A Concord Pastor Comments: Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 4/29

Got some things I need to let go of, Lord,
and they're likely the things
you'd like to see me cut loose...

I need to let go of resentments and spite,
of bitterness, grudges
and chips on my shoulder...

I need to let go of old habits:
some harmful, some risky,
some just plain foolish...

I need to let go of my anger,
the rage I stew in
to no one's good or advantage...

I need to let go my self-pity,
my pride and the envy
that keep me from loving my neighbor...

I need to let go of some dreams,
not my best hopes and plans and goals,
but my fantasy, make-believe pipe dreams...

I might need to let go a relationship,
one I'm not meant to be in,
not healthy for me or the other...

I might need to let go of the past,
its problems and pain
and memories that rob me of peace...

I need to let go my attraction, addiction,
to work or play, some substance or toy,
to porn or some pleasure, to whatever it is
that eats up my time and devours my soul
while starving my mind and my heart...

Got some things I need to let go of, Lord,
and they're likely the things
you'd like to see me cut loose...

Lord,
when I cling to such things,
pry open my hands...

When I harbor what's hurtful,
free my soul of ill will...

When I hug what's harmful,
fill my arms with your healing...

There's so many things I need to let go
to make room for the gifts and the grace you offer,
to fill me with only the good things that come
from your generous heart and hand...

Lord,
when I hold on tight to what holds me back:
free me, release me, set me free
of whatever it is I need to let go of...

Give me the grace, the courage,
the wisdom, the help and the strength
I so much need
to let go of whatever I need to let go of
today...