Dear God,

I want to be an open-minded person, ready to listen to the opinions of others, willing to change my mind when I am wrong. On the other hand, I don’t want to be a people pleaser, just saying what people want to hear, “a reed, swayed by the wind.” (Matthew 11:7)

I strive to learn and grow, be in a state of constant improvement and becoming, to learn from the constructive criticism of others. On the other hand, I want to embrace who I am rather than try to be someone I am not. I want to be humble enough to admit my errors of thinking and behaving but also live out of strong convictions to do what is right even when others disagree. God, your scripture tells me that your sheep know your voice. I am listening. Help me to hear your voice in the midst of the cacophony of messages that come my way. I am too often tempted to tune my ears to those who agree with me and tune out those who disagree. Give me the inner strength to listen to all and be willing to change when I discern your hand moving me forward. Take away my pride so that I can live with a convicted humility, open to the guidance of your Holy Spirit, sometimes working through the influence of others.

In the name of Christ, whose voice I strain to hear. Amen.