Praying for God's Discipline

God's discipline, unpleasant as it might be, exists for our benefit. He disciplines us to bring us closer to an understanding of his spirit. Therefore, we should, from time to time, actually ask God for that discipline, as difficult as that sounds.

In asking for God's discipline, not only do we acknowledge the function of that discipline, but also such requests, by their very nature, require that we approach God with a humble, contrite heart. God's desire that we exercise such humility is a theme that runs throughout the Bible.

Therefore, try this simple prayer, which comes from Jeremiah 10:24 (ESV),

Correct me, O Lord, but in justice;
    not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.