Here I am, Lord. I know that I need to spend time with you in prayer, but I don't know where to begin or what to say. I know that I need to spend time writing--really writing--for your glory, but I never seem to get started. But here I am, Lord.

I guess I can start off by thanking you for this beautiful morning. I didn't sleep in ridiculously late, and the sun is shining. I can see sunlight through the blinds that Watson bent. Thank you for Watson. I wanted a kitten so badly, and you made that possible. Thank you for a husband who willingly works to provide for our financial needs. Thank you for opening the door to a secondary job when the first fell short. Thank you for the next job you'll lead him to, as well. 

Thank you for a husband who seeks your truth. He wants to live within your will, not his own or my own, but yours. Thank you for a husband who lays his life down for his wife, demonstrating the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ for the church--for me. 

Thank you for the friends and family that support my dreams. Thank you for healing my body. Thank you for saving me. You've chosen me. You've called me. You've given me your spirit and complete all that you begin. If I'm made in your image, shouldn't I do that, as well?

My heart has been grieved by the division in my nation. People I love, believers included, are spewing forth hatred toward one another. I feel my heart being shredded the more political tensions rise. I feel like so many people are deceived and blinded to truth. Am I? I pray that your peace that surpasses all understanding would guard my heart and guard my mind. I pray that this same peace would balm over the wounds of our hurting nation and begin the healing process. Can we learn to love again? Can we learn to listen--to truly listen? Can the church be the church again? A church that functions in spirit and in truth? Please removed the veil blinding so many who say, "Lord, Lord!" Let them come to truly know your heart. Know them. Reveal yourself in them.

I pray for your healing over so many who are hurting, knowing that you alone receive the glory. I ask for your hand to protect and keep Meghan, Mrs. Michele's daughter, throughout her pregnancy and afterward, for that is only the beginning of her medical journey. I ask for you to get Mr. Raymond Johnson at the top of the list for the spinal surgery that he needs, and I trust that you will provide the finances his family needs to make it. Give Mrs. Desiree comfort and strength during this time; she has entirely much on her plate. Allow Reyana to be a beacon of peace and assistance for her family. Keep her encouraged and hopeful. I pray for Lisa. I pray that you would bless her relationship with Rico. I pray for a peaceful and fun season of wedding planning. Minimize, or eliminate, the stress of the process. I also pray for her health. Please touch her body and heal her. Restore her health. And when the time is right, please work a miracle and allow her to conceive. I also pray for Amy to conceive, for I know that that is their desire. In the meantime, bring healing to her two boys and any others affected by HFMD. Please keep Watson in good health until you provide us with the funds to neuter, deworm, deflea, and everything else him.

Thank you for hearing these requests.

I pray for my husband. Please uplift him today. Keep him encouraged and strengthened through Christ. As the enemy no doubt attempts to attack, allow my husband's faith in you to shield him from the fiery darts. Let him enjoy passion and fun again. I pray that he, although working many hours with little rest, stays full of life and energy today. You know the exact amount of money that we need to pay bills, and when we need the funds. You also know that we have an upcoming trip to the island and that we're hoping to purchase me new clothes and have spending money for our vacation. We are trusting you to provide for us. We know that we never do without because you are a good, good father. I ask that as Mark delivers pizza, that you'd bless him generously through the tips of those who order. Let him stay busy and work until the end of his hour. Let his light for you so shine to those he meets that he continues to be requested. I ask, knowing you are able, that he receive more tips than we could even imagine. Bless us in this way. Allow him to bless others. 

I also pray that as I press into writing, today, you would keep me focused, motivated, and inspired. Give me visions of what to write. Keep me from attempting to edit. Help me to stay in creative mode. Help me to remember that it is okay to write a "crappy" first draft. I can perfect things later. Help me to get things done. Give me a clear plan. Give me your blessing. Help me to determine what to focus on this day. And as for the devotional, help me to especially get started and to truly speak the word of the Lord and not my own.

I love you, Lord. Forgive me where I have failed you. Forgive me where I have failed others. This is a new day. Your mercy is new. Cleanse me and renew me. Use me. Guard my heart, my mind, and my body. I love you, Lord, and I need you so very much. Stay blessed in this home. You are our Lord. We will serve you.

I pray these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, my heavenly Groom, my Savior. 

Coffee burns. Ouch. You know this, though, Lord. You also know that I slept in later than planned. As a result, I also failed to accomplish my goals for this morning concerning writing devotional content. I ask you, Lord God, to help me redeem the time today. Please inspire me with a word through your Spirit, a message I can share with others to exhort and challenge them. I pray for motivation and drive on this day. I also pray for you to protect and keep my husband. He works so hard, on so little sleep. Touch him. Awaken your spirit within him. Father, I ask to hear from you this day. Thank you. In Jesus' name.