Strength to overcome

                                                    

In a brilliant piece of writing Howard Thurman reflects on his own need of God’s strength to overcome the evil temptations in his own life. His poem is entitled I seek the strength to overcome evil, and is one of the most vulnerable and honest pieces I have read for a while.

As you read this, I invite you to make these words your prayer and to ask God to give you the strength to overcome the barriers in your life.

“I seek the strength to overcome the tendency to evil in my own heart.

I recognize the tendency to do the unkind thing when the mood of retaliation or revenge rides high in my spirit;

I recognize the tendency to make others a means to my own end;

I recognized the tendency to yield to fear and cowardice when fearlessness and courage seem to fit easily into the pattern of my security.

I seek the strength to overcome the tendency to evil in my own heart.

I seek the strength to overcome the evil that is present all about me.

I recognize the evil in much of the organized life around me;

I recognize the evil in the will to power as found in groups, institutions and individuals;

I recognize the terrible havoc of hate and bitterness which make for fear and panic in the common life.

I seek the strength to overcome the evil that is present all about me.

I seek the strength to overcome evil; I must not be overcome by evil.

I seek the purification of my own heart, the purging of my own motives;

I seek the strength to withstand the logic of bitterness, the terrible divisiveness of hate, the demonic triumph of the conquest of others.

What I seek for myself I desire with all my heart for friend and foe alike.

I seek the strength to overcome evil.”

Psalm 119:133 - Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Living in Grace

D3LM3