A prayer for preparation

I Peter 1:13-15

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct."

There's a lot in here for me at the moment. The thing that jumps out at me first is the conglomerate word "sober-minded". Given the original Greek language doesn't really mean to not be drunk and rather is probably aimed at being ready and alert the conglomerate word "sober-minded" should be treated as it was initially intended and not in a simplistic don't be drunk sense. However, my current struggles make me uncomfortable any time the Bible calls on me to be sober-anything. It seems to cry out to me and tell me to in fact, be sober. That's a rough thing right now. It ties in with the act of no longer conforming to the passions of my former ignorance. Rather I need to cut ties with the mistakes of my youth and be alert and ready to do what is holy. Being sober has to be a start in that.

So here is my prayer. Lord prepare my mind or actions. Teach me to be sober-minded so that I can put off the passions of my ignorant former self. Guide me so that I can strive for holiness. For you are holy and called me to be holy. Teach me and start me on this path to holiness. Grant me the starting point. Prepare my way towards a holiness that is pleasing to you. Amen.