Seen you instead of me

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”¹ How can I not have learned this yet? How much pride must I have to even ask, hoping that I could eclipse Paul’s sanctification?

Father, teach me your perfect love. Help me, oh Lord; that my wife would be spared pain from my folly; that my son would see beyond me to you; that anyone to whom I have tried to share your love and wisdom would have seen you instead of me.

Father, give me confidence to believe your Word that my failures, of commission and omission, do not thwart your will. Remove from me the pride that believes that is even possible. Correct in me any false justification for accomplishing my will over yours.