12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2

Dear God, it’s verse 2 that caught my eye this morning: Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. I think you’re transforming me into a new person. Well, let’s say this: I know I am being transformed into something new. I pray that it is you who is transforming me into your image.

There are times when I see myself transforming into something that surprises me. Something different even than what the church normally teaches I should be. Or I think about things in a way that the church says I should not think. In these instances, is the church the “world,” or am I?

Father, I really want to hear you clearly. I want to understand who you are. I want to see others with your eyes. I want to hear them with your ears. I want to know your heart for me and for them. I want to know who to help each person I know heal. Of course, I want to be healed as well. I feel like I am working through that slowly but surely. I guess, beyond anything, I just want people to be reconciled to you so that they can be at peace with themselves, their “enemies,” and you. Help me to introduce you to people in that way.

I pray all of this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen