July 20 Prayer

​These words cut to my core this morning from Micah 6
“For the Lord has a controversy with his people….and he will contend with Israel.”
A controversy with his people? What would that be? God longs to speak to us, to wrestle with us in our thoughts, our doctrines , words and actions.
He speaks in such a personal way;
‘What have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Remember my faithfulness and all I have done for you.’
I ask, where have I gone off track in my thinking, in my resisting, in holding onto what I think is right?
Micah goes on to say; “ You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.’
It’s pretty simply stated what we are to do, yet we make it complicated and perhaps that’s where the controversy comes in.
Take a moment and let your heart lay open before the hands of God.
Where is your heart weary, questioning God’s kindness?
Receive his grace there.
Where is your heart stiff and hardened toward the world?
Receive his forgiveness there.
Where has your heart become proud in your own answers?
Receive his mercy there.
Now pause to see God pleading his case for you before the mountains and the hills and all of creation for his love endures forever and his plans will go forth in and through you as you bow down in humility to pray.
‘Lord have mercy on us, your people chosen for this time and this season.
Reshape our hearts into yours.
May we choose to bow down in humility to walk where you walk, to lead where you lead and follow your ways of justice, kindness and love.
When our hearts grow weary and begin to question your goodness and try to bring our own justice by blaming others may we remember you,
Christ on the cross, your broken body and poured out blood for all.
Renew us O Lord, three in one with the grace to live in the way you have called us to live.
With you as our God and to know that which is true, lovely, beautiful and right.
For you make all things new.
May your spirit begin again in the heart of your church today.
In the humble and powerful name of Jesus we pray,’
Amen.