Lord, You search me. You know me. You know when I sit down. You know when I get up. You understand my thoughts. You see me when I go out… and when I rest at home. You know all my ways. There is nothing I say that You don’t hear. You know it all. And… You love me anyway.

You are before me. You are behind me. Your hand is on me. You knew my name when I was in my mother’s womb – even before she did!

Lord, You think of me – so often that I can’t count the times. Your thoughts of me are more in number than there are grains of sand. Yes, YOU – are thinking of ME! I am so unworthy of Your grace and mercy and love and forgiveness!

You are omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent – all knowing, all present, and all powerful.

Your presence goes with me. You give me rest. You are more than enough. You are the Most High.

You fight for me. You are a cloud by day. You are a fire by night. Nothing is too hard for You! When I think about the vastness of You, Lord, my fears are taken away.

Elishama – You hear. Eliada – You know. Eliphalet – You deliver. Again, again, and again.

Jesus, as You were on the cross, You looked ahead in time and saw me – and died for me, so that I could live eternally in heaven! I praise You for that, Lord!

Search me, God, and know my heart? Try me and know my thoughts?

Lord, I want to always be willing to say those words – search me and know my heart – try me and know my thoughts. I want my life to be an open book for You. Help me not to have the need to say, “Here’s my book, but please don’t read Chapter 3.”

See it there be any wicked way in me? Lead me in the way everlasting?

God, I want to be willing to allow You into every room of my heart – a room that I can unashamedly invite You into – not afraid that my wicked ways will be exposed! Lord, lead me in the way! Reveal to me the sin in my life. Forgive me for sometimes wanting to close a door of my life to You by saying, “Don’t go in there. That’s the junk room! You can have the rest of me, but please don’t go in that room!”

Change me, Lord! Stir up my heart and change it! May my spirit be willing. May I seek to know You more.

Thank You, God, for being my Redeemer, Deliverer, Strength, Rock, Comforter, Shepherd, Refuge, Strong Tower, Healer, Provider, Counselor, Coming King, and oh, so much more!

My Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give me this day my daily bread. Forgive me my trespasses, as I forgive those who trespass against me. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. For thine is the kingdom… and the power… and the glory… forever.

Amen.

Oh, one more thing, Lord. Thank You for Your Word! It is the only book whose author is always present as I read the words. The Word of God does speak – it is alive and powerful – and goes directly to my heart – and it changes me!

Ann Farabee, writer, teacher, and speaker, has taught in Kannapolis City Schools and Mooresville Schools. Contct her at annfarabee@gmail.com or visit  annfarabee.com