The Prayer of St. Francis of AssisiSample

For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

I’d like to paint a picture for you on our final day together.

It’s a picture I’ve painted for myself and others to explore what matters.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may see many of my posts that simply read, “remember what matters.” That is the idea I’d like to paint for you now.

Imagine you are 90 years old and sitting in a beautiful white, custom rocking chair. It’s a perfect summer day with a gentle ocean breeze.

I love imagining this picture as if I’m sitting on the porch of a beautiful plantation-style home.

The kind of home with a wraparound porch where you can sit and gaze through the trees and hills.

On this porch is where I’d like for you to look back upon your life. Remember, you are 90 years old and reviewing your life.

If you need to close your eyes, do so. Take the time to get the picture in your mind before you embark on these questions.

I want you to ask yourself these powerful questions.

What do you want your life to be remembered for?

What would you need to do to attain it?

What do you need to let go of?

What do you need to focus on more?

What do you think matters in life?

When I read these words from St. Francis, I’m reminded of the stewardship of my life while on Earth.

When St. Francis writes, “For it is in giving that we receive.” I am reminded of Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

I wonder to myself, “what and how am I giving?” Is my life in unison with this principle of sowing and reaping?

What about your life?

Are you living a generous life?

Are you receiving what you want to receive?

If you were to imagine your life as an orange tree, are you producing oranges? If you are producing fruit, does it match up with what the scriptures say?

Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

What juice are you producing when the world is squeezing you, and pressure is all around you?

Are you producing enough fruit to be able to give to others?

What fruits are overflowing from your life?

When St. Francis writes, “it is in pardoning (forgiving) that we are pardoned.” I wonder what forgiveness looks like in your life.

Do you need to forgive yourself for any past failures, mistakes, mistrust, or unfaithfulness?

Do you need to forgive others for any wrongs they have caused you?

What do you need to let go of right now?

What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you?

What does letting go of it look like for you?

Take some time to reflect upon what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. Forgiveness is powerful and transformative. Be still and know that He is God.

Lastly, I want to challenge you to reflect upon this last line, “it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen”

Every one of us will face death.

If you have chosen to live with God in you, you will smile at the transition to eternal life.

If you have chosen to live a life of the flesh, this thought can be much more sobering.

My challenge is this, are you prepared for eternal life?

What do you know you need to change right now?

What are you afraid of and do not want to confront?

What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you right now?

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This is the sign you have been looking for for many of you.

You have been living away from the source and creator and trying to do everything on your own.

God wants you to know He is right there with you. Even now, He is speaking to you.

He knows exactly what you need to hear.

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God is with you. You may be feeling an urge to reconnect with God. I want to give you that opportunity below with a prayer.

If you have been distracted and focused on the wrong things, pray this prayer out loud.

Jesus. Please help me.

I want to connect with you.
Forgive me for doubting you.
Forgive me for being distracted and not trusting you.
I want you to be #1 in my life.
Live and dwell in me.
Speak to me, so I know it’s you.
I want my life to change.
Amen.

Let me know what resonated with you the most. I’d love to hear from you.

I am so proud and honored to have spent this time with you. Your life is an incredible work of art. You are necessary.

If you are ready to make some next steps, head over to anthonythompson.org, where you can find courses, connections, and more content. Feel free to message me over there or on Instagram.

If this devotional has been helpful, please consider giving it a 5-star rating and sharing it with your friends and family.

You have the power to transform other people’s lives simply by rating and sharing it. When you rate and share, it helps other people just like you find it.

Rooting for you.
Praying for you.

God bless you.

Coach Anthony Thompson