Friday, October 8, 2010

A prayer from the parable: patient endurance vs. "choking" cares

"As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance." Luke 8:14-15

Father, even in bad times many of us have way more than enough. Our minds might believe the word you've given us, but our spirits choke on worry in the midst of plenty and on pleasures that that never fill the empty places in our souls.

Help us to hold and cherish your word in our hearts. Let it transform us to bear the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Give us patient endurance in painful times and constant thanks that you have chosen us for eternal joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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