A Prayer To Influence Others For Good

 I think most, if not all of us, long to live in such a way that we leave people and circumstances better than we found them.  

We want our lives to count for good.  We want others to be blessed by God and to experience the fullness that God has always intended for them. 

I was happy to be reminded recently of a sure way to see those kinds of outcomes, not just in this season, or our lifetime, but going down the generations.  Listen to these wonderful words from the Bible:

I [God] lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. Exodus 20:6

You and I can have an impact on the people of a thousand generations.  Now that’s influence.  Our only task in seeing this come about is to love God and obey His commands.

We don’t know what the next 1000 days is going to bring to our lives let alone what’s going to take place in 1000 generations.  But we do know what God is asking us to think and do and say today.  We have principles clearly written for us in the Bible and as we pray and ask God for guidance, His Spirit will keep our steps lined up with what is right and good all through the day.

Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.  Galatians 5:16

Jesus clearly described this for us when He said this:

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  John 14:23-26

Lord, We really do want to be those who do good and who influence others in a good way, whether it is close family and friends or the wider community.  To think that our little lives could have influence to 1000 generations is mind boggling, to say the least.  But, since it is You who said it, and Your words are faithful and true, we are going to go with what You say.

You have the plan that works and that meets needs we don’t even know exist today and going forward.  In Your loving care You prepare us to face and overcome whatever we end up facing in a way that is good.  Help us to trust and follow Your direction without delay. You have the words of eternal life.  Thank You for including us in Your incredible plans.  Amen

Well, 1000 generations experiencing good because of how you and I live today.  Amazing. With God’s help I want to do my best, don’t you?  Have a great day.