Sweep Up the Shavings

“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

Psalm 141:2 (KJV)

Evenin’, child. First Monday of the week is done. The crickets are tunin’ up and the porch light’s on. Come sit with me.

When I had my shop, the last thing I did every night was sweep up the shavings. Cedar mostly. The whole place smelled sweet as could be, and I’d stand there a minute before I locked the door. Wasn’t much of a ritual, just an old man with a broom. But it was my way of sayin’ the day was finished and handin’ it back.

David asks the Lord to take his evening prayer like sweet incense rising up. Not a fancy prayer. Just lifted hands at the end of a long day. That’s all God wants from you tonight. You don’t need the right words. Lift up what you’ve got, the good, the tired, the worried, and let it rise to Him like that cedar smell driftin’ through the rafters.

So before you turn in, sweep up the shavings of today. Thank Him for what went right, tell Him what went wrong, and leave the rest in His hands. He’ll be up all night anyhow.

Let’s Pray

Father, I lift my hands to You tonight. Take this prayer like sweet incense. Thank You for carryin’ me through this Monday. Forgive what I got wrong, bless the folks I love, and give me peaceful sleep. In Jesus’ name, amen.

You’re loved more than you know.