Manifesto!

Good Thursday morning, my friends.

The words below are a manifesto.  A declaration.  As you read them, take a stand for God.  You will find (as I did) that some of the words stick in your throat.  You will be afraid to pray them, fearing you will not be able to live up to them.  Just remember, these words reflect our desire to be perfected, as Jesus is perfect.  These words are a declaration of our goal, our intention.  Tell God this is who you want to be, and ask Him to help you be that person.  

Amazing Grace and Eternal peace to you today,

Bruce

Dear God,

Lord, You know my hurts.

You know who I really am.

You know the best and the worst of me.

And You know I am sick of talk.

I demand, instead, a revelation.

Fill me with your energy; help me decree I am transformed.

Help me keep my thoughts aligned with Your Immense Joy.

Reach into my heart and awaken me to the truth of You.

For You know everything there is to know about me.

Still you love me still, and never will You stop loving me.

You will remain with me throughout eternity, for you delight in me.

You are my closest friend—

—my steady companion throughout life and after death.

So from this day forward,

I shut my mouth before condemning others using Your name,

For your name is a blessing.

From this day I cease believing those

Who would use Your scripture 

To justify bigotry, violence or selfishness.

From this day, only good issues from me, for I am born of You.

Gently, You teach me to choose love over fear

And forgiveness over condemnation.

I see how everything is a call for love, a call for compassion,

And a call for giving.

I choose to be a clear channel for Your good.

I choose to vibrate with Your Truth.

I choose to open myself to love.

And You are so proud of me.

Your faith in me is absolute as You teach me faith in myself.

You sent Your Son believing that I can learn

And I vow to fulfill this destiny.

I use Your power as Jesus taught—

—to raise the world out of want and into joy.

O, Lord, I always love You even when I feel anger or hurt.

I thank You - humbly - for always, always loving me.

I feel You close to me, closer than my own breath.

I know You are ready to intervene on my behalf

In love and goodness.

I know You are ready to create a new world for my delight.

Your patience and love fills me.

Your glory and magnificence thrills me.

You created me, You know me, You believe in me. And You love me.

Words are inadequate to tell You of my love for You.

Listen, instead, to the beating of my heart.

Thank You, God.

Amen.

(Adapted from http://www.prayerforce.org/god-prayer.htm)

Bruce MacPherson macpherson@celtic.ca