Word of Encouragement (02/07/2022)

“O LORD, it is you who have given me the gift of this day’s life. Give me also, I pray, the spirit to use it as I should. May I not stain the brightness of the morning with any evil thought or darken the afternoon with any shameful action. Today, let your Holy Spirit breathe into my heart clean and true desires worthy of your reign. May your truth inspire my mind. May your justice and goodness make a throne within me and direct my wayward will. May Christ be formed in me and let me learn from him how to be humble in heart, gentle in bearing, modest in speech, helpful in action, and prompt at carrying out my Father’s will.

“O Lord, you encompass the whole earth with your most compassionate love, and it is against you will that any of your children should be lost or die. Grant your blessing today to all who are striving to make a better world. I pray, O God, especially—

for all who are working for laws to be more just, humane, and transparent;

for all who are working for peace between the nations;

for all who are working to heal and prevent disease;

for all who are helping to relieve poverty;

for all who are helping the betrayed and abused;

for all who are working toward the restoration of the broken unity of your holy church;

for all who preach the gospel;

for all who bear witness to Christ in every land and culture.

“Break down, O Lord, all the forces of violence, cruelty, and evil. Defeat all selfish and power-driven schemes and bless everything that is planned in the spirit of Christ and carried out to the honor of his blessed name. Amen.”

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