This Prayer: After I recorded this prayer, I wanted to add that God loves it when we ask for forgiveness for many reasons. I recognized that at points in my life, thinking of what I ought to ask for forgiveness for felt like going over a record of wrongs that made me feel bad about myself. I wanted to avoid that feeling.

What I have learned is that God doesn't want us to ask for forgiveness so we keep a record of wrongs, or even so that He does. It's the opposite. He wants us to give them up, set them free, and walk without them so that we can do things differently in the future. We do that by talking with Him the same way my little kids talk to me: admit, receive assurance that we are still okay and loved, and find a new way forward.

We were never meant to be perfect. Jesus proves this by the people He chose to walk with Him through His time on earth. They all struggled, and they were all trusted, beloved, and worthy to carry forward the good news of Jesus.

--------

My Why: I have been lifted and strengthened by others who have prayed for me and with me. Seeing those prayers answered in unexpected ways has given me undeniable evidence of God's presence and power.

I want to pay it forward. I hope that on any given day, one of these prayers will help buoy your faith, reset your chaotic day, bring calm to your hurting heart, or remind you that you are not alone.

Prayer has transformed how I experience life's challenges. The more time I have spent focused on God's word and invested in my prayer life, the more my joy has increased, my patience has deepened, and my overall sense of hope and well-being has multiplied.

When we pray, even in desperation and uncertainty, we become part of something bigger and better than any of us can imagine. We are connecting with God and opening a door for heaven's blessings to pour into our lives and the lives of the people we are praying for.

If you can't imagine being a partner in God's Kingdom work, get ready. Give it time. If you're like me, over time, you will be awe-stricken at the ways He blesses and uses you to bless others.

I'm so glad you are here, inviting divine power into the reality of this world. I am humbled and honored to connect with you in prayer. As you pray here or anywhere else, I believe God is excited and happy that you are inviting Him to move in your life, to heal your broken places, and to have your hope in Him constantly renewed.

P.S. I am learning that when you pray out of the truth of God's character and what you find in His Word, your heart will beautifully align with His, and you will hear His voice differently.

If you don't have a fantastic study Bible, I hope you find one. My personal favorite (there is no sponsorship here—just me sharing with you) is the Life Essentials Study Bible by Dr. Gene Getz. It is like a seminary in a box, with principles, explanations, context, cross-references, and multiple QR codes in every chapter that take you to videos where Dr. Getz explains the material in more depth. You can find it online at: www.bibleprinciples.org/store/