Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically

by Beth Felker Jones

Benediction A Prayer for the Practice of Christian Doctrine Holy God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Be with your people as we seek your face. As it pleases you, Lord, use doctrine as a teacher for your people, opening our eyes to whatever is good, true, and beautiful. Take our lives and make us witnesses to your goodness, truth, and beauty so that the world may see your love and mercy. Lord, empower the discipline of theology. Wrench us out of ivory towers, and lead us into your world. Shape us for the faithful practice of doctrine, and give us power for that practice. Illumine the darkness of our ignorance. Shape us in trusting confidence in the truth of your revelation. Make us grateful for the sweetness of your Word, and drive us to the Scriptures again and again. Free us from doubt and unbelief and from the hopelessness that would give up on knowing you. Shatter our idols, Lord, and lead us to worship you. Let us know your triune goodness, and help us to give praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in all that we do. Break us of our habits of disdain for your creation. Shape us, Lord, as people who delight in your world. Make us faithful stewards, helping us to exercise the servant dominion we have learned from Christ. Make us truly human, God. When we try to find our identity in other people, in careers, or success, or power, free us for confident identity in Christ. Restore your image in us so that we may be faithful witnesses to your grace. Come to us in our lo...