Dear Lord, rise! Rise and use the suffering that comes my way as chisel and stone to engrave upon my heart your priorities, that they may become my very own. Remove therein any and every desire of success and selfish ambition. Mark on my soul instead the word “service” that I may stoop down before you and my neighbor with towel and basin.
Dear Lover of my soul, rise! Rise and cover me with your everlasting warm embrace after the curtain of applause has been drawn back, and the uproars have faded in the background, leaving me cold with loneliness and yearning for the temporary warmth found beneath the blanket of the approval of men.
Dear Precious Savior, rise! Rise and glow brighter that I may see nothing but you and your saving grace when earth’s fleeting passions glitter so bright I am tempted to drink in the appealing sights they offer.
Dear King of my heart, rise! Rise and help your servant see through your graceful eyes; touch with your gentle hands; speak through your holy mouth; surrender to your perfect plan. Remove that which is a threat and rival to your rule and reign in my heart, that when everything is said and done, I may hear you say: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Dear loving Father, rise! Rise and help your child unceasingly abide beneath the shadow of your love where fragile hearts find rest and are secure.
Amen!
