Holy God, creator of heaven and earth, forgive us when we are tempted to use spiritual things for base and selfish ends. Show us where we twist the elements of your church and your invitation into relationship into things that are broken, and instill in us a desire for you that is greater than our desire for the world, through Jesus Christ our savior. Amen. ‘”And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.’ – Matthew 6:5-6 What drives you to do things that are spiritual or religious? To pray or attend church , to give to the poor, to practice disciplines? Are there places where your motives are mixed or self-centered? How much of the spiritual life is aimed away from spiritual realities like the love of God or love for one another? Ask God where there might be places where you are using your faith rather than letting it transform you. What does he say? Is he inviting you into anything different?
Matthew R Green
PhD