Micah 6:8 – “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you”:
Heavenly Father, you created us for a life of resting and rejoicing in your presence, and revealing your goodness, truth, and beauty… in every place, and every sphere of life. Our calling hasn’t changed, but our circumstances have.
We now live in a fallen world as your beloved children, among fellow broken people. But through the riches of the gospel, and in union with Christ, we get to live to the praise of the glory of your grace. Hallelujah! The words from the Prophet Micah offer a perfect summary of this gospel-shaped lifestyle. We are…
“to do what is right,”
Father, thank you for saving us by Jesus’ perfect goodness, so that our goodness might simply be for our neighbor’s benefit. Intensify our passion for justice and righteousness—that is, for doing the next right thing, the next gospel thing. This summer has underscored the need for us, your people, to be warriors of love and justice. We lament the rise of evil in our culture and world. Light us up, and fire us up, to live as agents of truth, beauty, and redemption.
“to love mercy,”
And deepen our love for mercy, Father. Keep us ever mindful of your great mercy for us in Jesus. You don’t give us what we deserve—judgment; instead, you gave us Jesus, full forgiveness, and abounding grace. Forgive us when we indulge a judgmental, irritated, critical spirit towards anyone.
Your mercy is also revealed by a life of advocacy for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed. Father, by the power of the gospel, make each of us more like the “good Samaritan”—with a heart of compassion and the generosity of grace.
“and to walk humbly with your God.”
Walking humbly with you shouldn’t be difficult for us, Father, because we have a lot to be humble about. We love humility in others; cultivate much more of it in us. Help us keep our conscience under the gospel—so we’ll be convicted, not condemned. Grant us godly sorrow when we sin, quick repentances, and greater joy in honoring you. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ exalted and loving name.