Advent day 2

Abba Father,

I know there is a "right" way to do this but for so long I have failed to come into your presence at all because I was getting distracted.   Trying to keep my brain on the rails.  I know you are worthy of praise.  I know that turning my mind to your greatness is part of the "benefits" of prayer.  Taking my mind from self and placing it on you in your eternity.  So I bow my head and acknowledge your Holy name.  I revel in your Beauty and Love because you are Love.  I feel safe in your Justice.  Thank you for loving me.  For pursuing this lost sheep and walking beside me.  For disciplining me like an good Father would.  For teaching me in patience.  I want to know you better.   I want to know who you are so I can be more like you.  I want to know where you moving so I can follow.  I want to know what your voice sounds like so I can hear you.
I have been distracted.  I have placed godly tasks before you my God.  I have justified my pride under a cloak of self sacrifice.  I have lost contact with the you as my source.
I confess that I'm afraid to open the flood gates of requests.  I'm afraid you won't answer.  I'm afraid the list of needs/wants will be longer that my worship.  I'm afraid of doing it wrong.  So I lay my fear before you Lord and let go.  I let go of the idea that I'm bringing a list to Santa and instead acknowledge that you already know the needs and wants.  You are inviting me to participate with what you are already doing.
Pam - purpose; singleness
Kim - health; blessing
Katie - childlessness, adoptioin
Jenn - health
John - growing
Mom - health; relationship with her mother; grandchildlessness
Dad - health; worry; stress
Extended Family - hardship. no matter who's dealing with what I ask you draw them closer to you
Vince - purpose, mental turmoil, depression, hiding himself away
Sarah - rest, strength, to be seen
Lisa - mourning, rest, love, relief, peace
Mark - closer to you, relationship, growth, change, purpose
Bonnie & Galen & kids - salvation
For myself Lord, you know my health issues and so I ask for healing.  I ask you to help me in developing discipline in prayer and my spiritual life.  Help me to balance my life.  I want to do what you want me to be doing.  Help me to finish my to do list and those things that I can't finish, help me to let them go and rest when it's time to do so.