We never quite arrive, at least not until that final arriving. But it is not as if we wonder lost between our waking up in Jesus and his return. No, Peter tells us, that in the patience of tribulation and kingdom, we grow. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (3:18) and in the “qualities” borne of grace experienced (1:3-10). So, let us join in this mature prayer adapted from John Ballie, as together we continuing maturing in Jesus.
Father, may we go out to the work of another week, still drenched in your wonderful loving kindness, soaked in your empowering call, dripping in the companionship and care of your Son.
May we, this week, be Jesus-followers, apprentices, not only in our words but also in our works;
May we follow bravely in the footsteps of our Master, where they may lead;
May we be uncompromising and honest with ourselves; trusting your merciful searching out our ways;
May there be no self-orienting pity or indulgence in our lives this week;
May our thinking be clear, our speech truthful, open, and compassionate, and our action courageous, decisive, and humble.
O Father, we pray not only with and for Christ City Church, but for the entire community of faith in city to which we belong: for family and friends and colleagues and neighbors and classmates a part of Your Church, asking you to keep a fatherly eye upon them. We pray likewise—
for all who this week will face any great decision;
for all those this week working to settle important affairs in the lives of individuals, our city, and in nations;
for all who are shaping public opinion in our time and place;
for all who write and record what other people read and listen;
for all who are lifting up the light of truth in a world ignorant of Jesus and off the mark of his life;
for all whose hands are worn with too much work, and for the unemployed whose hands have found no work this week.
O Jesus our King, Savior, and Friend, who for the sake of all us brothers and sisters relinquished earthly comfort and satisfaction, so that our joy may be full, forbid it that we should ever again live for ourselves alone. Amen.