Christian Living

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Elemental Prayer

Lord,

Use Your four elements--earth, fire, wind, and water--to change me.

First, before we begin, assure me of Your foundational presence, and fully convince me of Your sovereignty over all things. Teach me about Your world, and all the marvels You have created for us. Remind me when I forget that You are in control, for You created all.

"Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:2)

Unleash, then, in me, Your consuming fire. Burn away old habits, and scorch my doubts until they fall away. Purify me until I am nothing but a reflection of You; purify me with fire like silver, or the finest gold.

"For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." (Deuteronomy 4:24)

When the fire has died down, down to nothing but a weakly glowing ember, send a rushing, mighty wind my way, to blow away the ash, soot, and dulling remainders of who I once was. May the wind blast away any impurities still clinging to me after the fire, and lift away layers of selfishness, pride, and fear.

Even as the wind is doing its work of removing the unnecessary, let it also bring with it Your Holy Spirit. Fill me to overflowing!

"Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ...All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 2:2,4)

After the fire and the wind, I yearn to the immeasurable depths of my soul for the cleansing coolness of Your Living Water. Dip every seared section of my soul in the miracle that water is. Wash away grit and grime, hate and horror. Immerse me so that the wind-loosened shame can float to the surface and burst like a bubble; that coating will nevermore adhere to my thoroughly washed new self. Drench me, soak me through and through, and let me be saturated.

"Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'" (John 4:13-14)

Even then Lord, after the fire, the wind, and the water, I know I am all too human. My eyes stray, my mind wanders, and my heart falters. Process me again, Lord, as many times as You need to.

When my absolute core is finally revealed, whenever that is, whatever it takes, may these be the words on my lips: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30, KJV)

Yes, Lord, please use Your four elements--earth, fire, wind, and water--to change me.

Amen

Brenda Kern
July 23, 2004

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