The antonym prayer
This prayer asks for the power to live counter to the prevailing values in our culture, to be lights in the darkness, to be the aroma of the gospel amid the stench of sin.
It reminds of the encourage in Hebrews 12:1-3, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
The antonym prayer
Father,
Help me to be constant in an ever changing world
deep in a shallow world
respectful in a flippant world
confident in a fearful world
vigilant in a careless world
loyal in an untrustworthy world
spiritual in a material world
considerate in a thoughtless world
patient in an gigabyte world
loving in a cruel world
kind in an inconsiderate world
humble in a showy world
sympathetic in a cold world
compassionate in a harsh world
repentant in an impenitent world
light in a dark world
salt in caustic world
meek in a troubled world
Because this is the person that I want to be.
And we could add:
Because this is what your grace compels me to be as I live to fix my eyes on Jesus.