Month: May 2024

For Properly Placed Confidence

Lord God,
So much in our lives revolves around performance and productivity. These metrics also tend to serve as points of comparison when we wish to see how we measure up against other guys. 

Guard our hearts from allowing such metrics to also serve as a basis for determining where we stand with you. Such a path can only result in one of two pitfalls: overconfident pharisaism or insecure despair. 

Instead, lead us always to look to your cross for confidence. Your life was not a performance; it was perfection. While your death appeared to be anything but productive, by it and by your resurrection you brought about eternal life for us. Assure us that through you alone we stand forgiven. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Keep me from being judgmental

God of all grace,
The world is filled with judgment and condemnation. I, too, am guilty of standing in judgment of others without being fully aware of their situation or charitably assuming the best of their words and actions. 

Yet in your mercy, you do not treat me the same way. Instead of judging me as I deserve, you justify – declare me “not guilty” – on account of Jesus! 

Through your forgiveness, fill my heart with your charity and grace. Grant me the patience to avoid rushing into judgement of others before understanding the whole picture. In a judgmental world that is too comfortable tearing down, use me instead to build up and encourage others.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.