"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

The great paradox of God's sovereignty over our lives and His expectation of our willful obedience and joyful labor in His Kingdom has often confused the saints. I know that God will be with me always (Matthew 28:20), but I also know that He expects me to "work out" my own salvation (Philippians 2:12).

I've prayed this prayer many times before. Will you join with me today?

O Lord, God. We cannot know the end of a thing. We do not have certainty about the plans of our days. Forgive us when we try without consulting You. Forgive our blundering efforts to make something happen. We do love You, and we want to please You, but our lives are so caught up in the things of this world. Help us, Lord. Help us to know how much we need You. Help us to see the real values of eternal things. Give us a greater awareness of Your Holy Spirit. Give us a holy awe of Your Word. Drive us to our knees more often, Lord. Keep us close.

Oh, our Father. Purge us from the ungodly. Separate us from the sins that hinder and blind. Meet us in the halls of our heart, and sanctify us there. Protect us from the secret and presumptuous sins and renew a right spirit within us.

And then, Lord Jesus, embolden us for the work ahead. Provide our daily bread. Cleanse our sins and enrich our fellowship with the saints. Clothe us in the armor of God and place us where we must stand. Enable us to resist the enemy in the faith, see his strongholds crumble and his minions flee. Grant us a fruitful harvest and an effective ministry. In Jesus' name. Amen. HMM III