Lord,

Help me understand time better
and know how to use it well.
Life has become so fast
that sometimes I feel it is moving without me.

Help me not to walk into a new year
full of lists that never end
and one task after another,
but full of moments I actually live,
breathe in,
and enjoy.

Slow time down
so I can stop for a while,
look at myself again,
put things in order,
set my priorities,
and change direction if I need to.

Slow time down
so I can find room for the things I love doing,
not only the things I have to do.

Slow time down
so I can work out how to live it well
with the people closest to my heart,
and give myself time to build real relationships.

Slow time down
so I stop making the excuse
that I have no time.

Slow time down
so I know how to walk
instead of always running.

Slow time down
so I live every moment with my whole heart,
and it stays inside me as a good memory.

Slow time down
so I can hear the stillness,
settle,
and step back a little from all the noise.

Slow time down
so I can enjoy every bite
and actually taste my food.

Slow time down
so I can learn,
and discover,
and stay curious,
and be creative.

Slow time down
so I am not always tense
and under pressure.

But Lord,
while I am asking time to slow down,
I have started to understand
that it is not only time that needs to slow.

Slow me down
from chasing quick achievement.
Slow me down
so I can see you.
Slow me down
so I can spend more time with you.
Slow me down
so I can find you.