Lord Jesus, thank you for your challenge today to live in such a way that people we will know that we are Christians by our love. We accept your challenge today to love and forgive others the way that you love and forgive them and they way that you love and forgive us.
We accept your challenge to rise above hate and live out your gospel of love. When our instincts tell us to lash out at someone, get revenge, and to hold onto anger, remind us of your words to us today, “But I say unto you…”
And when we catch ourselves complaining about what we don’t like about the world, lead us to be the positive change that we want to see in the world, a world that is filled with your grace, your mercy, your kindness, your goodness, and your love.
Today, we are also mindful of the many people who are on our hearts and minds this day, those on our church’s prayer list, those who are facing medical challenges, those who are experiencing financial, relational, or emotional stress in their lives. We pray for all of these needs because we want to be Christians known by our love and concern for others.
And today, we also pray for our own personal needs whatever they may be. You know those things that weigh on our hearts and you also know all too well our shortcomings like our prejudices, our limited perspectives, our short tempers, our impulsiveness. Thank you for loving us unconditionally but for also being willing to challenge us to be the people you have called us to be.
Lord Jesus, when people see us, may the know that we are Christians by our love. Walking side by side, we join together in praying this prayer that you 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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