A prayer for those days Flesh and Spirit are in a full-on war

Dear Lord,

I wish I could say with unbridled confidence the only eyes that mattered to me were yours.

Sure, it’s clear as day in my head.

But my flesh tells a different story.

My heart betrays what I know to be true.

My heart tells me other eyes hold more value.

More weight.

More meaning.

The flesh and the Spirit – they’re in a constant battle.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

Lord, I confess I’ve sought approval from sources other than you.

Sure, it’s human to do that.

And I’m only human.

But Lord, how I long to be less flesh and more Spirit.

How I long to have my eyes on you again.

Unwavering.

Yet like a lover, you take my chin in your hand and draw me back.

And my eyes fall again on your loving gaze.

Instead of the fruit on the tree.

Lord, I wish yours was the only validation I sought.

Yes, I’m only human.

And in this broken humanity I seek other gods. 

Other box-tickers.

Other fawners.

Other parents.

But Lord, though I live in the flesh, I can choose a different path.

With your help.

This is the truth, planted deeply since my youth:

Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

and

God Is Most Glorified in Us When We Are Most Satisfied in Him

Lord, one day I’ll get it right.

Not because I’ll work out how to follow the law.

But because you will make things right.

I can’t do it alone.

I am frail.

I am weak.

I am small.

But Lord, you are big.

And you are glorious.

And you humbled yourself enough to come down here.

As a man, like us.

And die.

For us.

And rise again.

To overcome.

For us.

And your glory.

Lord, you took the punishment we deserve for obeying the flesh blindly.

And you gave us new life in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lord, have mercy.

Thank you for mercy.

Thank you for grace.

Thank you for this new life.

Thank you for the Spirit, which helps me overcome the flesh.

Thank you,

And sorry,

And help me live better.

May yours be the only eyes I seek.

My audience of one.

My perfect Father.

My best friend.

My Lord.

Today, I renew my love.

Today I choose you again.

Hold me up, Lord, and hold me fast.

May I bring you glory.

Enjoy you more.

And live forever in your radiant, inescapable light.

Amen.