Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you are near and not far off.  That you’re present, and not distant.  We’re so grateful.  Of any time of the calendar, we remember this truth at Christmas time most of all.  That you sent your one and only Son to take on flesh and dwell among us.  The eternal One among us.  Jesus, our High Priest, who is able to empathize with our weaknesses, who was tempted in every way, as we are, and yet did not sin.

We confess our weakness and weariness.  We confess that our tendency to rely upon our own strength has resulted in us learning that we are not infinite or omnipotent like you are.  We confess that we have tried to find our rest and strength in lesser things.  Created things.  Things of this earth that again are forever limited to satisfy what we are ultimately searching for. Which is rest and relationship in you.

We are weak, and while it is often painful to learn this lesson, we count it joy that we are learning. We are thankful that we can approach your throne of grace with confidence knowing we are met with mercy. 

We are weary of change. 

We are weary of the lack of change.

We are weary of our flesh and its self-centered leanings.

We are weary of the noise and volume.

We are weary of feeling isolated and disconnected.

We are weary of grief and pain.

We are weary of injustice.

We are weary in the spiritual battle.

We are weary for a variety of reasons. 

Some reasons are self-inflicted.  Others seem beyond our control.  Either way, we are so grateful that you know our hearts already.  You search us and know us, and even though you do know all the good, the bad and the ugly, through Christ, we are met with lavish grace to cover our sin.  And through the Spirit, we are met with supernatural power to change.  And through you as our Father, we are met with heavenly compassion, not treating us as our sins deserve. 

You know us, You are near, and we worship You for your goodness.  

Thank you for your continual invitation to come to you, first and last, and every moment in between.  We are weary and burdened, and in you, and you alone, we find our rest.  We want to learn from your lowly and humble heart.  We want to find rest for our souls.  Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you that nothing takes you by surprise, and that there is not a day that goes by where you are not good, sovereign and working all things together for the good of those who love you, and who have been called by you to be saved.

Thank you that you have overcome the world, and as a result, we can take heart.  We can take courage because you are our living hope, in all seasons and circumstances. 

Renew our strength Lord.  Ground it in you, and not in us, our flesh, or the temporary things of this earth. 

Speak to us through your Word as we abide in you. May your voice of truth be the loudest in our lives.

Enable us to run the race that is marked out for us, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. 

Teach us to hope in and wait upon you, and you alone.  Why would we put our hope in anything or anyone other than you, for you are infinitely good and trustworthy.

Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap a harvest at the proper time if we don’t give up.  As we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.  Give us watchful eyes, listening ears, and open hands and hearts for how you will use us to do good to those around us. Good that glorifies you.  

Father, lift our chins toward your goodness when are tempted to be anxious or worried about anything.  In those moments and seasons, teach us to pray with thanksgiving, trust and joy, as we let our requests be known to you. 

In Jesus name, we pray, Amen!