O God, thank you that you have created each one of us in a very unique and special way. Even though we know this to be true, we confess that like Samuel in our Old Testament reading, we focus way too much on outward appearances, and not on what is in our hearts.
Enable us to see each other the way that you see each of us, as people created in your divine image. Help us to appreciate each other’s gifts and unique experiences and to celebrate the beautiful diversity in our families, in our church, in our communities, and in our world. Remind us that not everyone has to think like us, look like us, speak like us, or dress like us because you love each one of us unconditionally and you are more concerned about what is in our hearts.
And so, we offer to you our hearts this day. May they be filled with your love, your compassion, your grace, and your goodness.
We offer to you our hearts on behalf of those who are in particular need of you this day. For those we shared this morning, for those who are on our church’s prayer list, and for the many others who are on our hearts and minds this day.
We also lift up to you all of the lay delegates and clergy who will be attending the South Carolina Annual Conference this week beginning later today. We pray for Bishop Jonathan Holston as he presides over the meetings and leads the worship services.
As we begin this new week, we offer our hearts to you, knowing that you will take care of us through every day, o’er all the way. We pray this in the name of Jesus who taught us to say together…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
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