Every Saturday, I try to write a blog post reflecting on what God has taught me during the week previous. But today, I came to my desk with a prayer. It’s a little messy, a little vulnerable. But, this is my heart’s cry, at this present moment.

You might want to read it out loud, with your hands open, as if you are ready to get a present – just as a physical representation that you are ready to receive from God.

I really hope some of my words lead you to meet with Jesus. In the midst of what has been a crazy and restless season, for so many of us, I am hoping that this prayer leads you to peace.

Slow me down, Lord.

Slow down the lies,

Slow down the anxiety,

Slow down my coming and going.

Slow down my thoughts, Lord,

Slow down my greed,

My pride,

My wanting to do it all, right now –

That feeling that I must do everything, which is hurled my way.

Slow me down, Lord.

Slow down my responses,

Slow down my defences,

Still my fears.

Slow me down when I want to run too fast, so that no one can follow.

Slow me down when I want to fast forward, when I want to know what’s next…

Slow me down whenever I start to think the grass is greener on their side.

Slow me whenever I start to think the grass will be greener, in a few months, or a few years…

“If I could only get past this struggle,”

“If I could only plough through this season,”

Stop me from running ahead, in my own strength.

Slow me down to enjoy my life, Lord,

To enjoy my life today.

Slow me down in my doubt, Lord.

Slow me down in my guilt.

Because when you slow me, I start to see you…

I start to notice you, stood patiently waiting,

For a conversation with me.

When you slow me I start to remember that you are the one that did everything,

Everything that I could never do

You are the one that whispers “it is finished,”

You remind me that you have overcome all of that, which I worry about.

You moved so I don’t have to strive fast, run fast, or be fast.

Slow me down in your love, Lord,

Your patient, enduring love.

Slow me so I can hear your song over me, Lord.

Slow me, so I can stop comparing and controlling and criticising myself.

Slow me down so that I can see you, Lord.

Slow me down so I can see my life, from your perspective.

Slow me down God, because I am tired of battling,

I am tired of trying to get myself out of a rut.

With these tired hands raised, I ask you to pull me up Lord,

Pull me out of this restless state.

And slow me right down, Lord.

With your kind eyes that see me, like no one else does.

With your peace like perfume, I breathe it in,

Stilling the atmosphere with your presence, let me tune in to you, God.

With your hands that have reached out in rescue towards me, so many times.

Hands that are always ready to hold me,.

Regardless of the mess I have ran fast towards

Hands that hold me and heal me

Hands that want to hold and heal me, always.

Slow me down with your still, small voice, God,

Strong in power and perfect in love.

See me Lord –

See all that I am and all that I have done –

And slow me with those eyes that forgive me,

Those eyes that choose me, time and time again.

Slow me down because I am running too fast, past all that you are…

And I don’t want to anymore.

Meet me here Jesus, because I need you.

I need your mercy, salvation and grace.

Meet me here Jesus, because I am no longer in a rush,

And I am ready to know you more.