Let it Begin with Me
I remember my friend Tasha was telling me about the time when her nephew was trying to learn the Lord’s Prayer. The family would say it together each night before dinner and he would pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. My kingdom come, my will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”
Tasha said, “I fully understand how he could make the mistake! I know I have often prayed that God’s will would be done but in my heart, I want my own will to be done.”
Haven’t we all!
My wife tells me that her father would often end his prayer time with the Lord’s prayer – but also with his own addition. He would pray. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And let it begin with me…
Jesus prayed, “Not my will, by thy will be done.”
What would it look like if we made that our prayer? If we were steeped in it? What would it look like to understand our deepest identity as God’s servants? How might this affect not only our daily decisions but even our deepest dreams and ambitions? What if we were able to pray each morning, “Here I am Lord, your servant…May your will be done even through me.” I wonder what opportunities God might put in front of us.
This week, I invite you to make that your prayer. See how God might lead you.
Let us pray: God of Grace, Give us eyes to see the need around us. Grant us ears to hear your leading, and a servant’s heart to respond. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
