A Prayer for the First of July
A prayer for a new month, shaped by Paul's picture of the race and the heavenly city.
Philippians 3:13-14NIV
Father, a new month begins today, and we bring it to you before we have filled it with anything. Teach us to forget what is behind, not by pretending it did not happen, but by leaving it with you, the failures and the successes both. Let neither one slow us down.
Set our eyes on what is ahead. Give us the runner's lean, the strain toward the goal, the prize of your upward call in Christ Jesus. When we grow tired in the heat of summer, remind us that our citizenship is in heaven and that a Savior is coming from there.
Keep us from becoming enemies of the cross, from letting appetite become loyalty or shame become glory. Give us examples to follow and make us examples worth following. And on every day of this month, help us to stand firm in you. Amen.
More in prayer
A Prayer for the Tired
For the end of a long day, when strength is thin and the work is not done.
A Prayer for the Tired
For the ordinary evening when the day has asked more than we had to give.
A Prayer for the Tired
For the hours when the work is not finished and the strength is nearly gone.
