A Prayer about the Heavenly Potter’s Work

And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 

Jeremiah 18:4

Heavenly Potter, 

Let us not miss the beauty and truth 

of the vivid image you gave Jeremiah. 

You showed him your mercy and kindness 

and determination 

to continue to shape your people 

into lovely and purposeful 

instruments of your peace and grace. 

Not only did you form us from the womb 

with beauty and usefulness 

to display your glory (Jeremiah 1:5), 

as we are misshapen by sin, 

you work in us by the power of the Spirit 

to continue to conform us to the image of your Son, 

our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Sometimes it takes being smushed up 

and thrown back on that potter’s wheel again, 

and that doesn’t usually feel good. 

But we can know that in all things, 

you are at work, 

graciously, lovingly, 

tenderly, and firmly 

refashioning our hearts (Romans 8:28). 

And we can look forward to the day 

that we will be like your Son, 

reflecting his radiance 

to you and to the broken world, 

as you created and designed us to do.

In Jesus’ shaping name. Amen. 

Read Jeremiah 18:1-12.