Lord, you know how attached I am to myself, my possessions, and my comforts. Help me to give up what I need to give up—out of love for you and your Gospel, not out of love for myself or what I might get out of it. Help me not to be afraid to deny myself for the sake of drawing nearer to you. Amen.
Oh my! That is quite a prayer. Even typing it makes me shutter. Can I really pray this prayer? Can I really mean it? Do I really want it to be fulfilled?
Self-denial is hard. As humans, we have insatiable appetites for pleasure, comfort, and possessions. If we have the most comfortable life imaginable, we can still find something to complain about. We can still want more. Self-denial is hard because it doesn’t make sense. And it doesn’t come naturally.
Oh my! I really don’t want to practice acts of self-denial, but I know I should. But I don’t know what to do? How do I start? How does this work?
When it comes to acts of self-denial there is a little rule of thumb. Practice three acts each day. In that, take advantage of spur-of-the-moment opportunities. Try not to inconvenience others. Remember if it isn’t difficult, you’re not doing enough. Don’t advertise what you’re doing, but there’s no need to cover it up either. Don’t be grumpy and sad about giving something up. Instead, be grateful for the opportunity to invest in your future self.
Oh my! Here we go, God. I am going to put this into practice. I’ll need Your help. Please send me an out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. Give me the strength and discipline to deny myself. May all I do be pleasing to You and for Your glory. Amen.
