A Prayer About Tenderness

When I act tough

JESUS,

I can act as though nothing gets to me. I behave this way, I guess, to protect myself from others’ knowing the real me or from getting hurt. But that tough exterior can get in the way of developing deep relationships and of feeling others’ pain. I want to be more like you, Jesus—loving, compassionate, and responsive to others. Please break my heart for what breaks yours.

I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26