Prayerfully Re-Center Around God
Matthew 26:38-39
Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
~ Jesus
Pondering Point
Despite the painful road ahead for Jesus, we see alignment between the will of the Father and the compliant Son to bring reconciliation between God and His people. Jesus prays for strength to follow through on the plan: pay the wages of sin (by His death), enabling God the Father to not count men’s sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:19), giving them life in His name. We bring up God’s will because doing what God wants is not always easy nor simple. But with Jesus as our example and inspiration, let’s re-center around God and His will about reconciling with others.
Review
Is there need for reconciliation with someone in your life? If so, is your heart bent toward forgiveness or bitterness? Are you open to God’s help? Are you willing to let go of anger, resentment?
Repent if Necessary
Repent (if necessary) of letting any bitter roots grow within you (Hebrews 12:15) and inhibiting God’s work of grace through you.
Return (as necessary)
Ask God for divine strength to forgive and to reconcile, for healing of current or past wounding; then pray this adapted petition from the Lord’s Prayer:
Lord, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
The root of bitterness can be plucked out as we continue to call upon God and seek His healing.
~ Crystal McDowell