Friday, May 15, 2020
![SF_LOGO1[1]](https://thenoontimes.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sf_logo11.jpg?w=300&h=127){kind=logo}
A Prayer for Steadfastness
In our Easter journey we have been exploring the idea that discipleship brings hidden gifts along with its difficulties and suffering. We have been examining figures in the Old and New Testaments to see what we can learn from well know stories. And we have been praying together to discern how we might better see the cross of discipleship as gift rather than burden. Today we pray for steadfastness.
When we ask for God’s wisdom in understanding how we have found ourselves in discomfort . . . we ask for steadfastness.
When we open ourselves to hear what we may learn from our uneasiness . . . we ask for steadfastness.
When we are humble enough to learn something about God and ourselves through our suffering . . . we ask for steadfastness.
When we step forward to volunteer our lives in service of Christ in his kingdom-building . . . we ask for steadfastness.
When we resolve to learn from the anxiety and pain we have experienced . . . we ask for steadfastness.
Jesus ben Sirach tells us that when we allow this steadfastness to permeate our lives, we will find ourselves among wise women and men rather than a troop of fools; and these wise ones will bolster us when we falter. When we allow steadfastness to govern our lives, we will experience the joy of knowing that we are one with Christ. This is the joy and gift of walking with Christ. It is the gift of better knowing ourselves. It is the gift of looking in a mirror openly and honestly without having to deceive ourselves about what we actually see. It is the gift of our divinity in and through Christ. And so for this gift of steadfastness we pray . . .
Dear Lord, you have planted in each of us our own gifts to share. Help us to ready the soil of our lives, make us open to the life-giving rain of your wisdom. Help us to be builders of your kingdom rather than hearers only of your Word. Help us to listen, reflect and pray for your presence. Bring us the steadfastness and humility that we will need to nurture the growth of your Word in us so that we may offer these gifts back to you. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Tomorrow, as we move toward Pentecost . . . Celebration in Assembly . . .
Image from: http://www.bgumc.net/?page_id=147
The Noontimes 