A Prayer for a Balanced Life

While doing some sermon research for my husband, I came across this prayer. It is SO much the prayer of my heart! I think I will make it my personal prayer each day this coming week...

O Lord! Help me to be …

Firm but not harsh;

Realistic but not skeptical;

Scheduled but not rigid;

Pure but not proud;

Close-mouthed but not unfriendly;

Appropriate but not stiff;

Funny but not frivolous;

Teachable but not gullible;

Flexible but not scatterbrained;

Humble but not pious;

Kind but not compromising;

Dependable but not dull;

Decisive but not stubborn;

Persistent but not needling;

Precise but not picky;

Simple but not foolish;

Demanding but not intolerant;

Thorough but not unkind;

Human but not worldly;

Spiritual but not impractical;

Generous but not irresponsible;

Enthusiastic but not “hyper;”

Honest but not brutal;

Fair but not unloving;

Proper but not unreal;

Confident but not snobbish;

Bold but not brazen;

Busy but not harried;

Active but not shallow;

Deep but not dry;

Wise but not intimidating;

Intense but not forbidding;

Empathetic but not uncontrolled;

Forgiving but not naive;

Sympathetic but not pitying;

Helpful but not condescending;

Penitent but not paralyzed;

Organized but not bossy;

Spontaneous but not inconsistent.

Lord, I guess I’m asking to grow in favor with God and man.

I am asking you to help me become a balanced person. Amen.

(written by Marlene Evans)