*Gifts of the Spirit*
*Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)*
Father,
It is incredible that the Holy Spirit would come to dwell in me. Your Spirit no longer resides in the inner sanctum of a temple or tabernacle, but within me, a frail, fragile vessel. There is no longer a curtain separating me from your immediate presence. Rather, your immediate presence dwells within me. What an incredible blessing! The Holy Spirit gives me power to overcome sin, comforts me in my weakness, empowers me for service, and gives me spiritual gifts to be used for your glory and the good of your people. The Holy Spirit takes my tepid efforts to serve you and transforms them into something glorious. Father, I acknowledge my dependence on the Holy Spirit.
You have not given me spiritual gifts so that I might bring attention, honor, or glory to myself. Rather, you’ve given me spiritual gifts so that I might exalt you, and help others to exalt you as well. Forgive me for using my gifts to advance my own agenda. Forgive me for the times I’ve selfishly withheld my gifts from others. I want all of my spiritual gifts to be harnessed for your service. I want all of my talents and abilities to be deployed in your holy service. Give me a holy zeal to use my spiritual gifts to exalt your name.
Thank you for the particular set of spiritual gifts that you have given me. In your infinite wisdom, you have given me the spiritual gifts that will enable me to bring you the most glory. Help me not to compare my gifts to the gifts of others, or to be jealous of the spiritual gifts you’ve given to others. Just as a hand is designed to perform a particular task, and should not be jealous of other parts of the body, so you have equipped me to perform particular particular tasks for you. Help me to be content in the wonderful tasks you’ve called me to do, no matter how “high” or “low” they may seem. Help me to serve contentedly, not striving for more or less than you’ve called me to.