The deceitfulness of my heart cannot be trusted. Lord, till the soil within so that the seed You have sown finds something to root itself in. What may be hard and impenetrable, You can soften with compassion and grace. Where weeds of ignorance have tangled up my soul, Your Word unravels with truth and wisdom. Put up a barrier, Lord, so that the enemy does not rob me of that which is good. Remove the stones of apathy and anxiety that clip the reception of the good seed of love. When persecution arises, let me not fear the stones hurled in my direction. Take me behind the shield of faith. Whatever thorns poke out from my spirit, Lord, press them back or remove them altogether. Only Your rich inheritance can make me fruitful. There are no riches this world can offer to entice me. Open my ears to hear Your Word with honesty and goodness. Enable my understanding. Stir up patience that leads to productivity. Make a garden where barren lands exist, Lord. Yours is the planting of glory, the seeds of righteousness for the day of the Lord. Under the blessed assurance of Isaiah 61:3 and the authority of Christ, I bow in prayer.

So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3, NASB