Heavenly Father,

Some of the most religious people of Jesus’s day misunderstood both his heart and yours. Please help me to avoid making the same mistake.

Help to put aside any religious traditions or views that stand in the way of your word. And help me to avoid any concept of faith that goes soft on my own sin. I want to live a truly holy life that consistently brings glory to you.

I also ask that you would help my faith to be strong.

When I feel like I am not the kind of person that should be praying help me to remember that you want everyone to pray.  When I feel like you are ignoring my prayers, help me to be persistent. And when I feel like you will never answer my prayers, help me to be persistent again.

I understand that sometimes having great faith means being persistent in prayer.

And finally I thank you for your unending goodness and mercy toward me.

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.