Context: Yesterday morning, whilst I was writing an entirely separate prayer, the inspiration for the verses below came straight to me, without intention or effort of any kind on my part. Quickly jotting them down in rough, I was able to return to them later, and to finish working on them the same day.
Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17; NLT).
I turn to you, and choose your way:
Lord, help me when my love falls short.
I worship you, and choose my life:
Lord, help me when my joy falls short.
I trust in you, and choose my cross:
Lord, help me when my thanks fall short.
I hide in you, and choose my pain:
Lord, help me when my prayers fall short.
I bow to you, and choose my death:
Lord, help me when my faith falls short.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).
References
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 24; NLT).
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6; NLT).
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).
You died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3; NLT).
“Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Mark 14:36; NLT).
Yield yourselves to God (Romans 6:13; RSV).
Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46; NLT).
Then he bowed his head and released his spirit (John 19:30; NLT).
Rosary-making update:
This doesn’t look like much, but it represents a big step forward for me: my first successful pairs of sliding knots:
