Galatians 5:22 – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
Heavenly Father, to start with, thank you for sealing us with your Spirit (2 Cor. 1:22), indwelling us by your Spirit (Rom. 8:9), and transforming us through the Spirit’s work (2 Cor. 3:18). In our culture of chronic criticism, cynicism, and meanness, may the Spirit be like redemptive-Miracle-Grow in our hearts.
Love – Keep us alive to your outrageous—even scandalous love for us in Jesus. For this is our motivation and means to love others well. Humble, gladden, and embolden us with your love.
Joy – Grant us a joy that transcends our circumstances, sabotages our excuses, and turns our worries into worship.
Peace – Father, may your peace trump our anxieties and tame our fears. Grant us a core of peace.
Patience – Help us see your heart and hand at work in all things and people. Free us from our controlling, rigid, grumpy ways.
Kindness – Help us lead more with your kindness than rightness. There’s no justification for us ever being curt, rude, or harsh.
Goodness – Father, we know we’re not saved by our works, but for a life of good works. Order our heart and hands accordingly.
Faithfulness – Great is your faithfulness. That’s not just a great hymn; it’s who you are. Make us more like yourself, Father.
Gentleness – Gentle our rough edges, edgy words, and tart reactions. Grow a non-anxious spirit within us—one that embraces conflicts as a part of life.
Self-control – Whether it’s with our eating or speaking, exercise or spending, Father, forgive us for confusing irresponsibility with grace. Work gospel-discipline deep into our hearts.
There is no law against these things! Father, thank you that it’s impossible to be too zealous for the Spirit’s fruit; we cannot go “overboard” with wanting to be like Jesus. We’re grateful you began this work in our lives, and you will complete it (Phil. 1:6). So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ loving and powerful name.