A Concord Pastor Comments: Monday Morning Offering: 4/8

Good morning, good God!

Well, Lent is almost over, Lord:
we’re two weeks away from Easter
and I should be more than half prepared
to celebrate your resurrection...

But I’m not:
I’m not sure I’m even 1/40th ready
for Easter Sunday!

Beginning with Ash Wednesday I was doing really well,
right up until the First Sunday of Lent.
I know, Lord: that was only 4 days…

So, as I offer you my bad record here this morning
I pray you'll have some mercy on me…

I offer you my lack of self-discipline, Lord:
I excuse myself so easily!
Give me inner strength and stamina, Lord...

I offer you my flimsy promises,
made with firm intentions
but failing in follow-through.
Give me the grace of perseverance, Lord.

I offer you my mistakes, Lord,
hoping you'll forgive me
and accept my renewed pledge
to pray more often,
to go without
and to reach out to the poor.
Give me the gift of a new heart, Lord,
a new and recreated spirit within me...

Such is my offering, Lord, and
it comes with one more request:
help me not try to do this alone!
Rather, be with me, Lord,
before me, behind me, above and below me
and within me:
be with me, Lord, and be my strength in temptation…

When I put off prayer,
draw me to a quiet place and sit me down
to be with you, to speak with you,
to get to know you better…

When I’m tempted to indulge myself
on what I’ve given up for this Lent,
remind me of my pledge and the reason for it:
an opportunity to fill my soul
with the food and drink of your word and truth…

When I spend first on myself
and consume more than my share of goods,
show me how much I have,
show me that I have too much,
that I have more than I need
and show me how to be generous
with those who have little or nothing at all…

I offer you my renewed Lenten promises, Lord,
and I pray you'll strengthen my resolve,
deepen my commitment
and keep me faithful to preparing for Easter…

One day at a time this Lent, Lord:
you and me, with the Church,
in the grace of your Holy Spirit...

Amen.