O Lord our God, grant us the grace to desire Thee with our whole heart; that so desiring we may seek and find Thee; and so finding Thee may love Thee; and loving Thee, may hate those sins from which Thou hast redeemed us. Amen. [1]During these few days before Thanksgiving 2008, I find it necessary to once again thank God for his saving work in my life. Coming from a holiness movement background, it is always tempting to fall into the thinking that says my behavior earns me right relationship with God. Today I am reminded that my best behaviors are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) before a perfect God.
God, help me remember that holiness is about loving you so much that if affects who I am, which in turn affects how I act. You don't love me any less when I leave my Bible unread for a few days, and you don't love me any more just because I spend extra time in prayer. John wrote that I love because you loved me first (1 John 4:19). As your love pours into my life, may it flow back to you. May your love for me be increased in how I love your children.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. [2]
[1] Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109), as printed in Harry Emerson Fosdick, The Meaning of Prayer (New York: The International Committee of Young Men's Christian Associations, 1915), 3.
[2] The Book of Common Prayer, "The Holy Eucharist: Rite One" (New York: Oxford University Press, 1990), 323.
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