the process of real discipline

Father, we come . . .

willing to be disciplined.
willing to be responsible.

we finally see how we need You.
we finally see You as our gentle and loving Father.

so we pray, "You have my permission to refine me." 

willing to be committed.
willing to be attentive.

we finally see all we want.
we finally see You want all of us.

so we pray, "lead me to set down my task when they speak." 

willing to be truthful, their words point out our distraction.
willing to be accountable, their truth-telling still stings.

we finally see how we flitter around to do more than is necessary.
we finally see how we create messes that cause our hurried state.

so we pray, "help me to own what is true and not make excuses."

willing to accept ourselves as we are.
willing to allow our humanity.

we finally see how we aren't any better.
we finally see how we're all broken.

so we pray, "reduce me to love." 

willing to be kind to them.
willing to see as You see.

we finally understand that it's love you want of us.
we finally understand that it's love for ourselves you want first.

so we pray, "i choose kindness." 

willing to be patient with them.
willing to be patient with us.

we finally see how trust is what You desire for us.
we finally see how this is the way to abiding in peace.

so we pray, "thank You for this process of Real discipline."

amen.