When Faith and Actions Don’t Match

James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Confronted by the truth of these words, I wrote this prayer:

Father, I say that you are good, but I grumble and complain rather than giving thanks.

I say that I trust you, but my heart grows anxious at times.

I say that you answer prayers, but I fail to ask you for what I need.

I say that you have all power, but secretly worry that you won’t act on my behalf.

I say that you are my Lord, but sometimes I rebel against your wisdom.

Forgive me that my actions so often negate my faith and your wisdom.

Give me a pure and undivided heart, Oh Lord. Let me be a fragrant offering of Jesus to you and to the world. Amen.