A Prayer about Nonstop Good
And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. (Jer. 32:38–40)
Gracious Father, here you go again, exposing the brokenness of my heart and the bounty of your mercies. Don’t stop, please, until the day you bring to completion the good gospel work you’ve begun in us and even in the whole cosmos.
I want what you’ve promised— a singleness of heart— for much of the time my heart feels rather divided. It is parceled to lesser gods, too easily charmed by foolishness, fickle and fragile rather than faithful. You alone are worthy of my heart’s affection and adoration.
I want singleness of action, seeking first the kingdom of redemption, restoration, and righteousness— the kingdom of your beloved Son, Jesus. Too many of my thoughts and too much of my energy is spent on the little fiefdom of me; it is squandered, frittered, wasted.
I want to fear you, Father, now that I no longer have to be afraid of you. Through the work of Jesus, you have eternally freed me from the fear of death and judgment. Now give me awe and reverence consistent with the measure of your mercies and grace that are mine in the gospel. Give me astonishment and wonder worthy of your great love and endless compassion for me in Jesus.
Lastly, Father, I want and I need you to convince me, over and over and over, of your commitment to never stop doing good to me. Such a promise is simply over whelming, almost too much to wrap my heart around, and would be groundless apart from Jesus.
You’ve forgiven my unbelief; now free me even more from its pillaging presence. You are good, all the time, and all the time, you are good. Even when you discipline me, it is a kiss from heaven. Everything you do is for your glory and therefore good for me. I do believe this, but I long to believe it more. I pray in Jesus’ glorious name.
Amen.