Most Gracious Savior, as I pray the Lord’s Prayer uttering the words “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”, I’m not sure I really have taken sufficient time to seek You regarding my place in the coming of Your Kingdom. As I see the crime, violence and bigotry in the world, I am convinced that there is a large amount of work to be done to change the “worldly” kingdom into one that is Yours. How wonderful it would be if everyone submitted to Your will. As I pray, acknowledging Your love and asking that You put an end to the wickedness in the world, I’ve come to realize that I am part of that world. While I cannot control the actions of others, I do have a say in what I do or do not do. I’ve also come to realize that my will does not always conform to Yours. My sins, while not involving crime, hateful acts or physical violence, do affect me and others around me for better or worse.
Where I go wrong is when I place my wants and desires above Yours and those with whom I am associated with. Selfish is the first word that comes to mind. Self-centered/self-serving also describes my intent with putting my will first. The last thing my flesh wants to do is lay down to anyone else. Many times when what I do seems selfless, my real motives are personal gain or personal recognition. My love, unlike Yours, is often conditional … you treat me the way I want to be treated and you’re my friend, but if you cross me, or seek your own agenda, you are my adversary. Help me develop a humility like Yours and a desire to serve others. You willingly gave up the benefits of Heaven and came to earth to lead a simple, non-extravagant life. Was it to enrich Yourself? Absolutely not! You came to share Your love and Your life with those … like me … who did not deserve what You had to give.
I need Your help in becoming sensitive and obedient to Your will. Help me learn how to be of service to You and the coming of Your Kingdom in the lives of others. As important as seeking my own needs, I must become a good neighbor in helping meet the needs of others. Show me how to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Do not allow the Devil to beguile me into blindly leading a life of self-gratification and living for myself. I want to be shaped and formed into Your image so that I can become the epitome of loving service. I no longer want to think and act as the world does; instead, I want to be different … a moral person, of good character and with righteous convictions. “Political correctness” is a concept I want to abandon in favor of “Godly” correctness. Show me how to be conformed to Your will … living everyday with the guiding principle of “Your will be done.” And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you discern the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.