We’ve celebrated another Christmas – sung carols, listened to Christmas services, heard again the message of Christ’s coming – but have we truly responded, truly made that message our own, or has it washed over us, our commitment not as real as it once was. Too easily we can find ourselves playing at discipleship, as the following prayer – taken from my book The Animal Lover’s Daily Prayer Book – graphically illustrates.
Forgive me, Lord,
for I play at faith and toy with discipleship,
intrigued and attracted
by the message of your love,
yet stubbornly keeping you at arm’s length.
Overcome my reticence,
and help me to respond.
Amen.