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Lord, I come to you again, at the same place I have come before, wanting to start again today without despising myself for how many times I have had to start. Lord, you know how weary I am of returning to this same struggle, and how easily I turn that weariness into shame. I do not ask to be free of the struggle today, only to be free of the self contempt that keeps circling it. Let me begin again today without despising myself or being defined by past attempts. Give me the patience to keep returning without demanding instant change from myself, since progress is uneven and I so easily forget that uneven is not the same as failed. As we hear in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”. I rest in that, Lord, not because I have earned it but because you have given it; keep me from condemning myself where you do not condemn me. Lord, I do not need to see the whole path today, only the next faithful step. Give me wisdom to see clearly what may help me continue, and honesty enough to take it rather than talk myself past it. When I stumble again, steady me gently rather than letting me collapse into despair. Let me begin again today without despising myself or being defined by past attempts. And in Proverbs 4:26 we hear, “Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.” Make my steps steady, Lord, even when they are small and slow; keep my feet on a path I can actually walk today. Thank you that this beginning does not depend on my perfect record but on your patient mercy. Walk with me through today, one step, and let that be enough. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.