You?

Eugene Peterson, in his classic book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction on the Songs of Ascent, talks about the Psalms (songs) that the children of Israel would sing as they went to the temple together for worship.

There is something about some sameness in our life, some consistency, some traditions that help us keep focused. I have a prayer I pray every week before I preach. I’ve been praying it now for 35-plus years. It’s become a part of who I am, and I pray it every single week.

It doesn’t matter what’s going on in my life, what the pressures are, what the stresses are, what worries might be tempted to creep into my heart, what the situation is, or what’s going on in the congregation, my own heart, or my family—this prayer pulls me back to my purpose and to what I’m trying to do when I stand in front of people and talk to them about Jesus each week.

Here’s that prayer: “Lord, You love these people and I do too. Many of these people love You, and all of these people need Your love. Lord, love these people through me. Help me to remember these are people to be loved, not just people sitting in pews. Help me to be true to You and to accomplish this well today. In Jesus Name, AMEN.”

I’d love to hear from you. What are the things that you pray or that you do that keep you focused?