For My Friends

“Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who came, stayed by your side, and never left you when you needed someone the most.” -Unknown. God has blessed me with so many friends that demonstrate the love of Jesus. My prayer for you, as you read this, is not only that you have this deep kind of friendship, but that you also know Jesus Christ, who makes this kind of forever-friendship possible.

You’re a true friend, always real;
A real friend, forever true.
A gift from God, my sister in Christ-
I can see Jesus in you.

It’s the way our hearts are knit together;
Knowing we’ll be friends forever.
The laughter, singing, and crying too.
God sent me love, when He sent me you.

It’s the love you show when saying hard things-
Words that heal, can sometimes sting.
Restoring me to the way that’s right,
Pointing me back to Jesus Christ.

It’s the peace you have in every trial,
The way you always make me smile.
The joy you share in all you do;
Faithful sister, I love you!

Life with you is never boring!
Such a blessing every day.
It’s an honor to bring you before our Father
As I remember you and pray.

You’re a true friend, always real;
A real friend, forever true.
A gift from God, my sister in Christ-
I can see Jesus in you.

Almost Too Deep for Words

An ache from deep within,
A heart that is raw and wicked.
The realization rocks me to the core-
I am reaping what I have sown.
This life of selfishness and pride
Has resulted in pain and loneliness.
All the hurts I have done are cascading back on me.
I deserve this.

I confess my wicked heart and bitter envy.
I confess my tendency to leave.
I confess my hurtful actions.
My life is a mess.

But You say that there is no condemnation,
You say that You will never forsake me,
You say that You love me!
This I do not deserve!
You extend mercy to a wretched sinner,
Grace to a rebellious heart.
You are good beyond measure.
I cannot understand.
What would make You pay the price
For someone like me?
Faithless, unfaithful, struggling, rebellious, stubborn.
How can You love me???

But You do.
It is amazing and life changing.
My guilt is gone. I don’t understand.
God change my heart. Breathe Your life into me.
Strengthen me to withstand the circumcision of my heart,
when You transform me to the image of Christ.
Love me through the pain.
Show me the end result. Your glory! My transformation.
To look more like Jesus. It is painful.

But worth it.

Morning Petition

I confess my inclination to stray.
To worship idols of my own design.
Faithful I am unable to stay,
I tend to blur the line
Between wrong and right.
But there’s no darkness in light!
It’s a constant fight
To die daily.

I am weak and insufficient,
Prone to wander and doubt.
Marked by a sinful bent,
And rebellious from the inside out.
You call me to repent and believe.
When I do, I receive
Mercy I can’t quite conceive
And marvelous grace.

But my weaknesses are small
When compared to Your majesty.
You’ve covered them all
And loved me lavishly.
You’re my Redeemer and Savior,
Master and Creator,
Healer and Sustainer,
Worthy of my praise.

Refreshed by Your Word,
Renewed by Your mercy.
My confession You have heard,
I’ve no need to worry.
You have filled me with praise
Of Your redeeming grace.
Free to follow Your Way
The new day begins.

Do You Hear Me? (Grown-up Version)

I woke up this morning already late,
Eating breakfast will just have to wait!
My boss is angry and so is my spouse;
I locked my keys and cell phone inside the house.
It’s a rough day already and I’m still at home.
I won’t survive if I face this alone!

Do you hear me when I pray?
Life is kinda hard today.
I know You say You love me,
But You feel so far away.
Will you hear me when I pray?
Can I trust the words You say?
I need to know there’s a purpose
For what I’m going thru today.
Do you hear me?

Tragedy and sickness fill our lives.
I know it doesn’t catch You by surprise.
The unknowns and why’s are hard for us;
But Your ways are always righteous and just.
When I don’t understand the reasons I grieve,
Strengthen my faith and help me believe–

That you hear me when I pray,
Though my life is hard today.
You said You’ll always love me,
And You’re never far away.
You will hear me when I pray,
I can trust the words You say.
You show me there’s a purpose
For what I’m going thru today.
You will hear me!