December 13, 2022 - Galatians 5: 25-26

“Now since we have chosen to walk with the Spirit, let’s keep each step in perfect sync with God’s Spirit. This will happen when we set aside our self-interests and work together to create true community instead of a culture consumed by provocation, pride, and envy.” Galatians 5:25-26 (VOICE)

Holy Spirit, we thank you that you are there and willing to lead our every step. Please teach us how to walk in perfect sync with you. Draw us closer. Help us learn to clearly hear your voice. Help us learn to feel your promptings. We want to know the moment we have stepped away from where you are leading us, so we can quickly redirect our steps. Soften our hearts and help us always be leaning into you, so we don’t miss anything you are doing or saying.

I love the way this version translates verse 26. What a clear and understandable way to tell us how and how not to walk with you. Help us not to get so caught up in our own plans, desires, and thoughts that we miss your leading. I think that is so easy for us to do. When we get focused on ourselves, we can miss your gentle leading. We want our focus to be on you. We want to put ourselves within a community that helps us focus on and press into you. Lead us to a group that we can purposefully pursue you with. Teach how to work together to build a community that glorifies you in all we do. Show us how to put self-interests aside and walk humbly with others. Show us how to be quick to forgive and believe the best in others. Show us how to live a life free of provocation, pride, and envy. We want to live a life full of love, mercy, grace, and all the other fruits that glorify you. We want to have a heart that is easily challenged to grow. We want to live in a way that we can learn and be challenged by others in our walk, as well as have our lifestyle inspire others. Lead us forward in this.

In Jesus name, amen.