Here’s
a pastoral prayer inspired by Luke 12: 49-56. It was written by Reverend Randy
N. Sherrill.
Pastoral Prayer
(inspired by Luke 12:
49-56)
Refining
God,
the
blaze of your honesty separates truth from falsehood in our lives.
When
we approach you too easily and casually,
thinking
that we are in control,
your
baptism of holiness reveals that your loving sacrifice for us
reorders
all of our relationships and priorities.
God,
we too quickly assume that reality is based on how we perceive the world.
Arrogantly,
we treat you as someone doing our bidding,
waiting
to fulfill our whims or wants,
and
unable or unwilling to challenge our most cherished idols.
Your
vision, your timing, and your intense passion are at times very foreign to us.
Our
misguided intentions seek shallow answers, blind agreement,
and
approval of what we already believe.
Erect
within us courage that shatters and exceeds assumed boundaries.
Release
us from illusions that dampen your fire within us.
Build
a kingdom sensitivity that yields to your will.
Help
us to step back and ask:
what,
our Lord, do you seek for us? Where are you leading?
Show
us how we should care.
And
when we trust you completely, whether family, friend, or stranger,
we
will love all people as you love them.
We
are ready for your open future,
for
in the days ahead, we will find you already at work.
~
Copyright © 2010, Reverend Randy N. Sherrill. Posted on the website of the Konnoak Hills United Methodist Church. http://www.konnoakhillsumc.org/
