"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Prayer for Major Life Transition

Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Enuma Okoro

Prayer for Major Life Transition:

Lord, help me now to unclutter my life, to organize myself in the direction of simplicity. Lord, teach me to listen to my heart; teach me to welcome change, instead of fearing it. Lord, i give you the stirrings inside me. I give you my discontent. I give you my restlessness. I give you my doubt. I give you my despair. I give you all the longings i hold inside. Help me to listen to these signs of change, of growth; help me to listen seriously and follow where they lead through the breathtaking empty space of an open door.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Philippians 1:3 - 6

" I thank my God every time I remember you. all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

In one of my Nursing classes today my professor opened our class with this song. Right now we are learning about newborns and pregnancy. she compared this idea of completion to how God provides the comfort to mothers that he who began a good work in them will complete and carry out their pregnancy. With some many mothers with questions and sometimes little answers with the outcome of their child, this verse is such a comfort and call to rely on Gods promise.

When i initially read this verse, my professors insight was not what first came to mind. As i continue to pray and look to the future this verse reminds me that God is 1) doing good through me now, and 2) he will continue use me and guide me toward the plan he has for me till Jesus returns. So often i feel like i am searching for how God might use me. It is hard to know if i am listening to him or the plan i have made for my self. How amazing it is to know that right now, this moment he is using me, and that he will continue to have me serve for his purpose now and always.