Simplify: A Prayer of Returning

Obedience to the words of Jesus is the truest expression of our love for Him. He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). So I must ask: Am I listening? Am I following? Am I living the way He calls me to live?

What has Jesus taught us? What do His words invite us into?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30–31)

This is the heart of it all. Not a heavy burden, but a beautiful simplicity.

To love God is to put Him first—to sit at His feet in quiet moments, to seek Him in His Word, to speak with Him in the stillness of prayer. It’s not about complexity or perfection. It’s about presence. Relationship. Devotion.

Father, in these recent days, I’ve sensed You speaking one clear word to my spirit: Simplify.

Simplify my routines. Simplify my approach to Scripture. Simplify the way I come to You in prayer.

So often, I chase after the new—new strategies, new systems, new ideas for growth—yet I find myself cluttered and restless. You’re gently calling me back. Not to do more, but to do less with greater love. To strip away the distractions—even the good ones—and return to the essential things: Love You. Love others. Love and serve my family with intention, so that together, we might reflect Your love to a hurting world.

Holy Spirit, help me. Quiet my heart. Refine my focus. Teach me again how simple and sacred obedience can be.

Amen.