A Prayer about Our To-Be, To-Do, and To-Don’t Lists

Lord Jesus,

As our week begins, some of us are thinking of all the things we need to get done. 

Help us to think instead of all the ways we need to be this week because we belong to you. 

Shape our to-do lists according to the things you did: 

giving up your rights as God, 

humbling yourself “in obedience to God,” 

dying a “criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Help us to hear you calling us to be like you:

Be encouraging, be comforting, be in fellowship with the Spirit. 

Be tender; be compassionate (Philippians 2:1).

Help us do what you would have us do: 

“Agree wholeheartedly with one another; 

love one another; 

work together with one mind and purpose” (Philippians 2:2).

And by the power of your Spirit, help us cross off the things on your “to-don’t” list:

”Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others….

don’t look out only for your own interests….” (Philippians 2:3).

In your humble and highly honored name. Amen. 

Read Philippians 2:1-11.