Heavenly Father, I am a child in your family. I have entered your family by regeneration. I have faith because your Spirit opened my heart to your Word. I have been born again because your son died my first death.
I am adopted into your family - treated as an adult and given privileges in your family. I have food and nourishment - your Word. I am rich! I have access to your wealth, and I can use it, for your glory. I am rich with your grace, mercy, glory, wisdom, and goodness. I have brothers and sisters with whom to share life - to be excited together about your glory and purpose and to encourage each other toward that glory and purpose. Though we may speak different languages or look different or live far away, we have a lot in common - life in Jesus, love for Jesus, and concern for the world to know Jesus. In our relationships we love, submit, encourage, care for, forgive and edify each other. When we were born into your family, we got to throw away our old wardrobe, dirty and tattered. In your grace, you lavished upon us a wardrobe of righteousness. Instead of wearing out, these garments are continually renewed and strengthened so we look more and more like you! And the best part is that this is only the beginning - what a future we have ahead of us!
As part of the family, we each have a unique purpose. You want a big family and we have the great opportunity to welcome others into the family. When we are united with your Spirit and with each other, we help others come to know you as Father too. Then, as big brothers and sisters, we help each other grow and mature. And then we live happily ever after (for realz for once, not like the movies).
Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me into your family.
[This prayer is a reflection of my reading in: Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be what you are: 12 intriguing pictures of the Christian from the New Testament. Wheaton IL: Tyndale House.]
No comments:
Post a Comment