A Prayer For Tenderness

A prayer for Tenderness

When I want to feel more compassion for others

Dear God,

I long to regain some tenderness in my heart, and I know that tenderness starts with you. It is amazing that you, the God of the universe, care for me with compassion. Experiencing gentle, merciful love from your hand softens my heart to feel for the needs of others. You replace my bitter heart, hardened and dulled by years of sin and hurt, with a soft and tender heart. You plant a compassionate spirit within me! Thank you, Lord. Now that I have your tenderhearted nature within me, let me realize the depth of your love for me as I care for others. Where before my heart was unfeeling, let me now be overwhelmed with a compassion born out of my own gratitude for all you have done for me.

[God said,] “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And 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. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” Ezekiel 36:25-27