A delight, not a burden

A young dog bounds after a thrown stick not because it must, but with its whole body wagging in delight, showing obedience that is pure joy rather than duty.

Lord, renew our spirits and draw our hearts to you, so that our work isn’t a burden to us, but a delight. Give us such a strong love for you that it makes all our obedience sweet. Don’t let us serve you like slaves, in fear, but with the cheerfulness and gladness of children, delighting in you and enjoying your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,

1 John 5:3 (BSB)

Adapted from Benjamin Jenks, via A Chain of Prayer Across the Ages (1913), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.