A Prayer About Life Lessons

When I need to “go to school”

MY TEACHER,

Every day you present me with many opportunities to learn and grow. For quite a while my prayers have included requests for every fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Certainly these are by-products of the Spirit’s work in my life, but they need to be learned and used. And you have answered my prayers and have given me those situations. When someone pushes my emotional buttons and feelings of frustration and anger well up, I need to exercise gentleness and self-control. In situations where waiting is necessary, I need to exercise patience. In times of stress, I need peace. And so on. You have also provided lessons on stewardship and generosity, being a good friend, serving selflessly, being humble, and courageously speaking up for the gospel. I have also had to learn many lessons the hard way, asking for and giving forgiveness. I want to continue to grow in my faith, to be a student of your Word and learn from you. So I ask for more faith-stretching occasions. Teach me, Lord.

[Jesus said,] “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:29-30