I am sure that you are familiar with the old spiritual entitled, "Lord, I want to be a Christian." Back in 1994, I was president of the Senior Choir at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren. One of my duties was to offer a prayer at the end of each rehearsal. I recently found this one in my files, based on that old spiritual. I thought you might like to read it.

Lord, I Want to be a Christian in my heart. Bombarded by the cacaphony of so many voices, saying "Follow Me!" it is so difficult to remain focused on the real call which comes from Jesus.

Lord, I Want to be more loving in my heart. In a world where strife and hatred seem to dominate, it is so difficult to love, especially those who are unlovely.

Lord, I Want to be more holy in my heart. With full engagement in a secular world, it is so difficult to remain set apart for your purpose.

Lord, I Want to be like Jesus in my heart. With eyes trained on a plethora of heroes and role models who constantly fall from grace, it is so difficult to walk in his steps.

Lord, give me a vision to guide me so that I might remain focused on your calling and remain faithful to you even as you have remained faithful to me.

Lord, I Want to be a Christian in my heart. Amen.