Modern Psalm: A Call to Serve
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” (Luke 6:32-36, NLT)
God, help me fully be a disciple of all that you are. Lead me to all the hurting people in my life, the ones with unseen hurt, and help me lavish your love upon them. I want to be someone known for the fearless pursuit of others and a boldness that completely glorifies your kingdom. It can be easy to comfort and minister to those I care for, Lord, but to minister to my enemies– those who oppose me– that’s a whole new battlefield.
Father, give me a heart like yours, full of forgiveness that knows no bounds and love that reaches the deepest and darkest places in the hearts of others. To be your disciple and your child is to faithly follow your call on my life, and that is what I am striving to do.
God, I admit I can easily put myself first and not think twice about the people around me. I can be selfish and needy and fully invested in what I’m doing rather than what you may be calling me to. My compassion for others can run low and sometimes I give up. There are many times when I'm not living as your disciple, but rather my own, in pursuit of my own joy instead of someone else’s encouragement or salvation.
I’m praying that you rebuild me, God; that you send me on mission where I am needed, whether that be in my home, my church, youth group, or in the friendships in my life. Even in my workplace, the local business around me, my neighborhood! My life is all for the glory of you and my number one desire is to see lives healed and disciples made in your precious name.
This is what it's all about. Help us lay our eyes and our hearts fully on that. We are your hands and feet, walking this earth each and everyday in your joy and love, ready to disperse it onto others. I expect no reward from others for my efforts because all the credit is due to you, knowing I get to spend the rest of eternity praising you is more than enough.
I pray, Lord, that I set my eyes fully on you for this journey. That I never lose faith and I always stay confident in what you’re doing through me even if I don’t understand it. There is a plan and a purpose through everything that you do and to be a part of that is a genuine blessing. I pray that my heart and my ambitions stay pure, always in awe of you and nothing else. Inform my thoughts and guide my path to those you purpose me to pursue.
Thank you for even considering me the slightest bit worthy to be apart of your work and your kingdom. Thank you for the fact that you have saved me and in every moment you are with me, showing me your love and encouraging my heart. Thank you for your Spirit, that completely encompasses me and brings me a type of peace no human soul could ever begin to try and understand. You are matchless, lovely, perfect in all your ways, what a blessing it is to call you my God, the ruler over my life and the one who cares for me most. There’s nothing greater.
“Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40, NLT)
This is my guideline: I will strive to be the best student I can be so you can transform me into a teacher of your word. This is our goal as your followers and I’m more than up to the challenge. Give me a clear conscience and heart after yours so I can be all that you have purposed me to be in this season of my life. I love you and I trust you with all that I am and all that I have. No possession has any value compared to the treasure I have in you Lord.
I praise you! For you are everything I could ever need and nothing I deserve. Give me your heart of compassion, so I can love even those who oppose me. I am on mission, for all those who don’t deserve you, just like me but desperately need you.
Your plans are perfection, and even though you don’t need me, you use me and love me even when I mess everything up. Even when I’ve failed you more times then most can count. You immerse me in your love and use my story and experiences for your glory and my healing. There are no words to describe your wonder. I love you, Lord, thank you a million times over for your love and leadership.
In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen
