Lubber Opinion
The views and opinions expressed by this lubber do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the crew. Reader discretion be advised. – Staff
Should ya find yerself amongst congregants whar the spirit of bitterness and selfish ambitions be at work, consider praying this prayer out loud.
(Yes, we are all guilty of allowing heretics and unclean spirits to attack the Body of Christ.)
“The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 9)
Oh Lord, wise folks with understanding and the wisdom that comes down from heaven lead humble lives of good deeds. May this be our practice as well.
Bitterness and selfish ambitions come from the devil. Such behavior be worldly and seeks ter please only the flesh. Whar thar be envy, self-serving schemes, we kin be certain chaos, confusion and ever’ sort of evil ‘ill be practiced. Lord, in yer mighty name we pray it not be so with us. May our spirit be one with yer Spirit.
Wisdom that comes from heaven be pure, peaceful, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, full of faith, impartial, and earnest. (James 3:13-17) Therefore, let us be quick ter listen, slow ter speak, and slow ter become angry. (James 1:19-20). Lord, if any among our midsts gets us riled up, we ask here and now that yer patience and self-control be ours in abundance.
Bless us ter understand how we might live godly lives and act in accordance ter yer will by showing grace and mercy ter all.
What the ungodly do not understand, like unreasoning animals, these be the very things that destroy ’em. Let us ‘ave no part in such behavior, nor , when provoked, react as unbridled brutes. Rather, may yer Spirt at work within us allow space and grace fer you ter judge each lass and feller at the proper time.
May our words ter the ungodly simply be those of the archangel Michael: “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 9) May yer words ter the ungodly be our words during this age of grace: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
Lord, help us ter stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, help us ter remove any and all stumbling blocks or obstacles in the way of a brother or sister. (Romans 14:13) May our rights in yer grace and mercy not become a hinderance, but clear a path fer the weak in order that they may fall inter yer lovin’ arms. (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Right here, right now we declare that all spirits of bitterness and selfishness, and pride be cast out from our assembly in the powerful name of Jesus. Such spirits must immediately go inter the abyss to be found until the Day of Judgement.
Amen.