Monday of Pentecost 7 – Prayer of the Week
O God, So rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your final judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You in perfect joy hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
“Why did you tell him that he forgot to lock the cabinet?” My childish voice asked.
“Because he needs to be careful with his things.” He replied
“But you could have taken anything you wanted, and he would not have known.”
“Yes, but then I would be a thief. I don’t want to be a thief.”
That conversation happened many years ago and as I pray this prayer about being stirred up to holiness of life, I am reminded of it. We pray that the governance of the Holy Spirit would stir us up to holiness of life. I think we often imagine holy people are some heroic characters we read about in magazines, books, or even in devotions. They might be inspirational and holy, but I think true holiness is not normally found in the big decisions we make in some moment of great crisis, but in the little, daily decisions we make every day. We can put the best construction on our neighbor’s deeds. We can help him or her to improve and defend property. We can encourage their marriage and delight in another’s success.
The current pandemic seems to be getting more and more normal. The moment for dramatic action is likely ending or it may come back. Now, however, will be the time of the regular deeds, the daily things. When we look back upon these days the presence or the absence of these simple acts of kindnesses and attitudes will be the mark of this time. Pray this prayer and think about how the Spirit of God stirs you to holiness of life. Then do that.
Rev. Phillip Brandt, MDiv, PhD
Join us tomorrow for the study of 1 Timothy on WebEx. Coffee Fellowship at 9:30 am, study at 10:00 am -Contact me if you need the link.
Blessings this Green Season
Pr Fred
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