Sometimes we think faith depends on our own efforts. We think our conduct defines our faith. But don’t be mistaken. You can have perfect behavior but have little faith.

Faith comes from the deepest part of your inner self. It comes from that most intimate place where the Spirit of God speaks to your spirit. So open the door. Let the Spirit in. And let the fruits of your faith be abundant.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 22:37-40

PRAYER FOR TRUE FAITH

O loving Lord,

I seek truth. I seek wisdom. Where do I find true faith?

Won’t you show me, O Lord?

Teach my heart that it’s not all about rituals and rules. It’s not about uncontrolled freedom either.

So I seek the deeper truths. Show them to me, O Lord.

If I obey you but don’t love you, what purpose does it serve?

If you set me free, but I don’t listen to you, what good comes from my freedom?

True faith? From where then?

It’s not about control or power. It’s not chaos either. It is not even independence.

Instead, true faith comes from a holy, sacred place.

True faith comes from surrender.

It starts with the Passion.

It is justified on the cross.

It bursts forth from the empty tomb.

It is a gift that I abandon myself to.

Faith is confidence, assurance,

conviction.

My faith is a person, the Son of Man.

Give me true faith, O Lord.

Let it take root in me and burn bright.

Let my faith save me. Let my faith set me free.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.