Me: Before we start with all we have to do, let’s pray.
Prodigal: I will trust you to pray then.
Me: I am going to share someone else’s prayer.
This is from the book A Man of Grace and Grit: Paul by Charles Swindoll
Lord God,
You are very patient and gracious with us. You allow us so much of the rope, until finally we come to an end and realize this must be addressed. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you for the wooing of Your Spirit, who has a way of finally getting our attention.
I pray for all those on some kind of maddening pursuit to make a name or somehow feeling indispensable in the equation. Stop that kind of nonsense in us! Remind all of us, Father, that only One is truly indispensable, and that is Yourself. You who dwells in absolute silence and beauty and purity. No wonder You are so deep and profound.
Give us, our Father, a holy hatred for activity for activity’s sake. Force us to reevaluate why we do what we do when we do it. And may we become Your chosen vessels, fitted and prepared for the tasks You have for us. Keep the flesh away from our involvements, Lord, and give us a holy discipline to address the things that lead to the death of authenticity. Whether we’re single or married, younger or older, give us a dissatisfaction for the energy of the flesh, and show us the value of the hidden life as You prepare ours for whatever You have planned for the future.
I ask it through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Galatians 5:14
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
