Advent day 3

Abba Father,

You are amazing.  You fill me up and make the empty places whole.  You acted to redeem all humankind, not just those who agreed with you.  Your justice and mercy are overwhelming.  Father God I thank you for reminding me this week that your grace is not the same thing as poise and charm.  Thank you for reminding me that speaking the truth in love means that I have to have demonstrated the love first.  Thank you for bringing me reminders to pause and be amazed at the simple and complex wonders you have created all around me.  Thank you for meeting me where I'm at, for meeting my small efforts with huge amounts of grace.  You have filled my heart until it overflows with joy and I have missed that for so long.  Thank you.
I confess there are times when I use my tongue like a blunt weapon. Give me pause before I speak and always let my first response be grace and love.  I acknowledge before you Lord that I have forgotten to put you first.  Wipe away any false idols.  Remind me to come before you.
Abba, there are so many things that are wrong and broken in this world.  It feels like Ps 23's shadow of death at times.  The fear and hopelessness that our current age, and a focus on everything wrong, brings is overwhelming.  Don't let me get lost in a quagmire of helplessness.  Help me to remember that you don't ask me to help everyone, just the one in front of me.  I can't rescue mankind, only you can do that.  No matter how I feel about our current politcal representatives, you have put them in power for a reason and so I pray that your name be glorified.

Pam - purpose; singleness
Kim - health; blessing
Katie - childlessness, adoption
Jenn - health
John - growing, relationship
Aaron - freedom from alcohol, relationship with you, good fellowship, healthy companionship, singleness
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
Jen & Todd - effective ministry, children's health
Guiles - effective ministry
Ross's - health, blessing
Rachel - adventure, new pasture, your will be done
Sarah - energy, confidence in you
Jon - passion & purpose, relationship
Pastor Greg and church leadership - protection from spiritual attack, strong relationship with you, accountability, insight