a prayer

Father, save me from my selfish mind. i confess that i think too much and too highly of myself. forgive me for adopting the lie that i matter more than those around me. thank you for Your continuing forgivness of my repeated sins. i realize that false humility is a trap i allow myself to take comfort in. help me to see Your example to me clearly, and to follow You every hour of the day. i know this is not something i can do on my own. You see me through to my core. correction is painful; it rips me apart and shatters everything i claim as my own and as my right. i want to give you the things i clutch at; that is so hard to do. i long to do things for Your edification, not my own. i confess that many of the things i do are for the purpose of elevating myself and for immediate gain. show me how to give out of my love for You. i am terrified that i have not heard what You are saying to me. i am afraid that what i have will be taken from me to teach me to give. Lord, i give it to you and thank You for such amazing gifts. these things are Yours to do with what You will. if that means that my worst fears are realized, give me the strength to lean only on Your love. i pray that Your Love and Teachings are what my children learn; not what i can teach. Father, give them your ears and eyes; guide them on the Path to You. protect my wife, give her Your Strength and Peace. thank You for the heritage passed down to me; for the examples of Your servants before me. i see the strories of David, Joseph, my grandparents and parents. may the work i leave behind point straight to You.

Amen. May it be so; come, Lord Jesus.