A Prayer about Being Smitten with Jesus

Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. (Heb. 13:9–10)

We started out this week talking about falling in love with Jesus. Today’s Gospel Prayer from the pen of Pastor Scotty Smith is a fitting conclusion to this week of blogs:

Jesus, throughout Lent, you’ve made me glad about several things. I’ve never been more grateful for the family you’ve given me. We’re a broken but beloved bunch—each of us is on the path of groaning and growing in grace. And I praise you for a handful of very good friends, a “gospel posse” with whom to share longings and laughter and the bleakness and bounty of life. We finally know how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, and not just provoke one another.

In particular, I’m thankful for the ways that you continue to show me more of yourself, for you are the author and perfecter of my faith. I can afford to be flexible about a lot of theological issues, but I can ill afford to be wrong about you.

Over the past four decades, you’ve been faithful to rescue me from all kinds of “strange teachings,” especially from gospels that are no gospel at all (Gal. 1:6–9). You’ve rescued me from illusions such as graceless legalism and obedienceless grace, from politicized gospels and sentimental gospels, from gospels that privatize knowing you and gospels that compartmentalize serving you, from gospels that despise the poor and gospels that empower the rich.

Lord Jesus, well beyond this current season of Lent, continue to smite my heart with more of your glory and your grace. I want to boast much more in your righteousness than in my being right. Strengthen my heart with your grace. Continue to feed me from the altar in the tabernacle of the gospel. Though I know you only in part, you know me perfectly, and that is enough. I pray in your peerless and powerful name. Amen.

Smith, Scotty (2011-09-01). Everyday Prayers for a Transformed Life: 365 Days to Gospel-Centered Faith (Kindle Locations 2232-2249). Baker Book Group. Kindle Edition. Quote of the day:

Are you smitten with Jesus? I sure hope so. Thanks for joining me on the journey this week.

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO

Daily Bible Reading: Job 41-42; 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

Quote of the day: Some believers are “fast movers” whose Christian lives are full of stops and starts. But they often complain that they’re getting nowhere fast.

The better testimony would be “I’m getting somewhere slowly.” This is more realistic, for true learning, growing, and overcoming are gradual experiences. Joanie Yoder

Bible Memory: When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. Psalm 119:59-60