Luke 3:4 – The voice of one crying in the wilderness; prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

Lord Jesus, you send me into this world to be a light, to be salt, even to be a voice. But when I read the account of John, I find that I am not even close to being the voice that John was, to my shame. When many people stand in sin, I stand silent. When powerful people run rampant against you, I keep it to myself. But this is to my shame, because by my lack of warning, by my silent voice, I am letting them wander farther and farther from you. Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for silencing my voice. Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for letting my fear of men overwhelm my fear of you. Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for letting comfort in this world be more important than their eternal comfort. Forgive me and cleanse by your blood. Pour out your Holy Spirit on me in full measure that I might be holy by his work. Pour out your Spirit on me all the way that I might grow bold and confident, that I might not silence my voice, but speak out for you and for their salvation. Work in me powerfully to be the voice that you call me to be in this world. Amen.