As most of you who are mothers or grandmothers know, life with children is very busy. It is one thing after another to do, get done, or plan to do. For the most part, our busyness is also filled with joy. Simply put, children are our joy. Their smiles, their laughter, the things they learn, the activities they are involved in—all are times of joy for us. However, we all know that countering the joy there are many frustrating, difficult, and sometimes serious events. Spilled milk, skinned knees, a fight with a friend, lost soccer matches, poor grades, sick children are just some of those frustrating and worrisome times. To add to these challenges, we also have our own lives to take care of: marriages, jobs, volunteering, health, aging parents—all take effort to handle.

Right now, as a wife, mom, and grammy, I find myself faced with several difficult, ongoing situations. These all require hard thinking, prayer, careful discernment, and decision making. They are not situations that have quick and easy answers, but rather take more time than I’d like to be resolved. In fact, I know it’s going to be a while before I come to the conclusions God wants from me.   

As in so many great or small situations, I have found that God is, indeed, a help in even these most troublesome times. He sent this prayer into my life just when I desperately needed some encouragement. I’m always amazed at God’s timing. He knows exactly how much we can handle, and when it is time to give us a boost of grace! This is a beautiful prayer from a friend, reminding me that God is in control and all will be well if I would only trust in him. Just reciting it helps to put my mind at ease. Needless to say, I will be using it frequently, and I am confident it will bring me to understand God’s will for me. Hopefully, someone else who needs this prayer will find it helpful, too.

Lord Jesus,
I come before you today. I surrender all my worries, fears, and doubts to you, knowing that you are in control and that your plans for me are good.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make straight your paths (Pr 3:5-6).

Help me, lead me, and guide me. Help me to trust you. Your plans are greater than mine. Have your way and take all the glory. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.