May 25, 2014.

O Lord, my God, may you be glorified from all the earth. Let every knee bow, let every mouth confess and let all praise be given to the Almighty.

O Lord, you are God and not man. Your ways are above our ways, your thoughts above our thoughts. Your steadfast love never ceases. How can it be so?

By your son’s blood are we cleansed, purified, set free. You have ransomed our worthless names, and that while we were yet in sin. Why? Who are we to deserve our Lord’s mercy? Should a dog receive grace?

But beyond that, after we have been sanctified, we fail. We fail so often Lord. Yet there is no condemnation, so long as we continue to follow. For there is none that is righteous, no not one, except by your power.

Lord, I come to ask forgiveness. I come before you to lay out my sins, my misgivings, the places I have fallen short. I know your are a God of mercy. A God of compassion. I call upon your holy name.

Forgive my pride, Lord. The pride that seeps into my life, the pride that tears friendships, the pride that hinders your work. Forgive my pride, and help me to work through it. Help me to remember that I am a sinner too, a sinner washed in your blood.

I want to be like you. I want to follow you. I want to be holy, for you are holy. Lord, wash me anew and sanctify me, set me apart, let me be a Christian leader and example. Let me glorify you. Teach me to glorify you.

We all sin, we all fall short. Forgive me, I beg. In humility I approach your thrown, for I do not know how to go, nor do I wish to lean on my own understanding.

Give me your wisdom, Lord. Let it fall upon me so that I may discern good from bad. Guide me in your wisdom and not my own. Let me teach your words, your gospel, your good news. I must decrease, that you may increase.

Teach me truth, give me a thirst for your holy word. Teach me to understand, that I may help and guide others. I want to be a worker for The Lord.

Yours is the kingdom and throne forever. The Almighty, the Creator of the universe. All power falls upon you. Let me sing praises with the congregation that our song may be a sweet aroma lifted up to heaven. All praise to the King of kings.

Thank you, thank you so much for everything that you have given us. Thank you for the opportunities you put in front of us. Thank you for the material blessings you have bestowed upon us. Thank you for raising me to know you and to know your word. Let me use the talents you have blessed me with to spread your kingdom.

Thank you most of all for your son, who came to give his life as a ransom for our sin-sick souls.

Your will be done.

In the authority of His most holy name, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Suggested Daily Reading: Psalm 13, Habakuk 1-3.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

-Walter