Uniting God,

Ephesians 4:3 reminds us to “make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties us together.” As I read and meditate upon this verse, I find myself asking, “Am I making an effort to preserve unity? Am I working for or against peace?”

God, in those moments where I am tempted to jump into the divisive rhetoric that is deeply dividing the denomination of love and serve through, help me to step back and ask if what I’m adding to the conversation is helpful or hurtful.

God, in those moments when I am tempted to engage in divisive debates that are deeply dividing the nation I love and live in, help me to step back and ask if what I’m adding to the conversation is helpful or hurtful.

God, in those moments when I am tempted to belittle or gossip about others, help me to step back and examine why I feel the need to tear others down.

God, in those moments when I am tempted to ignore the needs of my neighbor because of my own selfishness, help me to step back and examine if there are practical ways in which I can address my neighbors needs as they arise.

God, so often I work to preserve institutions, reputations, status and privilege when I should be working for peace and unity.

God, help me to put aside my own selfish desires and pursuits so that I might better love and serve you and my neighbor. Help me to be a person of peace that attempts to bring unity where there is division, hope where there is despair, and love where there is fear. And, help me to remember that peace, unity and hope are available in and through you.

Creative God,

Open my heart, mind, body, eyes and soul to experience you in this world today. Too often, I overlook your presence in simple things, in my family, friends, neighbors, enemies, strangers, and all of creation.

While it can feel that things are spiraling out of control, that stress is winning over joy, help me find hope, rest, and renewal in you. 

Remind me that you are in control and help me trust you.

Creative God,

Far too often, I fail to give you appropriate thanks and praise. Therefore, let my words and actions this day be a shout of praise for your amazing love, grace and mercy.

May my work, my interactions with others, my coming and going, my moments of busyness, my moments of rest be holy and pleasing to you.

Merciful God, when I am overwhelmed by the circumstances of my daily life, give me confidence that I am not alone, for You, God are with me.

Help me to always hold onto hope, knowing that no matter what I face today, You, God are with me. You, God, will save me from myself and all those things that attempt me to distract me from You.

God, help me to always choose what is good, what is right, what is pleasing to You. Help me to live, speak, move and act in ways that will communicate that I am Your child.

Creative God, help me to love You by loving others. Provide opportunities for me to put that love into actions, and give me the bold courage to respond in practical and tangible ways.

Thank You, Creative God, for Your amazing love. Be with me this day and help me to be faithfully obedient. Amen.