July 2 Prayer

July 2 Prayer

“Learn what this means,
‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’
I have come to call sinners not the righteous.”
Matt.9:9-13

These words from Jesus
roll over and over in my mind.
I know mercy is the better way
but I find myself striving to be right, working
to earn favor and looking to others
for my affirmation.

Mercy not sacrifice,
Sinners not the righteous
Master healer, a teacher to students
A doctor to the sick

Mercy,
.. ‘so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love
for all who ask for your help.’ Ps.86:5

Pause here to pray;

‘Jesus, I am in need of you,
I do not have it all figured out
Heal me, disturb my present to better the future.
Disturb me where I am self sufficient
When I am not seeking truth and settle for things as they are
Disturb me where I am too comfortable that
I miss the needs of others

May I see the state of my own heart
when I come to you and ask for mercy
So I may bear the image of your mercy to the world.

May we know our belovedness as being chosen to belong
as our flawed selves not by our own merits.

When we see the flaws of others and are disturbed
may we see with eyes of mercy
how we can be a part of the change You,
God, are desiring to bring.

Show me where I am in need of your mercy today.
Amen
DB
“To better the future , we must disturb the present.”
Catherine Booth