23 January, 2022
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. – Psalm 30:5
Heavenly Father, God of Goodness and Righteousness, we pray for deliverance, as we conform our lives to be Christlike in all we do, yet fall short of your great Glory because of our human conduct, prone to sinfulness and worldly attachments. We also pray for you Father, to complete the refining work you carry out in your creation through trials, to perfect us and renew us, in mind, body and spirit.
A good father is only as angry as is necessary to train his child in discerning right from wrong and belief from disbelief. Lord, your wrath towards us is justified, for it is not vengeful but righteous indignation at sin and rebellion. You do not desire to stay angry, but to restore a right relationship with your children, and your anger is only to perfect us, so that we are transformed through your loving and effective discipline.
You visit afflictions upon us when we are steeped in the darkness of sin and human transgression, to enable us to recognize and realize our faults and make haste to repent and aim at living better lives, for gaining your grace and favor. Lord, we thank you for steadying us when we weaken, and when we are momentarily shaken and stunned, for you uphold us, and our timely repentance reconciles us with you. We rejoice and are exceedingly grateful when you reward us with graces that endure forever, in Jesus’ Name. Amen
