Create in me a clean heart, O God…
Purify me
Refine me
Sanctify me
Renew me
Love me

I say it. I pray it. But do I really mean it? Am I really ready to be made clean? To give up my “dirty” behaviors – jealousy, greed, negativity, superiority, materialism – just to name a few? I know they are not the best choices, but they’re familiar. I know them. Am I ready to give them up? Am I ready to live with the knowledge that I am loved by God?

And put a new and right spirit within me…
Ever mindful of your presence
Striving to live your dream for me
Listening
Learning
Loving

I say it. I pray it. But do I really mean it? Am I ready to risk it? Am I ready to acknowledge your faithfulness? Do I really want to know all that I could be? Am I willing to hear your message for me? You could be leading me to new things. And that might be scary. Do I have to love everyone? I would have to trust you. Am I ready?

~Sally Hoelscher