PRAYING TO HAVE A QUIET AND GENTLE SPIRIT

A QUIET AND GENTLE SPIRIT

I don’t know about you but I tire sometimes of the complaints and attacks that are communicated in the news and social media every day.  No one is doing things perfectly and certainly not right now, but who of us in places of public service could have done any better than what these officials have tried to do?

Every decision has a helpful and painful effect and it’s not easy to balance all the various interests in families and the economy.  While there is a place for learning lessons and always trying to do better, it’s difficult to see how that is accomplished with the anger and accusation from this group and that on one side or the other of an issue. 

God invites all of us, every day and in every situation to to a lifestyle of gentleness where we honour truth, respect the dignity of everyone – including ourselves, and delight in the joy and wonder of each new day. 

You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. Jesus said:  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Psalm 18:35,  Matthew 11:29

Heavenly Father, in times that feel angry and harsh, often condemning and accusing, we come to You today asking that You will make us like Yourself.  We want to speak truth, even challenge when necessary, but we want to do it with respect and gentle humility. 

If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.  Galatians 6:1

There are so many times You could have condemned us and been very harsh with us for our self-centered ways and our failure to give You space to do what was right and good in a situation or a relationship.  While You’ve always called us to the truth, You’ve surrounded the truth with tenderness, forgiveness, mercy, and the hope of a way forward.  Help us to be the same with others, we pray.

Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.  Deuteronomy 32:2

Lord, as we spend time with You today, reading Your word, opening our hearts to You both to speak with You and quietly listen to you, we pray for peace and gentleness to fill our souls.  Wrap Your gentleness around our hearts and comfort us with Your strong and caring presence 

Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.  Psalm 119:77

Today, Lord we want to slow down and notice all the good things You are providing that surround us, things like a baby in a stroller; the aroma of food; new green on trees and shrubs, the freshness of the air, the beautiful colours in the sky as the sun goes down. 

Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special.  1 Peter 3:4

Help us Lord, today to live  in the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious in Your sight.  Amen