A Prayer About Progress

When I look back and then ahead

HOLY SPIRIT,

Looking at pictures of myself from even just a year or two ago, I can’t believe how much I’ve changed physically. I couldn’t see the changes as they were occurring, only now as I look back. I know I have grown spiritually, too, Spirit of God—in the moments, days, weeks, months, and years of your working in me. I certainly am not where I need to be, but I am making progress. I also know I’m not where I will be, because of your transforming power. Your promise to make me more and more like Christ gives me hope, especially when my sins and mistakes seem to stop my progress or move me backward and when I encounter challenges and conflicts. At times I wonder if I’ve grown at all when I blunder and act so spiritually immature or fall back into a destructive pattern. But I know you are in me, doing your work. Please forgive me for not listening to your promptings, heeding your warnings, or following your guidance. I want to continue to progress with you.

The Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18