Following Jesus . . . in Eight Words
“Spirit of the Living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall fresh on me.”
– Daniel Iverson, “Spirit of the Living God”
The words of this worship chorus have lived in the back of my head for decades. But recently, I stumbled upon it again and read it fresh. And it struck me that the middle line, “melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,” sums up what it’s like to follow Jesus, in just eight simple words.
This chorus is a prayer. A cry out to God through the Holy Spirit. Let’s pray through those eight simple words together . . .
Melt me – Lord, I’ve let my heart become hard. I’ve been practicing religion, having my quiet time, and reading my Bible religiously, but with little effect. My prayer life has become rushed and stale or something I forget to do. I’ve automated my giving, making it more consistent, but also less personal and meaningful. My faith has become what I do (and maybe think about now and then), but my relationship with Jesus has become a long distance one.
So, God, I’m crying out. Please melt me! Remind me of how much you love me and how personal your love for me is. I’m here at the altar. My idols are melted and no longer matter. I’m yours afresh!
Mold me – Father, now that I’ve opened myself up to you, please make me aware of the parts of my thinking that are not of You. Shape my mind and heart to be like Yours. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Show me the habits I’ve fallen into that rob me of meaning and peace and take away from my influence and health. Give me the courage to just ‘be’ and to be with you. Then give me the presence of mind to step into the role of Godly husband, father, worker, neighbor, and friend. Jesus, remind me of what you would do in every situation and give me the courage to do it.
Fill me – I realize I cannot do this of my own power. My flesh is weak. My habits are deep. The pressure of culture and conformity is constant. I can’t become the man you want me to be without Your Spirit. Come Holy Spirit. I ask you to prick my conscience when I’m about to run off the rails. I ask you to give me the inkling to pray in the moment and to know what to pray. I ask you for more faith to trust You. To do the next right thing and to trust You with the outcome.
Use me – Lord, I realize I don’t get to choose when you use me. I’m to simply ‘pray up and show up’ and be mindful of the people you put in front of me. You’ve called me to love, not judge. To give grace to everyone as You’ve given grace to me. To pray without ceasing. I don’t want to be used so I can get praise . . . that belongs to You because it’s your Spirit who inspires me. And it’s Your Spirit who will accomplish anything that happens through me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Scripture: Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God – no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. (1 Timothy 4:7-8, The Message)
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Responses (2)
Thanks, Regi.
My favorite version of the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY5U_3Vp5CM
VeryMeaningful for me Reggie. Thanks so much and blessings to you and yours. Mac MacAdam