Here’s a prayer of
petition and commitment inspired by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew
5). It was written by Jamie Arpin-Ricci
in his book The Cost of Community. (See below for links.)
Praying
the Sermon on the Mount
(inspired
by Matthew 5-7)
Lord and Creator,
let us embrace the
costly blessings which you desire for us,
blessings that
confound the wisdom and strength of this world.
Teach us to be your
agents of preservation in a world touched by death,
and beacons of hope
in a world shrouded in darkness.
Transform us into
your image through the crucible of the cross,
writing your mandates
upon our hearts, made pure by you perfect love.
Embolden us to be
your ambassadors,
Living as
representatives of your holy kingdom,
stirring in us your
love for others,
especially for those
who would seek to destroy us because of you.
Make us decrease so
that you might increase,
as a watching world
sees you, not us.
Daily we declare that
your priorities are ours,
even before our own
needs and desires.
Every moment we live,
we live for your glory—
the glory of a loving
Father and a just King.
Free us of any
distraction, craving or anxiety
that would keep us
from fully following you.
For we acknowledge
that everything we could possibly need
is yours to give us.
Remind us of our
sinful brokenness and your gift of grace
as we encounter
brokenness in others.
You are the answer to
our every question.
You are the treasure
that we desperately seek,
and it is you who
invite us into your salvation,
as prodigals returning
to the Father’s embrace.
Keep us upon your
path of righteousness and justice,
bearing the good
fruit of your Spirit,
for it is on you,
Lord Jesus, that all hope is built,
For all of creation,
now and forever more. Amen
~ written by Jamie
Arpin-Ricci, in The Cost of Community
by Jamie Arpin Ricci. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UXKB3S
Posted on Godspace. http://godspace-msa.com/2012/09/28/prayers-for-the-journey-48/
