Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14 NIV
Lord Jesus, I know you and your Word well enough to realize you’re not a computer waiting for us give you instructions, nor a vending machine passively responding to our selections, nor a Genie giving us three wishes. You are our sovereign Master, not our private masseur.
That being said, you DO delight in our asking and our trusting you for things that seem impossible—things beyond our control, things that will bring you glory. Here’s my asking(s), on this July morning.
Jesus, dazzle my heart afresh with your beauty, love, and grace. Once again, cause my knees to buckle with wonder, and my feet dance with delight, and my heart to be filled with overflowing praise… for who you are and what you’ve done for us.
Continue to heal the wounds in my heart and the wrong thinking in my head. Free me to love and forgive, as you love me and have forgiven me. Give me thicker skin around “snarky,” angry, meddling people; and a bigger heart to love and enjoy people so different from me—politically, spiritually, culturally.
Grant me quick, joyful repentances. Don’t let me blame anyone for my sinful attitudes and bad choices. Increase my capacity to stay present and engaged in relationships. Help me to be quick and precise in my hearing, and slow to put my meaning on people’s words.
Help me love your church more than I ever have, see your hand and heart at work everywhere I look, and live and love to your glory all the remaining days you give me. So very Amen I pray, in your holy, joyful, sovereign name.