The alarm clock calls me to get out of bed and get ready for my busy day. I shower, style my hair, eat a healthy breakfast, and search the closet for clothing appropriate for the day. There’s one more ingredient in my preparation for a successful day.

Even in an over-crowed schedule there’s time to spend with the One who makes all the difference. I’ll ask the Lord to guide my steps. (Psalm 119:133) I’ll ask for the correct attitude. (Philippians 4:8)

My Heavenly Father, please direct my path as I venture out into the world today. Guide my thoughts and actions, even if I’m staying at home.

Instead of filling my physical and emotional needs, please help me meet the needs of others. I’m so often focused on my own desires and the work I want to accomplish in the next twelve hours I forget how to be one of God’s children. I forget I’m to show, not my face but Jesus to the world.

Give me sensitivity. Other people will have needs that are as important as mine. In fact their needs will be more important. Philippians 2:3 tells me I should do nothing out of ambition for myself. I am to consider others more significant. Give me the vulnerability and thoughtfulness to respond to the needs of others.

Give me understanding. Make me aware of other people’s feelings. Make me tolerant and forgiving when their actions or words offend me. Give me insight to see behind behavior and the good judgment to be a light in a dark world.

Give me compassion. Make me sympathetic for not only for the victims of crime and tragedy. But give me concern for those who are tired of the struggle. For those who have tried to make their own way and have failed. For those who are disappointed and who have been misled by the false intelligence of this world.

Lord, give me kindness. Give me the ability to be genuinely friendly and considerate to everyone who crosses my path today. Not only those who make it easy, but to those who interrupt my day. To those who are so different from me that I’d prefer to avoid them.

Father, I know when I go about my life today I’ll meet people who need to see you. Let them see a difference in me and want to meet Jesus.

Sensitivity, understanding, compassion and kindness don’t come naturally. It’s only with the power of God’s Holy Spirit that I can display his love to a hurting world.




The story continues. Look for book two - Heart Beat !