PRAYER AND REFLECTION:

Father God, we come to you praising you for your steadfast love and faithfulness towards us. We confess that we often do not understand, focus on, or appreciate the depth of the love you have for us. We confess that, instead of recognizing your love and care for us and coming to you for help, we often turn to people or things to satisfy us, comfort us, and guide us. Yet, your love was so great that you sent your own Son, Jesus, to die an agonizing death as a substitute for our sins, and he is now in heaven interceding and pleading for us. And you have generously given us the gift of the Holy Spirit and your Word to teach, guide and comfort us.

We confess that too often we are so focused on our selfish and sinful desires that we do not see the needs of others around us and love them as you would want us to do. Or sometimes we have become so consumed with lesser things that we are unable or unwilling to give of ourselves to others. Teach us to care deeply enough and to leave enough margin in our lives to share your love and mercy with those around us.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Written by Vera Friesen