If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? When I was a kid, I always imagined that I would answer that question this way: I'd make two wishes for cool stuff and then a third wish for a few more wishes. I guess I'm a product of the American Dream where riches/stuff (falsely) equates with value and satisfaction; where more is better. What if we took the American Dream out of our wishes and added a good measure of faith? I bet we'd come close to the following:

Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9

Embedded within those three verses are three wishes that can change a life:

• To be a person of integrity;
• To have neither poverty nor riches;
• So that a third and greater wish could come true: To be one who honors the Lord and has a strong relationship with him.

That challenges me, and although it doesn't come about from an automatic and mature spiritual "reflex," I find myself wanting to reflexively wish for this to be my prayer: Lord, teach me to base all my wishes on a desire to reflect you in my world, in my community, in my church, and in my family. Please, Lord, help me to wish only for what would bring you honor. Whatever it takes Lord, shape me into a person who can honestly (and reflexively) pray such a prayer as this. Want to comment, follow this link.