Father, I see this list of admonitions of how to live a godly life, and it shows how much room I have for improvement. The truth is, I can”t even do one of them without You! It is only in experiencing Your grace that I can be gracious to others.
Forgive me Father, when I “think of myself more highly than I ought”. With the advertising slogans of today it’s easy to become focused on self, and what I “deserve” to have. It puffs me up, making it hard to “honor one another above yourselves.” I find myself feeling proud and entitled.
Lord, turn me around when this happens. Help me see my behavior through Your eyes. Remind me to “share with Your people who are in need” and “practice hospitality.” Show me how to “live in harmony with others”, and “as much as I can, to be at peace with them”.
That may mean giving up what I perceive as some of my ‘rights”, and saying “I’m sorry, I was wrong” when I am in the wrong. I realize that I hate being wrong; and even worse, I hate to admit it. How can I change the way I am, Lord?
It has to come from You. But I can do my part. You challenge me, no, You command me: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The pattern of this world is selfishness, egotism, greed, if you want it – get it, or if it feels good – do it. And I need to be more than a non-conformer. I need to be a transformer.
I can be transformed by spending time with You in prayer. Hearing from You can redirect my focus, rewrite my priorities. I can be transformed and have my worldview reshaped by reading Your Word. The way I think affects the way I act. So if I think on things that are true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy – I will act accordingly.
Thank You Father for showing me the way. For inspiring me to achieve. For helping me accomplish. I desire to be all You created me to be, and to receive all that You have for me. Today, help me see one thing I can change and help me do it. Amen
Daily Bible Prayer 