Prayer for the Week: What world do I live in? Where are my loyalties? To whom do I bow and give authority over my life? These are the questions I bring before you, O Spirit of Heaven and Earth. I ask these questions with some trepidation, for there is a part of me that does not wish to confront what should be confronted within my life. I like what is comfortable for the simple reason that it is comfortable…even when comfortable is not healthy or does not yield the Fruit of your Spirit. Draw me back to the beginning where the unconditional love of Jesus wraps itself around every aspect of my life. Take me to the waters of baptism and to the meal of grace. Open me anew to your welcome, your mercy, your love, your embrace – gifts by which I can move from a conformity to this world to a life that is being transformed for the sake of your kingdom. I cannot be of this world and be an instrument of your realm. Provide me the courage to be reshaped by your Holy Spirit, and then invite me into new patterns and rituals that will teach and reinforce a life that is willing to put your unconditional love first. I make all of these requests with some nervousness, though doing so in the name of Jesus, my friend and encourager. Amen.
