Context: Today’s prayer came to me on Sunday morning. It summarises my way of coping with lifts, of which I have a lifelong fear. I step straight in, quickly, hurrying to Jesus, who is waiting in the lift for me. I face my fear for his sake, just as he faced his own dread of the cross for me, and I do all this with him, for he is always with me.
Stepping forward like this is just as helpful with any and every situation I need to face up to, yet would much prefer to avoid. This approach to managing anxiety and fear is summarised as briefly as possible in today’s prayer:
He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward” (Mark 3:3; NKJV).
Lord Jesus,
Please help me to step forward –
- To you
- For you
- Like you
- And with you
No matter what challenges
I face today.
My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done (Matthew 26:42; NLT).
References
To you:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28; NLT).
When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him (Mark 5:6; NLT).
They ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him (Matthew 28:9; NLT).
On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!” (John 7:37; NLT).
I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it (Luke 6:47; NLT).
For you:
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it (Luke 9:24; NLT).
Like you:
As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world (1 John 4:17; NLT).
Since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you (John 13:14; NLT).
With you:
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NIV).
Be sure of this: I am with you always (Matthew 28:20; NLT).