Yes Lord I want the good parts, the salvation, abundance, love and joy, but I understand, especially after studying your word that there is going to be some real tragedy for which we must be centered and prepared.  That is the part with which we need your Spirit in order to “count it all joy” as we are told in the book of James.  This world isn’t easy, ain’t lately Father I am seeing more and more of my Brothers and Sisters caught up with worldly concern. Not simply because they’ve backslidden or wish to be disobedient but because the flow of information, chaos and negative influences is so spurious that they struggle to keep up with simply data processing.  We know that we are to remain hopeful and that even the struggles, the trials and to some extent the pain is meant for our own edification and your glory.  I ask of you mercy for those who are having a difficult time in learning how to lay down their burdens at the cross.  Father send them some clear signals that now is the time to learn the skills mandatory for an overcoming spirit in these end days.

There is too much focus that we lose focus, in a never ending attempt to back up move forward or angle in to get the right shot, we simply forget to shoot.  Nothing gets done in a world that is basically quagmired in the frustration of too much input.  Father, how do we effectively compete at our jobs as if serving you, when there is too little time to juggle the few moments we have to give our families?  I know those are awful excuses, but they are real to us here Lord.  I know that you are a God who understands our burdens for you lived in this world.  We are struggling thinking ourselves not good enough because we are constantly reminded of our inability to catch up or keep up with the moving pack of humanity.  Are we simply to detach and begin playing our own game?  Are we “drop our nets and follow you” as many of the original Apostles were beckoned?  We don’t want to drop the ball, yet with the churches turning into such worldly semblance of businesses and our families becoming detached and distant before our eyes, regardless of attempt or effort, it becomes hard to see ourselves as truly functioning Christians.

Is it okay to let some of it slip through my fingers.  I mean do I have to be joe everything, to everyone?  Is it time to get really focused on the few things that matter, God, Family and Country?  I don’t want to let you down Father but I may have to let the worldly functions drop in order to get all this done in timely manner.  Oh, I don’t have to do that.  You mean the reason it hasn’t been going my way is because I have been going my way alone?  Father I cannot do it all, yet I still struggle to do just that.  What is my version of insanity that I cannot let go and let you step in to provide a solution that isn’t even on the list of my options?  I get it Lord.  Make you first.  Concentrate on Love, Prayer, Worship and meditation in Your Word and the rest will follow.  That seems too simple Lord.  It seems that if I take focus off of the things that need to get done that they simply will not get done.  Forgive me Lord as I know so many will say that is counter intuitive.  That is why it is so hard to do, because it requires me to understand that I just don’t understand.  A humbling principle.

Father, let me go to rest this night with you being the last thing on my mind and wake with you the first thing in the morning.  Let me start the day with prayer and the Word and leave the rest to you to sort out.  I will continue to work with diligence, hard work and imagination, but I will not try so hard to figure out that which seems to over whelm me.  I will simply trust in you and love my family and my neighbor that they might feel valued.  I will encourage others and even myself and leave the outcomes to you for in the end, they were always yours anyway.  This old world can go its way.  I will render unto Cesar that which is Cesar’s and render unto you that which is yours.  I am yours.  Please forgive me for trying to rule the day.  You are my Captain and My King, My Rock of Salvation upon which I tie my boat daily.  Thank you for all that you do.  It is after all yours anyway.  In Christ’s Name I pray, Lord Jesus the King.