A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
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I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, –that unless I believed, I should not understand.-- St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)

Sunday, August 31, 2008

A Prayer for the First Sunday in Kingdomtide

Savior and King, I find it so easy to revel in knowledge for knowledge's sake, avoiding the goal of instruction: to learn love. A puffed-up mind may be able to hide an impure heart, an aching conscience or insincere motives from others, but before you, all is laid bare. The purpose of my training is to grow in love and faithfulness, purity and authenticity.

Help me, O Lord, to keep in mind your purposes for the instruction I receive. I pray that when I leave here, my love will have grown, many sinful habits will have been left behind, and any insincere motivations or spiritual facade will have been shattered. May you work in my heart to draw me closer to yourself.

Help me to love, O Lord. Give me a heart that breaks for those held in the chains of sin. Clear my conscience and authenticate my faith. May the knowledge I obtain be for your glory and for the growth of your love in my all-too-hardened heart. And help conform me to the image of Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.

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