I found in this morning's Opening Prayer much to think about. As we contemplate the reasons or ways in which we fall short of God's hope for us, this prayer provides insight.
"Almighty God, you who call me to prayer, and who offer yourself to all who seek your face, pour out your Holy Spirit upon me today and deliver me from coldness of heart, a wondering mind, and wrongful desire."
Coldness of heart prevents me from caring for others in the way that God cares for them. My eyes have seen the photos of starving children and my ears have heard the cry of the oppressed but the coldness of my heart causes me to say, "I have taken care of myself, they should do the same."
A wondering mind takes me in many differing directions rather than focusing on and following the way of Christ. Today I may see the path clearly, but the affairs of tomorrow choke the attention to the path and soon I am living no differently than those who have made no commitment to follow Christ.
Wrongful desires arise when what I see are the things that I do not have, when I covet, when I seek my own gratification. Whereas coldness of heart leads to sins of omission, wrongful desires lie behind sins of commission.
In our prayers, let us ask God for assistance in each of these areas. We cannot sit back and merely avoid evil - we must be active in bringing about the good. Our hearts must warm to the needs of others. Our busy schedules cannot serve as justification for failing to study and meditate on the word of God. And while I have never advocated the radical response of plucking out eyes or cutting off hands, we need to realize that any wrongful desire which leads us away from God must be removed from our lives.
This morning's prayer concludes:
"By the power of your spirit place within me steadfast love and devotion, so that today I may worship and serve you with all my life."
Amen.
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