50 Days of Prayer for Fellowship CRC

Rom. 12:1-2, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

In our sermon yesterday we looked at Jesus’ great ethical teachings from Sermon on the Mount. In six sections, Jesus offers his teaching as Transforming Gospel Initiatives. These are the heart of living out the gospel message. They will teach us how to not be conformed to this age (both secular and religious), renew our minds to free us from a Downward Spiral, and help us to discern and do that supreme will of God for which we pray.  They offer true transformation: personally, relationally, congregationally, and societally. 

Do we want to be transformed?  Most Christians would say yes—but upon second thought, realize that they only want the transformation of the next life.  Transformation in this life sounds, well, too radical, and maybe even too painful. The Apostle Paul speaks of it here as the placing of our total selves on the altar of sacrifice.  Yes, it is a metaphor, but one which speaks of total self-giving.  But what is offered is so great, such an intimate relationship with God, that we should desire it every day of our lives.

So we pray,
Jesus, change me.  Yes, the call to self-sacrifice is great, but transformation is what you offer and what I do want. I want to follow Jesus today, and for that I need to be able to discern your good, acceptable and perfect will in a thousand decisions great and small.  Change me as I continue on in prayer with you today. Amen.