Rereading through my old journals, I came across this prayer I wrote there in 2005. It isn't originally by me, and I don't remember where it came from. I needed it eight years ago and I still need it today.
"God, give me due respect for the abilities you have given me. Don't let me sell them short. Don't let me cheapen them. Don't let me bury my talents through indecision, cowardice, or laziness. Plant in me the necessary determination. Keep me at it. Rouse in me the fires of dedication. Keep me at it. Give me the energy, strength, and will power to bring your gifts to their proper fruition. Keep me at it. When I falter or fall, lift me up and set me back on my destined path. Keep me at it."
6 comments:
Good prayer! I need to post it throughout my house and say it several times a day.
xofrances
Debbie, that prayer is so convicting. I've really never thought of my gifts like that before. I've always treated them as mine, and felt that if I worked at them hard, it was a form of arrogance. I mean, I knew that my gifts were for God' use, technically (we learn that, right), but practically speaking, I haven't lived that way.
But I feel overwhelmed at the thought of really devoting myself to my gifts. Does that mean truly dedicating myself to music again? Exhausting! Disciplining myself to write this book that ought to be written? So overwhelming to think of. What about artistic gifts? I love to watercolor, but do I really have an obligation to work at it and be good at it?
This has given me food for thought. No wonder you ruminate so HARD on these things all the time. I thought these things were for my enjoyment, to development or lie fallow. Ugh.
Yes, Lord, keep me at it, keep me at it!
I like your new profile pic - and as I was looking at your profile, I see you count Susan Howatch's series -- I take it you mean the Starbridge series? -- as some of your favorite books. I read those some time back and they were quite engrossing!
I don't know how I missed all these fabulous Christmas posts, Debbie, but goodness, am I glad I've found them today. They sing with tangible hope and joy!
Excellent words as we begin a new year. Thank you, Debbie.
Excellent prayer, Debbie and much food for thought.
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