Our Talents

 

Today’s Gospel reading is The Parable of Talents  Matthew 25: 14-30 Here is a prayer inspired by Jesus’ challenging parable.

 

Wise and Patient God, we know what you want us to do, but we are far too often hesitant to follow through for you. You give us so many blessings and talents, we ask that we may develop these gifts and use them to help others.

In times of great crisis we do come through with you beside us and yet we still hold back. We develop that "let someone else do it" attitude. We often think of our gifts, our talents, even our finances as things that are not as good as others, not enough,  burying them deep just like the servant in the parable who was given one talent, rather than using them for you and for others.

In this world, where competition is often key, we even feel that we don’t always want to “compete” with others, because we feel we just don’t have “what it takes”.

How foolish we are, Lord! To each one of us you have given gifts which can be used to help others. Each gift and talent is precious in your sight. Rather than compete with others to see who has the greater talent, let us use the gifts we have been given, joyfully.

One of the greatest gifts we have is the gift of prayer. And in our own individual way, in words or in silence, we bring before you, Lord, the concerns which we feel in our hearts. Touch the lives of all these people and situations with your healing love. Flood their lives with hope and peace. Help us to serve you and to serve others, working together for your Kingdom and enable us to trust in your presence and love for us at all times. Challenge us to use our gifts, we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.