A Prayer about the Prize We Really Want

Do you know what you’re running for?

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Heavenly Father,

We can all relate to the apostle Paul’s sense 

that he is running a race, 

but help us to pause to consider: 

what race are we running? 

What prize are we seeking? 

If we’re honest, it may just be the race 

to keep up with the neighbors, 

whether virtual or real; 

or the race to do work that will finally please our boss; 

or the race to take care of every need of every loved one….

Some of these are worthy races to run, 

but we know deep in our hearts 

(because your Holy Spirit convicts us) 

that we will never win the prize in such races, 

or that if we do, the prize will not fully satisfy. 

Father, instead, help us to see the only race worth running, 

the “one thing” Paul mentions: 

the race for the prize of knowing you, 

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 

the prize of seeing you face to face, 

as we will do when you take us home to heaven, 

the prize of becoming like you and never sinning again (See 1 John 3:2). 

Father, help us to see that this is a race 

we will certainly win 

because our beloved Savior has gone before us, 

enduring the cross, 

despising the shame (See Hebrews 12:1-3), 

and has won the prize 

of resurrection and reconciliation with you. 

What hopeful news this is. 

May we pause to consider the joy we have 

in such a prize!

Amen.

Read Philippians 3:10-21; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 John 3:1-3.