I.
This small word shows itself rampant in blogs, tweets, posts, comments. Self-focused is the reality I am finding myself in. There seems to be only one way to remedy this. Change of focus. This is easier said than done folks. So instead of bemoaning how had it will be, or how much it is tearing and ripping at my soul, I am going to simply spend some time falling in love with Jesus. I need some quality time, so I am "getting away" for a bit. Not that this needs your approval or your understanding before I can accomplish this task, but I would appreciate some prayers.
...and on that note:
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5
Dear Lord Jesus, no one is as gentle as you—no one’s gentleness is more evident that yours. You are kind to the systemically broken, patient with repeat offenders and compassionate towards those of us whose struggles are legion. You’re never in a hurry, and you never come across as rigid or harsh. Your non-anxious, calm, encouraging presence gives us great hope that we too can become a gentle people. I lay claim to that hope today for myself.
Jesus, gentle me when I’m behind slow drivers who stay in the fast lane. Gentle me when I face both fair and unfair criticism. Gentle me when I think things that are obvious to me ought to be obvious to everybody else. Gentle me when loud boorish people invade “my space”—as though I have some inalienable right to a non-interrupted life.
Gentle me when I’m too tired to engage, but my wife really needs me to listen. Gentle me when I need a nap but my grandson needs to play. Gentle me when someone gets the last cookie I was already planning on enjoying with a glass of milk.
Gentle me when the vacation gets cut short by crises. Gentle me when friends keep making the same mistakes and foolish choices. Gentle me when the restaurant sends me home with the wrong takeout order. Gentle me when Satan starts condemning me for things I actually did, but things for which you already paid my debt.
Gentle me when I start debating theology rather than loving the people who see things differently. Gentle me when it gets too humid to run, disrupting my plans. Gentle me when I cannot fix the very people you never gave me to fix.
Jesus, you are so very near to us in the gospel, in fact, you live in our hearts. But you’re also near in terms of coming back to finish making all things new. How we long for that Day, more than ever. May your two-fold nearness generate a much quicker repentance on our part during this day. Gentle us for your glory by your grace, we ask. So very Amen, we pray, in your kind and loving name.
A Prayer for a Gentler, Kinder Heart is a post from: Heavenward by Scotty Smith
What a great way to start. Prayer is where it happens. Prayer is where I want to live.
Adieu!
Until next time....
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