O God of graciousness, we bow ever astonished by your lavish bestowal of love, grace, and tenderness to us. Indelibly etched in the good news of Jesus is your loving acceptance of the wayward, the rebellious, the broken, and the contrite. Cause us likewise to extend that loving acceptance to those whom we meet on our daily journey. Save us from the self-righteous, condemning attitude exhibited by the leader of the synagogue that day when Jesus healed on the Sabbath day. We confess that it is an attitude which we oftentimes exhibit. Save us from the false security that somehow our truth is the only truth, that our understandings are the only right ones, and that we hold control over your mysterious workings in humankind. Save us from building barriers when we should be building bridges and partnerships. Be with us on our life journeys.

When our way has suddenly become hard and seemingly difficult give us grace to move forward.
When our way has become lonely and uncertain give us grace to step forward.
When our way holds more darkness than light give us grace to move forward.
When we quiver inwardly give us greater courage.
When we hurry but seemingly get nowhere give us greater patience.
When we are overwhelmed by commitments give us trust that you will provide strength.
When we are weary and wonder about our results give us faithfulness.

Bless our Christian community and may we all be held up by your strong and everlasting arms. Amen