As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing…But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18

Dear God, as I sat down for church this evening I found a funeral service bulletin left behind from earlier in the week. It was for a 93-year-old woman. This was the New Testament reading. I’m not sure I remember hearing it at a funeral before, but it’s great. I really like it. What a beautiful thing to be able to say at the end of your life. I hope they are words I can say at the end of my own life.

So what makes it so hard to live this kind of a life? I suppose it comes down to selfishness and my desire to just fulfill my own desires at any given moment. It’s one thing to stay away from sin. It’s another thing to be constantly communing with the Holy Spirit with me and not missing the myriad opportunities I have to sacrifice my own will for yours.

Holy Spirit, as I continue on the rest of this evening and tomorrow, help me to think about you a little more. Help me to consider what you would have me do at any given moment. Thank you that this was a good day in that it was productive and I was able to spend some quality time with you. I worshipped. I contemplated scripture. I did productive work at home. I joined others in corporate worship. Show me what you have for me to do tomorrow.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen