This prayer is for those old hands in a culture. If you’re an old hand, pray this for yourself and others like you. If you’re a newbie, you can pray this for those who have come before you. If you support and love cross-cultural workers, think of someone you can pray it for today. In other words, we all can pray this prayer :).
God, whether I came here with the plan to stay for years
or one year turned into many,
thank you that I have (or we have)
built a home and life here.
As I look back and think of my first-year self in this place
I marvel at all I have learned
I am humbled by what I arrogantly thought I knew
I see the kind companions you brought across my path.
Thank you for this place, these people, this rich culture.
Thank you for the ways they have
welcomed me in
fed me
taught me
challenged me
expanded me.
I see you, oh God, in ways I could not have seen you
without my years here.
You have shown me you are too big and glorious to
be held by any one culture.
And yet you are specific and detailed enough to weave
a glorious tapestry of
flavors, sounds, colors, textures, and smells.
Lord, in my comfort here protect me from
thinking I don’t have much to learn.
Keep me in the posture of a student.
And in those areas of the culture where I encounter
injustice
broken systems
blatant disregard for human dignity,
help me to stay tender towards those I’ve come to serve.
Help me not to harden my heart or shut my hand.
Lord, this place is now a part of me and
I am grateful it has become
my teacher
my friend
my home.
Thank you for seeing fit to let me
live, learn, and love you here.
Amen
You can download the prayer to use on a prayer walk, keep in your Bible, or hang in your home during the Grow Your Culture Knowledge Challenge.
Whether a newbie or an old hand, you can Grow Your Culture Knowledge in this fun four week challenge. With a one-to-two hour investment per week, you’ll experience a true growth spurt in your culture knowledge. Join today.
Photo by Marie Rouilly on Unsplash
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