Abba, I come before You today to thank You for what You declare to be true of me – that I am “blessed with every spiritual blessing … beloved… and brought into Your great family” of faith through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1) Lead me today to live as Your son bringing the Kingdom of Light and Life to others.

Keep me from attempting to live the life to which I am called by my own will and wisdom, finding only frustration when I try so hard. Instead, may I rest on Your goodness and live in the ancient promise that I can fulfill Your will – “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4)

Pride and self-will are evident in so many places where I live;
in the hateful actions of the powerful,
in the racist words of bigots,
in the boasts of the arrogant,
in the sin that I tolerate in my own life.

Oh Lord, I pray for “Your kingdom to come, Your will to be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”

May the power of the Cross of Christ bring death to Self and the Resurrection Spirit lead me to a life that overflows with grace and goodness for the glory of God.

Thank You for Your great love. Renew my understanding of it and teach me to accept that love for myself so that I will love others extravagantly.

In the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.