In Mark 8:34-36, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Lord God, the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing, the One from Whom nothing is hidden, I come before You, humbled and burdened, yet trusting in Your unfailing mercy. You, O Lord, know my condition and my plight in this country: my obligations, my duties, and my debts. Father, You see my plight, You know where I am hurting, and You understand the heaviness of my burdens.