A Renewal Prayer for September

photo credit: h.koppdelaney via photopin cc

photo credit: h.koppdelaney via photopin cc

September has always been, to me, the season of new beginnings, even more than Spring. Maybe it is because the end of Summer brings with it the crisp freshness of cooler air. Or perhaps all of the hopes for the first days of school are forever etched upon my memory. September is a season of fresh starts, second chances and renewed vision. New school supplies, the end of loose schedules and the return of routine can be simultaneously sad and exciting.

Maybe you are sending your oldest to college, or your youngest off on their first day of preschool, maybe a grown child off to military, or your only kiddo to their first day in a new school; Maybe you’re Homeschooling for the first year or sending your children off to Public or Christian schools, maybe it’s your first season with an empty nest. Or maybe it’s a new home, career change or job.

God knows the exact season of life you are in. A favorite verse of mine was delivered to me one season as I took on an unanticipated role:

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Would you consider taking a moment to pray with me, whatever season you are entering, that this September bring new zeal and enthusiasm for our faith lives. May these words resonate within as you pray.

Lord,

Lord you are the Most High God, worthy of all praise.

You are the first One I need in the morning, not coffee, tea, To do lists,  the Morning News or Social Media.

Forgive me for accepting that which is less than in place of  The Great I Am.

Teach me your ways, today that I might walk in them.

Rest is only found as I come away…

from my own busy-ness, the constant news-feeds and steady stream of information bombarding me from every side.

All of it leaves me parched, malnourished, empty. You alone fill me.

You quench my thirst and nourish my famished soul.

Only then I am able to share, care and dare to live like you.

Otherwise I am unable, inadequate- a vacuum sucking up useless information, blowing out hot air and fragments which are  insufficient in themselves to bring wholeness or peace.

Lord, let me not live a life of  fast food faith.

I desire more. Only you can provide. I cannot be the sole provision for anyone.

Jesus Christ is the One provision for all.

Each of us must take, eat and drink of His body and blood ourselves. 

We must be made whole, by partaking in His holiness. This requires coming to Him. Alone. 

So I come. And I pray for others to come. To eat and drink of your goodness and mercy.

This is communion. This brings me into community with the Spirit, His Grace, His Body.

Let me not settle for fragments when I can have fullness.

Lord, thank you that when I do come, however late to the table, however reluctantly- You always usher me in with joy, embrace me completely, join me at the table serving up all I need as I let myself receive…

You are so good and you rejoice as I allow myself humbly to receive your mercy, loving-kindness and the peace and power of your presence.

I am overcome with contentment, a fattened soul bursting with Christ within!

This is enthusiasm. This is what makes me enthusiastic: Christ in me! 

Oh, to return to Him from our everyday waywardness is victory!

Rejoice!

God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ~Colossians 1:27

 

 

 

 

 

5 Responses to A Renewal Prayer for September
  1. Lynn D. Morrissey
    August 31, 2014 | 5:11 pm

    I’ve always felt this way about September, too, Dawn…….a new start and fresh beginning. This really ministered to me, because God gave me this word–beginning–as my theme for 2014. And I love how every day is a new beginning with our merciful God, too. The truths you’ve shared are profound.
    Bless you,
    Lynn

    • Dawn Paoletta (
      August 31, 2014 | 5:58 pm

      Oh, Lynn- how perfect! My word for 2014 IS Renewal- and your is Beginning! That is so cool…oh, I immediately think of Genesis 1:1, and And John 1! What a great word for the year…

  2. bluecottonmemory
    September 1, 2014 | 10:25 pm

    whispering, “amen” to your prayer! Yes – a time of beginnings and I need His nourishment for this journey! Wishing you blessing in this beginning!

    • dawn
      September 2, 2014 | 5:15 pm

      Wishing blessings on the journey to you as well !

  3. KalleyC
    September 2, 2014 | 2:27 pm

    Amen.

    I always felt this way towards September too! I love the air, and how it always feels fresh like a new beginning. Visiting from the Salt and Light Linkup.