A Prayer about Our Fears and Treasure
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for your- selves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Luke 12:32–34 NIV)
Dear Jesus, it’s early in the season of Lent, and I’m poised to hear your calming voice and to experience your transforming presence. I gladly own my place among your little flock— one of your beloved lambs who’s no stranger to uncertainty and fear. The best news is that this little flock is your little flock. There’s no safer place than to be in your hand and heart.
Jesus, I completely understand why you warned us against setting our hearts on the wrong treasure when we feel vulnerable. When threatened, we often look to the wrong things and wrong people for safety, stability, and security. But I’ve lived long enough to see what happens when we choose anything or anyone besides you as our ultimate treasure.
I have friends who’ve inherited millions and others who’ve inherited the wind. I’ve seen families deeply stressed as they prepare for the reading of a will and then permanently divided over the execution of the same will. I’ve seen windfall profits turned into landfill waste in a matter of months. I’ve seen dads and moms drink away enough money in a couple of years to have built two orphanages in Haiti and educated their kids and grand kids for a couple of decades.
There are all kinds of wear and tear and thieves and moths that diminish and destroy the temporal things and temporal places, but nothing, absolutely nothing threatens you and your everlasting kingdom. Right in the middle of our chaos and confusion, we reaffirm that you, Jesus, are our priceless treasure and most to be desired inheritance. Because of you we call God “Abba, Father” and the new heaven and new earth our inheritance. Hallelujah!
Jesus, during the whole season of Lent, melt our fears with your peace; strength- en our hearts with your grace; and send us forth into kingdom service with your irrepressible love. We pray with gratitude, in your sane-making, soul-centering name.
Amen.