“Dear Heavenly Father,
The holidays are quickly approaching and my heart is struggling with such weariness. During this season, many are happy and seeing evidence of this only makes me feel worse.
Lord, the holidays bring up memories and people that are long gone. My life has been greatly affected by these losses. I struggle to find a way to enjoy myself when so many of my friends and family are no longer here to share in new memories.
Lord, help me to reach out to others, even though this idea frightens me. The fear of the unknown and of being rejected has stopped me from enjoying myself around this time of year. Life is quickly passing me by and I am missing out on many opportunities to make new memories and meet new friends. I am wasting my life by my own depression and isolation.
I realize now that I have been selfish. You said in your word that a man wants friends must show himself friendly. I have not done that and my life is a reflection of the truth of that verse.
In my regret, I come to you with a repentant heart. Show me how to look outside of my needs and myself and see and meet the needs of those you put on my heart.
I promise to follow the promptings of my heart and seek to bless and be a blessing. I know there is a great reward in doing this. I have seen the emptiness and sadness seeking my own fulfillment has brought to me.
Lord, I am sorry for being angry at you that my life did not turn out the way I expected it to. I give my anger to you. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. I accept it, and I am turning over a new leaf during this holiday season.
I choose to look at the world with your eyes. I am opening up my eyes to see how I can put a smile and bring joy to others instead of expecting others to do that for me. I drop my unrealistic expectations of others. I will find joy in serving you by being kind and good to others.
Thank you for another year and another chance to have a holiday season with your blessing upon it. God bless me to be a blessing to others, In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan
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