It’s Saturday, which means it’s time for another worship prayer based on the fruit of the Spirit. “Kindness: Tuning to Usefulness” was one of my favorite chapters to write in Spirit-filled Singing. I hope the following prayer, based loosely on that chapter, encourages your heart and focuses your mind as you prepare for worship:
Heavenly Father, you are so kind to us—not as the world might define kindness, but in its truest form. Your kindness corrects us, convicts us, comforts us, and fills us with courage. It is firm yet friendly. It makes us who we ought to be.
Your kindness, God, is connected with your severity (Rom. 11:22). Let us, accordingly, not mistake kindness for complacency or compromise. May our songs boldly proclaim the truth of who we were apart from your grace: sinners, rebels, lost sheep wandering dangerous terrain. Let our lyrics be piercing, as your Word is piercing (Heb. 4:12). Teach us to welcome songs of confession and contrition.
But Lord, in your kindness, you do not leave us as we were. We know we are sinners but, through the death and resurrection of your Son, you declare us saints. Help us to encourage one another as we sing. As we praise you, help us also honor whatever is praiseworthy in one another (Phil. 4:8). Let our lyrics celebrate our new identity as your saints and may our music motivate us toward joyful obedience.
Thank you for inviting us, week after week, to join together in worship. Help us remember that this, too, is a kindness. As we sing together, usher us deeper into true friendship with you and one another (John 15:15).
Amen
Thank you for reading! If you enjoy my writing, consider subscribing for free using the box below:
You might also enjoy my book on musical worship and the fruit of the Spirit, which releases in early November. (It would make a nice gift for a worship leader or musician in your life!)
Ryanne Molinari 