God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather
a spirit of power and of love and of self-control.
2 Timothy 1.7
Jesus offers us a wonderful example of self-control. Despite his own human fears – shown most clearly in the Garden of Gethsemane – he offered himself so that we might have eternal life.
In all circumstances of life we are all called to self-control. As we remember the important tasks set before our King, and the challenges he will face, we pray that the fruit of self-control, which informs all our actions and decisions, will give him patience and strength to act always in love and obedience to God and in service to others.
Prayer
Eternal God,
give us insight
to discern your will for us,
to give up what harms us,
and to seek the perfection we are promised
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
