Rachel Hackenberg gives the prayer prompt:
From 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV), "The Lord said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.'"
Oh, how contrary that is to all that we strive after, how countercultural to our daily instincts! We envy the ways in which power begets power. We yearn for favor to pave our way. We pray for our own success to beget further success. Weakness and struggle seem to be stumbling blocks in the way of comfortable living . . . but no. No. Power and comfort and success are neither the goals nor the paths. Grace -- the loving kindness of God -- is sufficient for our living."
Oh, how contrary that is to all that we strive after, how countercultural to our daily instincts! We envy the ways in which power begets power. We yearn for favor to pave our way. We pray for our own success to beget further success. Weakness and struggle seem to be stumbling blocks in the way of comfortable living . . . but no. No. Power and comfort and success are neither the goals nor the paths. Grace -- the loving kindness of God -- is sufficient for our living."
Inadequacy. Weakness.
That is all I see.
But you, O God, see beyond.
Beyond my strivings.
Beyond my grasping.
Beyond my limited understanding.
Quieten my soul.
Let me hear you speak.
May your words pierce my heart.
Your grace is sufficient.
Grace.
"Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side." (Catharina von Schlegel)
May your words pierce my heart.
Your grace is sufficient.
Grace.
"Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side." (Catharina von Schlegel)
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