I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to
present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is
your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your minds, so that you
may discern what is the will of God – what
is good and acceptable and perfect. –
Romans 12:1-2
Thank God that in the waters of baptism
you have been claimed as God’s own child,
and through the blood of the cross have
been forgiven all your sins. Acknowledge
before God the countless ways in which
this world pulls you away from God and
God’s will for your life, and seeks to
conform you to its way. Be specific about
those areas in which the urge to conform is
strongest. Ask God to transform you so
that your life might reflect God’s will, and
that you might reflect God’s love to those
around you.