(Paul wrote:) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. ~ Philippians 3:13–14 (NLT)
Gracious God, you give yourself completely to us through the presence, message, sacrifice, resurrection, and sacraments of Christ Jesus. You do not hold anything back but give us everything that we need. Christ, when we join your team, you, living in us, run the race through us. That way we can achieve the prize. It's only because you're in me that I can give myself completely to obeying you. It's only because you're in me that I can press on, fully dedicated to you. I confess that on my own I am often a half-hearted participant in your life and mission. But I am not satisfied with that. I am going to press on to push past the things which distract me away from you. I am going to run a good leg of the race today so that I can win the prize that rightfully belongs to you. Amen.