Heavenly Father, I made it to 60 years, which is probably just a second to You. I praise You for surviving through cancer twice, being septic three times, blood clots, and three knee operations. I have survived losing an adult son, the loss of many friends, family, mentors, and dreams. You have walked with me since I was 16, which makes it 42 years. You have listened to me cry, yell, rejoice, weep, be full of joy, and be taken down to absolutely nothing. My hope remains. I may have been beaten, but not defeated. Only because of Your guiding hand, Your calm assurance, and Your mercy and grace do I still stand and have my faith.
Wisdom is something I have desired, searched for, worked at, and tried to learn. I know that there is a lot I don’t know. Knowledge is something I cherish, even though mine is becoming outdated more and more. Understanding, I am still learning to apply to my life as I learn wisdom and use knowledge correctly. Discernment is my weakest attribute. I desire it almost as much as Wisdom, but it seems to elude me more than any of the others.
Holy Spirit, You inspired Paul to write: Since I am raised with Christ, I will learn to desire those things that are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Help me to set my affection on things above, not be consumed by the love of things on earth. For I am dead, and my life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is my life, shall appear, then I also shall appear with Him in glory. Teach me to put to death the parts of my earthly nature: sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because I am learning these things, the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience. I used to live that life with them. I must now put away all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of my mouth. I no longer can lie to others, for that was part of my old nature or way, because I am embracing the new nature to emulate Christ, who has and is becoming my all in all. Thank You for being my guide and prompter as I grow in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. [Colossians 3:1-11, MEV and paraphrased by me]