Holiday Temptations
Father in Heaven,
As the holidays approach
Both wonder-filled anticipation
And worry-full apprehension
Are held in my heart, my mind, and my body.
Grant me the strength of heart to notice and name
The unholy holiday temptations
That pull my heart from being present
To You, myself, and my neighbor.
May I resist the temptation to isolation
To protect myself from disappointments and doubts.
Grant me stability in my soul
To not insulate from others during this season,
But trust your Presence to hover over every occasion
With peace beyond my own understanding.
May I defy the constant temptation to comparison
To measure my worth with the amount of activity.
Grant me security in my identity
To not keep a scorecard during this season,
But instead immerse myself fully in each moment
As an invitation to encounter joy with You.
May I oppose faithfully the temptation of accumulation
To allow my home and my hospitality to be defined by possessions.
Grant me the groundedness of contentedness
To see through the lies of envy and greed
And instead choose gratitude for all You have given.
Thank You Jesus for being near us on every occasion.
You are no stranger to temptation.
Guide us and guard us through every moment
Of great joy and deep sorrow in this season.
May our trust in Your mercy and kindness
Grow deeper from both engaging in celebration
And confronting temptation.
Amen.
