My Father,

I can never give enough gratitude to you for everything you have done, from your gift of life, to picking me up out of the fire and ashes, to sending me lessons and conviction of my heart.

Thank you for your love and your mercy. Thank you for continually reminding me that you are there. You know my heart, every corner and crevice, from the good to the ugly and you never leave me.

I was the one, at one point, that you left the rest to go and bring back. I am nothing, yet to you I am everything. It humbles me to know that you would love me that much when I have received so much anger, neglect, and hate in this world when all I’ve wanted was to be loved and to give love. It’s hard to understand how I can be loved that much when the world has taught me that I am not. I’m learning not to listen to the world and to give grace to those who have misdirected their anger, pain, and hurt toward me, because I know and understand that they were broken too and that they are also worthy of your love. So I forgive them. And Father, in turn, I ask for you to forgive me for not trusting in you enough and for not giving you the glory that you deserve.

My heart is so convicted right now, and I am crying out to hear you. Please direct me. Please take the lead and control of my life. In you, everything is good and Father, I want what is in you. Please continue to work on my heart. It has already changed so much, but yet I still struggle to love myself enough to allow you to do your work fully in me.

I know you have plans for me, and I know that I stand in the way of them at times. Help me to get out of my own way and to look at myself in forgiveness and give myself grace to move forward.

I love you, and I envision myself at your feet, laying every burden down in surrender. You know I will fall again and again, so please keep picking me back up and setting me on your solid ground.

Your will be done in me!

Amen