“Satan is so much more in earnest than we are–he buys up the opportunity while we are wondering how much it will cost.” ~Amy Carmichael

Good morning, Lord. I awaken with a head filled – with a list of things to do, with thought after thought of “hows” and “whats” and “I’m not sure I can do all this.” Oh Father, I need Your sweet voice to focus me, to direct my path, and to show me Your truth. I need to feel the wonderful confidence that comes in You – not self-confidence but Christ-confidence that I have known before. I know I have pushed to the edges and have allowed myself to give in to the noise – forgive me. I want to rest in You, hear You, see You in every single thing. Today. Even now, focus my thoughts. I want to hear what You have to say. Today, Lord. Even now.

It’s about having a life that says “if not for You, I’m through” no matter what. In times of abundancce and times of poverty, in times of blessing and in times of pain. “If not for You…” should be my cry. If not for Your wisdom, Your direction, Your guidance, Your grace, Your forgiveness, Your redemption, Your sovereignty, Your mercy, Your healing, Your joy, Your completion, Your perfection, Your faith, Your nurturing, Your judgment, Your holiness…

And even when temptation taps its bony finger that looks so much like my own bony finger – trying to get my attention – my cry should be “if not for You…” For only You, dear Lord, can bolster me and strengthen me to stand against the enemy and his cunning words that feel so good to my weary broken nature. Only you can literally reprogram my “taste buds” so my appetite for sin dies and my appetite for Your truth and Your life and Your word become my joy.

Lord, I need Your wisdom, Your guidance, Your reality. In trials, in times of blessing, in the every day. I need to have an attitude that reflects Your attitude – in business and in my marriage and in my friendships and in my community. And it’s only through You and in You that my appetite will change.

I need You. Pure and simple. I want to crave You. Pure and simple.

What do you need from God today? How may I pray for you?

Last year, I shared the stories about pictures I’ve taken. This year during the month of October, I’m opening up my journal and sharing prayers. They’re not eloquent or poetic – they’re simple honest talks with God. Some prayers are joyful and some are screams. Some are said in the morning and some at night. It’s my hope the words might help someone else find the words.