Before a Bible Class (Summer 2013)
Lord, there are days, moments,
when it comes time to teach
that I am ready, eager to start,
can’t wait to get going.
And then there are other days
when the lesson plan hangs limp;
not for lack of studying or trying to prepare,
the notes just sit on the page, mocking me.
This is one of those days,
when the harder I try to get ready,
the worse everything gets;
the more doubts take control,
the more confused I become,
until my mind turns to mush.
And yet, in a remote place of my soul,
I like the classes that refuse my help;
even if they drive me crazy,
and produce so much anxiety.
Because I’m reminded as I walk in,
that whatever good may come out
will be from you, and you alone;
not because of my talent or work.
So as we begin today my heart is mixed.
I’m full of anxiety for all that might go wrong;
and filled with hope for what you might do:
your blessings, your gifts, your surprises.
And Lord, you know without your support,
I am about to fall flat on my face;
so please lift your gaze upon us,*
not just for me, but for everyone;
that we may hear your word,
and breathe in new life, new hope.
Thank you Lord for your blessing!
For a classroom full of brothers and sisters:
who love you with all their hearts,
and who love and accept me as I am;
who are eager to engage your word,
and who playfully overlook my mistakes;
who speak openly of the benefits of our study,
and who recognize your work among us.
Thank you Lord for fixing your gaze upon us,
bringing your word to life in our lives.
Amen
* See Numbers 6:24-26
Limited permission is granted for reuse of this prayer in worship or other venues. If printed in any form attribution must be given as "Glenn Pemberton, mosaicsite.org/glennpemberton." Special permission is required to print three or more of these prayers at one time in any form, print, electronic, etc., and must be secured by request at gdp05b@acu.edu.
