A Prayer Using God’s Words

 

It was a long but short night. Sleep eluded me, but daily saving time turned the clock back one hour. The devotional for today is one of those that charges me to exercise my will to choose to believe God so I can receive His comfort. I’ve already learned, known, and expressed that my will is only concerned about what I want, never what God wants. If I’m filled with His Spirit and living accordingly, then my thoughts will be like those of Jesus when He said, “Not my will but thine be done.”

Enough of that. What about biblical thoughts for today? I opened a book called “Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith” by Scotty Smith. The description begins with: “How would life be different if we could think, see, and do all things in light of the person and work of Jesus?”

This appeals to me. It is about praying the Scriptures and applying them to everyday life. Maybe I’m too tired of moving boxes and sorting stuff to give away, but reading his entry for today takes my mind off my will (a long nap?) and puts it on what God has done for me. With a few changes and personalizing the ESV version of today’s reference, I’m happy to think about this:

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved me, not because of works done by me in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on me richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace I might become an heir according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4–7)

PRAY: Heavenly Father, Scotty suggested having this inked as a tattoo, but I think of it as a poster on my wall. I need to have this amazing summary of the gospel ever before my eyes. I too easily forget. Even better than a poster is knowing You’ve already written this truth on my heart with indelible ink. You’re such an outrageously generous God. Your kindness and love appeared to me out of nowhere, like a bright light in a very dark place. I was not conscious of seeking You, but You were seeking me, not to harm me but to rescue me from both crippling guilt and stubborn pride. I praise you for your multiplied mercies.

And what a “bath” in the gospel you gave me — washing me once and for all through the new birth. You continue to renew, revive, and refresh me through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, poured forth and gently healing all the painful messes in my life and erasing all the scars. All Your blessings come so freely because you’ve given Jesus so fully.

Because You have justified me by your grace, the rest of my life is defined by heirship and hope. Though I sometimes feel and act like a fatherless, futureless orphan, nothing could be further from the truth. You will bring to completion the good work you’ve begun in me, in others, even the entire universe. I am totally grateful. Amen.