A Morning Prayer

Note: Back in September, the morning I wrote this, a dear friend read it and said, “I love it. Publish it.” It was the last post my friend was well enough to read. 

Lord, I’m full of self and sleep—and want another ten minutes in bed. I need You to wake me up to Your loving power. Help me with the little choices— like do I hit the snooze button or put my feet on the floor? Today, Lord, help me know that—

• Life apart from Your love is not really life, it’s death;

• You come to those with a broken and contrite spirit;

• I’ve nothing to be proud of or boast in but You;

• You live in me by faith and make me right with God;

• I’m not a law unto myself; I need the fellowship,
..teaching and guidance of Your Word, Your Holy Spirit and Your people.

 

Lord, this day I would please You. Help me recall that—

• I please You by loving others and treating them as You would and
..by seeking their good  for Your sake, for their sake,
..and for the sake of Your Kingdom and not for myself.

• I please You most with simplicity, honesty and
..open undisguised truth with myself and others
..at all times and in all situations. Center me in You.

• Anything but graciousness to others is not Your Holy Spirit.

• I please you by keeping in faith in You and yielding to Your Spirit.

 

That means that—

• I cannot and will not easily be offended by any person or situation.

• I will be a peacemaker—easily reconciled with all.

• I will hold no grudge or resentment.

• I will be kind and gentle and self-controlled.

• I will choose forgiveness, for myself and for others.

• I will not be judgmental.

• I will think the best of others in all situations at all times.

 

Help me give my thoughts and feelings to You, Lord. Help me turn away from all traditions, habits, automatic responses, and desires that aren’t in line with You. I would find Your love and express it in the ordinary circumstances of today.

Help me choose faith, Father, not my own thoughts or feelings. I’d choose to praise You—today. I’d choose to be cheerful—today. I’d choose to trust that this crucified life is possible by the power of Your Holy Spirit. I’d like to live today in communion with You and Your Son. Help me, Lord.

If I falter or become uncertain, I want to look to you for strength, truth, deliverance, wisdom, forgiveness and love. I want to trust in You—come what may, to set my will and mind to life in You—to know moment by moment communion with God through Christ Jesus.