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Easter: 'Lord, Help Me to be Me'
CHICAGO, IL (March 21, 2005) - In preparation for Easter, Covenant
Communications publishes a series of online devotionals, gleaned from
the more than 250 local church newsletters received each month and used
with permission of the writers. The following devotional comes from
pastor Mark Pattie of Covenant Congregational Church in North Easton,
Massachusetts, offering a prayer for Holy Week that is based on Matt.
5:13-16.)
By Mark Pattie
Gracious God, grant that I may be the best that I can be.
Forgive me for hiding who I really am, what I truly believe, and what I
dream you want me to do. Forgive me for too often trying to shine as I
imagine others think I should, rather than as I prayerfully discern you
would have me. Forgive me for not using the gifts that you have given
me, for not running with the interests and abilities that by your design
light me up.
By your grace, may I experience the joy of living a life that is
faithful to you and your purpose. When Jesus walked the life-demanding,
life-giving path to Calvary, many voices with many motivations, ranging
from love to mockery, cried out for him to go another way. Yet,
thankfully, and to our eternal blessing, Jesus listened to your voice
and was obedient to you. Grant that like him, I may hear you in the
midst of the mayhem. Grant that like Jesus, I may live the life you have
graciously given me to live.
Give me ears to hear you as you speak through the scriptures, your
church, and those around me. Give me the faith, and help me to take the
time to listen as you speak in the quiet recesses of my heart, as well.
You are the one who lit the fire of my life with your love. Place me
where you want me to be. Position and reposition me according to your
will. Trim me as you would a wick, though it may be painful, that I may
shine as you want me to.
Even as I wait for you to complete your good work in me, infuse me now
with the faith and courage to shine with your light today. By your grace
and to your glory, right now, right here, right where you have placed
me, may I shine as the person you have created me to be.
Amen.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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