Opening Prayer 6/26

Today we come before you, Lord, to give thanks for your creation and your love for us. Just as you gave life to Adam and Eve, you have given life to each and every one of us. We praise you name because you allowed us to be a part of your amazing creation.

Just as Adam and Eve were given the responsibility to care for the garden, you have called us to do the same in our own age.

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By coming to you this Sunday morning in prayer, we admit our sins, our failure to maintain a world in the condition you envisioned. Instead, we live in a world which is fallen. We live in a world which have corrupted and distorted through sin. It is our selfish and fearful behaviors which cause tainting of our environment and divisions between nations, cultures, and individuals.

Lastly, we are here today because we repent, because by giving your son, Jesus, to the Cross, you have given us the opportunity to try again. As you forgive our wrong-doings, we ask for your strength. We ask for your Holy Spirit to cleanse our hearts and focus our minds on living gracefully in accordance with your law.

That means alleviating injustices. We must give to the poor, clothe the naked, give water to the thirsty, and visit the imprisoned.

This also means loving our neighbors, both near and far. May we learn to be slow to anger, leave judgement in your hands, and instead may we practice patience, tolerance, and understanding.

Thank you Jesus for giving us a second birth.