A Prayer about Living the Legacy We Want to Leave

And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2

Heavenly Father, 

In this world, 

the focus of leaving a legacy 

is often on making a name for ourselves. 

We ask you, 

by the mercies of Christ our Lord, 

to help us “walk in the way of love,” 

that we might become “models of goodness” (Titus 2:3, The MSG). 

Help us to throw off the sour smell of self-centeredness, 

to give ourselves up as “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to [you]” (Ephesians 5:2). Help us to live out our unique giftedness and passions 

in ways that draw others to inhale the fragrance of Christ. 

Draw us to repent quickly when we sin 

and to live lives 

characterized by seeking 

and granting forgiveness. 

Help us to inhale the pure, fresh air 

of our righteousness in Christ 

and to exhale the sweet scent of words 

that build up and encourage others. 

In this way, Lord, 

we will live lives that matter—

to you, and to others. 

In this way, 

we will live the legacy we want to leave.

In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

Read Ephesians 5:1-2; Titus 2:1-8.

If you would like to read more about living the legacy we want to leave, I wrote about this topic recently at Numbering Your Days.