Parched

Heavenly Father,

My heart is dry and parched. I have been trying to water it from broken cisterns. Give me your living water. Make my heart a fertile land to grow the fruit of the spirit. Teach me to love you more. Impart to me a picture of yourself so clear it will capture my affections. Teach me to love myself in a way that is glorifying to you. Not in a way that stirs up pride, but with the humility that pushes me to pursue sanctification. Help me to forgive myself and others as you have forgiven me. Let no trace of bitterness or anger remain. Show me how you love other people so that I may emulate you. As I try to love others, smooth over all my failures by your power.

In the name of him who first loved me. Amen.