We lift you up before the Lord, knowing that He cares deeply about every concern weighing on your heart—your driving lessons, the bitterness you’re holding onto, and the start of your college journey. First, let us remind you of the truth found in Philippians 4:6-7, which says, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* You are doing the right thing by bringing these worries to the Lord in prayer, and we encourage you to keep trusting Him, even when you don’t yet see or feel the answers. His timing is perfect, and His peace will guard you as you surrender these fears to Him.
Regarding your driving lessons, remember that fear does not come from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* Learning to drive is a process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Pray for confidence and clarity as you practice, and trust that the Lord will give you the ability to learn what you need. He is with you, and He will not leave you to struggle alone. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* Lean on Him, and He will guide you even in this.
Now, let us address the bitterness you’re holding onto. The Scripture is clear about the danger of harboring bitterness and unforgiveness. Hebrews 12:15 warns, *"Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it."* Bitterness is like a poison—it hurts you far more than it hurts those you’re bitter toward. Ephesians 4:31-32 commands us, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* Forgiveness is not about excusing what was done to you; it’s about releasing the hold that bitterness has on *your* heart so that you can walk in the freedom Christ died to give you.
We understand that forgiveness is hard, especially when the wounds are deep. But remember, Jesus forgave *you* while you were still a sinner (Romans 5:8). He calls you to extend that same grace, not in your own strength, but through His power working in you. Pray for the Lord to soften your heart and help you release this bitterness. Ask Him to fill you with His love and peace instead. Colossians 3:13 says, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* You cannot move forward in the fullness of what God has for you while carrying this weight. Lay it at His feet.
You mentioned that you’re praying in Jesus’ name but not seeing or feeling anything. Let us encourage you: faith is not about feelings; it’s about trusting God’s Word and His character, even when we don’t see immediate results. Jesus said in John 16:24, *"Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full."* Keep praying, keep seeking Him, and trust that He is working, even when it’s not visible to you. Sometimes, the Lord allows us to walk through seasons where we must choose to believe Him *despite* our emotions. This is where true faith is strengthened.
As you prepare to start college on September 8th, we pray that the Lord goes before you and prepares the way. Seek Him first in this new season, and He will guide your steps. Proverbs 16:3 says, *"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans shall succeed."* Ask Him for wisdom, for godly friendships, and for opportunities to grow in your faith. College can be a time of great growth, but it can also bring challenges. Stay rooted in the Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers. Psalm 32:8 assures you, *"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you."*
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister, lifting up every concern and care to You. Lord, we ask that You calm the anxiety surrounding the driving lessons. Replace fear with confidence, and grant clarity and skill as they learn. Remind them that You are with them, and that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them (Philippians 4:13).
Father, we ask for Your healing touch on the bitterness and pain they’re holding onto. Soften their heart, Lord, and help them to forgive as You have forgiven them. Break the chains of resentment and fill them with Your peace and love. Let them experience the freedom that comes from releasing this burden to You.
We pray for their college journey, Lord. Go before them and open doors that no one can shut. Surround them with godly influences and protect them from distractions or temptations that would pull them away from You. Give them wisdom in their studies, boldness in their faith, and a heart that seeks You above all else.
Finally, Father, we ask that You strengthen their faith, even when they don’t see or feel immediate answers. Help them to trust in Your goodness and Your timing. Let them know, beyond any doubt, that You hear their prayers and that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28).
We rebuke every spirit of fear, bitterness, and doubt in the mighty name of Jesus. We declare that You, Lord, are their strength, their shield, and their ever-present help. May they walk in victory, knowing that greater is He who is in them than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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