John 12:25-26
[Jesus said] Anyone who loves his life destroys it. And the one who hates his life in this world will hold on to it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me. And where I am, there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Forgive us when we prioritize this world, thinking this is the best we can expect. We can quickly become focused on this life and desire to establish a comfortable place for ourselves here, as the world encourages us to do. Instead, our focus should not be on this life, which pales compared to eternal life in heaven with you. When we direct our attention there, we hate this life in anticipation of what will come. You tell us to focus on what will strengthen our faith in you—your Word and sacraments. Because faith in you as our Savior restores us to our heavenly Father, it is by faith that we know you suffered and died for all our sins. Faith is that open hand that grabs hold of the eternal gifts you have made possible for us. So we pray that you would forgive us for all the times we turn our attention to this life and not focus on you or your word; turn us back on the cross so that we will follow you. And in following you, your Father will honor us.
This gift is for all people, so we pray to share this message of the sure hope of everlasting life with those who do not know you. So they will come to know of your love for them, and through faith, they will hate this life and look with anticipation of the life to come. Amen
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Set your eyes on Christ, trust in him and the forgiveness he has won for you. It is by faith alone in Jesus that eternal life is yours.