Motives

It's not the only time in my life I've had to question my motives. Usually I'm satisfied with the final analysis, but there were enough questions that I had to consider was I trying to fool myself? The reason I write every day is because I've made a commitment to pray for the congregation, and if you've ever heard my speak, you know that I can say more in writing than I can using my voice. Also, it's a mixture of journaling, paying attention to the world around me, and searching for God's will in the process. So, if I'm doing this as a prayer, then why would I bother telling anyone else? Do I want someone to read and agree? Do I think someone will offer a book contract? Do I want someone to know what grand thoughts are in my head? No. There are no grand thoughts in this head. By sharing as I have, hopefully it will keep me accountable, hopefully it will illustrate how seriously I am taking this commitment to the congregation, and hopefully it can build with other prayers towards a grand community of pilgrims.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, As we grow towards the vision of the church you hold for us, help us to keep our motives closer to your intentions than our own. Help us to set aside what we want a church to be and instead be open to a church we could not imagine; A church that defies our expectations but doesn't abandon our gifts and our history. Keep us under your watchful gaze and offer corrections if we begin to fool ourselves by thinking we are acting in your will when we are only keeping our own interests at heart. Keep our motives pure and holy. Keep our resolve strong and praiseworthy. Amen