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A Prayer Celebrating Jesus’ Shameless Love for Us

     Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Heb. 2:11-13

     As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Rom. 10:11

Dear Lord Jesus, I’ve thought, said, and done a lot of things in my life of which I am truly ashamed. I’ve been painfully shamed and I’ve shamed people I dearly love. Shame is a pillaging thief, one which robs us of dignity, freedom, and joy. So when I hear you tell me that you’re not ashamed of me—that you’re not ashamed to call me your brother—it humbles and gladdens me like nothing else.

You are the only answer for the paralyzing power of shame, Lord Jesus. How I praise you for doing everything necessary to deal with the ways I’ve been both an agent and a victim of sin—sin which has led to multiple layers of shame. Your vacant cross and empty tomb, present enthronement and constant intercession all conspire to rid our hearts of the remaining effects of shame.

And you’re the only one who can make us holy—the only one who sets us apart for the redeeming and restoring purposes of the one I now know as Abba, Father. In fact, I only dare cry out “Abba, Father” because you first cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps. 22:1). You took the full guilt and the real shame of my sin on the cross. I really do believe this. I really want to experience it more fully.

And now, Lord Jesus, you sing to us of the Father’s love. You declare his praises to my heart every time I hear the gospel—every time I gather with my brothers and sisters to worship the Triune God; every time I take the bread and cup of Holy Communion; every time I read the Scriptures; every time I listen to your voice in creation proclaiming the majesty and mercy of God.

Jesus, you’re not ashamed of me, or of anyone who trusts in you. This is the theology I defend; make it the doxology in which I delight. Continue to heal me and free me. So very Amen I pray, in your most compassionate and healing name.

 

 

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