Lord Jesus,
We thank You
that by Your Spirit,
we are no longer bound
to the patterns of our old life.
You have called us
to put off the old self—
with its lusts, pride, and selfishness—
and to clothe ourselves in the new self,
created to be like You
in true righteousness and holiness.
You have taught us
through Your servant Paul
that transformation is not passive.
It is a holy struggle,
a training of our body and mind,
just like the athlete
who disciplines himself for a prize.
But ours is a crown
that will never fade.
Help us to run our race with purpose,
to fight with intention,
and to live with holy determination.
Lord,
may we daily choose
to die to the ways of the flesh—
anger, impurity, selfish desire—
and instead clothe ourselves
with compassion, kindness,
humility, and love.
Let the peace of Christ
rule in our hearts.
Let Your Word dwell richly in us.
And let everything we do
be done in the name of Jesus,
with thanksgiving in our hearts.
We confess that this path is not easy.
Dying to ourselves feels painful.
But what rises in place of the old
is Your very life within us—beautiful, strong, and eternal.
May we welcome
the work of Your Spirit as He convicts, renews,
and forms us into the image of Christ.
Surround us with community that sharpens us.
Give us courage in self-examination,
joy in discipline, and faith in Your promise of new life.
We surrender again to the transformation You desire.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.