This morning I preached a sermon called Rest for the Weary, looking at the words of Jesus in Matthew 11v28-30. I closed the sermon by sharing a prayer that was posted by Scotty Smith on The Gospel Coalition website. I thought I would share it here:
Most gracious Jesus, I’m lacing up my running shoes this morning to come to you as fast as I can. Your gentle, lowly heart is simply irresistible to me. Your easy yoke and light burden are flashing with neon brilliance, and I will gladly shoulder up. Your promise of rest for my soul has never been more appealing, timely or needed, for I am un-rested and restless as I begin my day. I praise you for being so welcoming… so understanding… so kind.
Jesus, the burden and confusion I’m feeling are clearly connected to old wounds with lingering pain. Sometimes fresh hurts become like a magnifying glass or a megaphone by which you remind us of unfinished business in our souls. Like a broken bone that wasn’t set properly, broken hearts that weren’t healed the first time are susceptible to intensified pain when hurt again in the same place. The warning is clear. Handle these situations with care.
So here’s what I need, Jesus. First and foremost, I need you. Flood my heart with your presence. Kiss my soul with the assurance that you are more than enough. Confirm the promise that we can… that I can do all things through you as you give us strength. Remind me moment by moment today that you will not leave us or forsake us… that your name is Redeemer… that you will give sufficient grace for our great insufficiency.
Be the great Warrior of our hearts as you rebuke the devil on our behalf. Don’t let the dark one seize this current situation for the spewing of his destructive toxins for the doing of his dastardly deeds. I don’t have a thousand tongues to praise you, but let my one tongue speak with the wisdom of the gospel, rather than wag with the poison of gossip.
As the day unfolds, help me separate the issues. I need wisdom to deal with the matters at hand—with the pressing concerns right before me. I cannot afford to drag the stockpile of old pain into this one day. If I do that, I will get defensive and will be on the offensive. As usual, this isn’t about me, but about your glory.
Jesus, help us walk today as men and women of faith, hope and love with the people we greatly care about. Give us the wisdom and power you promise. Bring much glory to yourself. Write stories of repentance and restoration by the grace and truth of the gospel. So very Amen, I pray, in your most worthy and gracious name.
Amen.