[Sometimes our offering begins to get collected even before the actual worship service. This was the case this past weekend when some of our Athens First Saturday volunteers assembled 10 flood buckets which will be used to help clean up from the recent flooding in southern Ohio. The following day on Sunday, we included these buckets as well as additional cleaning items donated by our children’s Sunday School classes in our offering prayer. Serving in the name of Christ is one of the ways that we “Touch the Uniting Robe of Jesus.” Click here for the sermon.]
O God, this journey to the cross is getting real. We’re already talking about how the soldiers stripped you of your robe.
Lord, as we think of those soldiers, reveal to us where we have sought to divide, rather than unite. Help us to see our own blind spots where we have become so entrenched in our theological views that we no longer are open to new ways of looking at our faith.
Forgive us for our divisive ways where we focus so much on our disagreements, that we give little thought to what unites us which is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And so, as we think about your uniting and seamless robe, we offer our prayers for our denomination and “The Way Forward” commission. We pray for the Council of Bishops as they decide on one of the options to present to next year’s special General Conference. Grant them wise discernment as they conclude their work.
As we pray for our denominational leaders to be guided by your Spirit in this important work on our behalf, help us to be a church that seeks to unite, rather than divide. May every single person feel welcomed in this place because your love has room for everyone. Nobody is left out.
Forgive us for when we spend more time worrying about who doesn’t belong in your circle rather than celebrating your grace which is extended to every single person. Blest be your tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.
We pray this in the name of Christ who taught us to be one by praying in unison…
Our Father, who art in heaven…
No comments:
Post a Comment