​I can't think of a better way to start the day than with a grateful heart! In a world filled with mopey Monday memes - God has called you to be the light! Be someone's sunshine as they manage their Monday blues. 

​Dear Heavenly Father,  

Thank you for this beautiful day and forgive us for our oftentimes ungrateful hearts. Remind us to be thankful for each and every blessing you have poured upon us. 

When we struggle to sing your praise, change our tune. 

Help us to take responsibility for our attitude. It is ours alone to control. We may not be able to change every circumstance in our life, but we are able to choose how we respond. 

Use us to reach others for your kingdom. Help us to have a reason for anyone who asks about our joy. Let us lead others to you through the way we live, the words we speak, our actions, and how we love. When they see us, we pray that they truly see you! 

If anything is preventing us from loving the way that you love - Lord, we ask that you remove it. Break down our barriers. Stretch us outside of our comfort zone. Mold us to be more and more like you. 

Less of me. More of you. 

In Jesus name, 

Amen 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

"Just for today" is a phrase we hear often in AA. Your word tells us that we should not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself - Matthew 6:34. Lord, help us to listen to your teachings. Help us to be present in each moment of today. Present with you. Just for today, help us to choose to follow you instead of the unfulfilling substitutes this world has to offer. Just for today, help us to see that You alone provide fulfillment and there is no substitute. Just for today, help us to trust in You and Your promises. 

In Jesus Name, 

Amen

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this beautiful morning. Help me to have eyes that see the amazing design in all that you have created. As flawed people, we tend to complain and gripe about even the most insignificant inconveniences - like the weather. Regardless of today's forecast, help me to have a thankful heart that appreciates the sun even more on rainy days. Instead of focusing on how we wish things to be let's take a moment to acknowledge the miracles in all that The Lord has created. 

In Jesus Name, 

Amen

Today I challenge you to give extra attention to your thoughts. When you become aware of a negative or unhelpful thought replace it with something more positive. For example, when I look in the mirror and find myself picking apart every imperfection, I will replace those thoughts with "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." Now you try it and let me know how it goes in the comments below! 

Love, 

Your Praying Friend

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of a courageous spirit. At times I may not always feel courageous. I let my mind be consumed by worries for today and anxieties about tomorrow. That is in complete contradiction to your word. Instead, you tell us to worry about nothing and pray about everything. Today I bring you every concern that weighs on my heart, every struggle I face, every difficult situation I encounter - I bring it all to you, Lord, and humbly lay it at your feet. 

Thank you for being a loving Father, one that cares about your children and their wellbeing. May I rest peacefully in the presence of The One who holds tomorrow. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

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