Dear Lord,

I come to you, not strong and put together, but shattered by my pride, lifted by the "I" of self-reliance until all I can see is the horizon of my own solitary self—my own wretchedness. Lord, shape in me a new identity, one forged in the fires of your love, one softened by the caress of your compassion, one made fragile as an earthenware jar. Mold me in brokenness, a vessel of clay dimmed by the brilliance of your presence. Mold me by your free grace, for you are the potter, and I am the clay. Mold me by your mercy, having forgiven all my sins. Mold in me Christ-reliance, being rooted, and built up in you. All praise be to the Lord God, compassionate, merciful and gracious, overflowing—spilling over—with faithfulness and loving-kindness!

Amen.