Monday, May 17, 2010

Revelation 2-3

Dear Lord,
We are so broken, human, and incomplete. We confess we are selfish, incapable and so small-minded and yet we are your church -- your bride, your masterpiece, your embodiment. We are so undeserving of that title…of that role. Why have you trusted us in all of our messiness to make your name known throughout the world? Why have you given us the opportunity to be your people, knowing that we would mess it up?
God, forgive us when we misrepresent you. Forgive us when we distort your word. Forgive our judgmental hearts. Forgive us when we undo what you did on the cross. Forgive us when we don’t let you be you. Forgive us when we try to fit you into neat, easily understood boxes as you sit and wait patiently for us to realize that you are the God who created our boxed-up minds and weary hearts.
God, may we be a church that listens to you. May we confess our sinful hearts to you. Lord, tear down the pride and conceit that lives in us -- that plagues our minds, and replace it with faithfulness and fervor for you. Lord, change us from the inside out. Transform us. Convict us with your Spirit and teach us to be yours alone. Make it our hearts desire to please you and bring you glory.
Father, make us into a passionate body of Christians. Take our indifferent hearts and breathe your life, your Spirit into them. Convict us when we settle for half way and uninspired and remind us that you are the God that brings life to the DEAD. Make your power known among us. Interrupt stale lives and uninterested minds. Lord, sanctify us and draw us near to your heart. Give us patience and stamina to endure our trials. Bring us your joy in the midst of our struggles. May your hope prevail over our worry.
We are in awe of your relentless commitment to our wandering hearts, God. You give us purpose and forgiveness day after day though we are undeserving. We are sinners. We are your church.
Awaken our ears that we may hear what the Spirit says to the churches.


Jenna Thomas
May 18

1 comment: