Three times I asked for God to remove my thorn in the flesh. His response? “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Cor.12:8-9)
Heavenly Father, like Paul, there are many things for which we pray, hoping for a “Yes, as you wish my child.” But instead, you choose to give us a “Yes” gift-wrapped in the “the-grace-that-we-need.” Thank you for being the perfect Father and not a Sugar Daddy. Send us “need-shaped-grace” for these things, Abba.
For our “thorns in the flesh”: Grant us grace to accept the inconvenient, limiting, painful things going on in our bodies. Until we inhabit our resurrection body at Jesus’ return, keep us alive to your love, patient in affliction, and kind towards fellow suffers.
For our “burrs in the saddle”: Father, some of us are dealing with “challenging” people and aggravating circumstances. Whether on the job, in our homes, or in our community—if you’re not going to change the situations, then change us—which will probably bring you the most glory. Grant us bigger hearts and thicker skins, wisdom from above and grace on the ground, less seething and more sweetness.
For our “punches in the gut”: Some of us are reeling from fresh disappointments, betrayals, or losses. Thank you for being a Father of compassion and God of all comfort (2Cor.1:3). Help us catch our breath, gain perspective, and experience your calming, centering presence, Abba.
For our “arrows to the heart”: Nothing hurts as much as relational pain. Father, grant us the grace we need to love well in messy, complex, didn’t-see-that-one-coming situations. Keep us from repaying hurt for hurt and “snark” for “snark.” Show us what “faith expressing itself in love” (Gal.5:6) looks like in our easiest and most heart-hurting stories. Thank you, and So Very Amen.
