First, we are all deeply self-centred. We want our own way; we want to be served rather than to serve. That is what is implied by original sin. To live by faith often goes against the grain. Part of the problem is sorting out which desires are self-centred and which are God-centred.

Secondly, the realities of faith are not visible.

The Letter to the Hebrews describes faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (11:1)

Such things are, by definition, not yet in our possession. We are more at home with what we can see, feel and touch. But No one has ever seen God. (John 1:18).

And though Jesus has made him known, we do not now see Jesus. It is by faith that we know him in Word and Sacrament, and hold on to what he said:

I am with you always, even to the end of the world. (Matthew 28:20)

But that is the world in which we live, the world in which God calls us to spread his good news. So we should make our own the apostles' prayer:

Lord, increase our faith!

And also the prayer of the man whose son was sick:

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. (Mark 9: 24).

You spoke to me really hard, hard for me to accept that i have to do the hard thing in order to shine. I realise that it is hard 'cos i lack faith.

Lord, help me to have faith, to shift from a life of self centredness to one that is God centred. What really gives me joy is to know that i am walking in your will. That will take my eyes off the situation and fixed them on you. I want to continue to fix my eyes on you and walk by faith, not sight.

So that in the absence of results, of positive-looking situation, of praises and affirmation of man, that i will walk with confidence 'cos i am certain of your voice. Even in times when i am uncertain of the plans ahead, help me to have stillness in my heart and trust that you will reveal in your perfect timing. Lord, i relinquish the rights and control i still hold over my life, i surrender it to you again.

I don't want to seek the approval of man but i want to seek your approval.

Lord, i give thanks cos all of my days are held in your hands. Use my 2 hands, my life for your purposes. When i am weak, strengthened me. When i don't feel good enough, i thank you that you have chosen me and anointed me.

Lord, by faith i claim that 2010 will be a good year.