October 22, 2020
A daily prayer during this COVID-19 crisis
During these difficult days, the United Methodist Foundation of New England is sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.
Today’s prayer
1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 (The Message) God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. Be assured that when we speak to you, we’re not after crowd approval —only God approval. Since we’ve been put through that battery of tests, you’re guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. Dear God, On this day, I wish I were as confident as Paul in my faith, but I am not. I know that I am saved through God’s amazing grace. I know that Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so. I know that through the Holy Spirit, I am in a growing and deepening relationship with God, three in one. But I don’t have the confidence of Paul that “God has tested me thoroughly to make sure I am qualified and trusted with your Message.” I so wish I did, but I don’t. I am not free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. I wish I were, but I am not. In my humanity, I worry that I am not strong enough in my faith, that I haven’t learned enough in my education, that my life experiences are too limited. What would you have me to do in my doubt, my humanity, my me-ness? Yes, I know you love me. Yes, I love you more and more each day. Yes, whether I believe I deserve it or not, I live in your grace. Just like Paul? Thank you! Today, once again, I acknowledge my humanity, my imperfection, my doubt, my me-ness. Help me to continue to see them no longer as seeping wounds but sources of transforming divine strength for my life and all whom I encounter. I know you are in the mistake, the mess, the makeover. May my words, actions, and attitudes reflect your love, and your love alone. I know you love me. I know you love the world and all people in it. Of this I am confident. Amen.
Rev. David Abbott, Director of Stewardship, The United Methodist Foundation of New England.
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