Walking with Jesus

A Simple Prayer

Pastor Calvin Cook
July 23, 2026 — Day 13 of 40

Scripture: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” — Luke 9:23

It seems as though we are always processing something. We think about the situations happening around us, the responsibilities before us, the people we are concerned about, and the things weighing upon our hearts. Even before our feet touch the floor in the morning, our minds can already be running in a dozen different directions.

But this morning, I do not want to process everything. I do not want to solve everything. I simply want to be present with God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in a place of prayer.

Walking with Jesus does not always require more words, another plan, or all the answers. Sometimes it begins by becoming quiet enough to say, “Jesus, I am here, and I want to walk with You.”

Today, I offer this simple prayer—not from a place of having everything figured out, but from the place where I honestly desire to be.

Heavenly Father,

As this new day begins, my deepest desire is simply to walk with Jesus.

Help me keep my eyes on You and not become overwhelmed by everything happening around me. When the road is smooth, keep me humble. When the path becomes difficult, keep me faithful. When I do not know what to do next, remind me that You are already there.

Teach me to recognize the voice of Your Holy Spirit—whether You speak in a quiet whisper or with words I cannot ignore. Let my words carry Your grace, my thoughts be shaped by Your truth, and my actions reveal Your love.

Guard my heart from pride, impatience, fear, and anything else that pulls me away from You. Give me a servant’s heart, willing hands, and compassion for the people You place along my path today.

Help me not to rush ahead of You or wander away from You. Teach me to walk beside You, one step at a time. When I stumble, help me get back up. When I become distracted, gently turn my attention toward You again.

Help me love You more today than I did yesterday. May every person I meet be left with a little more hope because, in some small way, they encountered the love of Jesus through me.

Jesus, thank You for staying with me—even when my walk has not been steady. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me and for inviting me to begin again each day.

Today, Jesus, I choose to walk with You.

In the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord, I pray. Amen.