A Prayer About Non-stop Good
“They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them…“ Jeremiah 32:38-40
Most gracious Father, here you go again, exposing the brokenness of my heart and the bounty of your mercies. Don’t stop, please don’t stop, until the Day you bring to completion the good gospel-work you’ve begun in me, and in each of your children… even in the whole cosmos.
I want what you’ve promised… a single heart, for much of the time my heart feels rather divided-parceled parceled to lesser gods… too easily charmed by foolishness… fickle, fragile rather than faithful. You alone are worthy of my heart’s affection and adoration.
I want singleness of action-seeking first the kingdom of redemption, restoration and righteousness-the kingdom of your beloved Son, Jesus. Too many of my thoughts and too much of my energy is spent of the little fiefdom of me… squandered, frittered, wasted.
I want to fear you, Father, now that I no longer have to be afraid of you. Through the work of Jesus, you have eternally freed me from the fear of death and judgment. Now give me awe and reverence consistent with the measure of your mercies and grace that are mine in the gospel. Give me astonishment and wonder worthy of your great love and endless compassion for me in Jesus.
Lastly, Father, I want, I need you to convince me, over and over and over, of your commitment to never stop doing good to me. Such a promise is simply overwhelming… almost too much to wrap my heart around… until I fix my gaze on Jesus, once again.
You have forgiven my unbelief, now free me even more from its pillaging presence. You are good, all the time, all the time, you are good. Even when you discipline me, it is a kiss from heaven. Everything you do is for your glory, and therefore, good for me. I DO believe this, I would believe it more. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ name.