For Self-Control and Maturity
Loving Lord,
When children act up, we understand that they are still learning appropriate behavior and speech in certain situations. That’s why when adults act up, we call it childish. As we grow up, we expect grown-ups to act less like children and more like adults. That line, though, is rather blurry in our world today, Lord, and yes, oftentimes even in me. Therefore, I ask you to increase my self-control. Give me not only the awareness of when I need to filter my speech or simply keep my mouth shut, but also the ability to do it. Help me know how to conduct myself in social settings, and grant me the ability to carry out that behavior. Fill me also with self-control over my thoughts and actions when I am by myself. Curb impulses to overeat or indulge excessively, or to gorge myself on entertainment – certainly regarding what is inappropriate or sinful, but even with what is not. Equip me with both the awareness to avoid being lured into temptation, and the self-control to choose paths of righteousness in those moments instead. In all of this, move me to live not just more and more like a grown-up, but more and more as a mature believer.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.