“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…” Gal.5:22ff.
Dear Jesus, our first daffodil bloomed Feb.14, just before the temperature dropped to 20 degrees. It’s still standing, beautiful, and reaching sunward. It’s making me yearn for a year-round, all-weather, bumper crop of Spirit-fruit.
Love – Jesus, we need your Spirit to enable us to believe you love us as much as you say you do. Then we need your Spirit for loving others as you love us. So we ask for a double portion of the Spirit’s work, knowing you to be as generous as you are beautiful.
Joy – Grant us a joy that transcends our circumstances, sabotages our unbelief, and inhabits our real sadness with supernatural hope.
Peace – We have peace as we think about death; but our anxieties about life, family, and the world get overwhelming at times, Jesus. Center and settle us. We’re not asking for nirvana, just more of you.
Patience – Jesus, free us from our controlling, rigid, grumpy ways. Period.
Kindness – There’s no justification for us being curt, rude, and harsh. We’d despair if we weren’t already justified by faith. We long to offer more of your kindness to those around us.
Goodness – We’re not saved by our goodness, but by your perfection, Jesus. Free us to walk in the good works you appointed for us (Eph.2:8-10).
Faithfulness – Great is your faithfulness… that’s not just a great hymn. it’s who you are, Jesus. Make us more like yourself. Help us keep our promises and follow through.
Gentleness – Gentle our rough edges, edgy words, and tart reactions. Jesus, grow a non-anxious spirit within us—one that embraces messes as a part of life.
Self-control – Jesus, forgive us for confusing laziness and a lack of discipline with grace. Empower us for the freedom of self-control. Jesus, hasten the Day we will be 100% conformed to your likeness (Rm.8:28-30). Yea verily and So Very Amen.