Mom, you’ll be a living sacrifice this school year, guaranteed.
But to whom?
You’re used to sacrificing yourself for your kids. If you work outside the home, you know about making sacrifices for the sake of your job. And as the school year starts, you know many sacrifices lie ahead… time, money, energy, your own agenda.
But who is it all for? Your kids? Your husband? Your workplace? The school? The world? Other moms?
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2
As the school year kicks off, present your body as a living sacrifice to Christ. Let this be your worship, your ministry… the consecration of yourself to God’s will for you!
Heavenly Father,
I know you see me and love me in the midst of the craziness right now. You’ve given me this family to bless and to nurture. You have promised to give me the strength to do whatever you call me to do. As this school year begins, I offer myself as a living sacrifice to you.
I give myself… my body, my energy, my health, my sleep or lack thereof to you.
Please give me wisdom in caring for myself this year. Help me make wise choices so that I can serve you in serving my family. I’m weak and human and fail often. I get sick and tired, but even then, I want be yielded to you.
Use me in my physical strength and in my physical weakness. Help me trust you and lean on you no matter how I’m feeling. Give me the power of your Spirit to bless my family and bless others with whatever physical health you allow me.
Lord, I also give you my mind, emotions, and my soul.
I want my thoughts to honor you. I lay my selfishness on the altar before you. When I’m tempted to dwell on the negative, renew my mind. Help me fill it with your Word and take every thought captive into obedience to you.
When my feelings are hurt, when I’m overwhelmed, lonely, jealous, anxious, angry, or confused, remind me that my identity and comfort is in you alone.
Help my soul to find joy in you rather than in the world. Don’t let me conform to the way the world thinks. Help me understand what your will is and then to be passionate about walking in it.
My family needs you this year.
I pray that as I commit myself to you, you’ll use me to draw them closer to you as well. Let me and my entire family be used for your glory in the months ahead. As we study, as we get involved in extra-curricular activities, let us learn and grow and shine your light. We want to be ready to give an answer to others for the hope that we have in you.
I give myself to you, Lord.
Through Jesus, Amen.
by Jennifer Ebenhack
