It was a rough morning, and I found myself very lacking in loving response. Turning to 1 Corinthians 13, and with brokeness of heart, I prayed:

Lord, You said no matter how much I pray or speak in tongues or prophesy, if I have not love, I am nothing. Whatever I speak to my kids only sounds like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

Lord, I pray that:

I will be patient – no matter how provoking the attitude or reactions.

I will be kind – and discipline kindly, no matter how wilful or temper shown.

I will not envy other people’s well-behaved compliant and easy children but find reasons to rejoice in mine.

I will not boast over whatever capability I have, if any.

I will not allow any prideful thoughts or actions.

I will not be rude to my children, no matter what rude words or responses I get, but will thoughtfully and firmly instruct them in the right way with my own kind words.

I will not seek myself, my own time, my own rights, my own conveniences, but think of their needs more than mine within what limits You would also consider.

I will not be easily angered, no matter how much my buttons are pressed. I will lessen the number of my buttons, and let them be less easily pressed.

I will keep no records of wrongs but will easily and quickly forgive.

I will always protect them and their reputation, and resist the temptation to gossip or complain about them, but instead speak praises about them whenever I can. Ditto with hubby.

I will always trust in You to carry things through as I walk in obedience.

I will always persevere in doing good and not give up.

And Lord, You said that all that – will never fail. Lord, please don’t give up on me. I promise I’ll keep trying.