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How could this Cat prayer be changed to focus on God's glory?
"Lord, you know I've been a part of this church for years. I've served in all kinds of positions from helping to clean up to teaching classes... from one committee to another. Now my name is up for election to the governing body of the church... and you said it's a good thing to desire to be a church leader. So, that's what I'm desiring... there are so many good changes I could make around here..."
Here's what we think:
Dog Prayer: Father I've tried to follow you lead and work in any area you opened for me. Some of those I felt overly qualified for and others I found overwhelming, but You were there the whole time to teach me something new. I do desire to serve you in this church - but I don't want to do anything or be in any position that might hurt this church, the people in it or your plan here. If I'm chosen for this position of leadership, then I want every step I take to be ordered by You... give me the mind and heart of Christ to lead with wisdom and love. And, if I'm not chosen - then please let me serve you in some other way - my heart is just one that wants to serve You.
Our Analysis
Sometimes growing up in a church can give a person a sense of entitlement to help run it so that we almost believe that our years of attendance and membership are the qualification for leadership. This is far from the truth of Scripture. The Cat prayer nearly announces that this position is "owed" to them and they give no indication that the plans they are devising for the church are plans that have been crafted with God. The second prayer demonstrates a reliance on God in the past and in the days to come.... it shows a heart of servant-hood to God and there is no better qualification for leadership within the church.
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