A PERSONAL PRAYER
God,
I never really expected to become such a creature of habit. But I have come to realize that I am sort of stuck in my ways. I like my morning routine the way it has always been. I like to prepare and preach sermons the way I have always prepared and preached. I like to lead and care for a flock the way I have always cared for them. I am “dancing with him who brung me.” It seems to work pretty well.
Until it doesn’t. Until so many things change around me that it doesn’t work so well anymore. Until a virus changes things. Until the people in the neighborhood no longer ask “what church?” and start asking, “why church at all?” Until social media is the primary source of information and connection. Until things seem so different.
So, God, I pray for wisdom to know what to hang onto and what to let go of. I pray for you to show me how to be an effective witness for your love in a fast-changing world. I pray for you to teach me new ways to share your love. Help me to keep the essence of the gospel firmly planted in my mind, the essential unchanging message and presence of your son and his amazing grace, and be willing to authentically adapt the traditions and trappings of the faith to a world that is constantly changing.
In the name of Christ, who is himself the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, I pray. Amen.