This Page Intentionally Left Blank

  I am enough of a detail-oriented person that I really appreciate it when a blank page in a report states that it is blank for a good reason. “This Page Intentionally Left Blank” is a simple statement letting me know that someone was not asleep at the switch, that important information was not accidentally left off or that the Russians didn’t hack my account and send the information to WikiLeaks.

Knowing how much I appreciate such a page, I’d like to let you know that from now until the second Friday in January, this page will intentionally be left blank. Anne and I are taking some time away, all our children are returning for Christmas… and I could use a little break.

So, between now and January 10 I thought I’d offer you a simple prayer that has played a profound role in my own life and spiritual growth. I came across this in the early 90’s and have found that different parts of it speak to me at different times. More than a one-time prayer, this act of worship is best if used as a part of one’s prayer rhythm over time. Move through it slowly every day for a week (or longer). As you offer each line to the Lord, be alert to which words or phrases seem to resonate or stand out. Sit with these and ask the Lord if He has something He wants to say or reveal to you.

If you are able to engage this prayer over the next few weeks, I’d be interested to hear about your experience! Please don’t hesitate to share your story with me. So, until next year, may the Lord bless you and your family as you celebrate our Lord’s first coming and anticipate His second!

Rob

Your Most Basic Act of Worship

"Lord, I’m yours. Whatever the cost may be, may Your will be done in my life. I realize I’m not here on earth to do my own thing or to seek my own fulfillment or my own glory. I’m not here to indulge my desires, to increase my possessions, to impress people, to be popular, to prove I’m somebody important, or to promote myself. I’m not here even to be relevant or successful by human standards. I’m here to please You.

I offer myself to You, for You are worthy. All that I am or hope to be, I owe to You. I’m Yours by creation, and every day I receive from You life and breath and all things. And I’m Yours because You bought me, and the price You paid was the precious blood of Christ. You alone, the Triune God, are worthy to be my Lord and Master. I yield to You, my gracious and glorious heavenly Father; to the Lord Jesus who loved me and gave Himself for me; to the Holy Spirit and His gracious influence and empowering.

All that I am and all that I have I give to You.

I give You any rebellion in me, that resists doing Your will. I give You my pride and self-dependence, that tell me I can do Your will in my own power if I try hard enough. I give You my fears, that tell me I’ll never be able to do Your will in some areas of life. I consent to let You energize me...to create within me, moment by moment, both the desire and the power to do Your will.

I give You my body and each of its members...my entire being: my mind, my emotional life, my will...my loved ones...my marriage...my abilities and gifts...my strengths and weaknesses...my health...my status (high or low)...my possessions...my past, my present, and my future...when and how I’ll go home.

I’m here to love You, to obey You, to glorify You. O my Beloved, may I be a Joy to You!"