Abba, I am incurably religious, willing to slip too quickly into making my faith about the songs I sing, the holy days I observe, and the parsing of words in my studies of the Bible. Forgive me for the misplaced focus on ‘me.’  Draw me to change and cause my heart to desire You.

My heart is a rebel so I pray you will call me persistently and grant me the grace of patience as I wait for Your ways and will to unfold in my life.

Renew my spirit as You move deeply within me, making my stony heart into one that is pliable in Your hands, responsive to Your leading. Help me to see You and Your goodness in moments of wonder that are scattered throughout my ordinary days.

When Self struts, convict me and lead me to new humility before You.
Help me to keep in step with the Spirit and to discover the rich and full life offered to those who are followers of Your Son, Jesus.

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, O LORD,
your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.” (Psalm 25:4-7, NIV)

In Jesus’ holy Name I pray. Amen.