When I was younger and read Louisa May Alcott’s Little Men, I quite unconsciously adopted the prayer that the youngest boy in the house lisped every night:
“Dear God, please bless everybody, and help me to be good.”
In a few words, it summed up two important things: prayer for others, and prayer for ourselves.
I think my grown-up prayer is five words shorter:
“Dear God, please use me mightily.”
Use – because that is what we are, uniquely practical pots crafted by a potter’s hand.
Me – because I am heartbreakingly human, yet fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image.
Mightily – because it’s not because of me, but through me, that he accomplishes what we never imagined to be possible.
Mmm. So that one day we may be called by Him as a good and faithful servant.
p.s. 神的仆人哪!!! please tell me you get this reference…
HAHA yes I do. Macedonian call…