We serve a God who says that even when we stumble, even when we disobey, he is waiting to embrace us and forgive us. He doesn’t come quarreling and wrangling and forcing his way into anyone's heart. He comes into our hearts like a gentle lamb, not a roaring lion. Father, Let me tell you what I'm feeling guilty about today.


SATURDAY "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Ram. 8:1) Ever wondered how God reacts when you fail? Take these words with you to your canyon of shame. Invite Christ to journey with you. . to stand beside you as you retell the events of the darkest nights of your soul. And then listen. He’s speaking I don’t judge you guilty." And watch. He’s writing. He’s leaving a message. Not in the sand, but on a cross. Not with his hand, but with his blood. His message has two words: not guilty. Father, my gratitude is limitless for the verdict you have given me: not guilty. May my life demonstrate my gratitude.

THIS WEEK I WILL RELEASE THE BURDEN OF FEAR...

SUNDAY "Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear." (Ps. 35:4) Since heart disease runs in our family, I run. And as I am running, my body is groaning. Things hurt. And as things hurt, I’ve learned that I have three options. Go home. Meditate on my hurts until I start imagining I’m having chest pains. Or keep running and watch the sun come up. If I watch Gods world go from dark to golden, guess what? The same happens to my attitude. The pain passes and the joints loosen and, before I know it, the run is half over and life ain’t half-bad. Everything improves as I fix my eves on the sun. Isn’t the same true with your fears? If you fix your eyes on the Son, fear diminishes and trust is renewed. Father, help me to look more to you and less to my fears.



MONDAY "Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want." (Luke 22:42) How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to the Father with his fears. He modeled the words of Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you." Do the same with yours. Don’t avoid life’s gardens of Gethsemane. Enter them. Just don’t enter them alone. And while there, be honest. Do what Jesus did; open your heart. Father, I am fearful, but I know that you are strong when I am weak. Help me sense your presence in the midst of my fear.


TUESDAY "May the God you serve all the time save you!" (Daniel 6:16) Look at Jonah in the fish belly—He prays...Look at Daniel in the lions’ den...Or look at Joseph in the pit, a chalky hole in a hot desert. The lid has been pulled over the top and the wool has been pulled over his eyes... Like Jonah and Daniel, Joseph is trapped. He is out of options. There is no exit. Though the road to the palace takes a detour through a prison, it eventually ends up at the throne... .Such are the stories in the Bible. Just when the neck is on the chopping block, just when the noose is around the neck, Calvary comes. Lord, Thank you for being lily rescuer. Thank you for the assurance that you ore watchful, that you care, and that you are my protector.


WEDNESDAY "[Jesus] began to be deeply distressed and troubled." (Mark 14:33) What do you fear? Boarding an airplane? Facing a crowd? Public speaking? Taking a job? Taking a spouse? Driving on a highway? The source of your fear may seem small to others. But to you, it freezes your feet, makes your heart pound, and brings blood to your face. That’s what happened to Jesus. Jesus was more than anxious, he was afraid. "Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering" (Luke 22:42). The first one to hear his fear is his Father. He could have gone to his mother. He could have confided in his disciples. He could have assembled a prayer meeting. All would have been appropriate, but none were his priority. He went first to his father. Father, When I’m afraid, I will trust in you.


THURSDAY "Surely God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid." (Is. 12:2) God understands your fears. He knows what you need. That’s why we punctuate our prayers as Jesus did. ". . if you are willing...’" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God" (Phil. 4:6). Don’t measure the size of the mountain; talk to the one who can move it. Instead of carrying the world on your shoulders, talk to the one who holds the universe on his. Hope is a look away. Father, I’m looking to you and asking you to calm my fears, trusting that you will do what is best and what is right.


FRIDAY "The One who died for us...is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us." (Ron. 8:34 MSG) Jesus, at this very moment, is protecting you …Evil must pass through Christ before it can touch you. And God will "never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it" (I Cor. 10:13 MSG). Just knowing that helps dispel fear, doesn’t it? Lord, Thank you for bringing calm to the storms of my fears.


SATURDAY "The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God." (1 John 3:1) Do you fear that you’re not "good enough" for God? Let me tell you just who you are. You are an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17). You are eternal, like an angel (Luke 20:36). You are a treasured possession (Exod. 19:5) But more than any of the above — more significant than an other title or position — is the simple fact that you are God’s child... Father, You are my father, and I will not fear. I know that nothing can separate me from you, and that fact brings great peace.



THIS WEEK I WILL RELEASE THE BURDEN OF LONELINESS...

SUNDAY "You are with me." (Ps. 23:4 NKJV,) Could it be that loneliness is not a curse but a gift? A gift from God? Could it be that loneliness is God’s way of getting our attention? He would do that? Absolutely. "...the Lord disciplines those he loves" (Heb. 12:6). He wants you to hear his voice. He wants you to discover what the psalmist David discovered and to be able to say what David said. "You are with me." Father, When I feel lonely, remind me of your presence. Let me know that you are with me.


MONDAY "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23) The Lord is with me. The Creator is with me. Moses proclaimed it: "...What nation has a god so near as the Lord is to us" (Deut. 4:7). The Apostle Paul announced it: "He is not far from each of us" (Acts 17:27). Somewhere in the pasture, wilderness or palace, David the psalmist discovered that God meant business when he said: "I will not leave you..." (Gen. 28:15). The discovery of David is indeed the message of Scripture—the Lord is with us. And, since the Lord is near, everything is different. Everything! Lord, Be near to me today! I give you this day and rejoice in your promise to make my heart your home.


TUESDAY "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him..." (Ps. 37:7) Is this a season of solitude for you? Do the days ahead echo with loneliness? Then remember that God is with you. Your family may turn against you, but God won’t. Your friends may betray you, but God won’t. You may feel alone in the wilderness, but you are not. He is with you. And because he is, everything is different. You are different. God changes your ‘n" into a ‘v." You go from "lonely" to "lovely." Father, Your presence enriches my days. Thank you for walking with me through the lonely, times of life.


WEDNESDAY "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Ps. 37:4) When you know God loves you, you won’t be desperate for the love of others. For fear of not fitting in we take the drugs. For fear of standing out, we wear the clothes. For fear of appearing small, we go in debt and buy the house. For fear of going unnoticed, we dress to seduce or to impress. For fear of sleeping alone, we sleep with anyone. For fear of not being loved, we search for love in all the wrong places. But all that changes when we discover God’s perfect love. And, "...perfect love casts out fear..." (1 John 4:18). Father, help me adopt an understanding of how a lonely season can bring me closer to you.


THURSDAY "0 Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray." (Ps. 5:1-2) Loneliness is a burden we would gladly give up. Bags of loneliness show up everywhere. They litter the floors of boardrooms and clubs. We drag them into parties, and usually drag them back out. You’ll spot them near the desk of the overworker, the table of the overeater and at the nightstand of the one night stand. We’ll try anything to unload our loneliness. This is one bag we want to drop quickly. Where will you turn to help? Father, when loneliness comes, I know you will be with me.


FRIDAY "We belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends." (Ps. 100:3) Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus didn’t have that expectation. When Jesus’ brothers didn’t share his convictions, he didn’t try to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide what his physical family didn’t... .Let God give you what your family doesn’t. If your earthly father doesn’t affirm you, then let your heavenly Father take his place...comforting you.


SATURDAY ‘Faith means...knowing that something is real even if we do not see it." (Heb. 11:1) So you think you’re alone? You think no one cares or no one notices? Someday, when you reach eternity, you may be surprised to learn that you were never alone. God has been with you all the way. Only eternity will reveal the time he: Fogged in the airport, distancing you from a shady opportunity. Flattened your tire, preventing you from checking into the hotel and meeting a seductive man. Placed the right voice with the right message on the right radio station the day you needed his encouragement. Are you sure you’re alone? Father, help me trust you more to watch over me when I’m feeling alone. And thank you for all the days you stepped into my life, without my even knowing.



CONCLUSION

You’ve come to the end of’ this 30-day journal of faith, but I trust it’s merely the beginning of your journey. As you meet your Shepherd, let him renew and refresh your spirit. I pray that you’ve left some of your burdens at the foot of the cross. And remember: regardless of the challenges of life, remember that there is One who cares and will never leave you. "We belong to him,’ we are his people, the sheep he tends." (Ps. 100:3)


Portions of this prayer guide were taken from Max Lucado’s book, Traveling Light.