“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10
This is a powerful verse from the Book of Ephesians. It makes us feel honored and privileged, even as it imposes great responsibility. We are “God’s Workmanship” and are fashioned by Him, amazing! But we have been created not simply for ourselves or our own will, but to do His works. That’s a lot of pressure! But because we are His creation, it means that He has gifted us already to carry out His calling. Beyond this, we have His Holy Spirit Who empowers us and carries out good works through us. Thank God, because we could not do this on our own, indeed, we would not.
The fact that God has prepared this in advance, means that He will be the One to carry out the work through us as we simply yield to His moving. But often that doesn’t seem easy. Perhaps that’s the most difficult part for us…to yield. But we aren’t alone for this either, God can soften our hearts and does, through Word and Sacrament. It’s a powerful prayer when we ask Him to do so, and of course, He will, He does.
Lately there has been a classic prayer that has been coming to my mind in regards to yielding to the Lord’s will. It is a prayer I believe much needed, especially at this present time. Perhaps you know it already and have prayed it before, but I would ask you to pray it with me today.
THE PEACE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
“O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace!
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, harmony.
Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sorrow, joy.
Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled
as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
God grant this for the sake of Jesus! Amen? Amen!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy!
Pastor Kilian
