Dear God, I was talking with a friend recently about a vision they had of a visitation by you. They actually saw you walk into a room. It was actually Jesus and his mother Mary. Jesus was watching my friend working on a project like a proud parent–just delighted in the performance regardless of how “good” it was–while Mary only had eyes for Jesus, her God and her son. It told the person to not miss the moment of your encouragement and affirmation for them. Too often we miss the moments when you show up to affirm what we are doing. I wanted to make sure my friend didn’t miss you, your love, and your affirmation.

Of course, I’ve talked about different times you found biblical characters and affirmed them. Hagar after she ran away and then Hagar after Abraham sent her away to die with Ishmael. Jacob and his angel visitation. Naomi, at least for a while, missed what you had given her in Ruth. Mary and the shepherds, Simeon and Anna after Jesus’s birth, not to mention the wise men and their affirmation. Peter and the Holy Spirit’s anointing at Pentecost.

You’ve given me affirmations too. Just little encouragements at just the right time. Little things to help me see that I am on the right track. I will always remember the email I received about 20 months ago that encouraged me and has sustained me through the last very difficult 19 months. I recently found myself right in the middle of your plan regarding something that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t reluctantly taken a step of obedience in what I was feeling nudged by you to do.

You have also raised up friends, both old and new, to encourage me. We had dinner with another couple last night, and knowing them has been such an encouragement. We’ve met two other couples this week experiencing the same kind of pain my wife and I are experiencing as a couple. While it doesn’t lessen the pain, it gives all of us extra shoulders upon which to carry it.

Father, we are about to start 2023. I don’t know what it will hold. I don’t know what or if I will be typing to you 365 days from now. But I don’t need to know. I just want to love you, worship you, and learn how to love you better so I will be the best possibly worshipper of you when I arrive in heaven one day. So let your kingdom come and your will be done in this world, and use my life however you need to in accomplishing that. Give me this day my daily bread. Forgive me of my many sins, and show me how I need to forgive others–for their sake and for mine. Lead me away from temptations. Deliver me from the plans Satan has laid out for me. And you know my prayers and hopes for those I love. My family. My friends. My fellow citizens of this world. Move, Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. I pray all of this submitted to your authority over my life and this world.

Amen