But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10
My words…
Praise
God, You created a race of people not defined by outward appearance but comprised of every skin color, every hair texture, every eye shape. This race is a chosen race – a race of priests. I am a part of Your chosen race and a member of Your priesthood (I’m a priest!). And not just any priesthood – a royal priesthood. I serve at the pleasure of You, Jesus – my King. We priests make up a nation not constrained by lines on a map. We are a world-wide nation, praising You, the One who called to us saying, “All those sick and tired of stumbling around in darkness, step into the light with Me. I will lead the way home.” I am humbled, honored, and elated to walk in the light, chosen by the God who knows me at my absolute worst and loves me still.
Forgive me
Lord, I do not proclaim Your praises as often and as boldly as I should. You have done so much for me and I so little for You. Forgive my lack of boldness and my lack of focus. The world is so intimidating and distracting, but that is no excuse. Forgive me.
Prayer for others
We humans are so caught up with outward appearance, spoken language and accents, and cultural differences. But instead of accepting our human differences, we rate each other according to them then treat each other unequally. Help us to see each other through Your eyes. You see past the flesh and see only the hearts of Your children. Only through Your Spirit are we able to see each other equally. I pray Your Spirit will churn the waters of our hearts to not just tolerate each other but to embrace each other as children of one Father.
Thank You
You know my pedigree – not impressive by worldly standards. I was not born into wealth. I hold no titles. There are missing branches in my family tree. But You have bestowed on me heavenly titles that are infinitely more valuable than anything I could have earned on earth. I would rather be a priest than a president. So I thank You from the deepest part of my heart for the place I hold in Your race, Your priesthood, Your nation.
More praise
You detest the spiritual darkness that envelops so many of Your children. Your desire is for every member of the human race – past, present and future – to be a part of Your chosen race. You are the One from whom mercy gushes. And I am the blessed one on whom Your mercy falls.
