I was really struck by this prayer by John Piper at the end of chapter 11 in this book.
A Prayer
Lord, thicken our skin. Not that we be less tender, but that we be less easily offended. Take away our bent to self-pity. Give us a passion for the truth that is stronger than our inborn passion for being praised. Forgive us, Father, for calling words unloving just because they were tough. Forgive us for attributing malicious motives to people when we don’t know their motives. Help us to learn from Jesus when to be tough and when to be tender. Guard us from justifying merely human anger with the hard sayings of Jesus. But don’t let us become so mushy that we can’t speak a firm word in season. We marvel at the words of our Lord Jesus. How unpredictable he was! No one ever spoke like he did. He is in a class by himself. We bow before him and shut our mouths. We are eager for him to speak – and to speak any way he pleases. We are the silent learners. He is the sinless teacher. We put our hands upon our mouths and take our place at his feet. Do with us as you please, Father. We are not your judge, nor the judge of how your Son speaks. Have mercy on us – tough or tender – and lead us to your everlasting joy. In the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus, amen.”
Blessings on you this day…
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Oh this is good! I love this line:
We put our hands upon our mouths and take our place at his feet.
Be still and know that I am God!
Lana, Exactly! So much to learn, so little time…thankfully there’s an eternity to grasp it all.
Sounds like I need to commit this one to memory!
Bee, You and me both…
Wow, this prayer is just lovely. And, perchance this is a book which would push me from my dry spell. Thanks!
Kim
Kim, blessings on you in the dry times and the abundant times!!!
Oh Boy, you know how sometimes you wonder if someone posted with you in mind? This felt like . . .for me.
I’m going to print out those words and read them often and perhaps they’ll stick.
Lovella, Piper has a way of writing that grabs me where I am…
Oh, wow. John Piper is tremendous. He never fails to convict me or bless me. Thank you for this. It is exactly what I need to pray these days. Sending hugs and prayers of blessing…….
Oh Vicki, so nice to see you out and about. Continued blessings on strength and healing at your house!
thanks for sharing it ellen!
Hi Erika, Blessings…
One of my favorite portions from one of my favorite books…Thanks for sharing it here as a reminder to ask Him to do as He pleases…
Lisa, this was very meaningful for me and amen to what He pleases…
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